Best places for Thanksgiving Dinner in L.A.

Alright, so your no Curtis Stone in the kitchen and thats ok. With Thanksgiving creeping up sooner than Holiday songs on the radio, we’ve rounded up your go-to “go out” options to spare you the culinary turmoil. So put the deep fryer back in storage and ditch your Mom’s famous stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving the L.A. way.

Akasha

Akasha

Culver City

This Thanksgiving-Akaska in Culver City is dishing out their take on modern California inspired fair. The menu is pre-fixe and full of items like the persimmon-and-pomegranate salad, gluten-free cornbread and herb-roasted organic turkey. In the mood for dessert, enjoy an entire “pie buffet”. Need we say more? Reservations are from 1-8pm and prices are listed as $80 for Adults; $35 for Children (10 and under). 

Polo Lounge

Polo Lounge

Beverly Hills

Nothing is more quintessential Beverly Hills then the Polo Lounge and Thanksgiving in the Pink Palace is nothing short of luxury. Also offering a pre-fixe menu selection(like most restaurants in L.A. on a holiday), the pairings do not disappointment. Opt for the traditional Turkey-organic of course-or take a chance with something outside the box, there menu always pleases. And be sure to save room for dessert as the Sweets buffet will be serving a range of customer confectionaries courtesy of their in-house pastry team. Their Brunch will be hosted 11am-3pm with dinner commencing at 5pm-8pm, with the fixed menu priced at $175 per Adult, $60 per Child. 

Bourbon Steak

Bourbon Steak

Glendale

If Glendale is your local, Bourbon Steak is your destination this Turkey Day. Their three-course dinner will feature traditional-roasted heritage turkey with sage stuffing and cranberry compote. Or opt for the exotic like pan-seared scallops with roasted cauliflower and tamarind brown butter. Not feeling the bird, there’s also an 18-ounce dry-aged, bone-in ribeye. If that catches your feasting eye, reservations are available from 2-8pm at $75 with wine pairings available at an additional cost.

Craft

Craft Century City

Century City

Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant rings in the day of thanks with family-style starters like their pork belly with butternut squash and sage, and entrees like braised lamb, fish and pasta. Share a range of family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisen stuffing and Brussels sprouts. Lastly is of course a premium selection of Fall-inspired desserts, artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. Reservations are available 1-8pm with menu pricing offered Ala Carte.

Crossroads Kitchen

Crossroads Kitchen

Melrose

For the none Turkey-Eaters (and just non-meat eaters in general), Crossroads is a perfect plant based option. While the idea of such may seem oft for this particular Holiday, Crossroads is a cut above the rest in offering dishes that beguile its patrons as to wether or not its just plants. This year’s menu is four courses of autumn-appropriate dishes like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg creme fraiche; spiced chickpea cake with cranberry cabernet sauce, and mashed potatoes with porcini gravy. Stimulate your dessert senses with delights like their pumpkin mousse verrine. Hours for the evening are noon-5pm with the menu priced at $75 pp.

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant

Gwen LA

Hollywood

You didn’t think we’d mention the famed chef with out spotlighting his holiday menu? Chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost-Gwen already amazes with decadent classic fare every day of the week and the Thanksgiving Menu holds to that tradition. Dishes like the white onion veloute pair perfectly with traditional heritage turkey and his green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a selection of perfectly prepared pies and your absolutely acceptable 4th glass of wine. This festive fete is offered 2-6pm at $75 pp.

Cecconi’s

Cecconi’s

Melrose

Your possibly thinking, Italian for dinner how strange? While the famed West Hollywood eatery dishes out the best southern Italian fare in the L.A. area, their thanksgiving feast is every bit as traditional as you would hope and savor over. Served family style, the courses provide the same familiar heartiness found in their comfort dishes mixed into America’s favorite cuisine. Indulge on porcini corn bread stuffing, squash tortellini and truffle mashed potatoes, as well as a selection of seasonal sweets including apple-pecan crostata. Thanksgiving with an Italian touch is served at $95 pp from noon-10pm. 

