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Los Angeles Restaurants You Should Try This Summer
Must-Hit Restaurants This Summer
The summer is in full swing, and on top of the warmer weather and longer days it also brings an energy to get out and do more! If you and your friends are looking to spice up your summer, you might be thinking of dining at some new restaurants. I know from experience, though, that there are so many options in LA finding the right restaurant can feel daunting! To help, here are a few of my recommendations for can’t-miss dining during summer 2015.
- Sushi Nishi Ya: Want to get a deliciously fresh bite to eat? Why not try this relatively hidden Omakase (chef’s choice) gem? Chef Nisi crafts tasteful, tasty sushi that is as beautiful as it is delicious. This place is sure to only get busier as word about it spreads, so head there now! 1712 Victory Boulevard, Glendale │(818) 244-2933
- Guerrilla Tacos: Tacos are a California favorite, but Chef Avila is putting his own global twist on them at Guerrilla Tacos. Incorporating interesting elements like black truffles, whole sardines, foie gras, and lots of farmer’s market finds, I am never disappointed by the fresh flavor from this food truck. Locations Vary │(818) 640-3033
- Trois Mec: Chef Lefebvre is already famous, but Trois Mec secures his place as a master in the world of fine dining. You will not want to miss his handcrafted, internationally-inspired menus so make sure to get your ticket (yes, you read that right; you need a ticket to dine at Trois Mec) here. 716 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles │No phone number available
There is so much great dining in Los Angeles, if you are living too far from it you are missing out! Fortunately, by working with a California real estate expert you can find the perfect home close to all of the action. To learn more about finding the right home for your lifestyle, contact Betsy Dittman. I am here to learn about you and show you houses that will meet not just your needs, but also your wants!
Who Is Excited For DineLA Restaurant Week?
DineLA Restaurant Week Is Just Around The Corner
I love eating out in Los Angeles! There are so many great restaurants to try, but I often find myself going back to my old favorites. Fortunately for me and those of you similarly faithful foodies, there is an upcoming event that can get us out of our habits.
DineLA Restaurant Week 2015 runs from July 13th to July 26th. During these couple weeks, we all have the chance to check out prix fixe menus from restaurants all over the city. With great prices (menus are $15, $20, or $25 at lunch and $30, $40, or $50 at dinner) at standout restaurants all over Los Angeles, DineLA Restaurant Week is the perfect chance for us to forego our favorites and check out a new dining experience (or a dozen). Who knows, we might just find a new favorite!
DineLA Restaurant Week has something for everyone. Mediterranean, French, Italian, Mexican, Indian, American, Vietnamese, Spanish, Thai, Brazilian, Peruvian, Asian Fusion, and more are all on the menu for this dining experience, which means you can find something for the pickiest eater and the most adventurous palate. Travel the world as you travel across our great foodie-friendly city trying new restaurants during these two weeks!
You can find a full list of the hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of restaurants who are participating in DineLA Restaurant Week, their locations, their pricing, and more information here. Have a great time exploring new restaurants and new flavors!
I hope you have a great time checking out DineLA Restaurant Week; I know I will! If you want to be closer to all of the delicious action, contact Betsy Dittman. I am a Los Angeles real estate expert and am passionate about helping you find the right home to suit your lifestyle. Stop living in a lackluster area and call me today!
Smart Home Technologies To Make Your Life Easier
Work Smarter, Not Harder, With These Home Technologies
We have seen how technology is making our work lives easier. From email to video conferencing, doing business has become simpler and more direct thanks to the modern age. Technology is making our personal lives easier, too. I am loving the way that smart home technology is transforming the modern home, freeing us up to pursue our best lifestyle instead of worrying about little details. Here are a few smart home technologies that can do the work for you around the house.
- Kitchen: New technology for your home’s hub ranges from kitchen faucets that turn on and off automatically and help you save water to tablets built into refrigerators and ovens that can guide you through your favorite recipe, play tunes for you, or even play your favorite cooking show.
- Bathrooms: Sharing the bathroom? With smart home technology, you can program your individual settings so that your shower will offer you your preferred temperature, lighting, and even music played through sound tile speakers.
- Climate Control: You want to be energy efficient, but you also want your home to be a comfortable temperature. Fortunately, with a programmable, learning thermostat you can have your house cooled off just when you get home from work. You can even control the settings via wifi, so you never have to worry you left the AC blasting when no one is home.
- Outdoor: You love sitting under the shade of your awning, but rolling it out is a pain. Fortunately, new technologies are making it possible for you do just that with a simple press of a button. Want to cool off further with a dip in the pool? Heat it up for yourself with another button press.
Are you looking to find a home with all of these brilliant technologies to make your life easier? For all of your real estate needs across Calabasas, Agoura, and Westlake Village, contact Betsy Dittman. I am here to help you find the right home to free you up to pursue your best life instead of having to focus all of your energy on keeping up the house.
Designing The Kids’ Bathroom
Take The Space To The Next Level
When you are thinking about decorating your house, the kids’ bathroom probably does not come immediately to mind. That does not mean, however, that you should resign the room to a ho-hum existence. The kids’ bathroom offers you the chance to play with colors and textures in a controlled space, so take that design opportunity in 2015 with this guide!
- Color Code: Sure, you would love for your kids to know which towels, toothbrushes, etc. are theirs, but since your little ones cannot yet read, labeling might seem pointless. Fortunately, you can skip the letters and jump straight to colors! Color-coding everything in the kids’ bathroom will bring fun and organization to it.
