Ventura Blvd Magazine - November 2015

A Sportsman's Dream: Inside the Mind of Richard Weintraub

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WHERE WE LIVE

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Where We Live 18 Q & A

Actor Jon Cryer 22 Local Talent

Scarfmaker Lysa Nalin 25 Wellness Report

Cover by

The doctor is in

Photographer Shane O’Donnell

26 Tips

ABCs of artifical grass 28 Pit Stops

Where makeup pros go

52

29 Style File

Natty necklaces 33 Give

Kindred Spirits 35 Datebook

Fun stuff to do 36 New in the Valley

Nathan Turner American Style 38 SEEN

Faces Spotted

The Sauce 52 The Bellwether

Westside migration 53 Truffles

‘Tis the season 54 Craft Beer Boom

Local taprooms

Features 56

Día De Los Muertos

Discover how to celebrate in grand style this year.

61

64

68

My Time With Johnnie

80 Profiles: Finance &

Wealth Management

The top professionals of the Valley

Real Estate

Reflections from an attorney on clerking for Johnnie Cochran.

88

Jiminy Cricket!

106 Last Word

How four millennials are hoping to strike gold with crickets.

68

And Then Some...

Spectacular local listings Halloween: tricky business

Passion Project

Dividing and conquering on a Spanish masterpiece in Encino.

74

Change Maker

A profile of Sportsmen’s Lodge developer Richard Weintraub.

86

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Good Noshing

A food enthusiast eats her way through Vietnam.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Michael Goldman “Change Maker”

I

Pave It Forward

’ve always admired people with a progressive bent—people who can look into the future and see something relevant or inspiring and use that knowledge in some way to improve lives.

I’d put the 20-somethings running Coala Farms in that category. Native East Coasters, the four proprietors identified something with nutritional value—the protein found in crickets. The guys mingled their different but complementary educations, crafted a plan and brought their business to the Valley, where weather conditions are well suited for cricket cultivation. (Who knew?) After visiting their headquarters, I can say it’s pretty fascinating stuff.

Developer Richard Weintraub is another visionary, but he grew up in the Valley. Though he now calls Malibu home, he still clearly has an affinity for this side of the hill. That may be part of the reason he bought the landmark Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City and is trying to transform it into an upscale retail complex. Why here? Why now? And will he prevail over opponents? Read more about his plans (and why some locals are fighting them) on page 74.

Leslie Danelian was also a visionary. Nearly five years ago she was featured in one of the first issues of Ventura Blvd magazine with her eatery Sweet Butter. The attractive sidewalk seating that wrapped around the block caught my attention one spring day, and I walked in and introduced myself. I had a new job; she had a new job. We were both a bit apprehensive. We bonded.

A longtime caterer, she’d just opened Sweet Butter on a nondescript street corner in prime Sherman Oaks. For nearly a decade, no business had been successful in that space and the spot had been vacant for years. But Leslie refused to believe that the community wouldn’t support a restaurant with sidewalk seating that was super comfy and attractive— and offered her most popular homemade dishes. She stuck to her guns, and Sweet Butter has been one of the most successful eateries in the Valley ever since. I believe it is partly responsible for all the wonderful restaurants that have opened doors in the area in recent years.

Leslie discovered she had cancer a couple of years ago, and she attacked the disease with her signature “can do” spirit. Despite a valiant effort, Leslie lost her battle in September.

Every time I drive by or dine at Sweet Butter, I will remember how she made the Valley a better place. She will be missed.

P.S. Got an interesting story idea? Email me

at linda@moontidemedia.com.

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

Who is the man behind the plans? That is the question writer Michael Goldman set out to answer in his profile on developer Richard Weintraub, who is trying to turn the Sportsmen’s Lodge events center into a retail complex. Most of all, Michael was struck by Richard’s passion. “He’s not merely an ‘ivory tower’ guy who was glancing at his watch the whole time. He enjoyed talking about his kids, his mom and dad, and growing up in the Valley.

Regardless of how you feel about the [somewhat controversial] project, it is clear he believes in what he is doing.”

Diane Barber “Passion Project”

For interior designer Diane Barber, being an architecture buff is somewhat in her genes; her father was a builder and gifted woodworker. So she had a particular appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in building the magnificent Spanish home she wrote about for this issue. “I travel to Spain often and share an affinity for Spanish architecture with the owners,” Diane says. And if she were to copy one thing from it in her own abode? “The beautiful, arched, leaded glass windows!”

Arnold Barry Gold “My Time With Johnnie”

Encino resident and attorney Arnold Barry Gold based this thoroughly engaging feature on his years clerking for famed attorney Johnnie Cochran in the ‘70s. “He had the unique ability to make everyone feel important,” Arnold recalls. Cochran had style and substance. “His flamboyance, charisma and ability to ‘play to the camera’ was punctuated by legal expertise and an extraordinary sense of how to work the system.” Arnold hopes to turn his story into a fictionalized TV series that includes several other larger-than-life LA movers and shakers from the era. ourventurablvd.com

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TONY DONALDSON

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WHERE WE LIVE Home Sweet Home Design impresario Nathan Turner is now a Valley boy!

Check out page 36 for details.

WHERE WE LIVE | Q&A

Cryer on Fire Actor Jon Cryer on life after Two and a Half Men and settling down with wife and kids in the Valley PHOTOGRAPHED BY MATT

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BEARD

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Q&A | WHERE WE LIVE

time, but she was never unkind.

And in fact, she made a lot of efforts to make me feel welcome in LA when I first arrived. I think some people interpret my comments as negative because they are offended that I wasn’t her first choice for Duckie.

What was the hardest thing about penning the book?

Not talking about my (two) children. Because as you can guess, I’m crazy about them.

It has been a milestone year for Jon Cryer. The actor, who rose to ‘80s fame with movies like Pretty in Pink, recently wrapped the sitcom Two and a Half Men after a 12-year run. He also turned 50, penned a New York Times best-selling memoir—So That Happened—and inked a production deal with Warner Brothers.

Here he shares his trademark frankness—along with a few funnies—with Ventura Blvd editor-in-chief Linda Grasso.

Among the topics discussed: how he never thought he’d love the Valley (but does) and coping with the Charlie Sheen debacle.

I was surprised how candid you were in your book. From Charlie Sheen to Andrew McCarthy to Molly Ringwald, some of your reflections weren’t exactly pretty. Were you worried about people being mad?

What’s the point of doing this if you’re not going to be honest?

And yes, I was worried. But I tried to look back with a generosity of spirit. The passage of time helps with that.

I do feel terrible that some folks are coming away from the book with a negative impression of Molly. She’s just a quiet person, which was unnerving to me at the

ourventurablvd.com

Speaking of your beautiful family—you married my friend Lisa Joyner. She is strikingly beautiful and smart, as well as an accomplished journalist and TV producer. What attracted her to you?

She’s funny in a very subversive way. It was always fun to see a newscaster cracking wise in the way that she did. Of course, combine that with the fact that she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I was pretty much helpless. As for why she would be attracted to me, I can only imagine it was a momentary lapse of judgment. But thankfully I was ready to pounce.

I found your behind-thescenes stories around the Charlie Sheen debacle fascinating. In retrospect, what was that the toughest thing about that period for you?

It was definitely the sheer sadness of the situation. Charlie and I had worked seven great years together, and seeing him become a completely different person was very disturbing, as it was for people all over the world.

What was turning 50 like for you?

I freaked out pretty good at first. You know, mortality and all that stuff. “Wait, Duckie is 50?!”

But then the “it’s better than the

alternative” part kicked in. So I’m fine now.

I understand you had a guest role on the premiere of NCIS this season.

I’m so happy to be there. I’ve been a fan of the show since the very first season. So to be a part of it has been pretty great.

I’m going to come back for a couple more episodes. And even though I’ve been proud to play a chiropractor for 12 years, playing a heart surgeon gives me a little more street cred.

What’s the point of doing this if you’re not going to be honest? And yes, I was worried. BUT I TRIED TO LOOK BACK WITH A GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT.” How did you wind up living in the Valley?

A divorce sent me looking for a new home, and I wanted to live someplace close to my work. I was dubious that I’d ever like living here, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Sure, the proximity to all the studios is great, but when you actually spend some time here it’s kind of beguiling. I love that I can walk places, and all the fantastic new restaurants in Studio City.

Favorite haunts?

Black Market (the desserts are an act of obscenity worthy of a police raid), The Gadarene Swine (even though we’re not vegan) and Ceremony (loved this place when it was called Next Door as well; when wonderful folks run a restaurant, you can always tell).

We also love Aroma. Can’t ask for more personality in a restaurant, and then the food arrives and it’s fantastic. l

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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WHERE WE LIVE | Q&A

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

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Q&A | WHERE WE LIVE

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WHERE WE LIVE | LOCAL TALENT

Optical Infusion

An artist fuses her love of photography and nature into fashion.

WRITTEN BY PAULINE PHOTOGRAPHED BY

ADAMEK

MONICA OROZCO

S

herman Oaks resident Lysa Nalin is elevating the art form of scenic photography to new levels. The photographer takes photos from favorite spots around LA, digitally prints the images onto luxurious silk or cotton, and then creates exquisite scarves. Her colorful, bold creations have caught the eye of buyers for the prestigious museum shop at the Getty as well the Skirball Cultural Center, where they are currently sold, and LACMA, where they’ll be available next year.

Priced between $130 and $160, the voluminous cotton and silk scarves can be worn as sarongs or bathing suit cover-ups. Lysa initially printed onto silk because she found it created a similar aesthetic to her celebrity portraits printed onto glossy photo paper.

A professional photographer for more than a dozen years, she spent much of her time in the entertainment industry capturing stars on the red carpet. She mentored with celebrity photographer Harry Langdon, but shooting things in nature has always been her primary passion.

“My photographs come from me being the local LA girl who has been driving these streets since I was 16 years old, finding hidden places in the canyons in my explorations while looking for interesting subjects to photograph,” she says, sharing that she calls her adventures “Photo Safaris.”

The artist says she first came up with idea the several years ago, but the technology was not available. Then last year she discovered she was able to print onto finer and more wearable fabrics.

The photo-to-fabric transformation is an involved technique that requires a special coating to the fabric before printing. After printing the fabric must be steamed at high temperatures so the ink adheres to the fibers permanently. Formerly restricted to stiff polyesters, Lysa can now use this process to create scarves of soft, washable cotton and very fine silk.

“My inspiration came from being up at my father’s swimming pool on a very hot Encino day and wishing I could take the beautiful blue water with me wherever I went. That’s when I began to see all the possibilities around me,” says Lysa.

Indeed, one of her most dreamy pieces is “Swimming Pool/ Encino Hills” that depicts the inviting crisp blues of a sparkling swimming pool, as viewed underwater. The dramatic, long scarf cascades down the body like a refreshing waterfall.

Selling scarves everywhere from the swanky Ron Robinson at Fred Segal to Sara’s Lingerie on the Boulevard, Lysa is living her dream—combining her love of art, fashion and LA to wondrous results.l

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WELLNESS REPORT | WHERE WE LIVE

What’s Up Doc?

From the flu shot debate to the best way to treat children’s fevers, we get a few local docs to weigh in.

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA

CLAYTON |

ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE

GEORGIADES

Q:

I heard last year’s flu shot didn’t work for many people, so should I even bother this year?

“In typical years, flu shots are about 60% effective at preventing an illness and 80% effective at preventing the worst kind of illness. Last year, the formula was off and was only about 20% effective. But this is something that happens very rarely,” says Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, wellness reportuty chief of acute communicable disease control program, LA County Wellness reportartment of Public Health. The thing is, though, the immunization usually works really well. Get it. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, your insurance has to cover the cost. Even CVS and Rite-Aid will bill insurers directly. And by the way, there’s almost no difference in effectiveness between the shot and the inhalant.

Q:

Q:

After years of trying various internists, I finally found an awesome doctor. Then I received a letter saying she changed her practice to “concierge medicine.” Frankly, a $3,000 fee just to get in her door for routine things like annual checkups and occasional viruses feels awful. Any advice?

Yep, an increasing number of doctors are going the concierge route.

What this means: They no longer take health insurance and, instead, the doctors charge a steep annual fee—typically between $2,500 to $5,000. So you pay the money and you get routine appointments and 24/7 access to the doctor. “When doctors eliminate insurance billing, overhead drops drastically. They may lose a lot of patients, but they can basically see far fewer patients and still make the same living,” says Azmi Atya, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon and the chief of staff at Northridge Medical Center. We would all love to text our doctors with any question or concern. Dr. Atya, though, is a killjoy. “It might be nice,” he says. “But it’s a waste of money unless you need the doctor a lot. If you’re relatively healthy, it doesn’t make much sense.” Bottom line: It may be time to find another doctor.

When my son gets a fever it’s nearly impossible to get him to take something like Tylenol. Should I force him? And is Children’s Tylenol or Advil better?

