Raphael: An Artist Studio

The color yellow in feng shui is an alluring example of the earth element, introducing a vibrant cheerfulness to any environment.  Some color researchers feel that this shade can  strengthen one’s immune system, confidence, and well-being.     For feng shui guidelines, it is best used in living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, and entry halls.   Yellow can work for other areas, too, but it depends on which pigment is selected for which location.  A primary yellow, for instance, would be much too yang in its energies for a bedroom; the occupant would have trouble sleeping and could become agitated.  But a pale yellow would work well for rest and rejuvenation.  Yellow can also bring a glowing fire element into a space, depending on the hue.  The luminosity of the various yellows in the painting above adds depth and sensuality to the piece without the effort of  reds or purples.   It also brings a brightness to the restaurant hallway in which it resides.   Be it citrine, amber, or goldenrod, the color yellow makes a valuable  impact to one’s surroundings.

Nestled amidst the bustle of Ventura Boulevard lies an artistic oasis of the cultivated kind known as Raphael.   I came here the other day with my friend Hanh, and was highly impressed.  All of the elements here are beautifully displayed, and the use of color is that of a painter’s palette.   The main dining area of the restaurant is tastefully decorated.  Intriguing art, comfortable seating, and unique light fixtures are some of the striking features here.  One of my favorites was the lavish yellow wall panels.  These golden room dividers help to add a sense of warmth and luxury to the dining experience.   Another item that captivated my attention was a handmade glass light fixture.  With its fiery tints and triangular shapes,  it can act as one’s own personal sun if they sit at this specific table (pictured above).

The outside of Raphael is a stoic stone edifice that masks the style and grandeur that awaits inside – until you see the succulents.  A massive wall of living plants encloses the outdoor terrace dining, adding a rich and lively wood element to the earthen structure.

In contrast to the robust yellows of the dining area, the lounge is hued in shades of blue and green, with wood-paneled walls and squared lighting.  I love the use of  rectangles and squares here, providing a stability while dining.   A medium-sized bar lies directly across.  One aspect here I did not care for – feng shui wise – was the mirrored ceiling, which can be glimpsed in the top left corner of the photo.  Reflective ceilings are considered very high energy, and will cause difficulty in one being able to rest.  However, being that this is a place of business and not a residence, I found this to be a rare exception to the rule.  But no one should hang a mirror over their bed on the ceiling – ever.  In addition to the tawdry tackiness of how it looks,  the occupant of the bed will suffer a variety of problems.  Don’t do it.

And now on to the food!  Raphael is experimenting with their Happy Hour at present, but we sampled their selection of three small plates for $12.00.  The selection of the three items changes daily upon the discretion of the artist, chef Adam Horton.  He combines various Asian cooking elements into his nouveau cuisine.  The three masterpieces above were sublime in both taste and presentation.

  • On the left we have Amberjack lounging about in a pool of delicious curry sauce, with baby carrots.  A coconut puree acted as garnish.  Incredible.
  • In the middle we have tomatoes, burrata cheese and kimchi, served warm under glass.  When I lifted the glass up, smoke billowed out.  Dinner and a show – I love it.  Tasty and tantalizing.
  • On the right we have Wagyu beef accompanied by bacon-onion jam.  The little half egg roll garnish is filled with a mellow bleu cheese.  Mouthwatering.

And below are the other things I sampled:

Savory Martini – A gin based martini with celery bitters, dry vermouth, Parmesan stuffed olives, and a solitary cocktail onion.  I love martinis – especially a Gibson – and this one combined my love for cheese into the concoction.  Also available with vodka.  Decadent and classy.

Roseberry – An ideal summer beverage!  Fresh pressed raspberries, lemon, and gin pool their talents together wonderfully.  Garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary.  A prime example of yin and yang, with the savoriness of the gin and rosemary, and the sweetness of the fruit.  I love the ruby color of the drink as well.  Addictive.

Ginger Shandy – Ginger beer, vodka, Corona, and liquid ginger perform exquisitely in this lush summer cocktail.   I especially liked the use of yuzu foam across the top, giving it a nice froth.  These are dangerous – I could drink them all day.

