Arroyo monthly june 2013

FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA JUNE 2013

BLUE LAGOON Overwater Luxury in Tahiti Santa Barbara’s El Encanto Gets A Glamorous Facelift Irresistible Getaways Around the World

arroyo VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 6 | JUNE 2013

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SUMMER TRAVEL 13 TRAVEL DISPATCHES PHOTOS: Top, courtesy of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa; bottom left, Adrian Houston; bottom right, Brad Buckman

Take the honey and run to one of these romantic getaways around the world.

—By June Lamb

16 BACK TO THE LAND City folk reconnect with their roots at bed-and-breakfasts that offer farming experiences.

—By Brenda Rees

31 A SANTA BARBARA ICON GETS A FACELIFT The historic El Encanto is restored to its former glory as a luxe romantic hideaway.

—Carole Dixon

34 ISLAND FEVER Set your watch to tropical time, and luxuriate á deux in French Polynesia.

—By Irene Lacher

DEPARTMENTS 11

FESTIVITIES AbilityFirst’s Stroll & Roll

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ARROYO HOME SALES INDEX

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KITCHEN CONFESSIONS Culinary Art? At least it’s tastier than a bowl of Cézanne's apples.

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WINING AND DINING Kal's Mediterranean Bistro embraces culinary influences from throughout the region.

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THE LIST Michael Feinstein with the Pasadena Pops, the Beastly Ball, women crime writers convene and more.

ABOUT THE COVER: Actor Gilles Marini and wife Carole frolic on a Polynesian white-sand beach; courtesy of Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort

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EDITOR’S NOTE

GO ON, GET OUT OF HERE. I MEAN IT! That’s what this issue of Arroyo is dedicated to — hitting the road. What better way to put things in perspective than by traveling? Cue pithy quote: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” — Henry Miller And what better way to savor quality time with your amour than by gazing up at a starry, tropical sky? (Remember stars?) Or by drinking champagne on your private deck in Santa Barbara? Now here’s some more pith: “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” — Mark Twain If you’re on your honeymoon, let’s hope it’s the former. Regardless, who wouldn’t be enchanted by the French Polynesian islands that inspired the art of Paul Gauguin and bought him immortality? I certainly was during my recent trip to the Society Islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Now I can even make coconut milk from scratch (if I could only find a coconut tree).

Of course, there are adventures to be had closer to home. As Carole Dixon discovered, Santa Barbara’s landmark El Encanto hotel recently underwent a $134 million renovation, bringing it up to today’s luxury standards. It’s the perfect hideaway for honeymooners as well as civilians.

If all that doesn’t convince you to get out of town, I leave you with one final piece of pith, again courtesy of Mr. Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor...Explore. Dream.

Discover.”

—Irene Lacher

EDITOR IN CHIEF Irene Lacher ART DIRECTOR Kent Bancroft JUNIOR DESIGNER Carla Cortez PRODUCTION Richard Garcia, Rochelle Bassarear COPY EDITOR John Seeley CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Bilderback, Michael Cervin, Scarlet Cheng, Mandalit del Barco, Carole Dixon, Lynne Heffley, Noela Hueso, Carole Jacobs, Kathy Kelleher, Carl Kozlowski, Rebecca Kuzins, Bettijane Levine, Elizabeth McMillian, Brenda Rees, John Sollenberger,Nancy Spiller, Bradley Tuck

arroyo FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA

SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING V.P. OF FINANCE Michael Nagami V.P. OF OPERATIONS David Comden PRESIDENT Bruce Bolkin CONTACT US

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon

ADVERTISING dinas@pasadenaweekly.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brenda Clarke, Joseluis Correa, Leslie Lamm

EDITORIAL editor@arroyomonthly.com

ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Joanna Dehn Beresford

PHONE (626) 584-1500

ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Richard Garcia, Rochelle Bassarear

FAX (626) 795-0149

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker

MAILING ADDRESS 50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91105

PAYROLL Linda Lam

ArroyoMonthly.com

ACCOUNTING Alysia Chavez, Monica MacCree OFFICE ASSISTANT Ann Weathersbee PUBLISHER Jon Guynn

©2013 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

CORRECTION: A dining room photo on page 41 of the “What's Paint Got To Do With It?” feature in June Arroyo should have been credited to designer Diane Bedford. The photo and corrected caption can be viewed at arroyomonthly.com. Arroyo Monthly regrets the error.

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FESTIVITIES Jaclyn Smith with Reina Jacobs (left) and a supporter.

AbilityFirst, a Pasadena-based charity that aids disabled children and adults, kicked off a major fundraising campaign with its “Stroll & Roll� event at the Universal Studios Backlot on April 27. The benefi t, presented by Comerica Bank, drew more than 1,600 people who walked, strolled or ran a 2.5-mile course amid movie sets to help raise $600,000. The AS&F Foundation contributed a matching grant of $75,000. The stroll-and-rollers, garbed in bright yellow T-shirts, included AbilityFirst honorary chair Jaclyn Smith, whose team raised more than $10,000 for AbilityFirst Claremont Center, one of 24 locations in Southern California. Donations can be made by visiting

PHOTOS: Ed Kreiger

abilityfi rst.org/stroll&roll or calling (626) 243-4582.

AbilityFirst Board members (from left): Mark Fedde, William Hawkins, Robert Hsu,Vice Chair Steve Brockmeyer, Chair Richard R. Frank, Michael Dougan, Stewart Hemphill, Ray Cherry and Rick Arcaro 06.13 | ARROYO | 11

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Travel Dispatches Take the honey and run to one of these romantic getaways.

BY JUNE LAMB oneymoon. Rhymes with June. Sounds like a word that might have been invented by a songwriter in the Gatsby era. But now hear this: Both the word and the concept have been around since the 1500s, when newlyweds took a month alone together, from one full moon to the next, in order to get to know each other. So the honeymoon isn’t just a silly ritual. It’s a rite of passage that has endured for at least six centuries, untouched by technology or eroding traditions. Nowadays, we have a lot more options for where and how to enjoy the little love-fest that marks the start of a life together — or even a weekend of unmarried bliss. For sophisticates, those crowded cruises and tropical clubs where you pay for drinks with beads are just too ordinary. Cramped hotel

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rooms on noisy corridors are not romantically ideal, either.

What’s wanted is someplace serene, spectacular, perhaps exotic — and very, very private.

Someplace airy, spacious, away from the crowd and yet packed with potential for interesting activities. What could be better than a private villa overlooking an ocean, a cliff-top cottage in the Australian outback or an elegant city suite with a living room where you can plug in your music and dance the night away? Every couple’s idea of ideal is different. Here we suggest a variety of top romantic spots with private, opulent accommodations that can turn a post-wedding trip into a real honey of a honeymoon. (A note: Hotel rates vary by season and packages may offer better prices.)

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE KANGAROO ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

PHOTO: Guillaume de Laubier

Nature meets nurture: Romantic private cliff-top villas offer dramatic ocean views on this island nicknamed “Australia’s Galapagos” for the abundant wildlife (kangaroos, koalas, etc.) that live here. For alone time, there’s plenty of indoor/outdoor privacy in the elegantly sleek modern suites with private lounging terraces, glass-walled bathrooms, king-size beds and all the amenities you’d expect in a five-star big-city hotel: fine wine, gourmet dining, premium linens, wireless Internet and impeccable service.Yet the lodge’s unique location offers a vast array of opportunities to hike, swim, boat and explore the enchanting diversity of local birds and beasts — the island’s true natives — who live in this “zoo without fences” (another sobriquet).The Osprey Pavilion, shown here, has an open-air bathroom, a handsculpted granite bath, heated limestone floors, a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, a terrace with private spa — and stunning panoramic views of white-sand beaches and untouched coastal wilderness.

Nightly rates start at $1,980 per couple. Visit southernoceanlodge.com.au.

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AMANPURI RESORT Phuket, Thailand Asian idyll: Phuket (pronounced poo-ket) is an island destination for couples who want an Asian experience that combines a bit of nightlife and a whole lot of private time and pampering. Amanpuri is the Sanskrit word for “place of peace,” and this resort, on the island’s gorgeous western shore, offers miles of peaceful white-sand beaches on the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Private Thai-style pavilions are dotted throughout Amanpuri’s coconut plantation, each elegantly furnished and just steps from the sea, with an outdoor room, a sundeck and private dining terrace and oversize baths (some have private pools). The resort’s restaurants offer Asian and European cuisine, which can be served in your villa by butlers.

You can design your day around snorkeling and other water sports,island cruises, tennis, a gym or sightseeing.

There’s a nearby rainforest and a bustling cosmopolitan city on the island’s other side.

Rates start at $950. Visit amanresorts.com/amanpuri/home.aspx.

Wild things: If your idea of honeymoon heaven is a photo safari in Africa, then head to Duma Tau. Watch a mama elephant teach her baby to swim. See lions, leopards, giraffes and impalas in their native habitat.

Sleep on a cushy king-size bed in a nicely furnished thatched-roof tent with canvas walls, and listen to the chitchat of nature’s most magnificent creatures echoing through the night. You can shower indoors or out in your private tent, which has a full bath and a viewing deck over the Linyanti River where the wild things like to roam. The camp is built on an elevated wooden walkway, with a communal dining area where the food is fresh, healthy and hearty, but understandably not gourmet.

You can take four-wheel-drive tours with guides who know the best viewing spots, and boat trips for animal sightings when the river’s water level is high enough. This is rustic luxury, with no phone or Internet. The animals own this terrain, and guides must escort you to your tent at night to avoid dangerous encounters. Bring bug spray.

The nightly rate is about $2,200 per couple. Visit africatravelresource.com/africa/botswana/linyanti/eastlinyanti/duma-tau-camp/.

HISTORIC WHALERS COTTAGE (#2) Point Lobos, California Alone together: Couples who’ve rented this simple but comfort-filled beachfront cottage are at a loss for adjectives to describe the natural wonders just outside its door. Although it’s just 4.9 miles from Carmel, this old whaler’s cottage is off the beaten path, surrounded by parkland, and it sits right on the sand facing what many believe is the most beautiful coastline on earth. Here you can barbecue dinner, stroll along the beach to watch the moon rise, then let crashing waves and sea otters sing you to sleep in a king-size bed with an ocean view. The 1,400-square-foot cottage has a full kitchen, laundry and fireplace in the living room. It’s one of three beachfront rentals owned by descendants of A.M. Allen, who bought Point Lobos as part of a Spanish land grant that includes what is now Point Lobos State Reserve.

There’s lots to do just minutes away in more bustling coastal spots but, if you’re like many who’ve enjoyed this honeymoon haven, you won’t want to leave. Bonus: You can bring your well-behaved dogs.

Rate: About $2,800 for seven days. Visit pointlobosrentals.com/whalers_cottage.html.

