14 Romantic Restaurants In Los Angeles

Who needs Paris? Whether you’re looking for a dinner lit by a candle or the dying embers of a sunset, Los Angeles has plenty of places to set the mood. We’ve come up with a list of top notch eateries from French-meets-Californian to creative Asian fusion. There are restaurants with garden patios under twinkling lights, cozy tables by a crackling fireplace, and places that give off sexy Mad Men vibes.

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Terrine (Photo via Facebook)

Terrine

Terrine serves stellar French cuisine with a Californian twist. Its ambiance is romantic and intimate yet lively. We love dining outdoors in their patio, which is covered by the leafy arms of a massive tree. Twinkling, strung lights and heat lamps give this brasserie a warm and inviting vibe. Expect seared foie gras, butter and garlic escargot, and roasted duck on this menu. And don’t skip out on the cocktails here—a Winter Daiquiri or Mr. Menottis Hot Buttered Coffeemight just get you and your date to let loose for a bit.

Terrine is located at 8265 Beverly Blvd., Beverly Grove, (323) 746-5130

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Yamashiro Hollywood (Photo via Facebook)

Yamashiro Hollywood

Sometimes Yamashiro gets overlooked as a destination spot for romance because it’s been around for so long (and it just seems so obvious!). But this is a place that continues to deliver: when you pull up in your car at the valet and walk to the front gate of the Japanese palace-style restaurant, you can’t help but be in awe of how grand the whole place looks. High up above Hollywood, you get a perfect, unobstructed view of the skyline. The perfect time to get seated is during sunset. Make sure you get a table by the windows so you can watch the sun set and the city light up from above. The real winners on the Asian fusion menu are their shoyu glazed black cod and spicy tuna on crispy rice. They have a refreshing Moscow Mule served in copper mugs. After dinner, make sure to take a stroll through the Japanese gardens on the property. Take a seat on the garden benches for some intimate chats. And take in the 600-year-old pagoda outside that hails from Japan.

Yamashiro Hollywood is located at 1999 N Sycamore Ave., Hollywood, (323) 466-5125

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Estate restaurant (Photo by Ryan Tanaka, courtesy of Estate)

Estate

If you want to go to a place to impress your date, head on over to Estate, which is dazzling both in its decor and cuisine. Downstairs, you’ll find a gorgeous restaurant: dimly lit with hanging exposed-filament bulbs and white brick walls, lined with bookshelves and plush banquettes. The Asian-fusion-meets-California-cuisine from chef Hisashi Yoshiara is playful and creative. You can make a whole meal out of the shareable appetizers, like the natural Canadian scallop, crispy spun potatoes covering a ball chock-full of juicy scallops; and the crab slider, a peekytoe-blue crab cake sandwiched between pillowy-soft squid ink buns. Do splurge for the lamb chops or the whole branzino. After dinner, head upstairs to Estate’s The Guest Room, a speakeasy lounge that you enter through a hidden door. This is a cozy and intimate bar with plenty of comfy couches and bar stools. For some refreshing cocktails, try the Eastside or Miami Vice. The Guest Room is normally open Thursday through Sunday nights, but make sure you check with the restaurant before you go if you want to visit it because they sometimes book it for events.

Estate is located at 1519 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 394-7722

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Commissary (Photo via The Line)

Commissary

Where else in L.A. besides Commissary can you get the magical experience of eating some Roy Choi dishes inside a greenhouse? The restaurant is upstairs at The Line Hotel in Koreatown right next to the outdoor pool. You can wine and dine in a glass building filled with potted plants and a sleek bar. The menu arrives in a stamped, addressed envelope, and the music is always fun. The pan-Asian and New American dinner fare is on the healthier side, with appetizers that focus on veggies and fruits. But you can still get heartier dishes like veal short rib stew and New York strip. And it’s a great spot to toast champagne to hopefully, a successful date.

