OKAY! VALENTINES DAY IS COMING

Quick do something! Planning (or like us, no planning) to sneak out for a romantic dinner on Valentines Day? Tables fill up pretty quick so it’s best to book ahead. If you have a favorite place, great, just call the restaurant. But if you want to experience something different and new there are a number of websites to check out reviews, menus, pricing and then book reservations online. It’s pretty easy to find what you are looking for. The one we always use is OpenTable.com. If you are looking for a restaurant with a scenic view or outdoor dining they have a great list to review. One of our favorite dining experiences is Café’ La Boheme in West Hollywood. The décor is amazing with fireplaces and chandeliers the atmosphere is relaxed and classy. A perfect fit for good food with an Asian twist. Another favorite of ours is Villa Piacere in Woodland Hills. We have always had a consistent experience, and we love Italian. They have a beautiful romantically lit outdoor brick patio in the back of the restaurant, perfect for an intimate Valentines dinner. Whatever you decide to do, be safe, have fun and give yourselves a little time.

FOR MOM AND DAD

So it is said that life as we new it changes when we have a family, forever. Feed ‘em, clothe’ em, take’ em to school, run' em around, feed’ em gain, homework, bath’ em and put' em to bed. It’s all about the kids and we wouldn’t have it any other way, right? Balance your life with a little time for yourselves. Manage to recruit a babysitter and find a few hours to go connect with each other and the outside world.

Go let off steam at one of L.A.’s roof top bars. Reconnect with your old self, fashionable side, glamorous side, social side, whatever side for a few hours of drinks and views. The Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant + Elevate Lounge opened in August of 2007 above the financial district with outstanding views of downtown. Featured in Los Angeles Magazine and others this place is on our list for date night.

EMERGING FAMILY CULTURE - DOWNTOWN L.A.

Our memory of downtown LA is of a place where skid row was the main attraction, empty buildings were common place and the environment was dreary and, frankly, dirty. The only things that ever lead us downtown were the lure of a great deal on jewelry or fashions. One of the best things to come out of the last ten years for Los Angeles is an emerging downtown neighborhood. Downtown has emerged as a place where families looking for more urban life can feel comfortable living. While the economic boom of this decade left us with turmoil in the real estate market and other aspects of the economy, it seems that a lasting downtown culture is emerging. Mostly conducive to single living or young couples, a family culture is emerging. In a post by David Kennedy entitled Life Downtown with Three Kids (blogdowntown.com) he describes a much different LA family lifestyle than one usually would expect from a typical LA family. We are so used to suburban living whether in a single family home, apartment or condo; most of our neighborhoods are not considered “walkable” by the standards of other big American cities. Where urban life provides all the comforts, conveniences and necessities we need without having to get into the car, most of the things we need are only be retrievable by getting in the car.That being said, I enjoy our suburban life and the Valley community we live in. There are no plans to move. But a trip to downtown Los Angeles once in a while is fun for experiencing the transformation that is taking place. We recently ventured downtown on a Saturday afternoon and had lunch at Philippe, one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Los Angeles. It is said that the Philippe is the home of the original French Dip sandwich. Here are some links to other downtown discoveries. Urth Cafe The Pantry Library Bar