Iam thrilled to present to you our latest issue of Pasadena Magazine. I may be a new face to this outstanding brand, but I’m a veteran of the publishing industry. I began my career in the magazine world nearly 22 years ago in Los Angeles. I have managed beautiful luxury publications, visitor’s guides, and special custom-content pieces both in print and digitally throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, and San Diego.
Pasadena has always been a favorite destination of mine as a vibrant town filled with the best shopping, dining, and of course the crown jewel, the Rose Bowl.
Pasadena Magazine recently was a sponsor of Masters of Taste, Los Angeles’ premiere culinary and spirits event. Over the past five years, Masters of Taste has raised over $2 million to benefit Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) in Pasadena. All proceeds are used to combat homelessness and rebuild the lives of families and individuals experiencing homelessness. My dear friend Lawrence Moore, of public relations firm Lawrence Moore and Associates, along with USHS, has been putting on this event for the past eight years. It is also a precursor to Los Angeles Magazine’s “The Food Event” in November.
We’re proud to be part of such a worthy mission. And proud to count you among our dedicated readers.
I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Pasadena. Be sure to subscribe to our digital newsletter and join us for some of the best events in town.
Cheers!
CHRISTOPHER GIALANELLA President/Publisher
cgialanella@lamag.com
“Pasadena has always been a favorite destination of mine as a vibrant town filled with the best shopping, dining, and of course the crown jewel, the Rose Bowl.”
Everything you need for your spring home refresh
Anthropologie · Apple Store · Baccarat · Brunello Cucinelli · Casper · CB2 · Crate & Barrel · Dior · Diptyque · Frette
Gucci · Hermès · Jo Malone London · Kate Spade New York · Louis Vuitton · Lovesac · Martin Lawrence Galleries
Missoni · Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams · PBteen · Pottery Barn · Pottery Barn Outdoor · Ralph Lauren · RH
Sur La Table · Tempur-Pedic · Versace · West Elm · Williams Sonoma · Z Gallerie
partial listing
Williams Sonoma
For anyone living in Pasadena, it’s nearly impossible not to think about great design. From Bungalow Heaven, the Gamble House, and The Huntington to architecture marvels from Frank Lloyd Wright and John Lautner and museums like the Norton Simon, conservation and appreciation of art and architecture is practically ingrained in everyone.
In this issue, we celebrate a myriad of design-driven destinations throughout the city—and beyond—for aesthetes of all kinds. We guide you through new spaces in town for art and home decor and some of the most stunning spots that have sprung up in Downtown L.A.
However, among the most interesting things happening for home right now don’t require getting on a freeway to explore. The annual Pasadena Showcase House opened its doors to the public on April 23. Our eight-page feature (starting on page 96), gives you a behind-the-scenes look at it and its designers, but there’s nothing like seeing it in person. It’s on until May 21, so make sure you snag your tickets.
We’re also excited to share what local designer Jeanne K Chung of Cozy Stylish Chic is doing for the design community. You probably have seen her work before on the pages of this magazine and in previous Pasadena Showcase Houses, but you may not know what she’s doing behind the scenes. Not only has her West Dayton Street showroom helped designers and homeowners see product they’d normally have to trek across town to sample, but she’s also created a hub and community for her peers in the city, hosting events and allowing designers to share sources and experiences. In this issue, Chung shares what’s happening in our local design world and how Old Pasadena is prime for a new design district.
As we go to press, it’s 63 degrees and mostly cloudy. However, blink and it will be summer. To that end, please enjoy our plethora of activities and experiences to kick off the season, from planting strawberries to camps for your kids—all of them designed for you to appreciate the season and our beautiful hometown.
We hope you enjoy the issue.
SAMANTHA BROOKS Editor in Chief
“SUMMER DAYS” PG 40
Tanvi Chheda has been a freelance writer and family travel expert for more than a decade. From taking her daughter to Peru at the age of 2, to exploring national parks in the U.S., she loves sharing her love of travel and discovery with her kids. She has written for AFAR, Departures, Virtuoso Life, Westways, The New York Times, Ciao Bambino, and Travel + Leisure, where she was formerly an assistant editor.
“My most prized possession in my home is the framed original art by my kids.”
“HOME BASE” PG 36
Amanda Friedman served as editor-in-chief of Angeleno and Interiors California and was founding editor of LALA magazine. She has written for The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Departures, The Hollywood Reporter, and more.
“My family moved into our home a little over a year ago, and I am still deep in the decorating process. One of my favorite things to do is to scour vintage sites such as 1st Dibs and Chairish—I recently found a pair of gorgeous Henredon faux tortoiseshell cabinets.”
“IN PRINT CONDITION” PG 38
Sheean Hanlan is a journalist and artist based in Florence, Italy. After a childhood in the Bahamas, she moved to Malibu to attend Pepperdine University. Her articles have appeared in various Italian and American media outlets with a focus on art, travel, and business.
“My Italian landlord’s relatives were acquainted with renowned 19th-century Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. There’s a framed collection of handwritten letters from him in the parlor.”
“GENERATION IDISTRACT” PG 22
After attending UCLA, Jennifer Ashton Ryan became an editor for Robb Report and saw the world, reporting on new villas, resorts, and islands—from Thailand to Chile’s Atacama Desert. Now travel includes three small children, so priorities have changed, but reporting remains the same: Listen well and stay curious.
“A pair of stained-glass cabinet doors from Pasadena Architectural Salvage. They hang in our dining room, a charming addition to our 1912 Craftsman bungalow.”
PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER
Chris Gialanella cgialanella@lamag.com
VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOM CONTENT
Mitch Getz mgetz@lamag.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Samantha Brooks samanthalbrooks@gmail.com
ART DIRECTOR
Mary Franz
MANAGING EDITOR
Sara Smola sara@pasadenarose.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Lauren Schumacher
DIRECTOR OF SALES Carly Allen callen@lamag.com
ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
Jennifer Gunn jgunn@pasadenamag.com
Dominique Jackson djackson@pasadenamag.com
Shana Wong shanawong@me.com
NEW YORK SALES OFFICE
Cynthia Donaher cynthia@donahermedia.com
DIRECTOR, STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS
Susan Starling sstarling@lamag.com
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS
Traci Takeda ttakeda@orangecoast.com
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Jared Polter
DIGITAL COORDINATORS
Devika Bedi, M.J. Carpentier
CREATIVE SERVICES ART DIRECTOR
Sheila Ramezani
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Sue Branica
COPY EDITOR
Dora Dalton
CONTRIBUTORS
Linda Brooks, Ning Chao, Carole Dixon
Amanda Eberstein, Sheean Hanlan
Kamala Kirk, Jennifer Ashton Ryan
Ramona Saviss, Tanvi Shah
ENGINE VISION MEDIA
CO-FOUNDER
Mark Geragos
CO-FOUNDER
Ben Meiselas
COO & HEAD OF EVENTS
Shelby J. Russell srussell@lamag.com
1-866-660-6247 pasadenamag.com/subscribe
2527 Mission Street, San Marino | shopsinglestone.com
A look at USC Pacific Asia Museum’s new exhibit, “Global Asias: Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation.”
Drawn from the diverse collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer, “Global Asias” features 45 works from 15 artists of Asian heritage— including Takashi Murakami, Mariko Mori, and Patti Warashina. The included pieces reshape and challenge conventional views of abstract art by exploring new materials and techniques; re ect on the experiences of migration, within Asia and beyond; and engage and critique popular culture and politics.
“The artists included in this exhibition open our eyes to what it is like to cross boundaries both real
and cultural,” says Schnitzer, whose art collection consists of over 20,000 works and is one of the country’s largest private print collections. “I hope each viewer is as moved as I am by this exhibition and is challenged and inspired by the art. The power of this exhibition will in uence all of us for years to come.”
The show has been guest curated by Chang Tan, PhD, assistant professor of art history and Asian studies at Penn State. It will run through June 25. General admission $10; paci casiamuseum.usc.edu —SARA SMOLA
› Candle company Trudon collaborated with world-renowned Yu Hui Tseng, the only female tea master working outside of China, to launch a candle collection that celebrates the world of tea and its 5,000-year history. The Maître Tseng x Trudon Collection: The Journey of Water features a trio of fragrances, including L’Esprit de l’Eau (the Spirit of Water), Sous un Ciel de Pétales (Under a Sky of Petals), and Terre à Terre (Earth to Earth).
$145/candle; trudon.com
—SARA SMOLA
› Pasadena resident Nikki High recently opened Octavia’s Bookshelf, located on N. Hill Ave. at E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena’s first Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) bookstore. Named after science-fiction writer and Pasadena native Octavia Butler, it highlights literature from classic and contemporary authors such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Roxane Gay, and Elizabeth Acevedo, and the shelves are stocked with genres ranging from graphic novels and children’s books to cookbooks and art books. “I’ve lived in Pasadena for 45 years,” says owner Nikki High. “I had so much support [while I was] growing up in Pasadena. I wanted to honor that and put it in Pasadena so that people like me, readers, would have a place to go and be in community.” octaviasbookshelf.com —S.S
› After being closed for almost three years, Ice House Comedy Club has reopened and undergone a transformation by new owner Johnny Buss, eldest son of late Lakers owner Jerry Buss. One of the country’s oldest comedy clubs, the legendary Pasadena venue celebrated its grand reopening on March 24 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony organized by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. When updating the facade and interior, Buss maintained the same layout and kept some original decor intact, such as the vintage brick, while giving it a fresh look and feel. In addition to expanding one of the showrooms to fit more seats (now o ering space for 259), the front door was moved from the alleyway to the front of the building, awning lights and frontage signs were added to create a sense of Broadway excitement, and ice melting on the corners of the building was lit up for a whimsical appearance.
Highlights of the upcoming season include Michael Yo, Marc Maron, Matt Iseman, Luenell, Jason Mewes, and Dave Attell. Besides comedy shows, the club will also host live music and other events, and guests can enjoy a quality menu of simple foods and premium alcohol at reasonable prices. icehousecomedy.com —KAMALA KIRK
Local musical performances you won’t want to miss.
experience the link between early music and the Arts and Crafts architectural movements. Tickets $35; gamblehouse.org
› This year, a new lineup of brands will round out the latest tenants at Old Pasadena’s One Colorado shopping district. Along with its studio-to-streetinspired styles, Los Angeles-based activewear label Alo Yoga will o er instore community events like yoga and breathwork. For ethically sourced jewelry you can feel good about wearing without compromising quality or conscience, Brilliant Earth will o er a selection of fine jewelry and trendsetting engagement rings and wedding bands. Sustainably made activewear brand Vuori will open later in 2023 and join its fellow eco-minded neighbors Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Patagonia. onecolorado. com —S.S
MAY 13
For fans of oldies but goodies, Just Like Heaven at Brookside at the Rose Bowl features an era-defi ning lineup of indie artists from the 2000s, including the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Empire of the Sun, and MGMT, who will be performing their 2007 debut album Oracular Spectacular in full for the fi rst time ever. Tickets $189–$649; justlikeheavenfest.com
MAY 28
Period instrument ensemble Tesserae Baroque and Pasadena’s Gamble House join together in Early Music as Arts and Crafts: Exploring the Dolmetsch Heritage. Musicians will be placed throughout the Gamble House and the audience is invited to go from room to room to
MAY 24, JUNE 21–22 Member-supported performing arts nonprofit MUSE/IQUE kicks o its series at the Huntington Library with upcoming shows The Duke, an homage to Duke Ellington, followed by The UnAmericans, which delves into the infamous Hollywood blacklist of the 1940s and ’50s and how music rose above propaganda to define the true American sound. Membership starts at $100; muse-ique.com
JUNE 3, 10, 17, AND 24
Dance the night away in the courtyard at One Colorado’s Summer Concerts every Saturday night. Grab a friend or two and be sure to visit the courtyard beer and cocktail garden. Free; onecolorado.com
JUNE 9–11
Sondheim’s muse takes to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for Bernadette
Peters in Concert, an evening of song from Peters’ Broadway shows and Grammy-winning albums. Tickets start at $72; pasadenaplayhouse.org
JUNE 24
Conductor Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena Pops return to the Los Angeles County Arboretum with Divas Through the Decades, a show that spotlights the powerful Black women who shaped the American songbook, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Tina Turner. Tickets $10–$99; pasadenasymphonypops.org —S.S
› On March 25, the La Salle Alumni Association hosted its signature event, Taste of La Salle, which raised over $50,000 for the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Nearly 500 guests sampled delicious dining o erings and drinks from 29 restaurants and beverage vendors, including Altadena Town & Country Club, Bevel Co ee, Cafe X2O, Domenico’s Pasadena, El Cholo Pasadena, El Portal Restaurant, Golden Road Brewing Company, and Granville.
“It was wonderful to finally be able to bring this community event back to campus after COVID,” says Kristen Schultz, director of alumni relations for La Salle College Preparatory.
Currently, the Alumni Association awards one scholarship to an incoming freshman annually, and up to two scholarships to graduating Lancers to use toward their college education. The current recipient of the La Salle Alumni Association Lasallian Heritage Scholarship is Alaynna Muro ’27; current recipients of the La Salle Alumni Association College Scholarship are Zacky Culver ’23 and Natalie Martin ’23. lasallehs.org
—SARA SMOLA
› Hillsides raised nearly $500,000 at its annual fundraising gala on February 25. This year’s event, An Evening at Monarch Grove, was held at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites and attended by hundreds of guests who joined together to support Hillsides’ mission to help children, youth, and families heal.
The program kicked o with welcomes from Gala Chair Sara Jennings and Hillsides Board Chair John Gong, followed by special guest speaker, Myles Williams, who once received services from Hillsides. Retired NBC4 weathercaster Fritz Coleman resumed his role as auctioneer for the live and paddle auctions.
“I am amazed at the generosity of our donors and friends,” says Stacey Roth, president and CEO of Hillsides. “They showed up again this year with their hearts full for the work we do, and it showed. Their financial contributions [will] allow us to provide more children, youth, and families with high-quality care.” hillsides.org —S.S.
Here’s a look at what a few local organizations have been up to.RIGHT: INGRID KUO, OWNER,NOTHING BUNDT CAKES PASADENA AND ROSEMEAD DR. DREW AND SUSAN PINSKY JOHN MAHON OF THE ELTON JOHN BAND
› March 10–11, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat) kicked off its annual Women Build event in honor of Women’s History Month. Volunteers had opportunities to participate in home-building activities, learn new skills, and help build stronger, safer communities. “Women Build is an SGV Habitat tradition that honors the efforts being done to break down the barriers to homeownership that many women have faced,” says Bryan Wong, CEO of SGV Habitat.
Since 1991, Women Build has brought women and supporters together to raise funds, recruit their friends, and build homes side by side with those in need of affordable housing. The event has helped house many families throughout SGV (including Glendale, Pasadena, Monterey Park, Baldwin Park, and Monrovia) through volunteering, donations, and advocacy. sgvhabitat.org —S.S.
› About 3,900 fourth-grade students from over 30 Pasadena-area schools experienced the annual Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Youth Concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on February 1. Presented with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the free concert was designed to weave musical concepts, humor, dance, and educational information into an engaging program for students. Since its inception in 1953, more than 250,000 fourth-graders have participated.
“We were thrilled to once again bring thousands of local youth to this treasured music venue,” says Youth Concert Chair Helen Gipson. “Seeing nearly 100 school buses lined up outside Walt Disney Concert Hall is a welcome sight after a two-year hiatus.”
Pasadena Showcase House’s musical programs also include the Music Mobile for third-graders and the Instrumental Competition for high school students. Additionally, the organization awards monetary gifts and grants to a diverse list of local and regional nonprofits and has contributed over $24 million to music programs in Southern California. pasadenashowcase.org —S.S.
COMING IN HOT: Try the traditional beef noodle soup at Taiwanese newcomer Chateau Tien Tao (from a Michelin Guide restaurant group in Taiwan) now in Old Pasadena. The team behind Found Oyster in East Hollywood brings cozy neighborhood Portuguese spot Barra Santos to Glassell Park. The crew who brought L.A. Cha Cha Chá from Mexico to the Arts District has opened Baja seafood spot Loreto in Frogtown and, soon, patio counterpart Mariscos Za Za Zá. Nearby, Lingua Franca o ers river views and root beer–braised beef cheeks by the owners of Wax Paper sandwich shop.
MORE EXPANSION : Monarch in Arcadia is a Hong Kong café by the Chifa crew from Eagle Rock, while just down the street, Villas Tacos upgrades from a Highland Park backyard to a brick-andmortar space on York Blvd. FIGat7th has two new fast-casual spots: Mighty Bowl (from Asia and NYC) and Velo Co ee. Daniele Uditi’s Pizzana has added another location in Silver Lake, along with a new anchovy pie.
PERFECT POP-UP: Known for a stellar rotating guest chef residency program, be sure to visit Abernathy’s at the Music Center for chef Lenora Marouani’s North African–inspired Tunisian soul menu before she goes back to Barsha in Hermosa Beach in late May.
REVAMPS: Beverly Hills’ iconic Italian restaurant—and Frank Sinatra’s favorite hangout— La Dolce Vita has reopened thanks to Med Abrous and Marc Rose, who are known for preserving
BY CAROLE DIXONiconic locations, such as Genghis Cohen. The intimate banquettes and bar have been refreshed but classic dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs and veal parm remain. Angler at the Beverly Center has been redesigned by John Sofio of Built Inc. Meanwhile, Culinary Director Paul Chung, from Michelin-starred sister restaurant Saison in San Francisco, brings the signature hot fried fish collar and bu alo milk soft-serve sundae to town but adds Angeleno-centric seaweed rice with egg yolk, trout roe and caviar, plus swordfish al pastor with BBQ pineapple. Across the street, the Sofitel hotel has turned the patio into a sexy Mediterranean Israeli haven, AYA, complete with shared plates, DJs, and tableside dancers. Negroni on Third is a red-and-black-hued chic bistro and bar thanks to a design by Alexis Readinger of Preen Inc. The Den on Sunset has a fresh look and an elevated menu that includes potato chips with caviar.
WESTSIDE: Hailing from Barcelona, Teleferic Brentwood brings authentic seafood paella and stellar gin and tonics to the old Vincente space. Juliet in Culver City o ers all-day French fare in a room designed by Jeremiah Brent (who also has a lifestyle shop next door). Don’t miss the duck confit cigars, whipped cod dip, and a Midnight in Paris vesper. More French fare hits Venice by way of Coucou (same space and owners as the old Chez Tex), now o ering zucchini beignets with creamy tapenade dip, steak frites, and harissa-roasted cauliflower. Private social club NeueHouse in Venice now o ers a rooftop Italian eatery, Reunion, open to nonmembers for dinner.
Acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Marla Frazee (marlafrazee.com) has been creating books for over 30 years, while living—and nding inspiration—in Pasadena. The two-time Caldecott Medal recipient and New York Times bestseller originally came up with the idea for her new book, In Every Life, at a local landmark. “Twenty- ve years ago, during a service at All Saints Episcopal Church, I heard a beautiful Jewish blessing in call-and-response style,” Frazee says. “I immediately felt it could be a picture book. But it took all these years to gure out how to do it. It was a puzzle!” Here, the literary legend shares her local nds.
I’ve lived in Pasadena since 1986. My three sons grew up here. I live in Bungalow Heaven with a Little Free Library in my front yard and so many interesting book-loving adults and children use it. It’s been a nice way to connect with people. / My dad worked in Pasadena while I was growing up. He had a clothing manufacturing business in the heart of Old Pasadena, on the corner of De Lacey and McCormick Alley. I painted the exterior sign on the brick building when I was in high school. / I went to ArtCenter College of Design and received a BFA in illustration. My favorite teacher was Judy Crook, who taught color theory. She was brilliant and intense, no pun
intended. / I often hike in the mornings before I head into my studio. I’m usually in Eaton Canyon or Millard Canyon, on Mt. Wilson Trail to First Water or beyond, or Gabrielino Trail behind JPL. / Whenever my son James comes to town, we go to La Grande Orange for ahi tacos with kale salad on the side. I used to hang out at that place when it was the old train depot. / My son Reed is a stained-glass artist and designer at Judson Studios in Highland Park. The studio’s founder was at the forefront of the Arts and Crafts movement that really took hold in Pasadena. Judson Studios has been operating out of the present building since 1920 and it’s worth going for a tour. / Last year I participated in a LitFest Pasadena panel on picture books and also spoke to students in the Visual Arts and Design Academy at Pasadena High School through a nonpro t Pasadena-based arts organization called Light Bringer Project. Their mission is “building futures through the power of art and education.” / Vroman’s Bookstore is one of the places I go to wander around and unwind. And I’ve celebrated the publication of many of my books there with book signings. I also deeply love Once Upon a Time in Montrose, the nation’s oldest children’s bookstore. We are so lucky to have these independent bookstores, and others, in our community. —SARA
SMOLA
The Local Real Estate Group is honored to be named one of Pasadena’s 2023 Real Estate All Stars. We are proud of our sales volume but what we are really take pride in is that we had the opportunity to help 168 families find their perfect place, launched a Spanish-speaking division called El Local Bienes Raices, and hosted 8 free community events in 2022.
Iknow I’m not the best one to be writing about teens and phone use, but it’s a fulltime issue for me. My daughter is 10, both preteen and prephone. For everyone on the other side, allow me this moment. My ideas about adolescent phone use can be your comedic relief for the week, for I do not know what it’s like. For now, my fresh memories are of elementary school—the parenting sweet spot—of her childhood, pretend play, and learning to read. I have only worries about everything coming next.
What I know is that a decade is long enough for some retrospection. For all the slow mom days of playing on the oor, doing the dishes (again), and clearing drawers of clothing sizes too small, suddenly my rstborn is turning 10, and I’ll admit, as the grandmas in the grocery store warned: That decade went pretty fast.
My rst season of motherhood was 2013 to 2023. I did everything newspaper articles have written that millennial moms do. I was on my iPhone when I could have been connecting with my daughter. I put down my phone so that I could connect with her. The telephone on the wall didn’t ring (it wasn’t even there), but the text messages poured in, hundreds a day, lifelines. I had no soap operas, bonbons,
I’ve spent exactly a decade as a mom—the same amount of time I’ve owned an iPhone. BY
or wine coolers. For us it was iMessage, The Bachelor, and LaCroix.
As I approach the day that I’ll pass an iPhone on to my daughter, the reality makes me notice more about how I use my own device.
First, my phone is an incredible tool to accomplish work and mom stuff, one I don’t know mom life without. Ten years ago, I had a Wi-Fi-only iPod Touch. Then, I met my mom friends and the group texts couldn’t load on my not-smartphone, so my baby turned 6 months and I bought my rst iPhone. I was late enough to the smartphone table that I remember “the before.” I’d watch people with iPhones have them out all the time. I saw those people get pulled from in-person conversations. I knew they were more engaged with the person messaging than who they were actually with. I didn’t want to be like that, but even back then, I could see how inevitable it was.
Second, my phone is around more than I’d like. According to my screentime data tracked automatically by Apple (you can nd yours under Settings, then go to Screen Time), I pick up my phone about 200 times a day (if that number sounds high, compare yours). For a quarter of those times, I’m looking because I received a text message, which come in about 50 times a day. I spend about an hour a day on my text replies and another hour on Instagram, and that is with the 30-minute time limit that I’ve set and can override (and clearly do) in 15-minute increments. This has helped me cut daily Instagram time in half. It’s addicting and I’m quite susceptible. However, I have not yet been sucked in by TikTok.
Looking at these numbers, my brain hurts. It was only a month ago that I found the Screen Time menu and decided I wanted to cut back. I did for a week, and then the stats climbed right back up. I’m not going to stop using my phone, but I’m asking myself: Do I actually like this? Do I like this iPhone in my pocket, in my parenting, in my
work, in my housekeeping, in my marriage? How can I manage my use more responsibly? Is this what I want for my daughter?
I can imagine a scenario when my daughter gets an iPhone and I’m constantly telling her to put it away. I see her having it out at dinner, or on the table during homework, and I bark. All the frustrations I have with my own phone use are behind my voice and— writing it in black and white now—I don’t want to be that way. My baseline beef with the phone is its effect on relationships. We’ll be creating boundaries in our family so that phone use and policing of it don’t drive us apart. And
if they do, we’ll return to the baseline of why we care in the rst place.
You’ll have to tell me what you’re doing, what you’re aware of with your teens. Is their iPhone use in line with what you want for them? Or what they want for themselves? I made those 2013 observations about other people and their phones, yet it’s harder and harder to remember what my brain felt like before 200 pickups a day. I have my daughter now, in that sweet prephone state, and I know this stage can’t last forever. For 10 years, day in and day out, I’ve carried my phone, and I’ve been raising my children. Hand in hand they go.
“First, my phone is an incredible tool to accomplish work and mom stu , one I don’t know mom life without.”
—JENNIFER ASHTON RYAN
› The backyard swing set has been reimagined. With Bijou Build, children can swing, climb, and play hide-and-seek, and then parents can collapse and put the whole play structure away. Each Bijou Mainstay (from $600) looks like a tepee, with five triangular Teslin panels that parents attach to five 10-foot two-by-fours purchased separately from a hardware store. The panels are interchangeable and all di erent, with various doors, windows, and rings for climbing. Hang the cushioned Bijou Sway swing ($50) in the center of the tent and connect multiple Mainstays—or attach a Mainstay to a backyard tree with the Bijou Rambler Bridge ($200). The heavy-duty rope ladder stretches 8 feet and is made for climbing, hanging, running across. Extend play on warm summer nights by adding solar-powered LED twinkle lights. bijoubuild.com
—JENNIFER ASHTON RYAN
› Newly released season tickets for the 2023–2024 Pacific Symphony Family Musical Mornings series are available now. Each concert is designed to expose young children (ages 5–11) to live orchestra music, alongside an engaging, seasonal stage show. The Saturday morning, 45-minute productions include a fall festival on October 21 to celebrate multicultural traditions such as Halloween, Diá de los Muertos, and Diwali. After The Nutcracker December 3, the March 16 performance, The Carnival of the Animals, showcases the artistry of puppeteers, and on June 8 see opera The Barber of Seville, adapted for kids. All shows include engaging pre- and post-concert activities at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. Ticket packages from $65, indipacificsymphony.
vidual tickets from $15; org
Little Green Fingers: Easy Peasy Gardening Activities out the seasons. The new book from Berlin-based Gestalten Press teaches lessons in plant life and the natural world alongside instructions for creative projects. The book stands out for its pictures by Romanian illustrator Aitch, whose style recalls vintage botanical books. Detailed, engaging drawings show how to design a watering system or grow strawberries. Children as young as 6 can follow along with an adult and older kids can work through the guide on their own. Also from Gestalten, Day-to-Day Life with Artificial Intelligence ($35) introduces children ages 7 and up about another kind of world going on around them: Brightly colored cartoons tell how machines think and learn. The book’s team of authors from Spanish nonprofit CosiCosa includes experts in STEM and social ethics, writing with the intention of building awareness in future generations about emerging technology. gestalten.com —J.A.R.
The weather is serene and beautiful, and if you don’t have travel plans ready to go, here are a few destinations to inspire that perfect summertime getaway.
You don’t have to venture far to experience a retreat that’s far from ordinary. Touched by fresh ocean breezes and set within a captivating 400-acre Spanish Mission-style village, the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is the perfect retreat to enjoy all that Southern California has to offer.
The resort features over 600 spacious guest rooms and suites, championship golf and tennis, world-class dining, an award-winning spa, and eight distinct pool experiences—including a family pool with two 100-foot water slides and play area, as well as an adult-only pool for rest and relaxation.
The Spa at La Costa offers a highly sought-after retreat with innovative treatments, organic ingredients, and sustainable products. Guests with spa appointments enjoy exclusive access to its serene Spa Courtyard, featuring an outdoor pool, whirlpool, Roman showers, and the Spa Café, an al fresco garden eatery specializing in light but satisfying entrees and beverages.
Built on a former equestrian ranch in the early 1960s, the resort has been a go-to destination for the PGA’s finest players for over 50 years. For those looking to improve their game, Omni La Costa’s Golf Performance Institute offers a variety of instructional programming designed around your individual goals: more than 20,000 square feet of short game practice area, multiple teeing areas, state-of-the-art technology, and world-class instructors.
With multiple restaurants at your fingertips, dining at the resort offers endless appetizing adventures. Bob’s Steak & Chop House offers simple elegance, a lively atmosphere and famous fine steaks. Eat, drink and indulge at VUE with creative, locally-sourced seafood dishes such as pistachio-crusted halibut and Hokkaido scallops . Meanwhile Bar Traza features rustic Mediterranean-inspired shared plates overlooking the scenic hills of La Costa.
To learn more, visit OmniLaCosta.com
AT THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS
There’s something truly enchanting about Grand Canal Shoppes. Immerse yourself in its alluring world—cobblestone walkways, illuminated painted sky ceilings, and gondola rides down the Grand Canal.
Known for its collection of craveworthy cuisines, Grand Canal Shoppes offers guests an irresistible feast of flavors. Indulge in avant-garde culinary creations at Villa Azur, SushiSamba and more award-winning dining.
Grand Canal Shoppes is a beautiful gem to explore. Take a relaxing stroll as you discover an array of options of new runway and readyto-wear collections for the season. Explore Ferragamo, Shinobi Menswear, Regis Galerie, and more, to find an unparalleled selection of world-class shopping.
Discover your next adventure at one of the many electrifying experiences. From riveting live performances in St. Mark's Square, exclusive exhibits and unique attractions, including the new Flight Club Social Darts, make Grand Canal Shoppes a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination.
Far from your typical trip to Las Vegas, add Grand Canal Shoppes as one of your must-visit travel destinations this season.
You may recognize his face from everyone’s favorite red-carpet recap, Fashion Police, which he famously co-hosted on E! with the late, great Joan Rivers from 2010 to 2014. However, George Kotsiopoulos never sought out a career on TV. As a West Coast associate fashion editor at T: The New York Times Magazine for eight years, he was immersed in all things sartorial, which eventually led him to becoming a celebrity stylist. “I never had a clear path from going to A to B, but I just kept saying yes to things, and that eventually led to me sitting next to Joan and being a part of the No. 1 nonscripted show on the network,” he says. “Even after Fashion Police ended, I was still developing TV shows and doing styling, but during COVID I started to reevaluate things.”
By chance, a bar across the street from his friend Rob Novinger’s business, Circus of Books, became available, and Kotsiopoulos, Novinger, and their friend/business partner Stevie (Stephanie) Schestag jumped at the chance to turn it into West Hollywood’s first upscale gay bar, Or Bar (theorbar.com), which opened last December.
Here, Kotsiopoulos shares how it’s still possible to carve out a niche in a seemingly saturated market and why gay bars are still an important space in society.
—SAMANTHA BROOKSOf all of the things to do, what made you want to open a bar?
› It was a COVID purchase. We half joke about that, but honestly it just happened. Rob, Stevie, and I looked at it, then we had a structural engineer come in, then an architect and a contractor. We just kept going, and before we knew it, we had signed a lease in April 2021.
I had also tended bar when I younger, trying to figure things out in between jobs. I worked at a place called 360 on the corner of Sunset and Vine that was in the penthouse. The money was so good that I kept working there one day a week, even a year and a half into working at The New York Times. So, I knew the bar world, and I come from a
family that had owned restaurants.
How did the site’s history play a role?
› It had been a gay space for 45 years [previously a dive bar called Gold Coast], and it was important to us that it remain a LGBTQ business, especially since so many had closed during the pandemic. No one wanted to see anything
corporate come in, and during construction we had a sign on the door that read, “the gay is here to stay.”
How did you come up with the concept?
› Gays have this stereotype of being fancy and chic, like we all have these perfect houses and whatever, but ironically, there aren’t any nice gay bars. They’re all dives or just caught in an aesthetic from 25 years ago, even if they’re brand new. We wanted to create a chic, sophisticated place for people above the age of 28. We’re all around 50, and the thought of going to a bar or club is just scary now. We wanted to create a space where we could go and not feel aged out, where people could actually sit and meet people that wasn’t kitschy or branded with free merchandize from beer vendors.
Everything here is hand-picked. It’s more of a Sunset Tower or Soho House vibe. There are no TV screens, no go-go boys. Whatever you’d find in most cliche gay bars isn’t here.
Are straight people welcome?
› Yes, of course. It’s a gay bar, but we want everyone here. Everyone who is cool with everyone. I think a lot of the bars in the “gay” area near Robertson and Santa Monica have changed in recent years. They’ve become “gay friendly” instead of being a “gay bar.” A lot of them have even had to ban bachelorette parties because the scene was getting out of hand.
What’s the distinction?
› I think what happened is that a bunch of women would come in with penis headbands and
crazy outfits and get loud and wasted. Some straight women would come in and act out, sort of let their worst selves out because it was OK and they were in a “safe space.” Gay bars are historically meant to be a safe space and a place where you can be yourself, but if you’re using that as just a pass to go wild and be disrespectful to the community, then that’s not cool. It’s almost like an appropriation of our culture. And then, of course, straight men go where the straight women are, and the bar is no longer full of gay people.
Why do we still need gay bars?
› As much as I want to say that things have changed so much in the last few decades, they have and they haven’t. Not everyone is actually accepted everywhere. A gay bar is kind of the
first place you go after coming out where you can walk in and see a bunch of people who are like you. You don’t have to hide. You can just be yourself. People can be coming out at any stage of their lives— maybe you’re 40. No matter what, you can walk in and feel safe. When I was younger, there was no such thing as bisexual. Now, there’s gay, bi, trans—
we’re recognizing the spectrum of sexuality. The name “Or” is French for gold—the space was previously the Gold Coast—but also there are a lot more “ors” in the LGBTQ community, and it’s a nod to that.
What has surprised you since opening?
› The previous space was the diviest of dive bars. It hadn’t been well maintained, and there were about 45 years of, let’s call it “patina.” We put a lot into the new place with the decor and turning it into an upscale spot. That also meant we couldn’t charge $3 for drinks, and we weren’t sure how people would react. Of course, some people weren’t happy, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many people came in and immediately loved it. The mix of patrons has been a huge range too. But one thing I kept seeing was couples coming in who had met there and been together for the last 15 or 25 years. I love that and hope that trend continues. Of course, if you happen to meet on Grindr first, that’s fine too.
We wanted to create a space
we could go and not feel aged out.”
—GEORGE KOTSIOPOULOSPHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER CHRISTIANSEN VALLI
Ahistoric 1933 Art Deco hotel with an aquamarine exterior, The Georgian Hotel has been an Ocean Avenue fixture in Santa Monica for decades, but was seemingly fading from its Hollywood heyday, when guests included Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, and Bugsy Siegel.
Hoteliers Jon Blanchard and Nicolo Rusconi of BLVD Hospitality, in partnership with ESI Ventures, have completely revamped the iconic hotel, along with leading U.K.-U.S. design firm Fettle. For Tom Parker, Fettle’s co-founder and creative director, preserving the storied building through the artwork was key. He says they were “hinting at the intricate history of the building through the fabric and finishes schemes as well as through the artwork, which gives the spaces an innate sense of nostalgia and escapism.”
Passing through the veranda to the lobby bar and Wes Anderson–inspired
BY CAROLE DIXON
reception area (complete with old-school bellhop uniforms), guests can explore The Georgian’s Gallery 33. The contemporary space was a former meeting and conference room redesigned to showcase cultural events along with the works of local and internationally renowned artists through a series of rotating pop-ups.
The space can also be used for private events and dinner parties. “We wanted to activate the space daily to showcase the culture and creativity of The Georgian community,” says Blanchard. “We were also inspired by the original proprietress of the hotel, Rosamond Borde, who had a gallery in The Windermere next door to The Georgian in the early 20th century,” adds Rusconi.
The adjacent Writer’s Room library offers a private refuge, featuring a blackand-white Hugo Guinness art collection, and books curated by Lee Kaplan of Culver City’s Arcana: Books on the Arts. Modern best-sellers and vintage classics are an ode to the history of art and culture in Los Angeles and Santa Monica.
The opening exhibit at Gallery 33 was hosted by Sharon Stone in celebration of Women’s History Month in March. Stone’s 17 paintings range from pensive figures to energized abstractions and meditative landscapes. The actress even gifted a large piece to the hotel for the lobby that will remain as a permanent fixture for guests to view when they check in to the 84-room hotel or head to the speakeasy-style basement restaurant and piano bar, which is worthy of creating a new legacy. thegeorgian.com
West Hollywood has long been known as one of L.A.’s top design destinations, and with good reason. Home to the Design District, as well as the iconic Pacific Design Center, the neighborhood is filled with a seemingly ever-evolving number of shops, showrooms, galleries, and more, devoted to furnishings, art, and decor. One of the most ambitious recent openings is Coup D’Etat, an L.A. outpost of the esteemed San Francisco showroom of the same name. Situated on a prime corner spot on Robertson Boulevard, the light-filled, gallery-like space offers an expertly curated selection of high-end pieces from contemporary makers such as Edwin Maldonado, Linda Fahey, Brent Warr, and Natasha Baradaran, alongside one-ofa-kind vintage finds and exclusive collaborations.
