Category: Los Angeles

Posted on

LA Eats: Best Asian Restaurants

If you’re in the mood for something seriously flavorful, you can’t go wrong with Asian food! Whether it’s Chinese sweet and sour orange chicken, Indian spicy creamy chicken tikka masala or Japanese salty-sweet teriyaki chicken; we’ve got every corner of Asia covered in our list of top 10 Asian restaurants in Los Angeles!

Tasty Noodle House
Location: 8054 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90048

The San Gabriel Valley’s Tasty Noodle House has been making a big push westward from West Third on to Lomita. There may be no better place on the westside for the restaurant’s signature made-to-order Shanghai pork bao!

Yang Chow Restaurant
Location: 819 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chinatown classic Yang Chow is a hit with the tourists and anyone needing a nostalgia kick! This place does classic Chinese- American dishes with swift, friendly service—including the iconic and addictive slippery shrimp

Bombay Palace
Location: 8690 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90211

With dishes like tandoori prawns, deeply flavored curries (including the fiery chicken vindaloo and a wonderful plate of bhindi dopiaza)  and fresh okra with onions and tomatoes pack some serious star power. Another star attraction at Bombay Palace is the clay tandoor oven that chef Harman Singh has been using to expertly prepare meats and seafood since day 1!

Avara Thai Cuisine
Location: 6245 W 87th St. Los Angeles, CA 90045

The extensive menu is plenty solid, and its faithful Westchester clientele appreciates an experienced kitchen that’s quick to accommodate various dietary requests. Who can’t love the Thai Iced Tea? We love this drink from the bottom of our hearts, and at only $2 you’ll be asking for seconds and thirds!

Soban Restaurant
Location: 4001 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Soban has an amazing array of banchan to start the meal. The menu features raw crab in one of two forms: a garlicky soy sauce or thick spicy red pepper sauce. This restaurant excels in all things seafood! Ask for the special squid tossed with julienne vegetables if they’re available.

Jun Won Restaurant
Location: 414 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90020

The classic restaurant serving a wide range of Korean food is in a bright new location along Western Avenue. The menu is essentially the same, with possibly the best bossam and spicy braised black cod in town to go along with stellar banchan.

All India Cafe
Location: 316 N Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203

After a decade of serving Pasadena residents, All India Café relocated to Brand Boulevard in 2018 and is still serving its tried and true menu of masala dosas, samosas, chapati and tandoori dishes.

Lal Mirch
Location: 11138 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604

This restaurant’s friendly owners and attentive staff bring out flavorful plates of Southern Indian food including naan, korma, biryani, sag paneer, and masala! If the timing is right, freshly made chai tea might be on the menu! If you can’t find at the Studio City restaurant you’re not out of luck because Lal Mirch is also located in Agoura Hills.

Chateau Hanare
Location: 8097 Selma Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

Traditional Japanese modern, sustainable California flavor at this intimate bungalow on the edge of Chateau Marmont. Restaurateur Reika Alexander shaped her Sunset Strip restaurant into a whimsical, low-lit hideaway. Here you can choose a la carte items such as delicate sashimi, A5 wagyu, and Japanese fried chicken; build your own bento box with items like truffled tofu and miso black cod.

Inn Ann
Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Take the elevator all the way up to the top floor of the Hollywood & Highland shopping center just off the Walk of Fame and, wedged into a front corner, you’ll find Inn Ann. The restaurant perches over Hollywood’s sprawl, with long, spanning windows that peer out onto the twinkling lights of Los Angeles.

Posted on

Top 10 Apps & Software for Realtors

Cold calls, listing appointments, inspections, meetings, escrow, holiday cards, social media. Oh my! As a realtor, you are running your own business and if you’re just starting out, you’re building your brand. This career can quickly become overwhelming. But have no fear, PropTech is here! We created a medley of apps and software for all your gadgets to make your job run more smoothly! Check them out!

