Foreign Accents

WITH RESIDENTS from more than 140 countries, Los Angeles County is among the most multicultural places in the U.S., a creative mecca rich in international influences and a global destination for emerging culinary trends. It’s easy to feel like a globetrotter without leaving greater L.A. Dreaming of Italy? You might take a romantic gondola ride around Naples in Long Beach to enjoy the illusion that you’re on a Venetian holiday. Long to see Asia? Visit Hsi Lai Temple, a sprawling mountain monastery in Hacienda Heights with architecture and statuary in the traditional style of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Such international flavor makes L.A. County an ideal home base for Samara Bay, a dialect coach who has worked with numerous stars, including Gal Gadot, Rachel McAdams, and Penélope Cruz. Bay also coaches public figures in business and politics, and explains her revolutionary style in her debut book, Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting with You. Always eager to expand her perspective and her palate, Bay enjoys exploring the city’s many multiethnic offerings. Here, she shares some of her favorite spots.

Best Japanese Sake: Ototo in Echo Park. “Ototo is a tiny little hole-in-the-wall on Allison Avenue, so you feel special when you find it. In addition to a huge sake collection, they’re famous for their okonomiyaki, a savory cabbage pancake. A Japanese friend said their okonomiyaki is better than any she’s had in Japan.”

Best Oaxacan: Guelaguetza in Koreatown. “The James Beard Award–winning Guelaguetza is a super authentic Oaxacan restaurant on Olympic Boulevard. They’re known for their mole, but dining here is about the decor as well as the food. It’s filled with banners, cacti, bright tablecloths, and murals. Talk about transportive—you feel like you’re stepping into another world.”

Best French Bistro: Cafe Stella in Silver Lake. “Cafe Stella is a proper French cafe on Sunset Boulevard. The atmosphere is dark and romantic and dreamy. You can see yourself talking philosophy over a late-night espresso. They even have escargot. The whole menu’s in French. If you don’t just want mussels, but you want moules frites, go to Cafe Stella.”

Best European Art Collection: Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. “With their Van Goghs and Picassos, I feel like I’ve found a new room in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris when I’m here. It’s wild to stand a few inches away from a piece of art you’ve seen replicas of your whole life.”

Best Exotic Gardens: Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. “My family and I love to visit the Chinese and Japanese gardens. My seven-year-old will say, ‘I want to go to China today.’ We walk through a rose garden that feels very British, and then suddenly we’re in China. It’s just gorgeous. Right next to it is the Japanese garden, with cherry blossoms and bamboo. Their fidelity to the natural flora is spectacular.” —Lisa Rosen

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY | Beverly Hills | $17,900,000

Develop a one-of-a-kind estate on over an acre in the most exclusive part of Beverly Hills. With approx. 170 feet of street frontage, the estate includes 2 land parcels and can be built with today's ordinance up to 15,000sf. The current home includes 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, tennis court, pool, 2-car garage, gym and detached guesthouse. Web# 22-225325.

ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE | Bel Air |

$13,000,000

Designed by noted architect Patrick J. Killen, AIA, this home offers captivating views of the Stone Canyon Reservoir from every room. Walls of glass and high ceilings create a voluminous interior living space that transitions to outdoor amenities including an infinity saltwater pool/spa, firepit, yard and BBQ area. Web# 22-167511.

HAMPTON-STYLE ESTATE | Pacific Palisades | $9,850,000

Enjoy stunning Queen's Necklace ocean views from this spacious 2-story, Hampton-style estate on a nearly 0.61 acre corner lot. Entertaining is effortless with a sparkling infinity pool with spa and inspiring views and a separate grassy area, plus bonus room that could be a gym, playroom or guest room. Web# 23-233041.

MID-CENTURY ARCHITECTURAL | Beverly Hills | $9,325,000

This quintessential Trousdale Mid-Century architectural offers the echo of original style and glamour, upgraded for today’s more modernized lifestyle. Verdant grounds surround this estate, imparting beautiful green garden views from literally every room. Web# 22-175123.