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PHOTOS: Top, courtesy of Amanpuri Resort; Center, Andrew & Caroline Culbert, courtesy of boundlessjourneys.com; Bottom, courtesy of Point Lobos Rentals

DUMA TAU CAMP Northern Botswana

THE PANTAI INN La Jolla, California The joys of Bali, but closer to home: Let’s say you’re short on time and tired of air travel. This new four-star boutique hotel, a short car hop from Arroyoland, consists of a group of restored cottages and bungalows built for exotic luxury and romance. Designed to blend ancient Indonesian tranquility with cutting-edge service and technology, each oceanview villa has a working fireplace in the living room, fully equipped kitchen and separate dining room — all of it festooned with art and custom-carved furniture from Bali. Even the luxury mattresses, bed linens and bath towels are Balinese imports. Bedrooms and living rooms have 55-inch flat-panel LED/LCD backlit HDTVs with premium programming and multi-media hub technology. Service, Balinesestyle, is premium. And of course, there’s the incredible diversity of the Southern California coastline right outside your door.

Nightly rates are $400 to $800.Visit pantaiinn.com.

THE WALDORF ASTORIA New York City The Big Apple: If your idea of romance includes Broadway shows, world-class museums and unique boutiques, you can find it all within minutes of this iconic Art Deco–era hotel. There are trendier places, for sure, but this landmark Park Avenue property is hotel history set in stone. And if you book a suite in the Waldorf Towers high above the city, you get a private entrance and lobby along with individually designed suites (no two alike) and upscale amenities that have been enjoyed by royals, movie magnates and tycoons from around the world. Each is elegantly appointed with period furnishings, large marble baths and the feeling of privacy that can come only from the lofty ceilings and thick soundproof walls that were once de rigueur for upscale hostelries such as this.

PHOTOS:Top, courtesy of The Pantai Inn; Center, courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria; Bottom, courtesy of The Dorchester

Nightly rates for Waldorf Towers’ one-bedroom suites start at $700.

Visit waldorfnewyork.com.

THE DORCHESTER London True Brit: The atmosphere at the five-star Dorchester, one of London’s finest hotels, is English to the core. Overstuffed sofas, wing chairs, fine woods and marble baths have all been updated to the Nth degree in this historic building in posh Mayfair that dates from the 1930s. You’d need tons of money for a light-filled spacious suite with terrace overlooking Hyde Park, but you’d get lavish digs that feel like home (if your home is a renovated castle). The high and mighty have been staying here for decades, although the hotel is too discreet to release their names. It has long been public knowledge that Lord Halifax, Sir Winston Churchill, President Eisenhower and unnamed royals have stopped here to sleep and dine, along with a slew of international stars of stage and screen.

Their present-day successors get to savor the seasonal offerings of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, which boasts three Michelin stars. FYI: The hotel is now part of a luxury group owned by the sultan of Brunei, whose holdings also include the Beverly Hills Hotel. ||||

Nightly rates start at about $800. Visit thedorchester.com.

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Back to the Land THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Serendipity Ranch’s pond, koi fish and llamas, the main house and a fruit orchard. OPPOSITE: The sun sets on the Stanford Inn by the Sea.

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City folk reconnect with their roots at bed-and-breakfasts that offer farming experiences.

BY BRENDA REES

f your dream vacation involves hands-on, can-do activities, consider a new industry buzzword — agritourism. That encompasses vacations on a farm where you can roll up your sleeves and help with chores or simply enjoy the bounty of an organic garden.

“The trend of locally produced organic foods and living off the land has expanded into the bed-and-breakfast arena,” says Mary White, founder and CEO of bnbfinder.com, a guide to B&Bs around the country. “People are hungry for an authentic experience of what ‘back to nature’ means, and they want to explore that in a peaceful retreat setting.”

Indeed, B&Bs and inns are no longer just rest stops for collectors of antiques. Today, some offer city folk the chance to participate in and learn about life beyond freeways, mini-malls and high-rises. White stresses that these comfort-minded inns still provide luxury lodgings (you won’t end up sleeping in a hay-filled barn), and no one is required to participate in farm activities. “If they want to join in, they are welcome to,” she says. “[That involvement] just adds to the whole package.

“We see B&Bs offering fruit-picking in orchards, grooming animals, milking cows and helping with harvests,” White continues, adding that these activities are not just familyfriendly, but also a way for adults to connect with the land.

One Southern California B&B has been luring weary guests to rejuvenate at 4,800 feet above Yucaipa. Located in the hamlet of Oak Glen, the Serendipity Ranch Bed and Breakfast is nestled in a scenic valley known for its apple orchards. The seven-acre ranch boasts trees from an orchard originally planted in the early 1900s. And when fall landscapes the property with colorful leaves, guests are encouraged to pick the fruit which may then be used in the hearty breakfast. Nina Foster, who owns the B&B with her husband, William, says she often sends people home with fresh squashes, tomatoes and onions from her two large garden beds. “Fresh vegetables are a perfect parting gift,” she says.

PHOTO, OPPOSITE TOP: Picasa

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Wildlife is also abundant around Serendipity as the ranch, itself a Certified Wildlife Habitat, abuts a wilderness area. Weasels, chipmunks, coyotes, bobcats, bears and mountain lions have been seen on or near the property, and ducks, quail and rabbits are regular visitors, Foster says. Every morning she fills an enormous bird feeder which another regular visitor, Judy McInnis, says draws a flock of “the most beautiful birds.” Foster says she has counted 47 different bird species at her feeder.

Guests are also welcome to interact with the domesticated critters that live on the ranch.

Brea resident McInnis, who has visited Serendipity with family and friends for years, recalls that when she and her sisters groomed and walked the miniature horses, she felt like she was “12 years old again. It was so special. We were so giddy.” McInnis is one of many guests delighted by the inn’s stable of miniature horses — animals that have been there for many years, Foster says. “Big kids, little kids, everyone is welcome to take them for a walk,” she says, adding that visitors can also take part in a special guided tour of the ranch’s other fauna — llamas, goats, geese and deer — and get hands-on experience feeding and grooming them.

Serendipity’s natural beauty has brought McInnis back year after year. “I’m a nature freak, and this place is so charming with the flowers, apple trees, ponds and all the animals,” she says. McInnis’ sisters and parents recently joined her in taking over the entire B&B for a weekend get-together (there are only four guestrooms in the entire place). “My mom uses a walker and we like the fact that it’s all flat walking here,” she says. “We really feel like it’s our home away from home. When we all sit at the table, we are it!”

Northern California’s Stanford Inn by the Sea, an eco-resort on the Mendocino coast, bills itself as the country’s only vegan resort so, not surprisingly, the freshest produce is high on –continued on page 23

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Stanford Inn by the Sea has a beach for launching canoes and kayaks.

its list of amenities. The source is Big River Nurseries, sandwiched between coastal forest and ocean, where the inn’s owners, Jeff and Joan Stanford, have been practicing organic and sustainable farming for more than 26 years. In addition to supplying the B&B’s award-winning Ravens’ Restaurant, the garden also provides herbs and other produce for a few other restaurants and grocers in the area. The Stanfords are happy to explain their gardening techniques to their guests; the garden also welcomes interns from around the world who are studying agriculture and sustainable practices.

In addition to having guests help with the weekly harvest, the Stanfords offer gardening and cooking classes (all presented with a vegan beat) as they share their philosophy of the sustainable lifestyle, which has transformed the area. “When we first came here in the 1980s, there were no birds here,” says Jeff Stanford. “The grasses died out until the next season; there were no seeds, no insects, no birds.” Now, after working the 10-acre property without pesticides or fertilizers, the resulting lush green meadows and landscape have created a haven for wildlife. “We are on the top of bird counts for the coast,” he says.

Bay Area resident Margaret Miner has been coming to the Stanford Inn for more than 10 years; in fact, she was married there two years ago. Miner says she was initially drawn to its popular vegetarian restaurant but has since returned numerous times, not just for the landscape (“It’s breathtaking”) and the owners’ company (“Joan and Jeff don’t just talk [sustainability], they live it”), but because pets are welcome and she can bring her dogs with her.

“Jack [a mixed breed] was in our wedding party and the best man held his leash,” she says, adding that her new collie, Jerry, has joined the family on vacations there. In addition to relaxing by the fireplace with her dogs and hubby, Miner walks the nearby trails, watches folks kayak and bike, relaxes in the indoor pool and spa (which is cleaned with natural enzymes instead of chlorine) and enjoys the other guests she meets at the daily happy hour (yes, vegan wine is on the menu).

When Miner lost both parents and a brother a few years ago, she found solace FAST FACTS at the inn. “It’s a wonderful haven that is Serendipity Ranch at Oak Glen welcoming and comfortable, and I honBed & Breakfast is located at estly think of it as an extension of my own 11520 Green Lane, Oak Glen. Rates home,” she says. range from $139 to $239 per night.

That kind of testimony rings true for Call (909) 797-0253 or visit Stanford, who came to the area with wife serendipityranch.net.

Joan to raise their extended family on the land. “I hope when people come here they The Stanford Inn by the Sea is at remember who they are, because so often Coast Highway and Comptche Ukiah we get lost in the everyday world,” he Rd., Mendocino. Rates range from $211 to $555 per night. Call (800) says. “We want them to fall in love with 331-8884 or visit stanfordinn.com. life again and to remember the optimism of their youth.” |||| 06.13 | ARROYO | 19

arroyo HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT

BEYOND THE ENDLESS SUMMER ENHANCING YOUR HOME AND GARDEN FOR OUTDOOR LIVING AND ENTERTAINING BY BYJOANNA JOANNADEHN DEHNBERESFORD BERESFORD

Even in the seemingly endless summer of our beautiful Southern California lives, the real summer months – June, July,August – offer a giddy sense of freedom and joy that most of us long to share with our family and friends.Outdoor living and entertaining provides us with the opportunity to spend moonlit evenings and long, leisurely afternoons by the pool or nestled in our gardens, savoring the smells,the sounds and the sensations of summer. Simple or elaborate, casual or formal, spontaneous or meticulously orchestrated, these occasions glow with a particular magic.While memories can last forever,and the impulse to celebrate is timeless, every new summer season inspires, for many homeowners, a desire to refresh the landscape in which these scenes of celebration take place. Fortunately, San Gabriel Valley residents enjoy access to magnificent resources for such renovation right here in our backyards, so to speak. This month we want to highlight some of the local professionals and vendors who provide us with the services, advice and products that can enhance our experience of outdoor living and entertaining.

“We stock a wide range of pavers and retaining wall products that are designed for the color palettes found in Southern California properties,” says Angelus’Tom Murphy.“Our website, our representatives and your contractor can all provide information on the quality, standards, colors, recommended uses and maintenance of your hardscape project.”

Angelus offers products and services that include everything from decorative walls to planters, columns, barbecues, lawn edgers and water features. Among the advantages of such hardscape features are their easy maintenance and sustainability. Properly installed, concrete paving stones will “provide years of beauty and use for your outdoor living space,” explains Tom, adding that sealing pavers around pool decks and barbecue areas helps to preserve and protect the stones.“And concrete has been one of the best sustainable materials available; it is made from all-natural aggregates, has a very long life cycle, and is completely recyclable at the end of that cycle.”

