May 2020 | Home and Design
Fine living in the greater Pasadena area
Fedde Furniture CELEBRATING 83 YEARS IN PASADENA
+ THE URBAN FORAGER
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arroyo VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 05 | MAY 2020
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HOME AND DESIGN 08 A FAMILY AFFAIR Fedde Furniture celebrates nearly nine decades in the city. —By CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
10 THEIR ‘SACRED SPACE’ Tujunga couple share their love of the outdoors with clients. —By CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
12 SOUND ASLEEP SAMINA brings mattresses from Austria. —By LAURA LATZKO
13 CONNECTED TO NATURE The Taylor House shares Neutra’s ‘biorealism’ philosophy. —By KAMALA KIRK
14 A WHOLE NEW WORLD HartmanBaldwin is handling the pandemic one plan at a time. —BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
16 NO ORDINARY FIRM The key to Home Front Build’s success is listening. —BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
18 THE PERFECT ADDITION Nott & Associates restores iconic properties around the Valley. —BY KAMALA KIRK
23 FINDING ITS WAY Vergola is banking on SoCal’s weather to build its reputation. —BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
23 LAYING A NEW FOUNDATION Douglas Ewing wants to design every type of home. —BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
24 FINDING ITS WAY Vergola is banking on SoCal’s weather to build its reputation. —BY KAMALA KIRK
27 BUILDING FOR SUCCESS Southeast Construction Products continues its legacy. —By KAMALA KIRK
28 MAKING HOMES SAFE Mold Zero rolls out nontoxic virus-eliminating process. —By CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
32 THE URBAN FORAGER Author Elisa Callow finds success with her first cookbook. —By FRIER MCCOLLISTER
DEPARTMENTS
29 HOME AND DESIGN Beyond Kitchens and Bathrooms 36 CULINARY CUPBOARD As Easy as Pie?
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Editor’s Note
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ure, the COVID-19 quarantine is depressing and isolating, but it’s also brought out the green thumb and DIY personality in all of us. This month, we celebrate those that can help us do the work for us—the landscapers, interior designers and homebuilders in and around the Pasadena area. On the cover, we honor Fedde Furniture’s 83 years in Pasadena, selling timeless, quality home furnishings at an exceptional value. Mark Fedde and his staff have a keen eye for quality products like Sherill, Stickley, Century, Canadel Custom Dining and Tommy Bahama. Bruce Haring, our Arroyo Home and Design columnist, unveils what buyers are really looking for when they search for a home on the market. Want a sweet treat to bake in between those home projects and honey-do lists? Try Emily Chavez’s maple goat cheese, pear and apple galette. It’s pure joy. We’ve seen a glimmer of hope that states will reopen soon. In the meantime, get to it: Flip through Arroyo Monthly’s Home and Design Issue.
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Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
arroyo
fine living in the greater pasadena area
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco -Karasinski ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Richard Garcia CONTRIBUTORS Emily Chavez, Bruce Haring, Kamala Kirk, Laura Latzko, Frier McCollister PHOTOGRAPHERS Luis Chavez, Tim Sealy ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase, Javier Sanchez ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bruce Haring OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta
TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT Steve Strickbine V.P. OF OPERATIONS Michael Hiatt ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Zac Reynolds CONTACT US EDITORIAL christina@timespublications.com PHONE (626) 584-1500 FAX (626) 795-0149 MAILING ADDRESS 161 South Pasadena, Ste. B, South Pasadena, CA 91030 ArroyoMonthly.com ©2020 Times Media Group All rights reserved.
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A Family Affair FEDDE FURNITURE CELEBRATES NEARLY NINE DECADES IN THE CITY
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BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
ark Fedde doesn’t obsess over trendy items at his Pasadena mainstay, Fedde Furniture. Instead, since 1937, Fedde’s family has focused on selling timeless, quality home furnishings at exceptional values. “We typically don’t buy on a trend,” he says. “By that, I mean some trends come and go very quickly. We’re blessed to be in the city of Pasadena with its architecture. “We have customers throughout Southern California who have craftsman homes and historical designs that are in some ways from the Midwest. A lot of the architects came from Chicago. We try to reflect the architecture of the area in our furniture.” Fedde Furniture was founded in East Pasadena in 1937 by Fedde’s grandparents, Arnold and Ellen Fedde. “My father, Don Fedde, took it over officially when his father passed in 1963,” Fedde says. “I entered the business around 1985 and I have a sister named Melinda (Fedde Kenney), who is also in the business, like my father.” In 2000, Fedde Furniture opened a second showroom across the street on Sierra Madre Boulevard. Both are 20,000 square feet. “People always ask us how the two stores are different,” Fedde says. “In fact, they’re quite different. There are different manufacturers in each showroom. “In our original location, we’re landlocked, so we could not expand the building and the showroom. We came across a good opportunity on Sierra Madre Boulevard and expanded and it built it out to the showroom it is today.” Right now, the shop is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When it reopens, he urges customers to stop by. “So many stores come and go for so many reasons,” he says. “We know when you’re buying a nicer product, you need to see the fabrics. Never pick a fabric on a computer screen or catalog, because in print there are color variations. That’s why we have such large showrooms.” 8 | ARROYO | 05.20
Fedde and his staff have a keen eye for quality products like Sherill, Stickley, Century, Canadel Custom Dining and Tommy Bahama. “Over all the years, we’ve slowly inched our way up to better-quality products,” he says. “Manufacturers approach us on wild stuff. However, it doesn’t make sense for us to sell it. We look very, very closely at the products and make sure our customers are getting their money’s worth. We want to sell something that’s going to last and something you can enjoy for many, many years.” Fedde Furniture has the largest display of Stickley furniture on the West Coast. “That’s because of the wonderful customers we have who appreciate the quality and the design. We also carry Simply Amish, an Amish company whose quality and designs are so unique that we have a following just for that. “We carry all kinds of styles.” The Fedde promise Customers who are unsure of what to purchase can take advantage of Fedde’s complimentary interior design service. The team’s goal is to educate customers on what to look for in a quality piece of furniture. When the choices are made, Fedde offers full-service delivery by an in-house team. The trained staff inspects each piece when it arrives to the store, again before the order is loaded on its own trucks and again before the team brings the new furniture into a customer’s home. Once the new furniture is in the home, the staff will level each cabinet and make sure each item is properly set up. Because Fedde uses its own delivery staff and trucks, the team can provide free local delivery and take care of delivery challenges. “Our staff knows our furniture inside and out,” Fedde says. “I am confident our customers will be happy.”
