The Preservation Society

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Vegan/Vegetarian and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Author and naturalist Diane Ackerman once said, “Nothing is more memorable than a smell.  One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains.”  There is a new coalition in Burbank that is taking the senses of smell and taste to an extraordinary new level,  known as the women of The Preservation Society.  Co-founded by Chandra McLaughlin (left) and Kristin Vanderlip Taylor (right), their company produces some of the best pickles, relishes, jams and preserves in Los Angeles.   I caught up with them at their recent display booth at the Burbank Ladies Night Out.  This gathering of artisans and  food trucks  takes place on the last Friday of every month at Magnolia Park.  (I’m not altogether sure why they call it Ladies Night Out, as it’s mostly a family oriented event, but I’ll go along with it.)  Their display table had a myriad of samples to try, both sweet and savory, such as their Curry Pumpkin Pickles (pictured below).

The society was created at time when both women were experiencing some challenging alterations in their lives.  One beneficial(and feng shui) way to cope with stress is to turn to a hobby that allows one to create something meaningful and tangible to them.   Some choose to knit, or build things, write or paint.  Whatever the item, the creative wood energy put into the object benefits their environment and life in a positive manner, while helping to reduce stress.  Kristin and Chandra both enjoy the culinary arts.  It was during these arduous times that their pantry shelves began filling up with the most unusual and tasty canned items.

Why exactly are these specific relishes and preserves considered to be good from a feng shui standpoint?  For one, the creative and positive energy put into each jar can be tasted in the recipe, versus, say, something made on an assembly line in a factory.  Factory items usually lack that human influence that goes into handmade food.  They also use mostly organic ingredients.  Our bodies absorb the energy of everything we consume.  Whenever possible, is it always better to choose the organic option of an item over its chemically altered counterpart.  Not only are organic fruits and vegetables healthier for you, they will usually taste much better as well.   (My best friend didn’t care much for tomatoes, until she tried an organic one right off the vine.  Now she can’t get enough of them – as long as they are organic.)

Another feng shui aspect of The Preservation Society is their science of taste.   In addition to being based on produce readily available, each recipe is bold and dynamic in their use of flavorful combinations.   Take their Apricot Saffron with White Pepper preserves (pictured below).   The pepper and saffron (yang elements in this instance), with apricots (a yin element here),  is an alluring example of the taste balance of yin/yang.  Another example would be their Jalapeno Lime Jelly, combining the yin (in this case) of limes with the yang of jalapenos.   Their whole product line can be deconstructed in this manner.  The jams and preserves are much more yin in nature, given the sweetness of the spreads.  Whereas the pickles and relishes are more in the yang category, due to their zesty and piquant impressions.  There is also the aspect of shape and color.  Each canned item has a beautiful, rich hue.  I was most taken with their Spicy Fancy Carrots.  I usually despise carrots, but the warm and passionate colors the heirloom carrots naturally provide really draw one in.  I may have to try them.

Here are the ones I have had either in the recent past, or am currently enjoying:

  • Blueberry Acai Preserves – Purely sublime.  Rich blueberries in a thick spread.  The acai acts as a subtle dance partner here.  Perfect on toast or pancakes.
  • Lime and Juniper Berry Marmalade – Absolutely astounding!  When a little of this is added to a glass of lemonade, or to a gin and tonic, the taste experience is unforgettable.  However, the last jar I purchased was so good, I ended up using it all on toast before I could make a gin and tonic.  Oh well, next time.
  • Dill Chard Stem Relish – Sensational.  A tangy and zesty use for the part of chard that usually gets discarded.  I use this as a topping for fish fillets or chicken breast.  It’s good on sandwiches as well.
  • Sangria Preserves – Rich and powerful.  A thicker version of that delectable beverage.  One can make an instant sangria by added a little of this to a glass of red wine served over ice.  It’s also good when mixed into vanilla yogurt.
  • Pumpkin Butter – Heavenly.  This is perhaps my favorite of them all, but I am biased as I love anything pumpkin.   Perfect on toast or English muffins.
  • Jujube and Emerald Pluot Butter with Ginger – Exotic and refreshing.  I had never tried jujube before, and was thoroughly impressed.  A Chinese plum, jujubes have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.  I usually put this on croissants.
  • Apricot Saffron and White Pepper – Simply beguiling.  This spread is amazing either on toast, or as a glaze for chicken and scallops.
  • Curry Pumpkin Pickles – Enigmatic.  Thin slices of pumpkin influenced by mango, curry and lime.  These are ideal when served atop a burger or thrown into a salad for an unexpected dose of yang energy.