KNOCK ON WOOD In almost every setting, wood lends a home more than a solid surface for inducing good luck.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Angelus Block Co Inc.

Outdoor wood features range from gates and fences to decks, entryways and furniture and BUILDING BLOCKS

accessories.Tim Gilliam, owner of Teak Master, an exterior wood restoration specialist, describes

When is a brick not just a brick? When it’s a well-chosen block or paver used to build some im-

a current Altadena project that involves the entire exterior of the home.

portant aspect of the landscape of your home.The variety of colors, sizes, and textures of

“The original redwood sides were painted over,” explains Tim,“and it looked like a barn. It

blocks and pavers is vast and dizzying – hence the need, frequently, for some guidance in se-

looked horrible. We’re literally restoring every side of the home like it’s one humongous piece of

lecting materials and developing a vision for new or renovated hardscape elements. Founded

fine furniture.”

in 1946, Angelus Block Co Inc. is California’s leading producer of concrete masonry units, inter-

Tom and his team sandblasted the paint off the siding, then sanded the surface and ap-

locking concrete pavers, permeable pavers, decorative site wall units, and segmental planter

plied a water-based coating and custom stain created exclusively for Teak Master by Arbor-

wall units.

coat. The result is a stunning restoration.

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–continued on page 23

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

–continued from page 20 In addition to redwood,Tim recommends Ipe and Mangaris woods, all of which are, of course, natural products and noted for their beauty and durability.“This stuff will last forever,” he says.

Cleaning and upkeep can sometimes be managed by the homeowners themselves.Tom recommends using a product called Simple Green, and suggests that families often find the process fun and rewarding, although larger and more ambitious projects may require professional assistance, which the Teak Master team is always happy to provide.

PICTURE THIS According to Tom Tuzzolino, owner of Tom’s Picture Perfect Landscaping,“Having a great landscape is about more than just great curb appeal.Your landscape says,‘I care about my home and my neighborhood. Landscaping is the entrance to your castle, and you want it to say ‘Welcome to my beautiful home.’”

As a full-service landscape service,Tom’s Picture Perfect handles almost every aspect of building and renovation projects.They recently completed an entire design/build project in San Bernardino that included pool, fireplace, seating area, landscaping, plantings and water system.

“The client had lived in the home for 30 years and had never done anything to the backyard,” Tom says.“It was just dirt and weeds when we got there. We were able to complete the entire project in exactly 60 days, start to finish, and they just loved it.”

Tom is quick to add that homeowners don’t have to completely overhaul their yards to enhance them for summer living and entertaining, however.“People want to sit outside and enjoy spending time there,” he says.“But they can add to their enjoyment in simple, inexpensive ways, like adding a fireplace or firepit, or creating the wandering stream that they always dreamed of as a child.”

Other services that Tom and his team provide include masonry and flagstone, lighting and water features, rock formations, patio covers and more. All of which help to create the magical –continued on page 25

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

–continued from page 23 environment that we savor during the summer months.

SUNSHINE, SHADE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN “I’ve been in the building industry for more than twenty years and people have constantly asked me,“how do I create temporary shade in my yard?” says Jim Densmore, owner of southern California’s Adjustible Patio Covers franchise.“I finally have the answer for them.”

Jim adds that he feels honored to be a part of the Adjustable Patio Cover family, and he’s thrilled that he can offer homeowners a solution in their quest for flexible enjoyment of their landscapes year round.The adjustable covers he’s referring to are dynamic, louvered systems that allow the homeowner to control the amount of light, shade and airflow that fills their patio or sitting areas and provides an element of year round protection from wind, rain and even snow and ice.The patio covers are attractive, reasonably priced and can be incorporated in commercial, civic and residential spaces – making them an ideal alternative for architects, designers and homeowners.

TIMELESS BEAUTY Sanello Construction has been renovating, remodeling, and expanding homes in the San Gabriel Valley for more than thirty years. Founder and owner Rocco Sanello has spent years in the building industry, developing his craft, learning trades and serving homeowners. He and his team of professionals consistently demonstrate the importance of integrity, honesty and the effective use of resources in the field.

Sanello Construction specializes in the renovation of historic homes and period architecture. Their workspace includes a woodworking shop where they create classic moldings and other residential details that sustain or recapture the charm and authenticity of vintage design; they also work with craftspeople who can “recreate or refurbish almost any marble or granite surface.” They also transform traditional homes into more progressive or contemporary residences and introduce innovative technologies, like the HomeWorks system that creates a fully automated network of environmental, lighting and multimedia controls throughout the home.

–continued on page 27

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—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

–continued from page 25 And, if that agenda doesn’t leave you breathless, Sanello Construction also implements hardscape and landscapes for Valley residents. Meaning that they can renovate your outdoor living spaces so that they reflect the mood and origins of any home. In other words, with a little assistance from Rocco Sanello, you can enjoy the ambiance of a 19th century country home, while partaking in all the privileges of this-very-moment-in-time.

A LIVING PICTURE Garden View is a complete, design/build outdoor construction and landscaping company and a wholesale/resale nursery. Mark Meahl founded the company in 1978 and since then they have created outdoor rooms and enhancements for residents throughout the region.They specialize in collaborating with homeowners to design and build everything from custom swimming pools and outdoor living areas, to flowerbeds and fireplaces.

For Mark and his colleagues, the design/build process, and the outcome, is a kind of artistic journey. Like an artist, the landscape designer considers color, texture, line, light, symmetry, and movement. Unlike a traditional visual artist, the landscape artist also considers time, because the landscape is a living work of art evolving over time and multiple dimensions, and including elements that move and change.The glass-topped firepit table, for example, designed and built by Garden View, reflects sky and water features, and the flickering light and shadows of its own flames. And this is perhaps the essence of the impulse to celebrate summer; that it’s beautiful, moving, changing, and that we want to gather round and cherish it while we can.

THE FESTIVE VILLAGE Does it take a village to raise a child? Possibly.To renovate a home and garden and celebrate a season of light and happiness? Most definitely. Fortunately, we live in just such a ‘village,’ where generous and visionary artists, designers, builders and craftspeople live and practice their craft.

Here’s to finding them, celebrating them, and relishing the days and nights of summer in our own backyards! AH&D

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~HOME SALES INDEX~ HOME SALES

ALTADENA 1101 East Altadena Drive 1235 Morada Place 2858 Winterhaven Lane 2343 Glen Canyon Road 3948 Chapman Court 719 East Palm Street 2338 Midwick Drive 917 Morada Place ARCADIA 241 Whispering Pines 1004 Singing Wood Drive 960 Hampton Road 723 Carriage House Drive 760 West Orange Grove Avenue 1400 Rodeo Road 2251 Highland Oaks Drive 1131 San Carlos Road 1304 San Carlos Road 1400 South 6th Avenue 1500 South 1st Avenue 1135 South Santa Anita Avenue 159 East Winnie Way 2412 South 6th Avenue 1537 Hyland Avenue 1015 Rancho Road 300 East Rodell Place 2001 South 3rd Avenue 723 East Camino Real Avenue 310 East Duarte Road EAGLE ROCK 5148 Argus Drive 5290 Ellenwood Drive GLENDALE 571 Cumberland Road 1234 Imperial Drive 3391 Oakmont View Drive 1101 Trafalger Drive 3299 Kirkham Drive 1621 Ivy Bridge Road 2432 Flintridge Drive 1444 Cordova Avenue 910 Chudleigh Lane 1310 Hillside Drive 3549 Pheasant Street 1031 Calle Azul 3239 Fairesta Street 860 East Mountain Street 1961 Rimcrest Drive LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE 4770 Rosebank Drive 603 Chatham Place 5034 Gould Avenue 833 Greenridge Drive 5169 Princess Anne Road 4545 La Granada Way

CLOSE DATE

PRICE

BDRMS. SQ. FT.

YR. BUILT

PREV. PRICE

PREV. SOLD

04/09/13 04/26/13 04/02/13 04/23/13 04/05/13 04/09/13 04/23/13 04/16/13

$1,560,000 $1,440,000 $1,255,000 $1,200,000 $1,050,000 $970,000 $950,000 $917,000

6 6 3 4 3 4 4

3994 4056 2498 2800 3832 2518 2212

1925 1921 1953 1939 2001 1990 1949

$1,350,000 $1,200,000 $740,000 $740,000 $856,000 $390,000 $315,000 $935,000

09/02/2004 08/09/2005 10/08/2002 12/12/2012 12/10/2012 11/05/1998 12/18/1997 02/09/2007

04/04/13 04/03/13 04/26/13 04/05/13 04/19/13 04/10/13 04/30/13 04/17/13 04/18/13 04/23/13 04/03/13 04/18/13 04/25/13 04/12/13 04/02/13 04/15/13 04/02/13 04/26/13 04/05/13 04/17/13

$5,780,000 7 $3,750,000 5 $3,100,000 10 $2,719,000 5 $2,620,000 4 $2,423,000 7 $1,940,000 4 $1,850,000 3 $1,540,000 3 $1,360,000 6 $1,350,000 7 $1,300,000 4 $1,300,000 5 $1,280,000 4 $1,260,000 4 $1,168,000 3 $1,100,000 3 $1,065,000 3 $1,040,000 6 $950,000 2

8066 4456

1981 1950

4935 3599

2002 1954

$2,000,000 $181,500 $2,538,000 $2,038,000

09/07/2000 01/15/1975 05/02/2011 12/18/2003

3482 2565 2431 3178 3154 4138 3785 4060 2567 2630 2046 2084 3971 1316

1960 1951 1951 1935 1936 1928 1990 1987 1948 1947 1948 1959 1955 1940

$2,018,000 $1,770,000 $1,400,000

03/15/2007 08/12/2009 11/24/2009

$408,000

10/30/1997

$259,000 $970,000 $1,018,000 $1,100,000 $475,000 $936,500 $165,000

08/12/1996 12/23/2004 01/19/2006 07/15/2010 10/31/2000 05/11/2006 11/07/1979

2674 2268

1910 1920

$938,500 $705,000

04/25/2013 02/21/2013

$515,000 $1,275,000 $924,500 $836,000 $491,000 $225,000 $969,000 $875,000 $1,125,000 $829,000 $445,000 $1,075,000 $1,015,000

05/08/1987 08/13/2004 08/01/2012 09/03/2002 02/03/1999 08/16/1979 02/11/2004 11/05/2004 12/27/2007 07/11/2003 02/16/1996 04/10/2006 04/12/2006

$300,000 $2,500,000 $1,120,000 $1,045,000 $295,000 $1,430,000

06/10/1988 09/07/2005 05/02/2007 07/21/1995 03/20/1987 03/04/2011

04/25/13 04/11/13

$938,500 $912,000

4 3

04/25/13 04/03/13 04/05/13 05/01/13 04/12/13 04/19/13 04/16/13 04/25/13 04/02/13 04/24/13 04/05/13 04/09/13 05/02/13 04/16/13 04/04/13

$1,525,000 $1,385,000 $1,300,000 $1,289,000 $1,225,000 $1,200,000 $1,172,500 $1,080,000 $1,070,000 $1,030,000 $988,000 $975,000 $958,000 $951,000 $925,000

7 7 5 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 4 3 6 4 3

4802 3745 3566 2977 4235 2495 2917 2953 3029 3074 3340 2788 3190

1981 1986 1975 1964 1985 1954 1967 1981 1985 1989 1963 1977 1980

04/15/13 04/23/13 04/19/13 04/24/13 04/15/13 04/16/13

$3,200,000 $2,450,000 $2,160,000 $1,795,000 $1,600,000 $1,550,000

6 6 4 5 4 5

7026 6688 3523 5932 2561 4209

1991 1952 2011 1987 1949 1993

continued on page 30

2013

+34.7% AVG. PRICE/SQ. FT.

