Year of the Dragon

2012 is the Year of the Dragon.  Water Dragon that is.  It is supposed to be a very good, strong and fortunate year for all.  I think we can all use that!

There are a lot of festivities going on in Chinatown and if you haven't been to LA's Chinatown or haven't been there for a while this is the perfect time to explore.

113th Annual Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival

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Saturday, January 28, 2012 and Sunday, January 29, 2012
113th Golden Dragon Parade: Sat, Jan 28th 1pm-4pm (commencing at Hill and Ord Streets and concluding at Broadway and Cesar Chavez). Grand Marshals are Disney's Mulan and Mushu and international bestselling author Lisa See. Honorary Grand Marshals include David Lee, Collin Lai and James B. Wong. For Parade information, contact the Chinese Chamber of Commerce at (213) 617-0396.

Chinese New Year Festival
Central Plaza & West Plaza
943-951 N. Broadway
Saturday, Jan 28: 12pm-8pm
Sunday, Jan 29: 12pm-5pm
(213) 680-0243
FREE to the public

STREET CLOSURES
Saturday, January 28th, starting 11am to 12:00 noon
• Ord Street from North Broadway to Hill Street
• Cesar Chavez Avenue from North Broadway to Main Street
• North Broadway from Bernard Street to Cesar Chavez Street
• Bernard Street from North Broadway to Hill Street
• Hill Street from Bernard Street to Temple Street
• Spring Street from Cesar Chavez to Temple Street

Celebrate the weekend's festivities with us by taking METROLINK! METROLINK is offering a $10 special weekend pass. Bring your pass to the Information booth at the festival site and receive a special something from us for supporting public transportation and METROLINK.

Event Schedule - Central Plaza
*Entertainment Stage (schedule TBA)
*Cupcake Wars 1000 cupcake giveaway (Sat Only)
*LA Craft Experience
*LA Food Trucks (Confirmed: Crepe-N-Around, Grill Cheese Truck (Sun), Holy Aioli, King Kone (on Hill Street), Crispy Waffle & Frite (Sat) MO Eggrolls (Sun), Sizzler Truck, Tropical Shave Ice)

Event Schedule - West Plaza
*Cultural Artisans (calligraphy, dough sculpture, candy sculpture)
*Storytelling (Dragon tales)
*Art & Craft Workshops
*And more...


(1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000 * 2012) The Dragon is magnificent. He/She is flamboyant, attractive and full of vitality and strength. In China the Dragon is the imperial symbol, the sign of the emperor, or the male element Yang. The Dragon is the symbol of power and wealth. “Ever since 1996 the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. That is the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology, and that means a scarcity of good luck. The year 2012 is thus blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle. Furthermore, under the influence of the Dragon it is a yang year. Yang Water is like a flowing river rather than a stagnant lake. Things will move, ideas flow, creativity abound, economies boom, and love blossom in this environment. It is likely to be an exciting year indeed. There will be significant upheavals in 2012. Soaring stock markets, natural disasters, and noteworthy, cultural and political developments will be more the norm than the exception. There will be celebrations of all kinds. And, good luck will be coming your way.” - excerpt from 2012 Dragon.

The Affordable Art Fair

Time to spruce up the place a bit...

The Affordable Art Fair LA is here this week.  It's held in NYC and LA - so get on down and see the great contemporary artwork at affordable prices. Get something fabulous to hang on your wall.

LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 18-22

Event Deck at L.A. LIVE

BUY TICKETS NOW!

Visitor entrance: Georgia St. btwn Chick Hearn Ct. and W. Olympic Blvd.
Parking Entrance: 1005 Chick Hearn Ct.

Presenting contemporary art priced from $100 - $10,000, with half of the work under $5,000, the Affordable Art Fair will present original, contemporary works to entice the entire L.A. community.

Fair Hours:

Wed, Jan 18, 5pm - 7:30pm  Exclusive Benefit Reception for
Free Arts for Abused Children

Wed, Jan 18, 7:30pm - 10pm Private Preview Party

Thu, Jan 19, 12pm - 9pm (4pm-9pm FREE ADMISSION)

Fri, Jan 20, 12pm - 8pm

Sat, Jan 21, 11am - 8pm

Sun, Jan 22, 11am - 6pm

The W - Hollywood

Had a chance to have a tasty lunch of nicoise salad at Delphine's yesterday while visiting a friend who works at the W Hollywood followed by a quick tour of the Residences at the W.

