Southern California Spaces

Canyons & Valley

color

inside out

Trends for brightening your home and garden

Stained-glass dĂŠcor breaks the color barrier Italian chef serves up a taste of home March/April 20 1 0

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contents

southern california March/April 2010 spacessocal.com

SO CAL SO COOL

11 Shop Treatment

Creativity knows no bounds as a stainedglass artisan fills windows, doors and atriums with rainbows of color.

16 Trade Secrets

Landscape designer Scott Cohen offers tips for creating a functional yet beautiful piece of paradise.

FEATURES

24 Bold moves

Veteran designer Bill McWhorter offers a peek at his most creative and colorful remodels.

32 Color trends

Mark the start of a new decade with one of these updated hues.

36 Hot products

Fiery red and brilliant orange products can spice up your springtime décor.

DEPARTMENTS

40 Chef’s Table

Chef Gianluca Sarti brings home the taste of Bologna to a new Westlake Village trattoria.

44 High-Tech Home

New techie tools add convenience to the contemporary home.

46 Cause for Applause

Above: Warm or cool, traditional or unconventional, color can create a mood and define a lifestyle. “Color speaks to who you are, so you shouldn’t be afraid of it,” says interior designer Sara McLean, one of several color experts who offer tips for redecorating in style. Photo courtesy of Dunn-Edwards Corp.

On the cover: A vivid orange offers the perfect accent to the patio of slate gray, a contemporary hue growing in popularity for indoor and outdoor décor. Photo courtesy of greenscenelandscape.com.

spaces march/april 2010

A regional cancer center and talented Valley architects share the spotlight.

50 Finishing Touch

Christina Lynn Johnson finds a second career as a watercolor and fused-glass artist.

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editor’s letter

The color of courage

A

mong my favorite birthday presents in recent years was a box of 64 Crayola crayons and a coloring book, given to me by a dear

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 3 • Issue 2

contributing writers Susan Abram, Sandra Barrera, Dana Bartholomew, Holly Berecz, Natalie Haughton

contributing photographers Michael Owen Baker, David Crane, Christopher Dow, Mary E. Nichols, Joey Terrill

retail advertising director Mike McMullin

and started to outline and shade, to mix and match.

Blue green! Orange red! Magenta! With these 64 wax sticks at my fingertips, my creativity knew no bounds.

Gregg Bertness Meaghan Miller Barbara Jones Denise Gee LeeAnn Nelson Dean Musgrove

friend who knows of my penchant for color. I im-

mediately cracked open that classic flip-top pack

publisher associate publisher editor national editor designer photo director

spacessocal.com

classified advertising director Melene Alfonso

retail advertising manager Steve Jameson advertising sales Lauren Becker, Kim Mekelburg, Sue Chadwick, Claudia Erek, Rosanna Frank, Kristina Hamson, Sandy Hofacker, Robert Paschka, Bunny Petretti, Cathie Towell, Cibeli Tregemo

If only I could be that brave in real life.

It appears that I’m not the only person who suffers a crisis of confidence when it comes to deco-

rating with color. So in Spaces’ annual Color issue, we showcase

marketing director Bill Van Laningham research director Liz Hamm

corporating color into our homes and gardens. Designer Bill Mc-

creative services manager Paul Schraeder

creative services Chaivat Trongnetrpunya

office manager Mary Anne Rozinsky

Whorter, who built his 30-year career on his fearless use of color,

Los Angeles Newspaper Group

designers who provide encouragement and inspiration for in-

shares some of his favorite and most vivid makeovers. We also speak with experts about the new neutrals—sharpen your “cadet

president & ceo Fred H. Hamilton executive vice president & cfo James Siegrist publisher, daily news Jack Klunder

blue” and “periwinkle” crayons—and exciting textures to help decorate your home. And with the approach of spring, there are also ideas for brightening up your yard and patio. We hope their suggestions inspire you to create new palettes of your own.

Have a good story idea to share? Comments about the magazine? Write to me at spaceseditor@langnews.com.

spaces march/april 2010

contact us editorial 818/713-3710 spaceseditor@langnews.com advertising 818/713-3373 advertising@spacessocal.com Copyright 2010 Southern California Spaces magazine by the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Southern California Spaces magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork even if accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Comments?

