Tangram Travel Guide

everyone!

For me, 2022 has been a rediscovery of joy in experience. Personally, that has meant remembering what it is like to travel, dine out, and reconnect with people. Professionally, our expansion into Texas, the challenges of return to office and hybrid work, and the necessity for productivity, culture and efficiency have created a tremendous number of opportunities to rediscover and rethink how we collaborate, what our culture is, and who we are as a company.

our people and the communities that they are connected to. A travel guide only felt natural. Within these pages are experiences that remind us of the simple pleasures life has to offer – most importantly, ones that bring us together and foster connection. Because there’s nothing better than losing yourself in conversation over a shared meal, cocktail, coffee or view of the sunset. We hope our employees’ recommendations give you a glimpse into the many communities our company calls home and inspire you to try out a new spot in your own city.

When planning our holiday book this year, we knew we wanted to focus on two things:

One of my first career opportunities after

grad school was to work with a brilliant restauranteur in Oregon. My primary role was to study how to make the perfect experience for our guests by playing to the senses. For example, I learned how lighting and temperature needed to shift over the course of the evening to accommodate different clientele desires, and how just slightly raising the music at 7:30pm as the business crowd began to close their tabs and the couples and livelier groups started to roll in subtly encouraged people to sit closer together. An office isn’t as far off from a restaurant as you may think, and sometimes unassuming shifts can be instrumental in

fostering a better workplace experience for your employees – something that we would love to help you discover.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with connection over shared experience. We look forward to what we can accomplish together next year.

Paul Randall Smith, MBA Chief Marketing Officer

CUISINE, CAFFEINE + COCKTAILS

WORK IN PROGRESS

2944 Randolph Ave, Suite 1, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch

$$

Torie Hamilton Communications Manager

Newport Beach, CA

Work in Progress (or WIP) has a really wonderful indoor-outdoor open-air ambience. You’ll also almost always see a dog there, which is a major plus in my book. This is a great local spot because they have it all: coffee, breakfast burritos, personal charcuterie boxes, clean wine and local goods. I love that they feature a lot of local artists and small businesses. My go-to order is an iced rosemary latte with a salted cream top and the AM Burrito.

The mug

1137 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93720

Liz Charney Senior Designer + Sales Fresno, CA

I love this place because it is family-oriented, and my daughter and I have a tradition of wearing dresses and grabbing donuts + coffee on the weekends here. It holds a special place in my heart!

I typically order the Funky Monkey Latte and my daughter usually gets a chocolate milk with a pink sprinkle cake donut.

PARK CITY

Park City, UT

Joe Lozowski Chief Executive Officer

Newport Beach, CA + Dallas, TX

My family loves going to Park City regularly to go skiing and snowboarding. It’s a really cool unpretentious ski town filled with great shopping, bars and restaurants – the food here is really incredible. Going in the wintertime is the best because the downtown turns into a really charming Christmas village, with lights strewn across all of the beautiful evergreen trees.

Downtown Women’s Center

442 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90011

Cassie Stepanek Senior Industrial Design Consultant, Studio Other Downtown Los Angeles, CA

I volunteer at the Downtown Women’s Center in LA. They provide shelter, legal services, job opportunities and learning programs for homeless women in the area. I get to help put donated outfits together for job interviews. It’s always fun getting to know the women and working on choosing a solid look together.

Every woman housed.

WHITE ROCK LAKE

8300 East Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX 75218 1,015 Acre City Lake

Jon Leach Director of Business Development Dallas, TX

A visit to White Rock Lake + the Arboretum is the perfect way to check out from the day and relax. Great music from cover bands to art exhibits throughout the botanical gardens that are constantly changing throughout the year. It’s never the same when you visit and there’s never a dull moment.

Abalone cove

5970 Palos Verdes Dr, South Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

1.1 mile out-and-back trail

Jessica Alvarado Estimator Santa Fe Springs, CA

The best way to enjoy this spot is in the early morning or right before sunset. There is a fee to enter but it’s worth the cost. You get access to tide pools, semi-private beaches, and there are also various hiking trails available. You can also swim to hidden caves along the shoreline. It’s a perfect getaway.

Dallas children’s advocacy center

Suzi Nguyen Ancillary Specialist Dallas, TX

This was Tangram’s first volunteering opportunity. It was really cool to raise money for this important organization with the Tangram team.

Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center coordinates the investigation, prosecution,

and healing services for the most severe cases of child abuse in Dallas County – those that rise to the level of a criminal offense.

@dallascac • dcac.org

Erwin park

4300 County Rd 1006 McKinney, TX 75071

8.9 mile loop trail • 521 ft. Elevation gain

Mark Peters Director, Healthcare + Education Sales Dallas, TX

Erwin Park is a large city park in McKinney, TX. My favorite way to experience it is by mountain biking the expansive trail system across the park. It’s pretty thrilling and provides a lot of variety within the ride. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to get some fresh air.

The varnish

118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014 Bar, Cocktail Bar $$

The best bar in LA (I stand firmly by this assertion) is The Varnish in Downtown’s Historic Core. Located behind an unmarked door in the back of the famous Cole’s French Dip restaurant, Varnish is the perfect place to escape the hustle of the streets for a little while. The Varnish was discovered by its current owners during the renovation of Cole’s restaurant behind a sealed-off brick wall. It was later uncovered that this space had been used as an actual speakeasy bar and pass-through tunnel for the illegal alcohol trade during the prohibition days in LA. Despite its compact size and unassuming

Lora Apodaca Business Development Downtown Los Angeles, CA

decor might imply, this place hands down has the best cocktails in the city. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, as the bar staff expertly draws inspiration from classic cocktails of yesteryear and adds a refined twist to make it their own. My favorite option is the Bartender’s Choice, where you simply choose the kind of spirit you want, and let the mixologists do the rest. It’s safe to say that I have never met a cocktail I didn’t like here, and the live jazz on Sundays and Mondays really takes it all to the next level. If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor and go check it out!

merit coffee

Lunasco Brand Manager Santa Fe Springs, CA

My favorite coffee shop when visiting our Dallas location is Merit Coffee in Deep Ellum. As a designer, attention to detail is my thing! I love when companies care about nuance, especially when there is thought and care put into branding and overall aesthetics. I was initially drawn to the designs on their to-go cups, the store front displays, and down to their retail apparel. I typically keep my order simple and get a traditional drip coffee or an americano black.

Mariel

shaver lake

Shaver Lake, California 37.104167, -119.3175

Jen Karibian Design + Sales Consultant Fresno, CA

Although we had the devastation of the Creek Fire in 2020, my family and close friends always visit at least once or twice a year. Some of my favorite memories and the most gorgeous views are at Shaver. It’s such a fun place to visit and I highly recommend visiting the shops in town to support locals as they will be rebuilding for many years to come.

etiwanda falls

4904 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

3.4 mile out-and-back trail • 803 ft elevation gain

Jason Doerr Senior Engineer Santa Fe Springs, CA

If you start the trail with water and snacks in tow, you’re guaranteed to have a great day hiking to the falls. It’s local to me and somewhere I used to go target shooting and hiking with my brother without a care in the world. You can’t do the shooting anymore, so I hike, adventure, and take in the awesome scenery.

Javier’s cantina

7832 E. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657

Noosha Hodges Marketing Manager

Newport Beach, CA

I come here for the ambiance, food and margs. I always get the steak picado and a pineapple margarita. The location in Newport overlooks the ocean, the sunset views are amazing. My husband and I have a monthly date night here. If anything, you should you stop by to try the complimentary salsa.

Clearwater beach

Clearwater Beach, FL

Danielle MacPhetridge Customer Service Training Manager Canton, GA

I have made the best holiday memories at Clearwater Beach. The sand is clean, the ocean is smooth, and I get to reconnect with all my Floridian friends and family. The best part is that there is so much to do down by the beach that you don’t need a car – the aquarium full of locally-rescued sea life, local restaurants, and shops are all right by the water along the beach. My top recommendations are the Tiki Boat Tour, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, and deep-sea fishing. Pier 60 also has lots of artisan

booths that sell their goods alongside a beautiful view. As an added bonus, Clearwater is the home of wrestler Hulk Hogan, so sometimes you will spot the family around. He even has a local store called Hogan’s Beach Shop which is equal parts cheesy and funny.

Del sol park

Nick Meter Vice President, Sales Santa Fe Springs, CA

Del Sol is special because I’ve taken my kids (Dylan and Clara, born 2017/2019) to see fireworks there since they were babies, and they can see tons of fireworks shows at once. Whenever I host a visitor to Palos Verdes, I always drive up there so they can get the full view of Santa Monica Bay to LA, and beyond. It’s just a gorgeous vista, especially at night with the lights of the city and on a chilly morning in January when the snow’s on the mountains!