Commissary is located at The Line Hotel at 3515 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown, (213) 368-3030

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Shojin (Photo via Facebook)

Shojin

Don’t let the fact that Shojin is inside a Little Tokyo mall near an arcade and Korean BBQ spot fool you, this place is legitimately romantic. The black-out curtains keep out the harsh lighting from the mall, and once you step inside, you’re transported into a classy, candlelit restaurant with chandeliers, floral arrangements and paintings decorating the space. The last time I went, jazz music was playing in the background, if you need the mood to be perfect. And here’s the kicker, this place is an organic Japanese vegan sushi and macrobiotic restaurant—and the food is delicious. You really can’t go wrong with any of their items, from a spicy “tuna” on crispy rice to a Dynamite Roll. Even for the meat eaters (like myself), the vegan dishes are tasty and approachable, and there are also gluten-free options.

Shojin is located at 333 S. Alameda St., Suite 310, Little Tokyo, (213) 617-0305

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Little Beast (Photo via Little Beast)

Little Beast

Little Beast is a little slice of heaven in Eagle Rock. This unpretentious and casual neighborhood spot is a place where you can go on a date or even a double date. Little Beast is housed inside a 1911 Craftsman bungalow with a throwback vibe. For ultimate X’s and O’s, request a table in the restaurant’s back patio, which feels like you’re in someone’s backyard. Wooden tables, colorful and distressed metal chairs, and strung lights decorate the space. The food is killer, too. Their menu changes seasonally, but some of the kinds of dishes you can expect are of the comfort-food variety, like coq au vin and braised short ribs. They also cater to the vegetarians with dishes like mushroom risotto.

Little Beast is located at 1496 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock, (323) 341-5899

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Perch (Photo via Facebook)

Perch

Up above the hustle and bustle of downtown L.A., you can find a chill French bistro and bar overlooking the city’s skyscrapers. It’s the kind of place where you can have dinner first or even some appetizers to share, and then hang out at the bar on the patio, which is decked out in trees decorated with little twinkling lights. Cozy up together on the couches by the fireplaces and fire pits on chilly nights.

Perch is located at 448 S Hill St., downtown L.A., (213) 802-1770

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Viviane (Photo courtesy of Viviane)

Viviane

Although the recently opened Viviane is better known for brunch, we love the nighttime vibes of this Mad Men-esque restaurant. The eatery is situated inside of the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, but it spills outside to the pool area. This is where we’d choose for a quiet, romantic date. Stay warm by the outdoor heat lamps, and dine by candlelight on the mid-century modern furniture. Try Chef Michael Hung’s complex and flavorful dishes, like the delicious filet mignon carpaccio, and handmade linguine with geoduck and Manila clams in a white wine sauce. The Old Fashioneds and Manhattans are worthy of Don Draper himself. And, hey, if things go really well, just remember you can always get a room at the hotel afterwards.

Viviane is located at Avalon Hotel at 9400 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, (310) 407-7791

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Kristy’s (Photo via Kristy’s Wood Oven & Wine Bar)

Kristy’s Wood Oven & Wine Bar

Nothing spells romance like a dinner with views of the ocean. The quaint Kristy’s Wood Oven & Wine Bar in Malibu sits on a bluff. The restaurant’s large windows face out to the beach and the eatery’s garden, making it the perfect spot for a sunset dinner. It’s really a wonderful way to end a day at the beach. While you can get at least seven kinds of pizza at Kristy’s—from a prosciutto with mascarpone to scallops with spinach and applewood smoked bacon—you can also get other heartier dishes like rack of lamb and grilled ahi tuna. They also have plenty of wine to help you and your date unwind.

Kristy’s Wood Oven & Wine Bar is located at 6506 Westward Beach Rd., Malibu, (310) 457-2602

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Cliff’s Edge (Photo via Facebook)

Cliff’s Edge

One of our favorite Silver Lake date spots is Cliff’s Edge. The outdoor and tranquil dining area is where it’s at, an area shrouded by different kinds of trees and bamboo. There are plenty of Moroccan-style pillows decorating the cushioned benches throughout the patio. At night the restaurant is the most charming, with little lights strewn above diners turning on, and candles lighting up the tables. The heat lamps keep you cozy and warm. The menu has a wide range of our favorite star items like burrata, crispy octopus, duck and scallops. They also have a lovely cheese selection.

