Category Archives: Garden Party

The Creative Wood Energy of Home

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Garden Party, Happy Hour, Restaurants and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

One of the basic principles of feng shui is how the five elements (being wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) interact with each other.   Sometimes when there is a major problem with an environment, one or two of these elements are  either missing, or are not present enough in the area to have an effect.    Of the five, there will be one or two cohesive elements that dominate the space, but the other three or four need to be represented as well.  On a recent visit to one of my favorite spots in Los Feliz, I was captivated by the soothing and nurturing wood element of Home Restaurant.  Most of the seating is outdoors on their spacious and newly remodeled terrace.  Green, thriving trees create a natural canopy over the guests, which fosters a sense of safety and comfort, like picnicking in a lush park; thus attracting a steady flow of guests and business.

The wood element helps people and places to thrive in a variety of ways.  Wood signifies the beginning of new life, as it starts the elemental cycle.  It’s represented by the color green, and is wonderful for new beginnings, increasing one’s prosperity, nourishment, health, creativity, and abundance.  Here at Home, the trees are the main example of the wood element.  As long as plants and trees are healthy and flourishing, they are the prime example of beneficial wood energy.  Dead plants or barren trees are an example of sha, or bad energy, which should be avoided.

Ferns and large, leafy plants are another fine example of wood here at Home.  But don’t let the wooden tabletops or terrace floor fool you.  Many people mistakenly use wood furniture and flooring as a wood element.  This does not work as the wood here is dead, and not thriving.  However, that being said, I’m in favor of wooden flooring and furniture, just not as an example of the wood element.  Home has all five of the elements here displayed beautifully.  For example, take the luxurious stone fountain in the center of the courtyard (pictured above).  The carved lions add a rich fire element to the earthen sculpture, and the moving water flows through it smoothly.  I’m going to guess that there is metal somewhere within the fountain, and with the prospering plants nearby, this is a highly auspicious example of all five elements working together in harmony.  Fire is also depicted here beautifully, in the form of lighting.  Small, Asian-inspired lanterns hang from the trees and building.  There is also a gorgeous vintage lantern (at right), that hangs suspended above the courtyard.  Much larger than the other lanterns, this gypsy light acts as a beacon to guide wayward diners to Home.

This establishment also has an excellent Happy Hour.  Available Monday – Friday from 3:00 to 7:00, beer, wine, well drinks, and  selected food items are available.  They also feature two specialty cocktails, including a Sauza Gold Tequila Margarita (pictured below right).  It is moderately strong, and is well worth the price for $5.00.  Also, it’s very light green in color (more wood energy).

To the left, we have one of their Happy Hour white wines, a Pinot Grigio that is refreshing and delicious.  They also offer a Chardonnay that is quite tasty as well.  A full bar with a choice selection is available to satisfy the palette.

Of their vast selection of food items, here is what I sampled on my last visit:

  • On the left is the Breakfast Quesadilla.  Home serves many of their breakfast items all day, including this one.  A savory tomato basil tortilla provides shelter to eggs, cheese and bacon, with salsa in the middle.  Oh so good.
  • Taking center stage is Not Cho Mamma’s Nachos, with chicken.  Sour cream, enchilada sauce, salsa, cheese and Home’s impressive guacamole completely envelop a large pile of corn tortilla chips.  You will need to use a fork with this.  During Happy Hour, with chicken or beef added, it comes to about $8.5o.  Enticing and decadent.
  • At right is the Home Huevos Rancheros.  My friend Jon insists on ordering Huevos anytime we go out if it’s offered on the menu.  Being a connoisseur of the dish, he feels Home make a stellar version of this classic.  Over-easy eggs, black beans, cheese and peppercorn sauce casually lounge about a bed of corn tortilla chips.  Guacamole, and either potatoes or fruit also come with the dish.

And these items are also scrumptious

  • Santa Fe Egg Rolls – A fusion of South meets East, these delectable morsels are served with Home’s luscious guacamole.  I think there’s either four or six pieces to an order.  Mouth-watering.
  • Breakfast Burrito – My usual selection here.  A colossal tomato basil tortilla filled with bacon, eggs, beans, and melted cheeses.  Also served with their popular  guacamole, and either potatoes or fruit.  Really good when paired with a red wine.

My favorite server here, without a doubt,  is Danielle.   She takes expert care of all of her guests in a warm and delightful manner.  Ask to sit in her section if she happens to be working when you visit.  You can’t miss her; she has pretty red hair.  Parking is pretty plentiful in the surrounding neighborhood, just be sure to double-check the street signs.  On my next couple of visits, I plan on trying their Chicken Breast Marsala, and the Banana Walnut Pancakes.