Southern California Spaces welcomes story ideas and comments from our readers. Write to: Spaces, 21860 Burbank Blvd., Ste. 200, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

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Studio photos: David Crane

SHOP TREATMENT Simon Simonian’s stained-glass works spotlight his talents as an architect and an artist.

The rainbow connection Artisan uses stained glass to evoke mood and passion By Dana Bartholomew

S

imon Simonian held up an amber shard of glass, watching it bend the

sunlight streaming into Progressive

Art Stained Glass Studio. He wanted to make sure that each dagger-like cut would put a sliver of joy into the dome covering the children’s wing in a Bel-Air mansion.

“We are trying to create a happy space for kids, with ribbons and flowers,” says

Progressive Art Stained Glass Studio 15021 Ventura Blvd.

Sherman Oaks 818/907-1176 progressiveartstainedglass.com

march/april 2010 spaces 11

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What he really wanted to do was create art within

Simonian, 63, a stained-glass artisan. “The

art—domes, windows, doors, skylights and

combination will put you in the same mood

church windows—is more than just work. It

as a party— though we don’t have balloons.”

is his passion.

For more than 13 years, Simonian has

More than 30 years ago, the ethnic Arme-

been creating unique fused and stained-

nian immigrated from Iran so that his wife,

architecture.

glass artwork at his combination workshop

Evelyn, could study piano. He had worked as

Big art. Public art.

and showroom. For the former architect and

an architect and been a painter of contem-

fine artist by training, creating functional

porary and abstract expressionistic art. But what he really wanted to do was create art within architecture. Big art. Public art. And stained glass, which he’d admired in churches, was the perfect medium.

Fused and stained glass, he believes, can

transform consciousness —and life. “In church windows, it creates a spiritual space,” says Simonian, an elegant man who works in an oxford shirt and dress slacks, as classical music plays in the background. “In somebody’s hallway, it creates something additional—we can call it mystery. Every day you enter your house and see a beautiful window or skylight. You may be tired, or under pressure, it acts like music. Because it relaxes you, it makes your life longer.”

His workshop in back is crammed floor-

to-ceiling with glass panels, blueprints, plywood and lead rods surrounding a large Home accents and intricate windows are crafted in the workshop at Progressive Art Stained Glass Studio in Sherman Oaks.

worktable where Simonian spends up to 12 hours each day designing and working glass.

In the corner sits a kiln, where he fuses glass for custom panes, opposite a hot pot for the

12 spaces march/april 2010

E

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In addition to expert project planning and design, we also offer the technical expertise that is necessary to complete your project to the highest standards, assuring you years of enjoyment.

Everything that you or your contractor needs to complete your job can be found in our showroom. If needed, we can refer professionals who have, over the years, gained our respect from working together on projects both large and small and whose honesty, workmanship and customer service meet our standards.

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SoCal

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green tea he pours regularly from 7 a.m. till well past dusk.

In the front of the shop, behind a chic

showroom highlighting fused-glass plate, bowl and mirror designs, is an office run by his son, Emanuel, who has joined him in recent years to help him market his talent. In recent

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years, the Simonians have built a nearly 600pane dome for a Beverly Hills home, stained glass for the St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena, a pie-shaped dome in Brentwood and an entryway in Beverly Hills that included double-doors in stained glass, a soaring window and a fused-glass artwork signed by the artist.

Simonian’s works are showcased in a dramatic entry way in Beverly Hills, above. Top, his sketch of the stainedglass skylight he’s creating for a Bel-Air mansion,

Prices range from $250 for a fused glass

bowl to tens of thousands for the 12-foot oval being built for the Bel-Air mansion hallway connecting the kids’ room and their library.

“When it comes to kids, tradition goes away, a thing of the past. Kids are the future. This will make them happy,” the artist says of the contemporary pattern of gold and amber glass. “I love glass. I love its vivid colors. I love the way it works with light…I love to make people happy.”

Color in a whole new dimension

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Groundbreaking design TRADE SECRETS Color and light help transform a yard into a picture- perfect landscape

By Sandra Barrera

A countertop infused with recycled glass nuggets and illuminated with fiber-optic lights adds drama to a backyard barbecue area, top.

