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It’s the journey, not the destination. Words to live by when planning a road trip — especially when social distancing is a must. With summer vacation plans possibly curtailed or scrapped altogether by COVID-19­ — and with outdoor activities still restricted — you may be tempted to hit the highways to embrace California’s ubiquitous road culture. Here are a few to consider enjoying from behind the wheel. And remember, if you do park to take a picture or explore, do so while wearing a mask and maintaining a physical distance from other like-minded roadsters.

Angeles Crest Highway

Constructed between 1929 and 1956, the Angeles Crest Highway boasts awe-inspiring Alpine views within a short drive of downtown Los Angeles. Starting from La Canada Flintridge near Pasadena, it spans 66 miles through the San Gabriel Mountains to State Highway 138 east of Wrightwood. At the Dawson Saddle, the road ascends to a summit of almost 8,000 feet.

Joshua Tree National Park

About 140 miles from Los Angeles, this 800,000-acre protected space derives its name from the distinctive, bent succulents that populate the area. Conjoining the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is famed for its desolate, rugged beauty. On May 22, the park began a phased reopening, collecting fees at entrance booths. However, visitor centers and group campsites remain temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mulholland Highway

Although sections of the highway have been closed since 2018’s Woosley Fire, this 55-mile stretch remains one of the most iconic roads in popular culture. Snaking its way through the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Highway reveals breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley while skimming past the homes of such Hollywood legends as Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.

Lake Arrowhead

For a relatively short 86-mile drive to clear your mind, consider heading to this gorgeous town set on a pristine azure mountain lake. Located about 23 miles from San Bernardino, it’s no wonder this area is known as “the Alps of Southern California.” While much of the shoreline is dotted by private homes, there remains plenty of stunning outdoor space to unwind in.

National Old Trails Highway

Also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, this roadway was part of the famed Route 66 until the construction of Interstate 40. Since 1985, it has been called the National Old Trails Highway. Mostly abandoned these days, it spans 175 miles through the Mojave Desert from Victorville to Needles. If you do choose to drive this chapter of American history, remember it offers little in the way of services.

Highway 126 Heritage Valley

Not far from Six Flags Magic Mountain is Highway 126, which links Interstate 5 in Santa Clarita to U.S. Route 101 in Ventura, running west through the towns of Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula and the national landmark of Spanish Rancho Camulos. Along the way, expect roadside farm stands and vintage railroad landmarks as well as citrus and avocado orchards.

With large gatherings banned and parades cancelled altogether, this is probably not the unofficial kickoff to summer you were looking forward to. But remember: Memorial Day is the day of the griller, so don’t be discouraged. Whatever this holiday weekend’s hurdles, you can still dive into a cookout feast, thanks to any of the following barbeque-sauce-slathered eateries.

 

CONEJO VALLEY

Red’s Barbecue and Grillery

3090 Cochran Street, Simi Valley 805-581-9076

Expect such traditional barbeque favorites as ribs, chicken and loaded baked potatoes at this Simi Valley restaurant, which also serves salads, including the chopped barbeque chicken salad, as well as burgers and garlic rolls. Curbside pickup or contactless delivery is available daily. Call ahead to order.

 

Ranch Hand BBQ

1015 Broadbeck Drive, Unit A, Newbury Park 805-375-4252

This family-owned restaurant has been serving up classic barbeque fare in the Conejo Valley since 2011. For takeout or delivery, the menu ranges from the signature tri-tip steak slow-cooked over red oak to the tri-tip sandwich on a grilled French roll to the shredded beef brisket.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

 

AJ’s Tex-Mex Barbecue

12123 Riverside Drive, Valley Village  818-505-8865

The Central Texas-style barbeque at this joint includes specialities like brisket, ribs, chorizo and queso. Also on the menu: all-day breakfast tacos, barbecue sandwiches and such comfort food sides as mac and cheese and tater tots. They open at 11 a.m., offering contactless curbside pickup or free delivery.

