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Can’t Miss Brunch Spots
Have You Hit These Essential LA Restaurants Yet?
Is it just me, or is brunch the perfect way to round out a weekend? Restaurants have started pulling out all of the stops for their brunch menus, and have not disappointed. With all of the options for brunch in Los Angeles, it can be a bit tricky to narrow it down. To help, here are the top ten must-taste brunch spots of 2015.
- Gjelina: A favorite among LA locals for a reason, Gjelina’s brunch menu is perfection, especially when enjoyed on their gorgeous patio.
- Lunasia: For beautiful plates in a beautiful setting, head to this modern take on the Alhambra banquet hall serving up dim sum. Do not miss their jumbo shu mai.
- The Tasting Kitchen: Looking to supplement your relaxing day in Venice with some tasty food and delicious brunch-appropriate cocktails? Head to The Tasting Kitchen.
- Bar Ama: Whether you want traditional American breakfast, Mexican specialties, or out-of-the-box dishes, Bar Ama has something for you.
- Bucato: Chef Evan Funke brings the best flavors of dinner to you earlier in the day, taking his specialties and perfectly converting them to breakfast dishes.
- The Hungry Cat: If you are hoping to start your day with some seafood, The Hungry Cat’s oyster shooters, crab cakes benedict, raw bar, or lobster roll will not disappoint.
- Superba Food & Bread: If you want to get back to your roots, hit Superba for house-made brilliance including gravlax and sumptuous pastries.
- République: Do not assume just because you have dined at République for dinner you know what to expect for brunch. Enjoy the sunny setting and memorable dishes here.
- Salt’s Cure: Brunch is comfortable at Salt’s Cure, but that does not mean their dishes will not blow you away. They serve up traditional breakfast, perfectly executed.
- Sqirl: Do not worry that you will have to brave Sqirl’s hyper-long weekend line to enjoy their brunch offerings; they serve brunch-style dishes all week long. An LA must, make sure you hit this spot soon!
Where is your favorite brunch spot? To find your ideal home near it, contact Betsy Dittman. As an expert in California luxury real estate properties, I have the inside connections to help you find your dream home in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills. For all of your real estate needs, call me today!
Improving Your Impression
Make Sure Your Home Gives The Right First Impression With Entryway Design
First impressions are everything. From first dates to job interviews, you have learned the deep value of making sure how people feel about you upon first meeting is positive. First impressions are equally valuable for houses (hello, curb appeal!). That is why your entryway, while small, deserves to have great design. Here are a few tips.
- Mirror It: Odds are your entryway is not the biggest space, but it can make a big impact if you add a mirror. Not only will hanging a mirror in your entryway open up the space, making it feel larger, it will also afford you the perfect place to do a last minute check of your look before heading out the door.
- Store Shoes: Unless your family is extremely tidy, odds are high shoes get left by the front door all the time. Keep this from being an eyesore (and tripping hazard) by adding in a shoe storage unit.
- Hang Coats: In a similar vein, coat hooks can keep your entryway looking organized so your décor can shine. They do not have to be purely functional, though; you can create a unique, aesthetically appealing coat hook system.
- Accessorize: Alright, that is enough with functionality. Let’s get to the fun! Find jaw-dropping artwork that will introduce people to the décor in your home and make a statement about you and your house.
2015 is your year to get into your dream home, one that will offer a great first impression and keep you happy for years to come. For the perfect house for your unique needs, contact Betsy Dittman. Serving Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, I have cultivated my expertise in California luxury real estate properties and will tap it to help you find the perfect house.
2015’s Hottest Remodeling Trends
Where To Focus Your Energy When Renovating Your Home
If the spring season has you in the mood for a fresh start, remodeling your home will freshen it up and increase your home’s value. Where, exactly, should you turn to make the most of your efforts? Here are the top trends for home remodeling in 2015.
- Soaking Tubs: The bathroom is a great place to start your remodel, as updated tile work and cabinetry is trending. Most importantly, though, consider getting away from the standard tub/shower combo. Larger soaking tubs are rising in popularity, especially free standing models. Bigger showers are more popular, too; consider putting in a walk-in shower.
- Gray: Beige is no longer the go-to neutral color. Gray is on the rise, and do not be afraid of darker colors. Charcoal is a great neutral color that will make a big impact. Since any accent color can pair beautifully with gray, it is a safe bet in any room in the house.
- Sinks: After years of doing dishes, you are probably ready to make the process easier. Super deep single-bowl sinks are trending, making the after-dinner chore a little bit easier on all of us.
- Wellness: Fortunately, our awareness about the toxic chemicals and gases in our building materials is on the rise. It is becoming increasingly popular to get rid of cabinets containing formaldehyde and off-gassing finishes so your homes can be as healthy as possible.
If no remodel would be enough to make you happy in your home, contact Betsy Dittman. I have the insider insight into the best real estate in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles and am here to help you find your dream home so you can skip all of the hassle of remodeling. To find a home utilizing the hottest trends that will stay popular in the long-term, call me today.