Meanwhile, popular online art platform Tappan —devoted to connecting new and seasoned collectors with emerging artists—has chosen Melrose Avenue for the location of its first brick-and-mortar. The sprawling 6,000-square-foot flagship was conceived by founder Chelsea Neman Nassib to resemble a deconstructed living room, allowing clients to experience what it feels like to live with the artwork in their own homes. In addition to the main gallery, the headquarters—created by architect Marco Marraccini of Abramson Architects and interior designer Brandi Howe—houses an office, conference room, high-level storage facility, and a retail space for L.A.-based furniture brand House of Léon, known for minimalistic modern
pieces handcrafted in a family-owned atelier in Istanbul, Turkey. West Hollywood is also the location of a new satellite spot for Hauser & Wirth, the powerhouse contemporary art gallery with locations in major international destinations such as Hong Kong, London, Zurich, New York, and Los Angeles’ downtown Arts District. Originally built in 1931, the 11,000-square-foot Spanish Colonial Revival building formerly served as vintage automobile showroom and has been masterly transformed by legendary architect Annabelle Selldorff. The gallery launched with a buzzy George Condo exhibit this February, with a Frank Bowling show debuting May 26. And jewelry aficionados should be sure to visit Maria Tash, which recently opened its first L.A. location on Melrose Place. Although not a design store per se, this two-level studio is filled with creative touches, such as a striking 9.5-foot-tall sculpture resembling the cult jeweler’s iconic triple-spike hoop earring and six suites devoted to Tash’s signature piercing style, which is customized based on the shape of an individual’s face—an artform unto itself.
A new crop of design-centric spots are adding to West Hollywood’s allure.
Ared “Sorry We’re Open” sign. A poster of surfer girls on the beach covered with fashion brand Roxy’s bold font. “I tend to agree with her easier that way” printed in all caps on a colorful gradient. These are just a few designs by celebrated designer, author, and lecturer Clive Piercy (1955–2017) on view until June 24 at the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery at ArtCenter College of Design, where Piercy was a professor. Curated by his wife, Ann Field, “Hello, LA” is a solo exhibition that celebrates Piercy’s ingenious contributions to the world
the late
of graphic design over 40 years, between Los Angeles and London.
Born in Cheltenham, England, in 1955, Piercy moved to Santa Monica in the 1980s. The archetype of an English gentleman, he drew inspiration for his client work from the bright colors and built environment of the West Coast. Through a collection of photos, typography prints, posters, objects, lms, and installations, the exhibition reveals Piercy’s innovative melding of British sensibilities with the aesthetics and culture of the City of Angels. Design legend Paula Scher says the British expat taught her how to see Los Angeles in his elegant, witty, and sensitive way. Piercy founded design firm Ph.D with Michael Hodgson, where they created branding for numerous Fortune 500 companies. After leaving Ph.D, he established Air Conditioned, and worked with longtime clients like Nike, Levi’s, Chronicle Books, Quiksilver, and Roxy. Piercy designed the cover for Elton John’s album “Too Low for Zero,” wrote and designed the book “Pretty Vacant: The Los Angeles Dingbat Observed,” and created branding for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Meticulous in his craftsmanship, Piercy was also in uenced by graphic designers Tibor Kalman and Stephen Doyle, and independent design consultancy Pentagram. artcenter.edu
The Hilton Als Series: Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Through June 12
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, huntington.org
Carl Craig: Party/After-Party
Through July 23
The Ge en Contemporary at MOCA, moca.org
All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food
Through August 14
The Norton Simon Museum, nortonsimon.org
▼ Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody
Through October 8 The Broad, thebroad.org
BY TANVI CHHEDA
Whether you’re looking for that special summer camp for your younger ones or unique family activities for everyone, you and your crew have plenty to choose from in and around Los Angeles.
◗ For Pavement Picassos
More than 600 artists, using more than 25,000 sticks of chalk, turn Pasadena’s Paseo into their canvas during the annual Chalk Festival,
now in its 30th year. Bring your pint-sized painters to marvel at and be inspired by intricate portraits, landscapes, abstracts, and anime-style drawings during the free two-day festival, taking place June 17–18. pasadena chalkfestival.org
◗ For Chefs in
Got a kiddo who’s glued to the Great British Bake O and Chopped? Get them in the kitchen at Summer Culinary’s L.A. program, based at the Institute of Culinary Education in Pasadena. With pro chefs as teachers and
mentors, kids ages 12–17 will learn a wide variety of skills as they make basil pesto, jambalaya, gulab jamun, quiche lorraine, strawberry shortcakes, tostones with salsa verde, stu ed zucchini blossoms,
and much more. summerculinary.com
◗ For Animal Lovers
Your budding vet will learn all about animal behavior and veterinary medicine while participating in Pasadena Humane’s Junior Vet summer camp, held at the shelter weekly during the summer months. Organized into two groups—ages 7–11 or 12–14—the in-depth experiences range from making oat-and-pumpkin dog biscuits and examining animal X-rays to proper handling of cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, and creating adoption posters. pasadenahumane.org
◗ For Pottery Bu s
Along with themed year-round classes and camps in process art, printmaking, drawing and textiles, Purple Twig in Eagle Rock brings two-session ceramics workshops to families at home. Build individual pinch-and-coil pots or a collective family garland; next, glaze them.
once dry and keep until you’re ready to pick up. purpletwig.com
Gain a new perspective as you tour the Los Angeles Arboretum on one of the monthly guided family night hikes. See night-blooming plants, spot a variety of critters after dark, and stargaze along with interactive games and hands-on exploration. arboretum.org
Cool Beans Comedy, the educational arm of The Ice House Comedy Club, o ers weekly classes for kids ages 9–16 to learn joke structure, improv, and standup along with constructive critiques and a final showcase. Casting directors and agents are known to often sit in on showcases should your preteen or teen have their sights on the entertainment industry. icehouse comedy.com
BY SAMANTHA BROOKS
Anytime a new Four Seasons resort opens on a beach within a direct flight from LAX, it’s going to catch the attention of Angelenos. The hospitality brand may not offer a points program or membership rewards, but they have amassed a loyal following through traditional markers like top-notch service, plush rooms, elevated culinary programming, and premier locations. With five properties in Hawaii and three resorts on Mexico’s Pacific Coast (with another on the way), it might seem like the brand is oversaturating its SoCal audience. However, at the new Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, on Mexico’s still relatively under-the-radar Costalegre, the property has somehow managed to create the kind of elevated five-star experience the brand is known for, while establishing a new template for the industry on how to masterfully balance the reputation of a luxury brand with the influences of the property’s setting, as well as the contemporary designs of some of Mexico’s leading architects and designers.
If you haven’t heard of the Costalegre, you’re not alone. On one hand, this quiet stretch of coastline from just south of Puerto Vallarta and just north of Manzanillo remains mostly untouched and undeveloped (there’s no main
town, no shopping, and definitely no attractions that will soon make it the next Cabo San Lucas or Playa del Carmen). With the exceptions of the private-hometurned boutique resort Cuixmala (bookings can only be made through online inquiries), Careyes, the community of architecturally striking homes for rent, and Las Alamandas, the region’s first and for a long time only true hotel in the area, the 150-mile-long region has been in a kind of extended slumber. However, the 3,000-
acre Four Seasons is the first of a handful of projects to launch, most of which have been decades in the making.
(Also underway are the resort developments of Las Rosadas, Xala, and El Tecuan, all aiming to add low-density residences and/or boutique hotels to the area in coming years.)
In the works since 2012, the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo took over a previous boutique hotel with 29 rooms, El Tamarindo, which has been closed since 2011. The new resort’s plan
may have evolved in the decade-plus that it has been under development, but it now offers a total of 157 rooms and suites as well as forthcoming private residences. At press time, most of the hotel construction has been completed, with all rooms, including the top-tier suites, set to roll into hotel inventory by the end of the year.
Just 35 minutes from the Manzanillo airport (which receives direct flights on Alaska Airlines on Wednesdays and Saturdays), the property might begin on the highway, but
Four Seasons made sure that the stunning architecture is just one component of the experience.
allow for another 15 minutes until you’re at the resort. Here, the bumpy road passes through their own Rancho Ortega—a 35-acre farm filled with egg-producing chickens, goats, 8,500 agave plants, and a garden that will grant the resort zero-mile sourcing—before arriving at the Mansion, the open-air pavilion-style center of the resort.
Here, the three restaurants, a boutique carrying a mix of Mexican crafts and clothing, a cinema, a fitness center designed by Harley Pasternak, and a complex of three tiered pools overlooking the ocean act as the hub. Just south of the Mansion rests the 31,215-squarefoot spa and collection of beachfront and nature rooms, which start at 710 square feet; to the north, topping the cliffs, one-bedroom, 1,593-square-foot suites with private infinity pools stretching the length of each
room grant stunning panoramas of the sea. An additional beach suited to swimming and watersports (there’s also a dock to hop aboard boats) is just a five-minute golf cart ride away. Although golf carts are always on the ready to transport
guests throughout the property, most of the attractions are just a short walk away from any of the rooms. Indeed, the design of the resort is one of its most attractive components. Some of Mexico’s top firms partnered up to create a new firm,
specifically to design the resort. Victor Legorreta, Mauricio Rocha, and Mario Schjetnan created the firm LegoRocha for this project, also working with Uribe Krayer and Estudio Esterlina. The result is geometric perfection and stunning views from every angle, with swaths of stone walkways and walls allowing for breaks of light to create dramatic shadows.
When viewed from the cliffs, beachfront rooms form Tetris-like clusters. Expanses of glass walls take in the picturesque views, yet also reflect light for privacy. Every structure is orchestrated so that the sunsets cast perfect golden hues over the property. But this is not just a design hotel. Knowing that most of its guests wouldn’t be leaving the property, Four Seasons made sure that the stunning architecture is just one component of the experience. Golf on the 18-hole David Fleming–designed
course; partake in a traditional Mexican Temazcal ceremony at the spa—the only one on the Costalegre; go on an ethnobotany walk or night safari led by resort guides; bike through the onsite terrain; or explore the sea and nearby coastline on a boat for fishing or diving. Additionally, the property offers daily cooking classes at 11am for everything from Oaxacan tamales and vacuum-packed pibil chicken to sourdough pizza and chocolate making. (Families and groups can also request to arrange their own cooking classes at any time.)
However, like Four Seasons’ other acclaimed resorts, there’s nothing wrong with doing nothing and just enjoying the property’s six miles of coastline, outstanding service, and expected luxury amenities that made you want to visit a Four Seasons in the first place. From $1,050; fourseasons.com
College around the corner for your teenagers?
Don’t let touring schools become a chore. Instead, turn your summer college visiting plans into a vacation the entire family can enjoy. We’ve done the homework for you on where to stay and what to do at some of the country’s most popular college destinations.
◗ Palo Alto, California
It’s no that UC Berkeley and Stanford o er strong science, engineering, and liberal arts programs, but Palo Alto may be one of the Bay Area’s bestkept secret getaways.
After the requisite college tour, drop in at Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center, which boasts 20 Rodin bronze statues, or Cal’s serene 34-acre UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, nestled in Strawberry Canyon and home to plants from around the world. Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue, including legendary Moe’s Books, is also worth a stroll, not to mention amazing nearby eats, such as Timeless Co ee, Cheese Board Pizza, Cha-Ya, and The Butcher’s Son—plus Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse for finer dining. In the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just beyond Palo Alto,
wineries such as Neely Wine, known for its crisp Chardonnays and light-bodied Pinot Noirs, also make for an ideal afternoon outing and introduction to the surrounding area.
WHERE TO STAY: Sleep at the minimalist and Zen 73-room Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, with two floors dedicated to ultra-private Ryokan
From the Bay Area to Nashville, make the most of college visits in the months ahead.
BY TANVI CHHEDANOBU PALO ALTO THE BORSE, PHILADELPHIA
rooms and an on-site Nobu restaurant, which has just expanded with a sprawling garden. Or crash at the 100-room Spanish Colonial–style Graduate Palo Alto, which opened this year after a meticulous renovation of the original Hotel President.
The City of Brotherly Love is best known for the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State, but several other well-ranked schools, including Drexel, Temple, Swarthmore, and the Curtis Institute of Music, call the Philly area home. After you’ve
made the rounds touring campuses, take in some of Philly’s historic sites— the 2,000-pound Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed), Betsy Ross House, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. In the last decade, the city’s waterfront has undergone a major revitalization, making it an ideal space to walk, bike, or jog. And for a taste of the city, hit the original Reading Terminal Market or newer The Bourse, two of several food halls/ indoor farmers markets.
Zahav, by Israeli chef Michael Solomonov, and vegetable-forward Vedge are two other culinary musts. Follow with a live show at the Plays & Players theater or jazz and blues at La Rose Jazz Club.
WHERE TO STAY: Base the family at the
high-rise, 219-room Four Seasons Philadelphia, with a stunning infinity edge pool at the top, or art-filled Logan, a boutique property downtown with on-site Urban Farmer restaurant.
◗
With some 35 colleges and universities in the greater Boston area (including Harvard,
MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Wellesley, Northeastern, and Tufts), it’s likely you will need downtime in between tours. Take a break at Boston’s Victorian-era Public Garden in the heart of the city; wander the charming boutiques and admire the architecture of the Beacon Hill neighborhood; stop in at the Museum of Fine
Arts (with its renowned 500,000-piece collection); or even catch a Red Sox game at iconic Fenway Park. Alternatively, explore some of the locations featured in beloved movie Good Will Hunting (a must watch for any teen before heading to Beantown), including the L Street Tavern, on a self-guided driving tour through
the city. Come lunch or dinner, Alden & Harlow in Harvard Square is a favorite for its cauliflower Caesar, pickled corn pancakes, and pastas, or if you can get a reservation, grab a seat at O Ya, where the 20-course omakase books out two months in advance.
WHERE TO STAY: Rest your head at the Four Seasons Boston , where 273 rooms overlook the Public Garden, Beacon Hill, and the golden dome of the State House, or the 147-room newcomer Raffles Boston , the first U.S. property for the brand, in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, adjacent to stone-faced Trinity
Church and shopping at Copley Place.
◗ Nashville, Tennessee Tour Vanderbilt (including the gorgeous Kirkland Hall), Belmont, Lipscomb, and Fisk universities by day and explore lively Nashville, America’s Music City, by evening. Undeniably, there’s plenty of live country music here, from the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry to Analog at the Hutton and Listening Room Café. For more of a guided experience, consider joining one of Nashville History on Tour’s two-hour excursions, which
cover topics such as music, politics, civil rights, and women’s suffrage. To say that Nashville is in the midst of a culinary boom is an understatement, so when you’re ready to eat, snag a table at Sean Brock’s Audrey, Vivek Surti’s Tailor, JeanGeorges’ Drusie & Darr, or Deb Paquette’s Etch.
WHERE TO STAY:
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a hotel base, but the 47-room S oho House Nashville , in a former sock factory, and sustainabilityminded 1Hotel , in the SoBro neighborhood, famous for its nearby honky-tonks, are among the best.
◗ Denver, Colorado
Have your sights on visiting schools such as the University of Denver, University of Colorado at Boulder, or Colorado College near the Mile High City? A favorite for all its nearby outdoor pursuits, the Denver area is an equally sophisticated urban delight with arts and culinary offerings galore. Drop into Denver Art Museum, which recently unveiled a $175 million renovation and expansion. Don’t miss the outdoor sculptures such as the whimsical Big Sweep, featuring an oversized broom and dustpan set. Join an eTuk city tour, which starts from the beaux-
arts Union Station and rides past several famed sites and through some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, including River North (RiNo—watch for the playful rhinoceros symbols), known for its street murals and
breweries. Eat your way through Denver at Safta, where the spread includes mushroom hummus, labneh with pomegranate, and herb-laden falafel; and Uchi, where the signature salad with cashew pesto, crispy rice, and baby greens is an absolute must.
WHERE TO STAY: The hip Ramble Hotel, with its on-site Death & Co. lobby bar, is walking distance to many of the RiNo neighborhood’s gems. In Boulder, the 201-room St. Julien Hotel & Spa boasts killer mountain views and a fantastic bistro.
In
We are excited to introduce Pasadena’s new boutique medical spa located in the beautiful Playhouse Village. We are not just your regular Medical Spa; we are your go-to haven for skin care remedies and we are dedicated to helping you achieve a timeless glow. With our team’s exceptional experience, training, and pure passion for aesthetic medicine, we provide premier treatments for you to look and feel your best.
Una Battaglia, licensed esthetician and practice manager, is passionate in helping her clients through their skin journey. With a master’s degree in physical therapy from Northwestern University, Battaglia specialized in lymphedema management and incorporates lymphatic drainage therapy in her custom facials. Our nurse injector, Hatty Kunch, R.N., has more than 20 years of experience in aesthetics. Kunch brings a wealth of knowledge, masterful artistry, and her warm personality to every patient with her gentle, caring touch. Our vibrant physician assistant, Abby Comes P.A.-C, has specialized in ENT for five years under the guidance of Dr. Steven Battaglia at Huntington Ear Nose Throat, Head & Neck Specialists. Comes applies her ENT specialty to cosmetic treatments tailored to each patient’s aesthetic goals.
Our team is excited to provide distinguished medical care to our wonderful Pasadena community.
LIST OF SERVICES
• Custom Facials
• Skincare Regimen Consults
• Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Aesthetic Injectables
• Microneedling: SkinPen & Morpheus8
• PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
• Facial Parties
• Wellness Events
626-470-1277
547 E Union St., Pasadena, CA 91101 essentiaesthetics.com
Equilibria is saving women from burnout, one gummy at a time.
BY NING CHAOWhether it’s childcare or eldercare, women typically tackle a long list of familial responsibilities—at the cost of their own self-care. The resulting stress can impact health as much as hormones, body composition, and aging. “Women’s bodies and lives are often out of balance—not just physiologically, but also with all we’re taking on in our households, careers, and communities,” explains Equilibria Co-founder and CEO Coco Meers, who focuses her functional wellness company on the women because “many women report their holistic wellness needs are overlooked and underserved in traditional Western medicine.”