Freshchat

Freshchat is an advanced chat software that you can easily plug into your website. If gives your visitors exactly what they want: instant gratification! Get a notification on your phone whenever someone has a question, or better yet, easily program a chatbot to engage them until they’re ready to talk to you!

Focus Booster

Instead of giving yourself a few hours (or even worse) an unlimited amount of time to work, Pomodoro makes you limit your work in just 25 minutes. After that 25 minutes, no matter what you have cooking you will take a five-minute break. When you complete 4 Pomodoro cycles of 25 minutes of work split by 5-minute breaks, you take a real, 10-20-minute break to eat lunch, chat with coworkers, or head out for coffee.

HouseCanary

HouseCanary’s home valuations are based on dozens of data points both public and private and instead of going back a year or two, actually, consider trends from the past few decades when coming up with their valuations. While HouseCanary’s valuations are the most accurate many in the industry have seen, they’re not out to replace agents anytime soon. In fact, they offer affordable valuations that you can use to supplement your own hard work.

Feedly

Since you don’t have to read the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Real Deal, and your local paper every morning, Feedly can help! Enter in a few websites or news categories you want to follow and Feedly sends you a nice curated list of the top stories every day.

Avochato

Avochato gives agents, ISAs, or other team members a fully-featured desktop dashboard to text with many leads and clients at once. You can access easy-to-use message templates, send texts one-to-many, and of course click-to-dial for hot leads or clients that need extra help. They can also give you ten unique phone numbers so you can easily segment leads from online sources, signage, open houses, etc.

 

NodalView

NodalView lets agents use their own smartphone, and a few smart odds and ends like a wide-angle lens attachment to create their own 3d tours to give the other 3D tour companies a run for their money. For a few hundred bucks and a plan starting at $59 per month, you can start making as many 3D tours as you want. With a team plan, you can use up to five devices at once, effectively making 3D tours for large apartment complexes to massive multimillion-dollar mansions!

Expensify

Expensify automatically scans and tags your receipts, so you don’t have to. Ditch the shoebox, manila folder, or whatever you use to keep your receipts! This app will make your life a lot easier!

Trello

This app lets you create and keep track of long-term projects and to-dos with your entire team. It’s also super easy and intuitive to use.

Redx + Storm Dialer

If you’re trying to cold call (you should in this market) without using an autodialer like Storm Dialer, you’re leaving money on the table. First, there is just no way you’re going to keep up with the volume of numbers you need to dial, not to mention with voicemails, hang-ups, or wrong numbers. In addition, stopping to dial your phone every 30 seconds will slow you down to a crawl and kill your momentum. Set yourself up REDx + Storm Dialer.

Buffer

If you’ve already dipped a toe into social media only to get turned off by the constant demand to post, then Buffer is for you. Do you want to reach your Instagram followers at 7:30 am even on days you sleep in? Buffer lets you figure out what times and types of content your leads on each platform respond to, then helps you create a posting calendar loaded with content.

Posted on

Agent Story: Equestrian Estates Director Jay Geisenheimer Sells Estate of Singer Leona Lewis

British pop chanteuse Leona Lewis has quietly sold an equestrian estate in Glendale, CA for $2.25 Million. Jay Geisenheimer, Rodeo Realty’s own Equestrian Estates Director, represented Lewis when she purchased the estate for $1.2 Million back in 2013. The equestrian estate was listed for sale by another agent at $2.9 Million and sat on the market for 2 years. Lewis returned to Geisenheimer, who sold the property at $2.25 Million in two months!

This is an absolute gem of a property in the Rancho. It sold for the highest price the Burbank/Glendale area has seen– more importantly to Jay, it sold to an equestrian with horses.

Jay commented: “I have been riding in the Rancho for 30 years and have lived here for 22. With deep roots in the equestrian world, I am able to bring horse people to horse properties time and time again. I sold to a horse person, something VERY important to my world” – she continued with “we do not have prices like this in my world, so this was a huge accomplishment and opener for the few remaining large properties in the Rancho” 

Please see the property here: www.154AllenAvenue.com

For more of Jay’s listings, click HERE.