Macaroni and Cheese – A small crock of steaming macaroni and cheese.  Comfort food at its finest.   Unlike other versions of this classic, Raphael uses jalapeno juice in the compound, adding a spicy yang element to the entrée.  Hanh and I were only going to share one order, but it was so good we couldn’t resist and enjoyed a second round.  Piping hot and satisfying.

Habanero Tincture
Photo courtesy of H. Nguyen

All of our beverages were created by our bartender, Chris Parke.  A true mixologist, Chris educated us on the ingredients on each drink, as Adam had on the food.  One interesting bit of knowledge I learned was what a tincture is.  In the world of mixology and bartending, a tincture is an essence of something to its most potent form.  Used in some of the libations at Raphael is their own homemade Habanero Tincture.  I sampled only a few drops, and it packed a powerful punch.  I quickly followed it with some water.   I can see how it would be amazing in a food or beverage, though, once it was diluted.  Hanh and Chris were much more courageous than I; they each took a whole shot of the tincture (pictured above).   It gives whole new meaning to the term fire-eater.   On my next visit, I plan on savoring some wine from their choice selection, and perhaps take in the best of all artistic creations:  Dessert.

Raphael, A Dining Experience

11616 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604
818 505-3337

Hours:  Lunch:  Monday – Friday 11:30 – 2:00,  Dinner:  Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 9:00,  Friday – Saturday 5:30 – 10:00,  Happy Hour:  Tuesday – Friday 5:00 – 7:00

http://raphaelonventura.com/

Note:  Closed Mondays for Dinner, and weekends for Lunch.

Wine: An Old School Perspective

On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, I was introduced to an unusually captivating wine merchant known as Municipal Winemakers.   While I was waiting for my friends to arrive, I grabbed a glass of their robust MCS, and perused my surroundings.  The tasting hall here promotes comfort in an artistic and environmentally-conscious fashion.  A large warehouse door (pictured above) opens up to the outside world letting in light and fresh ocean air. Surplus wine bottles and tasting glasses are stored in upcycled file cabinets. The seating is a mixture of reclaimed wood benches, padded folding chairs and classic science lab stools.  Bookshelves constructed of wooden crates are laden with 1980’s textbooks and vintage high school trophies.  One of the many items that captured my attention was the illustrious chandelier (pictured below).  This is actually constructed using a wine bottle washer, which is the large metal frame holding all the bottles in place.   Lovely and enigmatic, this piece is a wonderful example of water, metal and fire elements.  This also helps to counteract the negative influence of the beams present.  I am not a fan of exposed beams in any environment.  From a feng shui standpoint, they create negative influences in health and relationships.  The fastest way to alter the beams here would be to paint them and the ceiling the same color; thus making them symbolically disappear into the ether.  However, the various lighting in the space helps to soften the unfavorable effects of the beams.

On the right we have a more detailed image of the wine bottle chandelier.  On the left are the metal lanterns inscribed with Dan’s in primary red, which hang about most of the ceiling.  My guess is they reclaimed them from somewhere, but I’ve no idea where.

The momentous piece of art above is actually raised a bit, encompassing paint and other materials.  The gold pieces in the ore are shards of brass veneer from vintage high school sports trophies.  From a feng shui perspective, the environment at Municipal captures most of the five elements beautifully:

  • Wood –The art hanging about the walls, and the plants located directly outside.
  • Fire – The nostalgic wood-burning stove situated in one corner of the room.
  • Metal – The art, tables,chairs, chandelier, roof, and file cabinets.
  • Earth –  The rich colors of browns, grays, and earthy reds.
  • Water – The glass bottles, the horse painting in the bathroom, and the blue and slate gray hues.

Now while the metal, water, and fire elements are displayed here quite well, the room is lacking a little wood and earth energy for my liking.  Even though they have a lot of wonderful wood furniture – which is best material for furniture in my opinion – it cannot be considered a wood element because the wood is dead.  However, the sheer amount of art from various craftsmen, displayed around the environment, helps to foster the creative wood energy.  As for earth, the main examples here are in the form of different colors.  But I do love the classic globe perched atop one of the file cabinets.  So here symbolically, the earth is also present.

