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Top Local Wine Bars | L.A. Eats

Los Angeles is a city where the wine bar culture is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From the sun-drenched streets of Santa Monica to the artistic vibes of Highland Park, each spot offers a unique experience for both the casual sipper and the connoisseur. Below is a curated list of some of the city’s most distinctive wine bars, each bringing its own flavor to the table, whether you’re seeking a lively atmosphere, a quiet retreat, or a place to discover new favorites.

Holcomb

Location: 5535 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Highland Park’s Holcomb defies the expectations of a typical wine bar with its relaxed and welcoming vibe. The natural, organic, and biodynamic wines are perfectly complemented by dishes like the mussel escabeche. Whether you choose to sit indoors, on the cozy patio, or take in the neighborhood energy from a sidewalk table, Holcomb is all about savoring the moment.

Wife and the Somm

Location: 3416 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

In Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm feels like a hidden gem. This intimate wine bar offers a well-curated selection of wines paired with simple yet satisfying bites. From cheese and charcuterie to hearty dishes like braised short ribs, it’s a go-to spot for both a relaxed evening or a leisurely brunch on the patio.

Good Clean Fun

Location: 868 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Downtown’s Good Clean Fun is anything but your standard wine bar. The focus on natural wines pairs seamlessly with the vibrant atmosphere, where you might find a DJ spinning tracks while you indulge in a plate of seasonal white pesto rigatoni or pasta pomodoro. Wednesdays bring an added treat—a $15, three-glass wine flight that draws in both locals and visitors.

Adams Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Location: 5357 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Adams Wine Shop & Wine Bar, established by the late sommelier Ruben Morancy, is a tribute to diversity in winemaking. With a focus on wines crafted by women and BIPOC, the selection ranges from splurge-worthy to budget-friendly. Regular happy hours make it a neighborhood favorite, with food available from Alta Adams whenever the kitchen is open.

Stanley’s Wet Goods

Location: 9620 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

Stanley’s Wet Goods in Culver City is as much a social hub as it is a wine bar. Regular tastings and events, often featuring producers from esteemed regions like Sonoma or Spain, keep things lively. Pair your glass with a charcuterie board or meatballs, and grab a seat—whether indoors or out—on a first-come, first-served basis.

Esters Wine Shop & Bar

Location: 1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

A decade since opening, Esters Wine Shop & Bar remains a Santa Monica favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for an informative chat at the bar, a joyful happy hour with friends, or a simple yet satisfying dinner, Esters offers a welcoming space to enjoy great wine and good company. Choose your own adventure, and let the evening unfold.

1010 Wine and Events

Location: 1010 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302

Sisters Leslie and LeAnn Jones have brought Inglewood its first wine bar with 1010 Wine and Events, creating a gathering place for locals to stay close to home while enjoying sips. With nearly 90 percent of bottles coming from Black-owned producers, the selection is thoughtful and inclusive. The menu also boasts Champagne, beer, and dishes like salmon sliders and Creole-style shrimp risotto.

Mirabelle Wine Bar

Location: 12518 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607

For a touch of romance in the Valley, Mirabelle Wine Bar in Valley Village is a charming choice. Owned by David Gibbs, the bar leans towards Old World wines that exude classic elegance. Whether inside at the bar or outside on the expansive patio, it’s an ideal spot for an intimate evening under the glow of string lights.

Baby Battista

Location: 3111 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Tucked beneath Nico’s in Atwater Village, Baby Battista offers a cozy escape with its vintage decor and laid-back atmosphere. The build-your-own meat and cheese plates are a highlight, perfectly complementing the eclectic wine list. Keep an eye on their event calendar for community gatherings that make this underground spot a true neighborhood favorite.

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Our Favorite Local Libraries | Out & About

Libraries are often seen as serene places, but they’re more than just rows of books; they’re community hubs, places of learning, and for many, an ideal spot for remote work. The Los Angeles area boasts an array of libraries that are perfect for getting lost in a book or for getting work done. Here’s a glimpse at some of the top ones:

Los Angeles Central Library (Downtown LA):

This iconic library in the heart of downtown LA isn’t just a haven for book lovers, but it’s also an architectural wonder. With its rich history and expansive reading areas, it’s no surprise that many choose it as their remote working spot.

 

Westwood Branch Library (West LA):

A quieter retreat in bustling West LA, this library offers a comfortable workspace, complete with reliable WiFi and plenty of power outlets.