With natural supplements like CBD, adaptogens, and nootropics, Equilibria hopes to give women tools to navigate external and self-imposed stressors. Meers credits high-quality, full-spectrum CBD for enabling her to successfully lean in to her own busy life. “I was a huge skeptic that one ingredient could do so much for the body, but after three nights I was sleeping more deeply,” she says. “After a week, I had a longer fuse with my kids and generally felt more balanced, even on stressful days. After a few months, I began reducing the injectable medications I take for my autoimmune spinal condition.” She wanted to share her secret weapon to help more women “keep all the plates in the air” but admits
that “the last thing the industry needed was just another CBD company.”
For real results, accurate dosing is critical. Understanding what to take and when can be complicated, which is why Equilibria’s one-on-one coaching sets it apart from other CBD startups. “All Equilibria members are paired with a coach post-purchase and are prompted to set up free coaching sessions with unlimited chat and email support,” Meers says. “We heard time and time again from our members that the one-on-one support they receive from our team made all the difference in their outcomes and empowered them to actually stick to their wellness routines.”
Equilibria’s products include the bestselling Bordeaux Cherry Sleep Gummies ($69), a potent blend of CBD with calming chamomile, relaxing L-theanine amino acid, CBN (a hemp-derived CBD booster that lengthens its effects); adaptogenic, mood-lifting Blackberry-Currant Stress Gummies ($40); and nootropic, brain-stimulating Hibiscus Watermelon Focus Gummies ($40). For those seeking CBD-free shut-eye, sugar-free Rapid Sleep Melts ($45), offer a cocktail of sleep-inducing CBN with stress-relieving GABA and melatonin-rich, tart-cherry extract, with a 10- to 15-minute onset. Because who has time to wait? myeq.com
How
“Many women report their holistic wellness needs are overlooked and underserved in traditional Western medicine.”
—COCO MEERS
Co-founder and CEO Equilibria
› At the original spa in Pioneertown, Calif., and at a new outpost in downtown Palm Springs, Mojave Desert Skin Shield’s unique, signature wellness treatments include Sound Therapy, Tao Tea Meditation, or the Fascial, founder Patricia Vernhes’ fascia-targeting facial to detox the body, improve sleep, and give skin a glow. While a 100-minute Pioneertown or 90-minute Palm Springs Fascial will set you back $480, MDSS’s new Organic Calming Cleansing Oil will remove impurities while calming skin with vitamin C-rich coriander seed, detoxifying sage, and redness-reducing cedarwood. $56, mojavedesertskinshield.com
NING CHAO
Edibles have entered a new dimension: empathogens. Hong Kong native and former NYC equity analyst Stephanie Wang founded KA! Empathogenics to introduce the psychoactive (not psychedelic) African succulent kanna to the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as the “happiest plant on earth,” kanna has been clinically proven to reduce stress and anxiety and has even been used in South Africa to treat alcoholism. KA! Empathogenics Kanna Chews contain 30mg of standardized high-potency kanna extract to help with focus, mood, and vitality without drowsiness, calories, or ca eine. $49 for eight pieces, kaempathogenics.com N.C.
› Founded by breast cancer survivor Keira Kotler, who was diagnosed at age 40, San Francisco-based Everviolet is an inclusive lingerie company making sophisticated, sustainable bras that are designed to be comfortable whether you’re going through puberty, pregnancy, or breastfeeding; recovering from surgery (mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast augmentation, or a thoracic or heart procedure); have limited arm mobility from injury or arthritis; or just want something super soft. There are pockets for pads or prosthetics, front-close options, camisoles with optional drain pockets, and even jersey-lined lace. Many are often eligible for insurance coverage. everviolet.com —N.C
› California-based Methodology is brightening the lackluster landscape of healthy meal-delivery service by replacing disposable plastic packaging with beautiful, sustainable glass, and bland, boring foods with surprising, flavorful dishes such as Thai holy basil chicken mince + maca curry kabocha squash with beetroot longevity noodles, yuzu-pickled daikon, and purple Thai basil; or black cod + tomato camu camu moquecca stew with blue spirulina coconut rice and toasted brazil nuts. If meat’s not your thing, how about restaurant-worthy shio koji marinated tofu, adzuki beans, and purple rice with ginger mushrooms, turmeric-pickled daikon, roasted kabocha, and pea shoots; or poblano zucchini cake frites with elderberry blackberry sauce with roasted brussels sprouts, rosemary baked sweet potato fries, and pine nuts? The changing weekly menu is designed to maximize plant variety, fiber, and nutrient density to improve gut health, increase longevity, and manage weight. Everything is fully cooked and ready to eat (blueberry reishi chia pudding with almond butter, anyone?) or heated in the microwave or on the stove top. gomethodology.com N.C.
› Lack of dry time or fear of harmful chemicals are no longer an issue for the next generation of nail polish. Local legend Olive & June’s new Quick Dry Polish is free of 15 toxic ingredients and dries in a minute. $7.50, oliveandjune.com
Bio-organic chemist Vivian Valenty, PhD, created nontoxic Dazzle Dry nail polish without animal by-products or animal testing. The Arizona-made formula dries in five minutes (without gel or light curing), lasts chip-free for up to two weeks, and removes easily with regular polish remover. It’s also nitrocellulose-free, so it won’t yellow or discolor your natural nails. The new bridal collection offers classic colors perfect for sandal season. Dazzle Dry Mini Flight, $44, dazzledry.com
For those looking for a little more glitz, French brand Manucurist’s Green Flash line is a plant-based, LED (not UV)-cured polish that cures and lasts like a gel but is 12-free (excludes 12 different toxins often found in nail polishes) and removes in a minute without scraping (from $19, us.manucurist.com). Unlike traditional glitters that are made from microplastics, Manucurist’s new Biodegradable Glitter ($9) comes in gorgeous shades like pink quartz and rose gold and is made in Germany from apples and mineral pigments, so it’s safe for pedicures and the planet. —NING CHAO
› For a truly refreshing clean, nothing beats washing your face with a frothy, foaming cleanser. While most bubbly soaps are full of drying ingredients that strip the skin, designer Jenni Kayne’s new Oak Essentials Pure Gel Cleanser ($42, oakessentials. com) and Very Good Light founder David Yi’s new Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser ($18, goodlight.world) have clean, sustainable, and gentle formulas that are suitable for all ages, genders, and skin types. Kayne’s California-made cleanser is aloe based, not water-based, to soothe. Cosmic Dew combines water with seaweed and hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize. Both contain humectant glycerin to pull hydration deep into the skin. Bonus: both froth up into a satisfying lather, so suds away! —N.C.
› From acne to eczema, it’s no secret that hormones can wreak havoc on your skin, and 80% of women experience hormonal imbalance. French skincare and wellness brand Aime just launched stateside with its Hormonal Acne Supplement, Balance & Glow, a patented blend of probiotics, adaptogenic reishi mushroom, evening primrose, and chasteberry that helps balance hormonal shifts that can lead to breakouts. $48, us.aime.co
Estée Lauder alum and former Cynthia Rowley CEO Allie Egan’s new wellness brand, Veracity, offers ultra-personalized hormone care that starts with The Skin + Health Test, which analyzes the bioavailable levels of five hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol) in saliva. Based on this data, Veracity’s app will suggest hormone-clean (no endocrine disruptors!) skincare, supplement, diet, and lifestyle recommendations to bring you balance. $149, veracityselfcare.com N.C.
REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS 2023
Buying a house is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your life, and who you choose to help you make that purchase is just as important – the right real estate agent can make all the difference whether buying or selling a home. Pasadena Magazine has commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) to conduct a survey of all Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley brokers and agents, to determine the top agents in the area. Real estate agents who were chosen as “All Stars” had an annual sales volume in the top 2% of all agents in the area, and we are proud to share them with our readers. Inclusion in the Pasadena Magazine Real Estate All-Stars is based solely upon merit; there is not a commercial relationship to the listings and listings cannot be purchased. The right real estate agent can offer you guidance on home values, neighborhoods, and other important factors that may affect your decision. These Real Estate All-Stars know the communities they serve better than anyone, and can help you find the home of your dreams.
Arcadia
Joe Chiovare 1931960
Coldwell Banker Realty
626-945-2236
Imy Dulake 987845
Coldwell Banker Realty 626-664-1280
Ash Rizk 1503342
Coldwell Banker Realty 626-393-5695
Glendale
Dave Robles 1134528
eXp Realty 213-712-4343
Kari Carson 1903828
Compass 818-424-5537
Kathy Seuylemez 947297
Coldwell Banker Realty 818-378-7928
Los Angeles
Santiago Arana 1492489
The Agency 424-400-5900
Robert Baer 1334830
Coldwell Banker Realty 323-377-5661
Lotoya Bailey 1963044
Nourmand & Associates 323-599-0089
Todd Baker 1446166
Coldwell Banker Realty 310-801-1475
Simon Beardmore 1321605
Sotheby’s International Realty
310-892-6454
Loren Bennett 1744020
Redfin Corporation 818 674-0176
Seta Chorbajian 1419425
Redfin Corporation 626-656-3255
Todd Cloutier 1382854
Compass 310-926-2201
Kobi Costa 1500254
Compass 818-921-5111
Jaime Cuevas 1265409
The Agency 424-400-5900
Roddy de la Garza 1995374
Judy Bernal Coldwell Banker Realty
388 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena 626.222.0186
judy.bernal@ coldwellbanker.com judybernal.com
DRE# 01090425
Michelle Bolotin 1397141
Compass 310-463-7278
Laura Brau 1931500
Compass 310-650-4156
Stephanie Brocato 2012858
Redfin Corporation 818-395-2465
Austin Brunkhorst 1823513 The Agency 424-400-5900
John Burdick 1983093 Redfin Corporation 805-340-0486
Gina Butz 1898280 Redfin Corporation 626-244-4106
Jennifer Eckert 1512045
Nourmand & Associates 323-543-3697
Alin Glogovicean 1327641
Redfin Corporation 818-395-7772
Daria Greenbaum 2007115 Compass 917-940-9043
Lori Grzybowski 1985498
Redfin Corporation 805-302-7307
Pamela Hillings Tegtmeyer Coldwell Banker Realty
Redfin Corporation 323-364-8788
Chelby Crawford
Compass
680 E Colorado Blvd., Ste. 150, Pasadena 626.536.2002 chelbycrawford@gmail. com chelbycrawford.com DRE# 01399237
Katharine Deering 1934262
Nourmand & Associates 310-382-4908
Jesse Del Rio 1252958
Redfin Corporation 818-613-1243
Andrea Dunlop 1396262
Sotheby’s International Realty 310-560-4180
388 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena 626.833.3868
Pamela.Tegtmeyer@ cbrealty.com pamelahillings.com DRE# 01463165
Jeremiah Eden 1992220 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-980-0261
Hugh Evans III 997121 Compass 310-500-1331
Tara Fidanian 1966031 Redfin Corporation 818-536-3456
Gavin Fleminger 1240692 Nourmand & Associates 310-850-8053
Jennifer Gainey 1361195
Compass 323-559-6742
Evelyn Georgieva 1955913
Redfin Corporation 562-310-0495
Robert Giambalvo 1955817
Redfin Corporation 626-676-6200
Nadine Guyaux 1932889
Redfin Corporation 310-925-4180
Michele Hall 517739
Coldwell Banker Realty 310-850-1357
Brock Harris 1328996
Keller Williams Los Feliz 213-842-7625
Joseph Harris 1252870
Redfin Corporation 818-294-2205
Kirk Hawkins 1996101 NILE Technology, Inc. 818-873-6983
Chris Hicks 1315836
The Agency 424-400-5900
Charlene Hoang 1975534
Redfin Corporation 408-209-3753
Rachel Hsieh 1913428
Keller Williams Los Feliz 310-228-8856
Matt Kanner 1349203
Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-300-1772
The Crawford Collection specializes in high care level, attention to detail, and a boutique-catered experience. Chelby Crawford is joined by Neha Jespersen and Tiffany Akasaki, and the group blends nicely together to cover all aspects of real estate. Each client and their situation receives an individual plan that suits their needs and goals with creative solutions to challenges, confident and clever negotiating with the best results possible as the end game. The three are Pasadena locals and are intricately woven into the community in their own way. "It's reputation and relationships that build the foundation of our business. We believe that there is nothing more important than happy and satisfied clients. The niche approach to our business is created by sincerity, honesty, tenacity, and integrity. If something is worth doing, then it is worth doing right and only perfection will do."
680 East Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91101 626-536-2002
chelbycrawford@gmail.com
chelbycrawford.com
DRE# 01399237
RubyHome
2649 Beachwood Dr., Ste 4, Los Angeles 626.215.4466
Judy@RubyHome.com RubyHome.com DRE# 01914120
Lindsay Katz 1921555
Redfin Corporation 818-521-9931
Brad Keyes 01857106
Keyes Real Estate 310-367-3372
Lisa Kirshner 1159728
Compass 310-770-8066
Veronica Klein 1218557 Compass 310-704-3554
John Kostrey 1729039
Nourmand & Associates 323-785-7545
Trevor Levin 1897050
Nourmand & Associates 310-866-8738
Judy Lin Young 1914120
RubyHome 626-215-4466
Grant Linscott 1715002
Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-333-6222
Rick Llanos 1123101
Coldwell Banker Realty 323-810-0828
Jason Lorge 1703599
Keller Williams Los Feliz 714-686-5807
Heidi Ludwig 1400091
Redfin Corporation 310-920-2129
Lisa Mansfield 1105508 Sotheby’s International Realty 310-993-2303
Melissa Menard 1858710 Compass 310-729-9726
Brett Miller 1333139
Nourmand & Associates 310-435-3998
Mark Mintz 1859203 Compass 310-991-3808
Jonathan Mogharrabi 2009871 Compass 310-633-1300
Julie Mollo 1818207 Compass 323-459-2789
George Moreno 560275 Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-394-8168
Steven Moritz 928961
Sotheby’s International Realty 310-871-3636
Dana Murphy 1348375 Redfin Corporation 805-750-2735
Marisol Navar 1235054 Redfin Corporation 562-688-2856
Karl Niehaus 1450751
KW Advisors 310-880-7900
Victor Nissani 1412328
Redfin Corporation 310-710-8780
Matthew O’Keefe 1356816 Compass julie.mollo@compass. com
Griffin Riddle 1949069
The Agency 424-400-5900
Josh Ritnimit 1873160
Redfin Corporation 626-375-7966
Tim Root 2106211 Redfin Corporation 310-435-2067
Patricia Ruben 1262286 Sotheby’s International Realty 323-333-3801
Melissa Ryan 1160269
Coldwell Banker Realty 310-993-8319
Deirdre Salomone 1325829
Hythe
21 Miller Alley, 2nd Floor Old Town Pasadena 626.298.3025
vera@hytherealty.com hytherealty.com DRE# 01333471
Blaine Ostrander 1178207
Redfin Corporation 805-358-3469
Arto Poladian 1779642
Redfin Corporation 818-383-2792
Jessica Ranuschio 1348375
Redfin Corporation 661-607-3178
Rick Raymundo 1357019
Marcus & Millichap 213-943-1855
Ian Rhodes 1844869
Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-821-4069
Jamie Blake Sher 1362370
The Sher Group 323-304-2455
Marianna Smith 2115194
Redfin Corporation 424-390-9618
Josh Stein-Sapir 01979910
Keyes Real Estate 424-401-6165
Tara Switzer 1422161
Coldwell Banker Realty 310-463-5527
Samira Tapia 2008942 Compass 818-642-9622
Mary Lu Tuthill 556630
Coldwell Banker Realty 310-339-3327
Maison Real Estate 323-788-1674
Jeffrey T. Sandorf 1396545 Compass 310-625-4099
Vahan Saroians 1085051 Keller Williams Los Feliz 323-497-6655
Brian Schames 2012778 Compass 323-633-7524
Angela Scurry-Herrera 1462327 Redfin Corporation 661-373-8026
Brian Selem 1056044 The Agency 424-400-5900
Shamon Shamonki 1455034
Sotheby’s International Realty 310-713-4492
Karen Ulloa 1395066 Redfin Corporation 951-206-7842
Konstantine Valissarakos 1023114
Nourmand & Associates 323-252-9451
Victoria Velazquez 2038302 The Agency 310-614-4240
Justin Vold 1818571
Redfin Corporation 408-221-3175
Michael Waxman 1063090 Redfin Corporation 661-373-5282
Keri White 1491049
The Agency 424-400-5900
Ari Wintraub 1943483
Sotheby’s International Realty 310-428-5045
Judy Lin Young specializes in luxury residential and commercial investment real estate in greater Los Angeles. She is a key connector of buyers and sellers for unique property sales. Her clients include celebrities, professional athletes, and foreign nationals. Her recent prized sale was a $17.5 million Malibu beach home representing Australian investors.
Offering white glove and intelligent service, Judy's real estate business is a one-stop shop for her investor clients. She helps them sell, buy, lease, and manage properties, and is their lifelong realtor and trusted resource. For sellers, she offers value with her foundation as a business owner who has a knack for market valuations and negotiations, never leaving money on the table. For buyers, her experience selling in many cities is an asset to help clients find exactly what they need for the best price and terms. Judy has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles magazine’s Real Estate All-Stars 2023, Dirt, and Traded
As an Arcadia native and young business owner, Judy started her real estate career as an investor. After graduation from University of California at Berkeley, she helped grow her family’s Dairy Queen and Orange Julius franchise from one location in Arcadia to six locations throughout California and Nevada. In 2018, after 11 years as a real estate investor, she began to serve clients with selling, buying, and leasing investment properties in Los Angeles. In 2021, she was awarded #1 in sales volume in her brokerage firm, beating 20-plus-year veteran agents. Judy resides in La Cañada Flintridge with her family. She enjoys serving her community and has held leadership positions on boards such as Kidspace Children’s Museum Circle of Friends, Pasadena Marathon, and the PTA at a National Blue Ribbon elementary school in La Cañada Flintridge.
