Click the image below to view our SFV and Ventura County Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter for Dec. 3rd-9th!!!
This week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Dec. 3rd-9th
LA Eats of the Week
With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare.
Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!”
Fiona
Location: 339 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Nicole Rucker’s pies have been legendary ever since she won the Good Food pie contest in 2012, but you used to have to know the former Gjusta pastry chef to get one yourself. No more: At Fiona, the cute new bakery-restaurant from Rucker and a dream team that includes the guys from Cofax, she’s serving up chess pies, chocolate pies, lemon pies, and more in the bakery case, a for-now breakfast/brunch menu with interesting toasts and omelettes, and, coming in early December, some lunch and dinner options in collaboration with the chef from Simbal.*
Amazebowls
Location: 300 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013
As one of the best acai bowl shops in town, Amazebowls has grown from a truck to a brick and mortar in Downtown L.A. (as well as a window on the Venice Boardwalk), selling their popular bowls and smoothies from the Arts District. Try the classic Amazebowl made with acai, blueberries, pineapple, banana, agave and hemp milk; or the Instagram-friendly Coconut Acai Bowl served in a chilled coconut and topped with a slew of superfoods.
Location: 220 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
It’s a bakery and café and bar and restaurant with multiple seating areas and patios. Inside, the bakery case gleams, the bar bustles, live plants and orb lighting hang from the ceiling on tasseled ropes. In the main dining area — a giant, covered patio — you sit on molded green and white chairs and eat off of wooden tables flanked by walls of ivy under giant wicker light shades. It all feels effortless and beautiful and so very, very Venice.
“Brunch, Lunch, 2nd Breakfast!”
Chulita
Location: 533 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Chulita is a modern Mexican restaurant from owner Shireen Imani, opens tomorrow evening in the former Superba Snack Bar space on Rose Avenue. The incoming eatery has Alex Silva and Vanessa Salas running the menu. Overall Chulita’s menu goes for a Mexico City-style botanas y mezcales, or drinking food with spirits, in a sunny Tulum-esque ambience.
Slab
Location: 8136 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Burt Bakman, is the pitmaster at Slab, the most exciting new BBQ opening in LA since Maple Block. Part of the h.Wood Groups bustling line-up of restaurants(The NIce Guy, Poppy, Delilah to name a few), Slab is a “smoke-show” of a hit. Expect staples like smoked chicken and spare ribs, as well as “The Trudy Special,” a brie and brisket sandwich that’s become a fast favorite.
Pedalers Fork
Location: 23504 Calabasas Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302
Offering local organic bites in the heart of Calabasas, Pedalers Fork is a delightful one stop shop that also serves as a full bar, café, and bike boutique all-in-one. With brunch, lunch, and dinner, there are many menu options and seating times to choose from. Stop by midday day for the Rock Shrimp Ceviche tossed in cucumber, radish, grapefruit, chili and sesame. Or venture over for an evening reprieve like their Truffle Pizza or Watkins Ranch Grass Fed Petite Filet with pomme aligot, cabernet sauce, truffle butter, and crispy shallots. Yum!
“What’s for Dinner?”
Inn Ann
Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Japan House is a new venue at Hollywood & Highland dedicated to all things, well, Japanese; Inn Ann is its hidden restaurant (literally, the name means “hidden retreat”), serving up a rotating menu of omakase from chefs visiting from Japan itself. The opening menu is from Chef Taro Araki, and includes a Japanese omelette with truffle and miso-marinated cheese.
Simone
Location: 449 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Located right in the heart of the Arts District, Simone’s a beautiful, brick-laden, fresh-ingredient-forward spot from James Beard Rising Star Jessica Largey, who — thanks to some industry mover-and-shaker partners — has already been serving up Hollywood royalty (we were at the opening party… and so was ScarJo. No big whoop). The menu’s got all the Cali-friendly goodness you’d expect: pork collar with baby bok choy and charred peanuts, ricotta gnudi with grated tomato, and a ton of veggie dishes for the non-meat eaters of the world.