 

Studio City Branch (San Fernando Valley):

Located in one of LA’s most vibrant neighborhoods, this library is a favorite amongst locals for its cozy ambiance and extensive collection.

Thousand Oaks Library (Conejo Valley):

Beyond its massive collection of books, the library also hosts regular events, making it a hub for community engagement.

Santa Monica Public Library (West LA):

A stone’s throw away from the beach, the Santa Monica Public Library is a modern establishment that offers state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated study rooms and spaces for workshops.

Woodland Hills Branch Library (San Fernando Valley):

Situated in the Valley, this library provides a peaceful atmosphere, ample workspaces, and plenty of resources.

Malibu Library:

While slightly away from the main areas mentioned, Malibu Library deserves mention for its beautiful location and up-to-date facilities. Plus, it’s hard to beat the idea of working with a view of the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

Our Take:

Libraries are more than just repositories of knowledge. In today’s fast-paced world, they provide a quiet refuge for those looking to work, study, or simply unwind. The Los Angeles area is fortunate to have such a diverse and robust library system. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or nestled in the valleys, there’s a library waiting to welcome you.

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Garden-Friendly California Birds and How to Attract Them | Home Tips

If you enjoy unwinding outdoors while watching birds and listening to their melodies, why not create a garden that attracts California birds right to your doorstep? We’ve compiled a list of common backyard birds in Southern California, along with tips to entice them closer to your home.

Allen’s Hummingbird

With vibrant shades of orange and green, the small and dainty Allen’s hummingbird is especially common close to California’s coast. Plant nectar-rich flowers to attract these birds into your California garden.

Morning Dove

Gentle and pretty with a soft cooing call, morning doves often appear in pairs. You’ll spot them pecking around a bird feeder and on the ground, and they prefer to feast on nuts, seeds, and berries.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Another nectar-loving California bird, Anna’s hummingbird, with its green and pink plumage, creates colorful flashes as it flits from flower to flower. When you plant tube-shaped flowers like scarlet gilia, chuparosa, and penstemon, it’s relatively easy to attract these lovely birds into your garden.

Plumbeous Vireo

The migratory plumbeous vireo is a small gray songbird who likes to hang out in the treetops. They eat an array of common garden insects, which typically live on native flora. Plant trees and bushes to attract the plumbeous vireo’s favorite food.

American Robin

Known for its striking orange chest feathers, the American robin sings a joyful song all day long. They eat diverse foods, from earthworms and insects to seeds, fruit, and nuts.

White-Crowned Sparrows

Most commonly spotted during the winter months, white-crowned sparrows take their name from the striking white and black stripes on their heads. The small California birds will sometimes come to a feeder, though you’ll also see them on the ground picking up seeds dropped by other birds.

House Finch

A regular visitor to bird feeders in California’s gardens, the small house finch eats various fruit and seed. You can tell the males and females apart by their colors; while female house finches are brown, the males have reddish-pink heads and chests. The house finch is among the most spotted California birds.

Northern Mockingbird

One of the most beautifully sounding backyard birds in Southern California, the northern mockingbird sings almost all day long. They tweet out various ditties, putting plenty of character into their tunes. Indeed, you may at first think you’re listening to a chorus of several birds. Fruit trees and bushes are particularly appealing for northern mockingbirds, and you may see the small gray birds perched on power lines and tall shrubs.

Even More Yard-Friendly California Birds

Other enchanting avian species that may visit your SoCal garden include:

  • California Towhee
  • Nuttall’s Woodpecker
  • Lesser Goldfinch
  • Bushtit
  • California Scrub-Jay
  • Black Phoebe
  • Bewick’s Wren
  • American Crow

You may also spot California’s state bird — the California quail. You’ll have the best chances of attracting the quail if you have dense shrubbery where the bird can feel safe and if you sprinkle seed on the ground.

Tips for Attracting Cali Birds

There are several ways you can make your garden more appealing to birds:

  • Plant a variety of flowers, trees, and bushes
  • Offer mixed bird food, such as small pieces of fruit, commercial bird seed, and mealworms at a bird table
  • Hang feeders from tree branches
  • Install a bird bath
  • Install bird nesting boxes
  • Keep cats indoors

Essentially, offering food, water and shelter can help to bring a variety of charming California birds into your garden.