Now, you’re probably wondering, how I can get more wood into my life?  Well, there are a couple of ways.  Here are some suggestions:

  • Get some Living Plants!  Adding trees or plants to your living room, kitchen, or outdoor environment is the fastest way to add wood energy.  If you have children or pets, make sure the plants are non-toxic, and kept out of reach.  Make sure the plants are healthy and thriving.  Dead or decaying plant attract bad energy.
  • What about Faux Plants?  Although real plants are significantly better, not everyone has a green thumb.  Faux plants can work, but they need to be very high quality and look realistic.  Many offices use fake Ficus trees.  The trick with faux plant is the dust.  You HAVE to dust your plant weekly.
  • Paintings – Beautiful landscapes with trees, or paintings of full-blooming flowers is another way to bring creative wood energy into a room.
  • Wall Decals – A new, popular decorative item are removal wall decals.  These provide wall decor other than paint or wallpaper, and make very intriguing visual statements.  These are also more conducive to renters, as they can be easily removed.  Wall Pops  http://www.wallpops.com/ and Elly Nelly  http://www.ellynelly.com/category/wall-graphics  are just two of the many online retailers selling high quality wall art.
  • Visit a Forest!  Find some beautiful land with trees on it, either a more untamed setting, a national park, or a more manicured environment such as Descanso Gardens.   https://fengshuifoodie.com/2012/08/25/descanso-gardens-and-the-camellialounge/

Everyone can benefit from having more wood energy in their lives.  And while you’re contemplating getting a new rubber tree plant, or a print of Claude  Monet’s The Poppy Field, stop by Home and have a breakfast burrito.  There’s no place like it.

Home Restaurant Los Feliz

1760 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz, CA 90027

323 669-0211

Hours:  Sunday – Thursday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday – Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm,  Happy Hour:  Monday – Friday 3:00 – 7:00

http://www.homelosfeliz.com/

Descanso Gardens and the Camellia Lounge

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Folklore, Feng Shui Tips, Garden Party, Restaurants, Vegan/Vegetarian and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Outside the hustle and bustle of the City of Angels lies a heavenly oasis known as Descanso Gardens.  This fine estate was once the home of E. Manchester Boddy, the newspaper publisher of the popular Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News.  After purchasing a one-hundred and sixty acre tract in La Canada, he hired James E. Dolena, the then architect-of-the-stars, to design an impressive twenty-two room home for him, his wife, and his two sons.   The beautiful house, constructed in 1937, encompassed many luxurious amenities of the era, including a built-in sound system, and a separate foyer for Boddy’s private office where he conducted business.  The three bedrooms of the home each had their own bathroom and sitting room as well.

From a feng shui perspective, the house is beautiful designed.  James E. Dolena used geothermal principles when planning the layout of the home.  Not only does this aid in creating a temperate climate within, it also helps air flow (and chi) move around freely.   In addition to the high ceilings, built-in bookcases, and enormous kitchen, the home offers a glimpse into a vintage way of life.  Although the furniture showcased is not original to the home,  each piece is of the era, and remarkably preserved. This includes a gorgeous grand piano which my friend Andrea was dying to play – but the velvet ropes guarding the display dissuaded us from touching.   Further information on the house, gardens, and the Boddy family is displayed throughout, including many historical photographs.  Only the downstairs level is open to the public, but I do hope they make some of the upstairs available soon.  I would love to see the whole house in all of its preserved glory.  Friendly docents are available, should one have questions while walking about the house.  Boddy and his family resided here until 1953 when he sold the estate to Los Angeles County.  Shortly thereafter, Descanso Gardens became open to the public.

Across the driveway from the main house is the original garage, which has been converted into the Sturt Haaga Gallery.  Unfortunately, on the day we visited, the gallery was closed for installation of a new exhibit.  But we did explore the outside of the structure.  I was most taken with the grand vertical garden along one wall of the gallery.  I would estimate it to be about fifteen feet tall, with a variety of rich, thriving plants.  I would love to have a smaller version of this in my own home environment.  I was a little disturbed by the statue on the right, until I realized those orbs on the sculpture were pomegranates.   The pomegranate, in feng shui folklore, is an auspicious symbol of fertility because it’s full of ripe seeds.  It’s also symbolic of familial happiness, and luck for one’s descendents.  This fruit is also rich in antioxidants.  A good way to get more pomegranate energy into one’s life is to eat the seeds raw, or toss them into a salad or smoothie.   Pomegranates also grow on the property.