Paseo Del Sol, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

manhattan beach bike path

4499-4401 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 4.5 mile out-and-back trail • 32 ft elevation gain

Tristin Baxter Sales Executive Santa Fe

Springs, CA

Going for a long bike ride on the Strand is one of my favorite parts about living in Manhattan Beach! The bike path is right on the beach so you have ocean views the entire way – and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can bike all the way up to the cliffs of Palos Verdes which overlook the entire South Bay. The bike uphill is no joke but the views along the way and at the top are 100% worth it!

La La Land Kind Cafe

5626 Bell Ave, Dallas, TX 75206 Coffee & Tea, Café

Kaitlyn Nowell Marketing Coordinator Dallas, TX

Their whole campaign is to spread kindness and their branding is all yellow. How can you not be happy with a yellow coffee cup that says “have a beautiful day” on it?

My go-to drink is either an Iced Lavender Latte or an Iced French Toast Latte.

The cliff

577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

American, Seafood, Steakhouse

$$

Taylor Hinke Sales Executive Santa Fe Springs, CA

The view is unbeatable, the food is delicious and reasonably priced for the location, plus, I got married at the venue below which makes it an extra special place for me. My favorite dishes are the pear gorgonzola salad, the carnitas tacos, and the sweet potato fries with jalapeno aioli.

WE GOT MARRIED HERE!

Denetsu

Danielle Stevens Credit & Accounts Receivable Administrator Dallas, TX

When we go here, we like to try either a new appetizer or share some sashimi and sushi. I love going for lunch and getting the shrimp and vegetable tempura bento box. It’s very light and airy, plus you can’t beat their miso soup and the salad dressing! I always leave stuffed. They also have an incredible lychee martini.

New Zealand

Luann Flores Project Coordinator Santa Fe Springs, CA

New Zealand has been my favorite vacation to date! The people are so nice and friendly and the food is delicious. It has everything – from relaxation to scenic views to thrillseeking adventures. One of the cities we visited in the North Island was Cape Reinga where you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea collide – no picture can do it justice. We also visited Paihia, a beautiful beach town, Raglan, another beauty, and saw Hobbiton, which was truly incredible. We had the chance to witness a Haka and learn about the Māori people (this is a must). In the South Island, we went thrill

seeking in Queenstown. I went on a glider, which is a plane with no motor. We also went on a speed boat on the river between mountains, but I couldn’t reach the floor and we didn’t have seat belts, so I was holding onto the rail like my life depended on it. They had the bluest waters I have ever seen. If you ever get the chance to visit, take it!

Kelsey Davis Sales Executive Dallas, TX

I love the atmosphere and the energy. It is great for a casual night with friends or a date night with that special someone. The food is accessible for everyone and gives traditional sushi a flair. My favorite dish is the Dragon Lady Roll: flame seared salmon, spicy tuna, serrano peppers, and crispy onions.

al & bea’s

2025 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 Mexican

Anthony Flores Service Technician Santa Fe Springs, CA

I have been going to Al and Bea’s since I was 9 years old. My wife and her family have been going since it opened in 1966. There are many reasons I love this place and keep coming back. The food is delicious, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere is small, but always clean and comfortable. My wife and I usually order something for each of us, and something to share, and always take burritos to go home with us later. The beans are so scrumptious, the salsa has a bite to it that leaves you wanting more. The tacos

are flavorful, the burgers are like Mom used to make, simple and delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. There is always a line to get in, but it is worth the wait!

Get the tostada. Enough said.

Balboa pier

1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA

Veronica Ansari Designer Newport Beach, CA

One of my favorite places to go for a walk is Balboa Pier with my family and dog. The last time we were there not long ago, there was a dolphin party with so many dolphins jumping in and out of the ocean. It makes me feel even more grateful that we don’t have to travel far to appreciate these beautiful scenic views.

Balboa Pier has an interesting history, as it was built to attract more people to Newport Beach. It’s also the home of the first Ruby’s

Diner that opened in 1982. The Balboa Pavillion was also built at the same time just walking distance from the pier. It is the oldest standing building in Newport as well as one of the oldest remaining waterfronts recreational facilities in CA still in use. It’s a place we take many of our out-of-town family and it’s a very lively atmosphere. You can spend the day at the beach or have dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Courtney Bruce Designer Dallas, TX This is an Australian coffeeshop with strong brews and the BEST breakfast sandwiches. You have to get the Yolk O Oh No Grilled Sandwich.

