Right now more than ever it is important to support our local farmers. Ordering takeout from restaurants who support our local farms is a way to do just that! Check out these delicious restaurants with the freshest fare throughout the Valley.
Farm Table Co– Van Nuys
A hidden jewel in Van Nuys, right across the street from the courthouse. They have a delicious breakfast and brunch menu with some of the freshest farm to table dining in the valley.
Urban Plates – Woodland Hills
A local favorite for a lunch that you don’t get sick of is found at Urban Plates. They have hot plates, salads, soups, local beers, wines, etc. Enjoy farm-fresh foods while supporting local breweries and wineries in the valley.
Odyssey Restaurant – Granada Hills
The views from this restaurant are fantastic, and they have put a lot of work into making sure it is a safe dining experience for all— for those who choose to dine in. The steaks here are tender and flavorful, and the vegetables are fresh and crisp!
Wood & Water – Sherman Oaks
It is pretty hard to find a restaurant with guaranteed fresh seafood nowadays, and after reading many reviews, this place is the place to get the best oysters in the valley!
Malibu Farm – Malibu
If you’re in the market for fresh, local fare sourced from Southern California farms and ranches, look no further than Malibu Farm. This unique farm-to-table restaurant is the brainchild of owner Helene, who originally launched the business with ingredients grown and produced in her own personal garden and backyard farm.
Right now more than ever it is important to support our local farmers. Ordering takeout from restaurants who support our local farms is a way to do just that! Check out these delicious restaurants with the freshest fare throughout Los Angeles.
Manhattan House
Chef Juan Torres of Manhattan House sources his ingredients from local farms – from meat that has been hand-chosen and butchered in-house to fruits and vegetables grown in Manhattan Beach community gardens. This Italian-inspired gastropub even bakes its own sourdough onsite, which is rumored to rival the likes of San Francisco sourdough.
Salt’s Cure
Locavores are bound to love the contemporary vibe of Salt’s Cure, which sources ingredients exclusively from California. They butcher and craft their meat in house and partner with local fishermen for sustainably caught seafood fresh from the Pacific Ocean. They also get their produce directly from farmers and farmers markets in the Los Angeles area. From brunch and dessert to dinner and drinks, this restaurant is a must if you want to enjoy gorgeous plates with great service and a wonderful atmosphere – all while supporting local farmers, fishermen and producers.
Malibu Farm
If you’re in the market for fresh, local fare sourced from Southern California farms and ranches, look no further than Malibu Farm. This unique farm-to-table restaurant is the brainchild of owner Helene, who originally launched the business with ingredients grown and produced in her own personal garden and backyard farm. It has since grown in popularity and now includes items from other local producers. But you can still find some of her homegrown items on the menu, like Asian pears, persimmons and eggs.
Akasha
Akasha takes the farm-to-table movement up a notch with a dedication to eco-friendly production. The chef designs each menu based on the produce available at the local farmers market. At Akasha, you’ll enjoy delicious, locally sourced food at peak freshness. That means seasonal eating is that much easier when you settle in for a meal here. And if you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, you can peruse the drinks menu, which includes a wide variety of locally-produced beer, spirits and wine.
Industriel
Is there anything more fashionable than a French-inspired urban farm in the heart of Los Angeles? Industriel claims to serve the kind of cuisine you’d enjoy at your grandmother’s farmhouse in Provence … if she had sleeve tattoos. That means you can find everything on the menu from cheese boards and short rib croquettes to lamb chops with poblano pesto, coconut-brined chicken wraps and vegan ice creams. No matter which dishes you choose, rest assured that nothing you order has seen the inside of a supermarket.
Want to take a road trip? California Highway 1 from central to northern California is among the most beautiful drives in the world! There is plenty to see along the way. Here is a road trip we have outlined for you! Turn on that Big Little Lies soundtrack or Beach Boys (if that is more your speed), and hit the road!
