Rodeo Realty

September 28, 2017

Weekend Events: September 29 – October 1

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome.

Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend (September 29 – October 1) includes Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, LA Beer Fest, Boo at the L.A. Zoo, Los Angeles Chocolate Salon, an open streets fest in Santa Monica, Music Taste Good, Halloween Horror Nights, Crawfish for Cancer and LOTS more.

Enjoy!

Friday September 29th, 2017

1. UnSilent Cinema at FIGat7th (Sept. 28-29) is a two-day showcase of classic silent films enlivened by contemporary live scores. The back-to-back evenings will feature a happy hour in the TASTE courtyard, a DJ at the FIGat7th plaza, plus screenings of The Goddess scored by Juana Molina on Thursday and The Passion of Joan of Arc scored by Julia Holteron on Friday. FREE

2. Back for its 8th year, Wicked Lit is a spooky immersive theatre experience that takes classic and unique horror literature and turns them into plays at the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery every Thursday through Sunday starting Sep 28 and running through Nov. 9. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

3. Eat|See|Hear returns with Front Porch Cinema, a free movie night below the stars every Friday on Santa Monica Pier from Sept. 29 through Oct. 27. This fall film series will also feature music, drinks, and bites before each screening. Guests have the option to rent old-timey lawn chairs on site or bring their own gear. The series kicks off with a screening of La La Land. FREE

4. Downtown Dark Nights at L.A. LIVE will feature $5 food and drink menus, live music, street performers, and a marketplace featuring eclectic goods from local artisans and vendors.

5. Time to get in the Halloween spirit. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride returns to The Old Zoo in Griffith Park from September 29 to October 31. This years theme is “Clown” and features four different freaky zones, a slew of demonic clowns, a corn maze and more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Always Legal To Laugh (Sept. 28-29) is a new comedy series taking place at Hollywood’s historic Montalbán Theatre. The live shows will include material from classic The Second City archives, original sketches about modern cannabis culture, and The Second City’s world-famous improvisation. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. Head over to Torrance for one of the most well-known Oktoberfest celebrations in the L.A. area! Alpine Village Oktoberfest runs Sept. 8 through Oct 28 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy traditional Bavarian food, beer, dancing, and more.

8. Halloween Horror Nights taking place at Universal Studios Hollywood will immerse guests in a three-dimensional world of terror featuring a new slate of mazes, scare zones and a newly designed “Terror Tram” experience. Themes include American Horror Story, The Shining, SAW, Insidious and more.

9. Beyond Fest returns from Sept. 29 through Oct. 10 with 12 days of special screenings from around the globe at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

10. LA City Councilwoman Nury Martinez and CHAMPION CITY present the very first Van Nuys Arts Festival. Highlights include live musical performances, dublab DJ sets, live art murals, a classic car exhibit with a nod to the Van Nuys car culture, family arts and crafts, a silent disco, craft beer garden and food trucks. FREE

11. Pacific Standard Time LA/LA is in full swing with a four-month-long exploration of Latin American and Latino art in relation to the City of Angels. Led by The Getty the high profile event is a collaborative effort with dozens of art institutions across the city. Check out our top highlights here.

12. California Market Center in Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, will open its doors to the public for a big sample sale this Friday. Score fantastic bargains on current styles for women, men and kids. Keep in mind that most showrooms accept cash only, and that you’ll want to bring your own bags.

13. The Actors Gang in Culver City will open their season with Captain Greedy’s Carnival, a musical satire mocking greed, humbug, corruption and predatory capitalism. Follow the story of four innocents who get tricked by a legendary con man. From there on they’ll encounter freaks, illusion, terrifying exhibitions and more. Happening Friday and Saturday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. Wonder Woman at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Armageddon at Montalban in Hollywood.

15. LACMA’s award winning Department of Music Program provides hundreds of free concerts and musical events every year for Angelenos to enjoy. This Friday their jazz series continues at the BP Grand Entrance.

Saturday September 30th, 2017

16. The 36th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival will unite all cultures through music, dance and interactive performances including a Yoruba ground blessing and drum circles. There will also be free guided tours at the historical Watts Towers Arts Center and vendors selling food and arts and crafts. Open to all ages! FREE

17. Crawfish for Cancer is part festival and part fundraiser that takes place around the country. They’ll head to the Santa Monica Pier for their first L.A. event this Saturday with a full day of unlimited crawfish and all the fixings, an open bar and live music to provide an authentic Cajun crawfish experience.

18. It’s Oktoberfest time at Santa Anita Park, enjoy horse racing alongside steins of delicious German beer, a costume contest, a stein-holding competition, German “oompah” music from Bavarian Wunderband and more. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

19. Music Tastes Good comes to Marina Green Park in Long Beach on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 for two days of music, food, and art with music by Peaches, Sleater-Kinney and more.

20. The Pain is Love Tour hits The Microsoft Theater for a night of hip hop featuring Ludacris, Ashanti, Fat Joe, Foxy Brown, Lloyd, Da Brat, Lil’ Mo and more. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

21. The heat is not going anywhere here in L.A. so 1886 Bar at The Raymond in Pasadena will host an Endless Summer Mezcal Party this Saturday. The event will feature one-of-a-kind mezcal tastings, signature 1886 mezcal cocktails, food prepared by The Raymond’s Executive Chef, and beats by DJ Ces.