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Their ‘Sacred Space’ TUJUNGA COUPLE SHARE THEIR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS WITH CLIENTS BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
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aren Miller was an entertainment industry photographer before the days of DIY promotion and YouTube. “The industry really changed drastically when I was in it,” Miller says. “A lot of the big record labels either merged or closed. Personal computers were coming up, so the artists were able to promote themselves.” A lover of the outdoors, Miller took a leap of faith, reinvented herself and moved to a new, quieter location. “I really enjoyed that career for almost 20 years, but I decided to go back to school and reinvent myself,” she says. “I went to UCLA’s extension program and studied gardening, horticulture and landscape architecture. Gardening has always been in my family, and I took to it pretty naturally.” Formerly in a business that was heavy on visuals and spatial relationships, Miller can visit locations and, immediately, improvements come to mind. Since 2002, Miller has worked with her husband, Omar Huerta Tobon, a master stone mason, as Sacred Space Garden Design. “I didn’t completely shut the door on photography,” Miller says. “I overlapped the two businesses for a good three to four years until I built up my landscaping business. “I was really lucky. I started right at the beginning of the housing boom. Money was just easily accessible for so many people. They were using their home equity lines of credit and seeking to refine their surroundings.” Comfortable with promoting herself, Miller enriches the community’s quality of life, enabled by SoCal’s Mediterranean climate and using organic and sustainable practices. She, Huerta and their 16 employees focus on conserving water resources through the creation of California-friendly gardens and outdoor rooms. “My husband is very creative as well,” Miller says. “We work well together.” Their focus and strength are in reimaging the way space is used and creating harmony and beauty alongside of functionality. Miller is perfectly happy in her “sacred space.” “Photography was just a hard way to make a living,” she says. “This is fun, too, especially having so many employees and running a business like we do. I’m the kind of person who always wants to be learning new things, and this satisfies that.”
SACRED SPACE GARDEN DESIGN INC. 9929 Commerce Avenue, Tujunga 818-352-2330, sacredspacegardendesign.com
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Sound Asleep SAMINA BRINGS MATTRESSES FROM AUSTRIA BY LAURA LATZKO
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ealth concerns are becoming more important when choosing a mattress. Austria’s SAMINA brand keeps that in mind when offering its healthy and comfortable sleeping systems around the world, including the store in Pasadena Village owned by the husband-and-wife team of Claus and Denise Pummer. The company was founded 30 years ago by Gunther W. Amann-Jennson, a sleep psychologist in Austria. He noticed his patients having sleep disorders and issues, so he designed his own line of beds. Since then, he has sold to Bulletproof owner Dave Asprey and nutritionist and TV personality J.J. Virgin. SAMINA sleeping systems are different than other beds. They come in breathable layers, including a slat frame, a wool topper, a grounding pad and a rubber mattress. The layers have different functions, from providing climate control to reducing sweating to offering support for the spine. Denise says the open-air design is especially important to keeping the bed system dry. “That’s the really big difference for SAMINA,” she says. “It is a really innovative, smart design. Each layer works independently to address a different need you have at night. “There are a lot of things from the design perspective that make SAMINA an ideal sleep solution.” Denise says they are lightweight, making them easier to move. “I can set up a bed by myself, and I’m 5 feet tall. With even the three layers together, which create the essential part of the system, it is still half of what these current pillow-top, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are,” Denise says. The slats are adjustable, which can be helpful for couples with different needs or sleeping habits. The systems are made with organic materials, meant to provide an allergy-free sleeping environment. Denise says the sleep systems offer orthopedic
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support for those suffering from back and neck issues and other health problems. The sleep systems are offered in twin, queen, king and California king sizes and start at about $5,500. Denise says the sleeping systems may cost more than some beds on the market, but the benefits are priceless. “It’s not a luxury investment. It’s truly wellness investment, an investment in your health and your overall well-being,” Denise says. “How you feel from the moment that you wake up is a large determinant of the rest of your day.” Claus was a supporter of SAMINA many years before he started selling the sleeping systems. Originally from Germany, Claus is a master cabinetmaker. As a result of that job, he suffered from back problems and purchased a SAMINA sleep system 20 years ago. “He wanted a bed that would give him back relief and recovery. He was looking for a mattress that would support his back the best, and that’s how he initially discovered SAMINA,” Denise says. With a background in human resources, Denise has embraced selling SAMINA sleep systems because it changed her life. Denise noticed a difference immediately, especially with morning allergies. “My whole life I told people I was allergic to morning. I woke up, and I sneezed,” she says. “I was like that for the first few hours of the day until about lunchtime, and then I was fine. It was a cycle that repeated itself. That was just my normal. I never once stopped to think maybe there was something wrong with my bed because this happens when I wake up. About two weeks after sleeping in SAMINA, I remember I was getting coffee in the morning in the kitchen, and I realized I hadn’t sneezed. My eyes weren’t watery, and I hadn’t blown my nose once.” Claus first sold SAMINA systems out of stores in Canada and Dallas. The Pummers moved their business to Pasadena in 2016. They chose SoCal because they
found during trade shows, many of their clients were from the West Coast. “When we came out here, the mecca of wellness ideas and devices, where people just value their health and fitness, we had much more in-depth conversations, and conversations where people have a basic understanding of what it takes to be healthy,” Denise says. The Pummers not only sell SAMINA sleep grounding pads, inclined sleeping beds, orthopedic pillows and duvets. These items are also made of natural materials and designed to promote a healthier sleep. Claus produces furniture such as solid, sustainable wood inclined bed frames, nightstands, dressers, benches and headboards. Their customers come from different backgrounds, but many of them are focused on their health. Many physicians also refer patients to SAMINA. “The bad news is once you become a SAMINA sleeper, you will be spoiled, and you may find it challenging to sleep anywhere else but home in your own SAMINA bed,” Denise says. Denise and Claus are certified holistic sleep coaches, offering education to their clients. They have extensive research on sleep health and often offer advice on best practices for sleeping, including removing electronic devices from bedrooms. “We talk about the bedroom and what they can do to make it a true sanctuary for their sleep,” Denise says. “When you think about the word ‘sanctuary,’ it’s a safe place where you can be completely uninhibited, relaxed and naked in your own bed and have deep, restful, restorative sleep.”
SAMINA 24 S. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena 1-866-611-2837, saminasleep.com Visits are by appointment
CONNECTED TO
Nature
The Taylor House in Glendale CA was built in 1961 for Maurice and Marceil Taylor by legendary modernist architect Richard Neutra.