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Economic Update | Week Ending August 10, 2024

Economic news for the week – Following last Friday’s jobs report where the unemployment rate came in at 4.3% a panic hit global markets. This was not due to 4.3% being a high unemployment number, it was because of the speed in which the unemployment rate has risen from 3.6%, a 60-year low, to the current 4.3%. In the past, a .5% jump in the unemployment rate average in a 3-month period over the previous 3-month period was a signal of a recession starting. Global and US markets sold off on Monday due to fears that the U.S. may be heading to a recession. For example, the Dow was down 1,000 points on Monday after falling over 700 points last Friday. Fortunately, by Tuesday investors were beginning to feel that recession fears were overblown and that the Sham Rule, named after the person, who found that a .5% jump in unemployment over consecutive 3-month periods signals a recession, may not be something to rely upon when the initial 3-month period begins with near-historic low unemployment levels. On Tuesday markets began to settle. On Thursday markets jumped and made up most of Monday’s huge losses when first-time unemployment claims came in well below expectations, solidifying the feeling that unemployment fears were overblown. Next week is going to be a big week for economic news. We have two inflation gages coming out. PPI (Producer Price Index) which shows wholesale price inflation and CPI (Consumer Price Index) which shows consumer price inflation. The Fed will be lowering interest rates. Depending on the level of inflation, and the unemployment rate, it’s just a matter of how far and how fast they will come down from the current “restrictive” 25-year highs to less restrictive levels.

Stock markets dropped sharply this week on recession fears – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 39,497.54, down 0.6% from 39,727.26 last week. It is up 5.4% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,344.16, unchanged from 5,346.56 last week. The S&P is up 12.2% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 16,745.30, unchanged from 16,776.16 last week. It is up 11.8% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields dropped sharply this week – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.94%, up from 3.80% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.23%, up from 4.11% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields. Even though bond yields are up for the week, they are well below where they were two weeks ago. Last Friday, the 10-year dropped from 4.18% the week before to 3.8% within hours after the unemployment rate was released. On Monday, the 10-year hit 3.68%, its lowest level in a year. Unfortunately, as investors began to feel that the panic was overblown, they left the safety of bonds and went back to stocks. As stock markets recovered U.S. bond yields went back up.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 8th, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.47%, down from 6.73% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.63%, down from 5.99% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

July home sales figures will be released next week by the California Association of Realtors and the following week by the National Association of Realtors. You can get that data now for your county, city, or zip code at RodeoRE.com.

Have a great weekend!

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Mortgage Rate Update | August 8, 2024

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of August 8th, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.47%, down from 6.73% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.63%, down from 5.99% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

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From Palantir AI to NASA and more! | Tech News

From Palantir AI to NASA and more, the tech world is buzzing with new advancements and partnerships. TikTok’s Spotlight hubs enhance engagement with movies and TV shows, while Instagram expands its carousel post capacity. Apple’s iOS 18 update will support Adaptive Lighting for Matter devices, improving smart home functionality. Meanwhile, NASA and SpaceX prepare for astronaut returns amidst ongoing challenges with Boeing’s Starliner. Read on for this week’s tech news round-up!

Apple Home’s Adaptive Lighting to Support Matter Devices with iOS 18

With the upcoming iOS 18, Apple Home will enable Adaptive Lighting for smart lights connected via Matter, the interoperability standard from Apple, Amazon, and Google. This feature, which adjusts the color temperature of smart lights throughout the day, will now work with a broader range of brands. Nanoleaf’s CEO, Gimmy Chu, confirmed extensive testing of this feature on their Essentials Matter lights, making them one of the first to launch Adaptive Lighting on Matter products. Previously limited to HomeKit devices, this update promises a more seamless experience for users with diverse smart light brands, enhancing the functionality and accessibility of smart home lighting.

Palantir Partners with Microsoft for US Defense and Intelligence Services

Palantir and Microsoft have announced a partnership to deliver services for classified networks in US defense and intelligence agencies. This collaboration integrates Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service with Palantir’s AI Platforms in Microsoft’s government cloud environments, enhancing national security missions. Known for data analysis and surveillance, Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has a significant client base including ICE, police departments, and private companies. The partnership aims to operationalize large language models for critical missions, leveraging Palantir’s AI capabilities. Palantir’s commercial business is rapidly growing, with a significant share price increase in 2024.