22. Join firefighting grill masters from around the city as they compete for the ultimate BBQ bragging rights during the Second Annual Fire It Up! BBQ Competition. The day will feature four hours of taste-testing some of the best BBQ in town, grilling celebrities, local firefighters and more. Hosted at the Fire Family Foundation headquarters.

23. Street Food Cinema this Saturday will host an overnight camping event with a special screen of The Lost Boys to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the film. The event will take place at King Gillette Ranch in Malibu.

24. Los Angeles Beer Fest returns for their fall edition at L.A. Center Studios with unlimited beers, live music and food trucks.

25. Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Angel City Brewery this Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. where $1 of every SaazBerry pint sold will go to Keep A Breast, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering young people around the globe to get educated in breast health. The event will also have DJ Kreature spining tunes and the Wheel of Boobies where guests can spin for a chance to win prizes.

26. Get a taste of Whittier’s local flavor during the Uptown Food Festival. This food tasting event will feature unlimited food samples from dozens of local restaurants.

27. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. Get Out at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and The Fifth Element at Montalban in Hollywood.

Sunday October 1st, 2017

28. Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns for a spooktacular season this year with a new “Nocturnal Adventure” maze and favorites like the Zoo’s “Animals and Boo” creepy crawler encounters, a puppet show, pumpkin-carving demos, special animal feedings and other family-oriented fun. Weekends will feature “Fearsome feedings,” during which carnivores will devour their favorite meal – carcasses and bones.

29. Get a taste of a beloved Mexican dish when La Feria de los Moles heads to Grand Park in DTLA. The event will feature special presentations on the origin of mole, representatives from Puebla and Oaxaca and various mole tastings. There will also be delicious pastries prepared and paired with the moles. Entrance is free, while the food is available for purchase.

30. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will transform into a seaport of the damned this Halloween season with terrifying mazes and monsters at every turn like the Iron Master and Graceful Gale. This year they’ll reveal their newest member of the crew, his name is Chef and he’s got a carnivorous kitchen staff with a big appetite. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

31. Come celebrate culture, jazz and community at the 41st Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival. A free day filled with live jazz music, guided tours and art. The event opens with a Yoruba ground blessing followed by performances of various jazz styles from traditional to spontaneous. There will also be free guided tours at the historical Watts Towers Arts Center and vendors selling food and arts and crafts. Open to all ages! FREE

32. The city of Santa Monica presents COAST an annual open-streets event encouraging the community to walk, bike, skate, and scoot through two miles of activated streets. Expect live music and performances, local food, art installations, promotions near the Pier, and more. This free event covers Ocean Avenue from Wilshire Boulevard to Tongva Park and Main Street from Colorado to Pier Avenues. FREE

33. The Angel City Jazz Festival returns to the Ford Amphitheatres in Hollywood honoring the centennial of Thelonious Monk with a tribute to the influential pianist and composer.

34. The Los Angeles Chocolate Salon returns to the Pasadena Center featuring a curated selection of fine artisan, gourmet and premium chocolates. Guests can enjoy chocolate tastings, demonstrations, chef talks, author interviews and an augmented reality (AR) experience.

35. Celebrate the art of the music video during the 7th Annual Los Angeles Music Video Festival, taking place over seven nights from October 1 to 7 at various L.A. locations. This grassroots festival is the largest music video event in the country and includes video screenings, speakers, a juried competition, musical performances, and more.

36. There’s a Sustainable Seafood Expo 2017 happening at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro this Sunday. The expo will educate people on how to limit their marine foot print and sample food from sustainable seafood companies.

37. The Moth is returning to the Broad Stage in Santa Monica for a one-night show titled Leap of Faithon Sunday.

38. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

39. The third annual SlutWalk hosted by Amber Rose will take place at Pershing Square in DTLA. Join fellow activist for an afternoon of unity.

40. The Great Rock and Roll Flea Market will take over The Regent Theater in DTLA with an impressive selection of vintage clothing, jewelry and music memorabilia. FREE

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

September 23, 2017

Economic update for the week ending September 23, 2017

Stocks hit record highs again this week – Stocks were slightly higher this week following large gains the previous week. The Federal Reserve announced that it would begin its balance sheet normalization program next month. They will slowly sell off bonds and mortgage securities they purchased during the recession to help the housing market, lower long term rates, and add liquidity to the economy. They also announced that they would keep the federal funds rate between 1% and 1.25%, which was good news to investors. They said that while the labor market’s strong inflation is below 2%, which is lower than the Fed target rate. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 22,349.59, up from 22,268.34 last week. It’s up 13.1% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,50.22, up from its close last week of 2,500.23. The S&P is up 11.8% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,426.22, down slightly from its all time high at last week’s close of 6,448.37. It’s up 19.4% year-to-date.

Bond yields higher this week – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.26%, up from 2.20% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.80%, up from 2.77% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.