Usually it’s fine not to waste your parental energy forcing down the Children’s Tylenol or Advil, says Louay Keilani, MD, a pediatrician at Valley Pediatrics in Encino and an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at Children’s Hospital LA. “A fever isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’re all exposed to viruses and bacteria, and a fever is simply the body fighting back.” In fact, if your child drinks plenty of liquids, it’s okay to let his body do its natural defensive magic. If his condition worsens, though (he stops drinking, for example, or the fever remains after four to five days), see the pediatrician. Also, if a kid is cranky and uncomfortable, it will make him feel better to treat the fever. A true fever for kids over age 1—you might be surprised to learn—is a reading of 101.3 and above. Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) generally work well to reduce fever, but sometimes ibuprofen causes stomach upset. So try acetaminophen first. And if you’re having trouble getting your kid to swallow the medicine, do a twist on Mary Poppins’ advice.

“Usually a spoonful of Hershey’s syrup makes it go down,” Dr. Keilani recommends. l

We hope you are enjoying Ventura Blvd’s health column, where we ask doctors and health pros your questions.

If you have a pressing—or aching, itching, burning—question, please drop us a line at whatsupdoc@venturablvd.com.

ourventurablvd.com

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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WHERE WE LIVE | TIPS

Faking It A tutorial on installing artificial turf WRITTEN BY PAULINE

ADAMEK

F

rom expansive estates south of the Boulevard to diminutive saltboxes in the flats, they’re cropping up everywhere.

With the drought in California rolling into its fourth record-breaking year—and with no end in sight—more homeowners than ever before are ripping out lawns and going the artificial route.

The benefits are many: You get a gorgeous green expanse that always looks beautiful and requires no work or water. Once installed, it can last more than 20 years.

Hidden Hills resident Marla Lefton is a recent convert. Three years ago she and her husband used J & M Landscaping to replace the grass in their backyard. They liked it so much, the couple recently supplanted the front area with artificial turf. Marla’s property runs over an acre, including a tennis court and border landscaping.

“It looks so realistic that people don’t even know until I tell them,” Marla says, adding that when people come over, she just can’t help confessing. “We save 44% on our water bill every month, which is amazing. So I want people to know how great this is!”

Jay McMullen at Southwest Greens says sales for his business have doubled over the past five years. His specialty company both manufactures and installs, offering more than 20 different multi-use “grasses” to select.

“Most customers want a nice, tall and natural-looking lawn,” he

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

explains, “but some have family sports requirements, such as putting greens or bocce ball courts—even pet-friendly corners.”

Southwest Greens sells their grass by weight, so an 80-ounce is about 2 inches tall; the 60-ounce and 50-ounce varieties run about 1¾ inches tall. For a more realistic appearance, he recommends a brown thatch for the lower layer.

We SAVE 44% ON OUR WATER BILL every month, which is amazing. So I want people to know how great this is!”

“Most real grasses contain at least two colors to the blades and two brown colors beneath,” Jay explains. There is a blend of three to four colors of olive and light green in most of the grasses Southwest sells.

According to Jay, an artificial lawn on a typical 1,100-foot front yard will cost approximately $1,100. Prices range from $8 to $12 per installed square foot. But costs can be brought down with creative landscaping that combines a smaller green patch with meandering paths, well-placed trees, rockery and succulents on the nature strip. 

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WHERE WE LIVE | PIT STOPS

Cosmetic Fix You live in LA’s main makeup hub. Here’s how to shop it like a pro.

I

t’s no secret that the Valley is where the city’s best makeup artists come to buy their supplies. Here, one of them, Marylin Lee, who works her magic on The Voice and Dancing with the Stars, dishes on her favorite spots.

NIGEL BEAUTY EMPORIUM

NAIMIE’S BEAUTY CENTER

11252 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood 818-760-3902

12640 Riverside Dr., Valley Village 818-655-9933

My main “go-to” spot. Nigel’s carries some of my favorite lines including Hourglass, Koh Gen Do, Colorescience and Make Up For Ever. What I especially love (that is exclusive to Nigel’s) is the cult favorite, Le Maquillage Pro. These are small cream makeup palettes that are available in a multitude of color combinations. The colors are created to correct, conceal and enhance skin.

Naimie’s carries great consumer brands, from Nars to Embryolisse. Also a great resource for professional lines such as Cover FX, Kryolan and Temptu. I love perusing their eyelashes section. They have the luxurious mink lashes by Velour Lashes, as well as the inexpensive Red Cherry line. Another don’t-miss: their line of set bags, OnDgo, that come in different shapes and sizes.

FRENDS BEAUTY SUPPLY

A great place to find professional tools, including a wide variety of brushes and palettes. I always buy the Beauty Blender sponge, which is excellent for creating a flawless complexion. Another terrific tool: the empty Z Palettes, which allow you make your own custom palettes from de-potted shadows and lip colors.

5244 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village 818-643-3055

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STYLE FILE | WHERE WE LIVE

Neck Ties Evoke a festive spirit in your holiday ensemble with one of fall’s statement-making necklaces.

STYLED BY SHERYL

MARCUS O’DONNELL

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE

Top to bottom: Aqua fuchsia tassel, $38; R.J. Graziano silver multi-strand, $75; ABS lilac multi-strand, $75.

All available at Bloomingdale’s, Westfield Fashion Square.

Lulu Frost long pearls, $325; Lulu Frost multistrand pearls, $325 Eddie Borgo silver tassel lariat, $350. All available at Neiman Marcus, Westfield Topanga.

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NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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STUDIO CITY 12059 VENTURA PLACE STUDIO CITY, CA 91604 818.201.3900

THIRD STREET 8350 WEST THIRD STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 323.655.2285

SPECIAL EVENTS & CATERING GIFTS MARKETPLACE & CAFE DELIVERY WWW.JOANSONTHIRD.COM

MIND BLOWING FLAVOR HEAVENLY HEAT Tiffany’s Torcher Hot Sauce “Soon To Be Famous”

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A Surprisingly Versatile Selection Of Sauces.

Hand Crafted. Clean. Natural. No MSG or Preservatives. FDA Approved. Made Locally.

25% OFF ONLINE ORDERS Code: I’m A Hottie. Thru 12.15.15 Memorable corporate, birthday and general gifts

torcherhotsauce.com 310-663-4609

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匀栀攀 椀猀⸀⸀⸀

愀渀 攀渀最椀渀攀攀爀 愀渀 愀琀栀氀攀琀攀 爀 攀 搀 椀氀 甀 戀

攀 最 椀搀 爀 戀

愀

䄀 匀伀䌀䤀䄀䰀 䄀䌀吀䤀嘀䤀匀吀

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䴀椀爀愀渀搀愀 昀漀甀渀搀 栀攀爀 瀀愀琀栀 愀琀 䴀椀氀欀攀渀⸀ 䐀椀猀挀漀瘀攀爀 栀漀眀 䴀椀氀欀攀渀 挀愀渀 栀攀氀瀀 礀漀甀 ǻ渀搀 礀漀甀爀猀⸀

䄀瀀瀀氀礀 渀漀眀℀ 䄀瀀瀀氀椀挀愀琀椀漀渀 搀攀愀搀氀椀渀攀 椀猀 䐀攀挀攀洀戀攀爀 ㄀㐀Ⰰ ㈀ ㄀㔀

we’ll save you a seat Nestled under towering sycamore trees in North

Hollywood at The Garland is The Front Yard,

showcasing LA’s diverse food culture in a setting as casual and comfortable as an evening at the neighbors’ house. Come hang out on our spacious outdoor patio and sip your favorite cocktail by our fireplace.

4222 VINELAND AVE. NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91602 THEFRONTYARDLA.COM 818.255.7290

@thefrontyardla

/thefrontyardla

GIVE | WHERE WE LIVE

Seeds of Change At-risk teens flourish at a one-of-a-kind organic farm located in the heart of the Valley.

WRITTEN BY HEATHER

DAVID

I

t’s a blazing 90º in Reseda, but some determined teenagers are spending their Saturday digging up soil, planting crops and tending to rescued animals. Pedro, an adorable alpaca with a pronounced underbite, seems to be basking in the attention. The teens also seem to be enjoying the experience, which is part of the Kindred Spirits Care Farm—a unique nonprofit born in Western Europe that is just gaining traction here in the U.S. The idea behind the concept is to give vulnerable and underprivileged teens meaningful tasks while interacting with farm animals. At first glance the experience may sound relatively simple, but it seems to have a long-lasting healing effect on the kids.

Kindred Spirits Care Farm founder and executive director, Karen Snook, got the idea to open the nonprofit here in the Valley a couple of years ago but lacked a location. She got lost in the west Valley while driving one day and stumbled upon what she thought might a perfect solution.

“It was piece of land, at school, with some goats and chickens. And I thought, ‘What a crazy, weird place.’

When I was looking to start my own care farm, I went back and there was a big sign that read, ‘Please Help Save Our Farm.’ I thought, ‘How perfect. We can help each other,’” Karen recalls.

In 2012 the outdoor sanctuary came to life on the campus of a public continuation (LA Unified) high school in Reseda. Typically it is a last resort before students drop out altogether. “For the first time in my life I’m actually motivated to come to school,” shares 16-year-old sophomore Raeleen Torres.

The 100 or so kids who attend have many of their classes, like environmental studies, outside among the roaming goats and thriving vegetable garden. Nearly half of the student body participates in a Farm Club where they tend the garden.

And the goodwill appears to be spreading. Chef Phillip Frankland Lee of The Gadarene Swine (vegan) restaurant in Studio City buys produce from the student-run club. “The program basically teaches the kids that fast food isn’t the best thing for them, and I like supporting their garden,” explains the chef.

And now Chef Phillip is getting even more hands-on.

Recently he and the students created a veggie garden on the grounds of his restaurant, which the students will help maintain.

To find out more about Kindred Spirits, visit kindredspiritscarefarm.org. 

ourventurablvd.com

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25th Annual

S H E R M A N OA KS

STREET FAIR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015 • 10AM-6PM VENTURA BOULEVARD • SHERMAN OAKS, CA 9 BLOCKS FROM VAN NUYS BOULEVARD TO KESTER BOULEVARD

THE LARGEST EVENT IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY • FREE ADMISSION • SHERMANOAKSSTREETFAIR.ORG THE OUTTA SITES CATCH A WAVE THE STRAY CATS’ 1960s SUNSET STRIP A GO GO

LEE ROCKER

5:00

1:00

IAN WHITCOMB

TOM MACLEAR

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY LEGEND 11:00

MASTER OF CEREMONIES 1965 BRITISH INVASION “YOU TURN ME ON”

3:00

CLASSIC

50TH ANNIVERSARY

THE BATMOBILE

CAR SHOW

COMMUNITY ARTS STAGE

GEORGE

BA R R I S

9 0TH B I R T H D AY C E L E B R AT I O N

60TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBIT

60TH ANNIVERSARY 1930-1955

SEE GARY GOLTZ’ 1955 HIGHWAY PATROL BUICK

FOOD COURT • FOOD TRUCKS BEER & COCKTAIL GARDEN

GOLD

SEVEN HOURS OF NON-STOP MUSIC, DANCE & PERFORMANCE ART FROM SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY CENTERS, AND MORE.

CARNIVAL

JAMES DEAN REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE

& FUN ZONE SILVER

BRONZE

STUDIO CITY • SHERMAN OAKS • ENCINO NEWS

ATTRACTIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ART & DESIGN BY WAlTER ROlAND mOORE

A 1963 BEACH BOYS CONCERT

DATEBOOK | WHERE WE LIVE

CULTURE VULTURE 25th American Indian Arts Marketplace

The Autry The largest Native American arts fair in SoCal. Features 200 artists representing more than 40 tribes.

Sculptures, pottery, beadwork, basketry, photography, paintings, jewelry, textiles and more. November 7 and 8. theautry.org

LIFE: A Journey though Time Annenberg Space for Photography A photographic interpretation of life on Earth by acclaimed National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting. Images with texts and stories about the works.

October 24 through March 20. annenbergphotospace.org

L TO R: PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANIELLE KLEBANOW., FLOWER HAT JELLY, CALIFORNIA ©FRANS LANTIN, PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANET AID ©2015

A Path Appears: Actions for a Better World Skirball Cultural Center An exhibition that celebrates how ordinary people can develop and implement workable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. November 19 through February 21. skirball.org Going On Now Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor A spooky experience aboard the Queen Mary that includes a maze, a paintball experience and the attraction Sideshow: Freaks and Oddities. Through November 1. queenmary.com Jean Anouilh’s Antigone An updated rendition of the Sophocles tragedy, which premiered in 1944 in Nazioccupied Paris. anoisewithin.org Fowler in Focus: Encountering Ancient Colombia An exhibition of rare objects, drawn from the Muñoz-Kramer Collection of ancient Colombian ceramics, many of which have never before been exhibited. Through January 3. fowler.ucla.edu

ourventurablvd.com

October

November

18 Sherman Oaks Street Fair Between Kester and Van Nuys, the Boulevard is transformed into a playground for the whole family. Food vendors, live music, rides, games and a beer garden. shermanoaksstreetfair.org

27 LA Zoo Lights A magical holiday tradition transforms the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland that’s open nightly. Through January 3. lazoo.org

16 & 17 Calabasas Pumpkin Festival Live bands, beer, food trucks, professional carving demonstrations and costume parade (Saturday only). calabasaschamber.com

30 Theatricum Boo-tanicum Wander this outdoor theatre, fully decked out for Halloween, in the heart of Topanga Canyon. Haunted house, ghost stories, pumpkin carving. theatricum.com

8 Leah Koenig—Jewish Brunch 2.0 The Brooklyn-based food writer and author of Modern Jewish Cooking: Recipes & Customs for Today’s Kitchen offers a fresh look at starting the day with Jewish flavor.