THE TAYLOR HOUSE SHARES NEUTRA’S ‘BIOREALISM’ PHILOSOPHY STORY BY KAMALA KIRK | PHOTOS BY TIM STREET-PORTER
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ocated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a hillside overlooking a California nature reserve, The Taylor House is a unique modernist home designed by Richard Neutra, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. Built in 1961 for Maurice and Marceil Taylor, the property—which sits on more than a half-acre in the Verdugo Woodlands—was previously featured on the Glendale Historical Society’s “Icons of Architecture” home tour. A pioneer in mid-century modernism, Neutra experimented constantly and was known for his “biorealism” philosophy: the idea that man and nature are inseparable, and that people instinctively feel more comfortable in an interior where they can communicate with nature on the outside. This became a recurring theme in Neutra’s architecture over the years—he embraced technology and sought to incorporate biological sciences in architecture so that a home’s design exploited the realm of the senses and interconnectedness to nature. He believed that being connected with nature daily was fundamental and essential to living a longer, happier and less stressful life. The Taylors were lovers of the outdoors, and the house is a perfect example of Neutra’s philosophy with its expansive glass walls that offer sweeping views of the hills throughout the entire length of the home. The property is surrounded by tall California live oak trees and vegetation, offering a closer look at the splendor of its peaceful environment. At the end of the driveway, the two-car carport beautifully merges with the openness of the home’s natural surroundings. A large, shaded patio surrounds the exterior of the home, framed by several large oak trees. “The Taylor House is reflective of Neutra’s late work, which reflects all that he learned over a lifetime in architecture,” says Crosby Doe, the listing agent for the property. “He really worked on letting the indoors merge with the outside of this house. The long, exterior lighting feature illuminates the indoors as well as the outdoors, eliminating the black mirror effect that occurs in many houses with glass walls and windows at night. It brings the outdoors inside—even after dark.” The dwelling resembles a rectangular glass box and has a roofline that hangs over the large, front-facing windows. The flat roof is supported by thin pillars that, from a distance appear to blend into the background, giving the illusion that it is floating above. The obscured front façade offers privacy from the street, while the interior is open and connected to nature via floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. “There’s an element of magic and the mystery to the home site and the way that Neutra placed the house,” Doe shares. “There’s a great sense of openness and privacy at the same time.” The interior features 1,477 square feet of living space with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. In the entryway, a dark burlap panel slightly delays the reveal of the home’s views when one first walks in. The open-concept living area is framed around a large freestanding fireplace with a floating hearth flanked by brick col-
The open-concept floor plan is centered around a freestanding fireplace with a floating hearth flanked by brick columns.
umns. Last sold in 1997, the current owner lovingly restored the property a decade ago, preserving many of Neutra’s details and mid-century modern elements, including the red brick walls, vintage tile floors and wood panel cabinets. “The house retains most of its original historic fabric, which can be quite rare,” Doe shares. “In the kitchen, everything is original except for the refrigerator.” Outfitted with mahogany cabinets and vintage appliances, the kitchen is flooded with natural light from large windows that stretch along the wall. In one corner, a cozy dining nook sits against a large glass window that looks out into the garden. The floor-to-ceiling windows continue into the master bedroom, which is a calming refuge basked in natural light. The master bathroom suite includes a special feature: a shower with a glass wall that opens, transforming it into an open-air bathing space that merges the indoors with the outdoors. “Neutra was a master of orienting a house to its views and to its landscape,” Doe says. “He was always deeply concerned with relating the inside of the house to the outside, and this property offers a rare opportunity for nature to completely surround the house. Being at the end of a quiet dead-end street further enhances that sense of total privacy. And in today’s environment where people are currently sheltering in place, what better place to do that than here?” The Taylor House is listed by Crosby Doe.
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A Whole New World HARTMANBALDWIN IS HANDLING THE PANDEMIC ONE PLAN AT A TIME STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
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ill Baldwin has spent 35 years working in the architecture and construction industry, building an impressive list of clients and projects through his company, HartmanBaldwin. But the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into everyone’s lives and like the rest of the world, HartmanBaldwin is doing its best to cope. “It’s incredible. It’s a brand-new world,” Baldwin says. “We have taken this challenge by the horns, stayed flexible and have adjusted to the new norm. We’re all working remotely and conducting virtual meetings now, even our initial consultations are conducted via FaceTime or Skype.” This is the way HartmanBaldwin has always worked and it fits the culture to be flexible and adjust to changing times. “People are stuck at home; they’re focused on their houses more and pondering future remodeling projects. That hasn’t stopped and more than ever folks want to get advice from professionals they can trust.” HartmanBaldwin was founded in 1984. It all started as a fun way to pay the bills while at art school, but then fell in love with the craft. “We were design/build from the very beginning and have stayed passionate about it,” Baldwin says. “We special14 | ARROYO | 05.20
ize in residential work, from large-scale remodels to custom build projects. We’ve done some commercial work, like museums and black-box theaters, but our primary focus is on residential projects.” The Pasadena firm has been named one of the top three design/build firms in California and 15th out of 550 remodeling companies in the United States by Remodeling Magazine’s Big 550. Along with these accomplishments, Baldwin is most proud of his team of talented and award-winning LEED-accredited architects, certified interior designers, project managers, craftsmen and artisans. The hallmark of HartmanBaldwin is its culture of talented employees. “We have proven to be a winning formula and it’s a key to our success,” he says. “I’m way happy to get up in the morning to work with everybody. Even during these difficult times, we try to stay connected and not only because of work. We do a morning Zoom call for everybody in the company now, just to check in. We talk about our families, latest show or movie recommendations and of course how we are navigating through these interesting times. Our connectivity to each other is such a huge part of who we are, and our culture is what makes folks want to work with us.”
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Color
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andscape design is unique compared to other construction or engineering trades, in that as the landscape matures, it metamorphoses. Many of its elements are perishable, as it must evolve dramatically with seasons, and it is affected by maintenance more than most trades. Its shifting nature, along with a plethora of other elements, should be considered closely when designing outdoor spaces. To create a perspective, let’s start with what we at Garden View Landscape, Nursery and Pools consider to be the basic beginning points. Function and the ABCs—art, budget and constraints. Most designers and individuals, whether professional or amateur, will almost always start with function. From there they can come up with a budget, and review common constraints, such as amount of space, hillsides, access, etc. One of the areas that we believe sets us apart from most designers is an artisanal level of creativity and the consideration of how the concepts of art apply. Artistic interpretation and application does not have to cost more, but it certainly can add great value and enjoyment to a project. Because function is the primary driving force in the design, how do we incorporate an artistic interpretation that molds, blends and enhances the functional attributes of the yard while creating harmony between all of the elements?
Light
To help navigate this challenge, we have developed a series of Garden Tips to help our designers, customers, friends and even our competitors apply the concepts of art and function to the landscape. Many of the principles discussed in this series do not only pertain to the landscape but are applicable in almost any artistic endeavor. The series has been developed to educate in an engaging, fun way. Our goal is to inspire kids and adults alike to learn and appreciate horticulture, landscape, art and the world around us. We want to spark the imagination and encourage well-thought out action. We will be rolling out a different tip every month, weaving together a larger story through engaging pieces. Learning and applying any singular part of a tip will improve both your artistic perception and your garden. But the more tips you learn from, the better you can competently blend together these concepts with your imagination to create a spectacularly harmonious result. Welcome to the World of Gardy and Woody. We are slowly rolling out tips on topics ranging all across landscape and horticulture. So, come back often to see what’s growin’ on! Visit garden-view.com. to join our mailing list and much more.
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The patio of this Mount Washington home overlooks the garden.
This new home build in Mount Washington recently achieved platinum LEED certification.