Mortgage Rates rise this week – The September 21, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.83%, up from 3.78% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.13%, up from 3.08% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.17%, up from 3.13% last week. Rates were a little higher at the end of the week so next week’s survey rates could be higher.

California home sales and prices continue to rise in August – The California Association of Realtors released its August Sales and Price Report. Despite tight inventory existing, single family home sales totaled 427,630 in August on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That represented a 1.5% increase month-over-month from July and a 1.3% increase from last August. The Los Angeles region registered a 4.4% gain in the number of sales year-over-year. The median price paid for a home in California was $565,330, up 2.9% from July and 7.2% from August 2016. C.A.R.’s Unsold Inventory Index fell to a 2.9 month supply of housing in August, down from 3.2 months in July, as there were too few new listings to keep up with strong sales growth.

Have a great weekend!
Syd

September 22, 2017

Rodeo Realty's Encino agent Jayson Hooshmand featured in Top Agent Magazine

Featured in Top Agent Magazine is Rodeo Realty’s Encino agent, Jayson Hooshmand.

The article talks about the born and raised San Fernando real estate agent, and how he is able to provide every one of his many satisfied clients with important information that provides them maximum investment benefit.

“I come from a real estate family,” said Jayson. “My mom has been a Broker for thirty years. When I was a small boy I remember going to my mother’s office and watching her work. I kind of got the real estate bug and jumped right into it at the age of eighteen in 2005. Jayson has developed a stellar reputation as an agent who can be depended on to fight for his clients and make the transaction process as smooth as possible.”

According to the article, almost 90% of Jayson’s business is based on repeat and referred clients. Cutting-edge marketing, professional photo, and social media also plays a large part in Jayson’s success.

“I do a lot of email blasts,” he said, “and I do a lot of posting on Facebook and Instagram. I’ll get some really nice photos and then just start blasting them out to all my contacts. I have over 2,000 contacts in my database and they all know when I get a new listing. I use all the platforms that are available to spread the word.”

Another reason for Jayson’s success: a solid work ethic.

“I wake up at 5:30 every morning and review new listings, so I can have them wait- ing for my clients at 6 am. I always try to stay educated and on top of things. I’m always studying the market.”

Read the entire Top Agent Magazine article on Jayson below.

September 22, 2017

Weekend Events: September 22 – 24

This weekend (September 22-24) includes Museum Day Live!, Dino Fest at Natural History Museum, Time Out’s Battle of the Burger, a 90’s Secret Arcade Party hosted by Playboy, the Abbot Kinney Community Fest, a Bloody Mary Festival and LOTS more.

Enjoy!

Friday September 22nd, 2017

1. The 22nd Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Festival happening Sept. 22 to 24 will bring 27,000 fresh Maine lobsters to the South Bay for mouth-watering dishes, alongside an impressive music line-up all weekend! Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. An official Burning Man regional event, the Venice Afterburn comes to Venice Beach’s Windward Plaza on Sept. 22 and 23 offering a less hectic — not to mention less dusty — place to continue enjoying art and creativity after two days on the playa. Open to burners and non-burners alike the event is put on by the folks behind the Venice Art Crawl.

3. The Actors Gang in Culver City will open their season with Captain Greedy’s Carnival, a musical satire mocking greed, humbug, corruption and predatory capitalism. Follow the story of four innocents who get tricked by a legendary con man. From there on they’ll encounter freaks, illusion, terrifying exhibitions and more. Happening Friday and Saturday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

4. Cheer on the Dodgers as they go up against the San Francisco Giants. Spend an evening at iconic Dodger Stadium and dine on the newly revamped menu as you watch the boys in blue. The night will end with a spectacular fire works show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. Black Rabbit Rose, part theater for magic and variety acts and part craft cocktail bar, takes you into their retro-style cabaret shows set in an intimate and mysterious setting. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. LA Confidential at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Dirty Dancing at Montalban in Hollywood.

7. Pacific Standard Time LA/LA is in full swing with a four-month-long exploration of Latin American and Latino art in relation to the City of Angels. Led by The Getty the high profile event is a collaborative effort with dozens of art institutions across the city. Check out our top highlights here.

8. The LA County Fair takes over the Fairplex in Pomona from Sept. 1 to 24 with fair-style foods, live musical performances, carnival-style games, rides, and unique attractions such as an expanded farm section (over five acres) featuring tons of interactive agricultural experiences for guests to enjoy. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

9. Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes is hosting the fourth annual Celebration of Food and Wine (Sept. 22-23) The two day party includes an intimate champagne reception, breakfast on the beach, a cocktail competition, a farm-driven grand tasting dinner, live entertainment, and much more.

10. Movie Under The Stars at Malibu Wines will screen Mama Mia! Admission is free but they suggest each party purchase a bottle of wine. Cheers!

11. The Pasadena Greek Fest happening Sept. 22 to 24 will feature classic Greek dishes, drinks, dancing, kid friendly activities and much more.

