Brentwood, CA December 2024 by City Lifestyle

STARRING CHEF JACKSON KALB OF OSPI BRENTWOOD PLUS THE ULTIMATE LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

’Tis the Season!

The holidays are officially here, and as the spirit of the season descends upon us, it is a wonderful time to pause and reflect. I am so grateful to the entire Brentwood community for all of the love and support we have received in the few short months since we launched this magazine. We created Brentwood City Lifestyle because we saw that there was a real need for a community-driven elevated local publication—a place where you can open the pages and see your friends, neighbors and business owners and learn about what is happening right outside your front door. You have welcomed us with open arms, and we are so excited for all that is to come.

For our first annual holiday issue, I thought it could be fun to put together a truly hyper-hyper-local gift guide. And with so many incredible designers, brands and boutiques based here in Brentwood—or Brentwood adjacent—it was a surprisingly feasible task. Did you know that both handbag designers—Tyler Ellis and Natalie Wise of NLA Collection—graduated from Brentwood School? And jewelers Retrouvaí, Jenna Katz and Octavia Elizabeth live here, too? Other local brands include Kilte Collection, Grover Rad, Gray Malin and Rachel Miriam. We also made sure to highlight our favorite boutiques, like Permanent Vacation, where owner Nicole Kirwan curates the most gorgeous selection of dresses, resort-wear and decor and Hummingbird Home, a beautiful new design and gift shop. And of course there is the Brentwood Country Mart, with Doên, Goop, Capitol, Poppy, and Sid Mashburn—my go-to spot for gifts for my husband. Don’t worry, we have the guys covered, too!

Speaking of guys, we are so excited to feature chef Jackson Kalb of Ospi Brentwood as our December cover star. Jackson is another example of a truly hyper-local talent— he grew up in Pacific Palisades and also graduated from Brentwood School!—and I loved learning about his inspiring path to culinary excellence, which includes starting his own catering company at 11, apprenticing for a Michelin-starred chef throughout middle and high school, attending one of the top hospitality programs in the world and a stint on Top Chef. We are so happy he is back here in Brentwood, serving up his perfectly light and crispy pizza and delicious Italian cuisine.

And one more note: if you are looking for holiday decorations this season, please give our friend Madison Clark of Holidays by Maddy a call. He is a true artist—and a Brentwood native—and I am completely in awe by what he is able to create.

Happy holidays, everyone! And enjoy the issue. See you in 2025.

AMANDA EBERSTEIN, PUBLISHER @BRENTWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

December 2024

PUBLISHER

Amanda Eberstein | amanda.eberstein@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Laura SanchezQuan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Danielle Christy

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Marlies Hartman, Stephanie Keenan/Getty Images, Sydney Yorkshire, Max Milla

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

inside the issue

Deck the Halls

Shop

Right at Home

Chef

Chef Jackson Kalb of Ospi Brentwood with

MARKET -

city scene

1: Chrissy Teigen and her adorable children at the Hammer Museum’s 15th Annual K.A.M.P (Kids Art Museum Project). 2: Lindsay Price and Ellen Schwarzman. 3: Hammer director Ann Philbin (center) with event co-chairs Talia Friedman and Sherry McKuin. 4: The day raised $230,000 in support of free Hammer Kids programs. 5: Restaurateur and artist Michael Chow showing off his work. 6: Donald Vincent and Henry Winkler snap a selfie. 7: Heather Taylor and Annie Campbell, who provided the delicious food.

Photography by Stephanie Keenan/Getty Images for Hammer Museum

pet portraits onsite.

1: The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, returned to LA in celebration of its 100th global edition. 2: Artist Kristi McDonald (right) discussing her work. 3: The four-day fair brought together over 140 emerging and independent artists at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. 4: Phillip Okonma. 5: Rezeta Veliu. 6: Visitors having their likeness drawn on cocktail napkins by artist Napkin Killa. 7: Ben Lenovitz created his famous

1: Actor and theater director Peter Meyers hosted the 17th annual Polo in the Palisades, benefiting Miriam’s House Los Angeles. 2: John Wadas and Dr. Louise Stanger, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. 3: Anthony’s Flowers provided the gorgeous florals for the event, which was held at Will Rogers State Historic Park. 4: Time for polo! 5: An intimate gathering at the Ziering Residence in Pacific Palisades, honoring Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), an award-winning non-profit design and community development organization. 6: The evening was hosted by Claudia Kahn of the Help Company (center) and film producer Tendo Nagenda (right), with cuisine by chef Chris Bianco (left). 7: Rosanne Ziering and Chelina Odbert, CEO and founding principle of KDI.