Includes full brunch. skirball.org

28 Artist Ellen Rundle The Valley-based mural and ceramic artist is the featured speaker for this art lecture series, on the last Saturday of each month. themuseumsfv.org

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WHERE WE LIVE | NEW IN THE VALLEY

Guest Ready

On the heels of opening his new shop in the Valley, the design veteran of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators offers some tips for holiday entertaining at home.

B

eing a fourth-generation Californian, it is no surprise that designer Nathan Turner exudes the lifestyle. And nowhere is that more evident than in his carefully curated, bohemian, nautical-hued designs. After running Nathan Turner American Style in West Hollywood for several years, Nathan has added a Valley location to his growing empire—a “pop-up” shop at the new Village at Westfield Topanga.

With the holidays around the corner, Nathan shares his best tips for spiffing up the home for guests.

A guest always feels more welcome and special if you make a little effort. Little gestures go a long way. Try to anticipate your guests’ needs: water by the bed, an extra blanket, an alarm clock and flashlight. A little bouquet of flowers and stocking up on your guests favorite refreshments takes little effort but conveys you’re happy they are there!

Fresh, super comfortable linens are key. One should always spend the night in their guest room and take it for a “test drive.” You’ll know right away if you need new pillows or your linens aren’t up to par.

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NEW IN THE VALLEY | WHERE WE LIVE

It sounds obvious, but make sure your kitchen is clean and tidy, including your refrigerator. No one needs to see your dirty or unorganized kitchen. After that, a small selection of snacks and refreshments available to guests is thoughtful. I also like the idea of setting up a self-serve coffee or tea tray in the morning.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CARISSA WOO, PHOTOGRAPH BY OBERTO GILI

I don’t like scents that are too strong—and many people are sensitive to smells—so an overpowering scent could be a turn-off. A bathroom is a safe place for candles and infused sticks. In the bedroom, keep it mild and relatively simple like lavender or citrus or my Nathan Turner American Style grapefruit candle.

With powder rooms I like vintage hand towels, and I put out several so people don’t feel bad about using the one towel in there. A pump soap is nice, as a bar can get messy. I love Murchison Home, a natural product with nice scents and cute packaging that we sell at Nathan Turner American Style.

ourventurablvd.com

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WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

It Takes A Village

The Village at Westfield Topanga kicked off the grand opening of the outdoor mega-mall with a celebration. Guests were treated to a culinary tour of the best cocktails and cuisine from each of the new restaurants. TV personality Cat Deeley led a countdown concluding with a fireworks extravaganza.

The Andrei Duman art gallery

Westfield co-CEOs Steven Lowy and Peter Lowy flank Cat Deeley.

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN MILLER/CAPTURING IMAGING | PHOTOGRAPH OF FLEURISH OWNERS BY ANNA DELORES

Cat Deeley

The fireworks show

ourventurablvd.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

Fleurish (do-it-yourself flower bar) owners Amy Marella and Allyson Arons

Nothing is bigger than childhood...

Open House - November 18 @ 7pm Tours - every Wednesday, starting November 11 @ 9:15am Nathan Turner, Bill Hecht, Karina Smirnoff, Bob Blumenfield

ourventurablvd.com

For inquiries, please call 818-990-1006 or email info@losencinosschool.org www.losencinosschool.org NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Pop-Up Princess

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Nicole Richie hosted an event for her line, House of Harlow 1960, at her new “pop-up” shop at The Village at Westfield Topanga. Nicole’s fashions will be available there—her very first brick-and-mortar location—at least through October 31.

GETTY IMAGES FOR NATHAN TURNER

Nicole Richie poses by her House of Harlow 1960 designs.

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

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FIND US SOCIALLY

spark imaginations

ignite passions

illuminate futures

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/OurVenturaBlvd

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 8

@OurVenturaBlvd

/OurVenturaBlvd

1:00-3:00 PM

Transforming the lives of students with dyslexia, ADHD and other language-based learning differences.

▪ Grades 2-12

▪ After School Enrichment

▪ Electives

▪ Service Learning

▪ Whole-Child Development

▪ Athletics

▪ College Preparatory

▪ Visual, Performing & Digital Arts

▪ Assistive Technology

▪ One-to-One iPad Program

▪ Experiential Learning

▪ Individualized Strength-Based Instruction

DIRECTORY

DIRECTORY

/OurVenturaBlvd

www.westmarkschool.org 5461 Louise Avenue phone: (818) 986-5045

ourventurablvd.com

Encino, CA 91316 fax: (818) 986-2605

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Chef’s Unite!

$1 million was raised by this year’s L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade fundraiser. The event brings superstar chef and mixologists from across the country to LA to lend support in the nonprofit’s fight against childhood cancer.

Chef David Lentz and Chef Suzanne Goin with their children—Jack, Charles and Alex

We offer a unique, seven-year learning experience through a rigorous academic curriculum and diverse

offerings of extra-and co-curricular activities. We prepare students for success in college and beyond while fostering in them deep moral values and a commitment to service that is grounded in the Catholic faith.

1/2 OPEN HOUSE AD

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Middle School 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

19800 Devonshire St. Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.363.8127

High School 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

7500 Chaminade Ave. West Hills, CA 91304 818.347.8300

CAN’T MAKE IT TO OPEN HOUSE?

CALL TO SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOUR.

www.chaminade.org A WCEA/WASC accredited school.

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALEX BERLINER

Chef Jason Winters from Urban Pie

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

VISIT US

Admission Open Houses in October, November & December

Learn more and register at: www.buckley.org or call 818-461-6719 The Buckley School | 3900 Stansbury Avenue, Sherman Oaks, CA

L.A. Loves Alexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lemonade founders Caroline Styne, David Lentz and Suzanne Goin

Volunteers with Chef Lachlan MackinnonPatterson (2nd from left) of Frasca in Boulder, CO

Chef Ben Ford and Chef David LeFevre

ourventurablvd.com

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Jeff Warden and Carly Johnsen

Goodwill Hunting

The Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s 17th annual Walk/Run attracted thousands to CBS Studio Center.

Suzanne Gutterman

Dee Mitchell

LIVES OF IMPACT BEGIN AT WESTRIDGE. AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IN GRADES 4-12

OPEN HOUSE PROGRAMS:

NOVEMBER.7 JANUARY.9 1:00-4:00 PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION CONTACT: 626.799.1053, EXT. 256 | ADMISSIONS@WESTRIDGE.ORG

324 MADELINE DRIVE, PASADENA 91105 | WESTRIDGE.ORG BUS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FROM LOS FELIZ AND THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

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October-Ads.qxp_VenturaBLVD 9/25/15 11:09 AM Page 1

Learn how your child can thrive in a challenging college-prep environment that also pays extraordinary attention to students’ overall growth and well-being.

WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT!

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

ELEMENTARY (K-6) OCT 24

■

JAN 9

SECONDARY (7-12) NOV 7 RSVP

campbellhall.org/admissions Campbell Hall is a community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.

R ESERV E EA R LY, S PACE F I L L S U P !

4533 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91607 • (818) 505-5316

Oaks Christian School Come Visit Us! Admissions Open House SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Experience everything Oaks Christian School has to offer.

Meet our teachers, coaches, and staff. Talk to our students. Tour the campus. Discover a whole new world of opportunities that could shape your student’s life forever. Bring the whole family!

Admission Application for Academic Year 2016-2017 NOW AVAILABLE Apply Online www.oakschristian.org

Admissions Information Night THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Please visit our website at www.oakschristian.org to RSVP and to learn more, or call us at 818.824.9492 for additional information.

A College Preparatory School Serving 5th THROUGH 12th Grade Students

ourventurablvd.com

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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WHERE WE LIVE | SEEN

Page Turner

Louisville High School dedicated its newly renovated library in a special ceremony that included a blessing by Most Reverend Bishop Gerald Wilkerson. Speeches were made by president of the board of directors Pat Maloney (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;76), Louisville senior Elizabeth Mina, and Louisville parents Desmond and Ellen Lynch.

Desmond Lynch, Ellen Lynch, Stephen Swofford, Michelle Swofford

Principal Kathleen Vercillo and Sister Myra McPartlan at the top of the new marble steps

Middle School opening Soon!

A distinctive and dynamic K-12 independent college preparatory school.

Excellent academics with an ethos of innovation and continual improvement in a nurturing environment.

High School Rolling Admissions

For bright, curious, technology-driven high school students that may have social and/or learning differences

The Help Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest school will ignite passions and create limitless opportunities for hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math learning and real world experiences as it inspires young people to achieve life-long success.

Come for a visit!

Weekday Campus Tours

Primary School Information Evening - Thursday, Nov 5 Upper School Open House - Saturday, Oct 17 Middle School Open House - Saturday, Nov 7 Preview Day for Middle and Upper School - Saturday, Dec 5 www.viewpoint.org/admission or 818-591-6560 23620 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

For more information please contact Dr. Ellis Crasnow ecrasnow@thehelpgroup.org | 818-623-6324 www.stem3academy.org

ourventurablvd.com

SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

Elizabeth Mina

ourventurablvd.com

Kathleen Vercillo, Pat Maloney, Most Reverend Bishop Wilkerson, president Sister Myra McPartland

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

47

prime steaks.

Legendary service.

Fine Wine • private dining • exceptional menu

I’m a peasant for wine.

Warner Center | 6250 Canoga Ave | Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818-703-7272 | mortons.com / woodlandhills

FREE

Environmentally Safe Dry Cleaning & Laundry

PICK

-UP &

19100 Ventura Blvd. Ste. N | Tarzana, CA 91356 818 . 708 . 7081 | eat@peasantwinebistro.com www.peasantwinebistro.com

DELI

VERY

Proudly using biodegradable poly bags

13646 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks

(at the corner of Woodman & Ventura) Parking In Rear

818.906.2345

Mon-Fri 6am-10pm | Sat 8am-8pm | Sun 9am-5pm | Overnight Service WWW.STEAMERCLEANERS.COM

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

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SEEN | WHERE WE LIVE

Eve Jobs and “Quickley 3” won the grand prize, the Écuries d’ Écaussinnes Trophy.

Destry Allyn Spielberg

Horse Play

Opening day of the fourday competition, Longines Masters of Los Angeles, attracted a packed house to witness show jumping by athletes from around the world.

Kaley Cuoco

Distinctive Residential Settings | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs | Award-Winning Memory Care Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services BURBANK | ENCINO | RANCHO PALOS VERDES Kate Capshaw, Destry Allyn Spielberg, Steven Spielberg

HOLLYWOOD HILLS | WESTWOOD | THOUSAND OAKS

belmontvillage.com

© 2015 Belmont Village, L.P. | RCFE Lic 197608468, 197608466, 197608467, 198601646, 565801746, 197608291

VenturaBlvd_11_2015_cards.indd 1 ourventurablvd.com

The Community Built for Life.®

9/30/15 1:13 PM NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

49

I CANT DO THIS TODAY IM NEVER GONNA MAKE IT OUT OF BED I CANT MOVE IM SO ANGRY AT MYSELF I SHOULDNT HAVE PARTIED SO HARD LAST NIGHT I SHOULDA NEVER MOVED TO LA THIS PLACE JUST FORCES YOU TO PARTY EVERY SINGLE NIGHT I CANT FEEL MY FACE WHERES MY TOOTH BRUSH WHERE AM I WHOS THAT? I KEEP TRYING AND TRYING AND OH..MY..IS THAT MY FACE? I LOOK LIKE A…. I LOOK LIKE A SQUIRREL ON LSD THIS IS JUST A DISASTER MAN I SHOULDNT HAVE GONE SO HARD LAST NIGHT IM SO IRRESPONSIBLE AND I JUST DONT KNOW IF ILL MAKE IT THROUGH TODAY WHO AM I WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE WHEN WILL I FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE I NEED TO LOSE SOME WEIGHT I GUESS I SHOULD PROBABLY GIVE UP ON MY CAREER AND THE PERFECT PARTNERI THINK ILL

COFFEE JUST FADE INTO OBLIVION WILL I EVER MATTER TO ANYONE OR ANYTHING I GUESS IM JUST A SMALL LITTLE INSIGNIFICANT NOTHING ON A TINY ISLAND FLOATING AWAY INTO A DESPAIRING DISTANCE LAND LOST IN THE TIDES OF MY LONELY HORIZO…

redwindow @redwindowcoffee

coffee

12953 Ventura Blvd - Studio City - CA - 91604 | Delivery via Postmates | Open daily 7-7 | www.redwindowcoffee.com

THE SAUCE

Comfort Food PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARIE BUCK

An enticing heirloom carrot dish at The Bellwether. Discover more about the new Studio City eatery on the next page ...

ourventurablvd.com

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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THE SAUCE

Familial Feast Two restaurateurs, who hail from the Father’s Office eateries, join forces to open The Bellwether.