At right, bright orange accents pop against the Valley landscape.

16 spaces march/april 2010

S

cott Cohen awoke on a recent morn-

contractor and president of The Green Scene

accomplished ceramicist and sculptor, he’s

ing, amazed at the sight of a giant

incorporates a variety of materials to evoke

regularly featured on the HGTV series “Get

rainbow bending over the San Fer-

that sense of magic in each project.

Out, Way Out.” And this month, he’ll begin

shooting a new A&E series with the working

nando Valley. Cohen’s appreciation of the

Cohen has been creating what he calls

ribbons of color is no surprise, given his pro-

lightscapes since expanding his garden de-

title “Lawn and Order,” in which he’ll be giv-

fessional interest in harnessing light. The

sign business into high-end residential land-

en a week to rejuvenate the kind of over-run

award-winning landscape designer, licensed

scaping and construction 15 years ago. An

yard that vexes neighbors everywhere.

march/april 2010 spaces 17

SoCal

so cool But it’s not a real busy colorful garden. It’s really clean and classy.

And when somebody wants color in the garden?

We’re a little more careful of how we use color nowadays because we’re dealing with a drought. So, to create focal points of hot color, I use a lot of perennial materials because they’re a bit more drought tolerant than annuals. I’ll use pockets of seasonal color, but primarily in little areas—along walkways or in containers.

What are some of your favorite droughttolerant plants?

Lantana is a low-growing shrub that creates a lot of nice color. My favorite variety is called “confetti,” which is a blend of yellow, orange and red all on the same flower. English lav

Although his business is headquartered

in Northridge, Cohen’s television appearances have drawn clients from around the country. As a result, he is doing more design work using a peer-to-peer computer program that allows him and his clients to collaborate from any distance. Here, he shares some of his insights:

How do you decide what colors to use in a landscaping project?

I go through a four-page design questionnaire with clients on the initial consultation,

Plant brightly hued annuals in clusters to maximize their effect, top, or use colorful tiles to accent containers of more drought-tolerant foliage.

vibrant purple flowers. Another favorite–because purple is one of my favorite colors–is statice or sea lavender. We see that used pretty commonly in the San Fernando Valley because it’s drought tolerant, dog tolerant and smog tolerant. It’s a hard plant to kill.

Statice is a great cutting flower, too.

You can cut the flower and spray it with a little hairspray to set the petals in place and it will stay as a dried flower for a year before having to be tossed.

and one of the questions I ask is: What are

Do you have any other favorites?

your favorite colors? Because some clients

A floss silk tree has a green trunk for color,

want a really colorful garden and some cli-

with thorns to give it some architectural in-

ents don’t.

terest. It also has a cool hibiscus-like flower

No color at all?

I recently built a moon garden for a customer in Calabasas. A moon garden is all dark greens, with some variegated foliage for color and then all white flowers. During a full moon, those flowers really glow. Certainly

18 spaces march/april 2010

ender is drought tolerant, fragrant and has

that is real vibrant. It works well in either a xeriscape or drought-tolerant garden, or a tropical garden. And it’s not particularly root invasive, so it is a good choice all around.

How do you bring color to the rest of the outdoors?

white is a “color,” and white and green are

Color comes from the finishes we use in the

two of the favorite colors we have in gardens.

interior of the swimming pool, what we’re

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SoCal

so cool reflecting in the water and the tiles that we choose. I’ll use Colorquartz chips that actu-

“ Color is a big deal when it comes to pools.

In fact, we use a lot of color-changing lights.

This used to be done with moving parts and they didn’t work well. But now there are LED lights that have no moving parts and we can create deep cobalt blues, purples and greens.”

ally color a swimming pool shell. We’ll use different Pebble Tec to create different effects of color in the pool. Color is a big deal when it comes to pools. And in fact, we use a lot of color-changing lights. This used to be done with moving parts and they didn’t work well. But now there are LED lights that have no moving parts and we can create deep cobalt blues, purples, greens and colors like that. We’ll also use colors and materials to create some impact.

Could you give us an example?

We used a really vibrant reddish-orange on a fireplace. That color creates a bold statement in that back yard where we used a lot of neutral grays and charcoal tile materials. We got some pop by using that color.