+7.5% ALTADENA HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. ARCADIA HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. EAGLE ROCK HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. GLENDALE HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. LA CAÑADA HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. PASADENA HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. SAN MARINO HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. SIERRA MADRE HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. SOUTH PASADENA HOMES SOLD MEDIAN PRICE MEDIAN SQ. FT. TOTAL HOMES SOLD AVG PRICE/SQ. FT.

APR ‘12 31 $406,000 1432 APR ‘12 21 $930,000 1904 APR ‘12 12 $442,500 1255 APR ‘12 97 $440,000 1336 APR ‘12 26 $1,275,000 2351 APR ‘12 141 $573,000 1615 APR ‘12 12 $1,727,500 2933 APR ‘12 14 $590,500 1813 APR ‘12 21 $790,000 1678 APR ‘12 375 $413

HOMES SOLD

ADDRESS

SOURCE: CalREsource

2012 HOMES SOLD

RECENT HOME CLOSINGS IN THE ARROYO FOOTPRINT

apr

375 505

HOME SALES ABOVE $900,000

apr

APR ‘13 43 $585,000 1482 APR ‘13 48 $814,000 1929 APR ‘13 17 $555,000 1478 APR ‘13 141 $490,000 1497 APR ‘13 23 $1,052,000 1969 APR ‘13 181 $575,000 1476 APR ‘13 18 $1,882,500 2724 APR ‘13 10 $918,000 1823 APR ‘13 24 $875,500 1719 APR ‘13 505 $444

The Arroyo Home Sales Index is calculated from residential home sales in Pasadena and the surrounding communities of South Pasadena, San Marino, La Canada Flintridge, Eagle Rock, Glendale (including Montrose), Altadena, Sierra Madre and Arcadia. Individual home sales data provided by CalREsource. Arroyo Home Sales Index © Arroyo 2013. Complete home sales listings appear each week in Pasadena Weekly.

06.13 | ARROYO | 29

continued from page 29

HOME SALES ABOVE $900,000 RECENT HOME CLOSINGS IN THE ARROYO FOOTPRINT ADDRESS

LA CAĂ‘ADA FLINTRIDGE 1845 Fairmount Avenue 3684 Hampstead Road 1251 Fernside Drive 5233 Donna Maria Lane 4912 Oakwood Avenue 4801 Indianola Way PASADENA 1681 San Pasqual Street 628 Michigan Boulevard 1777 La Cresta Drive 3 Richland Place 1560 Hillcrest Avenue 75 South San Rafael Avenue 1465 Linda Ridge Road 1042 La Presa Drive 3051 Stoneley Drive 1140 South Oak Knoll Avenue 1499 Rose Villa Street 703 Bradford Street 344 South Hill Avenue 1181 Arden Road 2105 Glen Springs Road 524 Vallombrosa Drive 1425 El Mirador Drive 699 Cornell Road 312 Patrician Way 351 California Terrace 425 Plumosa Drive 931 Canon Drive 920 Granite Drive #511 1055 Stoneridge Drive 3310 Yorkshire Road 920 Granite Drive #312 1665 East California Boulevard 155 Cordova Street #301 3123 East Villa Knolls Drive 155 Cordova Street #206 201 Glen Summer Road 72 Annandale Road 332 Patrician Way 3216 San Pasqual Street 3187 Sunnyslope Boulevard 1168 North Altadena Drive 195 Patrician Way 2002 Oakdale Street 21 South Grand Avenue 1853 Kinneloa Canyon Road 521 La Mesa Place 410 San Palo Place 635 Sidney Avenue 2745 Madera Drive SAN MARINO 1680 Oak Grove Avenue 688 Canterbury Road 1737 Virginia Road 1935 Windsor Road 1499 Cambridge Road 2115 Adair Street 375 La Mirada Avenue 1505 Euston Road 744 Sierra Madre Boulevard 2140 Homet Road 1655 Waverly Road 2710 Ardmore Road 1200 Roanoke Road 2750 Canterbury Road 1665 Lorain Road 2490 Adair Street 2207 Homet Road 2680 Monterey Road SIERRA MADRE 47 West Bonita Avenue 295 West Orange Grove Avenue 359 Grove Street 257 East Orange Grove Avenue 615 East Orange Grove Avenue SOUTH PASADENA 411 Prospect Circle 1917 Oak Street 1709 Ramona Avenue 1928 Mill Road 1123 Fairview Avenue 424 Monterey Road 1818 La Manzanita Street 1521 Huntington Drive 423 Alta Vista Avenue 2106 Hanscom Drive 2050 Hanscom Drive 516 Prospect Avenue 30 | ARROYO | 06.13

CLOSE DATE

SOURCE: CalREsource

PRICE BDRMS. SQ. FT.

04/26/13 04/30/13 05/01/13 04/18/13 04/04/13 04/09/13

$1,500,000 $1,440,000 $1,425,000 $1,350,000 $1,252,000 $1,052,000

7 3 4 4 3 2

04/04/13 04/03/13 05/02/13 05/01/13 04/24/13 04/23/13 05/01/13 04/15/13 04/26/13 04/12/13 04/22/13 04/30/13 04/12/13 04/10/13 04/10/13 04/26/13 04/19/13 04/23/13 04/09/13 04/26/13 04/30/13 04/05/13 04/19/13 04/15/13 04/16/13 04/29/13 05/01/13 04/03/13 04/30/13 04/23/13 04/26/13 04/17/13 04/29/13 04/17/13 04/12/13 04/26/13 04/09/13 04/17/13 05/01/13 04/16/13 04/12/13 04/19/13 04/09/13 04/26/13

$4,200,000 $3,470,000 $2,850,000 $2,635,000 $2,515,000 $2,425,000 $2,415,000 $2,380,000 $2,200,000 $2,120,000 $2,100,000 $1,975,000 $1,750,000 $1,727,500 $1,710,000 $1,561,000 $1,500,000 $1,463,000 $1,449,000 $1,400,000 $1,395,000 $1,330,000 $1,290,000 $1,260,000 $1,250,000 $1,240,000 $1,225,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,180,000 $1,175,000 $1,170,000 $1,150,000 $1,110,000 $1,090,000 $1,062,500 $1,020,000 $1,001,000 $975,000 $970,000 $925,000 $920,000 $915,000 $915,000

5 0 5 8 6 5 2 5 3 6 1 5 4 3 7 3 2 4 2 8 4 7 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 5 4 7 2 6 4 3 3 4

04/22/13 04/02/13 04/26/13 04/11/13 04/18/13 04/19/13 04/30/13 04/03/13 04/09/13 04/23/13 04/30/13 05/01/13 04/30/13 04/01/13 04/09/13 04/01/13 04/30/13 04/18/13

$3,860,000 $3,750,000 $2,843,500 $2,775,000 $2,720,000 $2,650,000 $2,452,000 $1,968,000 $1,900,000 $1,865,000 $1,800,000 $1,775,000 $1,750,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,430,000 $1,420,000 $1,295,500

9 8 4 5 3 4 5 8 3 0 8 3 4 3 5 5 3 3

05/01/13 04/05/13 04/19/13 04/22/13 04/15/13

$1,788,000 $1,300,000 $1,203,000 $1,100,000 $998,000

04/29/13 04/30/13 04/30/13 04/12/13 04/22/13 04/18/13 04/03/13 04/16/13 04/30/13 04/29/13 04/30/13 04/05/13

$2,401,000 $2,075,000 $1,613,000 $1,480,000 $1,378,000 $1,220,000 $1,020,000 $1,010,000 $975,000 $925,000 $925,000 $900,000

YR. BUILT

PREV. PRICE

PREV. SOLD

$1,500,000 $416,000 $610,000 $745,000 $455,000

04/26/2013 05/29/2002 06/23/1997 07/12/2001 06/23/1994

$1,750,000 $1,100,000 $640,000 $2,300,000 $2,273,364 $315,000 $582,500 $1,500,000 $790,000 $540,000

10/29/1999 06/23/2006 09/09/1994 09/11/2007 05/12/2011 08/22/2001 11/27/1996 06/02/2004 05/09/2011 09/13/1994

1757 3138 3119 1997 1941

1949 1997 1964 1941 1949

4542 2094 3693 5042

1999 1996 1949 1925

4448 3375 3618 1375

1965 1952 1987 1951

988 3097 4292 2826

1920 1928 1926 1954

$1,200,000 $665,000

01/30/2001 07/01/1999

2819 2674 2495 2898

1938 1958 1922 2002

$342,000 $535,000 $142,000 $675,000 $450,000 $750,000

07/21/1986 05/31/1996 06/15/1977 11/04/2003 03/31/2011 09/29/2000

3074

1938 $459,000

05/30/1997

2190 1860 2856 1990 2430 2250 2865 2220 2837 1826 2530 2198 2403 2782 3023 0 2380 0 1903 1749 1430 2862

2009 1956 1932 2009 1954 2010 1973 2010 1936 1926 1955 1937 1950 1950 1955

$1,375,000 $1,325,000

06/22/2006 11/01/2007

$261,000

10/25/1985

$831,000

01/07/2004

$850,000 $950,000 $1,180,000 $675,500 $930,000

05/27/2011 11/13/2008 07/02/2009 11/16/2011 07/28/2009

$600,000 $975,000 $890,000 $160,000 $799,500 $422,500 $906,500

12/09/2002 06/04/2008 06/23/2008 09/11/1980 09/27/2005 07/12/2002 08/31/2010

$130,000 $2,940,000 $1,270,000

08/17/1971 03/04/2008 07/18/2003

$2,175,000 $2,200,000 $995,000 $769,000

04/26/2010 11/15/2012 01/30/2004 05/15/1998

$1,188,000 $1,250,000

04/23/2003 04/23/2010

$202,000

09/11/1979

$220,000

06/25/1986

$570,000

12/13/2000

$150,000 $1,150,000

11/26/1986 06/28/2011

$343,000

12/19/1997

$360,000

06/20/1986

$250,000 $875,000 $1,295,000 $900,000

12/26/2003 12/21/2012 12/08/2006 11/07/2006

$900,000

08/23/2005

$530,000 $790,000 $825,000

01/09/2003 06/03/2005 03/13/2013

1937 1925 1963 1951 2010

3406 4172 3309 3875 2867

1930 1937 1949 1931 1975

2984

1941

2352 2724 2115 2445 2556 2092 2544

1930 1926 1948 1935 1942 1934 1932

4 7 3 2 3

3734

2003

2829 2685 1673

1921 1952 1947

4 4 4 7 4 4 4 4 5 3 3 3

3874 3034 2866

1927 1928 1923

2399 4080 2212 3058 2860 2674 2688 1467

1906 1907 1968 1938 1950 1979 1988 1955

El Encanto's modern additions include a swimming pool with an ocean view.