Posted on

Weekend Events: November 15 – November 17

From tubing on snow in Elysian Park to Ice Skating in Perishing Square to a Wine Walk in Burbank, we have got you covered as far as cold-weather welcoming events go in the city! Take a peek at these events, grab a friend, get outside, and celebrate the coming holiday season!

Friday November 15th, 2019
Snow Day LA Tubing in Los Angeles

 Snow in L.A.? Yes, thanks to Snow Day L.A., a tubing park located in Elysian Park. The wintry pop-up packs acres of festive features, with synthetic snow and snow tubing, and trees decorated with icicles, snowcaps and lights. Just remember: This is still Los Angeles, so expect something that sort of resembles a snowy winter and not quite a full-blown Alpine experience. (Sourced from Timeout.com, Photograph Courtesy: Snow Day LA)

Time: 6PM – 10PM

Location: Elysian Park, 835 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA

Tickets: HERE

29 Rooms – Expand Your Reality Tour

The Expand Your Reality Tour is the latest 29Rooms experience from Refinery29 – a space where you’re encouraged to step into the art, wear the art, touch the art, and connect with others (and yourself) in the process. Created in collaboration with innovative talent, visionary artists, and your favorite brands, 29Rooms pairs the joy and play of exploration with the pulse of current events and culture.

Time: 1030AM, 130PM, 530PM, 830PM

Location: 4315 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Tickets: HERE

2019 Bai Holiday Ice Rink in Perishing Square

The Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square offers the quintessential winter activity in the heart of beautiful downtown Los Angeles. Surrounded by art, lively activity, and the impressive city skyline, our outdoor ice rink lets you enjoy entertainment and ice skating under the sun and stars.

Time: 1130AM to 930PM

Location: Perishing Square – 532 S Olive Street

Tickets: HERE

Saturday November 16th 2019
Burbank Winter Wine Walk

The Social Event Of The Year is coming back to Downtown Burbank. At 4pm The Wine Walk will get started! You MUST be 21+ to join the wine walk. Your ticket will get you samples from Wineries and Breweries in your favorite Downtown businesses. Each guest will receive a tasting cup and a map of the participating tasting sites in Downtown Burbank. Each tasting site will have a designated area set up for Wine Walk guests to sample the amazing wines or beers! Wine tasting will end at 7:00 pm. As you stroll through Downtown, you will be surrounded by a winter holiday ambiance of live entertainment, beautiful holiday lighting and snowfall from 6:45 pm-8 pm at the Main Stage!

Time: 4PM – 7PM

Location: Downtown Burbank (check-in address given when purchasing ticket)

Tickets: HERE

Explore the Culinary Jewels of Downtown Los Angeles on a Walking Tour

Savor the sights, sounds and flavors of Los Angeles on this fun food tour. Your knowledgeable tour guide will lead you on a leisurely three-hour walking adventure through this extraordinary downtown area, sharing stories of the city’s early settlers, Hollywood’s heyday, architectural background and the transformation of L.A.’s culture and food scene. Along the way you’ll get to enjoy tastes from unique eateries, including the best bakeries, authentic ethnic restaurants and renowned establishments currently creating a buzz in the foodie universe — six stops in all. By the end of the tour, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your vast knowledge of the city and its hidden culinary gems.

Time: 11AM

Location: Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles – 5454 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Tickets: HERE

Los Angeles Opera – The Magic Flute Opening Night

One of Mozart’s most enchanting operas, this supernatural tale, accompanied by his fine score has enjoyed much success since its premiere in Vienna in 1791. A popular draw since the 2013/14 season, this production, directed by Barrie Kosky in collaboration with British theatre company ‘1927’, is back for 2019 to inspire and delight audiences of all ages with its heady mix of hand-drawn animation and live performance. Get tickets now to immerse yourself in the art that is the opera.