 

Swinging Door BBQ

11018 Vanowen Street No. 6313, North Hollywood 818-763-8996

Expect meats galore at this Texas-style barbeque joint place — from tri tip, brisket and pork ribs (baby back and St. Louis spare ribs) to chicken, sausage and pulled pork. Takeout and delivery are available Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

SANTA CLARITA

The Backyard Grub n’ Brews

26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita 661-286-1165

This casual all-American restaurant is offering family meals, including a ribs and barbeque chicken feast: full rack of St. Louis style ribs, four barbeque chicken breasts, baked beans, slaw and garlic toast. Takeout and delivery are available Tuesday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-251-0840

House-smoked meats, including fall-off-the-bone ribs, stuffed baked potatoes and all the traditional sides are up for sauce-covered grabs at this chain restaurant. Curbside pickup or delivery is available by ordering online, via their app or by calling 866-BARBECUE.

We will never forget this Memorial Day weekend. While typically a three-day tradition that marks the unofficial start of summer with outdoor celebrations and parades, this year when we honor those who have lost their lives while serving in the military, it will have to be from home. With Southern California and the rest of the world still edging toward a new normal during COVID-19, events to celebrate Memorial Day on May 25 have moved to digital platforms. From virtual dedications to live-streamed concerts, there are many ways to enjoy the holiday safely.

Dedicate a digital poppy 

The red poppy flower came to signify remembrance almost a century ago, influenced by the First World War poem entitled In Flanders Fields. This year the site PoppyInMemory.com offers multiple virtual ways to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving our country, including dedicating a digital poppy to a fallen hero or simply educating yourself about the battles they fought and the lives that were lost.

Watch the New West Symphony Memorial Day Concert

Curated and under the direction of Grammy-winning music director Michael Christie, the New West Symphony is performing a virtual Memorial Day concert May 25 live from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. People who register can provide a veteran’s name and it will be shared during the event. Such classics as America the Beautiful as well as Bernstein’s Somewhere from West Side Story are expected to be performed by special guests Sean Chen on piano and Grammy-winning soprano Jessica Rivera.

Take in the National Memorial Day Concert

It won’t be taking place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this year, but the annual National Memorial Day Concert is still being broadcast May 24 on PBS. Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise are hosting the event, which will feature fresh performances and new tributes from various locations around the country. As well, it will look back at past concerts.

Listen to military heroes tell their stories

According to its website, with its Military Voices Initiative, StoryCorps  — a non-profit organization that aims to record, preserve and share the stories of Americans from all backgrounds  —  wants to provide “a platform for veterans, service members, and military families to share their stories. In doing so we honor their voices, amplify their experiences, and let them know that we — as a nation — are listening.”

And if you do leave the house, do so safely

Southern Californians should stay close to home and cover their faces when outside. But the recent re-openings of trails, beaches and some national and state parks will certainly lure people from their homes. If you do head out, remember to wear a face covering while practicing physical distancing. Here is a brief rundown of what is open to the public:

– National parks:  California’s favorite parks are only starting to allow visitors. First among them: Joshua Tree, which has reopened its road, trails and some campsites.

– State parks: The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in the Baldwin Hills area of L.A. is open. State parks which remain closed include the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.

– National forests: Southern California’s four forests — Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino — vary on trail access and parking. Check their websites for the latest updates.

– Farmers Markets: About 34 farmers markets are open in the city, including the Historic Downtown L.A. Farmers’ Market.

– Beaches: In L.A. County, as in Orange and Ventura counties, beaches are open for swimming, surfing, running and walking. But don’t linger.

– Griffith Park: The trails have reopened, but the observatory is closed.

– Santa Monica Mountains: The trails, parking lots and restrooms of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are open again. The visitor centers remain shuttered.

Once upon a time, summer was for reruns. Original programming went into Carbonite freeze until the fall. And everyone left their living rooms to go to the movies or to simply enjoy the outdoors. Times, as they say, have changed. Now we have the “streaming wars,” during which time nobody gets the summer off. In fact, the next two months will see the debut of two all-new streaming services featuring original shows and legacy content. HBO Max, which debuts May 27, boasts Friends, The Sopranos, and Elmo. Then July 15 brings us Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, which launches with a roster including Parks and Recreation, Despicable Me, and the Saturday Night Live catalog. So whatever the status of the lockdown is, you really have no reason to leave your home this summer. Here then are 10 series to watch for.