Cliff’s Edge is located at 3626 W Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 666-6116

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Faith & Flower (Photo via Faith & Flower)

Faith & Flower

We’ll just say it: Faith & Flower is a very hip and classy establishment. The design is a modern twist on Art Deco. There are sparkling chandeliers, cozy midcentury modern booths and tables, walls with golden sunbursts and lit candelabras. The food and cocktail program is spectacular here, featuring inventive creations that meld together different cuisines, from Asian to Italian and Spanish.

Faith & Flower is located at 705 W 9th St., downtown L.A., (213) 239-0642

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Daily Dose Cafe (Photo via Facebook)

Daily Dose Cafe

If you want a more casual yet romantic spot, head on over to Daily Dose Cafe. This restaurant serves more of your usual cafe fare—like organic sandwiches and coffee—but we mostly go there for the ambiance. Order your food at the counter, but make sure you secure a table out in their red-bricked alleyside patio. Little yellow lights are strung across the top under the stars. It’s a refreshing hideaway in the Arts District.

Daily Dose Cafe is located at 1820 Industrial St., downtown L.A., (844) 932-4593

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The Lobster (Photo via The Lobster)

The Lobster

Even though it’s in a touristy area, the Lobster is still a romantic hotspot for couples since it overlooks the Santa Monica Pier. As the sun dips into the ocean, you can catch a nighttime view of the glowing Ferris wheel as you nosh on butter-poached lobster and steamed mussels. And since the beach is so close, you can have a nice stroll along the water’s edge after dinner.

The Lobster is located at 1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 458-9294

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The Little Door in Santa Monica (Photo via The Little Door)

The Little Door

The blend of French, Moroccan and Mediterranean decor at the Little Door offer a magical setting for romance on the Westside. Inside the cozy restaurant, you’re met with crackling fireplaces. Outside in the garden patio Moroccan tiles line the walls and lights hang up above. As sexy as the restaurant is, the food is just as enticing. Scallops are wrapped in bacon, seared foie gras serves as the filling for a savory-sweet baklava, and cod is crusted with porcini mushrooms and brioche.

The Little Door is located at 246 26th St., Santa Monica, (310) 310-8064

 

Article courtesy of the LAist

Stocks give up early gains; Yahoo drops

The stock market was heading for a second loss in a row Wednesday. Banks and retailers, which would stand to lose the most if the economy slows down, led the declines. Chipotle Mexican Grill fell sharply as the company disclosed a federal investigation into its E. coli outbreak, and Yahoo sank after the troubled Internet company announced layoffs and plans to sell businesses.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down 114 points, or 0.7%, to 16,042 as of 11:12 a.m. EST. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index slid 20 points, or 1.1%, to 1,882 and the Nasdaq composite fell 71 points, or 1.6%, to 4,445.

SAFETY: Investors moved money into traditional safety plays: dividend-paying companies, U.S. government bonds, and precious metals.

The Dow Jones utility index, a basket of 15 utility companies, rose 1%. That index is up more than 8% this year. Utilities and other dividend stocks are popular at times of uncertainty because they provide a regular return and are large, mature businesses that tend to stand up well during economic downturns.

Bond prices rose. The yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year note fell to 1.83% from 1.85% the day before. Gold rose $12.10, or 1%, to $1,139 an ounce.

BANKING ISSUES: Financial stocks were getting another beat-down. Investors worry that lenders could suffer if more energy companies default on their loans. They also think the Federal Reserve might postpone its interest rate increases. Those increases would help banks earn more money by raising the rates they charge on loans.

Bank of America fell 52 cents, or 4%, to $12.72. Morgan Stanley fell 68 cents, or 3%, to $23.83. JPMorgan Chase fell $1.26, or 2%, to $55.76.

ENERGY RECHARGE: Crude oil prices recovered some ground after two days of steep losses. New York crude gained $1.47, or 5%, to $31.36 a barrel. Brent crude, used to price international oils, jumped $1.65, or 5%, to $34.39 a barrel in London.

EUROPE WANING TOO: Among the economic worries this week, added to the mix Wednesday were renewed fears over the slowdown in Europe. A purchasing managers survey by Markit fell in January, a sign that the turmoil in global financial markets is beginning to weigh on business.