2649 Beachwood Drive, Suite 4
Los Angeles, CA 90068
626-215-4466
Judy@RubyHome.com
RubyHome.com
DRE# 01914120
Jackie Wolf 1413548
Redfin Corporation 661-755-7148
Mary Beth Woods 470539
Coldwell Banker Realty 310-463-1599
Vanessa Yan 1418060
Soulful Abode 310-259-4381
Richard Yohon 1276405 Sotheby’s International Realty 323-270-1725
Hooman Zahedi 1849803
Redfin Corporation 818-429-2940
Monrovia
Donna Baker 1308772
Douglas Elliman 626-487-0820
Oliver Wei 1980763 HomeSmart Evergreen Realty 213-400-7158
Pasadena
Michael Bell 1164731
Sotheby’s International Realty 626-354-8505
Garrett Chan 1959579 Compass 626-456-0056
Jack Chang 1075478
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 626-818-1880
Grace Chang 1788890
Coldwell Banker Realty 626-318-2028
Michelle Chen 1491272
Coldwell Banker Realty 626-379-7266
Tink Cheney 1173415
Coldwell Banker Realty 626-233-2938
Carol Chua 908699
Coldwell Banker Realty 626-844-2222
Alisa Cunningham 1719178
Douglas Elliman 818-472-2801
Darrell Done 1233781
Coldwell Banker Realty 626-354-3551
Vera Nelson 1333471
Hythe Realty 626-298-3025
Chris Reisbeck 1475481 The Agency 626-803-2000
Sarah Rogers 1201812 Compass 626-390-0511
Rita Whitney 1209004 The Agency 626-803-2000
Sabrina Wu 900733 Compass 626-688-0100
Natalie Wycoff 1755930 The Agency 626-803-2000
Fredrik Megerdichian 300774
HouseAmerica Financial 818-321-8080
Jobe Whelan 380749
HouseAmerica Financial 818-974-2183
Los Angeles
Julie Aragon 250691
Aragon Lending Team 310-340-6606
Simon Atik 961014
Guaranteed Rate Affinity 310-880-8414
Laurie Stanford Turner Coldwell Banker Realty
388 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena 626.483.5269
LaurieTurner@ ColdwellBanker.com LaurieTurner.com DRE# 01919000
Glendale Nick Bronsozian 292407 BluPrint Home Loans 818-266-8442
Alan Grigorian 380549
Provident Home Lending Group 818-389-4315
Julie Rojas 483738
Sarah Rogers The Agency
225 S. Lake Ave. Ste. 100, Pasadena 626.390.0511
sarah@ sarahrogersestates.com sarahrogersestates.com DRE# 01201812
Michele Downing 1046965 Compass 626-523-6939
Lucy Mao 1779052
Compass 626-831-2201
Matt McIntyre 1844466
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 626-437-3643
Gus Ruelas 1221146
The Agency 626-803-2000
Lynette Sohl 1256496
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 626-665-2649
Nicola Speranta 1274694
Compass 626-253-6746
Laurie Stanford Turner 1919000 Coldwell Banker Realty 626-483-5269
Gordon Wang 2049148 Compass 626-552-2339
Guaranteed Rate Affinity 323-855-9264
Glendora
Ephraim Farol 488444 SqaureLend 562-773-3870
David Chea 488339
SquareLend 626-600-2943
Cole Strange 1339542
Movement Mortgage 626-255-5414
La Cañada Flintridge
Edwin Davidian 386418
HouseAmerica Financial 818-585-8283
Francesco Foggia 278442 Bank of America 323-761-7701
David Lerman 391243
CalUnion Funding Inc. 323-855-4434
Irvin Lopez 457584 Guild Mortgage 562-276-3027
Micah Raff 952625 Mortgage Capital Partners 818-808-8835
Natalie Salins 298662 Movement Mortgage 323-644-1200
Pasadena
Leslie Black 1111536 We Fund LA 562-322-0836
Mary Bowser 447947 Wells Fargo 626-616-2537
Waleed Delawari 838255
Delaware Pacific 626-486-1775
We are a team of strong, like-minded agents who have come together to not only create a culture and an experience for our clients, but a level of professionalism that is unsurpassed. At The Sabatella Group, we specialize in working with both buyers and sellers and our forte is getting a property ready to be presented to the market in the most optimal way we can, ultimately maximizing the property's sale potential.
Our team includes agents that service the entire L.A. basin including the West Side, the Valley, South Bay, Orange County, the San Gabriel Valley, and east to the desert communities. Our team includes incredible lenders, escrow service, title, interior and landscape design, architects, contractors, subcontractors, marketing, advertising, and P.R. We listen and take the time to hear and understand our clients' needs. We strive to create a real estate experience and our promise is to deliver quality while keeping our clients’ wants and needs at the forefront of every transaction. We are truly the one-stop shop real estate team and we are growing!
REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS
2023
680 East Colorado Boulevard, Suites 150 and 180 Pasadena, CA 91101
626-394-9212
homesbycarmine@gmail.com
carminesabatella.com
DRE# 01945152
Joseph Kloss 352569
Guaranteed Rate Affinity 626-321-4224
Rob Levy
493497
Homebridge Financial Services
818-422-1850
Jason Priel 1050960
New American Funding 818-312-2267
John Thompson 252514
C2 Financial Corporation 626-583-1623
John Twyman 727951
Citibank 818-470-6095
South Pasadena
Eddie Ajamian 342821
Journey Mortgage Advisors 626-826-5225
Justin Bitensky 1827357
Equity Smart Home Loans 323-919-5104
Nareg Kaprielian 757631
Huntington Mortgage Group 818-903-8204
TEAM DIRECTORY
Altadena
Teresa Fuller Team
1315387
Compass 626-483-0710
Glendale
Think Real Estate 1134528 eXp Realty
213-712-4343
Glendora
Maureen Haney Real Estate Team
1169487
Compass 626-216-8067
La Canada Flintridge
Haynes Group 1144568
Compass 818-599-8066
The McGlashan Group 1041976
Coldwell Banker Realty 818-512-2375
Los Angeles
Ahead of the Curve Homes 1763313
Compass 310-350-4528
Brock & Lori Harris Real Estate Team
1328996
Keller Williams Los Feliz 213-842-7625
Bryant \ Reichling Team 1245334
Compass 323-854-1780
Canyonhaus 1703353
Compass 323-203-0965
Dear LA Team 1935804
Compass 323-208-1827
Don Heller Group 1198240
Compass 310-466-7809
Grant Linscott Group 1715002
Keller Williams Realty 323-487-9222
Jenna Cooper 1352710
Compass 323-481-0644
680 E. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 150 and 180 Pasadena 626.394.9212
homesbycarmine@ gmail.com carminesabatella.com DRE# 01945152
Katie Crain + John Podhor
1811131
Compass 310-502-2312
Laci Buller Group 2008575
Compass 310-301-2330
Lauren Reichenberg
1415570
Compass 323-849-3656
Natalie Trabin 1901052
Compass 310-415-2663
Plus Real Estate Group 1915539
Compass 949-212-8721
Rogers + Stellini + Ritt Team
1710680
Compass 310-963-4205
Shelton Wilder Group
1979656
Sotheby’s International Realty 310-997-7059
Smith & Berg Partners 961954
Compass 310-500-3951
Solomon Property Group 1386406
Douglas Elliman 310-279-7759
Stearns + Partners 1118915
Compass 310-850-9284
Stephanie Younger Group 1365696
Compass 310-499-2020
Stephen Sigoloff 796067
Compass 310-804-8180
Take Sunset 1871966
Compass 323-775-6305
The Jackie Smith Group 1889096
Compass 213-494-7736
The Listing Group 1305628
Compass 310-617-6462
The Local Real Estate Group 1431217
Compass 323-667-0700
Victoria and Michael 1762981
Compass 310-770-2823
Pasadena Dilsaver Group 620166
Compass 626-755-7372
The Chang Group 1822562
Compass 626-487-8100
The Holcomb Durkovic Group 1923778
Douglas Elliman 310-810-4470
Tracy Do Coldwell Banker Realty
388 S. Lake Ave. Pasadena 323.842.4001
tracy@tracydo.com tracydo.com DRE# 01350025
The Alice & Malyn Team 01957601, 02036877
The Agency 424-400-5900
The Altman Brothers Team 1764587
Douglas Elliman 310-819-3250
The LA Home Girl 1734058
Compass 323-251-8626
The Sabatella Group 1945152
Compass 626-394-9212
Thomas Atamian & Associates 1739307
Compass 818-235-6325
Tracy Do Team 1350025
Coldwell Banker 323-842-4001
SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
Over my many years in real estate I have discovered that seniors face unique challenges when selling a home. For some it’s been decades since they have sold a home. That’s why I invested my time to earn a National Association of Realtors® Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation. Often seniors are on their own, newly widowed, or dealing with family member health challenges and find themselves overwhelmed. They need a partner and that’s where I come in.
The questions come fast and furious. Where do I start? What do I do with all my belongings? I’ve been in this home for 50 years and I’m downsizing. I can’t take it all with me, and the kids don’t want it. I’ve heard it all and handled it all with empathy, an open ear, hand holding, and a team to minimize the stress. My best advice is: Make one decision at a time. We’ll get through this together!
Guiding my sellers through the complexities of getting a home ready for sale, going to market, and the mountains of paperwork that comes with it gives me so much joy and satisfaction. They are not just my clients but my friends and I take care of them like family. I’ve been ranked in the Top 2% of Realtors at Coldwell Banker Realty, Seniors Real Estate Specialist and like my tag line says, I am your key to a successful sale. If you fit this description or know someone who needs my services, reach out to me. I want to help
388 South Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 626-483-5269
LaurieTurner@ColdwellBanker.com
LaurieTurner.com
DRE# 01919000
Branch Manager Lori Ramirez, Regional VP Kara Karns, and SoCal President Jamie Duran are proud to present Judy Bernal with the International President's Circle award for outstanding business volume in 2022! Judy's unparalleled industry knowledge and passion for real estate are what drive her continued success, year after year.
REAL ESTATE AGENT
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
Pamela is known for her outstanding client care, excellent communications skills, superb networking, knowledge of real estate in the San Gabriel Valley, and follow-through to help her clients achieve their goals. Her professional manner and successful sales records are why people have wanted to work with her for nearly two decades. She also gives back to the community, which has always been a top priority. Her best advice: Go the extra mile!
Pamela received the International Sterling Society award for the top 18% of Coldwell Banker Realty agents worldwide. She has closed 100% of all transactions and previously served as president of the Junior League of Pasadena.
Pamela has taught manners to children in need to build their self-confidence and is a member of American Women of International Understanding. She is also an etiquette expert and co-hosted YouTube talk show.
388 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena 626-833-3868
Pamela.Tegtmeyer@cbrealty.com | pamelahillings.com
DRE# 01463165
388 South Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 626-222-0186
judy.bernal@coldwellbanker.com
judybernal.com
DRE# 01090425
I AM PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED ON
At Hythe, our Real Estate blueprint for success begins with a clear and concise path towards your goals. Whether you're looking for your first or last home
The shelter is fundamental
YEAR BUILT: 1973
LOT: 1.27 acres
INTERIOR: 7,141
BEDS/BATHS: 3/5
AMENITIES: Special features include double-height ceilings and glass walls, open-air courtyards, atrium, Zenlike gardens, and a Luis Barragán-inspired waterfall.
WHAT SETS IT APART: Los Angeles–based architect A. Quincy Jones was commissioned to create the architectural trophy property, specifically designing the soaring ceilings and expansive interior spaces with entertaining in mind.
INQUIRIES: $6.8 million; Gus Ruelas, theagencyre.com, Tim Durkovic, timdurkovic.elliman.com
Modernist pioneer A. Quincy Jones was a former dean at the USC School of Architecture and Fine Arts and received numerous accolades and awards throughout his lifetime. He built over 5,000 projects from 1937 until his death in 1979, including the Walter Annenberg Estate “Sunnylands” in Rancho Mirage, and worked with high-prole clients like Academy Award-winning actor Gary Cooper. Now, a Jones project is on the market in one of Pasadena’s coveted neighborhoods. Sited atop a private drive in the Linda Vista area, this midcentury residence immediately stands out with its glass facade and taperedroof silhouette.
The 7,141-square-foot, three-bedroom property was speci cally commissioned by its previous owners as an event space. Expansive, open common areas and an ef cient layout make the home ideal for entertaining; the living room is ideal for socializing with a conversation-sparking indoor-outdoor koi pond and oor-toceiling repit. While most of the house remains a blank slate, a powder room out tted with sports-themed wallpaper
adds a pop of color to the otherwise minimal interiors. The caterer-friendly kitchen (with commercial refrigerator) overlooks the San Gabriel Mountains and includes an island with seating for three and breakfast area.
The one-of-a-kind property integrates natural elements and creates a seamless transition to the surrounding outdoors
with soaring ceilings and glass walls, open-air courtyards, atrium, Zenlike gardens, and a Luis Barragán-inspired waterfall feature. “My favorite room in the house is the atrium,” says Gus Ruelas of The Agency, who co-holds the listing. “The super-high ceilings and walls of glass create a spectacular sense of space and volume.” —SARA
SMOLA
AbilityFirst celebrates our 49th annual premiere event with the best in culinary delights, fine wine and cocktails. Enjoy a community of food and wine enthusiasts whose generosity continues to change lives and create opportunitiesfor people with disabilities.
For information on event sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit www.abilityfirst.org/festival
YEAR BUILT: 1925
LOT: 0.44 acres
INTERIOR: 1,299 square feet
BEDS/BATHS: 4/2
AMENITIES: Sited on four solid-line parcels, this light-filled home offers awe-inspiring views from nearly every room of the Los Angeles skyline, mountaintops, and valleys.
WHAT SETS IT APART: An architectural gem steeped in California’s modernist history, the Karl Howenstein Residence (remodeled
by R. M. Schindler) is on the market for the first time since its inception.
INQUIRIES: $2.399 million; J. B. Fung, compass.com
YEAR BUILT: 1975
LOT: 2.6 acres
INTERIOR: 6,769 square feet
BEDS/BATHS: 5/4.5
AMENITIES: Custom Craftsman details include a statement-making curved wooden
staircase and built-in cabinetry. Highlights include an open kitchen with integrated millwork and stone, executive office, wine room, steam/sauna room with jet tub, dining room with wet bar, low-water landscaping, and pool.
WHAT SETS IT APART: Designed by John Andre Gougeon (whose work includes Pasadena Presbyterian Church), this home defines the California indoor/outdoor lifestyle with an abundance of skylights and natural light from the expansive, floor-toceiling windows.
INQUIRIES: $4.488 million; Sarah Rogers and Ashleigh Rader, theagencyre.com
YEAR BUILT: 1941
LOT: 0.64 acres
INTERIOR: 7,379 square feet
BEDS/BATHS: 7/7
AMENITIES: This entertaining-ready home is equipped with a full bar, glass cabinets, built-in fridges, built-in coffee machine, wine fridge, and separate freezer. Outdoor offerings include an oversized patio, built-in BBQ, pool and jacuzzi, covered gazebo with firepit, basketball court, and meandering paths through the grounds. A three-car garage is complemented by adjacent outdoor parking for at least six vehicles.
WHAT SETS IT APART: Lush lawns and gardens surround this modern, equestrianesque estate, giving the grounds a serene, parklike appearance. Thoughtful design details include custom-made molding, wainscoting, and coffered ceilings throughout the home.
INQUIRIES: $6.98 million; William Park and Erin Jung, dppre.com —S.S.
DESTINATION: Located adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Private Residences Los Angeles—developed by Pasadena-based Jonathan Genton— provides residents with easy access to the city’s most fashion-forward boutiques, toptier restaurants, and art galleries.
RESIDENCE: This twobedroom, 2,512-square-foot corner residence offers 180-degree panoramic views and direct elevator access into a “furnishable” entry foyer. Highlights include custom interiors in the common spaces by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, chef-caliber kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, and spalike bathrooms.
TO DO: Residents enjoy five-star on-site services, including world-class concierge, in-residence dining and housekeeping, private saltwater pool with cabanas, 19-seat IMAX Private Theatre Palais and lounge, Harley Pasternak–designed fitness center, and residents lounge.
INQUIRIES: $6.9 million; reflectionsofla.com
DESTINATION: Located in the High Sierra and spread throughout 2,177 acres, Martis Camp is the pinnacle of private ski access and golf resort communities in North America.
RESIDENCE: Designed by Nick Sonder, this four-bedroom, 3,250-square-foot modern mountain retreat offers the best of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Large windows capture the views of Lookout Mountain from the bedrooms, great room, kitchen, and
media room, while soothing sounds can be heard from the nearby stream located along the southern property line. An abundance of picklewood, combined with soaring windows, knotty alder doors, and white oak floors add to the home’s rustic charm.
TO DO: Club members receive access to the private ski lodge with world-class skiing, Tom Fazio championship golf course, 50,000-square-foot clubhouse, trails, and the community’s epicenter of recreation known as the “Family Barn” that includes pool tables, full indoor court for basketball and floor hockey, two-lane bowling alley, and 44-seat movie theater.
INQUIRIES: $5.595 million; martiscamp.com
DESTINATION: One of the Caribbean’s most sparsely populated, environmentally conscious, and culturally rich islands, Dominica is known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” with 365 rivers, the world’s
second-largest boiling lake, subterranean volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and black-sand and white-sand beaches.
RESIDENCE: This sustainably built multivilla estate includes the Zabuco Villa and Ti-Fèy Villa designs (connected by a private pathway), with a collective three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The clifftop compound embraces casual coastal elegance with modern amenities, generous floor plans, and fully appointed gourmet kitchens equipped with Siemens appliances, Breville panini presses, and De’Longhi espresso makers, as well as a spacious deck area with private plunge pool and outdoor showers.
TO DO: Owners can enjoy the resort’s services and amenities, including an open-air restaurant, treetop Gommier Spa, Bwa Mang Wellness Pavilion, saltwater infinity pool with poolside service, seaside watersports hut, three swimmable beaches, along with villa attendant and concierge service, state-of-the-art fitness center, and microbrewery.
INQUIRIES: $4.5 million; residences@ secretbay.dm —S.S
The home stager for the A-list shares quick fixes to upgrade your home and insights into 2023 design trends.
BY SARA SMOLA
In 1998, then-screenwriter Meridith Baer’s (meridithbaer.com) Los Angeles rental was sold—leaving her scrambling for a place to store her furniture and 250 potted plants. Serendipitously, a friend’s unfurnished home had been sitting on the market for over a year and Baer was convinced it would finally sell if she decorated it with her own belongings. Baer’s first home staging was a success: The house sold just days later for $500,000 over asking price. Brokers began asking her to stage their properties, giving Baer the push to pursue staging full time.
For the last 25 years, Baer has solidified her status as the pioneer of luxury home staging through her company, Meridith Baer Home, and has become a go-to for high-profile celebrity clients, including Kylie Jenner, Brad Pitt, and Meryl Streep. The company has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, the Hamptons, and Miami to keep up with the demand—Baer and her team furnish more than 150 listings per month, many of which sell for up to seven figures over asking price. Along with staging, Meridith Baer Home also offers furniture leasing, interior design, and an “InstaHome” service for when you need a fully furnished home in a hurry.