The Preservation Society can ship orders anywhere, and if you live locally in Los Angeles, one can arrange to have special delivery of their items to save on shipping.  For more details on this, please visit their website.  The Society is also environmentally conscious.  Should you decide not to reuse the cute jars the preserves come in, you can recycle them back to The Society for a discount on your next order  ($0.50 for the larger jars , and $0.25 for the smaller ones).

Like any good society, they are very active in the community.  When not turning jalapenos into jelly, Kristin is an art educator and the Development Director for the Life Through Art Foundation.  This children’s foundation focuses on providing support for underprivileged students and artists to participate in artistic studies they would otherwise be unable to attend.  One of their upcoming events is the Life Through Art Holiday Artisanal Fair.  This will be held in the upstairs portion of The Federal Bar in NoHo on Saturday, December 15th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  The Preservation Society will be there in full swing to provide jams and relishes in time for the holiday season (these make great gifts).  One can also catch the Society in action at Holiday in the Park, another of the festive events located in Burbank’s Magnolia Park this Friday, November 16th, from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm.  I may stop by there this Friday evening, in fact.  I’m going out-of-town for Turkey Day, and I may need some additional jars of pumpkin butter for a brunch or two I’m attending…

Guests at the October Ladies Night Out sample the wares of The Preservation Society.

The Preservation Society

http://preservation-society.com/
The Preservation Society’s Upcoming Events

 

Holiday in the Park

Friday, November 16th from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Burbank, CA, near the corner of Hollywood Way and Magnolia Boulevard.

http://events.frommers.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=231517

Note:  This is the same location for the monthly Burbank Ladies Night Out.

 

Life Through Art Holiday Artisanal Fair

Saturday, December 15th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Federal Bar (upstairs), 5303 Lankershim Boulevard, NoHo 91601

http://www.ltaf.org/wordpress/

Note:  If you are interested in being a vendor for this event, please download an application at http://www.ltaf.org/wordpress/holidayfair

The Tequila of L’Scorpion

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Folklore, Restaurants and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In ancient Chinese folklore, the scorpion was believed to be one of the Five Poisons, which were five creatures that could cause great harm to people, especially during the summer months.  The first of these five were the snake, centipede and scorpion.  The last two would either be the toad, lizard, spider, or tiger depending on the source of the information.  But all of the sources agree on the first three.  During that era, it was believed that special amulets would protect the wearer from these so-called troublemakers.  It was more likely, however, that these little fiends were probably attracted to the cool environment of buildings from the harsh summer heat, hence why they would cause mischief more so in summer.   The Chinese were not the only ones to notice these  pests.  In Lebanon, The Temple of Eshmun is an ancient sanctuary devoted to the Phoenician God of Healing.  One of the only remaining frescoes on these ruins depicts a snake, centipede, scorpion, and crab, all symbolic of injury and illness.   In modern times, while the scorpion can still cause trouble,  it has redeemed itself in a variety of ways.  Medicinally, scorpion venom has been used in many applications, such as in the treatment for brain cancer,  in dermatological use, and as a pain reliever.  Of course, there is one scorpion that I find to be highly beneficial, and that is tequila serving one known as L’Scorpion.

My friend Katherine and I came here the other night for an incredible tequila tasting, and we were both quite impressed.  The lounge is nestled among costume stores and restaurants on Hollywood Boulevard, not too far from Hollywood and Highland.  I love the elaborate metalwork on the bar and glass doors.  Shades of vibrant red throughout, from the outside awning to the booths upholstery in back, add passion and warmth to the environment, as does the sensual lighting.

Lanterns and sconces, as well as a vintage tin-tiled ceiling are the prime examples of the metal in the space.  I love when buildings incorporate brick into their design, be it natural brick or brick veneer.  Here it  adds a beautiful and stylish earth element to the setting, which acts a bridge between the fire and metal elements.   The curvature of the metalwork adds a much-needed water element to the area, with the rectangular shapes of the bar and the very room itself symbolizing the final element, wood.  Even though it is made of metal, I would also venture to stay that the stripper pole in the rear of the lounge is another example of wood energy feeding fire – or as creative energy feeding passion.  It’s discretely displayed, while still being very attainable to all the patrons – should the mood strike them to use it.  Neither Katherine nor I felt the inclination.  The enormously high ceilings – I’m estimating them to be about eighteen feet high – also assist in a good flow of chi throughout the environment.

