Blog News July 31, 2015

Luxury Home Design Trends To Get In On

Try Out These Luxury Home Design Trends

Trends, well, trend for a reason. Something becomes popular because people like it, get excited about it, and tell their friends (or followers, in this day and age). As popularity spikes, the trend gets more attention. Sometimes trends are fleeting, but others make a lasting impact. Fortunately, my years of real estate experience make it easy for me to see which trends will matter in the long-term. To help you capitalize on the right luxury trends, here are a few design items I want to highlight.

  • Superb Showers: A Jacuzzi tub might seem like a great idea but honestly, who has time for a long soak in the tub? Fortunately, you can give your body the chance to release its tension with a luxury shower that skips all the hassle of a bath. Steam showers are a particular favorite of mine.
  • Poolside Pits: In the warm summer evenings, taking a dip in your pool will feel refreshing and fun. That is, until you have to get out of the water into the crisp night air! If you install a poolside fire pit, you have the perfect place to dry off and snuggle up. As a bonus, the fire pit will get plenty of use in the winter, too!
  • Wine Wind Down: Wine cellars are wonderful, but why not expand yours to get more use of it? By adding a comfortable seating area to your wine cellar, you create a tasting room perfect for hosting small parties or just enjoy a glass in peace.

Do all of these trends sound too good to be true? They are not! Let me show you what luxury living in Los Angeles looks like; contact Betsy Dittman today. I can help you find a home so perfect you will think you are living at a resort!

Blog News July 20, 2015

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!

Blog News June 19, 2015

Take Advantage Of The Summer At These Farmers’ Markets

Find Local Produce At These Markets

With the warming weather comes more opportunities to get out of your standard grocery shopping routine and head to the farmers’ market instead. I love heading the farmers’ market because it gives me the chance to stroll in the summer sunshine and discover some new local favorites to work more flavor and nutrients into my meals. So you can enjoy the season with me, check out these great weekend markets.

  • Westlake Village: As a California Certified farmer’s market, it is no surprise that Westlake’s market delivers delicious produce and so much more. It is held each Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2797 Agoura Road.
  • Calabasas: Rain or shine, this great market on Calabasas Road just west of El Canon Avenue offers everything from farmers’ market classics to less traditional wares like wine and flowers. It runs on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Marina del Rey: At Via Marina and Panay Way, this market comes alive on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Park next to Cheesecake Factory for easy access.
  • Camarillo: Ventura Boulevard comes alive with live music, fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, artwork, and more. Do not miss this fun event between 8:00 a.m. and noon on Saturdays between Elm and Fir Streets.
  • Santa Monica: Since 1981, this market has worked to provide fresh food and promote sustainable agriculture in Southern California. It is held between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the Santa Monica Promenade.

Are you hoping to move somewhere you can get great local produce to help you on the path to your best, healthiest life? To find a home that complements your life goals, contact Betsy Dittman. Serving Calabasas, Westlake Village and the surrounding area, I am here to help you discover your dream house this year.

Blog News August 22, 2014

Don’t Miss These Los Angeles Al Fresco Dining Spots This Summer

Al fresco dining is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather in Los Angeles. While there are many places that offer the complete al fresco dining experience, some of the 2014 exciting places in Los Angeles should not be missed. Make sure to keep these delicious restaurants in mind for your next meal in the area.

A-Frame in Culver City blends both Hawaiian and Asian cuisine. Roy Choi, the owner of the restaurant, was inspired by picnic dining, which inspired him to create dishes that are finger friendly. The menu items are much more decadent that what you would find at a typical picnic, including items such as swordfish tacos, hoisin ribs, and the famous double-patty burger.

Connie and Ted’s Seafood in West Hollywood has an impressive patio dining area that overlooks Santa Monica Blvd. The fresh seafood options will transport you to culinary heaven and the sandy beaches of the Pacific.

Goldie’s in Los Angeles offers every market-driven dish all day long, offering plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Along with the great cocktails that are served, you will find everything on the menu from hand cut tagliatelle with Dungeness crab to diver scallops with kohlrabi.

Little Next Door in Los Angeles on West Third Street is the perfect French bistro that will transport you to Paris. The restaurant is a little more causal than Next Door, while still offering the best French dishes, including escargot, charcuterie, and moules frites.

 The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel is the best spot in the city if you are looking for the ultimate place to see and to be seen. The restaurant has been newly renovated, combining the classic Polo Lounge feel with a new, modern, updated look.

For all of your luxury real estate needs from the Conejo Valley to Beverly Hills, contact Betsy Dittman. I specialize in California luxury real estate properties and can help you with the sale or purchase of your home.