NO ORDINARY
Firm
THE KEY TO HOME FRONT BUILD’S SUCCESS IS LISTENING STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
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ome Front Build is a one-stop shop for people interested in remodeling or building new homes. Founded 17 years ago by Stephen Pallrand, Home Front Build uses the common phrase “design/build company” when it’s described. However, there’s nothing ordinary about it. “That phrase gets thrown around a lot, but most of the design/build companies are ‘paper contractors,’ as they hire subcontractors to do the work,” says Goli Karimi, Home Front Build’s design director. “We have licensed architects, interior designers and craftsmen on staff. We are able to frame, plaster, stucco and even build our own cabinets. We do a lot of the work in house, which allows us to control the process and quality. That really makes us unique in the design/build world.” Combining architects and interior designers with the actual builders under one roof creates a synergy and opportunity for problem solving that traditional architecture firms or contractors just cannot match, she says. “About five years ago, we added an interior design department,” she says. “It really helps having a vision of a completed room including furniture and window treatments early on to coordinate the whole design process. “When you’re building or remodeling a home, you’re intimately involved in the clients’ lifestyle and preferences. There are so many decisions to make, and we are able to make the design process easier and at times more fun.” Home Front Build specializes in residential construction, including restoration of historic homes, additions, remodeling and new construction. Los Angeles has a range of domestic architectural styles, from the historic adobes to the singular casestudy houses of the mid-century modern period. But the area is also known for its emblematic styles, producing such movements as the California bungalow and
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craftsman styles, mission and Spanish colonial revival as well as the mid-century modern and case-study houses. “When we remodel, we take our design queues from the style of the house,” Karimi says. “We have remodeled many Spanish revival, craftsman, Victorian, English Tudor and mid-century modern-style homes. When choosing cabinets and tile for kitchens and bathrooms, we try to be historically authentic and accurate.” The company has in-house craftsmen to create plaster details true to that of Spanish revival homes. “We are capable of doing a wide range of styles, depending on the architecture of the house and the client’s preference,” she says. Pallrand, founder and president of Home Front Build, has a background in architectural history, painting and art. After doing construction for the movie industry, he started his own construction company specializing in restoration and preservation. He is now a leader in green building techniques. Recently, a new home built in Mount Washington achieved platinum LEED certification. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. LEED is for all building types and all building phases, including new construction, interior fit-outs, operations and maintenance, and core and shell. “We went beyond what the minimum LEED requirements were. The lumber used to build this house came from an older house being demolished in LA. Our crew deconstructed the house and saved everything that was salvageable. The cabinets, flooring and shingles used in the new house were all salvage material. That is a great way to reduce waste to the landfill and see some of the history on these beautiful materials.”
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THE PERFECT
Addition NOTT & ASSOCIATES RESTORES ICONIC PROPERTIES AROUND THE VALLEY BY KAMALA KIRK
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he Pasadena area is home to countless architectural gems, among them craftsman bungalows, colonial estates and Spanish revivals that look as pristine as they did when they were first built over a century ago. Nott & Associates is a family-owned, South Pasadena-based architecture, construction and interior design firm that specializes in remodeling and restoring many of these iconic properties throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Co-founded by local architect Tom Nott and his son, Jeff, Nott & Associates offers a variety of services for residential and commercial properties through all stages of construction, ranging from custom designs and structural engineering to electrical and more. The award-winning father-son duo has worked together for more than 30 years, combining Tom’s expertise as an architect with Jeff’s building and construction background to help clients achieve their vision while adhering to their budget. Nott & Associates is also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction and operation to enable a socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves quality of life. Along with its team of experienced designers, subcontractors and carpenters, it stays updated on the latest building techniques and technologies so it can remain on the forefront of industry trends. Jeff grew up in South Pasadena surrounded by homes with rich architectural history and also lives in a 110-year-old home he remodeled. When working with older properties, he is committed to maintaining the historical integrity and enhancing the original style of a home, while simultaneously implementing the latest technology for modern-day living. Due to his extensive experience working locally, he is very familiar with each city’s codes, which helps projects reach completion smoothly and more efficiently. The firm also specializes in building different types of additional dwelling units (ADUs), including detached guest houses and work studios. With growing families that are blending together, as well as more people working from home these days, ADUs have become one of their most in-demand services. “We’ve gotten a lot of calls from people who are tired of working at home without a proper office setup,” Jeff says. “Clients are looking into building ADUs so 18 | ARROYO | 05.20
they can work comfortably and more efficiently.” One type of ADU is attached new construction, which is an entirely new structure built on the same lot as a person’s existing property but with no attaching walls. Another type of ADU is an attached unit, which is connected to the primary home structure. Nott & Associates can also convert a garage or master bedroom into an independent-living unit, and it can build a smaller Junior ADU that is created by adding a kitchen and exterior door to an existing home to create a separate suite. To streamline the design process, the firm also offers several pre-designed layouts for detached new construction that clients can customize. “A lot of ADU restrictions have recently been removed by the state of California due to the housing crisis, which has opened a lot of opportunities for us and our clients,” Nott adds. As part of these new and relaxed regulations, there is no minimum lot size anymore, parking is no longer required, and design review has become more lenient. Besides increasing the overall amount of living space in a home, adding an ADU will increase property value and can also act as a source of potential income in the future should the homeowner decide to rent it out. To start the home design or building process, clients can call for a consultation and schedule an in-person meeting for Nott to come out to their home. During COVID-19, the firm remains open for business but is following social distancing measures. “First, we’ll speak on the phone prior to coming to a client’s home,” Jeff explains. “There are various precautions we’ve had to take, such as changing the way we take our meetings, setting up additional handwashing stations at our current jobs, and requiring masks on all construction sites. We’re continuing to work full time and our team is hard at work. We’ve been a family-owned and operated business for many years. We’re just making some changes to how we do things nowadays to keep up with the current times and situation.”
NOTT & ASSOCIATES For more information, visit nottassociates.com.
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Finding Its Way VERGOLA IS BANKING ON SOCAL’S WEATHER TO BUILD ITS REPUTATION
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BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
itendra Ragunath says Vergola, his company’s louver roof system, is “crucial.” Australia-based Vergola takes the best aspects of pergolas and verandas to keep the sun out, enable cross-flow ventilation and protect outdoor areas from the rain—all with the flip of a switch. “Southern California, to me, is made for this product,” says Ragunath, Vergola’s managing director. “If you look at the climate in Southern California, it’s similar to parts of Australia. “People enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. At the same time, no one wants to sit in the direct hot sun, especially now, when we’re aware of skin cancer. It gives you the flexibility of being able to adjust the louvers, sit outdoors, but not necessarily in the direct heat.” Patios, terraces, walkways, yards, carports, barbecue areas, balconies and swimming pools are some of the places where Vergola creates the ability to enjoy tranquility and create a dynamic entertainment area for family and friends. Created and designed in South Australia in 1984 by engineer Tony Rossiter, the Vergola roof system was awarded the 1985 Prince Philip Prize for Australian design in the building industry and won the Australian Design Council Award twice. “Our founders were trying to find something to close the gap between what is available traditionally—a traditional pergola or lattice roof in the United States and a veranda,” Ragunath says. “We were trying to come up with something to meet both requirements. That’s how Vergola was born. A Vergola was an operable louvered roof system.” Ragunath explains Vergola gives customers flexibility. “A lattice roof just gives them shade but not protection,” he says. “A veranda is always closed. We managed to come up with a product that is well
received today. When it rains or there’s inclement weather, they can close the louvers and its interlocking design ensures they will have a solid roof or veranda.” Well established in Australia, Vergola was introduced to the United States about 15 years ago. Thanks to distributors, Vergola had a “reasonable response,” he says. “The U.S. went through a financial crisis and most of the dealers went off to do other work,” says Ragunath, who recently installed Vergola at the Hammer Museum’s restaurant. “I had a soft spot for the United States and California, and once the economy recovered, it was my intention to be here. We were getting calls from existing customers who needed parts or service. I thought if we were going to do it—and do it correctly—we had to do it ourselves.” Vergola invested in the U.S. market, hired a local staff and is working “very, very hard to grow the market again.” “The Australian market is very well established,” he says. “We grew from nothing. One of our challenges is people don’t know the product. In their mind, they often try to compare us to a lattice or a veranda. Obviously, we’re more than a traditional lattice. “I see a lot of potential in the United States. I feel passionate that this could not only be good for the United States, but it could be beneficial to the American public at large.”