Time: 730PM

Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion – 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 

Tickets: HERE

Sunday November 17th, 2019
Water Lantern Festival

Los Angeles Water Lantern Festival is coming up on November 17, 2019! Voted #1 Best Cultural Festival by USA TODAY! Water Lantern Festival is a floating lantern event that is all about connections. Magical nights in cities across the U.S. include food, games, activities, vendors, music and the beauty of thousands of lanterns adorned with letters of love, hope and dreams reflected upon the water. As the sun begins to set on the evening sky, Water Lantern Festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns onto the water as we Light The Water together. Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection. It’s a night that you’ll never forget. Tickets are selling fast.

Time: 4PM – 9PM

Location: Whittier Narrows – 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733

Tickets: HERE

Autumn Festival

Delve into the arts, cuisines, cultures, and marine environments of Asia during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s eighteenth annual Autumn Festival. Autumn Festival highlights the traditions and cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines through a weekend of learning opportunities and family entertainment celebrating the rich diversity of Asian and Asian-American cultures.

Time: 9AM – 5PM

Location: Aquarium of The Pacific – 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Tickets: HERE

“ASSSSCAT” Comedy Improv Performance

Every Saturday and Sunday, the UCB franchise’s longest-running, most beloved showcase “ASSSCAT” starts when a base cast of the theater’s current top-brass—including founding UCB members Matt Walsh, Matt Besser and Ian Roberts—takes the stage. Then they introduce the surprise celebrity alumnae and friends who will be joining them (think Horatio Sanz, Ben Schwartz, Adam Pally). And finally, another special guest takes the stage, a non-improviser (think Flea, Cat Power, Rebel Wilson, Lena Dunham) who opens the show with a personal story, that’s deftly mined for laughs by the players. But you have to go to find out who’s there—that’s part of the fun. Looking for a cheap night out? Sunday shows are free, but seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early. (Sourced from Timeout.com, Photograph Courtesy UCB)

Time: 7:00PM

Location: UCB Theater Sunset – 5419 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90027

Tickets: FREE! First come first served.

 

Posted on

Out and About: Burbank

Burbank is known as the Media Capital of the World and it is home to the headquarters of Warner Bros Entertainment, Disney, Cartoon Network, and many more large production companies. From film studio tours to comedy clubs to outdoor movie screenings to museums, Burbank has it all!

Warner Brothers Studio

If you love films then you can’t come to Burbank and not visit the Warner Bros Studio! Take a guided tour around the Warner Brothers production lot where you will get to go behind the scenes and learn all about the famous movies that have been produced and filmed here. You might even run into a superstar! What’s more? There is a special exhibition dedicated to one of the studio’s most famous franchises, yup you guessed it, the Batman movies!

 

Flappers Comedy Club

For those looking for some laughs in Burbank, Flappers Comedy Club is the ideal spot to find them! There are over 40 standup comedy shows a week for you to choose from. Wash down the laughs with drinks from the bar, and grab dinner while you’re at it. As such, know that you are experiencing a little bit of comedy gold here. If you are planning on bringing the kiddos along, there are also shows that are suitable for the little ones called “Two Milk Kids”- they are a must see!

Burbank Farmer’s Market

The Los Angeles region is known for its farmer’s markets, but Burbank Farmer’s Market is said to be a cut above many other options that you will find in the wider area. Nestled behind Burbank City Hall, the market could not be more centrally located but still keeping that small-town feel. Baked goods from local bakeries in Burbank are also highly represented here and are said to be a highlight of the market. Be sure to get there early before the avid-farmers marketers grab all of the best stuff!

Walt Disney Studios

Another one for movie lovers! At Walt Disney Studios, you can learn all about the history and movies of Disney. The studios here also offer a guided tour that will fill you in on movie trivia, you can also opt for a private tour of the Walt Disney Archives. Through its colorful history including original songbooks, music sheets and other memorabilia this studio will take you down memory lane!

Starlight Bowl

The Starlight Bowl is the place to come for a less crowded and more intimate concert experience. Every year, big name performers will make an appearance! So, check the local listings because you may just get to see one of your favorites!