WRITTEN BY DIANE PHOTOGRAPHED BY

I

HAITHMAN

MARIE BUCK

t’s bright, new, noisy and a little experimental. Studio City’s new The Bellwether marks the debut joint effort of Chef Ted Hopson and beverage director Ann-Marie Verdi, both veterans of the Father’s Office restaurants in Santa Monica and Culver City.

Ann-Marie describes the eclectic menu as “world” cuisine, with flavors from Italy, Thailand and the Middle East, to name a few. Food and drinks source seasonal ingredients, and cocktails feature house-made infusions including grapefruit gin and strawberry and jalapeño tequila Arette.

DINE-IN

H

TAKE-OUT

H

Occupying the space that formerly housed Olé Tapas, The Bellwether currently seats 70. Plans are underway for a dog-friendly sidewalk patio that will accommodate an additional 30 patrons.

Part of a still red-hot trend, the menu is all about shareable dishes. There are three categories: vegetables, fish and meat. Our server recommended each person order two or three dishes, so our party of two ordered six. This was enough food for four; next time, one from each category.

We hit the jackpot with the addictive, Thai-influenced tempura cauliflower; grilled local yellowtail with a fresh garnish of onion puree; sweet corn and radish; and the roasted half-chicken with supremely crispy skin. One chunk of white chocolate mousse cake with brown butter pistachios and cherry ice cream (plenty for two) was the perfect finale to our meal, as well as affirmation that the future looks bright for The Bellwether.  13251 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 818-285-8184 Open 5 to 10 p.m. daily

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THE SAUCE

Truffle Shuffle As we head into truffle season, a few facts on and ways to experience the cream of the crop WRITTEN BY DIANE

The white truffle is considered the most fragrant, the tastiest and the most expensive compared to the black winter truffle (September through March) and the black summer truffle (May through September).

Quoted prices for truffles vary widely, but some estimate the black truffle at $800 per pound and the white truffle at $2,000 or more per pound.

A truffle is a fungus—and a prized delicacy. The homely lumps grow underground near tree roots that support their growth. Though many regions—including Oregon—now cultivate truffles, the traditional cream of the crop hails from Italy and France.

HAITHMAN Myth: Most truffles are unearthed by pigs. Today dogs are considered the best truffle hunters because they are easier to train, have more stamina and are less likely to eat the prize. And no one wants to wrestle a truffle from a 300-pound pig.

October through December is white truffle season. And as LA truffle expert Michael Pietroiacavo says, “This is the season that everyone is waiting for. Everyone waits for the white truffle.”

One very large white truffle from Tuscany is thought to be the most expensive on record. The 3.3-pound truffle was purchased in 2010 for $330,000 by Hong Kong billionaire Stanley Ho.

Michael Pietroiacovo and Marco Pietroiacovo are The Truffle Brothers, Inc. Originally from Campobasso, Italy, the brothers supply LA’s finer restaurants with Italian tartufo. Their large extended family (and 18 dogs) forage for truffles in the Appenino Mountains around Molise.

Here in the Valley, the Pietroiacovo brothers do most of their business with sushi houses, though their clientele also includes Italian restaurants and California cuisine. One client, Studio City’s Asanebo, formerly served black truffle ice cream. Look for the ubiquitous truffle mac ‘n’ cheese this time of year; Lemonade makes a popular white truffle version.

5 LOCAL RESTAURANTS THAT CELEBRATE THE TRUFFLE Firefly in Studio City tops a New York steak with porcini mushrooms, pistachios and Burgundy summer truffle (a black variety). Truffles also turn up in fondue, espuma and ricotta gnocchi.

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The truffle burger at Umami Burger in Studio City is a triple threat.

It features truffled aioli, house truffle cheese and truffle glaze.

Izakaya M Robata & Sushi Bar in Sherman Oaks offers a spicy tuna truffle oil pizza: sliced tuna on a tortilla base.

Firenze Osteria Italian Restaurant in Toluca Lake serves a hefty 14-ounce pork chop with truffled gnocchi (reopens in early 2016 post reno).

At both lunch and dinner, one of the most popular dishes at Bleecker Street in Tarzana is the truffle fries.

Piping hot, the fries are infused with white truffle oil then sprinkled with fresh Parmesan cheese.

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THE SAUCE

Which Craft?

The emergence of breweries in LA gives rise to a craft beer scene fit for a connoisseur.

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL

VENTRE

I At press time, it was announced that Anheuser-Busch had acquired Golden Road Brewing. The terms were not disclosed.

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t used to be that if you were a beer person, you walked into your local watering hole, you barked “Bud” or “Miller” or another familiar brand, the bartender would pour you a cold glass, and you would knock down a few while inhaling a plate of potato skins.

It’s a little different today. Beers are not just beers. They’re ales, lagers, stouts, porters. They have names like “Eric’s Darkness” and “Bitch Blonde” and “Get Up Offa That Brown.”

They’re created by a brewmaster who is as finicky and creative about his craft as a French chef. And they’re often imbibed by aficionados in simple rooms with few distractions—the way art lovers gather at museums.

There are scores of places where you can still enjoy an old-school glass of Coors or Heineken. But there is an ever-growing population

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THE SAUCE

of craft breweries emerging not only across Southern California but in particular around the Valley. Names like Golden Road, MacLeod Ale, the San Fernando Brewing Company, Ladyface Ale Companie, Eagle Rock Brewery, Highland Park Brewery, Pac City Brewery and Sundowner Brewery are helping the quaffing public raise their game—and their expectations.

“I think the craft beer scene has finally come to Los Angeles,” notes Vic Chouchanian, who runs San Fernando Brewing Company with his brother Joe at a small but friendly spot inside an industrial park. “It’s huge everywhere else in the country.

But there’s also a general shift with people from quantity to quality. Even McDonald’s is hurting lately. That culture has finally hit beer.”

Alastair Boase is a native of Scotland and former landscape contractor who runs the MacLeod Ale with his wife, Jennifer, in a quaint, Scottish-themed oasis along a Van Nuys street filled mostly with auto repair and body shops. MacLeod produces British-style beer, served straight from the cask. Alastair believes the proliferation of craft breweries is a backlash to the powerful presence of large corporations in the food and drink business.

“A regular person is going to feel they’re doing something on an intimate level by consuming a product made from love and healthful ingredients,” he says, “while not hurting the environment in the process.”

The brewery, which opened in June, recently did a fundraising campaign through a crowdfunding site to raise more than forty thousand dollars for expansion. People who donated at the one thousand dollar level received free beer in the taproom for life.

To Alastair, it all boils down to accessibility. “Breweries are popping up everywhere. For people who love beer, it’s like, ‘Why not?’” 

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BREWERY CRAWL A few taproom suggestions for a local hops trot At MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., where they offer four year-round beers and a rotation of seven seasonals, the most popular choice is The Little Spree, a yummy Yorkshire Pale Ale. It’s wonderful. But make sure to seize your share of The King’s Taxes, a flavorful Scottish ale with minimal hops that’ll rock you down to your plaid socks.

14741 Calvert Street, Van Nuys At Golden Road Brewing (the largest craft brewer in LA County and big brother to Burbank’s Tony’s Darts Away), try Wolf Among the Weeds, a unique and robust IPA, as well as The Works IPA, a custom seasonal selection featuring six different hops.

5410 West San Fernando Road, Atwater Village At San Fernando Brewing Company, where all the beer names have local significance, the Sonora Wheat is top-notch. But the O’Melveny Red is aflame with mouthwatering satisfaction.

425 Park Ave, San Fernando

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DiaDe Los Muertos

From traditions to food to flowers—a close-up look at the celebrated Mexican holiday

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PRODUCED, WRITTEN & STYLED BY KARA

MICKELSON |

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE

O’DONNELL

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s almost anyone who lives in LA knows, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an integral part of Latin culture. The multi-day celebration of life, which kicks off in late October, is also a time to pay reverence to those who have passed.

The deceased are remembered in a joyous way, even though the specter of death looms in the traditional art and customs. Eerie and artful “Calaca” skeletons, “Calavera” sugar skulls, flowers, traditional food, music and stories of loved ones blend the two worlds of the living and the dead in festive fashion.

KEY FACTS The ritual remembrance of the departed may have some similarities to Halloween, yet the traditions differ. Día de los Muertos is a sacred holiday that originated in Mexico and is a blending of indigenous Native American pre-Colombian rituals, with the traditions of Spanish Roman Catholics.

FACE AND BODY PAINTING BY NICOLE ALDERMAN, NICBODYARTLA@GMAIL.COM; MODELS: MICHAEL AND DEANNA PORTER; STYLING ASSISTANT: KATHY KALOPER

CELEBRATE Rituals start in the home and move to the gravesite in order to be closest to the souls of the dearly departed.

Seasoned celebrants praise the popular Hollywood Forever event; there are also annual celebrations in Long Beach, San Pedro, San Diego and San Francisco.

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57

Día de los Meurtos

FOOD And now perhaps the best part of any holiday: the food. If you are hosting a Día de los Meurtos celebration, be sure to have pan de muertos (bread of the dead), decorated cookies (think sugar skulls), champurrado, candied pumpkin, elotes (streetstyle corn), tamales and mole. Pick one or two recipes to try out, as many of the traditional foods can be challenging to make from scratch. Restaurants and ethnic bakeries are great resources (and time-savers).

FLOWERS Marigolds are the traditional flowers of the holiday, and they are used to decorate the altars. Floral artist Jenny Barker of Magical Blooms suggests using wildflowers and dahlias, which are native to Mexico, for an authentic look.

ALTAR Great care is taken in building an altar, which represents four elements of creation: earth, fire, wind and water. The levels (typically three to seven) represent the stages the spirits go through to reach their final destination. Brightly colored and aromatic marigolds, often crafted in a floral arch, represent the bridge between the two worlds—earthly life and death.

SUGAR SKULL LOOK Face and body painting is an intricate yet fun part of the celebration. YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram have some great tutorials. Consider hiring a skilled body or makeup artist for a standout look or renting a costume. Local fabric and craft stores are great resources for accessories such as the cross veil, butterflies and bone garland. 

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THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS Menu inspiration, food, location: Ortega120, ortega120.com; centerpieces, floral crown, altar: Magical Blooms, magicalblooms.com; marigolds­­: Peters Garden Center, peters-garden.center

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Craft Beer Harvest “Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name”

Your Local Scene for Lunch, Happy Hour, and now Weekend Breakfast!

4524 Saugus Avenue, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818-990-2583 | bluedogbeertavern.com

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS & 30 YEARS IN THE VALLEY www. MariasItalianKitchen.com

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NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

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A Contemporary Seafood Forward Dining Destination in Downtown Sherman Oaks 14633 Ventura Blvd., Downtown Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818.528.2550 |TippleandBrine.com @TippleandBrine

Most of us remember Johnnie Cochran as the “if the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit” attorney who cleared O.J. Simpson of murder charges.

But for one young law clerk during the early ‘70s, the swashbuckling lawyer was about much more than one notorious verdict. ourventurablvd.com

WRITTEN BY ARNOLD

BARRY GOLD

| ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTINE

GEORGDIADES

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My Time with Johnnie

s the Mad Men era gave way to disco, there was a brief, nameless period of time between the love beads and the gold chains, between Charlie Manson and Patty Hearst, between Hair and Boogie Nights and, more specifically, between my National Guard service on the mean streets of Watts and Watergate. The rewind button of my memory pauses on an unlikely journey down a veritable “yellow brick road,” which still goes by the name Miracle Mile.

In 1970 LA was very much a place where total self-invention was still possible and where the drive from my “night” law school in the flat obscurity of Northridge to a highrise law office on Wilshire Boulevard did not encompass nearly as much traffic time as today—but constituted a vastly greater distance for the imagination.

After class one evening, my torts professor, attorney Steven Fleishman, asked me if I would be interested in a law clerk position. I responded affirmatively, figuring this would better prepare me to practice law than working in my dad’s dry cleaning plant on Santa Barbara Avenue.

Fleishman asked if it mattered to me if the lawyer was black. I (with my “afro”) responded, “Not in the slightest.”

“Good, the lawyer’s name is Johnnie Cochran.