Homecoming

Debuts: May 22, Amazon Prime

Julia Roberts is not returning for the second season of this conspiracy thriller, based on the popular paranoia-infused podcast. Instead pop star Janelle Monae takes the reins as a new character: an amnesiac trying to learn who she is and how she is connected to the mysterious, creepily corporate Geist Group.

Love Life 

Debuts: May 27, HBO Max

HBO Max launches with this anthology about the romantic, comedic travails of a young woman (Anna Kendrick) living in New York City. According to the streaming service, the show “will follow a different protagonist’s quest for love each season, with each half-hour episode telling the story of one of their relationships.”

The Not Too Late Show with Elmo

Debuts: May 27, HBO Max

With the help of a few of his friends (including Cookie Monster), Elmo joins the likes of Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel — albeit with much more adorability. Interview guests include John Mulaney and fellow late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon. Along the way, music stars like Kacey Musgraves and Lil Nas X cover such Sesame Street classics as “Rubber Ducky.”

Central Park

Debuts: May 29, Apple TV Plus

Josh Gad — currently seen assembling the casts of such classic films as The Goonies and Back to the Future for his YouTube channel Reunited Apart — headlines this animated comedy about a family who lives in Central Park. Other vocal talent on-board includes Leslie Odom, Jr., Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs and Stanley Tucci.

Space Force 

Debuts: May 29, Netflix

If you chuckled at the thought of the country having a “Space Force,” you’re not alone. So did The Office chieftain Greg Daniels and Steve Carell, who have reunited for this military-themed workplace comedy. Carell stars as a respected general tasked with making sure the “Space Force” achieves liftoff. The cast includes John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz and Tawny Newsome.

Fuller House 

Debuts: June 2, Netflix

The idea of a decades-in-the-making sequel to Full House was greeted with derision when it was pitched around Hollywood. But its runaway success inspired the casts of every vintage series from Will and Grace to Mad About You to reunite for their own victory laps. Now, though, it’s time to say goodbye again to the housemates as the comedy wraps up its five-season run.

Perry Mason 

Debuts: June 21, HBO

Before he was a lawyer made famous by Raymond Burr, Perry Mason was a down-on-his-luck gumshoe scavenging the streets of 1930s Los Angeles. That’s the concept behind this drama starring Matthew Rhys (The Americans), John Lithgow and Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany. Interestingly, Robert Downey Jr., who is one of the producers, was originally going to star.

Brave New World 

Debuts: July 15, Peacock

Last seen as the youthful Han Solo in Solo: A Star Wars Story, Alden Ehrenreich stars as John the Savage in this adaptation of the seminal 1932 novel by Aldoux Huxlety, in which a future utopian society has managed to attain peace and order by eliminating emotion and desire.

Lovecraft Country

Debuts: August (exact date to be announced), HBO

Jordan Peele, J.J. Abrams and Misha Green adapt Matt Ruff’s 2016 novel about supernatural horrors lurking among the real-life horrors of 1950s Jim Crow America. Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Courtney B. Vance star in this thriller about an African-American man (Majors) searching for his missing father while confronting monsters, both human and otherwise.

Cursed 

Debuts: Summer (exact date to be announced), Netflix

The latest retelling of the legend of Camelot focuses on Nimue, a rebellious teenager — as well as the future Lady in the Lake — who recruits a mercenary named Arthur to help her bring a mysterious sword to an ancient wizard. Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why) stars as the young heroine. Cursed is based on the illustrated YA novel by Tom Wheeler and comic-book legend Frank Miller (300, The Dark Knight Returns).

 

If you’re tired of staring at the same four walls after several weeks spent mostly indoors, now may be the ideal time for a change. After all, with spring’s arrival — alongside new decor trends to revamp your surroundings — this is the season to experiment with new colors and designs to brighten your mood and revitalize your space. It’s also a great way to take your mind off current events outside your home. Here then are five trends to watch for as we spring toward summer.