Taking Trends Outdoors
Summer Does Not Bring The Only Outdoor Heat
In Southern California, we get the luxury of using our outdoor spaces all year round. Consequently, it is no surprise that outdoor living is becoming something of an art. To help you make the most of your outdoor space, here are some trends you may want to consider utilizing to boost your own outdoor area.
- Stamped Concrete: If you are hoping to do some major hardscaping in your yard without the major expense of stonework, concrete can offer you a solution. You can stain and stamp concrete to mimic the look of more expensive stone, giving your yard a high-end look.
- Outdoor Kitchen: You may think that an outdoor kitchen is pretty much just a grill, but these days you can bring all of the fun of cooking into the fresh air. Refrigerators, warming drawers, beer taps, sinks, smokers, and more are now available in outdoor versions.
- Water Features: In busy Los Angeles, a water feature can be your solution to drowning out the sound of traffic and creating a more zen space in your yard. They are a trending request for landscapers right now, and have been increasing in popularity for years.
- Edible Gardening: Growing your own food is not just trendy, it is also convenient and healthy. Grow tomatoes, chard, asparagus, raspberry bushes, and chili peppers to bring color and beauty to your garden and flavor to your table.
If you are on the hunt for real estate with an on-point, trending outdoor space, contact Betsy Dittman. I am keeping up to date on the hottest trends and the hottest Los Angeles properties so I can help you find the perfect home with the perfect outdoor space. I know how important it is to have an outdoor area to entertain and enjoy the great weather we have. Call me today!
LA’s Top 3 Sushi Restaurants
The Best Local Places For This Japanese Cuisine
One of the best parts of living in or near Los Angeles is our access to some of the finest dining not only in the country, but also in the world. Our plethora of restaurant options is further bolstered by our proximity to the sea, giving us access to the best, freshest seafood. So you can fully take advantage of all the area has to offer, do not miss the top three local sushi restaurants, according to LA Weekly.
- Urusawa: Urusawa promises an experience as delightful and luxurious as the plates it serves. Offering only the freshest, most beautiful (and often most rare) specialties, Hiro Urusawa learned his art from Masa Takayama, generally known to be the best sushi chef in the United States. While Takayama has left for the East Coast, Urusawa stays local to wow us with his sushi and his restaurant. 218 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills • (310) 247-8939
- Kiriko Sushi: Ken Namba, Kiriko’s chef, has mastered the traditional art of sushi while giving it his own personal touch. Namba prepares for the entire restaurant yet manages to do it all with an air of calm that is contagious. Step into the mahogany sushi bar to experience a meal, and an evening, you will not soon forget. 11301 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles • (310) 478-7769
- Mori Sushi: Since so much of sushi’s flavor needs to be delicately drawn out by the best chefs, when Morihiro Onodera retired from Mori a year ago many expected his assistant chef to deliver a lower quality product. Fortunately, Mori and its meticulous in-house creation of everything from green tea ice cream to soy sauce to flatware have been perfectly maintained. 1500 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles • (310) 479-3939
Do you have a real estate agent who is guiding you towards the best luxury real estate close to the finest restaurants in Los Angeles and Conejo Valley? For your guide to the best sushi and best homes in Southern California, contact Betsy Dittman today. I look forward to helping you find your dream home in 2015.
Home Renovations: The Best (And Worst) Bang For Your Buck
Use This Guide To Decide Which Renovations Are Best
When it comes to remodeling your home, putting money in does not necessarily mean getting money out. Consequently, it is important to discern which home renovation projects will yield a strong return on investment, and which you should skip. To help, here are a few of the best ideas and a few to avoid in 2015.
- Invest: Roof Replacement– The single best improvement you can undertake is ripping out your existing roof to lay down new shingles and flashing with galvanized drip edges and trim. Costing around $7,500, this project yields the most significant cost-to-value ratio.
- Avoid: Home Office- If you have been thinking of turning a room in your home into an office, skip it. Buyers will not want to have to tear out all the shelving you put in to switch it back to the bedroom they need.
- Invest: Garage Door- A stylish garage door can make a huge impact on the aesthetic of your home. Usually costing just $1,150, this improvement can dramatically change the way your home looks.
- Avoid: Adding Another Story- In 2014, the cost-to-value ratio of putting a second story dropped by a notable 11 percent. Since adding another story is such a big expense, it is not worth the investment.
- Invest: Vinyl Siding- Although this renovation is a fairly major undertaking and costs between $5,600 and $8,000, it is well worth it because it dramatically revolutionizes the entire look of your home.
Are you thinking of taking on an improvement project to make it easier to sell your Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Conejo Valley home? To have an expert come alongside you and advise you on which are best, contact Betsy Dittman today. I am here to be your guide to the local luxury real estate market.
The New LA Restaurants You Should Hit
Restaurant Openings In LA
LA offers some of the best food in the country, but to know you are truly getting the most from your meals you have to keep a finger on the pulse of the local restaurant scene. As restaurateurs and hipsters alike flock to Los Angeles to offer delicious plates served in oh-so-chic scenes, you know that 2015 will bring great new eateries to the area. To get you started on your journey to discovering your new favorite spot, check out these new bars and restaurants.