Woodbury University Nan Rae Gallery

Art lovers should not miss the chance to check out this quirky gallery in Burbank. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing works of art that run from highly experimental contemporary art pieces to classic traditional works, which makes this such an interesting place to visit!

Posted on

Home Tips: 10 Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids Seated at The Thanksgiving Table

When you stop and think about it, Thanksgiving is a time for holiday inspiration. It is the holiday that kicks off the rest of the holiday season. As with any day of the year, kids find inspiration in all sorts of arts and crafts. Keep your younger guests happily occupied ahead of the family feast with these challenging, fun, and entertaining arts and crafts.

 

1. Cornhusk Dolls

As harvest-time icons go, we much prefer the simple beauty of corn-husk dolls. They’re understated, easy to make (even for children), and truly ingenious – requiring not much more than some husks, twine, glue, and felt.

2. Leaf Leis

Give “aloha!” an autumnal twist: embellish string necklaces with paper leaves (cut out a big pile with a craft punch) and colorful organic pasta. Cut leaves out of butcher paper with punches. Show kids how to sandwich twine between two leaves with glue, thread twine through pasta, and secure it with knots to create necklaces.

3. Mini Mayflower

Tip your hat to the Pilgrims with a ship constructed using a simple origami boat fold and stocked with tools for decorating the butcher paper “tablecloth” that you set on the kid’s table.

4. Pop-Cornucopias

Kids’ hands and mouths will be occupied until the turkey’s sliced by creating these amazing snack-filled cones from two different colors of butcher paper. Cut two sheets of butcher paper in different colors into fan shapes, one larger than the other. Trim edges with pinking shears. Roll each fan shape into a cone, sealing with a glue stick. Nest long cone inside short cone, bending horn up at the tip. Fill with popcorn and let the kid crafters munch to their heart’s content.

 

5. Coloring Place Mats

The clock is always ticking when kids are expected to sit down for a holiday meal. Eke out a little peace with these clip-art placemats! Trim craft paper to 11 by 17 inches and run the sheets through your printer like regular paper. Set the placemats out on the table with some cups of crayons and encourage the kids to have at it.

6. Acorn Dolls

A little craft project can keep the kids who opt out of helping cook the holiday meal entertained.  This acorn family is fun to decorate and customize – also, just as fun to play with. To make, collect a bunch of acorns in a variety of sizes. You can turn mini acorns into babies and bigger ones into adults. Pop off each cupule “hat” and hot-glue it to a wooden ball. Then, hot-glue the ball to the nut. Have the children use colored pencils or markers to draw on facial features and hair.

7. Kiddie Cups

This year decorate the kids’ table with pilgrim-hat serving cups and Mayflower-sail straws. Start with nine-ounce paper cups in black and gold. For the sails, cut them out and punch holes as indicated. Write a name on each and slide it onto a straw. For the hat, use a craft knife to cut away the bottom of a black cup. To add detail, cut a brim, trace it onto black paper, and cut it out. With glue, attach it to the cup rim. Voila!

8. Paper Turkey Hats

This festive hat features a turkey plume fit for the holiday spirit. Print out a handful of template copies and they’ll be ready to “gobble-gobble” around the house!

9. Colorful Paper Turkey Place Cards

Your kids can help you set the Thanksgiving table with these simple and adorable colorful turkey-shaped place cards. Attached an accordion-folded piece of colored construction paper to a cut-out turkey template. Add your guests’ names on the body of the turkey and arrange them on your table.

 

10. Pilgrim Hats

Easily crafted with a few folds, these paper hats and bonnets get kids into character as Pilgrims. To make the hat, download our template from the internet for the hat front and buckle, and trace them onto drawing paper. Cut out the silhouette of the hat, then fold up the brim. Cut out the headband; rest it inside the fold of the brim, and secure with a dot of glue. Note that cutting the gold buckle can be tricky; it’s best done by an elder of the settlement (aka an adult). Glue buckle onto hat, above brim. Wrap headband around head, and secure with a dot of glue (or tape).