Q Sushi
Location: 30770 Russell Ranch Rd, Ste. A, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Q Sushi provides a delectable seasonally influenced Japanese menu in an upscale and unparalleled setting. The Chefs showcase the true artisan of Izakaya sushi using the highest quality selections. Their precise attention to each minute detail is reflected in the bold flavoring and harmonious appearance from the freshly prepared Sushi to the Robata items and Kobe beef. The menu offerings are further completed with Q Sushi’s wide array of fine sakes, craft beers and wines from Kieu Hoang Winery in Napa Valley.
Weekend Events: Dec. 7th-9th
Now that “Festivus” draws near, it is no better time to explore the city’s most joyous events this December. No matter your holiday of choice, there is something for all to enjoy. So throw on your tackiest sweater, take your spiced cider to go and venture out this holiday season!
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.
Discover your inner Angeleno!
Limited engagements taking place this Dec. 7th-9th
Friday, Dec. 7th
Yuletide Cinemaland
Location: Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles
Street Food Cinema bring their signature brand of outdoor-screening magic to L.A.’s Heritage Square Museum with Yuletide Cinemaland. This festive celebration centers around a Charles Dickens-style town square. Celebrate the nostalgia of classic holiday movies with Christmas carolers, food trucks, hot chocolate, mulled wine, craft beer and more. Explore picturesque Victorian-era homes dressed for the holidays, join piano sing-alongs and experience the Instagram-worthy Holiday Light Tunnel. Click here for more info.
American Contemporary Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Suite
Location: California Plaza, DTLA
Experience the wonder of The Nutcracker in this first person perspective showcase performed by the American Contemporary Ballet. Witness this timeless tale as you become the main character. Once the entertainment concludes, The Fairy will guide you to a celebration with champagne, live music and more! Click here for more info.
Holiday Concerts in the Playhouse District
Location: Vroman’s Courtyard-The Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena
Enjoy the sounds of the season along with the Pasadena Playhouses’ Holiday display this Friday. Little Brazil brings their signature Brazilian flavors with holiday classics to the Vroman’s Courtyard. Complimentary coffee from The Next Chapter will also be served to all patrons. Experience a new kind of seasonal tradition! Click here for more info.
Saturday, Dec. 8th
Santa Monica Pub Crawl
Location: Santa Monica
What better way to jumpstart the holidays than jingling all the way to SMPC’s 10th annual holiday event. Ok, maybe no jingling but certainly a fair amount of festive fun. With over 6,000 patrons having crawled until their hearts content last year, this years event is sure to be just as memorable. The fee to take part is $15 and proceeds from the Pub Crawl will go towards the Westside Food Bank to aid those in need during the holiday season. Click here for more info.
Festival of Carols
Location: Disney Hall, DTLA
Whether you love a classic holiday song or just the joy of the season, the Festival of Carols is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. With over 100 classically trained carolers, this event is sure to warm the heart of even the most Grinch-iest of Grinches in your friend group. Click here for more info.
Snow Wonder
Location: Burton Chase Park
Ring in the holidays at Marina Del Rey’s annual Holiday celebration-Snow Wonder. Enjoy art, crafts, music, food and even real snow as Burton Chase Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. The event will also feature a fireworks display followed by the Marina’s Boat parade. Whether you chose to sled or sit in on the days fun, Snow Wonder is guaranteed to be a hit for the entire family. Click here for more info.
Sunday, Dec. 9th
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys
Location: Staples Center
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys returns for its 22nd year at the Staples Center in Downtown L.A. The event is hosted by the musician himself along with other special guest in order to raise funds to provide toys for thousands of children in orphanages, hospitals, and shelters. This year the show will also serve as a benefit concert for those affected by the recent California Wildfires. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or toy. Click here for more info.
Big Sunday’s 9th Annual Holiday Party & Sing Along
Location: 6111 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038
Hosting their 9th annual Holiday party, Big Sunday is inviting all to join them and enjoy singing, food and fun with their guest of honor–the incredible kids from Ability First and other with disabilities large and small. In addition, volunteers are still needed to spread holiday cheer as they deck the halls and light a menorah along with loads of arts, crafts and festive treats. Click here for more info.
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 2018
Location: The Forum, Inglewood
Enjoy another year of KROQ’S end-of-year showcase with some of the best musical acts from around the country. Proceeds from the concert will go to benefit Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center.” Sundays lineup will include Florence + the Machine, Death Cab for Cutie, Billie Eilish, Chvrches and more! Click here for info.