- Take A Seat: When bath time rolls around, having somewhere to sit other than on your own knees is a great help. Look for a fun colored, small chair to tuck in the kids’ bathrooms to add an interesting décor element with function.
- Ditch The Medicine Cabinet: Even if your kids can reach it, odds are they do not need it. Swap it out for a mirror that catches your eye. If you fall in love with it, you could always move it to your own bathroom!
- Do Decals: Removable wall decals can give you—and your kids—the chance to play with patterns and colors with zero commitment. Bear in mind that fabric decals hold up best in bathroom humidity.
Are you looking for a home that will already have the design done, freeing you up to relax and enjoy it? To work with an expert agent who can help you find the perfect home in Conejo Valley or Los Angeles, contact Betsy Dittman. I have deep luxury real estate experience and am here to serve you!
The Best Pre-Beach Places To Eat
These Healthy Eateries Are Perfect On A Beach Day
Whether you prefer to pass your beach days in Santa Monica, Malibu, or Venice, there is nothing worse than going out for a greasy lunch only to have to take off your cover-up at the beach right after. Here are a few great pre-beach options right along the ocean that will fill you up (not fill you out) with healthy food, best preparing you to enjoy a day on the sand.
- Seed Kitchen (Venice): Seed is famous for its macrobiotique, raw, organic food, but that does not mean they skimp on flavor. Perhaps surprisingly, their burger is one of their most popular menu items. This vegan restaurant puts a spin on a classic with options like a blackened tempeh burger with mango salsa or a bean and grain burger with ancho chili spread. 1604 Pacific Ave, Venice │(310) 396-1604
- True Food Kitchen (Santa Monica): Whether you dine vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, True Food will have something for you. They have gluten-free pizzas, an inside out quinoa burger, super fresh cocktails, and non-alcoholic libations packed with nutrients. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica │(310) 593-8300
- Urth Caffé (Santa Monica): Farm fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the staple of every dish at Urth. With a standout weekend brunch and fresh roasted whole bean organic coffee, this is a great spot to kick off your Saturday or Sunday. 2327 Main Street, Santa Monica │(310) 314-7040
If you are looking to get closer to the water or closer to the best eateries in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, contact Betsy Dittman. I have the insider’s scoop on the best areas for food and recreation and am here to help you find the ideal real estate to meet your space, design, and lifestyle needs. To get a luxury real estate expert on your side in 2015 and beyond, call me today!
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!
Best Of Botanics: Los Angeles Edition
Find Your Rest At These Local Gardens
In the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, you may find yourself craving just a moment of respite. Where do you go to find it, though? Work is busy, home always requires something of you, and your favorite hangouts are always filled with social activity. Is there not an oasis to which you can slip away?
Fortunately, there is! Los Angeles offers some stunning botanical gardens. Here are just a few.
- Huntington Library, Art Collections, & Botanical Gardens: Whatever your mood, the impressive acres of this botanical landscape has a themed garden to suit you.
- Descanso Gardens: Showcasing the beauty that grows in Southern California, these gardens have five acres of roses, areas of lilac, orchids, and ferns, and over 600 varieties of camellia.
- Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden: If you want to feel surrounded by nature, this garden is for you. Wander through the tropical forests, pause to look in on the fish, and watch wild peacocks for a truly relaxing afternoon.
- James Irvine Japanese Garden: One of Little Tokyo’s hidden gems, this community garden offers a tranquil walk along its outer path where you can enjoy the carefully tended plant life, calming stream, and waterfall.
- The Japanese Garden: In this idyllic spot, beautifully manicured trees and picturesque teahouses surround a central pond. Built to mimic stroll gardens of the 18th and 19th century, this garden offers you the chance to wander in peace.
If your perfect home puts you close to relaxing, interesting local attractions like this, contact Betsy Dittman. I am an expert in luxury Los Angeles real estate and the nearby hidden gems so you can find your dream home to support your dream lifestyle. To work with an expert in luxury home sales and buys in Los Angeles and Conejo Valley, call me today!
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.
Smart Tips For Spring Cleaning
Make Your Project Easier
As the weather warms, you have the opportunity to throw open your windows and get rid of the dust and grime that has built up over the gloomier winter months. Spring cleaning your whole home can feel like a major undertaking, though. Fortunately, utilizing these tips will make it both easier and more productive.
- Put Yourself On The Clock: Sometimes your biggest obstacle to getting your home clean is simply getting started. So it does not feel so daunting, set a timer for 50 minutes. Clean, focusing on one room, for that time. When your timer goes off, use the last 10 minutes to put everything back in its place. If you did that once a weekend for the next month, odds are high you could get your home in great shape!
- Minimize: You probably have some clutter throughout your house that makes cleaning it more difficult. This is the perfect time to detox your home. If you are not sure what to get rid of, turn to things of which you have multiples. Do you need 33 cookbooks? 15 plain colored button down shirts? 28 body butters? Try to keep no more than a couple of any item in your home.
- Tag It: To make spring cleaning easier next year, tag items you think you do not use often with today’s date. Then, each time you use a tagged item take the tag off. Get rid of any items that still have tags next time you spring clean.
With all of the effort it takes to maintain a house, you deserve to be in one you love. To find your ideal Los Angeles home, contact Betsy Dittman. I am a local real estate expert and am here to help you find a house you will love so much cleaning will be less of a chore.