OCEANFRONT PARADISE | Malibu | $34,500,000

Set on approximately 100 feet of prime ocean frontage on the famed Malibu Road beach, this new contemporary masterpiece estate stuns with an open-concept design and walls of glass that disappear to reveal Pacific Ocean views. Amenities include a rooftop deck, pool, spa, firepit and more. Web# 23-231463. Bob Rubenstein, O: 310.975.3870, bob.rubenstein@elliman.com, Alessandro Corona, O: 310.975.3870, M: 805.630.2293, alessandro.corona@elliman.com

EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE COMPOUND | Hidden Hills | $18,499,000

Nestled on approx. 2.5 flat acres, the compound boasts an approx. 12, 751sf main house and approx. 1,100sf guest house. The spectacular grounds include meandering pathways that lead past the beach-entry pool with waterfall and spa to the regulation tennis court. Below is an amazing spa, sportss and entertainment area that includes a wellness center, huge gym, dance studio, racquetball court, batting cage and 150-person nightclub. Web# SR22255655. Marc Shevin, O: 818.962.7123, marc.shevin@elliman.com

STUNNING TROUSDALE ESTATE | Beverly Hills | $16,995,000

Sitting on a lot size of over 28,000sf, this classic-modern Trousdale home makes an unparalleled statement of vision and design while showcasing breathtaking panoramic vistas from cityscapes to coastal ocean views. This home provides plenty of outdoor space, including covered and open patios, a pool and a spa. Web# 22-179487. Juli Udem, O: 310.595.3888, M: 310.266.4772, juli.udem@elliman.com

THE SURFBARN | Malibu | $16,477,000

With rare Riviera 1 deeded private beach access and private access to Paradise Cove beach, the stunning home combines craftsmanship and design to create an environment that is elegant and inviting. Interiors with 18-foot ceilings and 36 feet of Fleetwood pocket doors flow seamlessly into the outdoor spaces which include an outdoor living room/kitchen, lawn and heated ozone-system pool/spa. Web# 22-223183. Glen Steele, O: 310.663.2157, glen.steele@elliman.com, Juliette Hohnen, O: 323.422.7147, juliette.hohnen@elliman.com

CRESCENT BAY CONTEMPORARY | Laguna Beach | $9,474,000

This timeless, contemporary, coastal beach house with its open concept living space optimizes an abundance of natural light and welcomes 180-degree views of the Laguna Beach shoreline, Catalina Island and city lights. Thoughtfully designed with the highest quality craftsmanship, and materials chosen throughout create a space that is both intriguing and tranquil. Web# OC22235354. Frances Carr, O: 949.354.0450, M: 949.299.7997, frances.carr@elliman.com

CLASSIC RIVIERA CHARM | Pacific Palisades | $7,995,000

Situated on an approx. 17,456sf flat lot, this private and gated residence exudes the charm and character of a classic Riviera home. Hedged from the street and surrounded by lush landscaping, the home retains many of its distinctive original features and offers impressive scale, gorgeous light, hardwood floors, multiple fireplaces, indoor/outdoor flow and more. Web# 22-221705. David Solomon, O: 310.279.7759, ds@elliman.com, Anna Solomon, O: 310.866.9306, anna.solomon@elliman.com

PRIVATE MEDITERRANEAN ESTATE | Rancho Santa Fe | $6,999,000

Nestled within an approx. 4-acre paradise of citrus groves and tropical greens, this single-level Rancho Del Lago estate welcomes you with Mediterranean beauty and sophisticated design. Located in one of Rancho Santa Fe's finest guard-gated communities, this all-usable, fully gated property features a grand, approx. 9,550sf residence complete with detached guest house, library, game room, bar and wine cellar. Web# 220029861. Raquel Benguiat, O: 619.564.0759, raquel.benguiat@elliman.com

MID-CENTURY ARCHITECTURAL | Pasadena | $3,995,000

Designed by famed Pasadena/San Marino architect E.A. Daniell, this architectural home on over an acre was constructed in 1961 and has since been expanded to include a resort-style pool and spa and an expansive primary suite. As a significant architectural work, the property is designated by the City of Pasadena as eligible for inclusion in a potential Landmark District. Web# P1-10834. Tim Durkovic, O: 310.738.8098, tim.durkovic@elliman.com, Greg Holcomb, O: 310.435.3711, greg.holcomb@elliman.com