VERGOLA 13800 Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne 1-855-949-8374, vergola.com 05.20 | ARROYO | 23
LAYING A
New Foundation DOUGLAS EWING WANTS TO DESIGN EVERY TYPE OF HOME
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BY KAMALA KIRK
any architects build their careers on creating a signature style, but Douglas Ewing, FAIA, has established a reputation for doing just the opposite. His wide scope of work runs the gamut of residential and commercial properties to master planning in his own unique variety of contextual, contemporary and rustic styles. Over the years, the Pasadena-based architect has received countless AIA and national awards for his innovative and sustainable design projects, which include fashion designer Ralph Lauren’s ranch in Colorado. The blueprint had already been laid out for Ewing’s future career when he was a child. An avid artist in the sixth grade, his mother suggested he should be an architect because they make lots of money. “Boy, was she wrong,” he says. “I had it imprinted in my head by my mother at a young age that I should become an architect,” Ewing says. “I was always the most creative student in all of my art classes. After graduating from Monrovia High School in 1962, I stopped by the summer job board at Pasadena City College, where I came across an opening at Smith & Williams Architects.
They were the best architecture firm in Southern California.” While taking architecture classes at PCC, Ewing worked 20 hours a week as an office boy at Smith & Williams, where he began designing projects after less than a year. An important principle he learned while working with Wayne Williams was to always go to a design presentation with all options studied and leave with a positive direction. “Smith and Williams was a design and master planning firm that worked on a diverse range of project types unlike so many other firms that specialize in a single project type” Ewing says. “When you become a specialist, all of your work starts to look the same, and eventually gets boring. I wanted to design everything houses, different building types, master planning, landscaping, fixtures, and furniture. I’m always looking for unique projects to design.” After his third year at the firm, Ewing considered entering the University of Southern California to continue studying architecture. Wayne Williams, one of the firm’s founders and Ewing’s mentor, talked him out of it. “Wayne was a teacher at USC and said that I would only get an hour of –continued on page 26
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instruction with him per week,” Ewing points out. “He said my experience at the firm would be more beneficial working with 25 experienced design professionals instead. It made sense, and I stayed for 10 years. Smith and Williams was my schooling.” In 1972, Ewing ventured out on his own and opened Ewing Architects in South Pasadena, a full-service firm that specializes in site and master plan design, architectural design, interior design, building renovations and restoration design. Smith and Williams began sending projects to Ewing that were too small for them to take on to help him start. In 1986, Ewing relocated the firm to a pair of 1905 bungalows that he had restored in Pasadena using his staff and Pasadena Community College construction students. To date, the firm has completed more than 1,000 projects and won multiple American Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards. Ewing and his team have spent more than 20 years designing projects for Universal Studios and on seven sites in four countries. In 2011, he received a fellowship from the AIA Jury of Fellows, which selected him for his achievements and significant contributions to the field of architecture for the design, technology and methodology of heavy timber and log construction for recreational and resort properties. Local projects designed by Ewing in Pasadena include more than 40 residences; Vroman’s Bookstore; the Boy Scout Service Center; Pasadena Range Rover; and Neighborhood Church, which was renovated in a progressive Pasadena Arts & Craft style. Some of Ewing’s favorite projects include those of a more rustic nature such as The Sleeping Indian Ranch and Ralph Lauren’s Double RL Ranch in Colorado, which was designed to look as though it had evolved over the last hundred years and included an antique rustic bar, guest cabins and a saloon. Ewing has also designed more than 170 homes throughout his career, including the Glen Oaks Residence—a contemporary hillside property near the Rose Bowl that he lives in with his wife, Maggie. The original home was badly decayed; however, Ewing was able to maintain its unique floor plan during renovation after he purchased it in 2009. He focused on capturing the character of the site, which is situated in a grove of eucalyptus and pine trees cascading down an east-facing slope. A nature lover, Ewing maximized the home’s indoor and outdoor connection with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views from every room to Mount San Jacinto. All the structural framing is exposed, which is reflective of Ewing’s unique post-and-beam style. The property has won multiple awards and has been featured on the Dwell on Design International conference home tour. “My home has nine different species of wood, including black wood,” Ewing says. “It makes the place feel contemporary yet rustic. I like a lot of color so that my projects aren’t just white boxes. All of the wood beams in my house are exposed. A lot of architects cover their structural systems that hold homes up. I’ve developed a following of clients who like I exposed the structures systems.” After visiting a project site, Ewing spends time driving around to get an overall feel for the area. Important factors in the design process include topography, sustainability, compatibility, the client’s goals, and understanding what is feasible from an economic standpoint. “I don’t ever want to design something that already exists,” he explains. “I want the project to be unique and different from anything else in the area.” Ewing embraces challenges and is focused on finding creative solutions. With few flat lots left to build on, he has learned to work with hillsides. In Pasadena, where there are a vast number of oak trees, Ewing has never cut down a single tree for any of his projects. “You have to be clever and figure out how to snake structures around the site obstacles and work with the site,” he said. “Instead of viewing these things as deterrents, you have to view them as unique challenges and design opportunities. I am designing a property that has 34 oak trees, which we are designing the entire home and entertainment yard around. It is absolutely magical. I believe designing with the natural conditions of a site always allows for the most creative, sensitive and significant architectural solution to almost any project.”