Hot tip:  they are about to release new pricing for the remaining units (of which there are quite a few) and the price drop is dramatic folks.  For your stylish modern unit you get 24 hour concierge service, valet parking, roof top pool and cabanas (which they are remodeling as we speak), roof top gym (called sweat), doggy run, and access to all the amenities of the W Hotel.  Most units have great outdoor space and the North side of the building has amazing views of the Hollywood sign, the Pantages etc.

Contact me if you'd like to see them - you won't be disappointed folks.

Angelino Heights Craft Fair

For you crafty folks out there.  Craft Fair in Angelino Heights this weekend - a good excuse to explore a new neighborhood too.

Good fences make for...

good neighbors - as the saying goes.  The LA Times has a good article all about fences that make everyone who lives with them or sees them happy.  And there's a chance to post your own photos of fences that tickle your fancy.

I'm officially obsessed.  Now to convince the husband that we need to fence the yard...

Rocker Auction anyone?

This may be your only chance to bid on a table that Charlie Sheen gave Slash.  If this table of bones is your thing then this auction is for you!  Julien's Auctions  is holding the sale of some of Slash's decor items.

To feast your eyes on the items in person:

BEVERLY HILLS EXHIBITION SCHEDULE Free to the public Tuesday, March 7, 2011 – Friday, March 25, 2011 10 am – 5 pm P.S.T. Daily Closed on Sundays

Duck and Cover

I'm not one for doom or end of days or worrying about tragedy, but as they say (who are they?) an ounce of prevention..... and if we can learn something about the devastating events in Japan, now's the time to get your act intact.

Some great suggestions from our friends at the LA Times.  Now go get prepared.

Earthquake preparedness -- or our lack thereof -- has become the talk once again at dinner tables, around offices and on Facebook. Is a backpack better, so hands are free to carry a child or pet? Or maybe one doubles as a temporary toilet?

Is it better to keep the kit at home, at work or in the car? (The answer: All of the above.)

We recently compared some emergency kits, whose contents (whistles, light sticks, crank-powered mobile phone recharger) provided much food for thought. To answer questions about emergency kits and other ways every household can better prepare for an earthquake, wildfire or some other disaster, we've listed some links below:

Kits: Read a quick comparison of premade emergency kits, plus recommendations of items that you may want to add and a three-step emergency safety plan.

Kits, Part 2: An archived Times graphic offers more recommendations. Note that some of its suggestions (for example, the guideline of 1 gallon of water per person, per day) conflict with the advice from some local emergency officials (many of whom advise at least 2 gallons of water per person, per day). The best approach is to read the various recommendations, including those from theAmerican Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as local supplies such asSOS Survival Products, to determine what your household's specific needs might be.

Home prep: An interactive graphic runs down ways to earthquake-proof your home.

Duck, cover: Experts recommend proper ways to take cover. (Hint: not in the doorway, as was once recommended.)

Animals: Thoughts on what to pack and how to protect family pets in an evacuation.

Field test: And, for a little levity to balance all the disaster talk, we offer this piece from a reporter who tested her emergency kit by trying to live off it. (Don't miss pages 2, 3 or 4 of the text.)

Skee ball

This article in the LA Times about a bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn brought back memories of skee ball at the Jersey shore.  And, no, I don't mean The Jersey Shore.  Snookie was way before my time.

We'd play skee ball for tickets and trade our tickets for prizes.  Heaven.

Why don't we have a skee ball bar in LA? Any takers?  I'd go.  Even the description, "long, dark and divey" wouldn't keep me away.

Skee ball anyone?

California Gold! Two Better Shelter Open Houses in One Neighborhood

 Open House - 2295 Cazador Drive, LA 90065. Better Shelter listing - 2 on a lot - come see me and you'll be able to see a soon-to-market Better Shelter 2/2 amazing house right around the corner. Two for one open houses on a beautiful LA day. It's like you've struck gold!

 

 

The Secret Life of Trash - Los Angeles magazine

You all know how I feel about composting and trash - great article in the LA Magazine online about LA and its trash....

Feature - The Secret Life of Trash - Los Angeles magazine

See my earlier post about my favorite composting bin and join me in reducing the amount of trash you through out every day.  Oh, and to cut down on wasteful plastic water bottles, try a Bobble instead.

Housing Remains Highly Affordable For Seventh Consecutive Quarter

Some great news from the National Association of Home Builders for you folks pondering purchasing a home.   Housing Remains Highly Affordable

Ok, it does list LA metro area at the bottom of the affordability scale, but prices are down, interest rates are low... what are you waiting for?!