This cooling waterfall was hidden down a garden path we found.  Metal, earth, water, and wood are all alive here, with the fiery energy of the sun radiating down.

Throughout the grounds there were all sorts of beautiful, open spaces like the lawn above.  I could sit underneath the shade of those trees all day, reading a Stephen King novel.

For the young (and young-at-heart), there is a hedge maze of miniature proportion.  Known as The Children’s Secret Garden, this lavish area was funded by a secret admirer of Descanso.  The walls of the hedges are about three feet high.  In the center of the maze is an opening complete with miniature wooden benches and chairs; child-sized models of similar ones found throughout the park.  As charming as those were, I was taken with the stone statues of friendly animals, two of which are pictured above.

Descanso is also home to the largest collection of Irises in Southern California.  Being that we visited the gardens in August, many of these were out of season.  But these vibrant purple ones continue to thrive.

We also visited Cafe Descanso, a casual eatery located by the front entrance.  Operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, the cafe offers sandwiches and salads.  The seating is all outside, either on comfy cafe chairs, or brick benches.   On this rather hot day, I opted for the following:

  • Bottled water.
  • Chardonnay – I had one glass of their house white, which is Crane Lake Chardonnay.  Although more of a low-brow selection, this delicious chard is crisp and refreshing.  In stores, bottles of this usually run $3:00 – $6.00.  An excellent wine for the price.  A generous glass here is about $7.00.
  • Mushroom Panini – Served on a role with Portobello mushrooms, light pesto, and white cheese (I think it was fontina).  The sandwich was good and quite filling.

Later in the day, we paused for some cocktails at The Camellia Lounge.  Hidden in a tea house next to the Japanese Garden, this quaint hideaway offers a select Japanese menu, as well as beer, wine, and refreshing summer libations.  It has very limited hours, being only open three days a week, but definitely worth a visit.  Although we did not sample any of the food here, the aromas drifting on the air were mouth-watering.  Here’s what we had:

  • Camellia Collins – A take on the classic Tom Collins.  But here, they add chamomile tea to the composition, which was exquisite combined with the gin.  The beverage was cool, refreshing, and generous in size.  I could drink these all day.
  • Green Hornet – Andrea ordered this, and it was not to our liking, chiefly because sweet-and-sour mix was used in lieu of lime juice.  Not only is this a major faux pas from a taste perspective, it’s also bad feng shui.  When the option to use a natural ingredient over a not-so-natural alternative, it is always preferable to select the natural choice.  When we consume items into our body, we absorb the energy of that item.  Therefore, natural or organic ingredients are preferable to chemical or sugary alternatives.  Had the required lime juice been used, I’m sure the drink would have been wonderful.

Descanso also has a great gift shop, and offers a variety of events for the whole family, including live jazz concerts, tai chi classes, and story-time for kids.  I will most assuredly be coming back here, probably in March, when their lilac garden is in full bloom.   The grounds are also used as film locations for many television series and movies.  A large paved lot is provided for ample, free parking.  If you are looking to escape into a Secret Garden, and add some more creative and rejuvenating wood energy into your life, visit Descanso.

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge 91011

818 949-4200

Admission:  General $8.00   Senior/Students $6.00   Children (5 to 12 years) $3.00    Garden members and children under 5 are free.

Hours:  Open Daily from 9:00 to 5:00.  Closed Christmas.   (Hours extended during the summer and for special events – call ahead)

Boddy House and Sturt Haaga Gallery:  Open Tuesdays –  Sundays 10:00 to 4:00.   House tours given Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00.

Cafe Descanso:  Open Daily from 9:00 to 4:30.

Camellia Lounge:  Open Tuesdays – Thursdays 3:00 – 8:00, during the summer months.  (Call ahead to verify hours of operation.)

Home

Ganoderma and Camping

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Garden Party, Vegan/Vegetarian and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Miner's TentWhen camping in the wilderness, it is best not to eat random mushrooms one finds in the forest.  Indeed, some of these toadstools are not fun guys at all, causing anything from stomach cramps to death if ingested.  Since I’d rather avoid death, I tend not to eat mushrooms when embracing nature.  Unless you count the ones in my coffee.  It sounds odd, I know, but recently my friend Kari introduced me to a flavorful company called Organo Gold.  All of their products, including their coffee varieties, have a secret ingredient in them called ganoderma.  Ganoderma is a flat, table-like mushroom that grows on wood.  This beneficial chanterelle is known for it various health properties, including the control of blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, relief of fatigue, and bolstering of the immune system.  China, Japan, and other Asian countries have known about ganoderma for centuries.