His office is on the Miracle Mile, Wilshire and Western, across from the Wiltern Theatre.”

To a kid who was raised in the drab, gray cold of Chicago, Wilshire Boulevard was far more than an ordinary street. Both literally and figuratively, it was the direct pathway to the “Hills of Beverly.”

Moreover, my wife, Bobbie, was excited by the address, saying that Downtown LA was about as exciting as Akron (which she knew quite well after being raised in a small Ohio town).

Wilshire Boulevard had cache, she insisted, with the new LACMA, the spectacular Ahmanson Plaza, the gold-and-black art deco May Company and many other beautiful buildings.

Wilshire Boulevard also took you west into the setting sun, into the blinding LA light, right to the edge of the continent. And, for me, that meant entirely new territory.

And so a few days later, dressed in a blue blazer, grey slacks, powder blue shirt, wide multi-colored tie with an even wider knot, I grabbed the door handle of the double doors inscribed with the names Cochran, Atkins & Evans in block gold metal letters. I can remember the large waiting room of the law office on

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the eighth floor of 3810 Wilshire Boulevard like it was yesterday.

There were dimly lit lamps on glass and chrome tables; avocado-green, deep-shag carpet; a black leather sofa; two matching Wassily chairs; and a prominent photograph of Justice Thurgood Marshall. This was accompanied by numerous other photos of an always-smiling Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. with assorted judges in black robes and other notables of the day.

Authentic African art sculpture accented the room, but what caught my eye was a notebook entitled “Deadwyler” on one of the glass tables.

The notebook outlined a case involving Leonard Deadwyler, a black man who was shot dead by police as he tried to rush his pregnant wife to the hospital in 1966. Johnnie represented Deadwyler’s family. He accused the LAPD (who claimed they acted in selfdefense) of brutality. The DA’s office did not file charges.

I was impressed. Vietnam was still raging, and racial discrimination was prevalent. Like so many students, I was a liberal and a bit militant, given to wearing a button featuring the Black Power fist.

After proving at the coroner’s inquest (to much fanfare) that Deadwyler “died at the hands of another,” the firm lost the civil suit.

But one reporter after another raved about Johnnie’s suave demeanor, style and intelligence. Clearly he was an “attention-getter,” and I liked that.

When I first met Johnnie, he was seated behind a huge desk with floor-to-ceiling windows facing west, the sunshine pouring in. He wore a neatly cropped afro, blue aviator sunglasses, green velour suit and an extremely wide blue tie. Files were piled high on his desk.

As I entered the room, Johnnie’s two law partners, seated in matching “client” chairs, stared at me. Nelson Atkins was long-legged, thin, distinguished-looking, wearing a dark three-piece suit. Irwin Evans was footballplayer large, light-skinned, with distinctive reddish hair. Both Johnnie and Nelson warmly rose to shake hands, but Irwin remained seated.

“Call me Johnnie. Steve Fleishman speaks highly of you … says you’re intelligent, not afraid to speak up in class.”

“Who am I to disagree with my torts teacher? Glad to hear he likes me,” I said.

Irwin apparently felt the need to say, “He didn’t say he liked you…” to which Johnnie replied, “Man, that is vicious”—an adjective Johnnie habitually used.

Johnnie asked if I was currently working.

I responded that I worked at my dad’s dry cleaners on Santa Barbara Avenue just west of Crenshaw, which elicited another sardonic comment from Irwin. “Exploiting black folks

there in the ‘hood, do you?”

“Not hardly, Mr. Evans,” I replied. “My family’s been in the dry cleaning business for decades, both in Chicago where I was born and raised and here in LA. We provide a quality service and know how to treat our customers.”

Nelson asked if I’d ever clerked before, to which I said, “No sir, but I learn quickly.” Johnnie then said, “We need a full-time law clerk.

Do you know your way around a law library?”

“Yes, sir,” I lied (gulp).

“Have you learned to draft pleadings, interrogatories, complaints, stuff like that?”

“Yes sir”—another semi-lie. “And what I don’t know, I’ll learn.”

Irwin then asked how I would feel about working for a black law firm. Not missing a beat and with an arched eyebrow, I inquired, “Are you gentlemen black?”

“OK, kid,” Johnnie chuckled. (He frequently call me “kid” even though I was only seven years younger than he was.) “We’ll give you a try. Be here at 10 a.m. tomorrow.”

The next morning, I drove my new white 1969 XKE Roadster, wire wheels, red leather interior, top down to the Law Offices of Cochran, Atkins & Evans—Day 1 of what would become a 43-year legal career. Johnnie, in his white Eldorado (one of many “caddies” and Rolls-Royces he would own—all always white) immediately followed me into the parking garage.

“The perfect car to serve subpoenas in Compton,” he said, appearing to enjoy the irony of “the kid” driving to sketchy parts of town in the white XKE. I was led to a smallish room/law library with a conference table and chairs at the rear of the office, which became my particular base of operations for the next three years. I was told to start putting the law books back on the shelves and to join Johnnie, Nelson and Irwin for their lawyers’ meeting at noon.

Sometime after noon, Nelson directed me to Johnnie’s office for the “calendar meeting,” with instructions to “take notes, don’t talk.”

Johnnie was behind his desk, Irwin was seated in a client chair, and their attorney day books were open and in front of them.

It became immediately clear that in a busy law practice, it was absolutely essential to lock down and coordinate which attorney will be covering what court appearance and what the desired objective is at that particular appearance. Over the next three years, I learned that precious little is more important than being efficient and well-prepared for every court appearance.

Johnnie mentioned matter-of-factly that there were nine cases on the firm’s calendar the next morning, to be divided among the three of them. And all nine cases were called

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My Time with Johnnie

for at 9 a.m. in far-flung places like Santa Monica and Torrance! (Three guys in nine places, many miles apart, all at 9 a.m. … hmmm.)

I remember wondering how they would pull this off. But they did, beautifully and expertly.

“I’ll take this case, you take that case…” and so on—multiple arraignments, preliminary hearings, trials, depositions, you name it.

They handled it and in the courtrooms of some of the most colorful jurists in LA County history: Armand Arabian, who would take the bench with a loaded pistol under his robe (and who would become a California Supreme Court Justice and a personal friend); William “Bill” Keane, for whom a stretch of the Harbor Freeway is named; and Noel Cannon, the miniskirt-wearing, derringer-packing judge who would take the bench with her Chihuahua in her lap and who would later be removed from the judiciary for numerous improprieties—among them, displaying a sign in her chambers that read “Vasectomies Available, Inquire Within” with a diagram of her

refrain): Johnnie, Nelson, Irwin, secretaries Albertine and Cecilia, and me. On this particular day, I’m sure mine was the only white face in the place. On Johnnie’s recommendation, I ordered the smothered pork chops with yams.

Chit-chat ensued; I listened and observed.

Johnnie was taking me to a preliminary hearing before the pistol-packing Judge Noel Cannon to “expose” me (gesturing the “quotes” signs with his fingers) to some of the finer aspects of our judiciary. Nelson and Irwin both chuckled (first time I noticed Irwin had teeth.)

BAM!! The front door flies open. A guy runs into the restaurant, followed immediately by two LAPD officers with guns drawn. Simultaneously Johnnie, Nelson, Irwin and the girls dive under our table, out of the line of fire.

I’m stunned, not moving. Johnnie yanked me under the table. Then, peering out, I see the cops apprehend the guy, cuff him and lead him out of the restaurant.

You have to remember, LA was a smaller town then—a city reflecting my own angst in

Over the next three years I traveled far along the Miracle Mile at varying speeds, meeting and working with—and against—some of the “greats” like Marvin Mitchelson, Gloria Allred, Howard Weitzman and Bob Shapiro, to name just a few. But Johnnie was truly the first rockstar lawyer. In some cases the media covered him as much as his famous clients.

In reflecting on the notoriety and scandal of the O.J. case that followed many years after I left the offices of Cochran, Atkins & Evans, I see how Johnnie was perfectly cast to play his indelible role in that high legal drama. Indeed, it was reality TV at its very best.

My license admitting me to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States of America hangs above my desk. It reflects that I was admitted on the motion of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., in 1977. It remains one of my most prized possessions.

I am now several years older than Johnnie was when he died. I see that he was part of an LA that, for the most part, no longer

derringer beside it.

Lesson #1 I learned from Johnnie: Always be kind and courteous to the employees of the court. Over those early years, it would never cease to amaze me how positively charming and polite he was to everybody (especially the ladies)—from the janitors in the halls to the judges on the bench.

Indeed, every time I was in court with him, every lawyer present in the courtroom would come up, shake his hand, share a story or two, smile, laugh and vice versa. In later years, his courtroom style and demeanor would become legendary as it was broadcast live across the world during the infamous O.J. Simpson trial.

We were always laughing, especially at lunch. I’ll never forget the first time I was invited. Johnnie said, “Let’s introduce the kid to some soul food. We’ll take him down to Murray’s there on Santa Rosalia. Tell the girls we’ll leave in 15 minutes. I’ll drive,” A table for six (became the familiar future

a state of head-jerking flux. My perspective, as a 26-year-old, fresh from the chaos of the last five years (’65 to ‘70), left me ready to absorb just about anything and everything.

I had served with the National Guard on the streets of Watts. I’d marched at the Century City protest rally. One of my best friends was the national secretary of the powerful, left-leaning activist group Students for a Democratic Society. All the while, I curiously reflected on my father-in-law’s extreme Barry Goldwater conservatism.

Irwin’s remark that this “stuff” happens all the time in the ‘hood left me slightly horrified.

It was the first time I ever saw police with guns drawn, and I remember thinking: This is not a movie.

Irwin added, only half kidding, “Yeah, good practice for when we have you serve subpoenas. By the way, you do own a bulletproof vest?” I realized that this was not going to be your average clerkship.

exists. The Miracle Mile is still there, though I now rarely drive it—perhaps because I can no longer see it as leading to the possibility of self- invention, which certainly still exists here but which all seems far more calculated now, more produced, more strategized, less joyful.

Few people nowadays seem to compare to the entourage of larger-than-life characters I met during those years, especially Johnnie.

Sometimes in the late afternoon, when the sun pours in through the windows and hits the glass just right, I can see a green shag-carpeted law office that looks like it could be a stage set for a cable TV show with a theme song from Motown. My mind wanders back along the Miracle Mile, through the haze of years, and I remember my time with Johnnie.

Encino resident, Arnold Barry Gold, recently retired practicing law at his business and complex civil litigation firm. “My Time with Johnnie” is an excerpt from a TV pilot he’s currently pitching entitled Miracle Mile. 

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y n i m i J ket! c i r C Espousing the benefits of cricket protein, a group of forwardthinking millennials kicks off a cricket farm in Van Nuys.

WRITTEN BY DIANE

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HAITHMAN |

VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DONNELL

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lunch interview is pretty standard stuff for a journalistâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that is, unless the invitation comes from the proprietors of an edible cricket farm. The promised grilled cheese and salad meal takes on new (and alarming) significance when you know insects will lurk between bread slices, and your salad could be topped with leggy hoppers instead of crunchy croutons.

!

BUG-EYED Peter Markoe, Elliot Mermel and Lucas Harrison inside the warehouse that houses their cricket farm.

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Jiminy Cricket

IN THE HOPPER Peter Markoe at the aquaponics station. The soil-free system uses fish excrement to grow lentils for cricket food.

S

till, I was determined not to be bugged by the idea of doing lunch at the new Coalo Valley Farms—an indoor, organic cricket farming system located in a warehouse district near the Van Nuys Airport. Even if crickets make you feel a little antsy, it’s impossible to feel intimidated when greeted by the eager millennials behind Coalo Valley Farms. All between the ages of 23 and 25, the Coalo team represents a bright segment of their generation more interested in feeding the world than cashing in on the newest app.

The Latin word “coalo” means “to sustain/nourish together,” and that’s the goal of this “farm” that houses a growing population of between 100,000 and 150,000 crickets. Opened in March, the enterprise is dedicated to leading “the protein revolution into the next millennium” through cricket-based protein.

On their website bios, the proprietors list nicknames that sound like characters from a surfer movie, or maybe a new version of Animal House: Elliot “Big Dog” Mermel; Peter “Mama Bear” Markoe; Lucas “Gas Pedal” Harrison; and Nathan “Nighthawk” Snow. The guys—all from the East Coast—share an apartment in Marina Del Rey so they can remain cricket-centric 24/7. However, their communal lifestyle and those goofy monikers belie a serious, well-educated

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group with specialties in biology, zoology, health care and business.

The business was founded by Elliot, 25, a graduate of Maine’s Colby College who recently completed his master’s degree in health sciences in Stockholm, Sweden. After applying for a few jobs in the pharmaceutical business, he quickly decided bureaucracy was not for him.

“I didn’t want to be sitting at a desk doing Excel spreadsheets for reasons I couldn’t explain,” he says. “It’s been a while since there’s been a startup where you get some young blood into a new industry, which is actually the oldest industry: agriculture.”