This week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Nov. 26th-Dec. 2nd
This week at Rodeo Realty: SFV and Ventura County Newsletter Nov. 26th-Dec. 2nd
LA Eats of the Week
With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.
“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”
Ms Chi Cafe
Culver City, CA 90232
Top Chef contestant Shirley Chung has completed her LA move, after opening a smaller stall at The Fields and now this all-day contender in Culver City, serving breakfast through dinner (with a small break in the afternoon) serving reasonably priced, new school Chinese comfort fare. So far the results are pretty solid, making Ms. Chi one of the most compelling places to open in Downtown Culver City since Bacoshop.
Konbi
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Already clogging up Instagram with its delectable Japanese-style sandwiches, this coffee and daytime restaurant goes into a tiny slot in Echo Park from Akira Akuto and Nick Montgomery. Order the katsu sando, Japanese-style convenience store food, and see what happens when cooks use high-quality Duroc pork with plush milk bread. Prices are high considering the inspiration for these sandwiches, but the flavor is there to match.
Amara Cafe
Pasadena, CA 91105
Amara Chocolate’s tiny interior is often mistaken for a Venezuelan cafe. And while the spicy cacao latte is worth it, so are the fluffy, yet crispy arepas. The kitchen stuffs these traditional Venezuelan pockets with shredded beef arepas with gouda, or fresh cheese, black beans, and ripe sweet plantains. Amara also has something unique to LA: cachapas, a Venezuelan crêpe made with fresh and roasted yellow corn.
“Lunch, Brunch, Second Breakfast!”…
Badmaash Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA 90036
This Downtown Indian restaurant has a new outlet in the heart of Fairfax District serving upscaled curry classics. Bring a crew and share the hyped (but delicious) chicken tikka poutine, spicy lamb vindaloo, and fresh naan.
Cosa Buona
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Echo Park’s Cosa Buona is an eastside staple for a casual menu that goes beyond pizza to include a collection of droolworthy sandwiches. They all stay true to the Italian-American ethos of the place, from those mozzarella sticks to chicken parm or meatball sandwiches to a collection of simple salads.
Sichuan Impression
Alhambra, CA 91803
This second floor space looks unassuming from the street but inside there’s possibly the best Sichuan food outside of San Gabriel Valley and it’s deep in the Westside. Sure, there’s Din Tai Fung and Meizhou Dongpo at nearby Century City, but the real sichuan spice lovers will come to this Santa Monica Boulevard strip mall for one of LA’s top Chinese restaurants. Try the special noodles, cold chicken, and toothpick lamb.
“What’s for Dinner?”
Alta
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Highly regarded San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson has brought his Alta restaurant to West Adams, installing Watts native Keith Corbin as the chef. The fare and vibe is spot-on for what the neighborhood needs, a well composed dining room that doesn’t feel fussy with some “California soul food” to match on the menu. Corbin takes comfortable classics like fried chicken, oxtails and rice, and collard greens and puts a bit of finesse on them. Don’t miss the excellent wine list either.
Jame Enoteca
El Segundo, CA 90245
This casual pasta and salad restaurant in El Segundo is a smash hit with locals, taking over a corner slot in a strip mall and filled with carb-loving diners. Chef Jackson Kalb, formerly of Factory Kitchen and NYC’s Union Square Cafe, takes a casual every day Italian-American approach to pasta, with some maximum flavor going into the handmade noodles. It’s the most exciting place to open in this main drag of El Segundo since the next door Sausal debuted a few years back.
Kismet
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson opened this sleek modern Middle Eastern restaurant in early 2017 with a commitment to refined, restrained technique and top-quality farmers market produce. The result is one of the most popular new restaurants in the city. The morning Turkish-ish breakfast is a solid daytime pick, while the mezzes and small plates rule the roost for dinner service.
Courtesy of Eater LA
Rodeo Realty’s Randi Feilich feat. on HGTV’s House Hunters
Rodeo Realty Calabasas agent Randi Feilich featured on HGTV’s House Hunters
Rodeo Realty’s Randi Feilich recently appeared on HGTV’s season 154 episode 8 of House Hunters.