Instagram Doubles Content Limit for Carousel Posts

Instagram announced an expansion of its carousel posts, allowing up to 20 photos or videos per post, up from the previous limit of 10. This update aims to enhance user experience by enabling more content in a single post, useful for collaborative posts and storytelling. The carousel feature, introduced in 2017, now also supports music pairing and collaborative content. This change aligns Instagram more closely with TikTok, which allows up to 35 photos per post. The new feature is rolling out globally today.

Trek Introduces BellBeats: A Versatile Bluetooth Speaker for Cyclists

Trek’s new BellBeats is a compact Bluetooth speaker for cyclists, featuring eight quick-access alert tones to effectively signal pedestrians and vehicles. Mounted on handlebars, the speaker offers sounds like a metal bell or train horn, triggered via a thumb button. Designed to be more noticeable than traditional bells, BellBeats includes ambient tones for trail riding and can play music, audiobooks, or GPS directions. It boasts a six-hour battery life, built-in volume controls, and an IP67 waterproof rating. Priced at $99.99, BellBeats is currently available through local retailers, with direct purchases from Trek coming soon.

TikTok Introduces Spotlight Hubs for Movies and TV Shows

TikTok’s new feature, TikTok Spotlight, will create in-app hubs for movies and TV shows linked directly from fan-made videos. These links, appearing in the bottom-left corner of relevant videos, lead to pages with information about the title, cast, related content, and where to watch or buy tickets. This feature, initially seen with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Dune: Part Two, is curated through technology and human review based on hashtags, keywords, and clips. While creators aren’t paid for these links, they may receive exclusive incentives. Entertainment companies can use analytics to track trends and manage their content’s use on TikTok.

NASA Prepares Contingency Plan for Astronaut Return from ISS

NASA announced a contingency plan to bring astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams back from the ISS early next year. If their Boeing Starliner spacecraft remains unsafe, the backup plan involves SpaceX’s delayed Crew-9 mission. Initially, the astronauts were to return shortly after their June 5th launch, but ongoing issues with Starliner have extended their stay. NASA prefers using Starliner, but if necessary, SpaceX will send two astronauts to the ISS in late September, reserving seats for Wilmore and Williams to return in February. A final decision is expected by mid-August.

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Weekend Events | August 9 – 11

Say hello to the weekend! This week’s round-up of local events has arrived right on time to ste your schedule for fun. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood August 9 through August 11. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | August 9 – August 11 

Nisei Week Japanese Festival

When: August 8 – August 18, 2024

Where: Little Tokyo

What: This two-weekend celebration of Japanese culture features martial arts displays, tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and more. The festivities attract crowds of nisei—first-generation Japanese Americans—culminating in a grand parade and the coronation of the Nisei Week Queen.

 

Roaring Nights at the L.A. Zoo

When: July 13 – September 14, 2024

Where: L.A. Zoo

What: Experience the zoo like never before at this special after-hours exploration series, returning for two nights featuring ’80s cover bands and a silent disco. Exclusively for guests 21 and over, you can explore the zoo at your leisure or gain insights from pop-up zookeeper talks and live animal encounters. Let loose at live performances by local bands and dance the night away at the carousel. Enjoy popular local food trucks and a full bar to keep the festivities lively.

 

World’s 50 Best Bars Showcase

When: Until August 10

Where: Roosevelt Hotel | Hollywood

What: The Roosevelt’s lobby bar will host weekend pop-ups from World’s 50 Best Bars honorees over the next few months. The lineup includes 1930 Cocktail Bar (Milan) in August, Carnaval (Lima) in September, Zapote Bar (Playa del Carmen) in October, and Baba au Rum (Athens) in November. Ticketholders can enjoy each bar’s signature drinks, including nonalcoholic options, and bar bites. In August, 1930’s bar manager, Benjamin Fabio Cavagna, will showcase his passion for rare whiskeys and spirits.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events  | August 9 – August 11 

Roll @ Santa Monica

When: Until October 14 

Where: Huntington Beach 

What: Ahead of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenues icy winter transformation, the location will feature a roller rink. From August 10 to October 14, Roll @ Santa Monica invites you to enjoy two-hour skating sessions with rental skates available.

Garden Concerts for Kids

When: August 3 – August 18 

Where: The Getty

What: Enjoy kid-friendly performances in the Getty’s stunning Central Garden during this summertime concert series. Picnic blankets are welcome, but lawn chairs are not permitted.