You also use colored glass in some of your projects.

We cast our outdoor kitchen countertops out of concrete and recycled glass, so we’re able to introduce color there. On a recent project, we placed fiber-optic lights under larger chunks of glass so at night it glows green and blue and red. Then as you move your cocktail glass across the countertop, the glass itself changes color. It’s a really cool effect.

Your Web site features a countertop embedded with bottle-shaped glass tiles.

How did you create those?

My garage is set up as a ceramics studio. I melted wine and scotch bottles flat in my kilns to create the tiles that we used in this countertop. So, it’s all been cast in place out of concrete and then we ground, honed and polished it with granite finishing tools so it’s smooth on top. Then when the fiber-optic lights shine through, they light up the bottles and the chunks of glass. We recycled almost 300 wine bottles to create the blocks that we used to create the barbecue counter.

20 spaces march/april 2010

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Courageous color Y

ou live in Southern California, but

yearn for a home in Hawaii. Or perhaps you fancy a tranquil bedroom

retreat or a kitchen that evoke memories of

your childhood. For interior designer Bill McWhorter, any of these dreams is within reach, simply by embracing its colors. “Color is a wonderful thing, it changes people’s lives,” he says. “It can stimulate and it can calm. That’s why I use color of every type and every hue.”

Renowned for his imaginative combi-

nations of tints and textures, McWhorter relishes the excitement of creating designs that use color to reflect a client’s personality– whether it’s a lavender palette for romance, gold for drama or persimmon to convey a sense of the exotic. Each room is designed

Designer Bill McWhorter treats every room as a canvas

By Susan Abram

Red living room, lavender office, yellow bathroom photos: Christopher Dow Mauve den photo: Joey Terrill

24 spaces march/april 2010

march/april 2010 spaces 25

Photos: Christopher Dow

26 spaces march/april 2010

as a unified whole, with each element complementing the others and no detail left to chance.

The founder of McWhorter Design recalls

redecorating a home for clients who wanted to live in Hawaii but were tied to the Golden State by work and family commitments.

He brought the tropics to them, with walls painted the exact reddish-orange of the Big Island’s popular ohia lehua blossom and area rugs and furniture cushions adorned with hibiscus and lilies. Bamboo reeds frame the dining room chairs and the fireplace surround in the living room. Neutral matting adds textured interest to the ceiling and the golden hue of the crown molding hints at a sun-kissed dawn.

Designer Bill McWhorter used bright colors, exotic prints and natural woods to create a sense of the tropics in a Southern California home. Note the detail in the fireplace surround, left, and the crown molding and framed mirror, above.

march/april 2010 spaces 27

“He looks for inspiration from anywhere–

from historical reference to something in a garden,” says Brad Haan, an industry partner with the American Society of Interior Designers’ Los Angeles chapter, of which McWhorter is a former president. “He is so tuned in to the personality of his clients.

For some people, red makes them angry. For other people, red takes them to an exotic location. Because of his personality, Bill really bonds with his clients and understands what they want. He gives a client the courage to project a color into their own as their own choice.”

Designers also see brighter hues and

more exciting textures replacing conventional neutrals in other style elements. Tiles of translucent glass, exotic stone and even a variety of metals are being incorporated into flooring, backsplashes, countertops and fireplaces. Many homeowners are enhancing the

Photos: Mary E. Nichols

28 spaces march/april 2010

Bright hues and exciting textures are replacing conventional neutrals, adding depth to every design.

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elegance of a space by tiling an entire wall in complementary colors or using different textures to create a mosaic. “We’ve started to talk to people about how tile is an artwork,” said Steve Slutzah, owner of Westside Tile & Stone in Canoga Park. “Today, people want to make a statement.”

Despite the renewed emphasis on color,

McWhorter concedes that some clients may find it difficult to break out of their conventional comfort zone—one that’s painted white. His 30 years as a designer has taught him that a peek inside their closet will help him determine what hues they might embrace. Yet, if they’re still insistent on a pale palette, the self-described “Johnny Depp of designers” has the versatility to adapt. “I’ve done all white rooms that look attractive because of texture,” he says. “But I would say, don’t be afraid of color. Paint is the easiest thing to change.”