And now on to the wine.   I sampled six delicious wines, and fell for each one of them:

  • 2011 Bright White – an arid riesling with hints of tart citrus.  Perfect for a summer day.
  • 2011 Sweetness Reisling – Sweet and clandestine, this white wine has an alluring bouquet with hints of honey and orange.  Intoxicating.
  • 2011 Rose – A refreshing, subtly sugared beverage.   Cool and crisp.
  • 2010 Bright Red – An amazing classic red blend with strong hints of dried herbs and cranberry.  It reminded me of good holidays past.
  • 2010 Grenache – Chocolate nuances abound in this rich and robust elixir.  A must for any red wine aficionado.
  • 2010 MCS – My favorite of the group.  A complex blend of Mouvedre, Carignane, and Syrah grapes.  This is a bold and brazen red that will make your head turn.  A bottle of this came home with me, and I’m saving it for a special occasion.

In addition to their retro-esque decor, another aspect I love about Municipal are the hours.   The tasting room is open from 11:00 to 6:00 daily – where as most tasting rooms close at 5:00.  And on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they stop tastings promptly at 6:00, but remain open until 11:00, transforming into a wine bar!   Wine, by either the glass or bottle, is available to drink on the premises.  Pre-made cheese plates from C’est Cheese are available if one is feeling peckish, and classic board games lie about for one’s leisure  (A very studious couple was playing chess in the corner)  Unlike my other wine adventures, I visited Municipal twice in one weekend.  I experienced the wine bar environment on Friday night, and then returned Sunday afternoon for tastings.  They also offer free local delivery to patrons who arrive on a bicycle.  The metropolitan class of Municipal Winemakers will leave you with a feeling of warmth and abundance.  I’m very much looking forward to my next visit.

Municipal Winemakers Tasting Room

22 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101

805 931-6864

Hours:  Open Daily from 11:00 – 6:00,  Wine Bar:  Thursday – Saturday 6:00 – 11:00

http://www.municipalwinemakers.com/

Black and the Number One

Colors and numbers play an intrinsic role in feng shui.  The number one, for instance, symbolizes water, the colors black and blue, and the north direction.  This number is also the name of a great place I like to grab a drink called Bar One.  Located in North Hollywood, this 1970s-esque establishment disburses a fine selection of beer and wine.   In the type of feng shui that I practice, the direction and manner in which a building faces is very important to how prosperous a structure can be.  The unassuming facade of Bar One happens to face north.  The direction of north and the number one are directly connected.  Also, notice the stonework and single potted tree near the entrance.  The rock siding adds a beneficial earth and metal element to the walls, while the solitary tree (another example of the number one) brings a lively wood element to the front.

Inside the bar, the vintage swankiness continues.  Black and red brocaded walls permeate the environment, while large mirrors help to create the feeling of vastness in the moderate-sized space.   Sumptuous lighting throughout cast a fiery glow over the patrons before the warmth of alcohol seeps into their veins.

The hallway above leads to the restrooms (on the left) and the rear entrance to the small parking lot in back.  There is also plenty of street parking on Whitsett and Burbank boulevards.  And they now serve food!!  The new bar menu at Bar One is created and prepared at a nearby offsite kitchen (soon to be  Steampunk Restaurant opening later this year).  The vittles are then delivered in classic styrofoam take-out containers (another 70’s  motif).   I had some amazing morsels the other night:

Belgian Fries – I have a deep fondness for potatoes in any form, and these exceeded my expectations.  I’m not sure exactly what makes them Belgian, but I do know they are the perfect food for alcohol absorption.  The portion size is ideal, and great for sharing (or not).  They also come with two of their three delicious dipping sauces.  The three to choose from are the HMO Aoili (my favorite), the Currywurst Sauce, or the Chipotle Ketchup.