Hearst Castle
San Simeon is a town on the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo County. It’s about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along State Highway 1. Here you will find Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hurst. He commissioned architect Julia Morgan to design and build the estate on a 40,000-acre property his Father, George Hearst, had purchased in 1865, which he inherited in 1919. Through many changes by William Hearst, he and Julia Morgan took nearly 30 years to complete the project. The mansion is known today as Hearst Castle and is open by appointment to the public. A trip there is a must! Website: https://hearstcastle.org/ Reservations Telephone: 800.444.4445
**We suggest you take Take Tour #1! Before the tour, try to catch the screening of the IMAX film “Building The Dream” (Phone Number: 805.927.6811).
The Highway between San Simeon and Ragged Point is one of the most picturesque in the world.
Ragged Point
Ragged Point Inn & Restaurant: Just 16 miles north of Hearst Castle, you will find a great lunch and place to stay that’s close to Hearst Castle. This is the starting point of the Big Sur coast. Worth stopping to check out the lookout from the back of the restaurant. Website: www.raggedpointinn.com Reservation Telephone: 805.927.4502
Big Sur
Nepenthe Restaurant— Stop by here for lunch or dinner! The view is one of the best of the coast in California. You shouldn’t miss this one even if you just stop and walk around. Try the Ambrosia Burger! Reservation Telephone: 831.667.2345
Big Sur Bakery— This is located near the Post Office. They have a really great breakfast!
Big Sur Lodge
This place is a great place to rent a cabin within the State Park. Some cabins have kitchens & fireplaces. It has a pool, a restaurant and some great hikes to take. It is also pretty inexpensive. Reservation Telephone: 800.424.4787
Ventana Inn & Spa
Elegant but casual. It has a great restaurant, pool, hot tubs. Very much the icon of Big Sur. Walk around the restaurant & shops…mellow & a bit expensive. Reservation Telephone: 800.628.6500
Post Ranch Inn
They have 30 luxurious rooms. Rated best hotel in USA. Amazing restaurant & wine list, dramatic views, and dramatic prices. Check out the Post Ranch Mercantile, a small gift shop store that is located on the property. Reservation Telephone: 800.527.2200
Point Lobos State Reserve
Point Lobos is 23 miles from Big Sur on the way to Monterey. Park and walk/hike/Picnic. This is a great place to see nature and sea life. 300,000 people visit this spot each year & there is a good reason why!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel is a beautiful, quaint beach town on the Monterey Peninsula. It is known for its museums, galleries, fairytale cottages, great restaurants, stores, and the historic Carmel Mission there are plenty of bed and breakfasts and luxurious but quaint hotels.
17 Mile Drive
Start in Carmel and travel from the south to the north. Pay to see how the 1% lives.
Pebble Beach
Along the 17 mile drive, you will arrive at Pebble Beach. Here you will find six of the most famous golf courses in the U.S. and home to the PGA tour. They are Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, Cypress Point, The Dunes and Shore, Poppy Hills, and The Links at Spanish Bay!
Pacific Grove
A small community between Carmel and Monterey…. worth checking out. We prefer this more than Carmel by the Sea just because it is less touristy and is a bit more off the beaten path.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
The best value for basic lodging in California. Built by the same architect that built Hearst Castle, Julia Morgan. The dunes and beaches are lovely. Reservation Telephone: 831.372.8016
Restaurants
La Dolce Vida: Very good Italian Restaurant: Reservation Telephone: 831.375.7786 Located in Pacific Grove at 663 Light House Dr.
Pepper’s Mexicali Café: A great Mexican fusion cafe. Locals’ favorite with a good vibe. Reservation Phone: 831.373.6892 Located at: 170 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove.
Monterey Bay
The Monterey Bay Aquarium
A very popular attraction! Arguably one of the most well-known attractions in northern California.
Cannery Row
Read a John Steinbeck novel, like East of Eden, to appreciate this area a bit more. It is a beautiful homage to the literature of John Steinbeck. (The Steinbeck Museum is about 20 miles away in Salinas)
With a lot of us spending more and more time at home, we are finding ourselves cleaning more and more often. Switching over a few cleaning supplies to environmentally friendly supplies will be cost-effective, easier on all living things within your home, and better for the planet. Check out our tips below!