Adds Elliot, “My parents thought I was crazy at first. But I did my due diligence. If everything didn’t work out, we were young enough to bounce back.”

Elliot reached out to his former Colby roommate, Peter, 25, an English major—a degree he jokes left him “remarkably free” to try something different. They have since been joined by 23-year-old Lucas, also a Colby College grad (biology, with special research in turtles, toads, bats and dung beetles) and Nate, who hails from Vermont and is taking a break from the University of Maine-Farmington, where he studies outdoor recreation business administration.

Nate sees insect protein as part of the answer to California’s drought problems. “There’s really no other solution,” he says.

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Jiminy Cricket

According to company literature, it takes 15.8 gallons of water to produce one gram of beef protein, compared with .8 gallons to produce the same amount of cricket protein.

The farm is not yet selling products but has plans to produce everything from plant fertilizer to cricket protein bars that might serve disaster areas. The main product will be a cricket protein powder that can be added to smoothies or almost any recipe. The guys say the product is so protein-rich, you need only about a teaspoon to replace a tablespoon of whey.

The team avoids calling it “cricket flour” because that implies a substance that will rise—like wheat flour—when mixed with yeast or baking powder. They say that makes about as much sense as expecting another animal protein such as beef to rise with yeast.

Eventually they hope to mix pure cricket powder with gluten-free flour to make a bake-able product.

The suggestion Coalo makes is to have cricket products supplement, not replace, other protein sources—animal or plant. “It too often goes to all or nothing, whether you are a meat eater, a vegan or whatever,” Peter says. They are all, by the way, omnivores.

Peter adds that a global vegan goal may not be realistic. “The whole world could live on plants—if we had like 10 planets, times the water it would take to grow all the plants you want to feed us,” he points out. “There are just so many insects out there. The closest thing to you is to reach out and catch an insect.”

They chose LA because of its cricket-friendly warm climate, forward-thinking residents, and the area’s large Asians and Latin American populations—cultures that are already using insect protein. Several local restaurants are already part of the wave, including cricket (or grasshopper) dishes on the menu. Among them: Studio City’s Cocina Condesa Mexican eatery, which serves a “guacamole loco” topped with spiced mango, Cotija cheese, lime and toasted crickets.

Says Cocina’s former chef M. Elena Vega, “Crickets are a great renewable resource that we Americans haven’t tapped into. It’s a great source of protein and has been used by my ancestors since Aztec and Mayan times. It’s just getting the right marketing and getting our communities thinking differently about eating ‘bugs.’”

Coalo is not the first to explore introducing insect protein to the American diet. San Francisco’s Bitty Foods sells a cricket-based baking flour (including cassava, coconut and other ingredients) for $20 a pound, as well as cricket cookies for $10 a bag. Founded in 2014, Big Cricket Farms of Ohio claims to be “the first urban cricket farm in America devoted exclusively to raising human-grade entomophagical products.”

Instead of forcing the uninitiated to accept a plate of leggy whole crickets instead of a Fatburger, the guys hope to market “sustainable junk food” that mixes crickets into, say, Chex Mix, using the same salty-spicy flavors you might find on today’s chips or popcorn.

To offset “bug” aversion, Coalo plans to set up at farmers markets to offer tastes.

But back to lunch: After a tour of the facility’s cricket nurseries and aquaponic gardens (indoors to avoid pollution), the guys fired up the outdoor grill and Elliot wielded his spatula over a skillet of crickets, previously deep-fried in olive oil. I tasted a single cricket from the skillet—glad that hot seasoning distracted from anything creepy-crawly about taste or texture.

Toasted crickets also melted without much taste into grilled cheese. Diced crickets played a more visual role in kale sautéed with garlic, sea salt, crushed red pepper, as well as on a lettuce salad. But even if you’re not yet ready to dive into a dish of crickets, it’s encouraging to discover that a painless, minor diet change has the potential to improve the world. 

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SECRET INGREDIENT Currently selling packets of dried insects, the entrepreneurs are working on developing a cricketbased powder.

It’sjust gettingthe right marketingand gettingour communitiesthinkingdifferently about eatingbugs.”

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Passion Project A father and son channel their shared appreciation for architecture, design and old-world craftsmanship into a Spanish masterpiece.

WRITTEN BY DIANE

E. BARBER

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHAWN CORDON PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHS OF RENE GHOTANIAN AND ALBERT GHOTANIAN BY TRACY GITNICK

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estled in the exclusive Royal Oaks neighborhood, a grand yet charming Spanish-style estate stands out among the beautiful homes. It is the co-creation of local oral surgeon Rene Ghotanian and his father, Albert Ghotanian.

“In addition to operating my dental practice, I am a general contractor and enjoy building fine homes. I worked in the construction business with my father when I was growing up in the San Fernando Valley before going to dental school,” says Rene.

By education, Albert is a civil engineer—though his passion has always been architecture. “Being an artist, a hairstylist or an architect—things that require creativity—you can’t go to school for that.

It has to come from here,” Albert says, gesturing at his heart.

With inspiration from their European travels (Portugal and Spain in particular) and Santa Barbara mission-style properties, Albert and Rene designed and built a 15,000-square-foot home that boasts seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and a seven-car subterranean garage. One of their favorite parts of the house is the elegant mahogany staircase in the main foyer that was handcarved by two brothers from Peru.

“They started working on it the day that we poured the foundation. It took eight months to complete,” says Albert.

According to Rene, a special wood shop was built in the back of the property for the Peruvian artisans. In addition to the staircase, they crafted wall paneling, wainscoting and unique scalloped window and door casings throughout the house, as well as some special exterior details.

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Passion Project

VALLEY VILLA The expansive backyard offers multiple seating areas for outdoor entertaining. Right: Albert Ghotanian in front of a stained glass window.

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“I felt that part of the façade of the house was empty, and I was inspired by decorative wood around windows that I had seen in Northern Spain to complete it. My father and I designed the detailing together and repeated some of the design above the garage.”

To complement the exquisite interior woodwork, hand-made walnut floors from South America were installed in intricate patterns. Wood ceilings balanced the rich wood decorative theme and were enhanced with exposed Douglas fir structural beams, including some that were transported from Northern Canada and Alaska for the project.

To offset the heaviness of the wood and to wash the rooms with soft, natural light, Rene designed beautiful, large, arched, leaded glass windows with subtle floral accents that were made by an Irish father and son in Glendale. Late-19 th-century crystal and brass light fixtures from antique shops in Paris

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Passion Project

that once held candles were electrified to adorn the ceilings as a part of an oldblended-with-new overall lighting design.

In contrast to the delicate French lights, wrought iron exterior fixtures were designed with inspiration from French magazines and made locally by a talented Mexican ironworker.

The stone and tile installed in the home was a continuation of the artistically thoughtful selection of materials and finishes. Rene bought hand-painted blue and white tile in Portugal for the kitchen fireplace, backsplash and risers in the travertine back staircase. Emerald green marble from Italy greets visitors at the entryway and visually carpets the grand staircase up to the second floor.

Within an astounding 14-month construction timeline, the fruits of Albert’s and Rene’s labors, coupled with their natural affinity for design and old-world artistry, yielded a luxurious architectural masterpiece. Rene and his family have lived in it for the past seven years, but the home is now listed with Wish Sotheby’s International Realty agent Brian Pane.

Reflecting back on the houses he has built in California since relocating from Iran decades ago, Albert feels all are splendid works of art—“but nothing like this one,” he says with a smile. l

INTIMATE SPACES Rene and Albert relax in the front courtyard.

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THINK GREEN Richard Weintraub at a garden adjacent to the hotel lobby. “For years, this area was just used for the hotel’s trash. We turned it into this gorgeous space filled with native plants,” he says.

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r e k a M e g n a Ch

er, but a major p lo ve e d u lib a M l an über-successfu s a n w y landmark. o n lle k a e V b a y n a e e b s He m a h aub in recent years tr in e W rd ’s high-end a u h lib ic a R r M e lik ts c focus fo je sponsible for pro re , te a n g a m te a st transforming the n o n o t The real e se ts h g si ing center, has his p p o sh to a retail rd in a Y te r e si b g m in d Lu n u o rr nts center and su ve e e g d o L ’s n e sm why, amidst the d n Sport a s n o ti va ti o m addresses his complex. Here he ng the good fight. ti h g fi ’s e h ls e fe e uproar, h CH AE L GO LD WR ITT EN BY MI

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PH OTOG RA PH ED

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s the portraits of long-gone luminaries, such as Clark Gable, Marlon Brando, John Wayne and others, hover over him during lunch at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Patio Café, Richard Weintraub is eager to discuss the hopes, dreams and frustrations surrounding his ongoing efforts to remake the Studio City landmark property where such Hollywood legends used to cavort. As we enjoy our meal on a hot summer day, one can’t help but recall that era’s vibe: movie stars, goldfish swimming in channeling waterways, politicians visiting and historical meetings happening.

Weintraub is intimately familiar with that history and visited the hotel often as a child and teenager with his mother, longtime LA school board member Roberta Weintraub. But now he says it’s time for an updated twist on a more classical form of a retail center … and not the “mega mall” that some folks seem to think he is pursuing. It’s a center catering to the area’s expanding, younger, affluent demographic in particular.

He makes a comparison to the old Northridge Fashion Square, back in the day. “You know that feeling of why people came to the Valley in the first place—it was for open spaces,” he says.

“You could park, walk around and have that Wonder Years experience.

[This project] is about trying to create a sense of place—what I call an outdoor living room—to attract younger people who may not drive as much anymore, or who bike, who want to go somewhere and sit and have a great coffee, meet friends for dinner, work out at a gym, and take a walk along the LA River. That kind of feeling is what Fashion Square was in its day. I want to recreate that sense here.”

On this particular day, Weintraub, 48, a Malibu resident and married father of two, is also enjoying reminiscing with his longtime friend and advocate—Los Angeles political consultant and lobbyist Steven Afriat—about Sportsmen’s Lodge’s rich pedigree and various memories from Weintraub’s own journey toward becoming a prominent Los Angeles developer.

Weintraub is Afriat’s client, but they have known each other since the developer was a teenager attending political events at the hotel with his mother. Afriat insists that Weintraub doesn’t fit into the standard build-it-and-they-will-come developer stereotype.

“My experience with Richard, and I’ve known him a long time, is that he is about what he wants to leave behind,” Afriat says. “[Sportsmen’s Lodge] has not been a money-maker for Richard. He won’t say that to you. But he does love owning the Sportsmen’s Lodge and wants to do something special with it.”

Indeed, while Weintraub has fond recollections of Sportsmen’s Lodge, like many Valley residents, he holds an unwaveringly forwardlooking view about what needs to happen next with the hotel he now owns (and remodeled in 2013), along with the adjacent events center and surrounding property. (Weintraub holds a long-term lease on the property upon which the hotel sits.)

It’s a chunk of significant real estate Weintraub has been angling for almost a decade to redevelop into an open-air, multi-use, shopping and dining “outdoor living room.” The development, to be renamed Sportsmen’s Landing, is slated to be a 97,800-square-foot, $60 million

overhaul of the property that will require tearing down the events center and surrounding the hotel with a 40,000-square-foot Equinox gym, 20 retail shops, five restaurants and children’s play areas.

Weintraub’s vision has wound its way through the approval process, and earlier this year the South Valley Planning Commission turned down a series of appeals—giving a green light. The Studio City Residents Association declined to oppose his efforts, and he has support from the Studio City Neighborhood Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Improvement District, among others.

But the plan is not without opponents, ranging from locals worried about traffic and parking issues to those wanting to preserve the events center as a historical site. At this point, the biggest obstacle has become the New York-based family that owns the hotel property grounds. They are suing Richard to break his longterm lease on the hotel land, alleging—among other things—that they are not satisfied with his plan’s parking study.

Although he is a Malibu resident, Weintraub stresses he is also “a Valley boy” who is “completely self-made, 100% on my own.” His father is Dr. Lewis Weintraub, whom Weintraub proudly declares still practices proctology three days a week in Encino at the age of 91. He grew up in Sherman Oaks, attended Birmingham High and was basically raised with “real estate and entrepreneurship running in my blood.”

“From my mother and grandmother [who dabbled in real estate as a young woman], I was taught to fight for what you believe in and to always work to make your community a better place,” he says. “That is really important to me. And my dad also followed his passion, which was medicine. He just wanted to make people feel better, to give them good care. They taught me to fix something, make something, create something and do something.”

His first job was at the age of 14, working for a relative in real estate. By the time he went off to Pepperdine, Weintraub had worked for George Moss Industries in Encino and hustled individual residential listings on his own as an 18-year-old. After graduating from Pepperdine and earning his MBA from USC, he started buying apartment buildings and eventually broke through as a developer with the Venezia residential building along the Wilshire corridor in the mid-1990s.