CUTBACKS: Yahoo slumped $2.10, or 7%, to $27 after the company announced late Tuesday that it would cut 1,700 jobs and sell some of its struggling businesses.

ON A DIET: Chipotle fell $28.87, or 6%, to $447.83 after the company said the E. coli outbreak at its stores hurt sales more than anticipated. Chipotle also disclosed it is under investigation by federal regulators over the outbreak.

Hollywood & Vine Could Get a Stylish New Hotel for Millennials

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Travelers’ options for a hotel in Hollywood seem to be growing by the day, with a bunch of new projects planned, under construction, or recently opened (like the hip, non-exclusive Mama Shelter) across the ‘hood. Add one more to the list, though: Urbanize LA hears (viaBisnow) that stylish microunit, Millenial-targeting hotelier citizenM has dropped $7.5 million on a lot north of Hollywood and Vine.

The lot measures .27 acres and has a stubby commercial building on it. The spot is also right across the street from the cool Redbury hotel and right up against the controversial proposed Millennium Hollywoodproject; it’s also pretty close to the Red Line’s Hollywood/Vine station.

The Amsterdam-based citizenM brand has hotels in popular European destinations (London, Paris, Amsterdam), plus two in New York(Times Square and underway in the Bowery).

The Best Nachos In Los Angeles

Whether we’re sharing a plate with friends, getting ready to watch a game or soaking up a night of drinking, a towering plate of nachos is always a winner. From cheese-drenched, old school versions with jalapeños and guacamole to creative new twists like kimchi, L.A. has plenty of excellent options for one of our favorite feasts. Here are our favorite nachos around town, and as always, feel free to share yours in the comments.

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Carmen’s Original Nachos at El Cholo (via Facebook)

EL CHOLO

Considered by many as the granddaddy of nachos, the historic El Cholo, which first opened in 1923, claims to have introduced Los Angeles to nachos back in 1959. The story goes that longtime waitress Carmen Rocha, who passed away in 2009, brought an old recipe for the now-ubiquitous dish from her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. “Carmen’s Original Nachos (1959)” features tortilla chips doused with plenty of melted, shredded cheese, and topped with jalapeños and the optional—but encouraged—house salsa and sour cream. You can also opt for the “Sonora Style Nachos (1983)” with the added bonus of beans and guacamole.

El Cholo is located 1121 S Western Avenue, Harvard Heights, (323) 734-2773; 1037 S. Flower Street, downtown, (213) 746-7750; and 1025 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, (310) 899-1106.

CARNITAS MICHOACAN

This old-school, no frills taco stalwart serves up a mean plate styrofoam box of super cheesy nachos. For the Super Nachos, crispy tortilla chips are drenched in molten cheese, which can be topped with a variety of meats—though we definitely recommend carne asada. We also suggest topping it off with the pickled carrots and jalapeños for a spicy kick, and for a refreshing bite ask for the cilantro and onions. If you’re taking the order to go, definitely ask for the cheese on the side to avoid a soggy mess. If you’re looking to mix things up, order the Papas Nachos where french fries take the place of the chips.

Carnitas Michoacan is located at 1901 North Broadway, Lincoln Heights, (323) 225-2729; 741 South Soto Street, Boyle Heights, (323) 266-7188; 15039 Roscoe Boulevard, Panorama City, (818) 830-1196.

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Komodo’s Kimchi Nachos (Photo by Desi Mendoza)

KOMODO

If you weren’t already won over by Komodo’s Asian-inspired mash-ups, like their ramen burritoor the recent, limited-time return of their phoritto, you’re definitely going to want to check out their Kimichi Nachos. These bad boys are stacked with fried corn tortilla nachos, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and then covered with hot kimchi, bacon, chicken, green onions, sour cream, jalapeños and, of course, sriracha aioli for good measure. If you’re a kimchi fan, get in here.

Komodo is located at 8809 West Pico Boulevard, Pico-Robertson, (310) 246-5153, and 235 Main Street, Venice, (310) 255-6742.