D. S. EWING ARCHITECTS, INC. For more information, visit dsewing.com. 26 | ARROYO | 05.20
Building for Success SOUTHEAST CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS CONTINUES ITS LEGACY BY KAMALA KIRK
uality materials are the foundation for successful construction, design and home projects, and with summer around the corner many people want their yards and outdoor living spaces to look their best. Southeast Construction Products has remained a consistent trusted resource for builders, contractors and the general public since it was founded in 1939. The company is one of the largest dealers and distributors for building materials in Southern California, with five locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley. In addition to its main store in South El Monte, it has four other locations in Chino, Covina, Monrovia and Whittier. Southeast Construction Products was started by Guy Mattox, a manufacturer of concrete products who built and sold incinerators. After serving in World War II, he branched out into landscape materials and his company became a household name due to its excellent service and products. Over the years it has continued to expand its offerings, which include a wide variety of materials for all types of residential and commercial projects. “We have a vast product line and competitive pricing,” says Robert Lewis, president of Southeast Construction Products. “We offer hundreds of different types of bricks in many different colors. We also have a full-service shop and a welding facility.” The company specializes in high-end specialty materials and has more than 18,000 SKUs. Some of its most popular products are interlocking paving brick, landscape rock, synthetic turf and steppingstones. Other offerings include stucco products, safety equipment, tools, and pipe and fittings. Throughout the years, it has helped customers complete a variety of projects, including swimming pools, backyard décor, and interior and exterior walls. “If we don’t have something, we can get it,” adds Brian Trestrail, the company’s vice president. “When a product isn’t available, we pride ourselves on being able to get it for our customers in a short amount of time. We’re the place that people come to when they need something.” Another unique aspect of Southeast Construction Products is that it is 100% employee owned. Lewis and Trestrail have been with the company for 35 years, and the average tenure of an employee is around 18 years. The company offers equipment rentals and services for construction jobs, such as concrete and plaster mixers. It also provides job site deliveries, and while it
doesn’t do the installation portion of projects, it is happy to provide customers with a list of trusted referrals upon request. Its website includes a series of instructional videos from its vendors on different topics, ranging from installing curved brick steps to building an outdoor stone bar. During COVID-19, Southeast Construction Products remains open for business but is following proper social distancing measures and operating under the guidelines of the CDC, state and local officials. It is taking orders over the phone and offering delivery as well as curbside pickup. Inside its stores, plexiglass screens have been installed for additional safety and all employees are required to wear masks. Additional masks are available for customers who don’t have their own masks. “We’re doing our best to make the customer experience convenient and not so scary,” Lewis says. “We’re an essential business and want to be able to continue servicing our customers’ hardware needs in case they encounter any emergencies.” Southeast Construction Products prides itself on its customer service, which remains at the heart of the business. “It starts inside at the counter,” Trestrail says. “We’re not just salespeople—we are here to educate our customers and spend time explaining how products originate, how to use them, what their purpose is, and anything else they need to know. We love seeing our customers’ successfully completed projects.” Last year, the company celebrated its 80th anniversary by hosting appreciation days at each store location for customers. In addition to discounts on items, it offered food, games and raffles, and many of its vendors were onsite to help with projects and designs. “We are dedicated to being better owners every day and continue to expand our resources that we’ve built over the last 81 years,” Lewis says. “Our goal is to make it a positive experience for anyone who walks in our doors, and we’ve received nothing but accolades over the years. We go way above and beyond when it comes to winning people over and getting them to come back. We look forward to celebrating our 90th year of business.”
SOUTHEAST CONSTRUCTION For more information, visit southeastconstructionproducts.com. 05.20 | ARROYO | 27
Making Homes Safe MOLD ZERO ROLLS OUT NONTOXIC VIRUS-ELIMINATING PROCESS STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOLD ZERO
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ive years ago, Rusty Tweed, owner of Tweed Financial Services of San Marino, started a sideline business called Mold Zero. Using a unique patented nontoxic process, Mold Zero tackles and effectively destroys hard-to-get-at mold in homes and offices. This process involves two steps. The first is a “dry fog” that fills the indoor space and kills 99.99% of all microorganisms (virus, mold and bacteria). The second step is an antimicrobial nano coating that is sprayed onto the surface of all objects, walls, floors, counter tops, chairs, door handles, etc. “We even do the interior of cars and trucks,” Tweed says. “This will destroy any microorganism that comes in contact with it for at least 90 days.” These processes were originally developed as a sterilant against virus and bacteria, but were adapted to kill mold, which is much harder to eradicate than a virus. “Our many years of experience in eliminating mold has made us uniquely trained and experienced to knock out any and all pathogens, of which the coronavirus is only one of many,” Tweed says. Recently with the onslaught of COVID-19 and its attendant fears, Mold Zero has been contacted to sanitize local schools, preschools, doctor’s and chiropractic offices, medical clinics, factories and large offices. It has the capacity to tackle indoor floor space from 1,000 square feet to in excess of 100,000 square feet. “We are energetically taking on a plethora of both everyday environments and many truly unique situations that are being presented by the possibility of contamination by the current pandemic,” Tweed says. “We welcome these potentially dangerous situations, as we have the background and experience that is truly unique to this industry and know we can effectively deal with and cleanse any indoor space. We are passionate about using our processes to take out and eliminate any and all dangerous microorganisms to create a truly human-friendly indoor area.”
MOLD ZERO 2060 Huntington Drive, Suite 1, San Marino 626-671-8885, moldzero.com 28 | ARROYO | 05.20
Mold Zero can effectively deal with and cleanse any indoor space.
HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
BEYOND KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS Fueled by television, today’s homes need to have certain features By Bruce Haring
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f you watch HGTV, the DIY Network or any of the numerous shows scattered across television that deal with home design, you know that there are certain features that make for ooohs and aahhs. Call them the “OMG” moments. That’s the favorite statement usually made by the female part of the couple during the reveal, and it’s considered to be the host’s job to enjoy that reaction and then get them to say something else that moves the conversation along. The OMG moments arrive in certain predictable areas. There is, of course, crossing the threshold, when a transformed home is revealed. Then there are the big spots of the home that usually are the areas with the most changes—the kitchen and the bathroom. Both offer not only the most OMG moments but also the greatest return on investment from a remodel. It’s a lesson that’s been hammered home countless times in virtually every program. Do those kitchens and bathrooms line up for maximum OMG moments? But just as man does not live by bread alone, homes do not sell continued on page 30 05.20 | ARROYO | 29
—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—
continued from page 29
from bathrooms and kitchens alone. There are other considerations in a home’s design that will attract certain groups, and having them is usually a path toward closing a deal if you’re buying or selling. People, like monkeys, want what they see. The power of television is why you see so many couples enter rooms and start planning on knocking down walls from the get-go, even though experts say that tactic weakens a home’s structure without a lot of expensive retrofitting. So, what are the miracle movers that make a house a “got-tohave” attraction? Let’s take a look. HOW TO READ THE MARKET
What rings the bell beyond kitchens and bathrooms? These are specific to the potential buyer. A young couple with a family is looking for different things than someone who is downsizing. An introvert cares less about entertaining than an extrovert. If you are in the opposite chair and renovating your home, ask your Realtor what his or her customers have been asking about beyond the obvious. If everyone desires a home with a white picket fence, you have to make sure you’re meeting that desire. Also, a good idea: Look at pictures in the local listings of what’s for sale in your neighborhood. While most homes are different, the pictures will often draw your eye to certain tell-tale features. That’s valuable information that can unlock the libido of a prospective buyer. OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER
What are some less-obvious choices? 30 | ARROYO | 05.20
FLOORING: Is yours old and scuffed and badly in need of a
rebuffing? It’s something that will be looked at closely, as hardwood is an age-old desire among homeowners. Carpeting fell out of fashion earlier in this century, and the modern home of many dreams has hardwood running throughout. LIVING SPACE: Everyone has fallen in love with the “open concept,” which usually comes out as a fantasy of watching the kids safely play in one room while the homeowner sashays around the kitchen with a bubble glass of chardonnay making a fabulous meal. This is where tearing down walls comes in, so be prepared to spend, spend, spend to achieve this much-desired concept. Living space also includes the concept of a “bonus room.” This is usually a space that has a funky shape to it and is tucked away in an unreachable part of the house, like the attic or basement. But it is a popular feature, and the word “bonus” stokes some primitive urge in us that we’re getting something for nothing. Some are nicely appointed and can serve as living quarters for granny or guests. Most are playrooms for the kids or a hodgepodge of gyms or home offices. Which brings us to our next point: HOME OFFICE: Particularly as telecommuting becomes a growing part of the business world, having a home office that’s not also the home of the ironing board is a particularly desirable feature. It should be clean, well lit, quietly away from the rest of the household, and have a window that overlooks something to take the worker’s mind away momentarily. WINDOWS: If a household doesn’t have enough natural light, it will
appeal only to Elvis and goths. One of the hot items in the Southern California market are floor-to-ceiling window doors to the outside world, allowing you to expand your world to include the increasingly important patio and outdoor locations. WALK-IN CLOSETS: In our consumer culture, having more shoes and
shirts than you will ever possibly need has become a thing. That’s why having a large bit of space to keep them in the rotation is very important. If you can’t walk into your closet, it’s way too small for the needs of today’s modern consumer. LARGE GARAGES: Once, a two-car garage was considered normal.