Posted on

Real Estate Technology Today

New technology is churned out constantly all over the world. When owning a business, you want to be sure to stay on top of understanding all of the new technology as it releases. This helps your business remain innovative, and run efficiently. The term used to describe any technology in the real estate space is PropTech.  PropTech encompasses the application of information technology and platform economics to real estate markets. Check out our tech list below to stay up to date with all the new cutting-edge real estate technology and software.

  • Blockchain

Blockchain technology now allows transactions to be made securely and transparently. A growing list of records, called blocs, are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous bloc, a timestamp and transaction date. Blockchain is resistant to modification of the data. This technology is catalyzing real estate! A large number of software is available to help you grow your real estate business, including Mata Capital, TruSet and Imbrex.

  • HomLov

Launched last summer, this site has marketed itself as “Pinterest Meets Houzz” and uses AI to help people find newly built homes around the country based on their preferred design features.  Shoppers can view videos, photos and floor plans and from there can add whatever entices them to their collection. Once shoppers choose their favorite features, HomLov creates a profile and then marches shoppers with a growing network of home builders.

  • Virtual and Augmented Reality

Through virtual reality, realtors and agents can now provide virtual tours that offer 360-degree views of the exteriors and interiors of properties. AR technology can allow you to virtually stage listings so you can make changes to the look and feel of a home on the spot by superimposing computer-generated images on a virtual simulation of the space. Apps like Magicplan, Home Design 3D, and IKEA Place are changing the way buyers interact with properties.

  • Big Data and Predictive Analytics

If you want a competitive advantage within the industry, begin incorporating data and analytics into your business. Buyers don’t always know what they want until they see it, which is why relying on client’s search criteria isn’t necessarily the most effective way to find their dream home. Realtors and agents can optimize searches, so results are based on clients’ needs instead of their assumptions, by using predictive analysis. Companies like SmartZip, RealAgile, and Revaluate obtain from a large quantity of public and private data to help you tailor your marketing campaigns to individuals who have the highest probability of selling or buying.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots

Chatbots or virtual assistants can answer queries and ask relevant questions that will help you get to know customers (and their needs) ahead of time. By using virtual assistants, you can take the stress out of qualifying and following up with leads. In turn, this leaves you time to focus on additional important tasks for growing your business!

 

Posted on

Weekend Events: November 8-November 10

From the Los Angeles Coffee Festival to a Food & Wine experience (presented by USA Today) to The Thanksgiving Play at the Geffen Playhouse Los Angeles, this weekend’s events have got you covered for all things fall. Embrace the changing of seasons, grab a friend, cozy up, and enjoy your weekend!

Friday November 8th, 2019

The Los Angeles Coffee Festival
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Location: Magic Box at the Reef – 1933 Broadway, Los Angeles 90007

The Los Angeles Coffee festival will be returning this fall from November 8th-10th at Downtown LA’s Magic Box at The Reef. The weekend long event will feature not only stellar coffee but also delicious local food, cocktails, live music film and art. This is an event not to be missed regardless if you’re a coffee aficionado or a beginner. The three day festival will include a wide variety of coffee vendors and other exciting brands including Bluestone Lane, Black & White Coffee Roasters, Minor Figures, Califia Farms, Rishi Tea, Truth Coffee and Roasting and so many more! What’s more? This festival will also debut the Coffee Masters USA competition, where 16 baristas will showcase their skills head-to-head across a broad range of disciplines.

COCO at the Hollywood Bowl
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Hollywood Bowl

To celebrate Dias de los Muertos, the Beloved Oscar- winning Disney and Pixar Film is Reimagined at the Legendary Hollywood Bowl. Amazing love-to-film concert experience will feature live orchestra and digital projection on the shell of the historic venue.

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall

The incomparable Yuja Wang plays John Adams’ newest piano concerto, and Gustavo presides over Stravinsky’s pulse-pounding vision of pre-historic Russian rituals. Programs, artists, dates, prices, and availability subject change.