12. The Groundlings: The Completely Different Late Show is a hilarious improv show by the cast of the Groundlings’ Main Company. Audience shout suggestions throughout the night for improvisational scenes performed by some of the best in the business. It’s also a testing ground for brand new material for the Groundlings’ main show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

13. The Alchemist’s Lab is an escape room experience putting you right in the shoes of a junior detective at Scotland Yard in the 19th century. Do you have what it takes to uncover the devious plans of the alchemist? Happening throughout the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. Sip wine perched on a iconic L.A. hill that’s also home to an architectural gem at The Barnsdall Art Park’s annual Wine Tasting Nights. Now in its ninth year, the series feature tastings of boutique artisanal wines, along with food trucks, amazing food pop-ups and this Friday includes music from KCRW DJ Marion Hodges.

16. Free admission day: Long Beach Museum of Art.

Saturday September 23rd, 2017

17. Museum Day Live!, is a special day where participating museums across the country will offer free admission to any and all guests presenting a free online voucher. Locally, there will be 10 museums in L.A. County who will be participating! FREE

18. Eat|See|Hear is having a FREE screening of The Goonies at ROW DTLA. FREE

19. For the first time ever, the Bloody Mary Festival will land in L.A. this Saturday. Taking place at Candela the festival will feature some of the best Bloody Marys around town. Some creations will be unique, innovative and some will be old school, attendees will have a chance to taste them all before voting for their favorite.

20. PROUD Movie Night at Grand Park comes to Downtown Los Angeles showcasing short films reflecting the diversity and freshness of creators from the Outfest Fusion Festival. FREE

21. The 2nd annual Dino Fest returns to NHMLA this Sept. 23 to 24 for a weekend of celebrating the prehistoric giants that once ruled the earth.

22. ROW DTLA Block Party is two days (Sept 23-24) of awesome street fair vibes, retail activations, craft workshops, live art installations, yoga, cocktails, food, a free outdoor movie screening of The Goonies, DJ sets and much more! FREE

23. Playboy’s Hidden Arcade event returns this Saturday at Think Tank Gallery for a throwback 90’s Playboy party with classic arcade games, a DJ, drinks and bunnies of course.

24. Head to the Santa Monica Pier and sample wine while catching a live screening of LA Opera’s Carmen. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

25. Stay cool while learning the Winter Olympics sport of curling! Beginner and pros are all welcome. The lesson will feature an excellent introduction to the basics, including sliding stones, sweeping, and game strategy. All equipment is provided. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

26. Los Angeles Green Festival Expo (Sept. 23-24) is a sustainable festival featuring over 200 exhibitors, 50 inspirational speakers and hands-on activities.

27. Cocktails in the City heads to the Los Angeles’ Majestic in Downtown for what they claim as “the largest cocktail festival in California.” Expect 30 bars ready to give guest the unique bar culture LA is recognized for. Each bar is assigned to craft a signature cocktail thats only attainable at the event. Other highlights include a bar school, a craft spirits discovery room, food vendors, live music, and entertainers.

28. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Be sure to check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

29. Street Food Cinema this Saturday they will screen Edward Scissorhands at Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

30. Hosted by the Emerson Avenue Community Garden, the Westchester Arts & Music (WAM) Block Party returns for a fun filled day of celebration featuring live music and dance, art, food and much more. The garden will also be open for tours and will host kid’s art activities. FREE

31. Descanso Gardens presents Wet & Wonderful: A Celebration of Water. This daylong symposium centers on ways to create beautiful gardens and save our water supply. The educational day of programming is suitable for all ages.

32. There’s an opening reception for a new solo exhibition by street artist D*Face taking place at the Corey Helford Gallery. Flyer and images attached. The theme of his solo show is resurrection of romance in the modern era. During the reception the artist will perform a real marriage ceremony in front of a chapel installation inside the gallery. Open to the public from 7 – 11 p.m. FREE

33. The 2nd annual Next Night Block Party taking place on South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, will host a night of fun and partying with highlights that include: live music, food trucks, restaurant specials, a beer & wine garden and pop-up shops.

34. Shop for a great cause! Visit The Humane Society of the United States for a pop-up shop featuring clothing donated by Hollywood celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, Channing Tatum, Kate Mara, Ruby Rose and Jenna Dewan-Tatum. Refreshments and light plant-based bites will be served.

35. Produced by the art collective 11:11 the Reseda Rising Artwalk & Night Market is a special night of art installations, live art, a beer garden, a market featuring artists’ work for sale, a drawing workshop, food trucks, live music and a zine fest. This is a family friendley event as well. FREE

36. The Surf City Dog Competition heads to Huntington Beach for a day of fun in the sun where dogs will catch a few waves before the summer weather is over.

37. The folks at Rooftop Cinema Club are back with two screenings at their rooftop locations. La La Land at LEVEL in Downtown Los Angeles and Wonder Woman at Montalban in Hollywood.

38. Get spooked during Paramount Pictures After Dark Tour: Tales From The Other Side where you’ll hear scandals of yesteryear and the lost souls who haunt the studio lot by moonlight. The tour starts at dusk with champagne as you head into the studio lot where you’ll weave in and out of sound stages and the darkest corners of the infamous backlot. You’ll end the night next door at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

39. Mt. Washington Made is a local craft fair organized by parents at Mt. Washington Elementary School. The annual modern maker marketplace features a variety of local artists, designers, and much more. Event proceeds go toward school programming.