Bright colors    

It’s only natural to covet bright, cheerful colors after the relative darkness of winter — never mind two months of quarantine. But be wary of splashing too much color around. Instead, consider introducing bolts of color with accessories such as rugs or drapes. If you’re feeling more courageous, try an accent wall. Another alternative if you’d rather use colors sparingly? Throw pillows, which can elevate the mood of a room without overwhelming it.

Mother Nature

Embracing Mother Nature by leaning on botanical patterns and earthy tones never goes out of style, but it is especially appealing during the renewing season of spring. (The calming attributes of nature — and nature-inspired decor — should not be underestimated either, considering our COVID-19-related times.) If you’re wondering how to approach incorporating such designs into your home, start by choosing items that will supplement the landscape outside your window.

Wallpaper for your ceiling

Wallpaper is one of the hottest trends of the year. That said, it is still a decorative choice a lot of people hesitate to embrace. After all, while it can add much-needed personality to a space, it can also overload the senses. Or worse, feel tacky. But if you do feel like being adventurous, why not try adding a pattern to the ceiling? It can revitalize a room without overdoing it. Just seek out a pattern that looks great regardless of the angle you are looking up from.

The end of the neutral kitchen

Look for natural wood cabinets, shelving and islands to pop up in the kitchen alongside splashes of color on the walls and among appliances. This shift is part of a larger move away from neutrality throughout the home as contrast takes the place of the near-monochromatic tones we have seen during the past decade.

Vintage furniture

Along with wallpaper, the resurgence of vintage fare includes German-and-Italian-influenced curved furniture, with spooled feet and wood spindles, as well as antique art. Look for spaces that combine such items with modern furniture to be at the fore of home design this year.

 

Whether you like it heaped on a cone, stuffed messily between two slices of cookie or smothered in fudge, we can all agree on ice cream — especially as soaring temperatures spell a sweltering summer ahead. Fortunately for Los Angeles and the Westside, there is no shortage of ice cream shops happily serving scoops for takeout and delivery. Just make sure to call ahead as hours and items are always subject to change.

Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream

1525 N La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles 323-874-0144
Takeout and delivery: Daily from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. for takeout with delivery available through Postmates, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

This 40-year-old Middle Eastern shop is a Los Angeles institution, thanks to the flavorful, fragrant scoops they dish out — from ginger and rosewater to pistachio and saffron. Their vegan Herbal Snow, for example, blends herbs, spices and citrus. They will even top your scoop of rosewater with a Baklava consisting of honey, cardamom and nuts tucked into a filo dough shell. For chocolate fans, their Fudge Brownie and Rocky Road ice cream should prove rapturous.

The Coolhaus Shop

8588 Washington Boulevard, Culver City 310-838-5559
Delivery: Available through Postmates and Uber Eats. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Featuring artisan flavors like dairy-free Dirty Mint Chip and Whisky Lucky Charms, this parlor combines cookies and ice cream to create piled-high sandwiches inspired by architecture. They also offer DIY kits in case you would rather make your own sandwiches — or “sammies” — at home. For all the fresh flavors at Coolhaus, however, don’t miss out on the classics either: both the Cookies and Sweet Cream and the Molten Chocolate Cake are scoop-worthy.

Scoops

5105 York Boulevard, Los Angeles 323-285-1096
Takeout: Sundays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reserve your pints by texting 323-285-1096.

Having opened in 2005 off Melrose Avenue in East Hollywood (at a location shuttered last year), this boutique shop has kept its doors open for takeout at both this Highland Park location and the one in Torrance. If you have never tried it, order a pint of their famed brown bread (with candied grape nuts and caramel drizzle). If you have tried it, order more anyway.

Sweet Rose Creamery

225 26th Street, No. 51, Santa Monica  310-260-2663
Curbside, takeout and delivery: Daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

If you’re having a birthday during the lockdown (or if you just feel like throwing a party), this Santa Monica shop is offering an Ice Cream Sundae Party Pack with your choice of six flavors, hot fudge and your pick of two toppings. They will also include cups, spoons, napkins and a freezer bag. Or if you prefer, order one of their Cookies and Cream Ice Cream cakes, which feeds six to eight people. Otherwise, sample a scoop or two of some of their latest flavors — from the Thai Tea to the Strawberry Coconut, just in time for the hot summer months ahead.