 

 

Saturday November 9th, 2019

Martha Stewart’s Wine & Food Experience presented by “USA TODAY”
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Los Angeles Center Studios – 1201 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Tickets: HERE

The USA Today Wine & Food Experience presents rich and colorful moments for guests to taste, savor, and explore the Los Angeles culinary scene, from local trends to regional traditions. Enjoy the Grand Tasting: a gourmet showcase by local chefs, emerging talent and nationally renowned culinary leaders who mix with patrons in a convivial setting. Lively cooking demonstrations, chef meet and greets, and seminars deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, connoisseurs, partners, purveyors, and industry personalities. Indulge in the VIP experience for an hour early admittance into the experience, plus a chance to mix and mingle with chefs.

Opening Night of Moonlight Forest Lantern Art Festival
Time: 5:30PM, 7:00PM & 8:00PM
Location: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden – 301 N Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007

The 2019 festival will be more spectacular than ever with dazzling new lanterns and interactive experiences. Step into the jaws of a humongous shark or dive under the sea with fantastic fish in Ocean Visions. Experience a winter wonderland in our new Polar Dreams display. Children will find bright circular swings and other interactive delights in Children’s World. Visit with your family, friends, and holiday guests for a highly memorable evening.

Created by skilled artisans from China’s Sichuan province, the Arboretum has partnered with Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc. to celebrate the time-honored tradition of lantern art.

**The festival will run through January 12th, 2020.

Dessert Goals Festival Weekend 1
Time: 12:00PM – 6:30PM
Location: Evolve Project LA – 1921 Blake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Because dessert is always a good idea, Dessert Goals is back in LA for our Tie Dye Tiki edition presented by Chase Sapphire®! Get your tie-dye and tropical prints ready and head to Evolve Project in Echo Park on November 9 & 10 + 16 & 17 for all of the desserts!

Vendors Include:

  • Afters Ice Cream
  • Colorado Donuts
  • Sweet n’ Hollow
  • The Pie Hole
  • Stuffed Cookies
  • Pop’t By Lily
  • The Dirty Cookie
  • Pacific Organic Pops
  • Amborella Organics
  • Fancy Flavors
  • Lee’Poof
  • Jessie’s Nutty Cups
  • Churro Service
  • ChilOSO Gummy Bears
  • Pops Artisinal Creamery
  • Small Cakes OC
  • Bearology
  • Cookie Dough Dreams
  • Drunken Cake Pops
  • TeaArias
  • Famous Apples
  • Ubatuba Acai

Sunday November 10, 2019

Griffith Park Harvest Festival
Time: 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Griffith Park Harvest Festival offers family fun, with a day of Kidzone activities, music, pie-eating contest, games, and a screening of “Coco” under the stars.

Food trucks offer food for purchase. The beer garden offering local craft brews is curated by the L.A. County Brewers Guild.

The Festival is held below the merry-go-round. All proceeds benefit L.A. City parks.

Exhibition – Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Time: 9:30AM
Location: Natural History Museum of LA – 900 Exposition Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90007

Trace the footsteps of the explorers who made this dangerous journey a century ago, and join scientists from our Museum and Chicago’s Field Museum as they dig for fossils today! Then step through a portal into Antarctica’s past and discover a lush continent full of trees, giant amphibians, and dinosaurs—including the 25-foot-long, “cold-crested killer,” Cryolophosaurus. Meet 4 new species of dinosaur, all discovered within the last 30 years.

The Thanksgiving Play at Geffen Playhouse
Time: 2:00PM
Location: Geffen Playhouse Theater – 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles CA

How does one celebrate Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month at the same time? In Larissa FastHorse’s biting satire, this is the question facing three “woke” white thespians tasked with devising an elementary school pageant about the first Thanksgiving while avoiding any culturally appropriative missteps. A roast of the politics of entertainment and well-meaning political correctness alike, The Thanksgiving Play puts the American origin story itself in the comedy-crosshairs.