Currywurst –  A Currywurst is a German street food, which consists of sausages cut into pieces and then cloaked thoroughly in a savory curry sauce.  I love that they use red curry, rather than the more common yellow and green varieties.  It adds a robust fire element to the spicy meal.  Of the three offered, I went with the asiago chicken and fennel sausage.  The blend of mild and more piquant flavors  were the perfect balance of taste.  Given the way it was prepared, and the zesty sauce, I would have to say this is a very yang food item.  A whole currywurst is available on their menu, but for Happy Hour they also offer a highly impressive option – a half order of the currywurst of your choice with fries for $4.00.  While this may be subject to change in the future, I think this is an excellent thing to keep around.

Sweet Potato Flatbread – Pureed sweet potato spreads itself all over as the sauce for this gratifying pizza creation.  Gouda, cheddar, pecans  and smoked bacon comprise the rest of the dish.   According to yin/yang theory, the sweet and savory ingredients here create a well-balanced meal, both in taste and ingredients used.  This was devoured quite quickly.

The other items I tried that are not pictured are:

  • Grenache – I cannot recall the name, but it was a very middle earth red, that was neither too heavy,  nor too spicy.  I absolutely loved it!
  • Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet – A bold cab that makes a statement.  Robust and sophisticated.
  • Sliders – Of the three options, I tried the beef ones.  Onions, pepperjack cheese, and mushrooms are the supporting cast to the cooked-to-perfection burgers.  Two medium-sized sliders come to an order.  Rich and refined.
  • Sangria – A very strong red sangria, served in a pint glass over ice.   Only $4.00 on Happy Hour, this bold libation is the epitome of a summer drink.

As for the best times to visit, I suggest going between 6:00 – 8:00pm.  After 10:00, it can get a little loud and crowded – and one can take advantage of Happy Hour!   For those of you who drink beer (I do not), they have a weekly event every Monday called Mystery Beer Night.  For $3.00, you can have a beer of the bar’s choice all night long.   According to friends of mine, it’s always something good quality, but you’ll just have to be surprised as to what it is.  For a casually auspicious good time, I suggest dropping into Bar One, the premier place to grab a currywurst.

Bar One Beer and Wine Parlour

12518 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91607

818 509-1938

Hours:  Happy Hour:  Daily from 6:00 – 9:00,  Bar:  Monday – Saturday 6:00 – 2:00,  Sunday 6:00 – 1:00.

Update:  Sad News!  The food menu is no longer being served at Bar One.  If one is hungry, they can walk down a couple of doors to Steampunk and order food, but only before 8:00 pm, as that is Steampunk’s closing time.

 

Take a Bao

According to some, the term Dim Sum in Cantonese means Pointing to your Heart’s Desire.  To the more general populace, it is the name given to Chinese appetizers, snacks and some breakfast cuisine.  I found my heart’s desire in a quaint little bistro in Studio City called Take a Bao.  Located right on Ventura Boulevard, this restaurant offers a great Happy Hour that I was dying to check out.  I was also curious to see what feng shui elements are at play here, based solely on the use of rectangles.  Rectangles in feng shui are symbolic of the wood element.  The wood element is beneficial in a variety of ways, including new life, business growth, and stability in a nurturing environment.  It is also considered the ideal shape for a residential dwelling.  Wooden rectangles painted an earthy gray are the predominate decoration outside the bar.  And inside, the rectangle shape can be seen throughout.  Take a look at the the interior below.

Rectangles are everywhere to be seen, from the tabletops, to the shape of the windows and doors,to the chair backs, and even on the table caddies.  Now while the restaurant is predominantly modern in its design, I really liked some of the vintage touches added to the environment – such as the elegant blue and white urn pictured here, and the carved side cabinets (painted black to match, of course.)  It’s a classy mixture of old and new items.