Don’t call ahead for a reservation just yet. While word that California will begin reopening some low-risk businesses in “weeks, not months” is welcome news for restaurant owners slammed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains no firm timeline — or clear idea of what a limited reintroduction will look like. (Masks for servers, thermometers for patrons, disposable menus, increased curbside pickup and a reduction in tables to allow for more physical distancing are some of the measures widely expected.) In the meantime, you can support the restaurants that have stayed open in Los Angeles and the Westside by ordering pickup or delivery. As always, call ahead or go online to confirm details as hours and menus are subject to change.

Sonoratown

208 E. 8th Street Los Angeles 213-628-3710

Pickup and delivery: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Serving up tacos cooked over mesquite wood fire and wrapped in handmade flour tortillas, this downtown restaurant offers two dinner kits: the “family style” with salsa, cabbage, radish, limes, grilled green onions and 12 handmade tortillas, and the “chivi party” with six chivichangas, two bean-and-cheese burritos, salsa and sides of radish and grilled green onion. For something lighter, try their burrito with guacamole, chiltepin salsa, pinto beans and Monterey jack cheese.

Pasjoli

2732 Main Street, Santa Monica  424-330-0020
Pickup and delivery: Daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This French eatery offers ready-to-heat dinner kits, each with a main course, vegetable and dessert. As well, they will recommend a wine to be paired with the meal. Menu selections vary so go online to confirm availability. Until May 3, you can order a short rib bourguignon with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, baguette, salad and molten chocolate cake. If you want lunch for the following day, you can also add a grilled cheese sandwich to your order. Their breakfast box for pickup consists of a cheddar scallion mini quiche, banana bread and cold brew.

Interstellar

109 Broadway, Santa Monica 310-310-8820
Pickup and delivery: Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Embracing Korean and American influences, the menu varies from sandwiches — including prosciutto with burrata, arugula and truffle oil as well as a sweet-soy-marinated wagyu burger with brioche, aioli, butter lettuce and onions — to such dinner items as katsu curry (panko-fried chicken breast with house curry and rice) and branzino ochazuke (seared branzino in a dashi broth). For breakfast, who can resist panko-fried chicken served with waffles and maple butter?

Max City BBQ

4729 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Los Angeles 323-254-4227
Pickup and delivery: Monday and Tuesday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Along with the platters and plates of smoked meats, chicken wings, brisket and smoked links, this eatery offers family meals to go: a whole BBQ chicken with sides and cornbread or “Everything but the Bird,” which includes a half-pound brisket or tri-tip, half order of ribs, two smoked links or half-pound of pulled pork, two large sides and six pieces of cornbread.

Tartine Santa Monica

1925 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica 424-238-8125
Pickup and delivery: Daily 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Along with an assortment of pastries, cookies, bread, coffees, teas and sandwiches, weekly specials at this Santa Monica location include a pork spare rib dinner for two that comes with BBQ sauce, macaroni salad and coleslaw, along with reheating instructions. For something sweeter, try the orange chocolate bread pudding with candied orange and miso caramel.

Don’t call ahead for a reservation just yet. While word that California will begin reopening some low-risk businesses in “weeks, not months” is welcome news for restaurant owners slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, there remains no firm timeline — or a clear idea of what a limited reintroduction will look like. (Masks for servers, thermometers for patrons, disposable menus, increased curbside pickup and a reduction in tables to allow for more physical distancing are some of the measures widely expected.)  In the meantime, you can support what restaurants have stayed open in the Valley by ordering pickup or delivery. But as always, call ahead or go online to confirm details as hours and menus are subject to change.