Posted on

Out and About: Brentwood Edition

Those most familiar with LA will know that there are few areas as affluent as Brentwood with it’s quaint shops and lush greenery, it’s no wonder it ranks as one of L.A.’s most idyllic neighborhoods. Amongst the perfectly tailored lawns and architectural masterpieces is a day full of art, culture, sites, and bites.

Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods…

In the morning hours…

Mornings are best spent starting off with a perfect caffe au lait, in Brentwood there is no shortage of options. Stop by Caffe Luxxe and get your morning pick-me up within the historic Brentwood Country Mart.

Caffe Luxxe

The eatery picks and roasts their own coffee giving new meaning to hand-crafted. Select from freshly baked delights courtesy of Red Rooster Bakery and be on your way.

After your AM charge, explore some of Brentwood’s architectural masterpieces for a light dose of dream home FOMO.

For afternoon reprieve…

George Sturges House

Between the Hunt, Sturges, and Nesbitt house, you’ll have quite the day exploring these post-war artfully designed properties.  A Paul R. Williams design, the Hunt Residence was built in 1921 with elements of the Regency Revival style. The George Sturges house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939 features Wrights Usonian style.

The Getty Center

After geeking out on home design of the retro times, venture off to see a different style of art at the Getty Center. A wonder on the scale of both culture, art, and design, the 24-acre Richard Meier designed campus boasts panoramic city views and renowned collections. Once you reach your afternoon craving stop point then have a seat in their lush garden for a midday picnic. The Getty Center boast exceptional dining options and a plethora of seating choices.

Farmshop

If one prefers to head back into town for their afternoon meal, the Farmshop is the perfect destination. Founded by Chef Jeff Cerciello, the eatery is a staple of the Brentwood Country Mart. With imaginative recipes and locally sourced ingredients, its the best afternoon pick me-up.

Your evening adventure…

Skirball Cultural Center

Once, day turns to night, a show at the Skirball Cultural Center is almost a given. Just north of the Getty, the center explores heritage, culture and ideals through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, film screenings and live performances.

Tavern

Finally, we recommend for your evening conclusion to dine as locals do, at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s acclaimed Tavern. The destination restaurant features a tastefully prepared seasonal menu with a who’s who of patrons.

Posted on

Tesla Unveils New Version of Their Solar Panel Roof

Tesla Unveils New Version of Their Solar Panel Roof

For the past three years, Elon Musk’s vision for a fully-integrated solar panel roof has been delayed repeatedly. Tesla encountered some production issues at the beginning. Then, of course, aesthetic issues came into the play. Now, Tesla is unveiling a third iteration of its solar roof tiles, and this time the company believes it has a winner.

The new Tesla Solar Roof features dark tempered glass shingles. These innovative shingles are bigger, cheaper to produce & install, have fewer parts, and can capture more energy than previous versions. “We changed some of the materials in use, changed some of the methods, and the technology we are using to something that is more scalable” Musk explained on a recent conference call, as reported by PV Magazine.

The aesthetics remain more or less similar to that of their competitors—steely gray rectangles that sit flush with the roof. The upside, Musk claims, is that the install time has been vastly reduced by the tiles’ increased simplicity. The goal is to complete a roof install in just eight hours. The tiles will come with a 25-year warranty.

For now, Tesla is exclusively offering the dark gray version of the solar roof. However, Musk announced the company is aiming to roll out new and improved versions of the other roof styles they have teased. This includes a Mediterranean Clay roof in six to nine months! The website estimates that a 10kW solar roof for a 2,000-square-foot house will cost $33,950 when factoring in federal tax credits.

“We can make roofs come alive” Musk stated on the call, as reported by PV Magazine. “There are all these roofs out there just gathering sunlight, but not doing anything with it. In the future it will be odd for roofs to be dormant, or dead, or not gathering energy.”

The company expects to start rolling these new roofs out in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Proudly powered by WordPress