And now on to the food!  The Happy Hour at Take a Bao is quite good, with bao and small plates ranging in the $2.00 – $4.00 category, and alcoholic beverages from $4.00 – $7.00.  And their regular menu prices aren’t bad, either.  It is more of a casual style restaurant, where one orders from the register, and the items are brought to you.  We decided to sit at the bar. And here’s what we had:

Banh Mi Bao – Grilled pork, chiles, carrots, cilantro, bean sprouts and a spicy garlic aioli are the dominate headliners in this masterpiece.  Unlike other varieties, the bao here at Take is more like a mushu or a taco, with one’s choice of a white or wheat bun, stuffed with the desired filling, and presented on a wooden board.  Lettuce is also available if one doesn’t want the carb of the bun.  I opted for the wheat option, pictured above.   Savory and mouthwatering, I could have consumed these all night…but I only had the one.  Notice the green rectangle underneath the bao.  The wood element makes yet another appearance with the material of the cutting board, the rectangular shape of the little mat, and the green color of the little mat…intriguing.  The wood element also signifies freshness as well.

Old Fashioned – One of my favorite cocktails, this classic beverage is made with Maker’s Mark bourbon.  Notice the large, solitary ice cube in the glass.  With only one ice cube, the drink doesn’t get watered down as much as with multiple pieces of ice. Very stylish, this drink is strong and bold – definitely not for the faint of heart.

Tofu Popcorn – Bite-sized tofu cleverly deep fried into the most stunning snack.  Garnished with scallions, and served with a delectable cilantro-cashew sauce, these quickly disappeared into the cavernous realms of my stomach.  I would venture to say that even those who do not care for tofu would like this dish.  I highly recommend it.

Sumac Steak Fries – A timeless bar food classic!  These thick cut wands of potato goodness are seasoned to perfection, served with ketchup on the side.  Simply great.

The other drinks I had here were:

  • Raymond “R” Collection Field Blend – A rich and romantic red wine blend.  One can taste the cherry influence amidst the deep tannins
  • Gizz Fizz- Vanilla based beverage with Seagram’s Gin.  Sweet and refreshing.
  • Creamsicle – A dream come true!  An amazing mixture of fresh orange juice, vanilla, and vanilla vodka.  Not overly sweet, but just right.  A perfect dessert cocktail.

The bathrooms here are also a little more social than most.  The sink for both restrooms is a long, stainless steel tub located in the hallway with a large mirror above.  One aspect I really like here is the use of stones at the bottom of the sink.  Stones are an earth element, and when used correctly, can help ground the room from precious chi (energy) draining away down the drain.  This is also especially important in keeping abundance and wealth within an environment.  For most of my clients, I usually do not recommend stones for the bottom of a sink because they can be difficult to clean.  However, I love how it looks, and do this in my own home.  If one wants to use these to help keep abundant energy within a residence, I suggest getting smaller stones or river rocks and placing them in a wide bowl or container.  Place said container on top of the tank of the toilet, or on a shelf directly above the tank.  Rinse these stones out about once a month.  If you really like the idea of stones in the sink, I suggest getting perhaps four or five large, flat stones and placing them over the drain.  The flatness of the rocks will make them easier to clean, rather than lots of small stones or pebbles.  Also, notice the shape of the sink – it’s another rectangle.

Another thing I like about Take a Bao is the convenient parking.  In a city where everyone drives, finding parking is important.  A generous lot is provided for patrons – this becomes valet in the evening, but during Happy Hour it shouldn’t be an issue.  I found parking around the corner near Carpenter Elementary on a residential street.  This bar is definitely one of my new favorite spots.  Take a Bao deserves a standing ovation.

Take a Bao

11838 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

818 691-7223

Hours:   Happy Hour:  Monday – Friday 4:00 – 6:00,  Bar:  Monday – Saturday 11:30 – 11:00,  Sunday 11:30 – 10:00

Note:  Kitchen usually stops serving an hour before closing, except for their special late night menu on Friday and Saturday.

http://www.takeabao.com/

Drago Centro

In traditional feng shui folklore, the dragon is a powerful symbol of strength, success and immortality.  This creature is considered very yang in its energies, and is also a prime example of fertility.  Chinese dragons were not ferocious and cruel as portrayed by other cultures; these large flying beasts were considered benevolent and kind.  Many emperors would use the dragon as their own personal emblem.