Cafe Pinot

Cafe Pinot

DTLA

This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. Dinner is served 2-8pm, with a $70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; and $29 per child 10 and under.

Playa Provisions

Playa del Rey

Take Turkey to the beach at Playa Provisions, which is offering a downright steal of a meal: just $38 to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. This is a highly kid-friendly option, but if you’re looking for something a bit more adult, round the corner to Playa Provisions’ whiskey bar, Grain, which will be offering à la carte holiday specials in liquid form. Satisfy your turkey cravings from3-8pm at $38 per adult, $20 per child.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Saddle Peak Lodge

Calabasas

Head to this rustic mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding. Start off the day from noon-8pm, with the menu priced at $105 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under.

Tavern

Tavern

Brentwood

Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. Your day at the Tavern starts serving 1-8pm, with pre-fixe at  $95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under.

Catch

Catch Santa Monica

Santa Monica

Enjoy your Turkey Day seaside at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. Spend the day seaside from 11am-10pm at $110 pp.

 

 

Weekend Events:Nov. 2nd-4th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Okay, so haunting season is officially over and now begins the most frightening time of the year. Thanksgiving with your in-laws is around the corner!!!!(Insert Jaws Theme song). Just kidding. But it is still a month of daunting task from choosing to cook your turkey or order in(thank you Whole Foods) and all the home prep in between. Even with this task at hand, you should take some time to explore your neck of the woods. Check out our event round up for the most #thankful time of the year and…..

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 2nd-4th

Friday Nov. 2nd

First Fridays-Long Beach
First Fridays: Long Beach

Long Beach’s First Fridays returns this fall with one goal: to bring you the best in local artists and musicians all in one night. Every first Friday of the month, participating Bixby Knolls businesses will come together to promote local artists and musicians  with extended operating hours. In offering this monthly gathering they hope tp encourage a dialogue between businesses, artists and the community. Click here for more information. 

First Fridays-Abbott Kinney
First Fridays: Abbott Kinney

With the same vision in mind as the Long Beach edition, Abbott Kinney’s First Friday aims to unite the best of the best in art, music, and products in the Venice hotspot area. The trendy thoroughfare of AK runs diagonally through Venice. With local charities benefiting as art junkies and the neighborhood patrons descending upon the always funky beach community, its sure to be an ideal evening. Oh, and theres adult beverages too! Click here for more information. 

Jerry Seinfeld Live at the Pantages Theatre

 

Seinfeld Live at The Pantages

The famed comedian, producer, and household name-Jerry Seinfeld-descends upon the Pantages Theatre this weekend only. With his return to the Pantages stage, is his signature stand-up routine along with new quips and jabs one could expect from the legendary comedian. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally. Click here for more information.

Sat Nov. 3rd

Smorgasborg at Santa Anita
Smorgasburg at Santa Anita Park

Also the location of Rodeo Realty’s annual Day at the Races, Santa Anita turns into a “Smorgasburg Meltdown” this Saturday only. The foodie favorite event returns with all things cheesy, offering the best in food vendors and fun that Santa Anita has to offer. Don’t miss out on this showcase of ooey-gooey goodness while you enjoy your own Day at the Races! Various packages available, click here for more details. Click here for more information.

Grand Ave. Arts All Access
Grand Ave. Arts: All Access

This diverse program of family friendly fun returns for its 4th annual, one-day only free community event. The Grand Ave Arts: All Access is a showcase of activities, interactive workshops and tours highlighting the world class arts and cultural programs of DTLA.  Established to celebrate their commitment to the cultural landscape of LA, is a range of events. All the while showcasing the world-class architecture and programming that define the Grand Avenue corridor and LA’s cultural center. From The Broad to LA Phil, don’t miss out on this day of artful entertainment.  Click here for more information.

Dan Guerrero Artist & Icons Event
Artists & Icons: Dan Guerrero

The City of West Hollywood Arts Division presents the return of their Artists & Icons session: A Conversation with Dan Guerrero. The Artists, Educator and Activists sits down for a Q & A moderated by Tony Estrada. Dan Guerrero-and award winning producer of diverse programming for network and cable Television has been part of the West Hollywood community since 1982. The eclectic artists brings his worldly experiences to this one-time sit down put on by the West Hollywood Chamber of commerce. Click here for more information.