Domicile Interior Design likes Cazador!

Thank you Domicile Interiors for your posting of Better Shelter's 2295 Cazador!  They love it.

 If you bought it for $499,000 and got to live in the stylishly re-imagined three bed/2 bath house AND got $1060/month rental income for the 2bed/1 bath house next door you would love it too.

Life would be very pleasant on Pleasant Way in this Buff & Hensman

1599 Pleasant Way, Pasadena

Pleasant Way is even more pleasant having this amazing Buff, Straub & Hensman designed house on it.  One of my favorite architectural design firms in one of my favorite neighborhoods. 

The house has additions by Architect Stephen Hans Nuetzel, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Not only is it an open floor plan home with beamed ceilings, but it has walls of glass framing the incredible views of the mountains.  And, you've heard me go on and on before about the central location of the San Rafael Hills.  Need I say more.  Got your checkbook ready?

If you would like to view this treasure please contact me at jpstanton@deasypenner.com.  I can tell you firsthand how great the neighborhood is and all the fabulous Buff & Hensman homes to see in the Pasadena area. 

This listing is not my own but comes courtesy of Crosby Doe & Assoc.

Zushi = Yum

Simply the best, yummiest, happiest sushi place in Pasadena.  Small, welcoming, tasty, cozy - just some of the adjectives that best describe Zushi.  We've been going there since they opened a few years ago and it's just as good as ever, only the place is a bit more crowded.  One thing we order every time: the Albacore Sashimi with the flash fried onions and garlic.  Best. Thing. Ever.  Also the Shitake Mushroom dish, the baked whitefish roll, and the hands-down best sushi roll is the Sin City Roll.  Delish.  Try the jalapeno poppers if you're with a crowd.  They're sure to please.  If it's warm outside the seaweed salad or spicy tuna salad are delightfully refreshing.  And, if you become a regular like us, and are very nice to the waiters, you might get some free green tea ice cream.  It's been known to happen. They put chocolate sauce on it.  Say no more.



Visit them on the web here: Zushi Restaurant

133 W. California Blvd.;  Pasadena, Ca. 91105  Phone (626) 578-9191    SUN. - SAT.: 11 A.M. - 10 P.M. 

 

  

David Weidman Meets Mad Men - A love story

 One of my fave artists meets one of my fave shows!  I think that David Weidman may think I'm stalking him.  I've been to his house many times over the past few years to buy many of his vintage prints for myself and friends and not only do I love his work beyond explanation, I heart him and his wife as well.  They are darling and the visit to his studio in the house they built themselves equally so.  So imagine my delight when his work shows up on Mad Men.  Heaven.  (insert sigh here)  If I counted how many pieces I had of his I might get in trouble with the husband...

See LA Times article here:   Set Pieces: 'Mad Men' gets the David Weidman memo

 

Two prints I've given as gifts:

"Small Elephant"

"Fat Cat"

The book is available on Amazon.com and is excellent and a must have if you're a serious fan.  Like me.  They are carrying some licensed pieces at Urban Outfitters as well:  Urban Outfitters -David Weidman

4225 Via Arbolada #560 Monterey Hills Remodeled Townhouse for Lease

Serene, conventiently located and completely remodeled Marshall Villas townhome. What more could you ask for?! Beautifully done end unit w/ 2 ensuite bedrooms plus a loft area, vaulted ceilings, large private patio, living rm with fireplace, dining area with stylish chandelier, laundry rm, powder rm, 2 car attached garage with direct access. The stunning designer kitchen features new wood cabinets, corian countertops, new appliances including microwave, wine cooler, trash compactor, fridge and stove. There is also a bar sink and wine glass holder for gracious entertaining. Access to the patio from the kitchen and the living room. Surrounded by trees and beautiful landscape at the top of the Monterey Hills. Peaceful and well-kept pool and spa area w/ plenty of lounge chairs and a sauna in the pool bathroom. Other features: new heat and air, new water heater, designer window coverings, fresh paint, new carpeting & tile floors, new ceiling fans and light fixtures, walk-in closets.  $2600/month.  Water included.

Happy Hours around the Area

We all need entertainment and a social life, but being recession-minded and watching the wallet these days led me to put together a list of great Happy Hour spots close to Pasadena. A great way to snack and have a cocktail for less. Less is more after all. Or is it more for less?

If you know of good ones around please let me know and I'll keep adding to the list.