When I think of dragons, I think of the large, modern sculpture outside of Drago Centro.  Bright orange in color, this stair-like construct adds a wonderful fire and metal element to its surroundings.  Granted, it doesn’t look literally like a dragon, but it has that feeling.

Drago Centro is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles.   Housed in the base of a highrise, Drago offers a bustling oasis amidst the rampant energies of downtown.  Upon entering, one can see some of their fine wine collection in a massive glass vault.  The restaurant is decorated in modern taste, with earth tones throughout.  They also use real slate and marble whenever possible in the decor.  The use of various earth element suggests to the diner that they are in for a very wholesome and grounding meal.

Rather than dine in their chic and stylish restaurant, I prefer the social interaction of the Lounge area.  The Lounge is dominated by a bar hued in greens and yellows (pictured above).  A marble-topped table extends the length of the space, with further seating outside.   There’s also has a special Lounge menu that changes periodically.  The food and beverages offered are choice and sophisticated.  Here’s what I had on my most recent visit:

Le Ostriche – Four mouthwatering oysters are presented on a white plate, served on a bed of salt.  I get these every time, and they are absolutely excellent.   The shell left over from the oyster is also another example of an earth element.  Seashells are not a water element, as you would think.  I could explain why, but it might ruin one’s appetite for the oysters, and everyone should try them.

La Pizza Margherita – A Classic!  Tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese create the perfect balance atop a flatbread.  Fresh basil, a must for any margherita, embellishes the creation, adding a savory wood element to the meal.   Basil can be considered a wood element for two primary reasons.  One, its green in color, and green is associated with wood.  Two, basil is a plant, as are trees.  Hence, the wood element is present.

El Diablo – This drink takes yin and yang theory to a new level.  One of the basics in many Chinese philosophies,  yin and yang theory deals with how opposites are dependent upon one another, and both must exist together to achieve perfect balance and harmony.   And within each side of these contrary forces dwells a part of its exact opposite.   For example, night is dark, but there is bright moon present for light.  Hence, darkness (yin) with a little piece of light (yang) within it at all times.

The yin of the lime juice and cassis liqueur, with the yang of the ginger beer and tequila in the El Diablo, create a good balance of ingredients.  Also, two ingredients are alcoholic and two are not , illustrating another example of symmetry.   It also has two ingredients that are no stranger to one another (limes and tequila) paired with two items that are usually not comrades (cassis and ginger beer).

The fire element is also present in the beverage, both in its name and color.  As for its taste – its sheer perfection.

Calamari –  Tendrils of luxurious calamari breaded and served upon a napkin.  Notice in the picture above how it looks as if the calamari is within a flower, with how the napkin is folded.  This little touch suggest to the diner that they are eating something natural, beautiful and fresh.  A delicious aioli filled with enticing herbs  is served alongside.

Il Tramezzino – A luscious pressed panini served with provolone and prosciutto.  But what really make this sandwich auspicious is the black truffle butter used.  Wrapped in brown paper, the smell of truffles add a powerful aromatic chi (good energy) to the air.

Some other things I’ve tried there recently were:

  • Planeta Chardonnay – Sadly no longer offered on their Lounge menu, this was a very nice white wine, with hints of crisp pear.  It may still be available, just not on the Lounge menu.
  • Castelvero Barbera – A divine red that warms the soul.
  • The Derby – Vermouth, bourbon, and orange curcao trio together well in this vintage inspired beverage.

Another touch I really like here, oddly enough, are the place mats.  They’re of a woven mesh, pseudo-square in design, witch lends a subconscious stability and appeal to anything served upon it.   Drago does provide free parking, or one can take the red line to the nearby 7th Street Metro stop, and then proceed two or so blocks.  The Lounge menu is served throughout the day and evening, seven days a week, with most of the items averaging in the $6.00 – $7.00 range.  In fact, I have a feeling I’ll be there again next week…

Drago Centro

525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

213  228-8998

Hours:    Lounge open Monday – Saturday  5:00pm – 10:00pm,  Sunday 5:00pm – 9:00pm

http://www.dragocentro.com/