The episode titled “California Dreaming in San Diego” and recently aired on HGTV network. The segment focused on Randi assisting a Utah married couple, Cassia and Brian for the perfect SD home on a $900,000 budget. Through the course of the episode Randi shows the prospective buyers, a range of homes from oceanside to inland. Although the couple had many wishlist features, Randi still excelled in providing them listing options that met the couple’s Real Estate goals.
To view Randi’s current listings click here: https://randifeilich.rodeore.com/
Watch the Full Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTWIZR0DiOQ
featured in the Los Angeles Times, Daily News, Associated Press and hundreds of newspaper syndicates.
Out and About: Abbot Kinney Edition
Everyone’s favorite hipster neighborhood is your new go to spot. Or at least it will be for delicious fare, specialized shops, and a proper daily dose of art after your read below. Spend your day in Abbot Kinney and…
Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods.
In the morning…
If you are lucky enough to snag a primetime reservation, we recommend starting your morning or early afternoon off at Gjelina. The Venice hotspot is constantly buzzing and the food is other worldly.
The Beach Life
After you have fully food charged make your way over to the famed Venice Boardwalk. From colorful locals to unique speciality shops, and designer residences. You’ll find everything you need from sites, sounds, and a true feast for the senses.
Always wanted to try surfing? Go Surf LA provides year round lessons at the pier with wetsuit and board rental available starting at $80 per lesson.
During your afternoon…
“Shopper’s paradise”
Once you have filled up on seaside fun head back over to AK’s boutique paradise. Named by GQ’s “Style Bible” as “The Coolest Block in America”, Abbot Kinney Blvd is teaming with a vibrant collection of shops from vintage wear to modern designers. Stop at Tina Wakino’s Bazar, a mix of classic and expertly chosen pieces. The shop as been a Venice staple for more than 15 years with finds like Indigo-dyed textiles, furniture, jewelry, and other antique objets d’art.
Need a new pair of shades? Warby Parker’s West Coast flagship store is a beachy eyewear haven. The interior of the boutique is the perfect coastal ambience you’d expect in a Venice shop with artwork by Geoff McFetridge. What’s better about this optical option over the rest is that with each purchase of eyewear , Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to charity.
Midday cravings
Now that you’ve seen a little and shopped a little, it’s time for an afternoon bite! It wouldn’t quite be a day by the sea without some oceanic cuisine. Salt Air has you covered. With their Connecticut-style lobster roll or perfectly poached flaky salmon you’ll feel refined and refreshed at the same time. Pair these menu pick’s along with a serving of summery shelling beans and charred shisito peppers and we will need a new word to describe ourselves other than stuffed.
So much time for activities!…
With appetites accommodated and shopping goals met, it’s time for a midday stroll to work off that Lobster Roll. The Venice Canals serve as the quintessential afternoon reprieve.
Built in 1905 by the Abbot Kinney himself as part of his “Venice of America” plan, once wondered all the way through Venice Blvd. Registered as a Historic landmark in 1982, the canals reach is a bit shorter but the journey through is just as wonderful. Stroll along visitor friendly pathways of the luxury homes that line this Venice staple.
Before your evening begins, a trip to Beyond Baroque is almost entirely necessary. The Arts Center is considered one of the most famous literary incubators in the country. Founded by George Dury in 1968, the center is housed in the former Venice City Hall building. The nonprofit public space is used to cultivate and expand the public’s knowledge of newfound literary art. They do so through poetry, fiction, literature and art through cultural events and community interaction.
As the sun sets…
If your tuckered out on activities, consider your evening guide a much needed rest. Abbot Kinney is known for many things, and its cuisine truly pushes the threshold of being number one. From aforementioned go-to’s like Gjelina to celebrity hotspots like Scopa and The Butchers Daughter, your palette can do no wrong. We recommend stepping outside the norm and into the vegetable box to be exact.
Plant Food & Wine from Chef Matthew Kenney is a sleek vegan restaurant on the quit end of AK. And while you might say your no Vegan, to that we say it all depends on what you get. From the kimchi dumplings being almost too pretty to eat to the carrot soup being almost too good to not order three more rounds, you’ll leave plant-based satisfied.