A Santa Barbara Icon Gets a Facelift The historic El Encanto, once favored by Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, is restored to its former glory as a luxe romantic hideaway.

BY CAROLE DIXON

DRIVE PAST THE LOCAL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS ON SANTA BARBARA’S LIVELY MAIN DRAG, STATE STREET, AND HEAD TOWARD THE HISTORIC SPANISH MISSION, BUT DON’T STOP THERE. WIND YOUR WAY UP THE JASMINE-SCENTED HILLSIDE TO THE EL ENCANTO HOTEL. THE SEVEN-ACRE

PHOTO: Macduff Everton

PROPERTY WAS KNOWN FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS AS A TOP SPOT TO SOAK IN THE ROMANTIC OCEAN VIEW OF THIS AMERICAN RIVIERA WITH A COCKTAIL IN HAND, YET IT ALSO BECAME SLIGHTLY INFAMOUS AS A –continued on page 32

06.13 | ARROYO | 31

Architectural details were preserved during the renovation.

–continued from page 31

PLACE FOR JUST THAT — THE VIEW AND NOTHING ELSE, NOT THE FOOD, ROOMS OR DÉCOR. THE HOTEL’S FADED GLORY WAS SOMETHING YOU JUST TRIED TO IGNORE AS YOU MADE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE VALET LINE AND PEELING PATIO PAINT TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE SPARKLING COASTLINE AT SUNSET. RECENTLY REOPENED AFTER A SEVEN-YEAR CLOSURE, THE PROPERTY — LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES — HAS BECOME THE FIRST WEST COAST Each room is individually designed.

ACQUISITION BY THE ORIENT-EXPRESS, A HIGH-END TRAVEL COMPANY PRIMARILY KNOWN FOR RESTORING HISTORIC VILLAS AROUND THE WORLD INTO FIVE-STAR HOTELS. TO SHOWCASE THE BRAND IN NORTH AMERICA AND CATAPULT THE EL ENCANTO INTO A WORLD-CLASS DESTINATION, THE COM-

Guests can lounge in the lobby library.

32 | ARROYO | 06.13

Key to the hotel’s makeover is reclaiming its rightful place as an exclusive destination for weddings and romance. So the new owners kept intact El Encanto’s historic wishing well while launching a new wishing-well tradition, complete with a commemorative coin that a honeymoon or anniversary couple can toss into the shallow water, sealing their wish with a glass of Champagne. If you haven’t gotten quite that far yet, you might also consider the sentimental spot for popping the question, as your odds of a yes will probably improve. Adjacent to the well is the 800-square-foot Hummingbird Suite, traditionally considered the honeymoon hideway, with a two-person tub and a private outdoor rainforest shower. Other romantic touches include a large private terrace and an Italian marble and travertine bathroom.

Meticulous details abound throughout the property. When you check into the main building, your eye wanders to a print just behind the concierge desk by renowned British artist Damien Hirst, titled Psalm print: Verba mea auribus. Its abstract blue butterfly-wing motif, in homage to El Encanto’s location on a significant butterfly migration path, was created on a silkscreen with diamond dust. Next to the Hirst piece a white wall is dotted with 120 pine cones hand-cast in bronze; the work by Yoshitomo Saito, titled Prayers, is a nod to the excellent hiking in the area.

El Encanto’s basic layout has not changed, as required by Santa Barbara’s Historic Landmarks Commission, and the ambience is still reminiscent of a private hillside retreat, with views of terracotta roofs and towering trees. But you now have the option of checking into 92 rooms and suites in Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival bungalows, individually restored and redesigned with an eye toward preserving vintage architectural details. The original Craftsman accommodations now sport hardwood floors and plantation-style shutters that open onto a private patio or garden equipped with a telescope. Walls are decorated with botanical photographs from the hotel’s collection.

More than $1 million was spent on the landscaping alone, retaining a large lily pond under 100-year-old wisteria vines, all trellised during the renovation, with the supporting corner columns restored brick by distressed brick.

The kitchen is now overseen by French-born Executive Chef Patrice Martineau, whose

PHOTOS: Macduff Everton

PANY GAVE THE ICONIC HOTEL A $134 MILLION FACELIFT.

A bridal couple poses in front of El Encanto's signature reflecting pool.

pedigree includes chef de cuisine at Daniel in New York, the Peninsula in Tokyo and The Savoy in London. The chef has created a California coastal menu incorporating seasonal produce from the region. Naturally, Martineau is taking full advantage of the Mediterranean climate by nurturing an onsite herb garden — but it’s not just your typical patch of green. The horizontal and vertical garden will showcase Japanese ingredients used in the menu — wasabi, lychee, shiso leaf and burdock, among others. Japanese and French influences are apparent from the moment you are seated, starting with the Japanese peppercornand-fennel-pollen butter served with freshly baked sourdough bread and baguettes.

Chef Martineau has resurrected and recreated the beloved floating island dessert, which made its debut on the menu in 1920. “Everyone wanted to have the dessert and threatened not to come if it was not back on the menu,” he says. He added his own twist with French meringue poached in milk.

Martineau says it has been a challenge for him not to import too much of his modern French-Japanese technique acquired in running some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. The idea was not to dazzle guests with the chef ’s talents and push his innovations on the clientele, but rather to create a menu expressive of Santa Barbara. To that end, Chef will be serving his own twist on classic dishes so as not to alienate the local regulars. Try his French Provençal chicken with crispy chickpeas or beef short ribs braised in red wine with crushed potato, olives and fresh herbs. The halibut in a light cream sauce is amazingly flaky.

The ‘21’ burger (made with three cuts of beef ) from the famous New York restaurant can also be found on the menu. In another culinary twist, typical of the Orient-Express, the property has its very own Holstein cow, Ellie, whose milk will be used solely to produce handmade dried and aged white cheddar exclusive to the resort.

For downtime, the spa has seven treatment stations, including a couple’s room, offering therapies infused with calming elements, such as seaweed from Patagonia, as well as vinotherapies, which boast healing properties extracted from regional vines.

If you long to explore the surrounding area, look no further than El Encanto’s custommade electric bikes. The hotel will load you up with a bike — free for guests — and a picnic basket if you plan to head to the beach or a secluded spot in the hills, but if you long to leave these idyllic surroundings, why not ride down the downtown urban wine trail and leave your car safely back at the resort? One thing is certain, you’ll be back. |||| El Encanto is located at 800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara. Nightly rates range from $525 to $1,995. Call (805) 845-5800 or visit elencanto.com.

PHOTO: Adrian Houston

READY TO SAY, “I DO”?

Providing all went well at the wishing well earlier or in the Hummingbird Suite, you can plan your wedding in the refurbished banquet room on the lower lawn. The space can accommodate a sit-down dinner and 200 guests on the dance floor. For a smaller soirée, consider the Channel Islands Room and

Terrace located atop the main lobby for a passed drinks and hors d’oeuvres reception for up to 110 people. Couples planning a catered reception can choose among several entrées while customizing a menu of passed appetizers such as risotto balls or sushi.

— C.D. 06.13 | ARROYO | 33

Island Fever Set your watch to tropical time, and luxuriate

á deux in French Polynesia.

BY IRENE LACHER

“I’M ROMEO,” OUR SNORKELING GUIDE DECLARED, AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO ARGUE WITH HIM. FROM HIS BRAWNY, TATTOOED SHOULDERS TO HIS MOVIE-STAR TEETH, ALEX LOOKED LIKE A DREAM LOVER,

“And this is Juliet,” he continued. He was standing in chest-high water, holding a gray stingray by its — her? — pectoral fins and drawing the mouth on the underside of its flat body closer and closer to his own.

Okay, perhaps you had to be there, but what I wasn’t expecting when I arrived in Tahiti was the indigenous charm. French Polynesians — Tahiti is actually only one island in the archipelago that constitutes this French overseas territory — are warm, playful and onto something. Unlike some island nations that depend on tourism, there’s a notable lack of tension between the haves and the have-nots. Indeed, don’t assume the have-nots even want what you have — they know about all the stress that comes with it, and they’ve got better things to do. So explained my Moorea cab driver, Pauline, an older woman who sported that day’s crown of tiare flowers — also known as Tahitian gardenias — which she weaves for herself every morning. Fresh exotic blooms are so plentiful in that part of the South Pacific that the sinks in the otherwise modest Bora Bora Airport bathroom are festooned with spectacular sunset-colored hibiscus flowers.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. I had arrived in Papeete — the capital of French Poly34 | ARROYO | 06.13

nesia, in Tahiti — feeling surprisingly fresh despite the eight-hour, 20-minute nonstop flight on Air Tahiti Nui. (Unlike the carrier’s red-eye flight out of LAX, which is usually packed because it carries connecting European passengers, the 4:30 p.m. trip had several blessedly empty rows to stretch out in.) By that time it was after 10 p.m., so overnighting at the Manava Suite Resort in Papeete seemed sensible before setting off the next day for the idyllic islands of Moorea and, later, Bora Bora.

Of course, my companion and I wanted to take a look around Tahiti first. The favored mode of tourist transportation here is four-wheel-drive vehicles with very basic seating in the open rear, topped by a fabric roof to ward off the intense tropical sun. Our Tahiti Discovery guide for that morning picked us up at the hotel for a half-day excursion. He was bare-chested (another interesting facet of Tahiti — men, not women, are the proud owners of most of the bare skin I saw flaunted there) and covered in Polynesian tribal tattoos, both on his person and his pareo, tied at the waist. Even more impressive was his wild boar–tooth necklace, a trophy of a hunt. He introduced himself as Teiva, and off we went, past Papeete’s modest commercial streets (only a teeny-tiny Ikea and McDonald’s

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hilton Hotels & Resorts

TAHITIAN-STYLE.

Overwater bungalows at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa

attested to Western footprints — oh, yes, and graffiti is apparently universal).

We headed up into the moist, lush volcanic mountains, where Teiva made frequent stops to pick hibiscus flowers for the women (over the left ear means you’re taken, over the right, well, you know) and point out other local plants, like the shy Mimosa pudica, also called Touch-Me-Not, because its leaves quickly shrink at your touch.