What factors do you consider when staging a luxury residence?
› We look at the style of the home, where it is located, and who the target audience is. Our aim is to cast a wide net to appeal to the broadest group of buyers. Organic modern is the most popular design style at the moment: natural woods, soft textures, contemporary art, curved seating, and a neutral palette.
How can sellers make their interior space look more elevated in a short amount of time?
› Sellers can make their space look more high end with a fresh coat of paint and paring down furnishings to let the
space breathe. Take down heavy draperies and let in the light. An inexpensive and effective update is to buy fresh white bedding and towels to neutralize the space.
Any design or staging mistakes that cheapen the look of a home?
› Remove unnecessary objects, including excessive toys and personal photos, and keep to a color palette that appeals to a broader group of people. Adding low-quality items just to fill a space also counters a more premium look—it is better to do without.
What interior design trends are in for 2023? What trends are on
their way out?
› Gray floors, along with black, white, and gray color schemes, waterfall center islands, and suspended lights for bedside tables are out. Instead, we are seeing more built-in cabinetry, painted a deep color with stone tops. Softer shapes are in. There is also a trend for a more collected mix of furniture, rather than total suites of furniture. A little more pattern is coming in.
What are the most memorable moments of your career so far?
› Furnishing so many breathtaking properties and bringing to life homes that are looking long in the tooth. Then there are all the famous
people—the thrill when we staged [actress] Scarlett Johansson’s home, and she liked what we did so much that she decided not to sell and bought the furnishings. And staging homes for people I’ve so admired, like Meryl Streep, Janet Jackson, Geena Davis, Harrison Ford, and Sean Combs.
What’s next for Meridith Baer Home?
› We are excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary this year! We are looking forward to continuing to expand our services to more regions of the country, and introducing 10 Tarpon Isle, the only private island in Palm Beach and Florida’s most expensive listing.
Strawberries are a true summertime treat, and with a little understanding of the horticultural characteristics of this lush fruit, you can extend your enjoyment into fall.
BY LINDA BROOKS
California produces 90% of strawberries nationally, with most coming from Monterey and Ventura Counties. However, after our rough winter, the California Strawberry Commission is estimating a possible $200 million loss this year, which might result in higher prices and limited availability for consumers.
But you don’t need grand expanses of soil to grow your own. Because of their shallow roots, it’s best that strawberries be planted in containers so that their fruit doesn’t touch the ground. Nurseries are stocked with seedlings and mature plants, some already potted and ready to take home. Should you wish to take things into your own hands this year, here are a few tips to ensure you’ll grow enough strawberries to enjoy throughout the season.
› Unique strawberry varieties have found their way into restaurants and farmers markets, as well as specialty food stores like Erewhon. If you like the famous, sought-after-by-chefs Harry’s Berries, found at the Victory Park location of the Pasadena Certified Farmers’ Market, try growing Seascape,
Chandler, and Wolfgang Puck’s favorite, Mara Des Bois varieties at home.
› The key to success is planning ahead and selecting the type of strawberry for the time of year it produces fruit. If short-day varieties are planted in the spring (the beginning of longer days), they will not flower and fruit adequately. Specific varieties for California have been developed to create larger yields and address higher temperatures and disease-resistant properties. Consult your local nursery for the variety that’s best for your objective.
Strawberries fall into one of two types: (1) June-bearing (short-day), which are harvested in the spring and produce a larger, sweeter yield over a shorter period of time. You can extend harvesting by incorporating early-, mid-, and late-season varieties. Consider Chandler, which produce early/mid-season and is popular at California roadside fruit stands, and Sequoia, which produce late spring and may bear into fall. (2) Ever-bearing (produces two crops) and day-neutral (producing throughout the season), which are harvested in summer and fall. These produce smaller crops and send out fewer runners than June-bearing varieties. Consider Seascape, producing June through fall, which are red inside and out, and the popular Albion, producing May through August, a perfect dessert fruit because of its high sugar content.
› Choose a location that provides at least six to eight hours of direct sun. The more sun you can provide, the better the fruit. Soil should be a sandy loam with good drainage and slightly acid with a pH of 5.5–6.8. The crown of the plant, where the green leaves sprout, should be above the soil. Plant bare-root strawberries in a hole deep enough to avoid J rooting (the roots should be straight not bent). Containers should not be too deep or too wide. The classic strawberry pot, stacking or hanging pots, or adapting a rain gutter
with good drainage to create a window box are the easiest to work with.
In-ground planting, with drip irrigation, is best done in fall or spring to establish strong roots for the summer heat. Amend soil and include time-released fertilizer. Form raised beds high and wide enough to support the cascading fruit. Mulch with straw to protect the soil or cover with plastic and plant through holes in the plastic. Place plants 12 inches apart. Runners from the mother plant produce daughter plants that can be transplanted once they establish roots.
› Cut back runners to promote the plants’ growth toward flowers and fruit. Pinch off flowers until there are no more than five or six leaves to prevent weak fruit. Water to prevent drying out but do not drench. Roots are shallow, so consider mulch to protect them from the hot direct sun when necessary. Fertilize with slow-release, balanced berry food or organic material. Pollination is not an issue, but fruit could be improved by using your hand to rustle the leaves once flowers are present. Harvest when the fruit is vine ripened. Using your fingers, snap off the vines instead of plucking, which damages the cooling system of the plant. Store unwashed fruit in the refrigerator, layered in between dry paper towels and sealed in an airtight container.
n A strawberry is actually a false fruit or “pseudocarp,” with many tiny individual fruits embedded in a fleshy receptacle.
n The outer seeds on the fruit can be planted to produce more fruit of the same variety.
n In Japan, strawberries are valued as a luxury fruit to receive as a gift. The Bijinhime (beautiful princess) strawberry, as large as a baseball at 100 grams and 15 years in the making, has sold for as much as 500,000 yen ($3,800) each.
n Don’t Miss: California Strawberry Festival, Ventura County Fairgrounds, May 20–21, castrawberryfestival.org
Pasadena native Hayley English takes inspiration from across the pond to transform an 8,000-square-foot Elmer Grey estate for a young, growing family.
´ BY NING CHAOFrom the Huntington Library and Pasadena Playhouse to the Beverly Hills Hotel, Elmer Grey’s buildings are local landmarks. To give this 1912 Craftsman a cozy yet classic feel, designer Hayley English took cues from traditional English country seats. “My last name is English, and luckily it coincides with my aesthetic,” says the local, who used playful prints and pops of color to revitalize the century-old architecture.
Situated on 1.5 acres in the San Rafael Hills, “the house’s layout captures the magnificent San Gabriel Valley views and Arroyo breezeways,” says English, who notes that the former Clifford Barnes Estate looks different than it did 100 years ago, even though many historical elements were restored. For instance, distinct concrete marks and archival paperwork both indicated that a previous owner pulled out the loggia’s original balustrades. “The Historical Society required balustrade infill to approve the Mills Act designation, so it was done and custom made to look old,” says the designer, who credits the Mills Act as “the biggest incentive in California for preservation.”
LEFT: Off the foyer, the bar was designed to look original. Built-ins and a solid oak bar top were stained to match existing dark wood paneling. Gray soapstone and unlacquered brass “give a timeless, weathered patina,” says English, who raised the bar’s height and added the footrest and Made Good stools to resemble an “old English pub.” Heavyweight Fermoie linen wallpaper “feels cozy and inviting,” adds the designer, who replaced built-in pull-down screens in all the windows in the house (from Pasadena’s pre-air-conditioning days) with fine brass wire mesh.
TOP: “Two huge covered patios allowed the family to enjoy indoor-outdoor living when there was no air conditioning,” explains English, who added Frontgate furniture, Jasper upholstery, Schuyler Samperton pillows, and Samuel and Sons cord.
OPPOSITE TOP: If clients are going to splurge on something like these Laboratorio Paravicini plates, English encourages them to “put it on the wall and display it like artwork.”
OPPOSITE BOTTOM: A child’s bedroom leads to a sleeping porch, where the Arroyo below blows in a breeze that cooled the original family on warm Pasadena nights. A roman shade separates the rooms, “but you can pull it up to let in more light—the afternoon sun is really strong but the views were meant to be enjoyed,” English says. Vaughan Designs light fixture and Schumacher pillows, drapery, and rug.
LEFT: The office was originally the maid’s quarters, with simplified millwork and lighter hardwood, says English, who used Farrow & Ball wallpaper, a Serena & Lily console, and Namay Samay bespoke lampshades with Circa Lighting table lamps. Framed Schumacher green wallpaper offers a striking focal point: “These rooms felt light, bright, and airy because they were smaller spaces—using blue and green brings the outdoors in,” English says.
BOTTOM: English sourced the office’s antique French desk, with working keys and a leather top, in the South. “With old homes, I like touching on the aspect of sustainability,” she says. “I think reupholstering is OK, like we did with this chair [from Namay Samay], but there’s something really gratifying with adding old elements to a new space.” Schuyler Samperton bespoke lampshade, Annie Selke jute rug.
´ INTERIOR DESIGN Hayley English Interiors LLC hayleyenglishint.com
LEFT: This clawfoot tub was the only item salvaged before the master bathroom was completely gutted and tripled in size. “I sampled the blue Farrow & Ball [#89] paint myself, which was terrifying because I didn’t want to get anything on the tile,” says English, who framed watercolors the family already had under glass to protect them from the room’s humidity. Watermark tub fixture, Matouk towel.
ABOVE: The Serena & Lily Webster bobbinstyle bed “feels youthful,” says English, whose clients wanted a colorful space that their toddler could grow into. The Farrow & Ball floral wallpaper is whimsical but also feels sophisticated because of its beautiful texture. The quilt, upholstery, and drapery are all bespoke. Schumacher hand-blocked print quilt, Peter Dunham paisley pillow, Nichola Taylor hand-dyed pink pillow, Maison Maison lampshade, Noir side table.
RIGHT: A his-and-hers closet replaces an upstairs office. “The side we see here is her side, which is actually much smaller than his,” says English, who used adjustable shelving and rods for flexibility, left space at the top for hats and shoes, and hid storage behind the mirrors. Lisa Fine chair cushion, antique rug.
BY CAROLE DIXON
We can thank our Southern European friends from Spain and Portugal for the latest ingredient trend. No longer just an enduring pantry staple of tuna or sardines, conservas are gourmet tins of avorful sh you may see in top restaurants. Here is where you can nd the best variety and stock up for your next picnic. Just add bread and wine.
› New to the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, Dahlia is an intimate ground-floor cocktail lounge designed by Kelly Wearstler. Located just behind the hotel’s current hotspot Caldo Verde, chef Suzanne Goin serves tinned fish such as mussels in escabeche from Conservas Ortiz’s special Ria de Arosa line, served with guindillas (peppers) and grilled AOC boule alongside crudités.
Lydia Clarke of DTLA Cheese at Grand Central Market has opened Kippered nearby on Broadway. Her cozy Champagne-wine bar serves over 70 kinds of tinned fish.
At Hotel Per La, the newly revamped Bar Clara serves pesce di latta, aka tinned sardines, with pickled vegetables, echiré, toast, and one of the best rooftop views in the city.
For the new Mercat
opening behind Spanish favorite Otoño in Highland Park, chef Teresa Montaño carries some of her favorite conserva brands, including Siesta Co. baby squids in olive oil, La Brujula razor clams, Minerva Bacalao, and many more, paired with vermouth.
Weighing in with the most o erings, Saltie Girl in West Hollywood has a staggering 130-plus tins on the menu, ranging from squid and scallops to salmon and sea urchin caviar. Each order is served on a wooden board with three lines of salt, lemon, a nob of butter, garnishes, and spicy condiments that you can layer over crusty French bread. “Tins speak to people’s childhood so there is a nostalgic element, plus the fish has enormous health benefits: strong in omega-3s, low in
calories and carbs, vitamin B rich, and an excellent source of calcium,” says owner Kathy Sidell.
At Bar Moruno in Silver Lake and at the Rapido shop next door, bestsellers
include anchovies or boquerone that fly o the shelves from historic Portuguese brand Ati Manel. Others to look for include ABC+ with unique sauces, including curry from Southeast Asia; and numbered tins from Spain’s Artesanos Alalunga caught in the Cantabrian Sea.
Out in the West Valley, Gasolina Café was an early adopter of the conservas movement, o ering
a tin plate or single orders. Options include higher-end skipjack tuna belly in olive oil and a wide variety of sardine options, plus you can purchase from the front counter to take home.
In Santa Monica, Jeremy Fox’s Birdie G’s serves salt spring mussels marinated and seasoned in house with makrut lime and presented in a little tin, accompanied by a side of yuzu kosho mayo and artisan matzo.
We have come a long way from the carb-loaded combination plate and pre-made margarita overflowing with triple sec. A new crop of Mexican restaurants is bringing an upscale vibe to your neighborhood south-of-the-border eatery with everything from top-shelf tequila to tableside presentations—with Wagyu and lobster all part of the menu too.
› Maestro in Pasadena has become a staple for braised bone-in lamb shank, and the lobster al pastor at Mexico City import Damian by chef Enrique Olvera has also helped elevate the scene over the past few years. French-trained chef Wes Avila went from the Guerilla taco truck to Ka’teen in Hollywood, where duck confit tamal and lamb barbacoa are must orders.
Newer to the offerings, Mírate is a romantic space in Los Feliz with multiple levels of dining and bars with a menu uniquely executed by Michelin-star chef Josh Gil and his team, who
brought lobster tacos and lamb quesadillas to Mírame in Beverly Hills.
As for the current upswing, “Thankfully, L.A. is a melting pot, a communal amalgamation of culture, art, and expression,” Gil says.
“So, we are excited to create and try new combinations in all expressions.”
He recommends the Southern fried Jidori chicken oysters that are soaked in green chili buttermilk and served with a Mexican ranch;
or mesquite grilled rock cod marinated in spicy seiko miso, served with wasabi crema jicama slaw on a Wagyu-fat Sonoran flour tortilla.
At Encanto in Los Feliz, the upscale design and art elements are a major draw, along with an enticing cocktail bar, but do order the Australian swordfish tacos or whole branzino with mole verde for the table.
Casa Madera in the Mondrian Los Angeles is a high-energy scene that brings the Riviera
graze on seafood towers with king crab legs, duck confit tacos, Dover sole, or an 8 oz. prime filet and poached lobster in a Madeira cream sauce. Premium tequila and smokey mezcal drinks are lit on fire tableside and highrollers can go straight for the $65 shot of Clase Azul. Nearby, E.P. & L.P. on La Cienega has just launched Bombo, helmed by native Angeleno and Chopped champion chef Samantha Quintero. Look for menu highlights like grilled prawns with chipotle mezcal and grilled whole seabass with coconut lime sauce.
Hidden in the Rodeo Collection, The Hideaway offers an indoor-outdoor dining space that has quickly become a hard-tobook table. Cozy up on the patio next to the fireplace while a 36 oz. Tomahawk steak or 16 oz. New York Wagyu is carved tableside— and don’t miss the lobster tortilla soup at lunchtime.
Buzzy Casita in Sherman Oaks also
offers a show with flaming queso soaked in mezcal served tableside, prime Japanese A-5 Wagyu tacos, and a lobster boma coconut rice dish that is creamy and rich like a risotto, and another reason for the packed house.
Santa Monica favorite Tallula’s recent menu revamp includes a Plato de Mariscos with oysters, charred blue prawns, cóctel de camaron, and ceviche that pairs well with a flight of artisanal, small-batch mezcal. Chef Juan Robles’ signature molcajete with flank steak and mole negro is also a showstopper.
Just across the Spanish Colonial Revival courtyard of the Pasadena Playhouse, chef-owner Douglas Rankin—last seen at wildly popular Bar Restaurant in Silver Lake— and his team are back in action in with Bar Chelou.
In tandem with Whole Cluster Hospitality, which also owns Dunsmoor in Glassell Park, the former spot of Basque restaurant Saso has been swathed in neutral linen fabric with copper-top cafe tables and a room-length, custom chandelier of mouth-blown amber glass.
Rankin, who also worked with Ludo Lefebvre at Petit Trois, Trois Mec, and Saam by José Andrés, is bringing a brandnew concept to diners based on the bistronomie movement in Paris. Chelou is French slang for unexpected or pushing boundaries, and that is exactly what you will find on the menu with morcilla (blood sausage) “cigars” and crispy potatoes with a salty sea-inflected depth of aonori and aioli.
The neo bistro is the antithesis of old-school French restaurants with stuffy execution, a long tasting menu, and an expensive bill. This movement brings the same quality of food but in a more casual setting with interesting twists on classic dishes and small plates at affordable prices. “A neo bistro is a relaxed setting without a huge buy-in,” Rankin says. “And not being afraid to break the rules and use ingredients from other countries. It
is the classicism of French cuisine but made with their own lens and expression.”
To that end, you can order unique veggie plates such as cauliflower with Sichuan au poivre or carrots in coconut dressing topped with shoestring potatoes. Larger plates include the Iberico pork chop or rainbow trout with corn rice.
The thought process from the team was that, even with a downturn in the economy, people still want an experience with good food. You can pop into the bar several nights a week to order a selection of food-friendly aperitifs and classic cocktails, along with small bites, and not incur a large bill. The wine list will feature a constantly rotating mix of small-production wines, with a selection of about 40 listed daily.
Rankin was most excited about treading a new path for this type of restaurant in Pasadena, surprised by the diversity of diners, and grateful for the historic location.
“A lot of people moved out here during the pandemic and to neighboring areas farther east like Altadena, and they don’t want to dive 30 minutes for a restaurant like this,” he says. “Nothing else like this existed here, and it was a big deal for us, especially in a place that was so well known for so long.” barchelou.com
◗ Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
WHEN: June 8–June 11, 2023
WHERE: Kapalua, Maui
WHAT: This 42nd annual festival features four days of culinaryfueled activities. Highlights of this year’s event include the Grand Tasting Gala with local Kapalua resort restaurants like Merriman’s, The Plantation House, Taverna, and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar; a winemaker dinner with Kristy Melton of Freemark Abbey Winery; a winetasting seminar with Pierre Seillan, whose wineries—Vérité, Anakota, Chateau Lassègue, and Tenuta di Arcanum—have produced more than 30, 100-point wines; and a champagne and caviar breakfast with
Petrossian Paris and Louis Roederer.
WHAT ELSE: The Kapalua resort offers two golf courses, a zipline course, hiking trails, and of course stunning beachfront for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming.