Sun Nov. 4th

10th Annual Malibu Half Marathon
Malibu Half Marathon and 5k

The Malibu 5k and Half Marathon returns to the beach city this Saturday and Sunday. A phenomenal beach course that starts and ends at Zuma Beach in Malibu brings together nearly 4000 patrons. Saturday event will feature a Health & Fitness expo while Sunday will kick-off the storied run down PCH(horrible traffic not included). Along the way, participants will see some of Californias most scenic views and stunning homes. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu are the beneficiary’s of the weekend event aiming to significantly enhance the lives of Malibu youth through  new programming. Click here for more information.

Griffith Harvest Festival
Griffith Harvest Festival

 

There is no better way to celebrate autumn then at L.A’s ;argued urban park! The Griffith Harvest festival will play host to a slew of live music, local craft beers and a Kid Zone. The entire event is presented by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation and City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. Sure to be fun for the entire family, don’t miss this fall fest in L.A.’s most famed park location. Click here for more information.

Bowies Piano Man-San Pedro
Able Arts Work Presents: Bowie’s Piano Man

Presented by Able ARTS Work is Bowie’s Piano Man + Symphonic Suite for Healing 2. The inaugural benefit concert will feature world renowned pianist Mike Garson and some of his newest work while also highlighting the artistry of David Bowie and his belief in betterment for mankind.  The first alf of the matinee will showcase work by Garson from his newest Symphonic suite, with the second half featuring hits by Bowie like “Life on Mars”, Five Years”, and Garson and Bowies most famous collaboration “Aladdin Sane. . Garson will be join don stage by world-class musicians  like Gaby Moreno, Denny Seiwell and Brett Hook to name a few. Click here for more information.

Tales of Halloween at Rodeo Realty

“From my laboratory in the castle east, To the master bedroom where the vampires feast, The ghouls all came from their humble abodes, To get a jolt from my electrodes, They did the mash, They did the monster mash.”

Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Halloween Luncheon 2018

Once upon a time on Canon Drive…

Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills held their own Monster Mash for All Hallows Eve yesterday.

Donned in their most ghoulish attire all came out to a friendly office feast where agents turned witches and ghosts mingled with tennis stars and aristocrates alike.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018

Their Branch Manager John Gould was nowhere to be seen but a curious Captain Hook had assumed his place. How strange that they appeared to be the same at a glance.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-Branch Manager John Gould(Capt. Hook)

Wandering the halls of the office abode, what a site to see was Phantom”James Richmond”of the Opera arising from his lair,  mingling with Groovy”Barabra Stover”Gal and Red”Heather Witt”Riding Hood.

 

 

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-James Richmond
A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018: Reds On Rodeo Duo from left: Martine Zoller and Heather Witt

As the middy fete came to a close Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette descended upon affair. Before the revelers could return to their crypt, the pumpkin throne must be claimed.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween-from left: John Gould and Suzette Kitselman

With Captain “John Gould” Hook having the declared thrice the worthy guest, it twas Mario and Luigi at 3rd rank with the Wicked Witch of the West as a second hand. And who do you ask would assume the thrown? Well of course none other than the Royal herself. HRH Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette.

A Rodeo Halloween 2018-Costume Contest Winners

Continue reading “Tales of Halloween at Rodeo Realty”

Economic update for the week ending October 27, 2018

Stocks suffer a turbulent week:

A positive GDP report showing that the economy grew at 3.5% in the third quarter, inflation was tame, and consumer spending was up, could not keep the markets from continuing to slide. This week. third quarter profits were reported that were below expectations. Those were mostly in the technology sector. Even Amazon did not hit their numbers. On the other hand, some companies like Ford and Tesla exceeded expectations. All in all, fears in the technology sector hit the NASDAQ hard. It lost 3.8% for the week and is now up just  3.8% for the year after being up 20% for the year just one month ago. The Dow and S&P also got hit hard down 3% and 3.9% respectively for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 24,688.31, down from 25,444.34 last week. It is down 0.1% year-to-date.  The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,658.69, down from 2,767.78 last week.  It’s down 0.6% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,167.21, down from 7,449.03 last week.  It’s up 3.8% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields lower this week:

The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.08%, down from 3.20% last week. The 30-year Treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.32%, down from 3.38% last week. We watch treasury bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates almost unchanged this week:

The October 25, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.86%, almost unchanged from 4.85% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.29%, slightly up from 4.26% last week. The 5-year ARM was 4.14%, up from 4.10% last week.