It turned out that we were quite lucky to have Teiva at the wheel, because he was a native of the area, called Papenoo. Making good use of his four-wheel-drive capability, he veered off the tourist track for bumpy unpaved roads that cut through his extended family’s plantation, where they grow practically everything they need — bananas, pineapples and much more. That’s typical of life here. French Polynesia doesn’t export its agricultural wealth or water — preferring to send off its famous black pearls — so local people don’t need much money for a simple but comfortable life.

Then it was on to Moorea, an island shaped like a heart, which, along with the zillions of honeymooners it attracts, has earned it the sobriquet “Island of Love.” It’s technically spelled Mo’orea, meaning “yellow lizard,” in Tahitian. Local lore has it that a giant golden lizard

long ago splashed its tail twice to form Anohu and Pao Pao bays. The destination justly earned travel maven Arthur Frommer’s assessment as “the most beautiful island in the world.” In fact, it’s hard to believe that such an unspoiled place still exists, with beautiful coral reefs and teal waters clear nearly as far as the horizon line, thanks to pervasive eco-consciousness and limiting development largely to resorts (tourism is the main driver of the economy), which count on those crystal waters for business.

The favored rest stops in French Polynesia’s Society Islands, which include Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, are overwater bungalows, with thatched roofs and stairs off each deck, so you can practically snorkel where you sleep. They were invented in the ’70s by the Bora Bora Hotel, a favorite stomping ground for Mick Jagger and his monied ilk. That hotel was later demolished by a hurricane, but the atmospheric overwater huts have since spread to more than 90 resorts around the world, including the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Rustic and charming on the outside, yes, but fear not: They’re air-conditioned and mosquito-free on the inside.

–continued on page 36 06.13 | ARROYO | 35

Moorea is just a quick, breezy 12-mile ferry ride from Tahiti. After we landed, a shuttle bus dropped us off at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, where we were greeted with a tropical cocktail and invited to sit while we checked in. Then we were led down a wooden pier to our overwater bungalow. Ours was one of 62 at the hotel, yet they’re designed to feel surprisingly private. The highlight was the glass coffee table over a glass-covered floor opening, through which we could gaze at various tropical fish darting beneath us while sipping duty-free vodka we’d scored at LAX. That evening, we took in a buffet dinner and show of French Polynesian dancers and fire-eaters, who pulled diners to their feet (the dancers, not the fire-eaters) to join their merry throng. The show was actually delightful, overcoming my expectations of hokeyness. But for those who’d prefer romance served with their meal, the hotel will set up a table on the beach, where waiters bring a gourmet meal of roasted red snapper or Texas beef strip loin, amid torches and high-backed rattan peacock chairs that shield couples from prying eyes.

The next day, we took another four-wheel-drive excursion into Moorea’s interior, which was deeper and lusher than Tahiti, if that was possible. That route was more heavily traveled by tourists, but not disturbingly so. Our Moorea Transport guide was a footloose Italian named Mario, who took us to promontories with views that seemed to encompass the world.

But I was most intrigued by the archaeological remains of a stone marae (temple) in an Opunohu Valley forest, a low wall of boulders, where polytheistic A-listers were separated from the hoi poloi (the original “velvet rope”?). Before Christianity was introduced to the islands, human sacrifices would take place there.

To get to Bora Bora from Moorea, you fly roughly an hour and a half (depending on how many other island stops you make along the way) on the domestic carrier, Air Tahiti.

36 | ARROYO | 06.13

We were picked up by boat — the Bora Bora Airport has a dock — by our hotel, the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. The Pearl also has a village of overwater bungalows, but the architecture generally favors more of an Indonesian style — the open-lobby roof points up at each end. And the glass coffee tables in the Pearl’s overwater bungalows open up so that you can toss down fish food sold at the hotel shop. As for people food, you must sample the Pearl’s version of poisson cru, the country’s signature dish, raw fish quickly marinated in coconut milk and lime juice. Superbe. The Pearl’s Manea Spa, built atop a purple lily pond, also offers massages for one or two — the latter performed in a spacious room with a private whirlpool — with fragrant monoi oil derived from tiare flowers.

Our next stop was the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, a larger property with 122 rooms and suites over the water and on land. The Hilton is the only resort in French Polynesia with two overwater villas that are two stories high, called the Presidential Suites and, as luck would have it, the resort was between movie stars during our visit, so we were upgraded.

The 3,230-square-foot suite with endless water views from every room has a private swimming pool, sundeck, daybed, bar area and whirlpool; inside are two bedrooms and three baths (also making this an ideal family destination), a sauna, massage table and stereo system in addition to the usual amenities. Aspiring spouses could hold a small wedding there — either Western-style or Tahitian, but I say, go tribal, baby — or plan a large gathering at the well-shaded Motu Tapu, the resort’s private islet which also offers guests a lunch of seafood and champagne at a table set in the shallow water, right off the white-sand beach.

I would have been very happy to stay inside our suite for the rest of our Bora Bora leg, but another excursion beckoned. That’s how we met the aforementioned Alex of Lagoon Services, who turned out to be a guide of many talents. After picking us up at our hotel, we stopped at another resort to pick up couples from France and Spain; then he steered the boat to his own motu to pick up his 8-year-old son before sailing to three locations for snorkeling or stingray

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hilton Hotels & Resorts

–continued from page 35

PHOTOS: Hope Rogers

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TAHITI — the pier at the Bora Bora Pearl; the Presidential Suite at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui; lunch served in the water on Motu Tapu, the Hilton Bora Bora's private islet; Teiva giving a botany lesson, petting a stingray (Alex flanked by his son and a French tourist)

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Education

& ENRICHMENT AND SUMMER CAMPS

A fish-eye view of the Hilton Moorea

petting. The highlight for me was lunch at Lagoon Services’ private motu, where Alex demonstrated how to make plates from banana leaves and coconut milk from scratch — starting with the coconut tree — for his version of cru poisson. Then as we sailed home, Alex whipped out his ukulele and entertained us while steering the boat with his feet.

If that doesn’t sound like your usual tour, neither was the Hilton Bora Bora’s “One-Million-Dollar View” couples massage your everyday spa treatment. It’s done in an open-air massage pavilion on a black-lava outcropping a few steps above the hilltop spa, where a private whirlpool awaits. No New Age music tapes here — just the melodic strains of doves.

On our last night, we dined at the resort’s Iriatai (“above the surface of the water”) Restaurant , where we savored truffle pappardelle as we looked out at the night-black waters, strategizing our return. ||||

IF YOU GO Prices vary by season and may be lower in packages. Both Hiltons are offering a 15 percent discount on rooms through Oct. 4 (booked by Sept.30).

BY AIR Of course, you should always check current ticket prices, but in my research, Air Tahiti Nui (one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Airlines”) had the most flights and best fares — book early and nab a round-trip coach ticket for around $1,300. And this month, the international flagship carrier is rolling out new cabin configurations throughout the plane, expanding business class with “angled lie-flat cocoon seats” and a new on-demand entertainment system.

Other airlines serving Tahiti from Los Angeles include Air France, Qantas and Delta.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hilton Hotels & Resorts

WHERE TO STAY On Papeete, the locally owned Manava Suite Resort Tahiti has 121 rooms, a restaurant, two bars, a spa and a large infinity pool next to the lagoon.

Nightly rates start at around $241. Visit spmhotels.com/resort.

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa has two restaurants, two bars, a spa, water sports, pool, white-sand beach and guest rooms on land (many with private swimming pools) and over the water.

Nightly rates start at around $270; overwater bungalows, around $750. Visit 3.hilton.com/en/hotels/.../hilton-moorea-lagoon-resort.../index.html.

The locally owned Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa has a great view of the island’s Mount Otemanu, 80 bungalows, three restaurants, an onsite diving center and more.

Nightly rates start at around $584; overwater bungalows, around $977. Visit http://www.spmhotels.com/resort/bora-bora.

The Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa has three restaurants, bars, an infinity pool, spa fitness center and golf carts to whisk you across the sprawling property.

Nightly rates start at around $705; overwater, from around $944. Visit 3.hilton.com/en/.../hilton-bora-bora-nui-resort-and-spa-PPTBNHI/.

EXCURSION COMPANIES On Papeete, Tahiti Discovery’s Teiva offers tours to Papenoo, Mount Marau or the destination of your choice.

Visit tahitidiscovery.com.

Moorea Transport provides airport transfers, island and shopping trips and customized tours.

Visit http://chez.mana.pf/~moorea.transports/transfert_us.htm.

On Bora Bora, Lagoon Service offers a variety of snorkeling, dining and fishing trips.

Ask for Alex.

Visit lagoonservice.com.

Aa Bb Cc Drucker School of Management The Drucker School of Management in Claremont offers a world-class graduate management education through our MBA, Executive MBA, Financial Engineering, and Arts Management degree programs. Our programs infuse Peter Drucker’s principle of management as a liberal art along with our core strengths in strategy and leadership. We offer individualized, flexible course scheduling, an innovative curriculum focusing on values-based management, and the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty. To learn more, visit us at www.drucker.cgu.edu.

Flintridge Riding Club Flintridge Riding Club is proud to celebrate its 90th anniversary! To commemorate this historic occasion, the club is hosting a variety of special events and offering a limited-time promotional membership to new members. Flintridge Riding Club offers a 40 acre riding facility conveniently located near the community of La Canada Flintridge. The facility includes an impressive array of amenities, including three jumping arenas, two dressage rings, a cross-country field with natural obstacles, boarding accommodations for up to 180 horses and a clubhouse with a kitchen.

Promotional membership offers expire June 30, 2013. (818)952-1233 www.flintridgeridingclub.org Justine Sherman & Associates Justine Sherman & Associates is a nonpublic agency that serves the speech-language, educational, and orofacial myofunctional needs of clients throughout the San Gabriel Valley and various regions of Los Angeles County. We provide our clients and their families with the therapy and support programs necessary to achieve their maximum potential by designing and carrying out customized treatment plans with specific measurable goals. These goals are achieved through individual or group therapy sessions conducted by our certified and licensed speech-language pathologists in a warm and caring environment. Please call (626)355-1729 for a consultation or visit us at www.justineshermanslp.com Mathnasium Mathnasium is a highly specialized learning center where kids go year-round to improve their math skills. Students attend as often as they like - for as long as they like.

The goal is to enhance your child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts and overall school performance. At the same time, Mathnasium builds your child’s confidence and forges a positive attitude toward the subject, yielding overwhelming results. Independent studies by EyeCues Education Systems found that Mathnasium students’ performance increased more than two letter grades in as little as three to six months. Visit mathnasium.com to find out more, or call (626)532-7587.

Pasadena Language Center Pasadena Language Center offers language classes for kids. Languages offered: ASL, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Other languages available upon request. We have a variety of kids programs: Weekend classes, After-school classes, Mommy and Me classes, Language Summer Camp.