TICKETS AND INFO: kapaluawineand foodfestival.com
STAY: montagehotels. com/kapaluabay
◗ The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic
WHEN: August 31–September 3, 2023
WHERE: Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resort, Big Island of Hawaii
WHAT: This inaugural event will showcase culinary, wine, and mixology from such acclaimed chefs as Bruce and Eric Bromberg, Stephanie Izard, Andrew Zimmern,
Shilpa Uskokovic, Jonathan Waxman, Kazutaka Iimori, Tiffany Derry, Mark Libunao, Christopher Ramelb, and Francesco Lafranconi. Experiences are set to include a wine tasting from the globe’s most volcanic regions; an omakase dinner from Blue Ribbon; a “mix-off” cocktail competition; and more.
WHAT ELSE: Make the most of the last days of summer by turning this into a great family getaway. The 333room resort sprawls
From celebrated guest chefs to full-blown culinary festivals, here’s where to experience world-class cuisine in stunning settings surprisingly close to home.
BY SAMANTHA BROOKS
across 3,200 acres and offers sunrise canoe paddling, surf lessons, and numerous opportunities to learn about Hawaiian culture and history.
TICKETS AND ROOMS: aubergeresorts.com
◗ Ojai Food + Wine
WHEN: October 26–29, 2023
WHERE: Ojai Valley Inn
WHAT: More than 50 top chefs and 100 wineries from around the world will come to this inaugural festival, including Nancy Silverton, Dominique Crenn, Alice Waters, Michael Cimarusti, Josiah Citrin, Jon Yao, Neal Fraser, Evan Funke, and Will Harlan. Expect wine seminars, culinary
demos, a decadent Sunday brunch, and dinner events at the property’s Farmhouse and stunning Tuscaninspired private villa, Casa Elar.
WHAT ELSE: Work up an appetite by hiking in the nearby hills and playing golf at the on-site course, or indulge at the spa and the apothecary center, where you can
make your own candles, soaps, and essential oils.
TICKETS AND INFO: ojaifoodandwine.com
STAY: ojaivalleyinn.com
Global Cuisine Series
WHEN: November 2–5, 2023
WHERE: Ritz-Carlton
Half Moon Bay
WHAT: Award-winning, Michelin-starred chefs from around the world take over the resort’s signature restaurant, Navio, for a weekend of exquisite dining.
Previous chefs from 2023 include Miguel Navarro of Es Fum at the St. Regis Mardavall in Mallorca and Rachel Haggstrom of The Restaurant at Justin in Sonoma. For the final event of 2023, chef Pepe Moncayo of Cranes in Washington, D.C., will offer a Spanish kaiseki menu. Check back later in the year
for the 2024 series.
WHAT ELSE: Set on cliffs above the Pacific, its rolling hills are reminiscent of Scotland, feeling much farther away than a tiny coastal enclave between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Bask in the tranquility, play golf at one of the two on-site courses, or make it part of a longer weekend that includes a road trip along the California coast.
DINNER RESERVATIONS
AND ROOMS: ritzcarlton. com
Jagged cliffs, stunning views, and a thriving culinary scene are just some of the reasons to jump in the car and head north.
BY CAROLE DIXONOn a hazy day, the rugged green coastline of Big Sur in Monterey County could double for the Irish coast or the Scottish Highlands.
The crisp fresh air and mostly untouched surroundings dotted with a few top resorts and restaurants are a perfect setting any time of year for a culinary and whisky-quaffing getaway. The perfect starting point should be the Alila Ventana amid redwood-covered grounds with pockets of heather, lavender, and sea holly.
Executive Chef Zachary Ladwig, newly helming flagship The Sur House, has spent the past 20 years working in Michelin-starred establishments such as Bouley (conceived by chef David Bouley) and Gordon Ramsay at The London in New York. Most recently, he worked at Relais & Châteaux properties Dunton Hot Springs and The Inn at Dos Brisas in Texas.
Using classic French techniques in the kitchen, menus range from haute cuisine tasting dinners to fried chicken sandwiches at lunch and tofu veggie scrambles at breakfast. Ladwig is fulfilling a
lifelong dream of living and working in the area, and he collaborates with local foragers and sustainable farmers for ingredients such as Monterey squid, 38-North Sonoma duck, and caramelized salsify—he always seems to “know a guy” who can deliver while taking advantage of the abundance of local ingredients, from the on-site organic gardens to the sea.
There are plenty of venues on the
grounds for private dinners or specialized tasting menus from the Glass House with an ocean view to the private The Loft or Fireside Room. On crisp evenings, around every corner is a roaring fireplace, whether in the Sky Terrace, lobby lounge social room with board games, or the library. The bar in The Sur House has a hearth for sitting and sipping the finest peaty Highland Park single-malt scotch by the dram or in a cocktail. This area shares similarities in climate and terrain to the Scottish isle of Orkney where the spirit is produced.
If you prefer something a little milder, the resort carries a wide selection from the San Gabriel Valley–based Art of Tea, offered in your room, the lobby, spa, and at the restaurant.
When you are not hiking or gazing out at Pfeiffer Beach, try the Big Sur Smokehouse near the Ventana resort entrance for classic barbeque with a California twist. Other must stops in the area include Sierra Mar’s landand sea-focused menu at the Post Ranch Inn during sunset; Big Sur Bakery for breakfast; and Nepenthe for the famed ambrosia burger.
Either way, you can work up an appetite hiking around the grounds, engaging in falconry, axe throwing, or taking a craft class such as soap making or botanical pours. And do not miss the clothing-optional Japanese tubs for a pre- or post-dinner soak under the stars, or nightly s’mores by the campfire. alilahotels.com
Our annual home issue delves into furnishing, organizing, and celebrating residences of all kinds, while also recognizing the fantastic people and places that make our city so stylish.
Jeanne K Chung, founder of Cozy Stylish Chic, shares how a passion for design and helping others is shaping the Pasadena design community.
BY NING CHAO
Born in Fargo, North Dakota and raised in Pasadena, interior designer Jeanne K Chung has been living and working in the Pasadena area as an interior designer since 2013. Her projects have spanned from updated traditional local homes to stunning kitchens inside the Pasadena Showcase House (she’s a four-time participant) to blogging about some of the world’s most popular design fairs. Since
opening her showroom Cozy Stylish Chic (cozystylishchic. com) in 2016, she’s expanded to collaborating with Monogram Appliances to create a luxury kitchen showroom— their first Experience Center on the West Coast—opening a workspace for interior designers and architects, and has leveraged her industry relationships to make Old Pasadena a true design destination. Below, Chung shares her dreams of
creating an official design district, right here in Pasadena.
How has Pasadena’s design community changed in the last 10 years?
✦ The design community is anchored by two organizations: the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Pasadena Showcase House. A decade ago, designers were still pretty guarded about what they shared and who they shared with. Thankfully, this mentality has evolved. Many designers in the area are members of ASID or have participated in the Showcase House, or both, but a big chunk‚ especially the newer designers, are not affiliated with either. Collectively, designers today are not as competitive. Many of us now share resources and bounce ideas off of each other.
How has the local design aesthetic evolved?
✦ Pasadena is known for a very traditional aesthetic that matches the historical architecture lining our streets. In the past, people would hire the same decorator as their parents, so interiors would look the same generation after generation. Now there’s more exposure to inspiration, whether through Instagram or Pinterest, so we’re seeing fresh, more modern takes on that traditional style. People today want their homes to reflect their individual personality, lifestyle, and experience.
Why are so many design companies coming here?
✦ The retail landscape is changing rapidly. On the one hand, there is the immersive digital presence that caters to the impulsive buyer, but on the other hand, there is the consumer that values the full experience of a physical location that can cater to all the senses, which is why so many national brands are opening up showrooms in Old Pasadena. I believe these companies noticed that a lot of their product was being shipped to the Pasadena area and set up brick and mortars to strengthen their position.
We opened our doors in 2016, within a couple of months of the Roche Bobois and Farrow & Ball openings. When COVID hit, a bunch of showrooms closed on Green Street. I recently took a stroll around Old Pasadena and was amazed at how many showrooms have popped up or are about to open since COVID—mostly corporate-owned showrooms like Room & Board, Herman Miller, Avocado, Custom Comfort Mattress, Parachute Home, Tempur-Pedic, Visual Comfort, and Lovesac.
How does our design community compare to West Hollywood’s?
✦ In WeHo, the businesses are dedicated to helping the designer succeed, because when the designers succeed, that means their business will thrive. WeHo has more industry events and dinners, and the design community is more social. Networking and social media are recognized as being a big part of the business, and the more you are out and about, the more likely you are to make connections that will lead to other opportunities. I see that starting to change here in Pasadena as designers recognize the value
“Networking and social media is recognized as being a big part of the business, and the more you are out and about, the more likely you are to make connections that will lead to other opportunities.”
—JEANNE K CHUNG
in promotion. What you give and the effort that you put in will get paid back in spades.
How are you cultivating a local design community?
✦ Participating in a Pasadena Showhouse House can be stressful, especially for those who are doing it for the first time and have no idea what to expect. With experience designing spaces for the Pasadena Showcase House and working with brands, I see and hear a lot of what goes on behind the scenes. I try to share that info with other designers so they don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.
Some questions that come up: What are the best practices when soliciting donations? Should you rely on the docents or should you staff your own room? Who pays for what? How do you create show-worthy space but within the
parameters of what is allowed?
When we opened Designer Domicile early last year, I realized that we had the space to host larger groups of people. We started hosting designer mixers last year—there’s no better way to get to know your peers than over some nibbles and wine! We have great conversations. Those who work alone may think they’re the only one dealing with a difficult client or having problems with orders being late, when the truth is, we are all facing the same issues.
How has your Cozy Stylish Chic showroom helped Pasadena’s designers?
✦ Our showroom is a mini-extension of the Pacific Design Center (PDC). With our recent expansion, we are a real one-stop shop for design. Now designers don’t have to make the dreaded trek across L.A. traffic because our pricing is no different from ordering directly from
the PDC showrooms. We’re also open to the public.
I travel to many of the trade shows around the world: High Point Market in North Carolina, Heimtextil in Frankfurt, Déco Off and Maison & Objet in Paris, Salone del Mobile in Italy, and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. Not every designer has the same opportunities, so I’ll write a trend report from each show on my blog. This spring, I decided to bring the best new products I saw at Déco Off and KBIS to Pasadena. We also brought in one of my favorite software vendors to demonstrate how designers can make their lives easier and their workflow more efficient by using the Lidar scanner on their iPhone or iPad.
What is still missing from Pasadena’s design scene?
✦ I would love to see more independent showrooms and retailers. The Old Pasadena Management District helps in promoting a “shop local” mentality, but “shop local” is something that needs continued support from locals year-round for the independent retailers to survive.
What’s next on your wish list for Pasadena’s design community?
✦ Each May, West Hollywood’s design district (the La Cienega Design Quarter) hosts Legends, a celebration of design that draws in media and designers from around the country. Panel discussions, parties, and designer-decorated store windows line the streets of the design quarter. I wish the businesses in Pasadena could join forces to officially designate (with signage!) a Design District and put together a design map that links the antique dealers along Fair Oaks to the showrooms in Old Pasadena. So many designers from outside Pasadena come to the Rose Bowl for the flea market and frequent the antique dealers along Fair Oaks, so why not bring more awareness to the collective design scene in Pasadena? Let’s collaborate instead of compete.
“Our showroom is a mini-extension of the PDC (the Pacific Design Center). With our recent expansion, we are a real one stop shop for design.”
—JEANNE K CHUNG
6. Avocado Green Mattress 87 W. Colorado Blvd. avocadogreenmattress. com
7. Cozy Stylish Chic 89 W. Dayton St. cozystylishchic.com
8. Crate & Barrel 60 W. Colorado Blvd. crateandbarrel.com
9. Room & Board Design Studio 42 S. De Lacey Ave. roomandboard.com
10. Design Within Reach 60 W. Green St. dwr.com
11. Farrow & Ball 54 W. Green St. farrow-ball.com
12. Custom Comfort Mattress 52 W. Green St. customcomfort mattress.com
13. Roche Bobois 33 W. Green St. roche-bobois.com
14. Parachute Home 29 W. Colorado Blvd. parachutehome.com
15. Pottery Barn 1 E. Colorado Blvd. potterybarn.com
16. Gold Bug 38 E. Holly St. goldbugpasadena.com
17. Maude Woods 55 E. Holly St. maudewoods.com
18. Fishbecks Patio Center 150 S. Raymond Ave. fishbecks.com
19. Snyder Diamond 432 S. Arroyo Pkwy. snyderdiamond.com
20. Cisco Home 474 S. Arroyo Pkwy. ciscohome.net
21. Bulthaup 241 E. Colorado Blvd. pasadena.bulthaup.com
22. Patioworld 520 E. Colorado Blvd. patioworld.net
23. Williams-Sonoma 142 S. Lake Ave. williams-sonoma.com
24. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 340 S. Lake Ave. fergusonshowrooms.com
25. Terra Outdoor Living 422 S. Lake Ave. terraoutdoor.com
26. Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home Pasadena 440 S. Lake Ave. bestbuy.com
27. California Closets 532 S. Lake Ave. californiaclosets.com
28. Salutations Home 900 Granite Dr. salutationshome.com
DISTRICT A look at what’s in the hub of Pasadena’s home-design neighborhood.
Just because it’s behind closed doors doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a showstopper. BY SAMANTHA
BROOKS
Wall Streit was brought on to give order and create a system for the pantry and prep station of this updated ranch-style home. The large kitchen was designed for chefs, with a sixburner range and two refrigerators— but a small pantry tucked to the side of the open space. “It was o to a good start as the homeowner set up the pantry for success upon move in,” Wall Streit says. “However, the key is to constantly take note of what is working for you and your family and learn how to keep it that way. I recommend once-amonth, 15-minute purges. It helps free up room from old seasonal items or things that may have expired.”
If you’ve ever watched episodes of The Kardashians just for the pantry footage—rows and rows of perfectly organized grains, protein bars, condiments, and supplies, all arranged like works of art—or had the TikTok algorithm quickly learn your preferences for organizational beforeand-after videos, you’re in good company with Christina Wall Streit, a Los Angeles–based professional organizer and shopper.
“While there’s no real degree for ‘organizing,’ it’s something I have been into ever since I was a kid and shared a room with my sister,” she says. “I have always loved finding efficient and neat ways to store things. In elementary school, I was the kid who came home on Friday, vacuumed the crumbs and pencil mess out of their backpack, sharpened their pencils, and then made sure everything was in its place for Monday.”
Now, she works with a roster of clients across the city on projects ranging from under-counter tweaks to get cleaning supplies in order, to full-scale kitchen makeovers, closet organizing, and styling. Wall Streit is always on the hunt for new and creative ways to add functional organization to a home. Here, she takes us through a recent kitchen-pantry makeover, sharing her guidance to help you purge, merge, and create order. christinawallstreit.com
n A wooden clipboard is great when you—or anyone in your household—are in the pantry and realize you’re out of something. Jot it down and snap a pic with your phone before you head to the store. It’s a great way to keep from buying things you don’t need.
n Clear containers are the perfect way to display the snacks you want your family to have easy access to.
n Hide the not-so-healthy snacks or things that aren’t as aesthetically pleasing in wooden boxes.
n Always keep your glass jars looking fresh by washing them every time you refill them.
n Especially for narrow or smaller pantries, keep your everyday items like, flour, pancake mix, and sugar in large glass containers on your kitchen counter. It looks decorative, but it’s also so efficient.
Wall Streit says the best supplies don’t have to break the bank. “Ikea is a great place to find inexpensive pantry items. I actually prefer their baskets for the pantry because they are easy to rinse or wipe down if you have any spills,” she says. “All of the glass jars are from The Container Store, but I have also found tons of them at flea markets. I like to search around my client’s home as well for things that we can repurpose, such as glass candle jars or wood tea boxes to hold smaller items.”
BY SAMANTHA BROOKS
✦ Based in Los Angeles but operating exclusively online, Lulu and Georgia won us over with its range of stylish home furnishings—from sofas in every size and shape to case goods and soft goods
and even one-off vintage items—and then with its generous return policy and reasonable prices. Browse through the site for high-quality wares or just to absorb design inspiration. luluandgeorgia.com
✦ Whether you gravitate toward Baies or Feu de Bois, any Diptyque candle is elevated when placed inside one of the iconic French brand’s glass candle holders—just some of the expanded offerings beyond fragrances. The label is also a terri c source for elevated throws, graphic wallpaper, tabletop wares, and even of ce accessories. diptyqueparis.com
✦ The new West Hollywood showroom is a fantastic source for inspiration, but should you nd the options overwhelming—or you’re just seeking inspiration from a broader catalog—the e-comm site for Soho Home is sure to
delight. Its elegant barware is always a favorite, but don’t miss the new rug collection, inspired by houses around the world. sohohome.com
✦ Not everyone has the time, patience, and packing skills to bring home artisanal crafts found on vacation in Mexico. Should “over ow duffel” not be in your vocabulary, two of Mexico’s best sources
for hand-picked ceramics, textiles, and accessories made by artisans across the country have established e-comm sites. Check out Evoke the Spirit (evokethespirit.com) for trademark rope wall hangings, pompoms, and hand-woven skulls, and Nakawe Trading (nakawetrading.com) for vegetable-dyed blankets, woven rugs, Mexican clay pottery, and more.