Finish up on a sweet note at craft creamery Salt & Straw. The artisanal ice cream shop is a Portland transplant with an extensive menu boosting flavors both sinful and curious. Try the Almond brittle and Slated Ganache or go for true Cali style with a scoop of Avocado Strawberry Sherbet. Can’t decide on just one? For $10 guest can have an ice cream flight of four flavors from the classic and seasonal menus.
Your Holiday Travel Guide
The best part of the holidays other than quality family time is the time to get away. While we love the sites and scenes in the city of stars, sometimes it’s nice to spend the festive season abroad. With that in mind we have rounded together the top destinations to jet off to between Hanukkah and the New Year, so pack your bags for the great Winter escape!
Mexico’s Pacific Coast
While Puerto Vallarta is always a guaranteed great time south of the border, the beach town of Sayulita delivers its own level of style. Just 20 miles south from the major resort area, this is plentiful of vintage board shops and hammock strung guest homes. Feel like splurging? In between beach shack margaritas and local bites are NYC and Parisian designers tucked into brightly painted boutiques. Your winter getaway awaits!!
Tbilisi, Georgia
While this destination may seem an unlikely choice for a winter get-away, it is an ideal spot for those looking to find a different skiing scene. While places like Aspen and Switzerland never disappoint, the same can be said for Tbilisi. With its jumble of colorful balconies, Art Nouveau facades and picturesque flea markets, its the perfect combination of Eurasian wonder.
Botswana
It’s the place where HRH Prince Harry swept nor HRH Duchess Megan off her feet. It is also one of the most extraordinary safari experiences you can find in this region of the South African Nation. The Okavango delta is overflowing in wildlife found throughout the areas protected park and game reserve. With the area’s new found press, Wilderness Safaris was lucky to open it’s new luxury tented suites; Oorokwe Camp at the right time. With bleached timbers and private deck , these accommodations along the border of Moremi Game Reserve is fit for any Royal or visitor alike.
Nepal and Bhutan
As we promised, this is a list of destinations perfect to visit during the winter months, and the area of Nepal and Bhutan holds true to that promise. Stay at the famed Dwarika Hotel–an oasis of architectural charm and traditional luxury, one of many luxury hotel options in the area. Then take your exploring to new heights by enjoying a helicopter ride to the top of The Taktsang Monastery. There you will enjoy a picnic lunch above the clouds followed by a hike down to tour the Monastery. When do we leave?
India
While India almost speaks for itself as a travel choice, this year marks a historic opportunity to visit. This year the country celebrates 150 years since the birth of Gandhi. Also while there one can see the wonder of Nagaland and the Kaziranga National Park-home to asiatic rhinos and some of Asia’s last surviving former-headhunting tribes.
Tohoku, Japan
Japan has always served as a fascinating and unique destination full of culturally exquisite finds. With so many area’s to chose from to explore, why not venture off the beaten path? Tohoku, 90 minutes north-east of Tokyo offers incredible natural landscapes. Perfect for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, it is a year round escape. Wander through the village of Kakunodate, home to Samurai legends and artisan workshops, reminiscent of the Edo period.
Mackenzie Country, Otago, New Zealand
We all know New Zealand as the land of Hobbiton(or Lord of the Rings fans know this), but the island nation is more than fantasy in it splendor. With it’s glacial highlands and sunken valleys, visitors are recommended to enjoy the country’s Alp region for hiking, biking and luxury accommodations.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
While Bali and the Gili Islands already serve as world renowned vacation spots, the island of Nusa Penida is just as breathtaking. Located just of the south east coast of Bali, Nusa Penida offers untouched landscapes. Amongst the beauty is a chance to soak in the natural wonder of the Giri Putri Cave or Angel’s Billabong. Stay at the Kabeh Jati Garden Villa for a perfect nights rest.
Panama
While 2019 will be a celebration off Panama City’s 500 year history, mid-December begins it’s season of the best time to travel to the region. While the country is small in size, it offers vast options of exploration. From it’s white sand beaches and indigenous culture and it’s to tropical rainforest and misty highlands, your adventure awaits.
Palomino, Columbia
With it’s beautiful; Caribbean beaches and and stunning wildlife, Palomina is the ideal holiday escape. Enjoy surfing or floating via tub down the Palomino River and its natural beauty. With it’s amazing range of seafood and luxury stay options, this Columbian destination awaits your well deserved visit.