His company, Weintraub Real Estate Group, has since been involved with several prominent projects—including the 30,000-square-foot Malibu Lumber Yard retail center, built in partnership with Richard Sperber, and the restoration of LA’s former St. Vibiana’s Cathedral into a modern event facility. But Sportsmen’s Landing, he says, has been “the most difficult project of my career” because of the fact that, although he has all the approvals he needs, due to the lawsuits it is unclear when the project will go forward.

All of which Weintraub finds ironic, because he has a clear fondness for the facility’s history and firmly insists the project requires community collaboration. But he also believes in looking forward and not back.

“I came into owning the property in 2007 [purchasing it from Len Harlig, son of the original owner],” he says. “Then the great recession started almost immediately after that. We did a remodel of the

You know that feeling of why people came to the Valley in the first place—it was for open spaces. You could park, walk around and have that Wonder Years experience.’

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Change Maker

GAME TIME

The real estate entrepreneur inside the lobby. Weintraub says occupancy at the 191-room hotel has doubled since he renovated it in 2013.

events center in 2009 as a mid-term way to generate income while we figured out how to redevelop the property ethically. But the events center, for how people do events today, is really antiquated—almost a dinosaur. Everything is laid out incorrectly. The scale is wrong to make a real go of it like that. I know the history, and we all get upset when something great changes. But people sometimes tend to remember ethereal ghosts of the past.”

Over the years Weintraub has strategically branded himself as a “community-oriented developer.” He recently joined the board of the LA River Corporation and emphasizes that Sportsmen’s Landing will have a beautification component for a portion of the river directly behind the complex, highlighting “open spaces.” He insists his entire philosophy about development is to “harness the history of a property and not try and overbuild.”

In Malibu, for instance, he points out that he pivoted on a proposed resort hotel development after hearing community concerns regarding local traffic patterns. Instead he reimagined the project entirely, transforming it into a quieter concept: the Malibu Memorial Park project—a proposed nondenominational chapel, cemetery and memorial facility. Malibu city manager Jim Thorsen, who worked closely with Weintraub on the Lumber Yard project, supports the developer’s claim of wanting to collaborate with communities.

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“Not only from a financial standpoint for the city but from an environmental standpoint, it’s been a great private-public partnership where we teamed up with an individual who built a commercial facility that also, in the long run, benefitted the water quality in our region [due to construction of a state-of-the-art water treatment system at the Lumber Yard],” Thorsen says. “Working with him was a win-win situation for everybody.”

And that is, to a large degree, the root of Weintraub’s argument regarding Sportsmen’s Landing—that everyone could win if they all worked together.

“We now have the chance to do something special—what I call neighborhood retail,” he says. “A lot of retail in Studio City and Sherman Oaks has fragmented ownership, and it is hard to create a critical mass of stores, because different people own little slivers here and there. That makes it hard to redevelop in most places. On this site, we can do that in keeping with where the neighborhood is going. This plan was created in consultation with the community, and we are building to significantly less than half of what we were allowed under this specific plan. And we are generating a project that will have about $100 million a year in sales tax revenue and bring in well-paying jobs.

And we will still have beautiful event space—beautiful gardens and one 2,000-square-foot room and another 1,000-square-foot room. But some

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GRAND PLANS An artistic rendering of the proposed Sportsmen’s Landing complex, which would be adjacent to the recently renovated hotel.

people are calling all that a mega-mall, unfortunately.”

Regarding traffic and parking, Weintraub says those issues were addressed in the plan in great detail and approved for him to proceed, with provisions existing to reconsider future concerns that may crop up along the way. Other aspects of the opposition center on the site’s historical significance; some locals insist that it simply needs some adjustments to attract more business—not a complete re-do.

Take Charles Gherardi, for instance. He resides in Sherman Oaks, just a few minutes from Sportsmen’s Lodge. He has heard Weintraub speak to the Sherman Oaks Homeowner’s Association and has nothing bad to say about Weintraub or, in fact, any developer “wanting to develop any property he owns.”

“But on the other hand, many of us tried to get this property safe from development but we were turned down regarding making it a historical site [in 2002]. I’ve been going there for decades and can only speak to the joy the Sportsmen’s Lodge has brought to my family. We had a 25 th anniversary party there, for example. I’ve taken my entire extended family there for Easter brunch. We’ve had young kids there enjoying the pony rides and petting zoo they’ve had there [for holiday brunches]. For decades it was a thrill seeing the rainbow koi swimming around the pools there. My feeling is that if they did the things that were there before but enhanced the existing property, they could still make a profit. My point is, perhaps he has not made good use of what there is there now to make it profitable, and perhaps he could expand on the facility itself without [tearing down the event center].”

Weintraub carefully differentiates between local opponents like Gherardi and what he describes as strategic attempts from a small group to “wear me down.” He recounts obscene messages left on his cell phone and having his daughter present in April for the five-hour South Valley Planning Commission Meeting in April while some “personal” things were directed his way.

He also appears visibly disturbed while discussing the petition this past summer to try to recall board member Lisa Sarkin from

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the Studio City Neighborhood Council for allegedly advocating on the project’s behalf in her capacity as chair of the council’s land use committee. The petition was rejected by a 13-2 vote. Weintraub has strong opinions about where many of those specific efforts are coming from; he claims they are directly connected to the hotel-property lawsuit, although opponents have denied that in press reports.

But overall he continually returns to advocating ongoing, direct interaction between himself and the local community. Indeed, he suggests folks with questions or concerns should just contact him directly, pointing out that he is “no corporation without a face” and is happy to talk to anyone with honest interest in the project on either side of the issues. He insists he is “easily reachable,” and “we’ll set up a time and take your call.”

Alan Dymond, president of the Studio City Residents Association (SCRA), agrees that Weintraub has actively pursued community input. He adds that the SCRA thoroughly examined Weintraub’s plans and simply could find no reason to oppose them.

“The SCRA is not a homeowner’s group—we represent all residents of Studio City: renters, condos, homeowners, everybody,” Dymond explains. “Richard originally came up with some proposals and worked hard with Lisa Sarkin. She looked at them, we looked at them, and there were serious concerns about the location, the height of the buildings, stuff like that. Richard listened to us and went back and made adjustments in accordance to what we were suggesting.

Basically his final proposal did incorporate our suggestions. Keep in mind the property is zoned for commercial development, so really he could develop as he wished as the owner, with all entitlements in place. So he really did not have to listen to us, but he did.”

As lunch winds up, an associate tells Weintraub that it’s time for his photo shoot. “I hate getting my picture taken,” he exclaims. As he gets up from the table, he is asked if he will allow himself to be worn down, or if he will see the Sportsmen’s Landing saga to its ultimate conclusion.

“I’m trying,” he says. “It’s not easy. I have a lot of debt associated with it and a lot of stuff to deal with. But I’m doing my best, I really am.” 

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX

Help Them Find Beauty Bliss Looking and feeling your best year-around is no easy endeavor, especially with the new year knocking on our door. Not to fret, Ventura Blvd magazine has you covered.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll introduce you to local experts who are devoted to helping you achieve beauty bliss â&#x20AC;Ś from fitness gurus to spa aestheticians to cosmetic medial professionals, meet them in our next issue.

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Finance & Wealth Management You work hard to earn your money to be able to afford a quality lifestyle.

But equally as important: peace of mind.

The best way to achieve that is to have a financial team in place with the expertise to meet all of today’s challenges. Partnering with a wealth management professional makes it possible to identify financial goals and address roadblocks—building a foundation for long-term financial security.

In this special profiles section, we highlight some of the Valley’s most trusted minds in the dynamic field of money management.

EDITED BY LAURA WATTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL, BLAINE OHIGASHI AND LU TAPP

78 QUENTIN R. STELLA

The Stella & Stella Group

at Morgan Stanley

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78 CRAIG STEINHAUER,

ROB SCHULTZ &

BRANDON DIXON-JAMES NWF Advisory Services, Inc.

78 JEFF SCOFIELD Wells Fargo Advisors

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QUENTIN R. STELLA, CFP®, CRPC® Financial Advisor

The Stella & Stella Group at Morgan Stanley

T

he Stella & Stella Group at Morgan Stanley provides clients with comprehensive financial planning, customized wealth management strategies and consulting services. Financial Advisor Quentin Stella is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Financial Planning Specialist and Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM.

lives is the most rewarding part of our job.”

In what ways has your relationship with your clients evolved?

What’s the most common mistake people make with their money?

“Our clients’ achievements reflect their hard work, and we work just as hard on their behalf— committing our experience, education and skills to helping them achieve their unique goals. Life is full of changes. You can’t always predict what will come your way, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. Our commitment is to be valuable to our clients and to achieve excellence in our profession.”

How do you distinguish yourself from others working in the wealth management industry?

“Many people think financial planning is about money, but for us it’s really about helping our clients. What I do every day is help people look at the big picture: insurance, investments, retirement and other needs to achieve their goals. Making positive impacts in our clients’

What is one of the biggest challenges facing your clients today?

“Retirement income planning. With people living longer, the low interest rate environment over the past seven years and the recent market volatility, it is hard for people to find significant income from investments. We help our clients try to get the income they need while managing the risk.”

“Doing it on their own. You’ve got a dentist for root canals and a mechanic for automobile tune-ups, and taxes require a CPA. In today’s hectic world, it can be beneficial to have a CFP® professional to make sure you stay focused and follow through with your financial plans.”

What is your best piece of investment advice?

“Whether you want to develop an investment portfolio, plan for retirement, pay for college or reach any other major financial goal, there are professionals who have spent their careers serving people with the same concern. A professional with the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation is qualified to help individuals pull all their finances together, solve financial problems and make a plan to achieve financial goals.”

Disclaimer: Quentin R. Stella, CFP® is a Financial Advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Woodland Hills, California. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice.

Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. CRC 1315184 10/15

FAST FACT A native of the San Fernando Valley, Quentin is married to Jennifer, and they have a 2-year-old son.

21650 OXNARD STREET, SUITE 1800, WOODLAND HILLS | 818-713-4094 | QUENTIN.STELLA@MORGANSTANLEY.COM | MORGANSTANLEYFA.COM/STELLAANDSTELLAGROUP

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WF Advisory Services is a financial planning firm with roots dating back to the late-1960s consisting of approximately 40 financial planners with offices throughout California. The firm provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management for individuals and small businesses, specializing in physicians from residency through retirement. The Encino team is led by financial planners Craig Steinhauer, Rob Schultz and Brandon Dixon-James, who have worked in the industry for a combined 50+ years. All three received their Personal Financial Planning designations from UCLA.

What question do you frequently hear from clients?

“‘Will I have enough money to retire when I’m ready?’

It is a concern that has become part of daily living for all of us. Our clients feel a certain confidence knowing we are here to help them navigate the financial obstacles of daily living such as taxes, volatile financial markets, poor budgeting, the high cost of raising children and saving for college education. We help them simplify the process.”

FAST FACT NWF Advisory Services gives back to the community, including being a supporter of the Optimist Youth Home Family Services, Los Angeles—which was founded in 1906 with one adopted child. NWF’s president sits on the organization’s advisory board.

What qualities should a client look for in a financial planner?

“Like with any other industry, there are ethical, competent and caring professionals, and there are some who do not possess these qualities. If you are working with someone who possesses a high level of competency, ethics and whom you truly believe has your best interests in mind, you should stay with that advisor since these qualities are not always easy to find.”

How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“A couple of things that may differentiate us from other advisors are that we do not have proprietary products, and most of our compensation is fee-based versus commissions. We believe this keeps our objectives aligned with our clients’ since we are not sales- or product-driven.

While we enjoy discussing the economy and invest-

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ments, at our core we are financial planners who work to clearly define client goals and create actionable plans. Much of a person’s financial freedom is psychological and can be achieved from knowing that you have set aside enough money to meet your goals. Knowing that you have saved for your future first generally allows you to feel more confident, thus allowing you to feel good about spending money on what makes you happy today. This goes a long way with couples who may have disagreements over spending. Our mantra is ‘Live for today, but don’t forget to plan for tomorrow.’”

Tell us something unique about your business.

“We have been providing educational lectures—Financial Planning 101—to the next generation of physicians for the last 20 years at many of the major hospital residency programs throughout California. For many new physicians, they are faced with mountains of student debt and high housing prices. We lay out a roadmap for accomplishing financial goals while at same time addressing the burden of student loans, i.e., a hybrid approach to help them accumulate assets while paying down debt.”

Why does your industry appeal to you?

“We love problem-solving and working with people, and this business gives us the opportunity to do both. Imagine being able to have a positive impact on an individual’s personal and business life—actually having the opportunity to help them enhance their life. This is what we get to do every day. It’s an amazing opportunity!”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Having the opportunity and privilege to help clients through their most difficult times. It’s always nice to be part of a client’s prosperity; however, where we become invaluable is when we are asked to help them through a difficult life situation such as a divorce, death, illness or career change. We are much more than their financial advisors; we are their advocates.