Brown and Cream Mushroom

I was quite pleased when my friend Kari became a distributor for Organo Gold.  Although ganoderma is available from a variety of sources, no other company has been able to make it taste as tempting as the good people of Organo.   Coffee, in itself, brings a wonderful earth element to the table, with its rich brown hues and terrene aroma.   It is mostly a yin beverage, but I feel this also depends on how sweet one makes it – yin is sugary, whereas yang is more savory, from a sweetness standpoint.  There’s also the argument that it’s stimulating effect is more yang in its origins.  Personally, as someone who has chosen coffee as a lifestyle choice (not an addition), I would be lost without my two cups in the morning.  So, I would say it’s more yang in its energies due to the caffeine.   Also, coffee drinkers are less likely to develop type 2 Diabetes, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.  I tried two of the impressive Organo beverages, and was astounded to say the least.

The most popular of their products, their Black Coffee has a distinct nutty taste to it, almost like hazelnut.  This is what I like to call the Frangelico Aspect.   The nuttiness flavor stems from the ganoderma extract in the brew.  Very, very tasty.

Organo Gold’s Black Coffee in Cafe Latte form.  Already sweetened with cream and sugar, this is just like having a latte ready at one’s fingertips.  The Frangelico Aspect is here as well.  Perfect for those who love hazelnut lattes.

Another reason I praise Organo is that all of their beverages need only one additional ingredient:  boiling water.  As a mircobrew, the coffee comes prepackaged in individual servings, with each box having multiple packets.  This is the ideal product to take with you when your coffee maker isn’t close at hand.  It is especially perfect to enjoy while relaxing on some seafaring vessel – or when one is camping in the wilds of nature (I prefer Cabrillo State Beach above Malibu).  Kari’s website for Organo Gold is below, and if you have any questions about the coffee, feel free to email her at kari.larson21@yahoo.com.     I am looking forward to having their hot chocolate this winter, perhaps by a roaring fire…

Update:  Due to some incredible and positive career changes, Kari is no longer selling Oregano Gold.  To find a distributor near you, please refer to their website:   http://www.organogold.com/

A Garden Oasis at Carhartt

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Folklore, Furniture, Garden Party, Wineries and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The bewitching grace of the colorful  fish called koi has long attracted mortals.  In the folklore of many eastern countries, koi is considered to be a symbol of strength, endurance, courage and abundance.  It was also believed that the larger the koi one owned, the more prosperous one would become.  As I was entering the Carhartt Tasting Room, I was immediately taken with the colossal fish sculpture acting as guardian to the establishment.  The intricate metalwork of the delicate fins and scales is a truly beautiful thing to behold.  I am honestly not certain what kind of fish it is, but it reminded me of the stately koi.  Also known as “swimming flowers,” koi are available in a wide variety of colors, usually white, yellow, orange, red, black, or any combination thereof.  If we can judge by the grandiose size of this fish, then Carhartt must be thriving in its prosperity.

Located in the wine hamlet of Los Olivos, Carhartt is perhaps one of the smallest tasting rooms I’ve ever visited.  Photographs, mostly of the winemakers and nearby landscapes, adorn the walls of the matchbook-sized room.  But what really captured my attention was the heavenly garden in back.  Guests are invited to have their tastings out here when the weather is fine, as well as to just come and enjoy a glass or bottle at their leisure.  From a feng shui perspective, this tranquil oasis has all of the five elements represented, blending together in perfect unity:

  • Wood – The trees and lush plants in the garden.
  • Fire-The colors of the flowers and flower pots, as well as the wine in our glasses.
  • Metal -Parts of the fountain and patio furniture, and the metal signage
  • Earth – The stone of the fountain, the terra cotta flower pots, and brick tile on the ground.
  • Water – The elegant fountain, part of which is made from a wine barrel (pictured below)

Notice the little stone frog perched in the fountain.  Frogs, in feng shui folklore, attract luck and wealth, especially when paired with other items such as water and flowers.  Also, this specific frog is placed diagonally from the main entrance to the garden, which can help to attract wealth to the environment.  I think the frog is cute, and adds a healthy energy to the fountain and surroundings.  And I think I spot some real living fish in the pond, too.

And now on to the wine.  All six of the intricate wines we tried were intoxicating and lovely.  The two that really impressed me were the 2010 Sangiovese and the 2009 Syrah.  The Sangiovese had a deep, silky sheen in color and tasted divine, with hints of strawberry and oak.

The Syrah won my heart, however.  A deep, blood red wine with suggestions of chocolate, pepper, and blackberry.  It was love at first taste.  A bottle of this fine liquid gem accompanied me back home.  I will most assuredly be purchasing this again.