MY TACO

This family-run, vibrantly-decorated Highland Park taco spot has made a name for itself with their barbacoa de borrego, which features super tender and beautifully spiced lamb, as well as their addictive carne asada fries. You can go with the small or large version (go large!) of their nachos, which are topped with a healthy dose of melted nacho cheese, sour cream, beans, tomato, and guacamole, and your choice of a wide variety of meats if you wish. While carnitas, carne asada and chorizo are all solid choices, we definitely recommend the lamb. With chef Jorge Garduño, a Cordon Bleu grad, at the helm, you’re in good hands.

My Taco is located at 6300 York Boulevard, Highland Park, (323) 256-2698.

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Loteria! Grill’s nachos (Photo via Facebook)

LOTERIA GRILL

We’ve been big fans of Loteria Grill ever since their start at the Original Farmers Market. And now that they’ve expanded to multiple locations around town, we’re happy to report they haven’t lost their flavor, charm or their reliable nacho recipe. Grab a seat with your nacho-loving friends and order up a plate of their house-made, crispy tortilla chips, topped with black beans, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, jack cheese, onions and cilantro. And for a heartier feast, add shredded beef or chicken. We also recommend taking advantage of their house salsas, particularly the fiery and flavorful chipotle.

Loteria Grill has locations in Studio City, Hollywood, Santa Monica, downtown, Westlake Village and Beverly Grove. More info here.

SWINGERS

With mixed-dietary-needs company late at night? Hard to go wrong with Swingers’ vegan nachos: blue corn chips topped with all the usual fixings (black beans, house-made guac, pico de gallo and green onions) but capped off with soy cheese and soyrizo. They’re so satisfying that even a hardcore carnivore won’t mind or even notice the difference. You can still order steak & eggs and their wonderful peanut butter & banana shake, no one’s stopping you. —Carman Tse

Swingers Diner is located at 8020 Beverly Blvd in Beverly Grove, (323) 653-5858, and 802 Broadway in Santa Monica, (310) 393-9793.

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Cheesy nachos at Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac Café (via Facebook)

MANUEL’S ORIGINAL EL TEPEYAC CAFÉ

While most crowds gather for the famous Hollenbeck burrito or the hulking, five-pound “Manuel’s Special,” the nachos at this classic Boyle Heights (and City of Industry) institution are not to be missed. The house chips are doused with your choice of melted cheddar or jack cheese (or both!) and beans, and served with huge scoops of guacamole and sour cream. Take things up a few notches by adding the pork chile verde, carne asada or chicken. Manny, the legendary owner who passed away in 2013, would be proud.

Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac Café is located at 812 N Evergreen Avenue, Boyle Heights, (323) 268-1960, and 13131 Crossroads Parkway South, City of Industry, (562) 695-2277.

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Nachos from Tinga (Photo via Facebook)

TINGA

Tinga brings a welcome, artisanal-twist to the standard nacho equation and their Cochinita Pibil nachos are some of our favorite. Topped with orange and achiote-marinated pork that is sweet, smoky and spicy all at once, these nachos are covered with habanero salsa, Monterrey jack, guacamole, pico de gallo, pickled red onions and queso fresco. The Chicken Tinga version is a respectable option as well, and if you’re looking for the vegetarian version, check out the Black Bean and Goat Cheese.

Tinga is located at 142 South La Brea Avenue, Hancock Park, (323) 954-9566, and 522 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, (310) 451-9341.

GUS’S BBQ

Since 1946, Gus’s has been winning hearts with their delicious, pecan wood-smoked BBQ and comfort classics, and they bring a killer smoked meat game to the nacho party. Their pulled pork nachos are no mere appetizer, despite being listed on the menu as such. They top crispy, house-made tortilla chips with pulled pork, BBQ baked beans, a molten four-cheese sauce, smoked mozzarella, jack cheese, and then heavily garnish it with guac, tomatoes, red onions, pickled jalapeño, and plenty of house BBQ sauce. The whole thing is fired up in a cast-iron skillet and is always a crowd pleaser. If you’re looking to mix things up, ask to swap out the pulled pork for their super tender brisket.