Conejo Valley

Pickles Deli

1940 Newbury Road, Newbury Park 805-480-4800

Pickup and delivery: Daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

A place called Pickles had better have sandwiches and this deli doesn’t disappoint, offering seven kinds of triple-deckers including a Rueben. In addition to another all-American fare such as chicken pot pie as well as Italian-themed dishes like chicken piccata (chicken breast sautéed with white wine and capers), the breakfast menu features Belgian waffles, omelets, bagels and French toast. If you prefer to cook for yourself, they offer a carton of 15 eggs for $6.99.

 

Ali Baba’s Kitchen

2110-B Newbury Road, Newbury Park 805-480-0324

Pickup and delivery: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Along with salads, kebabs, pita sandwiches and curries, this Mediterranean restaurant offers family combos, both large (chicken shawarma, chicken kebab, whole oven-roasted chicken, 10 falafels, rice, salad and six pita breads) and small (chicken or beef shawarma, chicken kebab, six falafels, rice, salad and four pita breads). For couples, the dinner for two consists of chicken or beef shawarma, four falafels, rice, salad and two pita breads.

 

San Fernando Valley

Gasolina Cafe

21150 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills 818-914-4033
Pickup and delivery: Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

This eatery specializes in Spanish-style brunch and lunch fare — from  churros to Spanish-style toast to such egg dishes as the patatas bravas (sunny side-up egg with home fries, chorizo, serrano ham and aioli) and a chorizo omelet (chorizo, garlic confit, cherry tomato, baby kale and toast). Sandwiches range from the La Espanola with serrano ham and manchego cheese and chorizo to the El Vegetariano with portobello mushroom and avocado.

The Federal

5303 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood  818-980-2555
Pickup and delivery: Daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Offering 20 percent off all pickup orders more than $20, this NoHo eatery specializes in tavern fare like classic mac and cheese, salads (the sweet and spicy salmon comes with avocado and mixed greens), soups and sandwiches (the grilled cheese and tomato soup offers aged cheddar, harvati and swiss on artisan bread) and burgers, including the Fed, which stacks smoked cheddar, bibb lettuce, tomato, balsamic onion and garlic chips on a milk bun.

 

Santa Clarita Valley

 

Marston’s Restaurant

24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia  661-253-9910

Pickup and delivery: Breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

While this family-owned eatery continues to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, they have expanded with a family-style dinner menu that offers a choice of salads (California orange or Caesar), sides (cream cheese mashed potatoes or roasted squash and peppers) and entrees including chili, chicken pot pie casserole, grilled chicken enchiladas and roasted veggie lasagna. Call before noon to place your order, then pick-up after 5 p.m.

 

Wokcano

24201 Valencia Boulevard, No. 3452, Valencia 661-288-1913

Pickup and delivery: Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Along with fresh sushi and maki rolls, family bundle meals at this contemporary Asian restaurant chain include a dinner for two (hot and sour soup, garden salad, choice of appetizer and choice of two entrees with white rice) and a sushi dinner for two (miso soup, garden salad, edamame appetizer, California roll and spicy yellowtail roll).

For every life-churning event, there is a comfort food to smother your mood in. Bad breakup? Ice cream, definitely. Exhausting day at work? Mac and cheese, thank you very much. General malaise? Something fried. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a protracted quarantine has inspired people to bake, simmer, pour and whisk everything from bread to cakes to frothy coffee drinks — all while sharing their kitchen-bound exploits across social media. Just be careful of stress-eating too much while also isolated, away from the gym. That way, you can contain the spread of both the virus and your waistline.

Dalgona coffee

Thanks to Tik Tok, this South Korean coffee concoction exploded in popularity in March just as everyone began sheltering in place. You only need three ingredients — instant coffee, sugar and water — which are whipped together and served over ice and milk. If you have a hand mixer, it takes about five minutes. The result looks like something you might pick up at Starbucks. Online you can find recipes as well as video tutorials for beginners.

Bread

Google tracks everything, so of course they know what recipes people have been searching for while self-isolating. And No. 1 on the list? Banana bread, that scrumptious bridge between dessert and loaf. (Plus, you can eat all those bananas you have no idea what to do with.) But “quarantine baking” is hardly limited to banana bread. From sourdough to naan to baguettes, bread baking has become a signature act of stress-relief during this pandemic-induced lockdown. Google searches for “bread” hit an all-time high in late March, according to reports. No wonder around the same time grocery stores were running out of things like flour and yeast.