Another aspect I love about Carhartt wines are the labels on the bottle.  Each varietal has a different animal on it.  The Syrah has a pig, the Merlot a pheasant, the Sangiovese a rooster.  All of these animals have different meanings and symbolism, both in feng shui and other historical avenues.

The rustic class and simplicity of Carhartt made for a wonderful wine savoring experience.  They also played amazing music during the tasting, including some selections from the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, most of it being a fusion of mellow bluegrass and jazz.   For a truly excellent outdoor wine tasting experience, visit the fine people at Carhartt.  And, don’t forget to pay homage to the giant metal fish in front.

Carhartt Tasting Room and Winery

2990A Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441

805 693-5100

Hours:  Tasting room open daily 11:00 to 5:00.

http://www.carharttvineyard.com

The Road to Melville

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Garden Party, Wineries and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Herman Melville was one of the greatest novelists of the nineteenth century.  His most popular book, Moby Dick, illustrates the adventures of a sailor called Ishmael and his experiences aboard the ship Pequod.  Bent on revenge, the captain of the ship, Ahab, relentlessly pursues  a large whale who destroyed his last boat and bit off his leg.  While I have never read Moby Dick, I can understand Ahab being somewhat angry at the whale.  I also appreciate his tenacity at the continual hunt for this grand creature, Moby.  It reminds me of my never-ending exploration for good wine (without the revenge or blood-loss).   On my recent travels, my friends and I stopped at Melville Winery in Lompoc  to sample their vineyard creations.  The main tasting room is in the rotunda-esque portion of the building (above), with beautiful grounds perfect for picnics and relaxation.

This winery is rich with color!  On the day we visited, elegant wisteria was in full bloom, adding a beautiful wood element to the front of the building.  This flowery plant also adds  a little fire energy with its calming violet color.  The mustard hue of the stuccoed walls and the reddish tile add a lively earth element to the environment.  Most shades of yellow are symbolic of earth or mountains, and tend to put one immediately at-ease.  This, I found, continued as we journeyed inside.

An expansive tasting bar lined the back wall of the room that I now call “the tasting rotunda.”  I fell in love with the beautiful marble that covered the bar.  Marble, real or faux,  is a stylish and tactile way of adding an earth element to any environment.  This specific marble takes it one step further.  Notice how the patterns on the stone almost looks like a map of some sort; maps and globes are another way of how earth can be introduced symbolically into ones surroundings.

Another auspicious aspect of the environment are the potted trees inside.  An example of this is pictured below.  Living trees and plants indoors can add a beneficial wood element to the area, as well as improving air quality.  Faux plants are also good, but they will not aid in improving the indoor air as real plants.   Notice also at the top of the picture there are beams on the ceiling.  Beams, from a feng shui perspective, can greatly affect the health and emotional relationships of an area in a negative fashion.  They can  symbolically apply pressure to those in the room, and can cause quarrels or discord among people as well.  Being that this is a business, it’s not as bad as if it were a residence, but I’m not fond of it.  This was the only negative I noticed in the surroundings.  I love how all the windows let in natural sunlight, bringing more nature in from the outside.

And now on to the delicious wines:  Here’s what I tasted:

  • 2009 Estate Chardonnay – Now, while I am a red lover by heart, there is nothing like a white wine on a warm California day.  Referred to as their core chardonnay, this was my favorite of all the wines we tried.  Pineapple, lemon, and sage are very evident in the aroma.   Truly excellent and crowd pleasing.
  • 2010 Estate Viognier – A crisp white wine with hints of pear and ginger.  Not as sweet as other viogniers, but I quite enjoyed it.  Would be great with Chinese food.
  • 2010 Estate Syrah – A sultry red with suggestions of plum and elderberry.  Very tasty.
  • 2010 Estate Pinot Noir – A deep, rich pinot full of spices.  One can taste black pepper, cumin, and ginger among others.  I loved the ruby color of this wine.  Sophisticated and complex.

The grounds of Melville are well-manicured and pleasing to the eye.  My friends and I took advantage of this and brought a picnic lunch to savor the gorgeous day.  We also purchased a bottle of the 2009 Chardonnay to accompany the meal.  Definitely one of the best picnics I’ve had in a long time.   I will definitely be visiting Melville again when I’m in the Lompoc area.

Justina Cross, Shaun-Mathieu Smith, Wendy Cross and Andres Acevedo. Photo courtesy of J. Cross.

Melville Vineyards and Winery

5185 East Hwy 246, Lompoc, CA 93436

805 735-7030

Hours:  Tasting room open daily 11:00 to 4:00.

http://melvillewinery.com/index2.html