GDP up 3.5% in third quarter:

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that the first reading of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 3.5% in the third quarter of 2018.  That beat expectations of a 3.4% rise, but was well below the 4.2% increase registered in the second quarter of 2018. The report also said that The PCE price index, a key indicator of inflation, rose at a 1.6% annual rate in the quarter. That was well below the 2.2% annual increase analysts forecasted. Consumer spending, which accounts for about two thirds of the U.S. economy, grew by 4% in the third quarter. That marked the largest increase since the fourth quarter of 2014.

September Nationwide Existing Home Sales:

Data released this week from The National Association of Realtors showed that total existing home sales fell again in September. The number of existing homes sold in September fell 3.4% from August, and are down  4.1%  from one year ago. The median price paid for a home in the U.S. was up 4.2% from last September. That marked the 79th straight month of year over increases. The unsold inventory index is at a 4.4 month supply, up slightly from a 4.2 month supply one year ago. 

September California Existing Home Sales:

The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single family home sales totaled 382,550 in September on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That was down 4.3% from August and down a staggering 12.4% from last September, when sales totaled 436,920 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. The median price paid for a home in California was $587,850, up 4.2% from September 2017. On a more regional level, the median price increased 4.7% in Los Angeles County, 10.6% in Ventura County, and 3.3% in Orange County from one year ago. Inventory levels continued to rise after hitting historic lows in 2017. The unsold inventory index in California stood at a 4.2 month supply in September, up from a 3.3 month supply in September 2017. Inventory levels have now increased for 6 straight months and are up 20.4% from one year ago. Listings are at the highest level in 31 months. Los Angeles County has a 4.4 month supply, up from a 3.1 month supply last September. Orange County has a 4.3 month supply,  up from 3.1 months last September. Ventura County had a 6.3 month supply of homes, up from a 4.7 month supply one year ago. 

Have a great weekend!
Syd

Rodeo Realty’s Beverly Hills agent George Kahwaji listing Britney Spears’ former villa

The onetime home of American singer Britney Spears is on the market for $8.95 million. George Kahwaji of Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills is the listing agent. The home, which made headlines in the Los Angeles Times, is where Spears moved to in early 2007, according to the newspaper.

 

Located in the prestigious guard gated Summit of Beverly Hills, the house features a chandelier-topped foyer, a vaulted-ceiling living room, a formal dining area, a chef’s kitchen, and a family room. The two-story home also includes a home theater, a master suite with a fireplace and private loggia.

Outdoors, there’s a saltwater swimming pool and spa, a fire pit, and a built-in barbecue.

Built in 2001, the home has six bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms in all.

To read the Los Angeles Times article on this property, click HERE.

Home listed by Rodeo Realty’s Adi Livyatan purchased by Murder Inc. Records Founder Irv Gotti

Irving Lorenzo Jr., record executive, television producer, founder of Murder Inc. Records, who is best known as Irv Gotti, has bought a home in Encino for $3.636 million. Adi Livyatan of Rodeo Realty Sherman Oaks was one of the listing agents to the newly built property, which was featured in the Los Angeles Times and Variety.

Sitting behind gates on a more than a quarter-acre lot, the farmhouse inspired traditional home includes five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.

The open-floor plan also includes formal living and dining areas, a two-island kitchen, a family room, an office/den, and a home theater.

Outdoors, there’s a swimming pool, spa, a waterfall feature, and a built-in barbecue.

To read the LA Times feature on this property, click HERE.
Variety’s article on this home, HERE.