Karlee Budge Sales Executive Santa Fe Springs, CA

I love the fact that it’s a converted hardware store from years past and they’ve used the same sign out front. You’d never know it was a bar just by driving/walking by. My favorite drink is their frozen lavender margarita!

mizlala

Mary Elizabeth Moen Design Consultant, Studio Other Downtown Los Angeles, CA

I love Mizlala in West Adams. It’s a modern Mediterranean place, and they have a super cute outdoor patio. My favorite is their herb salad – it’s so fresh and filled with so many yummy herbs. I’ve tried to recreate it at home to no avail...

bavel dtla

500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Middle Eastern $$$ @baveldtla • baveldtla.com

Christopher Fong Industrial Design Consultant, Studio Other Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Everything about this place is top notch, from the warm customer service and unique cocktails to the divine food menu and ambience, Bavel has it all. Rooted in Middle Eastern cuisine, Bavel combines elevated home-style recipes with contemporary design aesthetics that are influenced by the regions the food derives from through the lens of the arts district.

The lamb neck, duck hummus, grilled prawns and mushroom kebab are the top four dishes I recommend.

hidden house coffee

31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Coffee $$

Kimberly Wiggs Director of Education Sales Newport Beach, CA

My favorite local coffee shop is Hidden House Coffee located in San Juan Capistrano. I’ve been going to this location for many years! Located in a historic home right off the railroad tracks, the area is so quiet and quaint and nestled into the Spanish style buildings of San Juan near the mission. Hidden House is a veteran-owned

small business that takes pride in where they source their coffee. The owners travel the world and meet with the farmers to ensure the beans are produced ethically and then roast them in house. My favorite drink is an oat milk latte, but if coffee isn’t your thing, they have one of the best chai tea lattes I’ve ever had!

ten by bar nine

4065 Glencoe Ave, #100, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Coffee & Tea, Cafes

Mitrovich Sales Executive Santa Fe Springs, CA

Every weekend, my sister and I will walk with our partners and my dog here. They have the best homemade bagels and cream cheese. It might sound bland but because the two ingredients are fresh it’s amazing. My go-to is a plain bagel with cream cheese & avocado, and a particularly delicious Spanish latte.

Alexandra

flappy jack’s pancake house

640 W Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740

American, Breakfast & Brunch $$

You’ll find my husband and me here every Sunday. We always get Hannah as our server who knows exactly what we want (because we get the same thing every week)! I get the Swedish pancakes with lingonberry butter and sauce, and they are incredible – I look forward to them every week. However, we have to get there by 7:30am because by 8:00am, it is knee deep with people waiting because it’s just that good.

Rhonda Law Sales Executive

Santa Fe Springs, CA

flappyjacks.com

maui

Maui, HI

Eileen Knox Sales Executive Santa Fe Springs, CA

Maui is my favorite place on earth. The best time to go is February/March to see the whales – although any time of the year on Maui is spectacular. The whales migrate from Alaska to have their babies, so it’s an incredible sight to see with them jumping out of the water and teaching the babies how to do a tail slap.

What makes it most special is that it was my mom’s favorite place. I’ve been going there since I was 11 years old and now have my parents’ condo now that they have passed away. It’s a second home to my family and me. While you’re there, grab a Mai Tai from Monkeypod Kitchen—it’s the best one I’ve had to date.

Enchanted Coffee Bar

13391 S Beach Blvd A, La Mirada, CA 90638

Coffee & Tea $$

Sarah Ferneau

Customer Service Rep Santa Fe Springs, CA

I almost always get an iced matcha americano with lavender and a splash of oat milk. They have amazing seasonal drinks, and the staff is so kind. I visit more than I should.

602 coffee house

602 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch $

Dennison Vasu Project Manager

Santa Fe Springs, CA

One of my favorite local coffee shops in my hometown of Huntington Beach is 602 Coffee House. It’s right on PCH and just a few steps from the beach and pier. I am a beach bum at heart so anywhere near some palm trees and the ocean sings to my soul. My favorite coffee (hot or iced) is the coconut caramel latte with oat milk. My husband loves their cold brew coffee and this one isn’t on the menu, but they have a fantastic Banana Foster drip coffee

and coffee beans you could buy to make it at home. I grab a coffee before I do most anything in HB - beach volleyball, a walk on the boardwalk, pier, surfing or even a PCH drive. If I am feeling hungry, I will have either the Paradise acai bowl or a jalapeno bagel toasted with cream cheese and avocado. It’s such a peaceful spot that brings genuine joy to my heart – I would drive 45 minutes just for a coffee.