A checkboard pattern proves a popular and versatile design, creating a tranquil bathroom sanctuary, top, or an exciting dining area, left.

Above, a shiny black island contrasts with the redwood-red walls of a modern kitchen.

Blue bathroom photo: Joey Terrill Checkerboard dining table and red kitchen photos: Christopher Dow

30 spaces march/april 2010

Use updated palettes to transform a house into a home

C

olor is the most exciting element of design —not only because it can make the biggest impact, but be-

cause it’s the easiest to change. A weekend spent with a brush and a gallon of paint can enliven a staid living room, update a bath-

In living color

room or bring tranquility to a bedroom. “A home isn’t just a house, it’s a place of comfort and feeling,” says Sara McLean, the color marketing manager for Dunn-Edwards Corp. “Color speaks to who you are, so you shouldn’t be afraid of it.”

By Barbara Jones

A veteran of studio design, McLean now

tracks color trends as she develops consumer and trade-friendly tools for her Los Angelesbased company. Dunn-Edwards offers nearly 1,700 custom colors, including those used at the Pasadena Showcase House, so the opportunities for creativity are virtually endless.

McLean notes that some people choose

a palette because it represents a connection to a personal experience, ethnic heritage

32 spaces march/april 2010

Far left: Accented with white molding, neutral colors creates a sophisticated décor while red adds drama to any setting. Left: A stripe of chocolate picks up the hue of the rich wood floors and helps warm a large space.

Color wheel: A color wheel shows the relationship among the three primary colors of red, yellow and blue.

Complementary colors oppose each other on the wheel— or even a social cause. For others searching

green and red, for instance—

for inspiration, she suggests experimenting

and are typically considered

with a color wheel, an artist’s tool which

energetic combinations.

shows the relationships among an array of

Analogous hues, which are

hues. Then select analogous colors—those

located adjacent to each other,

included within a pie-shaped slice of the

create a cheery color scheme.

wheel—to create a monochromatic, sophisticated scheme; and complementary, or opposing shades to evoke energy and visual excitement.

And if a budding decorator is still feel-

ing overwhelmed, McLean advises turning to nature. “Look at a landscape, pick a bunch of flowers. Then take what you like, what makes you happy, and create a color scheme around it.” To help guide that process, McLean relies on the so-called 60-3010 rule. Very simply, 60 percent of the décor is your primary color, usually the walls; 30 percent is a secondary hue, which can be used for furniture, window or floor coverings, or a focal wall; and the remaining 10

march/april 2010 spaces 33

percent is an accent color that can be carried out with striking accessories.

Whatever the hue, McLean adds, it’s very

important to carry it throughout the house.

A contemporary palette of brown and orange is set off with a soft aquamarine artwork.

“If red is a favorite color, use shots of it in every room. It may be a throw pillow or the mat in a picture frame, but it should feel like it’s the same house,” she says. “Color is an important element that helps create a unified whole.”

A member of the Color Marketing Group,

which forecasts trends in the industry, McLean predicts that cream tones will face stiff competition from gray as the predominant neutral shade. Cool smoky pigments are coloring the walls in many contemporary homes, rich charcoal is warming more traditional spaces and deep slate is making a frequent appearance on shutters and front doors. However, beige tones with hints of organic hues will continue to be a staple for creating sophistication and elegance.

Here is McLean’s take on other trends for 2010: Red:

Orange:

Yellow:

Green:

Blue:

Purple:

New colors are crisp, with blue undertones creating rich berries and crimsons. Don’t rule out Russian red, which remains an iconic hue for conveying energy and drama, passion and femininity.

Considered a “social” color, orange is an attractive accent for neutral cream or gray, and also pairs well with purple, fuchsia and red. Look for shades in expressions of nature, such as citrus, pumpkin and clay.

The contemporary version of this optimistic color goes vibrant, with undertones of green, black and gold. Hues are reminiscent of faint candlelight, bright sunflowers and roasted squash.

The true colors of nature—think grass and clover—come to the forefront, with blue replacing yellow as the predominant undertone in the real “green” movement.

The most peaceful of all colors continues to evoke a feeling of tranquility. Pale blue-gray creates a classic neutral shade, with red-based berry colors coming in their own.