✦ Instead of relying on a warehouse, global e-comm giant Farfetch teams up with boutiques around the world to source its range of fashionable items. When you’re done adding anything from the latest Frame denim to vintage Hermès bags to your cart, move on to the home items and explore the range of everything from Alexandra Llewellyn backgammon sets and sculptures from KAWS to Brunello Cucinelli ceramics and Dolce & Gabbana cotton towels. farfetch.com
✦ Sometimes you need an elegant cake stand that matches the china you already own. Other times,
you need the perfect nonglass drinkware for enjoying cocktails poolside. Then, there are the times when you need that perfect beach chair, or watering can, or eye-catching serving set. There’s hardly an occasion involving the home that Hudson Grace doesn’t have an item for. hudsongracesf.com
✦ One step into the expansive Santa Ynez General brick and mortar up north, and we instantly fell in love with everything owners Pearson McGee and Spencer Turnbull source from makers near (like L.A.based Style Union Home) and far (like Paris-based, Scandinavian-inspired Eldvarm). Though the Central Coast isn’t a tough trek, there’s nothing like shopping for ceramics by Cym Warkov, oxidized oak ladders from Lostine, and cozy blankets from Blacksaw from the comfort of your sofa. santaynezgeneral.com
✦ You may have come across its boutiques in Newport Beach, Napa Valley, or Playa Vista and fallen in love with the curated
collection of jewelry, oneof-a-kind artworks, and ceramics. When you can’t make the drive, shop the Alchemy Works website for the latest from Flamingo Estate, Isabel Halley, Earl Home, Sandoval, and more. alchemyworks.us
✦ We just wrote about him in our March/April issue, but we can’t get enough
of the unique home items curated by Los Angeles–based designer Ryan Saghian. From abstract works of art to adorn our walls to L.A.-speci c wallpaper to spruce up small spaces, his curated site of eclectic nds has something for every room and is constantly updated with an endless array of fabulous nds. ryansaghianhome.com
BY SARA SMOLA
✦ For those seeking a one-of-a-kind nd without having to battle the Rose Bowl’s crowds, on the rst Sunday of the month, 400-plus vendors at Pasadena City College Flea Market sell an array of items including textiles, art, and midcentury furniture. pasadena.edu
✦ Whether you’re on the hunt for a bargain or treasure, or simply want to furnish your house in a day, the Santa Monica Airport Antique & Vintage Market ts the bill. Held on the rst and fourth Sunday of every month, the market is a destination for decorators and designers, as well as collectors of all ages. santamonicaairportantiquemarket.com
✦ You probably already know one of America’s most famous ea markets, the 50-year-old Rose Bowl Flea Market. It’s held rain or shine on the second Sunday of the month and home to over 2,500 vendors hawking a medley of vintage art, furniture, housewares, clothes, accessories, and all sorts of odds and ends. rgcshows.com
✦ Every third Sunday at the Long Beach Veterans Stadium, 800 vendors gather at the open-air Long Beach Antique Market. Less about clothing than some other local eas, this market is known for its range of furniture (Art Deco, midcentury, and beyond) and less intense scavengers—so there’s no need to show up at 5:30 a.m. to be the rst one in. longbeachantiquemarket.com
✦ The Assistance League of Pasadena is an all-volunteer nonpro t that puts caring and commitment into action through philanthropic programs in the Pasadena community. Its Treasure Fair Thrift Shop on Foothill Boulevard serves as the main source of funding and offers an affordable selection of antiques and collectibles, apparel and shoes, books, housewares, linens, and home decor. assistanceleague.org
✦ Goodwill Southern California has several Pasadena-based locations where you can browse a wide selection of deeply discounted clothing, accessories, home goods, furnishings, books, electronics, and collectibles. goodwillsocal.org
✦ The rst National Council of Jewish Women L.A. Thrift Shop opened in 1924 to serve immigrants coming to Los Angeles and was stocked with useful household items. Today, locations include Burbank, Canoga Park, Mar Vista, and West Los Angeles, and the Council Thrift Shop is among the most popular thrift shops in Los Angeles, known for a wide selection of clothing, jewelry, furniture, art, accessories, and other items at affordable prices. ncjwla.org
✦ Pasadena’s Salvation Army resells donated items, including housewares, appliances, furniture, and collectibles,
to provide funding for its no-fee, residential adult rehab centers. You may have to wade through some “junk,” but there’s treasure to be found. salvationarmy.org
✦ A shopping staple since 1991, T. L. Gurley Antiques on Fair Oaks offers a diverse inventory of antiques and oddities that’s updated daily. Whether you’re looking for a 17th-century Spanish table, Venetian ewer, or ne art, it’s worth a stop here. gurleyantiques.com
✦ Helmed by Mik Hollis, Hollis Pasadena (formerly Susanne Hollis Inc.) has served the most celebrated design rms around the country for almost 40 years. The Lincoln Avenue showroom offers classic European, Asian, and South American furniture, artifacts, and accessories, with a focus on quality, impeccable provenance, and immaculate construction. hollispasadena.com
✦ Remodeling your Craftsman?
Pasadena Architectural Salvage specializes in vintage and reproduction building materials for historic structures, including lighting, plumbing xtures, stained glass, hardware, doors, and windows. pasadena architecturalsalvage.com
✦ Hollywood set decorator Amy Wells (Mad Men, Scandal, Big Little Lies) relies on Pasadena’s Revival Antiques, an 8,000-square-foot showroom with a large selection of restored lighting, antiques, garden pieces, and vintage tile ideal for Craftsman, Spanish Revival, and Mediterranean abodes. The store also offers its own line of custom sconces and furniture, as well as in-home design consultations for period homes. revivalantiques.com
✦ Housed in the Pasadena Antique Center, Jeremie Adkins Antiques specializes in classic 18th- to 20th-century furnishings, paintings, and decorator-friendly objects. His curated wares have been featured in Architectural Digest, lm and television, and numerous photo shoots. Instagram: @jeremieadkins_antiques
✦ You’re nearly guaranteed to nd a prize while navigating the 22,000-square-foot Pasadena Antiques & Design space. Objects and decor span the 17th century to midcentury modern era. Past nds include folk art,
Venetian glass, textiles, and Chinese porcelain. antiquesofpasadena.com
✦ Rebecca Burton and Harmony Wolfson, the mother/daughter team behind Bougie Bazaar, have been buying and selling antiques and vintage since 1986. Expect to nd rare and unusual vintage treasures for the home and garden in their Walnut Street shop. bougiebazaarla.com
✦ Open since 1976, the 40,000-squarefoot Pasadena Antique Center and Annex is one of the oldest antique malls around and has over 130 professional dealers on-site, selling furniture and collectibles from various periods. pasadenaantique. center
A tour though some of the city’s best new spots for great style.
BY CAROLE DIXON
Downtown Los Angeles is undergoing another design renaissance and construction boom—the spaces, multiple concepts, and budgets seem limitless. Check out these new and enduring sites to experience some of the top urban talents.
✦ For design inspiration and shopping, Row DTLA has welcomed a colorful Joybird showroom for contemporary furniture. Other top draws (besides Michelin-starred Hayto and Pizzeria Bianco) are Reform, Morrow Soft Goods, and A+R.
✦ Probably the most ambitious hospitality design project ever to hit the city, Moxy and AC Hotel features Level 8, with an array of entertainment venues by twins Jonnie and Mark Houston, known for beloved transportive
concepts. Guests of the 37-story, 700-plus-room property can indulge in an adult playground, including a French Japanese–inspired steakhouse, rotating carousel bar with a skyline view, and nightlife venue with the duo’s signature speakeasy-style entrance.
✦ The Trust Building on “gallery row” will hold another dining concept by Jose Andres later this year but you can visit the contemporary (by appointment only) Swing Street Gallery.
Founded as an atelier by artist and designer Guerin Swing and fashion guru Molly Swing, this is a new meeting place for curators, collectors, and art lovers.
✦ The 24th oor of the Ritz-Carlton has four new concepts helmed by Kevin Luzande of Cabo’s celebrated farm-to-table Acre. Corteza leans in to the seafood-rich Baja coastline. Leña is an Argentine-inspired steakhouse. The Agave Library offers premium mezcal and tequila. And Volante is an eight-seat chef’s table.
✦ The Conrad Los Angeles, constructed by the legendary Frank Gehry and designed by U.K.based Tara Bernerd, holds several Jose Andres dining concepts, but the restorative 7,000-square-foot spa should not be overlooked. After an ayurvedic treatment, wave-table massage or dosha balancing, enjoy a few hours of lounging on
the rooftop pool deck in a cabana with a city view and a snack.
✦ Speaking of taking a dip, there are many reasons to check out the L.A. Proper Hotel, designed by Kelly Wearstler, but how about a swimming pool in your suite? The 35-by-12foot indoor pool in the 7th oor Pool Suite is an original amenity from the building’s YWCA past. Now it is surrounded by Portuguese-inspired marble and stonework plus a handcrafted ceramic tile mural by local artist Ben Medansky.
✦ With a new West Hollywood location, Hauser & Wirth from Zurich was the rst major gallery to open in the Arts District and remains a top destination for rotating contemporary shows, a bookstore, and Manuela for patio dining.
✦ If you want to see the retrospective of legendary
graf ti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, the “King Pleasure” exhibit featuring over 200 works is open at The Grand LA through July.
✦ Hotel Per La (formerly NoMad) has undergone a recent ground- oor,
light-and-airy spring refresh with plenty of oral fabrics, as well as a new aperitivo hour 4–6 p.m. daily in the bar-lounge, next to the agship Per L’Ora, where spatchcock chicken, beef tartare, and crab cakes are signature orders.
From planting gardens in the rain to honoring the home’s history while adding contemporary appeal, there was no shortage of challenges at this year’s Pasadena Showcase House. Here, the interior and exterior designers give an inside look at what went into creating a masterpiece.
BY RAMONA SAVISS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS CONSIDINE
The 58th Pasadena Showcase House of Design, April 23 through May 21 this year, brought out all the stops. The historic 1933 American Colonial estate has been fully renovated by a team of all-star designers using a contemporary approach and the latest materials. The two-story home was originally built for Arthur C. Stewart, an oil company executive who lived there with his wife, Ruth, their two daughters, a cook, and a live-in nanny. Marston & Maybury was the original architect and Benjamin J. Bennett Jr. was the builder for the property. When completed, it was estimated to be 5,781 square feet and cost $13,495 to build—a large sum at the time, during the Great Depression. In 1969, under new ownership, a major remodeling and expansion of the residence was permitted with Keith Marston, son of the original architect, as architect and E. C. Moller as contractor—both of whom were from Pasadena. By the 1980s, the home had undergone other additions, such as a loft and garage, which was later converted to a family room and laundry area. Today, the residence has nearly 11,000 square feet of living space, including seven bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, guesthouse, pool, and a variety of gardens sited on two acres of exquisite grounds. Adding to its storied past, the home was also a Pasadena Showcase House in 1983, and while it’s only exchanged hands once since then, later this year it will be listed for sale, allowing another owner to usher it through generations to come. pasadenashowcase.org
The 36 designers exhibiting their work at this year’s Showcase House include:
Jennifer Bevan
Karen Billman
Rydhima Brar
Marbé Briceno
Carmel Chow
Dona Dockendorf
Rachel Duarte
Sergio Gomez
Graciela Gonzalez
Meredith Green
Kira Halter
Lara Hovanessian
Amy Hy-Alarcon
Brenda Jacquez
Stephanie Leese
Louise Mueller
Ashley Marie O’Connell
Kirsten Poole
Chia-Ming Ro
Roxanne Spear
Gwen Sukeena
Courtney Thomas
Shari Tipich
Christopher Grant Ward
Carter White and Varand Zandoorian plus Goli Karima with ASID students including:
Lauren Bensmiller
Michelle Halabaso
Katie Jenkins
Missa Kato
Morgan Midgette
Yuri Oishi
Miranda Snell
Maria Videla and Donald Wong
“It’s an amazing property that has excellent bones and grand spaces. The biggest challenge we had was keeping the original soul of the room, while refreshing the look to a more neutral and up-to-date palate.”
—BRENDA JACQUEZ, Living Room (along with Dona Dockendorf), ninth-time Showcase House designer
“My favorite projects are taking beautiful old houses and making them work for the modern-day family. This house has a storied history with amazing architectural details, and I wanted to take that charm and build upon it to make these rooms look like they have always been part of this house.”
—KIRSTEN POOLE, Kitchen, first-time Showcase House designer
“I chose to reimagine the existing hand-painted murals. The challenge became with how much or how little to augment the paintings. I think the results honor the originals and bring them into the present. I’m thrilled with them, but the chandelier has to be my favorite design element.”
—RACHEL DUARTE, Dining Room, ninth-time Showcase House designer
“What surprised me was how much I loved the very things that initially felt daring in our design. The room grew from an African game preserve theme, and the more we explored this idea and leaned into it, the more depth and character the space emitted.”
—COURTNEY THOMAS, Primary Suite, third-time Showcase House designer
“I have attended Showcase for years, admiring all of the amazing designs featured. This year, I decided to jump in and take a chance by putting my designs out for display. I like to put an unexpected twist with traditional materials so that the room is a feast for the eyes. There was no time for mistakes!”
“I WANTED TO TRANSPORT PEOPLE TO A LUXURIOUS RESORT IN MARRAKECH OR PARIS WHEN THEY ARE IN MY SPACE. I WANT THEM TO GRAB A COCKTAIL, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE GORGEOUS VIEW OF THE BACKYARD. GRAB A FRIEND YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IN A WHILE AND CHAT FOR HOURS, ENVELOPED IN THIS SPACE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND STYLISH.”
—RYDHIMA BRAR, Garden Room and Terrace, first-time Showcase House designer
“Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve been curious to participate in Showcase House. It’s a fantastic opportunity and an important channel to showcase our skills as a designer. I’m glad I finally did because it all aligned perfectly. Despite its challenges, I love this property, its history, and the space I got. I want my space to welcome everyone and set the tone for the rest of the areas.”
“I wanted to honor the life and passions of the original owner, Ruth Stewart, by telling her story within a room. In 1935, Ruth sailed to the Hawaiian islands, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Ruth was so inspired by the aesthetics and culture, she threw Tahitian-themed parties. … Travel, adventure, art, sailing, philanthropy, and Ruth’s free spirit are the thematic elements of the Artist’s Wunderkammer.”
—CHRISTOPHER GRANT WARD, Artist’s Wunderkammer, first-time Showcase House designer
“AS I DID THE PRELIMINARY DESIGNER WALKTHROUGH, I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SPACE AND FILLED OUT THE PAPER TO APPLY THAT SAME DAY! I WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL A SENSE OF CALM WHEN THEY’RE IN THE PARISIAN HOTEL SUITE. I WANT ALL MY SPACES TO BE A PLACE TO RECHARGE BATTERIES AFTER A LONG AND STRESSFUL DAY.”
—LOUISE MUELLER, Parisian Hotel Suite, first-time Showcase House designer
“I took the green tone from the Young Gentlemen’s Bedroom but wanted to brighten the small space up with light colors and textures. It was such a fun transformation from the original bath.”
—ASHLEY MARIE O’CONNELL, Young Gentlemen’s Bedroom and Bath, first-time Showcase House designer
“As a student team of eight with no prior real-world industry career experience, the biggest challenge was learning to trust the process as we navigate new, unknown [territory] on a very limited budget and schedule. For our room, the light coming through the skylight and windows, the high ceilings, and A-frame architectural elements create an uplifting, airy quality and a feeling of relaxed optimism—we wanted the furniture and decor to be an extension of that.”
—MICHELLE HALABASO AND MISSA KATO, leaders for the team of ASID students, Modern Guest Haven, first-time Showcase House designers
“I love the house and the grounds—the pool house specifically felt like a beautiful little retreat, perfect for us to renovate. I also really wanted to design a space that represented me and my company, The Studio For. I love how everything came together, but I think what makes the most impact in these small spaces is our wallpaper. Inspired by nature with a modern take on Art Deco, it complements the colorful tile and natural wood.”
“The history of the Stewart House was extremely inspiring. As soon as I stepped out onto the Terrace and took in the view of the magnificent yard, I knew I wanted to be involved! The design for the Terrace was inspired by The Great Gatsby. What if the book had been set on a Caribbean island rather than Long Island …. What would Daisy Buchanan’s famous porch look like?”
“The Meditation Garden spoke to me immediately. Although overgrown, the original design was solid and worth preserving. I began by trimming and transplanting existing plants to expose the garden’s classic features of a natural stone fountain, stream, and statues. To provide a sense of balance, enhancements were purposefully kept simple and all new plants followed the established color scheme. I hope that visitors to the garden will enjoy a sense of peacefulness.”
—SERGIO GOMEZ, Meditation Garden, first-time Showcase House garden designer
“I was surprised that we found a wallpaper that is very reminiscent of the gardens. It’s called Aerial Garden by Anna French/Thibaut. It became the starting point of our design. It’s more traditional than our modern style but it works beautifully with our overall design and just fits the property. My favorite design element, however, was the color palette of whites and accents of gray and black mixed with rustic wood and natural seagrass.”
—MARIA VIDELA, Garden Retreat, 10th-time Showcase House designer
“It’s the first-ever vegetable garden aka Potager in Showcase history! We are at the mercy of the weather as exterior designers with a living exhibit. April/ May is the cusp of spring to summer planting, which is also the length of Showcase, then tack on the rain we’ve experienced in SoCal—that was the biggest challenge.”
—CHIA-MING RO, The Potager: Editable and Cut Flower Garden, first-time Showcase House designer
“I think the biggest challenge has been creating a layout and aesthetic that complements the traditional elements of the estate as well as moving into a more modern and updated feel. We really want people to feel as comfortable in the outdoor pool deck and gazebo area as they would feel in an indoor space. The house and pool area are so well maintained and timeless it has made working in the space so easy and fun. Good design and good bones really are timeless!”
—CARTER WHITE, Outdoor Deck, first-time Showcase House designer
One of my treasured childhood memories takes place at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: indulging in delicious sweets and lively conversation with my mom and aunts at the Rose Garden Tea Room. Now, as an adult, it’s still a treat to visit the grounds with friends, and I have been anxiously awaiting the tea room’s reopening, which will finally happen on May 24.
The Rose Garden Tea Room first closed in March 2020 due
to the pandemic, and then underwent an extensive 18-month, $11.2 million renovation that included restoration of the original building’s facade and a new outdoor dining area. “This renovation celebrates one of our most beloved historic structures, acknowledging what has been one of the area’s most iconic dining destinations since it first opened to the public many decades ago,” says Huntington President Karen R. Lawrence.
Built in 1911, the structure was designed by architect Myron Hunt to serve as a billiard room and bowling alley for Huntington founder Henry E. Huntington. In 1928, the Huntington opened to the public and the space became a tea room that served lunch for visitors, staff, and researchers. The Huntington’s English-inspired tea service began in the 1980s and continues to present day—with a few modern updates.
The tea room will offer a selection of teas, seasonal housemade scones, and a variety of savory and sweet offerings, including smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and caviar; banoffee tart with dulce de leche, banana jam, and caramel crunch; and buckwheat financier with lemon pistachio glaze. A high tea option will include champagne and elevated offerings such as lobster salad in phyllo with Maldon sea salt and shaved black truffles. huntington.org
After a three-year closure, the Huntington’s Rose Garden Tea Room will reopen to the public. BY SARA SMOLARight: View of the south entrance to the bowling alley (now the tea room), flanked on either side by a stone lion statue, circa 1918. Below: Front entrance view of the renovation and of The Huntington’s Rose Garden Tea Room.
Great doctors who listen. Personalized care. True partnership. At Keck Medicine of USC, we’ve transformed the patient experience to deliver world-class care tailored specifically for you. Together we are limitless.