Gus’s BBQ is located at 808 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, (626) 799-3251

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Nachos! (Photo courtesy of Brite Spot)

BRITE SPOT

This Echo Park diner is perfect for a late-night fix after a show at the Echo, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’ve refined their nacho game. Their veggie version features freshly chopped tomatoes, onion, jalapeño and cilantro, as well black beans, cheddar, sour cream, and an excellent house-made guacamole. For a couple bucks more you can make them un-veggie by adding chicken. And don’t forget to order a slice (or two) of their amazing house-made pie.

Brite Spot is located at 1918 Sunset Boulevard, Echo Park, (213) 484-9800.

CASITA TACO AL CARBON

Located in a Burbank strip mall, this Mexican eatery offers hefty plates of nachos with all the toppings. The popular choice is the carne asada nachos which, in addition to the steak, comes abundantly topped with cheese, guac, sour cream and pico de gallo. Might seem simple enough, but you’re going to have to bring a few friends because these plates are huge. —Juliet Bennett Rylah

Casita Taco Al Carbon is located at 405 North Victory Boulevard in Burbank, (818) 848-3242, and 11300 Magnolia Boulevard, North Hollywood, (818) 508-8118.

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Pig Ear Nachos at Petty Cash (Photo by Ron Dollete via the Creative Commons on Flickr)

PETTY CASH

Petty Cash offers two bold twists on the typical nacho platter, both for meat-eaters and veggie-lovers alike. You’ve likely heard about their deservedly headline-grabbing Pig Ear Nachos, topped with crema poblana, Fresno chilies, a runny egg and, yes, crispy pig ears. But if that’s not to your liking, both of their locations also feature their refreshing and satisfying Roasted Cauliflower Nachos with crema poblana, jack cheese, rainbow cauliflower, kale, and pickled fresno chilies. You also can’t go wrong with one of their signature margaritas or one of their craft cocktails to help wash down your nachos.

Petty Cash is located at 7360 Beverly Boulevard, Fairfax District, (323) 933-5300; and 712 South Santa Fe Avenue, Arts District, (213) 624-0210.

CASA GARCIA

Nestled into a strip mall in Pico Rivera, this tiny outpost has earned a decidedly reverent following for their signature Chile Verde Nachos. Loaded up with incredibly tender chile verde pork, tons of shredded jack cheese, beans, sour cream and a heaping scoop of guac, these nachos are a delicious force to be reckoned with. You’re also definitely going to want to hit them up with a healthy dose of their bright red house salsa.

Casa Garcia is located at 8528 Whittier Blvd, Pico Rivera, (562) 948-3776

 

Article courtesy of the LAist

U.S. markets recover after weak start due to oil, economic worries

The stock market was able to recover from steep losses to close slightly lower on Monday as investors looked past another steep drop in oil prices and renewed concerns about economic growth in China and the U.S.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 17.12 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,449.18 after being down roughly 150 points earlier in the day. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 0.86 points, less than 0.1 percent, to 1,939.38 and the Nasdaq composite rose 6.41 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,620.37.

Stocks had been lower most of the day after separate reports showed manufacturing slowing last month in both the U.S. and China. The reports initially caused a sell-off in commodities, notably energy and industrial metals like copper. The price of U.S. benchmark oil plunged $2, or 5.9 percent, to $31.62 a barrel in New York. Natural gas also fell about 6 percent.

But as the trading day drew to a close, investors began to buy up utilities and other dividend-paying stocks. The Dow Jones utility index, a collection of 15 utility companies, rose nearly 1 percent on Monday. Telecommunications stocks, another traditional dividend play, posted the second-biggest gains in the S&P 500.

J.J. Kinahan, chief strategist at TD Ameritrade, said part of the reason dividend stocks did better than the rest of the market was speculation that the Federal Reserve, faced with a more uncertain economic environment, would likely not raise interest rates as fast as investors had thought at the beginning of the year.

Dividend stocks perform poorly in a rising interest rate environment, because the value of the yield on dividend stocks gets worn away as yields rise on bonds and other dividend-paying investments.

“We’re looking at probably only two (interest rate) raises this year instead of four, and that makes dividend stocks look relatively attractive again,” Kinahan said.