Monochromatic combinations of blue- and redbased purple create sophistication and romance and hearken back to the days when purple was the color of royalty.

34 spaces march/april 2010

www.thompsonbldg.com

INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE EL DORADO STONE AND CULTURED STONE PRODUCTS WITH WALL CAP FIREMAgIC B-B-QUE’S AND ACCESSORIES YANKEE HILL BRICK

Limited to Stock on Sale Items, No Rain Checks or Special Orders. Sold As Is. Visit our beautiful design showroom for inspiration and materials

Thompson Building maTerials 1 5 1 5 F Ly N N R O A d , C A m A R I L L O

805.484.4391

Huge design Showroom Open To The Public Courtesy To The Trade

New flames Warm up to spring and summer’s hottest colors —red and orange— reflected in functional works of art

By Denise Gee

Heat seeking Radiators need not be so, well, square. Runtal offers a roundtube red Versus radiator that quietly warms both you and

Tony seat

your towels—all the while looking like mod-

Legendary uber-imaginative designer Tony

ern sculpture. From $2,383 in electric

Duquette is the inspiration behind this resin

or hydronic models and various colors;

Macao Garden Seat from Baker Furniture.

runtalnorthamerica.com or 800/526-2621

Duquette (1914-99) loved the versatility of

for dealers.

his original 1960 design, which can go from side table to seat to plant stand with ease.

Shown in coral but also available in pearl lacquer. $1,659; baker.kohlerinteriors.com or 800/592-2537 for retailers.

Right-on red Why camouflage the source of your music when you can show off mod style? That’s the thinking behind this high-performance Geneva Sound System in a red, piano-lacquered wooden box. It features a CD player, FM radio and a dock for an iPod or iPhone. $699 for the medium size (8"x 14½") from Design Within Reach; dwr.com or 800-9442233.

Hot line

PC pizzazz

These 1950s and ’60s-era rotary-dial phones

Fashion designer Vivienne Tam and HP have teamed

aren’t just made to look vintage—they’re the

up on this light gold digital clutch “Butterfly Lov-

real deal, carefully restored for Anthropologie

ers,” inspired by the classic Chinese love story of

by Russell Johnson (who has replaced their

the same name. (It’s also reflective of Tam’s spring

microphones, cartridges and cables with more

collection.) Weighing 2.5 pounds, with a 10.1-inch

modern parts and given them more vibrant

screen, the HP Mini 210 offers a 5.5-hour battery life;

hues). They’re compatible with landline phone

coordinated custom desktop, icons and exclusive

systems but not Internet phone lines. $198;

wallpapers; premium audio; and a durable finish.

anthropologie.com or 800/309-2500.

About $599; hpdirect.com/mini or 800/230-5752.

Sitting pretty Harry Bertoia’s iconic welded steel Side Chair is seen mostly in white or chrome—but how about red or yellow with orange seat cushions? Its powder coat finish and optional vinyl seat cushion are appropriate for outdoor use with proper care, making them fabulous for al fresco affairs. From $460, with cushions available in a variety of fabrics; knoll.com or 800/343-5665 for retailers.

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chef’s table

Tradition… with a twist

A

glance at the dinner menu from the recently opened Bellini Osteria in

Westlake Village, and you know that

chef Gianluca Sarti is still a hometown boy at heart. Eggplant parmigiana. Ossobuco alla Milanese. And a lasagna straight from his native Bologna. “I started hanging out at my father’s restaurant when I was 11 or 12,” recalls Sarti, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1995. “I liked the restaurant business, I liked serving people and I liked making people happy in the restaurant. That’s why I went into this business.”

A veteran of Il Fornaio Beverly Hills, Sar-

ti’s latest culinary venture has teamed him with Maurizio La Rosa, who has worked 25 years in the restaurant business, most recently with the Dolce Group. Bellini Osteria Bar & Lounge opened in December, showcasing dishes from Italy and Sicily.

“We are trying to give people a good variety– appetizers, healthy stuff, some simple vegetarian pasta,” Sarti says. “We make almost everything from scratch and it’s absolutely authentic. We try to keep the focus on quality and traditional recipes.”

SPOTLIGHT ON...