Cake

Also on Google’s list of most-searched recipes? Chocolate cake — synonymous with childhood birthday parties and therefore instantly capable of making people feel warm and safe. If you have never baked before, you might want to opt for a simple pound cake, which only requires flour, eggs, butter and sugar. And if you have run out of eggs, milk or butter, you can always try making a “wacky cake,” which dates back to the rationing days of the Second World War, but is now a delicious alternative for vegans.

Bolognese

Like bread, this hearty sauce has always been one of the world’s most enduring comfort foods. Granted, it requires a lot more commitment than whipping up a coffee cloud, but the rewards are substantial. If you have never cooked Bolognese before, but have the time and the supplies, you can always turn to any of the countless recipes online — from this one from Bon Appetit to Grace Parisi’s pancetta-enriched pasta Bolognese with ground beef, pork, veal and tomato.

 

Focaccia

Unlike some pastries and bread which can consume hours, energy and even require some modicum of skill to pull off, this flat oven-baked Italian bread is relatively quick and easy to make. It can also adapt to pretty much any situation — from being used for sandwiches or served on its own as a doughy snack or acting as a side dish during a meal. Better yet, it can be topped with almost anything currently taking up space in your fridge.

Maintaining your health and wellness right now means more than just protecting yourself from the coronavirus. Three weeks since the first stay-at-home orders were introduced – first curtailing access to restaurants and outdoor events, then shutting down schools, non-essential businesses as well as trails, beaches and parks – it’s just as important to safeguard yourself from the anxiety and depression that can grip you in isolation. Here are five ways to help you maintain your emotional and mental wellbeing as we weather the pandemic outside our doors.

Think of the extra time as an opportunity 

Remember that book you always wanted to read but never had the time to? Remember that book you always wanted to write but never had the time to? Likewise, while FaceTime and Skype can keep you connected with your loved ones, consider using these tools to contact friends who may have fallen out of touch. (By sending love to others, you will improve your own mental health.) Besides, if you’ve ever felt the world was moving too fast, view this forced pause as an opportunity to reflect on how to improve your life once things return to normal.

Consider adopting (or fostering) a pet

From your shelter, help a dog or cat leave theirs. L.A.-area shelters and rescue groups, which have had to close their doors, are adapting by allowing potential pet owners to view their animals online. From there, a process kicks in by which you can pick up the new addition to your home. Pet adoptions have skyrocketed across the nation as isolated people seek companions who will transmit only good vibes, not COVID-19 (and the CDC is clear there is no evidence people can be infected by their pets). As well, if adopting an animal seems like a steep first step, consider fostering. That, too, can save a life while boosting your spirits.

Limit the media coverage you consume

Staying informed is important. However, given the 24/7 news cycle and the nature of social media, which amplifies the chances of misinformation, it is also easy to become overwhelmed by fear and worry. So choose a respectable news source and follow a few trustworthy health professionals, and check in two or three times a day. Previous generations made it through world wars, depressions, and pandemics on a diet of no more than a newspaper and one or two news broadcasts per day.

Stick to your diet and sleep schedule

Foregoing your street clothes to wander the house in your robe and slippers is one thing. However, remain mindful and do not let sheltering in place disrupt your daily life too drastically. Consuming too much junk food or alcohol can have long-term health consequences, for example. By keeping your bedtime the same, you create an internal consistency despite uncertain times. Of course, if you are now working remotely or home-schooling your children, you know how important adhering to a strict schedule is for both your own productivity and their education.

Seek therapy online if you need to

If you feel you need to talk to a professional but don’t know where to turn, numerous digital companies offer counseling in moments of crisis. Among them: Talkspace, which is currently providing free therapy for healthcare workers struggling in the midst of the pandemic; Brightside, which links patients to virtual psychiatrists and therapists; and MDLive, which, in addition to its other medical services, offers video sessions with its therapists. For something less intensive, you might want to investigate such stress-busting meditation apps as Headspace or Calm.

Stay safe, all!