40. UniCon is the first mini convention for “Unicorn Moms” focused on empowering moms to embrace their individuality. Taking place at Sofitel Hotel the day will feature mommy panelists, lifestyle vendors, entertainment, and more.

Sunday September 24th, 2017

41. Help Time Out LA crown the winning champion of the best burger in town during their Battle of the Burger this Sunday. Taking place at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes the burger filled day will feature tastings, Guinness Blonde, friendly competition, music and more. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

42. The 33rd Annual Abbot Kinney Community Festival will feature over 300 vendors, food trucks, rides, games for kids, four music stages and three beer gardens. FREE

43. It’s Fried Chicken Day at Smorgasburg LA this Sunday! Celebrate National Fried Chicken Month by getting your hands on some of the best fried chicken Los Angeles has to offer. Participants include: Hot Star, Rooster Republic, The Nomad Truck serving a fried chicken burger collaboration with Suzanne Goin, BOLO’s fried chicken sandwich in a Hong Kong style pineapple topped butter bun and Baldoria serving their fried chicken and waffle cone.

44. The American Youth Symphony is hosting a FREE concert at UCLA’s Royce Hall this Sunday. FREE

45. Free museum days: Museum of Latin American Art and Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can)

Scedule provided by We Like LA.

September 19, 2017

LAX To Bring Cassell's, Trejo's Tacos, Urth Caffe To New Terminal 1 Food Court

Terminal 1 at LAX will continue its upgrade with the arrival of new food options, including Cassell’s Hamburgers, Trejo’s Tacos, and Urth Caffe.

Eater has confirmed the new restaurants coming to Terminal 1, though, and it appears the terminal will finally get the culinary experience it deserves. One of the most notable arrivals is Cassell’s Hamburgers, the iconic Koreatown institution. The spot reopened in 2015 after the last of the original franchise closed in 2012. It has since been a go-to spot for burgers, pies, and milkshakes, and Momofuku’s David Chang has said that it’s among the best in the world. Eater reports the LAX version will also include a bar, providing “craft beer and batch cocktails for speed” to rushed customers.

Eater has also confirmed that Trejo’s Tacos will arrive in the terminal. Danny Trejo’s various food brands around Los Angeles have blown up recently—he opened Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts and Trejo’s Cantina this summer—and it looks like LAX is his next frontier.

Urth Caffe, Einstein Bagels, Pei Wei, and Chick-Fil-A are also among the new names. The restaurants are slated to open by Labor Day in 2018.

Story by LAist.

September 19, 2017

18 Unique Brunches in Los Angeles

Whether you prefer a boozy breakfast or a more caffeinated morning, few weekend outings top a solid brunch experience.

L.A. always offers up a plethora of places to get your brunch on, but sometimes you want to switch things up from your tried-and-true favorites. That’s where this list comes in.

Do you want to try breakfast pizza in a West Adams party atmosphere with live music? Chilaquiles in a 1920s Spanish-style house in Toluca Lake? Share brunch with your pooch in Mid-City? Listen to live jazz at a luxury retreat surrounded by nature in Westlake Village? Imbibe a breakfast Old Fashioned paired up with duck hash in Playa del Rey? We’ve got choices.

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1. The Mar Vista (Mar Vista)

This gorgeous space, opened in early 2017, is loaded with greenery and features a smartly designed Murphy bed-style stage that can be eased down the wall for frequent musical performances. Dedicated to using “ugly” produce, the Mar Vista’s menu is globally inspired and a refreshing addition to the up-and-coming neighborhood. This Sunday-only brunch is served in the company of chill DJ-spun tunes and live art. Food options include a beautiful “cranked bowl” of yogurt and shredded frozen fruit, chilaquiles, a smoked salmon-loaded baked potato, and a bacon & egg hotpot. Pair them with a bellini or a michelada for a boozy affair. -> More info here

2. Manuela (DTLA)

Located at Hauser & Wirth gallery, Manuela is an art-laden restaurant with a menu heavy on fermenting, pickling, preserving and in-house smoking. Many of the herbs, vegetables and fruit served here are grown right outside in Hauser & Wirth’s garden, while eggs come directly from the 12 rare-breed chickens in the adjacent chicken runs. Brunch offerings include hush puppies with molasses butter, grilled Texas quail with labne, a deer burger, Dungeness Crab Louie, and cinnamon churros with dulce de leche. -> More info here

3. Jane Q (Hollywood)

Located at the just-opened Everly Kimpton Hotel near the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, Jane Q. is a bright, airy, counter-style spot utilizing lots of fresh-off-the-farm produce. For brunch, try the Savannah B.E.L.T. sandwich (pickled green tomato, pimento cheese, bacon candy and a fried egg), the roasted sweet potato with spiced walnuts, yogurt and pickled Fresno chiles, duck confit monkey bread enrobed in mushrooms and melted teleggio cheese, or the avocado parfait. Pair these dishes with an Aperol spritz, Smog City coffee porter, or Sicilian coffee. -> More info here