OC Fair

When: Until August 18 

Where: Costa Mesa

What: Combine fried food, carnival attractions, and the occasional rodeo or demolition derby, and you get the OC Fair. What began as a quaint event in 1889 has evolved into a nearly month-long festival.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events  | August 9 – August 11 

Agatha’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party

When: August 9

Where: The MAIN | 24266 Main Street | Santa Clarita

What: Join Agatha’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party presented by ME Main Productions, where the famous novelist, struggling to find an ending for her new book, invites Sir Conan Doyle, Houdini, Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley, and other guests to dinner, hoping they will solve the mystery for her!

 

Crepe Paper Roses Workshop

When: August 11

Where: Tansy | 2120 West Magnolia Boulevard Burbank

What: Join our Crepe Paper Roses workshop at Tansy and craft lifelike roses from delicate crepe paper! Perfect for all skill levels, this hands-on session, guided by an expert crafter, includes all materials. Enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts as you experiment with vibrant colors and intricate techniques. Create lasting memories and take home a beautiful handmade bouquet! 

 

Movies on the Roof

When: Until August 31 

Where: Sherman Oaks

What: Grab a seat on the rooftop of Westfield Fashion Square’s parking garage for this outdoor film series. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, enjoy a variety of classic movies like Top Gun, La La Land, The Sandlot, Clueless, and more.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events  | August 9 – August 11 

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

When: Until August 21 

Where: River Ridge Fields | 2501 Ventura Road, Oxnard

What: The 2024 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, presented by American Airlines, invites fans to attend practice sessions in Oxnard from July 25th through August 21st. All practice sessions open to the public will be held at the River Ridge Playing Fields, adjacent to the Residence Inn at River Ridge, located at 2501 West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard. Fans can watch the Cowboys in action starting with the first workout on Thursday, July 25th, through the final open practice on Wednesday, August 21st.

 

Movies in the Park

When: Until September 14 

Where: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd, Moorpark

What: The City of Moorpark presents Movies in the Park at Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Movies start at dusk, with gates opening an hour earlier. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Vendors will be available, or you can bring your own snacks. No animals allowed, except service animals. 

 

Ventura County Fair

When: July 31 – August 11 

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds | 10 West Harbor Boulevard

What: Get ready for a fun-filled day at the fair with arts and crafts, delicious food, exciting exhibits, live demonstrations, adorable farm animals, a petting zoo, thrilling carnival rides, games, and non-stop entertainment!

 

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

When: Until August 21 

Where: River Ridge Fields | 2501 Ventura Road, Oxnard

What: The 2024 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, presented by American Airlines, invites fans to attend practice sessions in Oxnard from July 25th through August 21st. All practice sessions open to the public will be held at the River Ridge Playing Fields, adjacent to the Residence Inn at River Ridge, located at 2501 West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard. Fans can watch the Cowboys in action starting with the first workout on Thursday, July 25th, through the final open practice on Wednesday, August 21st.

 

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Our Favorite Local Chinese Restaurants | LA Eats

From savory broth-filled dumplings to artisanal hand-pulled noodles, we’re spotlighting the finest Chinese eateries in town this week. Dive into our curated list of the top dining spots around the city!

RiceBox

Location: Los Angeles

For a hip and modern approach to Cantonese cuisine, look no further than RiceBox. This LA eatery is the perfect place to enjoy custom rice. Take a bite out of dishes like black soy-poached chicken or crispy seven-spice pork belly. As far as Chinese restaurants go in Los Angeles, you won’t be disappointed with the array of options at RiceBox.

Hui Tou Xiang

Location: Los Angeles & San Gabriel

Known for its namesake hui tou dumpling, Hui Tou Xiang has perfected the pan-fried dumpling. Their rendition is a delectable dumpling stuffed with pork or beef with chile oil that’s scratch-made and available for sale by the jar. In addition, the Hollywood Hui Tou Xiang location offers a full cocktail menu and a speakeasy vibe.

Lan Noodle

Location: Arcadia

If you are looking for Lanzhou-style noodles, make your way to Lan Noodle in Arcadia. This Chinese restaurant bowls are made to order, with customers able to watch the noodle master pull and stretch from scratch. The noodles at Lan Noodle require a special kind of wheat flour to get the perfect ‘QQ’ (chewy) texture. In addition, LAN sources local beef to make a broth that is simmered for 10 hours every day and topped with housemade chile oil.