602coffeehouse.com

Taylor

Humblemaker coffee co

324 E Main St, Unit A, Ventura, CA 93001

Coffee & Tea $$

Diego Bravo Sales Executive Santa Fe Springs, CA

Humblemaker appeals to me because it is an outdoor-inspired coffee business that serves crafted wellness in every cup. My favorite is the Smoking Gun, which has a tinge of smoke, salt, and maple syrup. @humblemaker.coffee

angelini osteria

7313 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Italian, Wine Bar, Pizza $$$

Curtis Lee Sales Executive Newport Beach, CA

It’s not so local but I love Angelini Osteria in LA. It has great authentic Italian food and you may see a celebrity grabbing take out. You can’t go wrong with the Bolognese and pizza margherita.

CUISINE, CAFFEINE + COCKTAILS

thompson’s bookstore

900 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Cocktail Bars, Lounges $$

William Wells Service Technician Dallas, TX

In the middle of Downtown Fort Worth, you will find Thompson’s bookstore. Having once been an actual bookstore, this speakeasy-inspired watering hole serves literary-themed cocktails created in-house. The first floor is a beautifully decorated “library” that makes one feel as though you have stepped into Sherlock Holmes’ personal study.

For those in the know *wink*, a password will open a bookcase to the basement floor. Honoring another previous establishment housed in Thompson’s current space, the basement is modeled after a pharmacy and examination room. Booths have surgical curtains for privacy, and the walls are adorned with anatomical diagrams.

CUISINE, CAFFEINE

national anthem

Amber Jones Vice President of Sales, Dallas Dallas, TX

@nationalanthemdtx •

nationalanthemdtx.com

and National Anthem feels like the East Quarter’s local restaurant where the manager walks by and gives you a fist pump. Thats my kind of place. If you go, start off with an order of “Meaty Smalls,” you won’t regret it. And a pint of course!

Masonic Lodge #469

Yorba Linda, CA

Margaret Windle Exception Manager Santa Fe Springs, CA

I volunteer at the Yorba Linda Masonic Lodge #469. My late husband was a Mason and he belonged to this lodge. I am their CC&BW (Chief Cook & Bottle Washer) and have the name tag to prove it. I cook dinners every month for their stated meetings and any other events that require food. I am constantly looking for recipes that the majority will like that aren’t too expensive. I also have drawings at the dinner for prizes and I decorate the hall with a monthly theme. I post it every month on Instagram: @corkysmommy

hammer workshop & bar

440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805 Cocktail

Valerie Navas Designer Santa Fe Springs, CA

This bar is located inside the Anaheim Packing House right in the middle and completely open, so it’s perfect for people watching. But their cocktails are so delicious! They always have different drinks on their menu, but my recent favorite was called Remember Last Summer – a gin drink with chartreuse, rosemary and lime.

The original Mexican eats café

1400 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164

Mexican, Tex-Mex

Donnie McDuff Project Manager Dallas, TX

Ask for Iris or Danny as your server and let them know you want a margarita like Donnie likes his – strong, on the rocks with no salt. I go for either sour cream chicken or beef enchiladas with rice and beans. Be sure

to have some queso and fresh hot tortillas on the side. And maybe a taco too. It’s been my go-to for 40+ years and it’s always well enjoyed.

balcony club

1825 Abrams Rd Ste B, Dallas, TX 75214

Jazz Club, Live Music, Bar $$ balconyclub.com

Ashlee Malone Sales Executive Dallas, TX

This jazz club has been around for over 33 years and is attached to the historic Lakewood Theater. Grab a drink and listen to amazing performances 7 days a week.

Dallas, TX

4.4 mile out-and-back trail

Nick Greenko Chief Financial Officer

Newport Beach, CA + Dallas, TX

Katy Trail

We live a block from it when we’re here and it is 3+ miles of beautiful trail in the heart of Dallas. It follows the path of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which was known as MKT road or the Katy. My husband, Ryan, and I love taking our 1-yearold dog, Beni, for walks on this trail.