But now, with home workshops all the rage, at least a third of the garage has been given over to space for construction projects. It’s something to consider if you’re targeting a particular neighborhood or kind of buyer. DARKNESS: Paul Simon once wrote, “Hello, darkness, my old friend.”
He wasn’t talking about the cabinets in his kitchen, though. Dark wood cabinets are considered to be as out-of-style as avocadocolored appliances. It’s an easy fix; paint everything in white or light colors to appeal to a wider selection of buyers, particularly those who are craving a white space last seen in an operating theater.
MEDIA ROOMS OR LIBRARIES: This is actually a feature that has fallen
way out of favor. Gathering in a theater setting to watch a movie in this streaming age has become as popular as black-and-white television. Don’t waste your money creating one, and consider renovations if it’s already in place. Many people watch their films on a tablet or laptop, and who needs a library if you’re reading on your phone or another device? THE LITTLE TOUCHES: If you have dated tile backsplashes, countertops
of a substance that’s way out of touch, or track lighting, you have to move on and get rid of them. The National Associated of Realtors also had a few suggestions on what people wanted in a home and were willing to pay more to get. The objects of desire include one or more fireplaces, an eat-in kitchen, stainless steel appliances, a grand kitchen island and central air conditioning were among the top choices. It also noted energy efficiency and wireless connectivity as things that are leading the parade of requests. Of course, everyone is subject in what will stoke their OMG moments, and tastes change almost as constantly as the world does. No one can be quite sure that all of these features will be part of what consumers will seek in the post-pandemic age. But it’s a good bet that most of these features are solid choices that will enhance the value and appeal of your home.
05.20 | ARROYO | 31
Forager THE URBAN
AUTHOR ELISA CALLOW FINDS SUCCESS WITH HER FIRST COOKBOOK STORY BY FRIER MCCOLLISTER I PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
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lisa Callow has a simple answer about how she pivoted in middle age from a high-profile local nonprofit consultant to a trained chef and cookbook author. “My mother was a horrible cook,” she says. The Altadena-based Callow penned “The Urban Forager: Culinary Exploring & Cooking on L.A.’s Eastside” (Prospect Park Books). A top seller and critical success, the book is in its second printing. In December, LAist’s food editor Elina Shatkin called “The Urban Forager” an essential Los Angeles cookbook. “It’s a collaborative community cookbook,” Callow says. “It’s my love of this city in a different form. I wanted a cookbook that would be a love letter to Los Angeles.” The book reflects this intention and, though rife with recipes, it’s far more than a typical cookbook. It also functions as an effective primer for the home chef. At the outset, the book outlines necessary equipment and ingredients to keep handy at the counter, as well as instructions on how to build and maintain a pantry. The recipes are then conventionally grouped into sections—breakfast and brunch; soups, pasta, rice and legumes; salads and vegetables; seafood and meat, and desserts. Each section is interspersed with a profile of a local chef— Minh Phan, Mario Rodriguez, Jack Aghoian, Rumi Mahmoud and Sumi Chang—along with illustrated lists of his or her food influences. Of this group, only Phan of the highly regarded Porridge & Puffs and Chang, the founder of the original Europane bakery, are practicing professionals. The others are local enthusiasts and home chefs, all of whom also provide recipes. “Urban Forager” concludes with an eclectic, alphabetized list of 57 local purveyors of food, ingredients and equipment. From the Aladdin Nuthouse to the Vallarta Supermarkets, the list is comprehensive and compelling. The book’s cover and binding are sturdy and kitchen ready and the text is interlarded with gorgeous, full-page color photos by Ann Elliot Cutting, as well as charming illustrations by Simone Rein. Change of heart Callow was in high demand as a consultant to nonprofit arts organizations before she wrote “Urban Forager.” Informally partnered with Hope Schneider, Callow’s first major project as a consultant was the curatorial revamp of the Natural History Museum, which resulted in the award-winning “Interplay” program. It brought various community stakeholders into direct conversation and response to specific exhibits at the museum. Prior to that, she most notably served as the founding executive director for the now-venerable and -beloved Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, her progressively minded father Seymour Greben was a teacher in the LAUSD until The Red Scare and the Hollywood Blacklist compelled him to leave. Her parents separated and her father joined the Peace Corps and became a program director in Malaysia, where Elisa joined him at 14 and lived for three years. It proved to be an influentially formative sojourn.
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“I loved being the ‘other,’ the foreigner in another country,” she says. Callow found herself learning the customs and tastes of a country with three very distinct ethnic populations and traditions: Chinese, Malay, and South Indian, both Hindu and Muslim. She volunteered teaching art and helping to prepare meals at an isolated aboriginal hospital, where she recognized a very distinct community. There, she learned about rice and dried fish. “It was a beautiful experience,” she added. The experience was her first taste of food as an indicator of culture and community. With the Vietnam War raging, Callow followed her father back to the states and to Washington, D.C., where he served as the Peace Corps’ public information director. Upon the advent of the Nixon administration, her father was fired and the family returned to Los Angeles. He was hired as the deputy director of the Department of Recreation & Parks for the city and later the director of the county department. Callow finished school at Hollywood High and enrolled in San Jose State over Scripps because, “I liked the idea of going to a public university.” She studied studio art and then earned a master’s in art education from Cal State Los Angeles. It was during the graduate program that she joined the Pasadena Art Workshops as executive director in 1983. The educational arm of what was then The Pasadena Art Museum (now The Norton Simon Museum), the program formed the basis and impetus for the purchase and renovation of the building and programming that would become The Armory Center for the Arts in 1989. Even though Callow started cooking as a child, her real love of cooking came out of having her own children. As she taught, consulted and advised her children on cooking and food, she realized she had a trove of personal recipes and culinary improvisations that might make a great book. “What if I codified what I make up all the time,” she thought. In two years, she assembled 200—as she says—poorly written recipes and consulted with her editor at Prospect Park Books. Callow took a six-month culinary course at The New School of Cooking, and the scope of the book continued to open up. She began to “forage” actively in the community, meeting chefs, home cooks, vendors and suppliers as she fully recognized the local area as a unique nexus point of very diverse cultures. Asian, Latino and Eastern European traditions abound and inevitably collide in this part of Los Angeles. It’s this dynamic and diverse landscape that provided the influence and inspiration for the next turn of Callow’s journey. “The Urban Forager: Culinary Exploring & Cooking on L.A.’s Eastside” (Prospect Park Books) theurbanforager.com –continued on page 34 05.20 | ARROYO | 33
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‘PANTRY SUPER CHARGERS’
These are short but sweet recipes that support the notion of maintaining a great pantry as inspiration for inventive, delicious and less stressful cooking. “That’s why I call them ‘pantry super chargers,’” Elisa Callow says. One recipe, as shared by her cookbook contributor and chef Minh Phan, involves foraging for geranium leaves, which add a delicious and rare flavor to the pickling liquor.