Natural All-Purpose Scrub
From the kitchen to the bathroom and many places in between, the uses for baking soda are almost endless. One way to get even more mileage out of this universal cleaning agent? Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a bowl and add just enough liquid soap to make a creamy paste. Spread the mixture on the flat side of 1/2 of a lemon and scrub. The lemon acts as a sponge and leaves a natural citrus scent. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe away any residue. You’ll find the paste will stay moist for a few hours.
Nontoxic Stain Remover
For nontoxic stain removal, there are many different formulas you can play with to remove stains. From mixing liquid dish soap (1 part) with hydrogen peroxide (3 parts) or liquid dish soap with vodka and lemon juice, as long as you have a chemical reaction, it should pull the stain right out!
Mold Remover
Using chlorine-based bleach to kill mold is kind of a double edge sword as bleach is arguable just as harmful to people and the environment. Soap and water will get rid of most mold or a solution of 2 teaspoons tea tree oil—a natural fungicide—and 2 cups water. But when it comes to mold and mildew, prevention is really your best bet.
DIY Tub and Tile Cleaner
Distilled white vinegar is the MVP of cleaning products that you can use to whiten laundry, deep clean vents, drive out pests, etc. Vinegar works well on soap scum and mineral deposits, but rinse thoroughly, as it can corrode some fixtures and stone (like marble), and etch glaze on tiles. You can also try tea tree oil—2 drops tea tree oil with 1 cup water—in a spray bottle to clean out grout from tiles.
Name-Brand Cleaners
Sometime’s it’s easier to buy than DIY. Newer eco-friendly brands of natural cleaners prove you don’t need high-octane chemicals to render a home spic-and-span. Look for biodegradable formulas and plant-based ingredients that don’t compromise on cleaning power. A few of our favorite brands are Dr. Bronners, Mrs. Meyers, Honest, Blueland, etc!
The U.S. Economy added 1.76 million jobs in July – The Department of Labor Statisticsreported that 1.76 million jobs were added in July. Although this exceeded expert’ expectations, it marked a dramatic decline from the pace of new and rehired workers in May and June when 7.5 million jobs were added in two months. This added some concern that the rising Coronavirus may be stalling the jobs’ recovery. The unemployment rate fell to 10.2% in July from 11.1% in June. In the past three months 9.3 million workers were either rehired or found new jobs. There are still 12.9 million more unemployed workers than there were in February when the unemployment rate was 3.5%.
Stock Markets rose sharply again this week – Investors were encouraged this week as second-quarter corporate earnings as well as other economic data continued to beat expectations. Reports from China and Europe also showed their economies were improving as well. The scope of the next round of stimulus, expected to be in the $2-3 trillion range, has alleviated most investors’ fears. The NASDAQ hit another record high this week. This has left people scratching their heads wondering, “How in the world can the stock markets be performing so well when the world is still partially shut down?” Experts point to nearly $7 trillion in stimulus by the time this is over as the reason for this. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 27,433.48, up 3.8% from 26,428.32 last week. It’s down 3.9% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,351.28, up 2.5% from 3,271.12 last week. It’s up 3.7% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,010.94, up 2.5% from 10,725.57 last week. It’s up 22.7% year-to-date.
U.S. Treasury Bond Yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.57%, almost unchanged from 0.55% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.23%, up slightly from 1.20% last week.
Mortgage Rates – The August 6, 2020 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 2.88%, down from 2.99% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.44%, down from 2.51% last week. The 5-year ARM was 2.90% down from 2.94% last week.
With only a few more weeks of summer left, we could not miss the opportunity on writing about a vacation to the magical place that Lake Arrowhead is. A quick hour and a half drive from Los Angeles, you will feel as if you transported to another state. With fun activities like jet skiing, boating activities (wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing), kayaking, and paddleboarding, Lake Arrowhead has it all! Check out some of our places to stay when out at the lake.
Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa
Located at: 27984 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Nestled among the trees at an elevation of 5,174 ft, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is the most popular resort on the lake. Here, you’ll find amazing views along with skiing, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, Lake Arrowhead Village, and the ultimate in peace & harmony.
Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins
Located at: 25994 CA-189, Twin Peaks, CA 92391
Lake Arrowhead’s finest creekside cabin resort. Experience your vacation in a cozy studio for two or a luxurious lodge that can sleep up to 21! This place is known for their amazing wedding venue.
Arrowhead Lake Inn
Located at: 28051 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
A unique bed and breakfast located in Lake Arrowhead, California featuring the fine detail and elegance of the victorian era. Not too far from the center of town, either!
Saddleback Inn at Lake Arrowhead
Located at: 300 CA-173, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Nestled among the trees, this Inn feels secluded when it is close to the town center. Take camping to a new level by staying in their beautiful cabins.
Any Home Rental
Located: All throughout the town.
There are many vacation rentals that you can find on Airbnb, VRBO, etc. Many of the lakehouse owners rent their homes out on the weekends that they are not using it. For ultimate privacy, peruse the vacation rental site for a home of your dreams! (Pictured above is the “Industrial Revolution” Airbnb)
With temperatures rising, now is the time to take comfort in ice cream, soft serve, and gelato. The Valley is spoiled for choice when it comes to all that’s cold and creamy, with splendid scoop shops open for takeout every day!
Known for their bright blue “Cookie Monster” ice cream and one of a kind flavors, this spot is guaranteed to hit the spot. Get your scoop in a “milky bun” aka their version of a glazed donut — it is very sweet and satisfying!
Salt & Straw is from Oregon (one of the least sunny places in America), and so you know it is good if people are lining up for blocks in the dead of an Oregon winter for a taste of some ice cream that is that satisfying!
Carmela in Pasadena is scooping daily. The salted caramel is the stuff of legend, but that shouldn’t deter ice cream-goers from trying any of the other flavors on the menu like the lavender honey and strawberry buttermilk.
Magpies Softserve’s two locations in Silver Lake and Tarzana are open for takeout and delivery. Chefs Warren and Rose Schwartz are serving soft serve in single servings, as well as pints, along with soft-serve pies.
Wanderlust Creamery’s four LA scoop shops in Pasadena, Venice, Atwater Village, and Tarzana are open daily. The shop’s globally-inspired flavors, like the Vietnamese rocky
With temperatures rising, now is the time to take comfort in ice cream, soft serve, and gelato. Los Angeles is spoiled for choice when it comes to all that’s cold and creamy, with splendid scoop shops open for takeout every day!
Sweet Rose Creamery is scooping daily for curbside pick-up, takeout, and delivery. For celebrations that require something extra special, the shop is also selling ice cream cakes. Their fudge bars are also incredible.
LA’s original Persian ice cream shop, which has been serving since 1980, is open daily for takeout and delivery. The rose-infused ice cream tastes like springtime and don’t forget to ask for a splash of sour cherry syrup to tame all that sweetness.
Magpies Softserve’s two locations in Silver Lake and Tarzana are open for takeout and delivery. Chefs Warren and Rose Schwartz are serving soft serve in single servings, as well as pints, along with soft-serve pies.
Wanderlust Creamery’s four LA scoop shops in Pasadena, Venice, Atwater Village, and Tarzana are open daily. The shop’s globally-inspired flavors, like the Vietnamese rocky road, can whisk sheltering-in-place tastebuds far away.
Scoops in Highland Park and Torrance are open for takeout. They make all of their ice cream, daily. Yes, each ice cream flavor they are serving up has been made that morning. Grab a pint or two of the shop’s signature brown bread flavor.