Our classes are affordable so anyone can learn a new language. We also offer classes for adults in 35 languages. 46 Smith Alley, Suite 240 Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 844-5003 www.pasadenalanguage.com 06.13 | ARROYO | 37

38 | ARROYO | 06.13

KITCHEN CONFESSIONS

Carottes Vichy

Culinary Art? Why not? It’s certainly tastier than a bowl of Cézanne’s apples.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

I have been thinking a lot about art lately — what makes some-

people shuffle through art museums. Do they all take inventory of their souls? Of course not. It is a ridiculous definition of art. Sure, some people may have a soulful epiphany

thing art, and what people accept as art. It’s probably because last

watching Tilda sleep. But so, too, will some find revelation in that dish of carottes Vichy.

month Tilda Swinton was periodically sleeping in a box at New York’s

Sometimes an apple is just an apple. Then again, sometimes the cool crisp bite of an au-

One may not consider an apple a story. But neither is a painting of an apple. tumnal apple is a reminder of Johnny Appleseed, or William Tell, or New York City, or Snow

Museum of Modern Art. Given the sheer volume of ludicrous hap-

White. What story do Cézanne’s apples tell? A guy left an apple on the table. Whoop de doo. Yes, Cézanne talks more about vision, perception, angle and the picture plane. But

penings that appear on the list of legitimate art, it occurred to me

how is that any more important than the physical nuances of biting into the apple — the temperature, the texture, the acid-sugar balance, the way it makes your tongue feel, your

that food is hardly, if ever, on that list. I think it should be. And I am

throat, your tummy? And your heart — are you eating it after a long day of hiking? Is it in your lunch box at middle school? Did you get it from the soup kitchen? All of this is a

going to start a campaign.

narrative. A story. A meaning that is beautiful, or tragic, or boring.

The subject is also on my mind because I recently read a New York Times opinion piece

The assertion that food cannot be art because art must be symbolic sent me straight

by William Deresiewicz on the subject of food as art, which concluded that food cannot be

into a culinary nerd rage, listing all the symbolic foods we eat — wedding cake, birthday

art, even though this recent wave of food appreciation has, in his estimation, replaced the

cake, every Christmas bread ever made, the entire Passover seder, spring lamb, Thanks-

fine arts in our culture.

giving turkey, pomegranates, oysters and on and on and on. Plus, every composed plate

Baloney. (Bologna.)

ever created by a thoughtful chef symbolizes something — the seasons, the culture, the

Cooking should, of course, be considered one of the fine arts. It should be included

skill, the artistic vision. Food is very symbolic. In fact, I would go so far as to say that food is

in college art-history survey classes and referred to in all lessons on the humanities. Why?

the most symbolic form of art there is. Food has a code that everyone can crack — and

Because it is as much an art form as painting, sculpture, music, dance, photography,

we don’t need Sister Wendy to decipher it for us.

ceramics, fashion, literature and sleeping in a box.

To be clear, I am not talking about artistic renderings of food, which are numerous

Finally, Deresiewicz insists that Proust talking about a madeleine is art, but the madeleine itself is not art. To that, I say again, baloney. This exquisite cookie has an extensive his-

and awesome. Arcimboldo’s Renaissance faces composed of food, Dutch still lifes,

tory, a temperamental procedure, an expected caliber of execution, a perceived outcome

Cézanne’s baskets of apples and Wayne Thiebaud’s cakes are all super, but we already

and myriad variations that change as frequently as fashion. There are great chefs who

know they’re art. Nor am I talking about random food. Anyone can dig a carrot out of

execute the madeleine flawlessly, and others who mutilate it. It is a talent that takes finesse,

the dirt for nourishment, but it is only the culinary artist who can glaze the same carrot to

skill, education and experience. Just like all great art. I feel confident in stating that there is

perfection — not too soft, not too firm, not bitterly caramelized, but beautifully, butterfully

more culture in that tiny cookie than you will ever find watching Tilda sleeping. ||||

golden amber. This is a skill, a craft and, in the right hands, an art.

But not according to Deresiewicz, who uses all of his favorite hipster foodie lingo to

Leslie Bilderback, a certified master baker, chef and cookbook author, can be found in

do two things: make sure we understand that he is a foodie, and preach to us about

the kitchen of Heirloom Bakery in South Pasadena. She teaches her techniques online at

how our passion for food, or what he labels “foodism,” is not art. His first argument denies

culinarymasterclass.com.

food the right to be art because it is not narrative and not representational. He is doubly wrong. First, we can all agree that art is not solely defined as representational. Far from it: Think of Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich, Jackson Pollack, Ad Reinhardt or Barnett Newman. Second, yes, food is too narrative, stupid! The aforementioned perfectly glazed carrots tell the story of agriculture, of Escoffier, of the chef who prepared it, of the evening you are enjoying it and the company you are keeping. It is also reminding you of several carrot experiences you’ve had in the past, perhaps a dish that was much worse, cooked by a person you loved (or hated). Each plate is a story, both internal and external. There’s the story the artist (chef) wants you to know, and the one you are having in your own head. This internal/external narrative is the same way we experience any art, including works by Mondrian, Malevich, Pollack, Reinhardt and Newman.

Deresiewicz also claims a good meal cannot give you insight into other people, or help you take inventory of your soul. Again, very little of what we call art does this now,

Carottes Vichy This dish was created in the French town of Vichy, famous for its spas and mineral water, which is meant to be used in this preparation.

INGREDIENTS 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut in 2-inch slices on the bias 3 cups sparkling water 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 tablespoons butter (½ stick) 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped

METHOD 1. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Add the carrots and sauté for 2 minutes.

2. Add the sugar, salt, half the butter and the sparkling water.

Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium and cook until fork tender, 5 to 15 minutes.

3. Drain off any excess liquid, finish with parsley and remaining butter and serve.

Get arty with this dish by using peeled baby carrots, or change the seasoning.Try it with the addition of ginger, sesame and cilantro or curry and coconut milk, balsamic vinegar and basil and scallions, leeks, garlic or caramelized onions.

The variations are limited only by the extent of your culinary artistry.

and the work that does so affects only a few people in such a manner. On any given day 06.13 | ARROYO | 39

WINING & DINING

Greek Salad

Kal’s Mediterranean Bistro 43 E. Union St., Pasadena (626) 440-0100 kalsbistro.com Daily, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5:30 to 11 p.m.

A Mediterranean Mélange Kal’s Mediterranean Bistro embraces culinary influences from throughout the region.

BY BRADLEY TUCK

June might mean gloom to some, but here in Pasadena, there’s

At Kal’s Mediterranean Bistro, which opened in May, Executive Chef Steven Lona, formerly of Bistro 45, presents a menu that reflects the season, with a strong emphasis on

nothing gloomy about the wining and dining scene. This month,

the correct vegetables and salads for the time of year. The meat-averse will find plenty here to keep them happy. There’s a meaty-looking, but totally vegetarian Portobello

look for a new arrival, a huge food event and some new drinks at

mushroom with polenta, little onions and gremolata, a meld of lemon zest, garlic and parsley ($15). A tabbouleh is made with the leaf du jour — kale — and parsley, mint,

an Arroyo favorite. Here are all the details you need to keep your

bulghur wheat, tomato and lemon vinaigrette ($8). If you’re in the mood for fish, New Zealand grouper comes with a quinoa-lentil hash, greens and a parsley sauce ($27).

When Kal and Justina Al Maleh arrived in the U.S. from Damascus, Syria, last Sep-

A particularly interesting component of this restaurant is the drinks menu furnished

by L.A. cocktail star Matthew Biancaniello, who garnered a big following at The Roosevelt

tember, they knew that they wanted to open a restaurant. The couple searched for a

Hotel’s Library Bar with his farmers’ market produce–driven menu. He has gone a step

location and concept that would stand out from the saturated market of similar Middle

further now, foraging for wild seasonal ingredients in the Santa Monica Mountains and

Eastern restaurants and decided to open a bistro with a menu touring the countries that

Angeles National Forest. In the mountains near Pasadena he finds wild fennel and el-

rim the Mediterranean basin. It’s an extremely diverse range of cuisines from which to

derflowers; black, white and purple sage; cactus flowers, sweet clover and wild currants.

pull influences, and yet they have some common threads. The history of the Mediterra-

He’s particularly fond of white mulberries, which taste like Granny Smith apples. He’s well

nean is one of small seafaring states roving its waters, both as merchants and invaders,

known for his love of stinging nettles, infusing them into gin. Kal’s, however, doesn’t have

bringing their foods with them and later returning home with foods they’d discovered.

a full liquor license, so he has worked with fermented wines and vermouths to create

Chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans), for instance, turn up as hummus in the Middle East,

wonderful complex cocktails using his foraged produce.

but in the southeast of France, they take the form of panisse, deep-fried logs of chickpea

How about a mochi-infused sake with bonito-flake syrup and yuzu citrus? Or a

purée. In Gibraltar, they emerge as the national dish, calentita, a sort of flat, oven-roasted

smoked-tomato Fino sherry with red bell peppers, scallions and cilantro flowers? That

cake that used to be sold in slices on the street from a giant pan carried on the ven-

got your attention, didn’t it? Matthew will be at the bar on a weekly basis, changing the

dor’s shoulder.

cocktails along with the seasons. Yes, East Coasters, there are seasons in California. We mark them in cocktails.

40 | ARROYO | 06.13

PHOTO: Courtesy of Kal’s Mediterranean Bistro

taste buds busy and buzzing.

A Coke and A Smile

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Speaking of an interesting journey in cocktails, here we are at 1886 Bar at The Raymond. Freshly open after a kitchen remodel, they have an original take on spring drinks to boot.1886 has always taken a very cerebral, considered approach, laced with a healthy dose of humor and irreverence. There’s always a great story behind the drinks dreamed up by Marcos Tello and the crew at the bar. The new menu is divided into four sections, a device that has served them well in the past. This time, the headings are “Soda Pop Shop,”“Study of Charles Baker,”“Time for Tea” and “Anatomy of a Meal.” For reasons of space (and because really delving into this menu merits a story on its own), let’s just talk about A Coke and a Smile — mixmaster Brady Weise’s cocktail in the Soda Pop Shop section. It’s a nod to Pasadena’s century-old Fair Oaks Pharmacy with its oldschool soda fountain, and also to the fact that during Prohibition, many bartenders had to get jobs at soda fountains to keep the wolf from the door. Weise takes rye whiskey, Fernet-Branca Menta digestif, Galliano Ristretto liqueur, an egg and Mexican Coke, mixes it up, then strains it back into a classic Coke bottle. Andy Warhol famously said,“A Coke is a Coke, and no amount of money will buy you a better Coke.” Think again, Andy. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Back at the Rose Bowl on June 29 for its fourth consecutive year, the L.A. Street Food Fest is a great opportunity to taste a vast array of delicious street treats. It’s a month earlier than usual this year so that you don’t have to endure high summer’s blazing temperatures with your tacos. And there’ll be so much more than tacos — L.A. food truck favorites like The Grilled Cheese Truck, The Lobos Truck, Currywurst and Wicked Kitchen will be parked alongside offerings from event partner Taste of Mexico, so expect some incredible food from the likes of Frida, Guelaguetza and Corazon y Miél, Mexikosher, PHOTO: Acuna-Hansen

Lotería and a host of other restaurants. For the sweet of tooth, brace yourselves for the Ice Cream Social, which features a raft of dessert vendors, including cult favorites The Donut Snob and Peddler’s Creamery. There will be beer and cocktails for those of age, who’ll be provided with a wristband, and live music to keep everyone entertained. Allyou-can-eat and drink tickets cost $50 and are available at eventbrite.com.