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4. The Ponte (Beverly Grove)

If the idea of pasta for breakfast appeals to you, check out this casually elegant Italian eatery that’s drawing crowds for its excellent Italian cuisine and superior cocktail list. At brunch, standout dishes include spaghetti pomodoro, which The Ponte’s chef Scott Conant perfected during his years with Scarpetta, and Eggs in Purgatory. A scrumptious take on shakshuka, it features eggs poached in house-made puttanesca sauce atop creamy polenta. Sip on a Lucano Correcto (composed of coffee-infused amaro, rum, coffee liqueur, coffee, chocolate bitters and cream) or the Bloody Mary made with green chile vodka. -> More info here

5. Herringbone (Santa Monica)

This seafood-focused eatery in Santa Monica offers a gorgeous, beachy decor, lush greenery, a playful vibe, and extremely fresh and delicious fish. Oyster fans will want to check out the Salt & Brine Bar’s fresh oysters with kimchi mignonette. At brunch, try the lobster scramble with Maine lobster and caviar, or the crab cake benedict with sriracha hollandaise. You can enjoy endless rose at brunch for $25. -> More info here

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6. Friends & Family (East Hollywood)

Located in East Hollywood’s Thai Town, Friends & Family’s brunch is exceptional, offering dishes like olive oil fried eggs topped with chickpeas, harisa & yogurt with olive toast; baked pancake with rhubarb/blood orange house-made preserves; and duck in the hole (an egg fried within a slice of crusty bread, with a duck drumstick on the side). All the jams, breads and pastries served here are made in house, while heritage grains are used for the baked goods. Standout baked options include summer corn hand pie, spinach breakfast galette, and bacon leek quiche. Cool off with the agua fresca of the day. And who says you can’t finish your meal with a meringue ice cream sandwich? -> More info here

7. Delicious Pizza (West Adams)

Delicious Pizza — from the guys who started Delicious Vinyl — is home to one of the most delicious and unique brunch options in Los Angeles. At their West Adams location, it’s a friendly, multicultural scene that frequently offers live hip hop and jazz on Sundays. Check out the current exhibit at the location’s art gallery, then settle yourself on the spacious back patio to savor brunch selections like the Pick Me Up Pizza (topped with ricotta, mozzarella, homemade sausage and eggs), the Lean Green Pizza (laden with pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, roasted peppers, pureed eggplant, basil and eggs), fluffy ricotta-heavy pancakes and some very tasty sangria. -> More info here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVxmrpOD6Wy/

8. Aroha (Westlake Village)

The only New Zealand eatery in L.A., Aroha is a beautiful, romantic space that’s great for anyone eating gluten-free, as every item on the brunch menu can be made sans gluten. Top brunch dishes include banana pancakes with rum caramel, caramelized pineapple pancakes, and New Zealand venison sausage and eggs. Try a brunch cocktail like the Hamilton (sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, lavender and lemon) or the Aroha Nui (Mount Gay Rum with butterfly pea flower). -> More info here

9. Baltaire (Brentwood)

A beautifully sprawling dining room, a huge patio with a retractable roof, a ridiculously good-looking clientele and a cut-above wine list help make this ultra-glamorous Brentwood steakhouse a superior place for brunch (or any meal, for that matter). Try a glass of rosé with a globally inspired dish like the albacore and salmon poké bowl with yuzu ponzu, avocado, and house-pickled vegetables, Eggs Sardou with artichoke hearts, spinach, and hollandaise on a housemade cheddar-scallion biscuit, roasted cauliflower steak with lentil chimichurri and sunny-side-up egg, or an ahi nicoise with banyuls vinaigrette & peewee potatoes. -> More info here

10. mar’sel at Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)

At mar’sel, enjoy stunning ocean views, exquisite food, and unique drink offerings like the Pacific Granita (a cocktail served tableside and cooled with liquid nitrogen until frozen), seasonal mocktails, and a sangria basket for two. The aforementioned basket offers your choices of three unusual sangrias, including a Pinot Grigio-based sangria with St. Germain, apricot, peach, lavender, gooseberries and a carafe of Prosecco for topping up. Notable brunch dishes include grilled wagyu with roasted bone marrow rice, bok choy, yuzu aioli, and a 65-degree egg; buttermilk fried chicken with a green juice shooter, kimchee, and wild arugula; and black-ink flatbread served with a soft scrambled eggs, diced pancetta, shaved pepato cheese and red chili. -> More info here

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11. The Bellwether (Studio City)

How do you improve on a Bloody Mary? Find out at The Bellwether in Studio City, where Mama Betty’s Bloody Mary is not only made from vodka infused in-house with habanero, but is also garnished with an adorable mini BLT. This Studio City eatery also features Pimm’s Cups, cocktails on tap, and brunch dishes like Eggs in Purgatory (baked in spicy tomato sauce with Calabrian chili, ciabatta bread and pecorino), the Ploughman’s Burger with Branston pickle and clothbound cheddar, or a vanilla kouign-amann. -> More info here