We represent them and provide a relationship that helps them plan and achieve their goals as well as deal with their challenges.”

What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not at work?

“We are an active group that enjoys the benefits of living in Southern California, spending most of our free time with our families. We are coaches for our kids’ teams, Brownie and Cub Scout leaders and very involved in our communities through our churches and temples.”

Disclaimer: Securities, insurance, and advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Additional advisory services offered through NWF Advisory Services, Inc., who is not affiliated with Royal Alliance.

S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E CT I O N

CRAIG STEINHAUER, PFP ROB SCHULTZ, CFP速, PFP BRANDON DIXON-JAMES, CFP速, PFP NWF Advisory Services, Inc.

15821 VENTURA BOULEVARD, SUITE 660, ENCINO | 310-475-5854 | NWFADVISORY.COM

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JEFF SCOFIELD

Regional Brokerage Manager

Wells Fargo Advisors

15760 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 1250, ENCINO | 818-380-7203

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| Finance & Wealth Management |

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ells Fargo Advisors offers comprehensive wealth management services to its clients, encompassing investment management and trust and fiduciary services through affiliates.

Regional brokerage manager Jeff Scofield has worked in the financial services industry for 24 years. After graduating from UCLA with a BA in political science, he began his career as a financial advisor with Dean Witter/Morgan Stanley. He also worked as a manager and private wealth advisor for Bank of America/US Trust. Jeff joined Wells Fargo Advisors in July.

What’s one trend that is changing or defining the financial industry today?

“The automation of the financial services industry, or the rise of ‘robo-advisors.’ We are seeing parts of the financial services industry move toward automated services, such as teller-assisted ATMs and automated investing services that let algorithms do the work of financial advisers. Millennials, who often don’t have enough money to qualify for traditional advisors, are utilizing such services. A common critique is that it’s a one-size-fits-all approach that may not be the most appropriate for more complex financial needs.”

Tell us about social responsibility as it relates to the field of finance.

“Socially responsible investing is now one of the fastest growing areas in the financial services industry.

This is true not only for personal values (i.e., not to invest in tobacco or firearms), but also now in guiding corporate governance. Owning shares in a company gives an investor a channel through which to raise social and environmental concerns, and we are seeing more activist shareholders bringing important issues to the attention of company management.”

How do you give back to your community?

“I am on the board of a nonprofit organization called Education Through Music Los Angeles (ETM-LA) based in Burbank. We promote and provide music education in disadvantaged schools as part of the core curriculum in order to enhance students’ academic achievement and creative and overall development. ETM-LA partners with low-income schools throughout Los Angeles County to develop yearlong

S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E CT I O N

sequential and comprehensive music programs. The organization also works with school and district leaders to achieve long-term sustainability.

Celebrating 10 years, ETM-LA will serve approximately 10,000 children in such diverse communities as Boyle Heights, Burbank, Canoga Park, Compton, Chinatown, East Los Angeles, Pacoima, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, Downtown LA and West Los Angeles. ETM-LA believes every child deserves music and the arts as part of a well-rounded education.”

What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not at work?

“When I’m not in the office I prefer to spend my time outdoors. I love to travel, and this summer I was able to attend the Mount Fuji outdoor music festival in Japan, which was definitely a bucket-list opportunity.

I also enjoy playing tennis and have recently started playing competitively through USTA. From time to time I can be found on the golf course.

A few years ago I decided to learn to sail and have three friends who share my passion for adventure.

The four of us have sailed from Marina Del Rey to San Francisco. On our return, we were accompanied for a short time by a great white shark that decided to swim alongside our boat. Most recently we chartered a boat and sailed from Martha’s Vineyard to Newport, Rhode Island. In the future I aspire to sail the Transpac Race to Hawaii.”

FAST FACT Jeff serves on the board of Education Through Music Los Angeles, which provides music education in disadvantaged schools to enhance students’ academic achievement and creative development.

Tell us about your family.

“I was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley and so was my wife. We’ve been married for 22 years and have three fantastic children. My oldest son is a sophomore at UCSC, where he’s pursuing a degree in computer science. My older daughter is a senior in high school and is of course anxiously planning her departure for college next year. My youngest daughter is in eighth grade and loves soccer and swimming.

We enjoy traveling and spending time together and are planning a trip to New York City this Christmas.”

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

85

Exploring a faraway land with knife, fork and open mind.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ELENA

s I sat on a junk boat in the middle of Ha Long Bay, the tour staff started to bring out plates for our lunch. Some of the plates they served were unfamiliar—little “squid balls” that might be fried, but I can’t tell— and some almost too recognizable fish with its steamed, yellow eye staring up at me. Welcome to Vietnam.

My friend Erin and I embarked on a trip with Ethnic Travel, which touts an authentic cultural experience for tourists. If the goal was to get off the beaten path and avoid major tourist hubs, this appeared to be our program. So as I looked at the steamed eyeball staring at me from my plate, it was apparent we achieved our goal.

Mountains jutted out of the water as our boat sailed on. Erin bit into the fish’s cheek.

Our trepidation vanished quickly. The fish, with its perfect combination of ginger and lemon flavor, may have been the best thing we ate the entire trip.

For dessert we devoured fried taro balls, which were sweet and crunchy. I just felt lucky to be able to enjoy it all.

For me, food is half the fun of travel.

Museums, hikes, sightseeing and nightlife are fantastic ways to experience a new place or a new culture. Local cuisine, however, is its own special adventure.

An admission: This food lover has an Achilles’ heel. I suffer from a weak stomach. While traveling in Rome several years

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VENTURA BLVD, NOVEMBER 2015

LACEY

EXPLORING EDIBLES Clockwise from left: Street food in Hanoi; boats docked at Ha Long Bay; catch of the day; cold noodles with shrimp at the Lotte Center in Hanoi; two girls pose in front of a meat stand in Ninh Bính.

ourventurablvd.com

ago, I got so sick from food poisoning that all I remember of the Vatican was its bathrooms. So when Erin and I decided to meet in Vietnam for a weeklong vacation, I was a bit anxious.

I met with a doctor several weeks before my trip and got some advice: eat only hot food. If the food has been cooked, there is less risk that there will be unfamiliar bacteria that hasn’t been eliminated by the heat. Cold foods, like veggies that have been rinsed off in a sink, are more likely to be holding onto bacteria.

Keeping that in mind, we started sampling … steamed snails that we ate with mystery sauce on a sidewalk in Hanoi, handmade fried spring rolls made by a homestay family near Bai Tu Long Bay. Through it all, I stayed healthy.

I can’t claim, though, to have been as edibly adventurous as Erin. At one point in our trip we saw a woman cooking balut on a street cart.

Balut is a duck egg fertilized and matured to the point where the fetus is partially developed.

It is then boiled and eaten whole from the shell.

I couldn’t do it. Erin, however, went for this delicacy, and I took the photos that prove it.

During our tour of the Northern Vietnam countryside, local families or the tour group staff lovingly prepared everything we ate. These meals included large spreads of food like fried spring rolls, clam soup, crab cakes (served inside the crab shells), prawns, squid and mango. If it was delivered hot, I ate it.

Had we visited the large city of Hanoi, chances are we wouldn’t have known what to order or what to try. We also never would have kayaked through an oyster farm or walked through caves in Ha Long Bay. One night after dinner we went squid fishing.

We hooked up a little bioluminescent lure and lowered it up and down in the water until we saw a couple of squids darting past.

We quickly put a red bucket over our light— turning it red. All the squid suddenly rushed up, and we caught them with a net. I was as stunned as the squid were. Our bounty was served to us the next day for lunch.

On our final night in Vietnam, I decide to break the “hot food only rule” with a bahn mi sandwich. I watched as cold veggies were piled into the baguette along with cooked meat.

The bread was crispy and warm, and the meat was covered in a sweet sauce. Delicious, although maybe the atmosphere of bustling streets with vendors and lights and hundreds of motor scooters zipping past without regard to pedestrians made it taste so good.

Was that last meal in Vietnam worth the next three days I spent crippled with food poisoning? It was. I guess that’s part of the adventure of travel.

And I’d eat that sandwich again to prove it. 

ourventurablvd.com

NOVEMBER 2015, VENTURA BLVD

87

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John Aaroe Group does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from public records and other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01450987

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16677 Calneva Drive 16677 Calneva Drive Encino $2,789,000 Encino $2,789,000

17841 Tarzana Street 17841 Tarzana Street Encino $1,048,000 Encino $1,048,000

4520 Libbit Avenue 4520 Libbit$2,199,000 Avenue Encino Encino $2,199,000

4949 Palomar Drive 4949 Palomar Drive Tarzana $1,689,000 Tarzana $1,689,000

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18937 Carmel Crest, Tarzana $2,150,000 Braemar Estates

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4200 Clear Valley Dr., Encino $2,102,000 www.ClearValleyDrive.com

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This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Minimum FICO, reserve, and other requirements apply. Programs are subject to change at any time until locked in. LTVs are based on appraised value. Not all applicants will qualify. Mortgage Capital Partners, Inc. is a lender under California Real Estate License #01858965.

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818.432.1524 | info@chernovteam.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. If your proper�� is listed with another Broker, this is not a solicitation. Keller Williams Realt� does not g�arantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other infor�ation concer�ing the condition or feat�res of the proper�� provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources and the buyer is advised to independently verif� the accuracy of that infor�ation through personal inspection with appropriate licensed professionals.

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Private Mortgage Banking

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As a top-performing Private Mortgage Banker, John provides a full-service approach to your transactions, and can help simplify complex financial arrangements. In John’s 20 years of experience, he has earned his spot at as the #2 Private Mortgage Banker at Wells Fargo. Backed by the strength of the nation’s leading retail mortgage lender, you can count on John for: • Simplicity – a single point of contact throughout the entire transaction • Innovative – options to leverage today’s historically low interest rates • Accommodating – jumbo financing up to $6 million with higher loan amounts available for qualified applicants • Options – financing available for primary residences, secondary residences, and investment properties • Streamlined – Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking has simplified the process for self-employed customers and complicated income structures

#1 Customer Satisfaction scores in Wells Fargo #2 Private Mortgage Banker in Wells Fargo Information is accurate as of date of printing and subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801 AS962177 2/13-5/13

John Musso Private Mortgage Banker 15760 Ventura Blvd Suite 1060, Encino, CA 91436 Office: 818-380-3322 Direct: 818-518-1008 john.musso@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 448606 “John Musso is a smart, creative, effective, and ethical Private Mortgage Banker, a combination that’s almost impossible to find.

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LAST WORD

Tricky Business Breaking down the Halloween candy collecting ritual with a certified, cup-carrying chaperone.

Written by Emily DeRenzis

I

t’s dark. It’s chaotic.

You are surrounded by sugar-crazed maniacs and parents clutching glossy Solo cups. Every so often a familiar face appears, and the small talk must be UNBEARABLE to those sugar-crazed maniacs. Because, after all, there are countless tricked-out houses— some of them decorated by what must be professional set designers—all waiting to unload saccharine stashes to eager, small hands and sweet-toothed parents, coyly eyeing the good stuff.

Young eyes grow big at the mounting pile of lollipops, licorice and peanut butter cups, and—feeling overwhelmed by darkened chaos—you look at the time and realize it’s only been a paltry 45 minutes since the first “trick or treat” left their lips. The urge to softly encourage little ones to start making their way home is overwhelming; after all, they have more candy than they will ever possibly

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consume. Also … that glossy Solo cup is feeling a tad light.

And it’s not just home and then to bed. No, no, no. There will be the ritual dumping of candy and trading and fighting over who gets what, followed by their insistance to sit on the porch and pass out treats to teenagers still out and about. (Some of them look disconcertedly old.) The reality is that it’s almost as much fun to pass out the candy as it is to collect the candy.

Plus, the prospect of a quiet house after a big night is a bit sad. It can’t be over already!

But somewhere along the path of darkened chaos it is the children who start bumping into familiar faces. Friends and neighbors alike, they run off in packs—promising to stay together, to be right back. And they do. A glossy Solo cup is suddenly feeling a bit heavier, thanks to a friendly neighbor with a bottle to share and a wall to lean against.

As your eyes dart back and forth keeping tabs on your kids,

the time doesn’t seem to matter so much anymore … for the magic of childhood is wildly in play right before your very eyes. Will it be this Halloween they remember so poignantly as they grow older?

Maybe it will be this moment, this very one, that they look back on and smile about in some 20, 30, maybe even 50 years.

It certainly isn’t going to be the candy they remember the most fondly. It will be this. It will be an autumn night with friends swirling all around them, feeling carefree and happy.

It will be the rebellious fun of staying up way too late as parents say, “Sure, we can stay out later.

Grab a friend. Let’s walk together.

After all … look at all these lit up houses just waiting to see your costume. We’ve still got a few trick or treats left in us.” Hope they’re giving out the good stuff.  Emily DeRenzis is the creative talent behind the blog Gelato Mama.

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