CRÈME FRAICHE
This is an ingredient you will want to have around. It is easy to make, delicious and much less expensive than the purchased version. I use it on nearly everything that tastes better with a creamy tang; it is yummier than store-bought sour cream, as its texture and flavor are more delicate. Makes 2 cups
INGREDIENTS
2 cups heavy cream (avoid the ultra-pasteurized version, as it may never thicken and has a lot of the nutritional quality blasted out of it) 1/2 cup buttermilk
METHOD
In a tall pitcher or other large container, whisk together cream and buttermilk until incorporated. Cover container with a light cloth or a couple of layers of cheesecloth and leave at room temperature. The mixture will thicken within one or two days depending on the room’s temperature. Before using, give the crème fraiche a good whisk. Store in the refrigerator, covered, up to two weeks.
MINH’S GERANIUM PICKLED BABY ONIONS
These are not only delicious, but absolutely beautiful, resembling tiny rose petals on a plate. Makes 1 cup
INGREDIENTS
I cup rice vinegar 1/4 cup sugar Pinch salt 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup rose geranium leaves, packed* 1/4 pound baby red pearl onions, outer skin peeled, and cut in half
METHOD
In a 3-quart saucepan over high heat, stir rice vinegar, sugar, salt and 1/2 cup water until sugar and salt are dissolved. Place geranium leaves in the bottom of a clean 16-ounce glass jar. Add onions, then pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions and geranium leaves. The onions will become flavorful within three to four hours. Keep in the refrigerator covered up to four weeks.
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05.20 | ARROYO | 35
AS EASY AS
Pie?
THIS MAPLE GOAT CHEESE, PEAR AND APPLE GALETTE IS EVEN EASIER
P
STORY BY EMILY CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
ersonally, I find buttery, flakey goodies like homemade pies and galettes intimidating because I struggle with getting the right texture of the crust. I’m afraid of the crust being soggy on the bottom but burnt on the top. With more time on my hands due to COVID-19 quarantines, I decided to overcome one of my little fears. I bypassed my own imaginary roadblock and pushed full steam ahead with my personal baking goals. To my surprise, this pastry galette dough was easy to mix and smelled so buttery while baking that I was counting the seconds until I could get my first taste. This was the comfort food I needed. The sweet, spiced goat cheese still has savory notes and pairs well with other firm fruits to suit whatever you have in your pantry. Now that I’ve mastered the galette dough, I plan to experiment with other combinations, such as a sharp cheddar cheese base with ham and eggs.
MAPLE GOAT CHEESE, PEAR AND APPLE GALETTE HANDS-ON TIME: 25 MINUTES READY IN: 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES SERVES 6
INGREDIENTS
2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 1 TSP SALT 3/4 CUP COLD UNSALTED BUTTER, CUBED 10 OZ COLD GOAT CHEESE 1 TBSP APPLE CIDER VINEGAR 2 TBSP ICE WATER 3 TBSP MAPLE SYRUP 1 1/2 TBSP PACKED DARK BROWN SUGAR
1/4 TSP NUTMEG 1 PEAR (ANJOU, BOSCH OR OTHER) 2 APPLES (GALA, HONEYCRISP OR OTHER) 1 EGG 1 TBSP WATER 1 TBSP SUGAR GARNISH: MAPLE SYRUP AND FRESH ROSEMARY
1. USING A FOOD PROCESSOR, PULSE TOGETHER FLOUR AND SALT UNTIL COMBINED. ADD BUTTER AND 4 OUNCES OF GOAT CHEESE, PULSING UNTIL MIXTURE IS CRUMBLY. ADD VINEGAR AND PULSE TO INCORPORATE. ADD ICE WATER, 1 TABLESPOON AT A TIME, JUST UNTIL DOUGH COMES TOGETHER. TURN OUT AND SHAPE DOUGH INTO A DISK. WRAP IN PLASTIC WRAP. REFRIGERATE DOUGH FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. 2. PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 425 DEGREES F AND LINE A BAKING SHEET WITH PARCHMENT PAPER. 3. IN A BOWL, WHISK TOGETHER THE REMAINING 6 OUNCES OF GOAT CHEESE AND MAPLE SYRUP UNTIL SMOOTH. ADD BROWN SUGAR AND NUTMEG AND WHISK TO INCORPORATE THROUGHOUT. STORE IN THE REFRIGERATOR. 4. CUT PEARS AND APPLES IN HALF VERTICALLY—FROM TOP TO BOTTOM THROUGH THE CORE. REMOVE CORES FROM HALVES. PLACE FRUIT CUT SIDE DOWN AND THINLY SLICE, LEAVING THE TOP STEM INTACT SO FRUIT FANS OUT. 5. ON A LIGHTLY FLOURED SURFACE, ROLL DOUGH INTO A 12-INCH CIRCLE, ABOUT 1/4-INCH THICK. TRANSFER THE BAKING SHEET TO ASSEMBLE. 36 | ARROYO | 05.20
6. SPREAD MAPLE GOAT CHEESE FILLING MIXTURE ONTO THE DOUGH, LEAVING A 2-INCH GAP FROM THE BORDER ALL THE WAY AROUND. 7. FAN APPLES AND PEARS OUT AND PLACE ON TOP FILLING. FOLD EDGES OF DOUGH OVER. 8. IN A SMALL BOWL, WHISK TOGETHER EGG AND 1 TABLESPOON OF WATER. BRUSH EGG WASH ONTO DOUGH, AND SPRINKLE WITH GRANULATED SUGAR. 9. BAKE UNTIL THE CRUST IS GOLDEN AND BOTTOM IS BROWNED, 30 TO 35 MINUTES. LET COOL ON THE PAN FOR 10 MINUTES. 10. GARNISH WITH MAPLE SYRUP AND ROSEMARY. BEST SERVED WARM OR AT ROOM TEMPERATURE.
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