Bistro Na’s

Location: Temple City

As the only Michelin-starred restaurant in San Gabriel Valley, Bistro Na’sis also the first American restaurant to serve China’s imperial cuisine. The recipes at this Temple City eatery were originally intended for royalty. In addition, all of the recipes have been passed down through generations of chefs who worked in the imperial kitchen. 

Chengdu Taste

Location: Alhambra

For fiery Sichuan cooking, make your way to Chengdu Taste. Enjoy signature dishes like the diced rabbit with “younger sister’s secret recipe.” This Chinese restaurant’s Sichuan-style mung bean jelly noodles with chile sauce are also a must. In addition, there are other great dishes like mapo tofu, and toothpick lamb with cumin. 

Sichuan Impression

Location: Alhambra & West L.A.

When it comes to Chinese restaurants with a wide selection of Sichuan dishes, Sichuan Impression tops the list. From hot-and-numbing wontons to noodles and entrées like kung pao chicken or harder-to-find items like mung bean jelly tossed in chili oil, there are many options to choose from. In addition, Sichuan Impression has tasty desserts, like a brown sugar rice cake and pumpkin mochi wrapped around red bean paste.

Din Tai Fung

Location: Glendale & Century City

We could not have a list of the best Chinese restaurants around town without Ding Tai Fung! The restaurant is always busy and buzzing, and for good reason. The eatery has multiple locations around town with a wide variety of bites to choose from. Enjoy tasty soup dumplings, plates of noodles, rice dishes, stir-fried vegetables, and more.

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Best Design Showrooms in Town | Out & About

Are you a homeowner looking for the perfect interior design for your home? Maybe you are a real estate buyer or seller in need of the most fitting design for your house. Well, you are in luck, as Southern California is home to an array of design showrooms that offer multiple designs and setups for you to choose from. The following is a list of design showrooms to look at:

1. Kreiss – West Hollywood

This family-owned store has been in business for over 75 years. Kreiss offers an exclusive furniture collection with a casually elegant and timeless style. Their design portfolio is known worldwide for giving what is popularly known as “The California look”.

2. Hammer and Spear – Los Angeles

Founded in 2013 by husband and wife Scott Jarrell and Kristan Cunningham, Hammer and Spear is not only a showroom but also a multidisciplinary design studio. It comprises a team of interior designers, architects, and product designers. This design showroom is thoughtfully curated with impressive furniture and accessories that truly depict the couple’s love for creating inspiring and memorable spaces for its clients.

3. Grayson Luxury – Beverly Hills

This showroom in Beverly Hills is well known for its luxuriously crafted home interiors. With its blend of the traditional with the modern, Grayson Luxury is the fitting interior design destination for a traditional, sophisticated homeowner with a modern sensibility.

4. Stansbury Collection – Santa Monica

Founded by Armand Stansbury, this showroom has been in existence for 30 years. Stansbury Collection is known for its locally-made custom furniture that is masterfully built in only seven days with an eye-catching design that adds an elegant feel to the comfort and splendor of your home.

5. Scandinavian Designs -Venice

Boasting over 30 showrooms, Scandinavian Designs is a family business with over 50 years of experience in the design industry. The home furnishings here are of contemporary style. Scandinavian Designs are inspired by Nordic culture, modern style, and quality craftsmanship.

6. Croft House – Los Angeles

Located 1.2 miles away from Mid-Wilshire, Croft House aims to represent the sophisticated and comfortable feel of the California lifestyle through its handmade statement furniture.

7. Nathalie Interior Motives – Tarzana

With its experienced specialists in residential design projects, Nathalie Interior Motives seeks to formulate areas that integrate comfort and elegance with ergonomic expertise and sustainable design.

8. Westside Remodelling – Newbury Park

Having been in existence for over 30 years, Westside Remodelling has built a solid reputation throughout the Conejo Valley. The quality of their work has landed them features in Architectural Digest, L. A Home and Remodelling, and the L.A Times. The design experts here specialize in residential design-build and remodeling.

9. Luxe Interior Design and Drapery – Calabasas

Founded in 2004, Luxe Interior Design and Drapery helps people formulate the home of their dreams. The designers here specialize in blending one’s taste with a balance of accessories to create comfortable and memorable spaces.

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