GIANLUCA SARTI

La Rosa was in charge of redecorating the

Age: 40 Hometown: Bologna, Italy Cooking style: Traditional recipes, updated with fresh ingredients Favorite junk food: Beef tacos Favorite gadget: Blender

By Natalie Haughton Photos by Michael Owen Baker

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Favorite restaurant: Osteria Dei Cavalieri in Bologna

Bellini serves up light but authentic Italian fare

chef’s table former Mandevilla Restaurant space into a comfortable trattoria, with a casual dining room and a tented patio. In the open kitchen, Sarti supplements the standard menu with

“I don’t like to mix too many

six to 10 specials that rely on fresh, seasonal ingredients. “A good 20 percent of our sales are the specials, which change daily,” notes La Rosa, who co-owns Bellini w ith John Spina.

things on

the plate

nature dishes include pasta

and I don’t

In addition to Lasagna

Bolognese, the chef’s sigwith homemade sausage and ragu, seared scallops,

use a lot of

with finely chopped veg-

Spaghetti with Seared Scallops, Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Serves 2

garnishes.”

etables. Homemade ravioli stuffed with mush-

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

rooms and ricotta cheese,

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

other popular selections. The menu re-

6 fresh jumbo scallops, rinsed and patted dry

½ cup wild baby arugula

flects Sarti’s contemporary cooking style,

2 tablespoons shallots, finely diced

and a barley salad made

tuna tartar, beef carpaccio and tiramisu are

which respects traditional recipes but goes light on the butter and garlic. “I believe food has to look good and taste good.

I don’t like to mix too many things on the plate and I don’t use a lot of garnishes.”

Although Sarti and La Rosa have worked

in and owned several restaurants in the Los Angeles area, this is their first venture together. “I knew Sarti’s food was good,” La Rosa

Sea salt Freshly ground pepper

Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water, about 8 minutes or until al denté. Drain. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large sauté pan. Add scallops and season with salt and pepper.

Cook about 1½ minutes on each side, or until golden brown and barely cooked through.

Heat remaining oil in a separate sauté pan or skillet, and cook shallots until lightly brown.

Add tomatoes, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Cook 3–4 minutes. Add spaghetti, toss and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in arugula.

Turn spaghetti mixture onto a serving plate and top with scallops. Serve immediately.

says, “because I’d followed him for years.”

restaurant Bellini Osteria Bar & Lounge

951 S. Westlake Blvd.

Westlake Village 805/497-8482 belliniosteria.com

reservations recommended?

dinner with wine, for two

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Yes About $90

hiGh t ech home From a “green” fireplace to your own private karaoke machine, here are the latest techie tools for your hooked-up home.

—Holly Berecz

Friendly fire Environmentally sound and striking, the Zeta freestanding fireplace by EcoSmart runs on renewable denatured ethanol. A clever fusion of timber, leather and stainless steel, the portable unit sits on a stainless steel swivel base and features a space-age curve.

Priced around $11,000, it’s available in an array of leather options including ciocolatta, Nero, ranch hide and latte. ecosmartfire.com

Round & round Vinyl may be outdated, but it’s not obsolete (especially if you’re still a diehard album fan). Rediscover your records with the TTUSB turntable from Ion Audio. It uses a USB connection to play your LPs on your home stereo or to convert the music into digital files. A plug-and-play connection makes it a snap to use and included software lets you quickly transfer music to your iTunes library. Sells for $120. ionaudio.com

Sing along It’s everything you might love about karaoke, without the two-drink minimum. iKaraoke from Griffin Technology works with your iPod, letting you sing along with your favorite songs. It fades the lead vocals and uses an FM signal to transmit the tunes, along with your voice, to your home stereo. Retails for $17.50. amazon.com/electronics

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cause for applause

The Disney dream Gala celebrates donors at opening of Disney Family Cancer Center

S

oft harp music and the rippling sound of a water sculpture greeted 500 guests at a gala marking the

opening of the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank. Drawing on the combination of Eastern and Western cancer treatments, the gala featured Asian themes—striking floral displays of orchids, and bouquets reflecting the Zen principle of simplicity.

The celebration was a thank-you to those

who have contributed nearly $40 million to the San Fernando Valley’s first comprehensive cancer center. Led by the family of the late Roy E. Disney and Patricia Disney, who contributed $10 million to seed the project, the local entertainment industry, physicians, employees and the community donated money to build the free-standing center, which is operated by Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. The donations included $1 million raised by volunteers with the Providence Saint Joseph Guild.