12. Sawyer (Silver Lake)

Serving up seasonal California cuisine with a nod to Southern U.S. influences, this Silver Lake eatery, inspired by Mark Twain’s classic Tom Sawyer, is a beautiful, airy space offering superior cocktails and seafood-centric fare. Try brunch on their lovely patio, enclosed with birch trees, olive trees and vibrant bougainvillea on chilly days the roaring fireplace can be seen put to use. Standouts include smoked trout salad with horseradish creme fraiche, Maine lobster roll, the catfish po’ boy, pork loin breakfast sandwich and cornmeal blueberry pancakes. -> More info here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWYABmUDYy9/

13. Ray’s & Stark Bar (Mid-Wilshire)

Situated next to LACMA behind one of L.A.’s most iconic photo sites/artworks —- Chris Burden’s Urban Light — Ray’s recently instituted its “Barky Brunch,” with a menu of canine-friendly dishes, including a chicken liver and brown rice cookie, a steamed chicken and broccoli bowl or a giant bone shaped pizza crust. Their human companions can brunch on dishes like a crispy pork belly sandwich with scrambled eggs and arugula; Croque Madame with béchamel, pistachio ham, aged gruyere, fried egg, and rosemary; or eggs tartine with Maitake mushrooms. -> More info here

14. The Tripel or Playa Provisions (Playa del Rey)

Brooke Willamson’s two Playa del Rey restaurants both offer great brunch experiences. Like the idea of a beer-centric brunch? Then visit The Tripel, known for its amazing beer flights. Here you can savor unique brunchy fare like the sweet carrot farrow with wilted kale, linguica, poached egg, and truffle pecorino, or duck hash with lobster-salted peewee potatoes, duck confit, fried egg, pancetta, and vinegar-cooked greens. At Playa Provisions, you can gaze upon the beach, listen to live jazz, sip the Breakfast Old Fashioned (bourbon, cold brewed coffee, Frangelico, and chocolate bitters) and partake in a coconut chia seed pudding, a bagel topped with beet-cured salmon, or Nutella and banana French toast. -> More info here and here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH-aWt0Braa/

15. Cascabel (Toluca Lake)

This unique Mexican restaurant is housed within a beautiful 1920s Spanish house with original details. Exposed beams, wooden floors, windows made of leaded or stained glass, seating made of turquoise velvet or burnished leather, and an enormous snake painted on one of the walls all contribute to the very cool decor at Cascabel. Serving Mexican food with a strong L.A. influence, you’ll want to sip on a rosewater margarita, a michelada or a jamaica sangria while enjoying dishes like smoked bacon guacamole, chile relleno with chorizo, shrimp and chile soup, toast topped with anchovies, or chilaquiles with sesame salsa. To really enliven an already festive scene, Cascabel will soon feature live Latin Rock bands during Sunday brunch. -> More info here

16. The Raymond (Pasadena)

Housed within a 19th-century Craftsman house, The Raymond is a gorgeous spot to get your brunch on. Tucked away off Fair Oaks Avenue the location transports guests into a serine hideaway from the bustling streets of Pasadena. At 1886, The Raymond’s bar, talented mixologists painstakingly create some of the best cocktails in Los Angeles. A perfect brunch libation is the gin-based Ramos Fizz, lightly fragranced with orange-flower water and topped with frothy egg white. Or you may want to try a whimsically named cocktail such as the Foghorn Leghorn (made with peach black tea-infused bourbon) or the mezcal-based Woody Woodpecker from the new Cartoons & Cocktails menu. Brunch-time standouts include grapefruit brûlée, apple fritters with maple syrup, avocado eggs benedict topped with chipotle hollandaise, and savory breakfast tacos stuffed with lightly gamey house-made lamb bacon, avocado, black beans and fried eggs. -> More info here

17. Four Seasons (Westlake Village)

Located in Westlake Village, the verdant Four Seasons Hotel is an outstanding place to get away from it all. Lushly landscaped and surrounded by mountains, the resort offers a Jazz and Champagne Brunch every Sunday on its gorgeous Waterfall Lawn. Listen to live jazz as you sip champagne and enjoy the farm-to-table buffet featuring freshly made sushi, crab legs and other seafood, fresh-baked bread, organic produce and much more. -> More info here

18. Valerie Confections (Echo Park)

Valerie Confections offers up tea and dishes that pair well with it, their recently expanded tea program includes small-batch artisanal tea brands offering robust flavors like velvet cacao, blood orange, and smoky green akinomori houjicha. Settle in on the shaded patio with a hot, aromatic cup as you enjoy dishes like kale and goat cheese bread pudding with a fried egg, the croque madame with onion marmalade, or an herb-and-goat-cheese scone. -> More info here

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

September 18, 2017

Planning Commission approves two-tower project near LA Live

The Los Angeles City Planning Commission gave its approval Thursday to a massive mixed use project set to rise across the street from LA Live.