1-4: Photography by Marlies Hartman

1: Diane von Furstenberg celebrated the opening of the new exhibition, Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion, at the Skirball Cultural Center. 2: Michelle Alves, Cindy Crawford, Lauren Sánchez, Jennifer Meyer and Rachel Zoe pay homage to the lady of the night. 3: Shulamit Nazarian and Soraya Nazarian. 4: Barry Diller and Crawford. 5: The buzzy international show highlights the iconic designer’s impactful body of work. 6: Jessica Alba. 7: Anne Marie Kortright and Ali Kay von Furstenberg.

business monthly

Aero x Costa Palmas

Semi-private jet service Aero has teamed up with the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas just in time for holiday travel. The exclusive offering makes traveling to Cabo’s East Cape a breeze, with preferred pricing on Aero’s luxurious 16-seat flights from Van Nuys to Los Cabos International Airport, followed by private SUV transport to the property and a nightly resort credit. To book, contact Aero’s concierge team at concierge@aero.com or call/ text 323-745-2376. aero.com; fourseasons.com

338 Entrada Drive

Santa Monica Canyon is one of the most desirable—and discreet—neighborhoods on the westside, and this beautifully remodeled Spanish-style home is a prime example of what makes it so special. This picturesque four-bedroom retreat boasts a sun-filled formal living room, gourmet kitchen, open-concept spaces and a spacious primary suite. Outside, an idyllic pool and jacuzzi offer ultimate enjoyment and relaxation. Listed with Sam Palmer and Blair Chang of The Agency for $4.795 million, 310-925-3337, sampalmerestates.com

Color by Canalé Hair Products

Celebrity hair colorist Michael Canalé is known for working with A-listers such as Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson. Lucky for westsiders, he has operated out of the beautiful Canalé-Martinez salon in Pacific Palisades since 2015. Now, the hair guru has developed his own line of holistic products—from shampoo and conditioner to signature glosses to supplements. This December, give the gift of salon hair at home with 20% off any Color by Canalé purchase with code HOLIDAY20 colorbycanale.com; canalemartinezsalon.com

Want

be featured?

Connie Engel Art

Longtime local painter Connie Engel has opened her first-ever dedicated gallery on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. The intimate 825-square-foot space is the perfect place to display her stunning work, which ranges from abstract to impressionist-style portraits, still lifes and landscapes, all incorporating bold colors and metallics and created in a range of sizes. The beloved artist will take on custom commissions as well! Come by and see for yourself. 1327 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; connieengelart.com

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Permanent Vacation x Jane Win Jewelry

Just in time for the holidays, Brentwood’s favorite boutique Permanent Vacation is introducing Jane Win Jewelry to its impressive roster. Created by designer Jane Winchester Paradis, the line is known for beautiful gold amulets inspired by coin jewelry of the 1900s. Each collectible piece is both spiritual and symbolic, representing an abundance of positivity, strength, hope and luck, and looks equally beautiful worn stacked together or alone. 11630 Barrington Ct., Brentwood Village, permanentvacationshop.com

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Bureau Namas Brings Beauty to Brentwood

Looking for an architect for your next project? Bureau Namas’ renowned design studio—nestled right in Pacific Palisades—is helping shape the Brentwood neighborhood through a series of residences that blend timeless elegance with modern sophistication. The heart of their work is creating environments that balance comfort with beauty. Through their commitment to craftsmanship and thoughtful design, they aim to bring a sense of serenity and enduring charm to every home they touch. bureaunamas.com

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Deck the Halls FOR HER

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THESE FABULOUS BRENTWOOD-BASED BOUTIQUES AND BRANDS

From custom cowboy boots and clutches that dazzle to cozy chic knitwear and a festive party dress, these carefully curated choices are sure to impress.

Elegant cufflinks, techy smart goggles, go-with-anything pants and an extra luxe dop kit: these pieces are guaranteed to complete any guy’s outfit.

FOR HIM

Octavia Elizabeth button cuff links | $5,000 | octaviaelizabeth.com |

11715 San Vicente Blvd., arcteryx.com | 4. Hood Brentwood merino

| $199 | Reset by Therabody, 11677 San Vicente Blvd., therabody.com |

running

in inkwell | $165 | New Balance Brentwood, 11713 Gorham Ave., newbalance.com |

Whimsical artwork, fantastical plushies, adorable jammies and heirloom-quality toys: these local selections are perfect for all of the girls and boys.

FOR KIDS

Whether gifts for your own house or your favorite host, these gorgeous design-forward options are ideal for the people you love the most.

FOR HOME

ARTICLE BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SYDNEY YORKSHIRE AND MAX MILLA

CHEF JACKSON KALB RETURNS TO HIS ROOTS WITH THE OPENING OF OSPI BRENTWOOD

RIGHT AT HOME

Chef Jackson Kalb with some of his signature dishes at Ospi Brentwood

Jackson Kalb—the chef and owner of Italian hotspot Ospi Brentwood—is much more than just a local restaurateur. He is a hometown homegrown

were, ‘Where are your pants?!’ because I was wearing shorts. In a sweaty panic, I ran back to my mom begging her to drive us home to get some pants.”