06.13 | ARROYO | 41

THE LIST

A SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER

Playhouse Party is a Destination

Bernadette Peters

$225 for center members.

Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock is located at

June 1 — The Pasa-

2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock. Call (323)

dena Playhouse hosts

226-1617, ext. 221, for information, and visit

its annual fundraiser,

cfaer.org to register.

titled “Destination: An Affair to Remember,” at 6:30 p.m. at a private Pasadena venue.

A Beastly Ball

The gala honors Tony Award–winning

June 15 — The Greater

producer and playhouse alumna Kathleen

Los Angeles Zoo

K. Johnson for her help in raising the funds

Association (GLAZA)

in 2010 that rescued the theater from finan-

hosts its annual Beastly

cial woes and an eight-month closure.The

Ball, benefiting zoo programs and activities.

event theme is inspired by the Hollywood

Guests are invited to dress in casual or safari

glamour of the 1940s and ’50s. Sponsor-

attire and stroll through the premises after

ships are available for $1,000 to $25,000.

hours to view the inhabitants. Chat with

Single tickets cost $275.The gala location

keepers and observe small animals close

will be provided with ticket purchase.

up with “animal walkabouts,” watch animal

For tickets, call Kimberly Rupert at (626)

feedings and bid on live and silent auctions.

204-7383 or email gala@pasadenaplay-

Live music is provided by several South

house.org.Visit pasadenaplayhouse.org

American groups, and food is supplied by

for information.

some of L.A.’s and Pasadena’s most popular

June 1, 2, 8 and 9 — “Works 2013: An Evening with Nancy Evans

POPS GOES THE ARBORETUM

restaurants. Honorees are zoo supporters Wells Fargo and actress Pauley Perrette.The event starts at 6 p.m.Tickets cost $1,000.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Dr. in Griffith Park. Call (323) 644-4753 for tickets and visit lazoo.org for information.

Dance Theatre and Guests” plays for four

The Pasadena Pops hosts a pair of concerts in June at the Los Angeles County Arbo-

nights at Pasadena’s Porticos Art Space.

retum and Botanic Garden.

The modern dance program includes

June 1 — “Michael Feinstein’s Songbook” highlights the composer’s new position as

Dads and Discovery at Descanso

performances by the Jacksonville Dance

principal Pops conductor, with a retrospective of his works, ranging from Broadway

June 16 — Dads

Theater, Beth Megill and Company and

tunes to movie music and Rat Pack favorites. Guest artists are Cheyenne Jackson

get their due with a

Solevita Dance Company.The curtain rises

(Glee, 30 Rock) and country music singer Lari White.

at 8 p.m. June 1 and 8 and 4 p.m. June 2

June 29 — Larry Blank, a multiple Tony Award--winning music conductor and vocal ar-

12:30 to 2 p.m. at Descanso Gardens.The

and 9.Tickets cost $20 or $15 for students,

ranger on Broadway and in film and television, conducts the orchestra as Bernadette

special afternoon features music by the

seniors 62 and older and members of

Peters sings selections from Sunday in the Park with George and The Goodbye Girl.

DADBeats, while Patina serves up barbe-

Dance Resource Center.

Individual tickets range from $35 to $100. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and concerts

cue for purchase from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30

Porticos Art Space is located on the cam-

start at 7:30 p.m. Guests may bring picnics, pre-order meals from one of the Pops’

p.m. (no outside picnics are allowed). Entry

pus of St. James United Methodist Church,

restaurant partners for onsite pickup (see website for details) or purchase items from

is free with Descanso admission.

2033 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

an onsite food truck.

June 24 through 28 — Descanso partners

Visit nancyevansdancetheatre.com for

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is located at 301 N. Baldwin

with the Child Education Center to inspire

information and brownpapertickets.com/

Ave., Arcadia. Call (626) 793-7172 or visit pasadenasymphony-pops.org.

and challenge kids entering grades 1

Father’s Day fest from

event/374389 for tickets.

through 6 in the first of three sessions

Gamble House Celebrates its Celtic Roots

beverages, a marketplace of Celtic items

Arts Camping in Eagle Rock

and house tours.Tickets cost $50; VIP tickets,

June 10 — Center for

skills. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The

which include preferred parking, a meal

the Arts, Eagle Rock

cost is $433 per week, and the CEC offers

June 2 — The Greene

selection and other perks, cost $75.Tickets

hosts its annual sum-

extended care for no extra fee. Subse-

& Greene masterpiece

Laval, highland dancing, Celtic food and

of Descanso Discovery Camp. Children learn cooking, gardening and mapping

for a family of four, including two children 12

mer arts camp from June 10 through Aug.

quent sessions run from July 8 through

built for David and Mary Gamble of the

and under, cost $125, and single tickets for

9. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through

13 and July 22 through 27. Call (818)

Procter and Gamble Company hosts an

children 12 and under go for $25.

Fridays, local contemporary artists teach

354-3418 to register.

afternoon of Celtic-inspired festivities from

The Gamble House is located at 4 Westmore-

children ages 6 to 12 visual art, art history,

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Des-

4 to 7 p.m., in honor of David Gamble’s Scot-

land Pl., Pasadena. Call (626) 793-3334, visit

crafts, yoga, dance, performance, cook-

canso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Call (818)

tish and Irish ancestry. The event includes a

gamblehouse.org or email gamblehs@

ing, ceramics, gardening, sculpture, textiles

949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.

performance by noted Celtic violinist Jamie

usc.edu for tickets and information.

and playwriting. The cost is $250 per week,

42 | ARROYO | 06.13

–continued on page 45

PHOTO: Andrew Eccles (Bernadette Peters)

Dancing the Night Away

06.13 | ARROYO | 43

44 | ARROYO | 06.13

THE LIST

SAN MARINO CAR CLASSIC June 9 — The annual San Marino Motor Classic revs up for another year in Lacy Park, featuring more than 240 classic and collector cars whose vintages span the decades, some dating back more than a century. The show features 34 classes of select vehicles and is enhanced this year by the Classic Car Club of America’s Southern California Region Grand Classic. Alfa Romeo is the featured nameplate of this year’s Grand Classic but Ferrari, Cadillac, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin and other makes will also be represented. ABC7 automotive specialist Dave Kunz and racing legend Ed Justice, Jr., emcee this year. Gates open at 9 a.m. Tickets are available online for $25, $30 the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA, the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Rotary Club of San Marino.

Lacy Park is located at 1485 Virginia Rd., San Marino.Visit sanmarinomotorclassic.com.

–continued from page 42

Who’s to Be, and Who is Not to Be?

fest features workshops and presentations

June 20 — The Theatre

tery writers. Guest speakers include former

geared to emerging and established mys-

@ Boston Court pres-

L.A. County Deputy DAs Anthony Manzella,

ents Alcestis, a play

who prosecuted the Mexican Mafia, and

written and directed by Nancy Keystone,

O.J. Simpson prosecutor and crime fiction

inspired by Euripides. Created in collabora-

author Marcia Clark. Also scheduled to

tion with Critical Mass Performance Group,

appear are Elizabeth George,T. Jefferson

the piece dramatizes the life-and-death

Parker, Kristen Weber, Michael Levin and

struggle of a woman who volunteers to

Hank Phillippi Ryan. Workshops run from

die in order to save her husband’s life and

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4:45

spotlights the ways we wrangle with the

p.m. Sunday, with an 8 a.m. continental

gods to circumvent death. Offering a fresh

breakfast both days. Registration costs $300

take on the nature of sacrifice, death and

through May 31, $335 June 1 through June

the will to live, Alcestis opens at 8 p.m. Sat-

15, and onsite registration goes for $350.

urday and continues at 8 p.m.Thursdays

The Hilton Pasadena is located at 168 S.

through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays

Los Robles Ave., Pasadena.Visit ccwconfer-

through July 28.Tickets cost $17 to $34.

ence.org.

Boston Court Performing Arts Center is located at 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Call

“The Voice” Sings with MUSE/IQUE

(626) 683-6883 or visit bostoncourt.com.

June 29 — Pasadena orchestra MUSE/ IQUE, led by Rachael Worby, presents the

All about Crime

first of its 2013 outdoor summer concerts

June 22 and 23

at Caltech’s Beckman Mall.Tonight’s cross-

— Women crime

genre progrm titled “Lost in the Stars” fea-

writer groups Sisters

tures vocalist Patti Austin, nicknamed “the

in Crime/Los Angeles

Voice of Jazz,” performing eclectic works by

and SoCal Mystery Writers of America host

Handel, Bach, George Gershwin, Kurt Weill,

the California Crime Writers Conference at

Paul Anka, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck

the Hilton Pasadena.The two-day fiction-

–continued on page 46 06.13 | ARROYO | 45

THE LIST –continued from page 45

and John Lennon. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Hall, opening with a talk by Vener at 1 p.m.

for dining (either pre-ordered or carried in),

Santa Anita Park is located at 285 E. Hun-

followed by the 7:30 p.m. concert.Tickets

tington Dr., Arcadia. Call (626) 300-8200 or

cost $35 to $96, $10 for students with ID.

visit calphil.org.

Beckman Mall is located at 332 S. Michi-

Beauty Care and Hair Fair

gan Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 539-7085 or visit muse-ique.com.

June 29 and 30 — The

Fab Four and More with Cal Phil

46 | ARROYO | 06.13

Professional Hair and Makeup Expo comes

June 29 — The Cali-

to the Pasadena Convention Center,

fornia Philharmonic’s

demonstrating the latest beauty trends,

“Festival on the Green”

technology and products for makeup

summer season opens at Santa Anita Park

artists, hairstylists, vendors, manufacturers

in Arcadia, led by Maestro Victor Vener.

and civilians. Also included are seminars

Tonight’s program,“Beatles, Beethoven

by industry experts and discounted shop-

and Beach Boys,” features The Beatles’“Sgt.

ping opportunities. Artists including Valenté

Pepper,”“Hey Jude” and “Imagine,” plus the

Frazier and Emmy winner Kevin James Ben-

Beach Boys’“Good Vibrations” and “Califor-

nett will teach classes and demonstrate

nia Girls,” as well as Beethoven’s “Pastoral

techniques throughout the expo, which

Symphony.”The Fab Four — The Ultimate

runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and

Beatles Tribute Band appears with the or-

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.Tickets range from

chestra. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for dining

$35 to $65.

and live jazz.The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Pasadena Convention Center is

Tickets cost $20 to $88.The concert repeats

located at 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.Visit

at 2 p.m. Sunday at Walt Disney Concert

phamexpo.com.