Roy P. Disney, the couple’s son, and

his wife, Sheri, were among the honored guests at the Jan. 30 gala. “Coming from a background that understands the power of dreams, we are excited and honored to help make this dream come true,” Disney said.

“We hope this new center will serve and a beacon of hope and comfort to families facing the daunting challenge of cancer.”

Photos: Scott Windus

Top: Larry Bowe, Barry Wolfman and Dale Surowitz, the CEOs of Providence Holy Cross, Saint Joseph and Tarzana Medical centers, respectively. Center, from left: Patricia Modrzejewski, Dr. Rex Hoffman, Tamara Sutton, Julie Sprengel, Barry Wolfman and Theresa Meyers.

Bottom : Roy P. Disney and his wife, Sheri.

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cause for applause Architect Richard Gemigniani, left, and contractor Lance Todd with the rendering of their award-winning project.

Valley chapter Executive Director Leslie Nathan visits with architects Arturo Yanez, left, and Vijay Sehgal.

Premier designs showcased at architects’ gala

C

elebrating imagination and inno-

& Education Park in Irvine; John Sergio

vation, the San Fernando Valley

Fisher & Associates for the Gallo Center for

chapter of the American Institute

the Arts in Modesto; and Lee, Burkhart, Liu

of Architects held its annual awards gala on

Inc., for an expansion of the Veterans Ad-

Jan. 30 to honor its members for their con-

ministration Hospital in Long Beach.

tributions to outstanding design and con-

struction. Citation Awards were presented

honored for its design of medical centers in

to nearly a dozen firms and individual archi-

Mission Viejo and Merced, and also was her-

tects whose cutting-edge designs integrated

alded as Firm of the Year.

RBB Architects Inc., of Los Angeles, was

aesthetics, functionality and environmental responsibility.

Several Valley-area projects were among

those honored, including the Cal State Northridge Student Recreation Center, designed by LPA Inc.; Byrd Middle School in Chester Widom, a founding partner at WWCOT, joins Adrian Cohen, a current partner at the firm.

Sun Valley, by IBI Group; Orion Gardens apartment in North Hills, by FSY Architects Inc.; and the custom Grass-Road House in Simi Valley by Edmund Einy. Jeffrey Kalban & Associates was recognized for its design of Viewpoint School in Calabasas and The Ani

Photos: Hans Gutknecht

mation Guild headquarters in Burbank.

In addition, Citation Awards were pre-

sented to WWCOT for its design of the Harbor College Library in Wilmington and Architect Blair Seibert visits with WWCOT’s Aimee Thomason.

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a teen center in Indio; Richard Gemigniani for two High Desert conference centers; gkkworks for the Advanced Technology

Architect Jeffrey Kalban celebrates his awards with wife Maria and daughter Jennifer.

finishing touch

Red Intersect

Christina Lynn Johnson Christina Lynn Johnson launched her art career after being laid off from an accounting firm, a happy misfortune that allowed her to explore the more creative aspects of her personality. She cultivated a childhood talent for art and discovered “bliss” in creating exquisitely detailed watercolor landscapes of rustic countrysides. To satisfy her more playful side, she crafts abstract “paintings” by fusing brilliantly colored glass, gold leaf and copper wire in the kiln of her garage studio. “I just start playing with pieces of glass and let the glass lead me,” she says. And because glass changes as it melts, there’s an element of surprise in each of the panels she creates. “With glass, I feel free to experiment and play with the vibrant opalescent and transparent colors,” says Johnson, a San Fernando Valley native. “I think the pieces reflect the strength I’ve come to feel as an artist and evoke the playfulness and joy I feel in life.” Johnson’s watercolors and fused-glass paintings can be seen at VIVA Gallery in Sherman Oaks and at christina-lynn-art.com.

50 spaces march/april 2010

–Barbara Jones

color light

TREND RyaN aNThoNy

texture

hiRsch Glass

Athena’s

aKDo

Complimentary on-site design services available

Tile & Stone “The Gem of the Valley”

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Spaces march/april 2008