“AT AGE 11, I DECIDED THAT I WANTED TO START A CATERING BUSINESS. THERE WAS JUST SOMETHING IN ME THAT WAS DRAWN TO COOKING.”

talent, whose roots in the area run deep. A native of Pacific Palisades, where his parents still reside today, Kalb attended Brentwood School for middle and high school, and it is there that his culinary prowess began. “At age 11, I decided that I wanted to start a catering business,” Kalb explains. “I had no family ties to the business and my parents were not good home cooks. There was just something in me that was drawn to cooking.”

The ambitious adolescent began catering for family friends for the cost of the food plus $30 an event. At one such party, a guest asked Kalb if he wanted to meet a real chef. That chef just happened to be Josiah Citrin, and the restaurant was Michelin-starred French eatery Mélisse. “Somehow, Josiah thought I was going to work there for the day,” Kalb recalls of their meeting. “I believe his very first words to me

Citrin took Kalb under his wing, and Kalb ended up apprenticing at the restaurant until he graduated from high school. It was a first-rate education that has set the tone for his entire career. “Josiah is one of the kindest, stronghearted men I’ve ever met,” Kalb says of his mentor. “He continues to be a second father figure to me to this day.”

Kalb went on to study at Cornell University’s famed School of Hotel Administration, worked at Grant Achatz’s Alinea and Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, and became a culinary manager for the Hillstone Restaurant Group. Finally, after meeting his wife, Melissa, and a brief interlude in Italy, where he developed his love of Italian cuisine, Kalb returned home to Los Angeles. In 2017, he became executive chef at Bottlefish in Brentwood Gardens Plaza—the very space where Ospi now resides.

“For many reasons, which I won’t get into, it wasn’t the best experience,” Kalb says. The silver lining is that this led Kalb and his wife to open their own Italian restaurant, Jame, in a tiny strip mall space in El Segundo (the couple lives there with their two children). The neighborhood spot—known for hand-rolled pastas and local, market-driven ingredients—became an instant success, and Kalb’s restaurant empire was born.

Today, Kalb’s Memento Mori Hospitality group oversees an impressive portfolio that includes Jame and Ospi Venice, which opened during the pandemic and quickly gained a cult following for its delicious super thin and crispy Romana Tonda-style pizza. He also launched hotspots Jemma Hollywood and Jemma Pizzeria in the Palisades and achieved some fame as a contestant on Top Chef in 2022. And then of course, there is Ospi here in Brentwood.

Kalb had wanted to open a restaurant in the area, and when the Bottlefish space became available, he saw it as a full circle moment. “Leaving the space about six years earlier as a failed chef and returning as a restaurant owner after experiencing some business success, was and still is, a surreal experience,” he says.

In May 2023, Kalb opened Jemma di Mare, a seafood-centric Italian eatery. The restaurant was embraced by the Brentwood community, but Kalb began to realize that there was a deeper desire among patrons for a more authentic, home-style Italian dining experience. “I felt a yearning to return to the essence of my culinary journey,” Kalb says. “To bring my most beloved creations into the forefront.”

In late August, Jemma di Mare quietly closed and reemerged as Ospi. The renowned, painstakingly handmade pastas

Ospi's famous Capione pizza

An assortment of appetizers

“OSPI IS THE EXACT VIBE I LOOK FOR IN A RESTAURANT.”

remain (try the spicy rigatoni and linguine vongole), however, Kalb is finally serving up his famous Ospi pizza. “The dough took years to develop,” the chef says of the secret to his perfectly crisp and light creations. “We like to joke that our pizza is low carb because it’s about half the weight of a normal pizza dough.” Standouts include Capione—made of soppressata, honey and chili—and Hapa, a tongue-and-cheek take on Hawaiian-style pizza featuring pepperoni, roasted pineapple and jalapeno. Rounding out the menu are healthy choices such as kale salad and dry-aged branzino, as well as mouthwatering butter chicken and hand-pulled mozzarella prepared in a number of ways, from simple olive oil and salt to seasonal options paired with local ingredients. Children’s meals are readily available, and a spritz cart makes the rounds during brunch. “Ospi is the exact vibe I look for in a restaurant—really excellent food and service without any fussiness,” Kalb explains. “We like to say that it should feel like your favorite dinner party, and I hope all guests experience the same joy when they dine.” So what are you waiting for? Book a reservation now.

OSPI BRENTWOOD

11677 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 200

Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM (10 PM Friday and Saturday)

424-317-0007

ospi.com

Ospi's lively and inviting interior

A spritz cart makes the rounds for weekend brunch

Cavatelli with black truffle

Making Spirits

JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.

Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.

One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.

Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.

These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just

about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”

We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.

To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com

events

THROUGH DECEMBER 8TH

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica Presents The Nutcracker

The BroadStage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica | Various Showtimes

Southern California’s longest-running Nutcracker celebrates its 51st season this year. The world-class roster includes New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck, who returns to dazzle as the Sugar Plum Fairy, accompanied by the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s classic score. westsideballet.com

DECEMBER 1ST, 8TH AND 15TH

Photos with Santa Lower Courtyard, Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St. | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Bring the whole family and create everlasting holiday memories with St. Nick in this cherished Brentwood Country Mart tradition. RSVP ahead of time to assure your spot! brentwoodcountrymart.com

DECEMBER 2ND-5TH AND 9TH-12TH

8 Nights at Birdie G’s

Birdie G’s, 2421 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica

Join James Beard-nominated chef/owner Jeremy Fox of Birdie G’s at his popular annual dinner series, which welcomes notable chefs from across the country for unforgettable family-style meals. The impressive culinary lineup includes Nancy Silverton of Mozza, Grant Achatz of Alinea, Baroo’s Kwang Uh and more. birdiegsla.com

DECEMBER 4TH

Holiday Greeting Card Workshop

Brentwood Art Center, 1625 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica | 6:30-9:30 PM

Join artist and designer Rob Homsy for this fun-filled winter workshop at Brentwood Art Center’s new campus. Grab some friends—or make some new ones!—and create festive and unique keepsake cards to share with loved ones this holiday season. brentwoodart.org

DECEMBER 7TH

Montana Avenue Holiday Walk & Market

Montana Ave., Santa Monica | 3:00 PM-8:00 PM

Indulge in some holiday shopping at this joyful outdoor marketplace that runs throughoutthe retail heart of Montana Avenue. Gather for live music, face painting, carolers and other festive fun, as the entire street is closed to cars and all of the shops stay open late. montanaave.com

DECEMBER 8TH AND 15TH

Cosmic Connections: Family Workshop

The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr. | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

In the Middle Ages, scientists calculated the position of the stars and planets using tools like volvelles (wheel charts) and mechanical astrolabes. Learn more about these fascinating instruments and create a volvelle to discover your medieval zodiac sign, related planet, constellation and more. This free, drop-in program complements two of Getty's PST ART exhibitions—Rising Signs: The Medieval Science of Astrology and Lumen: The Art and Science of Light. getty.edu

DECEMBER 10TH AND 17TH Holiday Cake Decorating Showdown at the Hotel Bel-Air

The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Rd., Los Angeles | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Get into the holiday spirit with a festive-inspired cake decorating contest with the Hotel Bel-Air’s executive pastry chef Christophe Rull and his expert team. The class includes a glass of champagne, chef hat, apron and your decorated cake to take home! dorchestercollection.com

DECEMBER 15TH

Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball

Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. | 12:00 PM-5:00 PM

Celebrate the festival of lights with music, storytelling, food, art and a community candle lighting. Highlights include a performance by the Mostly Kosher rockers, the Skirball Storytellers bringing the timeless Hanukkah story to life, a Dreidel Lounge and plenty of latkes and jelly donuts for all. skirball.org

DECEMBER 21ST AND 22ND Home Alone in Concert

Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles | 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM

Watch this beloved comedy classic live at the spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall, while the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra—conducted by David Newman—performs John Williams’ charming and delightful score. Hilarious and heartwarming fun for the whole family. laphilc.com

Espresso Hazelnut Butter Toffee Dark Chocolate Cookies

A DELICIOUS NEW RECIPE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON—AND BEYOND

ARTICLE BY DANIELLE CHRISTY

Ooey gooey chocolate hazelnut toffee cookies: crispy on the outside and soft in the middle! These treats are the perfect blend of chewy, crispy chocolatey goodness that will have everyone at the holiday table coming back for more.

Chocolate Hazelnut Toffee Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups oat flour

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 6 tbsp room temp coconut oil

• 1 cup creamy unsalted hazelnut butter

• ½ cup coconut sugar

• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts

• 1 flax egg or regular egg

• ½ tsp espresso powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks

• 3 tbsp toffee bits

DIRECTIONS

Sift the first four ingredients into a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the coconut oil, hazelnut butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the egg, espresso and vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and hazelnuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using one level tablespoon for each cookie, roll dough between palms of hands into one-inch balls and sprinkle toffee on top if using. Arrange them one inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake one sheet at a time until the cookies are golden brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool on sheets on racks for five minutes. Transfer cookies to racks and cool. (Can be made five days ahead. Store airtight between sheets of waxed paper at room temperature.)