- Sweeney’s Ale House: It’s about time the West Valley got its own gastropub, and the team behind Surly Goat is delivering just that. This Encino beer hall offers happy hour seven days a week, so don’t miss its notable menu of craft brews and tasty burgers.
- SpreadPB: Who doesn’t love being able to customize their meals? À la the frozen yogurt shops that offer endless options for satisfying your unique palate, SpreadPB lets you take the blasé PB&J and spice it up with the trendiest, most delicious options locally available.
- aestus: If you are looking for a great beachside restaurant without the usual ho-hum beachside menu, this is a can’t-miss spot. The upscale location serves trending produce and healthy protein options like grass-fed beef and grilled octopus.
Looking for a home is so much more than just looking for the house itself. You know that neighborhood is important. To get a guide to California luxury real estate properties who can guide you on the best, most happening areas, contact Betsy Dittman today. Serving the Conejo Valley, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles, I am here to ensure your luxury real estate needs are always met. You deserve to find your dream home in your ideal location this year, so call me today.
Three Apps For Your DIY Projects
Use These Apps For Your Next Home Improvement Project
If you are working on your home, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Because the improvements have to be conducted in your home, you never get to leave the work behind for longer than a night on the town. Fortunately, as technology has advanced there are smartphone apps that can make your DIY projects easier. To help you get the most from your home improvement project, check out these apps.
- RoomScan: As you try to re-envision your home with updated furniture and décor, it is helpful to have the floor plan drawn out. Unfortunately, if your room is not a simple square drawing out the shape in the right proportion can be a challenge. RoomScan can quickly and accurately sketch out any floor plan for you, and the only thing you need to do is tap your phone to each wall of the room.
- Houzz: CNN did not deem Houzz the “Wikipedia of interior and exterior design” for nothing. This app is filled with examples of great design and décor, and you can even search by specific paint colors to have a better understanding of how each hue will look in the room.
- SnapShop: You know heading to that ritzy boutique would likely result in you finding your dream piece, but could also lead to you busting your budget. This handy app allows you to snap a picture of the item you love, enter a small amount of information, and then offers you similar options at different price points from hundreds of retailers.
Are you looking for a luxury real estate expert to help you visualize your dream home for 2015? If so, contact Betsy Dittman today. I serve Beverly Hills, Conejo Valley, and Los Angeles and am here to be your guide to California luxury real estate properties. You deserve to work with a dedicated, educated agent so call me today.
The Benefits Of A Design-Build Firm
How One Company Can Meet Your Landscaping Needs
After you get into your dream home, it is time to create your dream landscape. You would not want your new property to be left lackluster, so it is important to get a team on board that you can trust to ensure the work you have done is of superior quality. If you want to leave bringing your landscaping dreams to life to a trusted company, you should consider hiring a design-build firm. These companies will be able to handle your landscaping needs from start to finish. Here are a few pros of hiring a design-build firm.
- Simplicity: Rather than having to seek out two different companies—one to design your landscape and another to build it—you can hire just one to handle your needs from start to finish.
- Expectations: Because a design-build firm is fully acquainted with the work that needs to go in to bringing an idea from the drafting table to your property, they will only offer you designs on which they can actually execute. You can rest easy knowing your expectations will be fully met by working with a design-build firm.
- Budgeting: A design-build firm offers the benefit of having your design and execution costs combined into one price. They will also be aware of what materials are available, in which seasons, at which prices, so that their budgeting will be accurate.
If you have not yet found your dream home, do not wait to contact Betsy Dittman today. Why should you hesitate before getting into the luxury real estate you deserve in 2015? Serving Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Conejo Valley, I will help you find the right California luxury real estate properties to bring your home buying dreams to life.
Los Angeles’ Best New Restaurants
Your Guide To The Must-Try Spots In LA
Are you looking for a way to spice up your eating habits in 2015? Then LA Weekly has good news for you, as they recently released their list of the top new places in Los Angeles to enjoy lunch or dinner. Here are their top three picks for best new LA restaurants of 2015.
- Maude:If you have been looking for a way to add more fresh, seasonal produce into your diet, celebrity chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant is a must-be place for you. Each month, Stone and his team create a nine- or ten-course meal centered around one seasonal ingredient. In January, the ingredient will be pomegranate, followed by parsnip in February. For the full year’s ingredients, head here.
- Petit Trois:If you are looking for a more down-to-earth approach to your dining, check out this location for French bar food. They do not take reservations, so get ready to be in close quarters with the other diners as all of you enjoy flawless croque monsieur, escargot, omelets, and steak frites. Ludo Lefebvre’s homage to the French brings the best of their flavors straight to LA.
- Night + Market Song:The second installment of Kris Yenbamroong’s Thai ventures in LA, this new Night + Market location is a blend of carefully crafted, true Thai flavors and comforting food that is simply yummy. With a menu to be shared, this is a great place to bring a large party and savor Yenbamroong’s flavorful dishes.
Have you been looking for a real estate agent with a firm finger on the pulse of Los Angeles? Then do not hesitate to contact Betsy Dittman today. I am here to be the solution to all of your luxury home buying and selling needs in 2015 and beyond. Serving Los Angeles and Conejo Valley, I am the real estate expert who can get you into your dream home this year. Call me today.