Bodega Wine Bar

• 260 E Colorado Blvd
• Pasadena, CA 91101
• Phone: 626.793.4300

1/2 off appetizer menu. Everything was excellent. Discounted wine and beer and a couple of soju cocktails. Wonderful atmosphere. Fills ups fast.

Sushi Roku

• 33 Miller Alley
• Pasadena, CA 91103
• Phone: 626.683.3000

Named after the exclusive in-house Red Sun Beer served at the restaurant, the "Red Sun" happy hour takes place nightly in the lounge at Sushi Roku in Old Town Pasadena.

Guests who order one happy hour drink, or other alcoholic beverage, in the lounge are offered a selection of appetizers for $3. A special list of cocktails are also $3.

Magnolia

• 492 S Lake Ave
• Pasadena, CA 91101
• Phone: 626.584.1126

Happy Hours

• Monday-Friday: 5:00pm-7:00pm

Ruth's Chris

369 East Colorado Blvd,
Pasadena, CA 91101 Phone: 626-583-8122

Happy Hours

• Sunday-Friday: 5-7 pm
• Some appetizers are $3.50 and wine and well cocktails from $5-$7
  

Hamburger Hamlet
214 S Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-449-8520

Happy Hours:

• 7 Days a week
• 1/2 price drinks - 3-7 pm
• 1/2 price appetizers - 3-6 pm

Margarita Jones

541 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA-91105 Happy Hours:

• Appetizer Specials, Drink Specials, Half-Price
• 7 Days a week 4-7 pm - Late night Wed-Sat 9pm -12 dj performance

Dona Rosa

577 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 626-449-2999

Happy Hours:

• Taco Tuesday's - Tacos are $1.25 all day, Margaritas & domestic beer are $1.50 all day
• Now starting Taco Friday's as well (March 2009) They also have Mariachis on Friday evenings

The Yardhouse

330 E Colorado Blvd Ste 230 Pasadena, CA 91101

• Monday-Friday: 3:00pm-6:00pm

McCormick & Schmick's

111 N Los Robles Ave Pasadena, CA 91101

• Monday-Friday: 3:30pm-6:30pm, 9:30pm-11:00pm

Gordon Biersch

41 Hugus Aly Pasadena, CA 91103

• Every Day: 4:00pm-7:00pm, 10:00pm-Close

Gyu-Kaku

70 W Green St Pasadena, CA 91105

• Monday-Thursday: 5:00pm-6:30pm, 9:00pm-10:00pm
• Friday: 5:00pm-6:30pm

Twin Palms

101 W Green St Pasadena, CA 91105

• Monday-Thursday: 4:00pm-7:00pm
• Friday: 4:00pm-6:00pm

La Grande Orange Station Cafe
260 S. Raymond

Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 356-4444

Happy Hours:

• Mon-Fri 3-7 pm
• 1/2 off beer, wines by the glass, well drinks and an appetizer menu

Vertical Wine Bistro
70 N Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 795-3999

Happy Hours:

• Sat & Sun 4-7
• Tues-Fri 5-7
• $5.50 wine & well cocktails

Pop Champagne & Dessert Bar

33 E Union St
Pasadena, CA 91103

(626) 795-1295

Happy Hours:

• Wed-Sun 5-7 pm
• $4 Mimosas, Bellinis and draft beer
• $3 Miller Hi-Life
• 20% off appetizers

Red White & Bluezz
70 S Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 792-4441

Happy Hours:

• 11-7 pm
• $5 well drinks, beer & wine
• Discounted food menu
  

El Cholo Pasadena
El Cholo Cafe
958 South Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105

Happy Hours:

• Mon-Fri 4-7 pm
• $2 beers, $2.50 Margaritas
• $2 tacos on the patio

Mijares
145 Palmetto Drive
Pasadena, CA
626-792-2763

Happy Hours:

• Mon-Thurs 4-6 pm
• $5 Margaritas, $3-$3.50 Beers
• Hors d'oeuvres served
  

DISH

734 Foothill Blvd,
La Canada, CA 91001
(818) 790-5355

Happy Hours

• Mon-Fri 3-6 pm
• 1/2 off wine, beer, well drinks and appetizers
  

Edison Depression Soup Kitchen

Fridays 5-7 at Edison: 108 W 2nd St, Downtown; 213.613.0000

This 1920s-style speakeasy's offering a timely Depression-era deal: cheekily named 35c drinks (the ginny 401k and the bourbon-laced Bail Out), plus free grilled cheese and tomato soup. 25% of proceeds go to food banks and charities for people whose credit sucked before subprime.

The website's at EdisonDowntown.com