Energy stocks, not surprisingly, were the biggest losers on Monday, following the price of oil lower. The energy component of the S&P 500 fell nearly 2 percent, versus the nearly flat performance of the broader market.

Southwestern Energy declined 39 cents, or 4.4 percent, to $8.50, Transocean dropped 63 cents, or 6 percent, to $9.79 and Chesapeake Energy fell 18 cents, or 5 percent, to $3.21.

In other company news, Alere jumped $16.91, or 46 percent, to $54.11 after Abbott Laboratories announced it was purchasing the health care company, which is focused on diagnostics, for $5.8 billion. Abbott Labs shares rose 60 cents, or 2 percent, to $38.45.

U.S. government bond prices fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 1.95 percent. The dollar fell to 121.02 yen from 121.10 yen on Friday. The euro strengthened to $1.0893 from $1.0829.

Prices for precious and industrial metals closed mixed. Gold rose $11.50 to $1,127.90 an ounce, silver gained 10 cents to $14.34 an ounce and copper slipped a penny to $2.06 a pound.

In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline lost 4.9 cents to $$1.083 a gallon, heating oil fell 4.2 cents to $1.037 a gallon and natural gas plunged 14.6 cents to $2.152 per 1,000 cubic feet. In London, Brent crude fell $1.75 to $34.24 a barrel.

 

Article courtesy of the LA Times

Jordana Leigh of Rodeo Realty Represented the Buyers in the Purchase of Kerry Washington's Hollywood Hills Home

Actress Kerry Washington of “Scandal” and her husband, retired NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, have sold their home in Hollywood Hills West for $2.68 million — just under the $2.695 million asking price.

The fenced-and-gated French Country-style house, built in 1926 and since updated, sits up from the street and takes in views of the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory.

The 3,855 square feet of white-walled space includes a rotunda entry, a living room with a fireplace, an updated kitchen and a gym.

The master suite has a custom walk-in closet and a tiled bath for a total of five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and a powder room.

French doors open to a wooded setting with a courtyard, an outdoor living room and large lawn. Stone-lined paths wind through the three-quarter-acre grounds to chauffeur’s quarters, a guesthouse, a swimming pool and a basketball half-court.

There’s also a two-car garage.

The couple bought the property two years ago from actress and comedian Nicole Sullivan for $1.865 million.

James Foreman of Sotheby’s International Realty was the listing agent. Jordana Leigh of Rodeo Realty repped the buyer.

Washington, 38, is known for her leading role on the television drama “Scandal.” Her film credits include “The Details” (2011), “A Thousand Words” (2012) and “Django Unchained” (2012).

Asomugha, 34, spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, making three Pro Bowls as a defensive back.

More recently, the former first-round pick out of UC Berkeley has taken on acting, appearing in episodes of “Friday Night Lights” and “Kroll Show.”

 

Article courtesy of the LA Times

Peter Maurice of Rodeo Realty Represents Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell in Purchasing an Investment Property

Actors Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell have bought a duplex in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles for $800,000 and put both units up for lease at $2,400 a month.

Set within a slatted wood fence and gated entry, the duplex was recently remodeled and features bleached walnut and tile floors, pendant lighting and crisp white interiors.

Each residence includes an updated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, a living room and dining area. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and washer/dryers in each unit.

A small patch of grass, two single-car garages and an additional parking area are within the grounds, which has front and rear exits.

The property came to market in October for $799,000, records show. It previously sold for $345,000 in 2007.

Morgan Pasco of Morgan Real Estate Group was the listing agent. Peter Maurice of Rodeo Realty repped the buyers, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

Shepard, 41, is known for his roles in the films “Without a Paddle” (2004) and “Employee of the Month” (2006) as well as the TV series “Parenthood.” He will direct and appear in the upcoming film “CHiPs,” based on the 1970s television drama.

Bell, 35, gained notoriety for the television series “Veronica Mars” (2004-2007). Among her film credits is the 2008 comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” (2008) “Couples Retreat” (2009) and “Frozen” (2013).

 

Article courtesy of the LA Times