The project, proposed by developer Shenzhen Hazens, would replace the existing Luxe City Center Hotel on Figueroa Street with a pair of towers rising from a flashy podium structure. Previous plans called for three towers, but the developer recently unveiled an alternative design consolidating the project into two structures.

The taller tower, designed by Steinberg Architects, would rise 49 stories and include 435 units of housing. The other structure, designed by Gensler, would be a 29-story hotel tower operated by W Hotels. It would have 300 rooms (significantly more than the 178 offered at Luxe City Center).

The two buildings would be connected by a three to five-level podium adorned with digital signs—in keeping with plans for many of the new projects planned for the Figueroa Corridor.

In addition to the hotel rooms and housing units, the project would also feature a total of 58,959 square feet of commercial space, including shops, bars, and restaurants. A total of 738 parking spaces for cars and 654 spots for bikes would be found in a four-level subterranean parking lot.

A pair of public plazas would be located at the base of the development, intended to provide a pedestrian connection to the project along Figueroa Street and at the corner of Figueroa and Olympic Boulevard.

Now approved by the planning commission, the project will next go before the city council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee.

Article courtesy of Curbed.

September 16, 2017

Economic update for the week ending September 16, 2017

Stock market indexes hit record highs – Markets closed the week at record highs as news that an outline of a tax reform plan would be released later this month. Recent compromise on other issues had investors feeling that tax cuts or tax reform could improve prospects for growth in the coming years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 22,268.34, up from 21,797.79 last week. It’s up 12.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,500.23, up from its close last week of 2,461.43. The S&P is up 11.7% YTD. The NASDAQ closed the week at 6,448.37, up from last week’s close of 6,360.19. It’s up 19.8% year-to-date.

Bond yields higher this week – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.20%, up from 2.06% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.77%, up from 2.67% last week. Mortgage rates follow treasury bond yields so we watch bond yields carefully.

Mortgage Rates unchanged last week – but higher by week’s end – The September 14, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.78%, unchanged from 3.78% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.08%, unchanged from 3.08% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.13%, down slightly from 3.15% last week. Rates rise at the end of the week and are now slightly higher.

Consumer Prices rise in August – The Labor Department reported that its Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent in August after edging up just 0.1 percent in July. August’s gain was the largest in seven months and lifted the year-on-year increase in the CPI to 1.9 percent from 1.7 percent in July. Economists had forecast the CPI rising 0.3 percent in August and climbing 1.8 percent year-on-year. Gasoline prices surged 6.8% for consumers as refineries shut down due to hurricanes. This should just be a temporary spike and added to the CPI increase. The Core CPI, which strips out volatile food and energy, increased 0.2% in August. Year-over-year Core CPI has increased 1.7%. Inflation, while a little higher in August, is still below the Fed’s target level.

Have a great weekend!
Syd

September 15, 2017

Rodeo Realty's Beverly Hills agent Jimmy Heckenberg reps buyers who purchased home of 'Game of Thrones' Lena Headey

Lena Headey, known as Cersei Lannister on “Game of Thrones,” has sold her home in Sherman Oaks.

Rodeo Realty’s Jimmy Heckenberg represented the buyers, who purchased the property for $2.05 million—$105,000 above the asking price, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Aside from the LA Times, the sell has also made headlines on Curbed, Mansion Global, and Observer.

The 1950s Midcentury Modern-style home has been remodeled with contemporary finishes and expanded into a two-story.

The property comes with five bedrooms, and 4.5 bathrooms. Features include a living room with a brick-surround fireplace, a family room, an ample patio space, a swimming pool and an outdoor shower.

To read the LA Times feature on this sale, click HERE.
Curbed, HERE.
Mansion Global.
Observer.

September 15, 2017

Los Angeles Officially Named Host For 2028 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to name Los Angeles as host for the 2028 Summer Olympics. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti signed the host city contract in Lima, Peru shortly thereafter, officially locking in L.A.’s plans to host the Olympics for a third time. L.A. previously hosted the games in 1984 and 1932. The city of Paris was awarded the 2024 games, which L.A. had previously been vying for.

The success of L.A.’s bid had been all but a done deal since July 31, when L.A. reached an agreement with the IOC after weeks of negotiations. “It has been certainly a roller coaster,” L.A. bid chairman Casey Wasserman told the L.A. Times at the time.

“This is a momentous day for the people of Los Angeles and the United States. For the first time in a generation, we are bringing the Games back to the City of Angels,” Garcetti said Wednesday, according to City News Service. “L.A. loves the Olympics because the Games have lifted up our city twice before. But to us, the Games have always represented an even brighter future and the chance to harness the power of sport and the Olympic Movement again to inspire the next generation—for the next 11 years and beyond.”

L.A. City Council approved bringing the Olympics to L.A. in 2028 in a unanimous vote last month, despite not yet having an approved budget for the new bid. Meanwhile, a growing coalition of local activists known as NOlympics LA has been protesting the forthcoming games, which they argue will bring increased displacement and police militarization to the city. “Despite the fact that the IOC has awarded LA the bid to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, the fight isn’t over,” NOlympics organizers said in a statement released late Tuesday night.

Article by LAist.