This month’s exiting Netflix titles are some classics that you may want to rewatch before they go. As we enter the 6th month of quarantine, these titles are the perfect escape from within your own home. Check out this list, grab the family, and watch these titles included in your Netflix subscription while you can! All of these titles will be available on Netflix until August 31st.
Clueless
This classic just hit the 25th anniversary of its release, and it remains one of the most influential films of the 1990s; it kicked off a wave of teen-friendly re-imaginings of classic literature, as well as the careers of several of its stars (including Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison and Paul Rudd). Its genius style makes it a memorable, quotable comedy.
Jerry Maguire
The writer and director Cameron Crowe nabbed five Oscar nominations for this romantic comedy about a slick sports agent (Tom Cruise) whose crisis of conscience changes the way he conducts his work — and by extension, his life. Cuba Gooding Jr. picked up the trophy for best-supporting actor for his top-notch turn as Jerry’s star client, Regina King is magnificent as that client’s no-nonsense wife, and Renée Zellweger’s heart-on-her-sleeve performance as his unlikely romantic interest turned the then-unknown ingénue into a major star.
The Karate Kid
This 1984 sports drama has been so thoroughly embedded into popular culture, it’s easy to forget that it was once as much of a scrappy underdog as its hero, a New Jersey teenager who moves to California and stumbles into the cross-hairs of a gang of local bullies. Its director, John G. Avildsen, was an old hand at stories like this; he directed the original “Rocky,” and as with that classic, the power of “The Karate Kid” lies less in the conflict at its conclusion than in the complex relationships that lead its characters there.
Tootsie
Dustin Hoffman memorably sent up his own image and reputation with this 1982 comedy, starring as a struggling New York actor whose demands and perfectionism render him unemployable — so he dresses as a woman to get a plum role on a daytime drama. The plot is worked out to screwball perfection, with Larry Gelbart’s uproarious screenplay masterfully overlapping romances, pursuits and deceptions.
Groundhog Day
Harold Ramis begins his 1993 comedy with a delicious (and oft-replicated) premise: What if you were stuck living the exact same terrible day, over and over, no matter what you did? The “Caddyshack” director and his frequent collaborator Bill Murray ingeniously work through the possibilities of their “time loop” and then go a step further, pondering existential questions about the nature of humanity — and about the ways in which a selfish jerk might turn his dilemma into a teachable moment. It’s both uproariously funny and surprisingly warm, featuring some of Murray’s best work.
The recent earthquake left some of us feeling extremely grateful we are prepared for a natural disaster, but also had some of us feeling uneasy and under-prepared. No matter the case, it may be time to check in on your emergency kit. That is, to get it started, check the expiration on items in the kit, and/or add some more items to your kit. We have included a few tips on how to build and maintain a kit below, check them out!
GATHER BASIC SUPPLIES
A basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items: water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days), food (3-day supply of nonperishable food), battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible), flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, dust mask, emergency blankets, moist towelettes, sanitation, and personal hygiene items, multipurpose tool, cell phone with chargers, emergency contact information, extra cash, and a battery supply (solar-powered, if possible).
ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Consider adding the following items to your kit based on the needs of your household: medication (7-day supply), pet supplies (reflective collar and leash, food and water, etc), copies of important family documents (identification, insurance policies, etc) in a waterproof container, prescription eyeglasses, contact solution, antacids, non-prescription pain medicine, infant formula, diapers, wipes, puzzles or other activities for the children, etc.
MAINTAINING YOUR KIT
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed: Keep canned food in a cool, dry place, store boxed food in a tightly closed plastic or metal containers, replace expired items as needed, re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
STORING YOUR KIT
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and cars. Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept, and have close-toed shoes ready for the entire family. Car: In case you are stranded, keep a smaller kit of emergency supplies in your car.
DON’T HAVE TIME TO BUILD A KIT?
There are many emergency kits available online for purchase. If you choose to purchase a kit from online, you should have your basics, but make sure to add anything you need for pets, children, and you! Make sure your kit is fitted to help YOU survive! (Pictured above is a local favorite, “Judy Kit”).