Four different tequilas were served to us, ranching from mescal (with an actual scorpion inside the bottle) to a nine months aged tequila.  All of them were good, but my favorite by far was the third option provided by Don Julio – which happens to be my favorite brand of tequila.

Guacamole with Chips – A generous portion of guacamole was served to us on a large platter, with strips of white corn tortilla chips.   L’Scorpion’s guacamole has a sting to it, with fresh green jalapenos added to the party.  Zesty and sensational;  I loved it!

Carnitas Tacos – We each got two carnitas tacos, and they were incredible.  The carnitas was some of the best I’ve ever had.  A small mound of refried beans accompanied the dish.  I added some to my tacos, and it was perfect!  I also like the modern presentation of the tacos on rectangular plates.

Flan – I feel all flan should be consumed by candlelight.  Light-as-air, this was the ideal addition to the meal.   It was impressive on its own, but when paired with the tequila, it was overwhelmingly  good.

In addition to their abundant tequila selection, L’Scorpion also offers a choice drink menu.  I went with their Jalapeno Margarita, because I like it spicy and full of yang energy.  On the rocks with salt and limes, this was a refreshing and strong libation.  The jalapeno in it offered just enough of a slap to get one’s attention.  I may get it just a little spicier next time, just to see how it is.   Katherine ordered the Paloma, which consists of tequila and Squirt soda mixed together with fresh lime juice.  Unbeknownst to me, it is quite popular to mix Squirt and tequila together in various parts of Mexico.  Citrus is the main forerunner of tastes in this beverage.    Intriguing.

As it’s located in the heart of Hollywood, parking can be a difficult task.  I would suggest bringing cash for one of the paid lots.  Another option is to take the metro and exit at Hollywood and Highland.  I did this and then walked the two short blocks to the bar.  Just remember the subway closes around midnight.  If you are going for a more mellow, yin mood, I would advise  going early in the evening when they open at 6:00.  However, if you want more of a lively, yang mood, go later in the evening after 10:00.  L’Scorpion will definitely needle its way into heart and soul – but don’t worry.  The perfect inoculation is more tequila.

L’Scorpion Tequila Bar

6679 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

951 250-3800

Hours:  Sunday – Friday  6:00 pm – 2:00 am,  Saturday 1:30pm – 2:00 am

http://lscorpion.com/

Food and Coffins

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Furniture, Wine and Cheese and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There are a variety of different schools of thought when it comes to feng shui.  I practice Compass School Feng Shui, which is directly connected to the compass directions of the earth.  Under the Compass School, there are two kinds of feng shui.  I am certified in Yang House Feng Shui, which is feng shui for the living.  But there is also what is known as Yin House Feng Shui; feng shui for the deceased.   Consultants certified in Yin House work primarily with funeral homes and cemeteries in planning the ideal environment for rest of the dead, as well as creating a serene place for the living to deal with the departure and separation of loved ones. This also includes finding the right coffin for the individual, as this is the main environment for the deceased’s body.

There are many cultures and individuals who have very distinct plans for the type of coffin they would like.  On my recent trip to San Francisco, I visited the De Young Museum and was astounded by what I saw around a corner:  A coffin in the shape of a cocoa pod.   Beginning in the 1950’s in the Accra section of Ghana, an artist and craftsman by the name of Seth Kane Kwei began making custom coffins, each specified to the wishes of its future occupant.  The cocoa pod below was commissioned from Kwei in 1970, when Ghana was one of the world’s leading cocoa distributors.   The one pictured below is on permanent display at the De Young.

Each one is made using various soft woods native to Ghana, and then formed into a cylinder-canoe shape.  Artisans then craft the vessel using European furniture construction techniques to the client’s specifications, taking sometimes three months to complete.  Each coffin is upholstered inside, usually with satin or velvet.  And many of these coffins are food or food-related items, the most popular being onions, cocoa pods, fish, chickens and boats.   The Southbank Centre in London has many of these unique coffins on display, although some are of British origin.   On display is a replica of a yet-to-be-used coffin, commissioned by a woman who wants to spend eternity inside an egg.   I love the symbolism of rebirth and purity that both the egg and the cocoa pod represent.   Unlike most of its counterparts, this one is made of elm.

Below is another version of the cocoa pod coffin, but in shades of yellow and green.  I love the symbolism that each of these caskets offers.  For example, the onion (pictured at top) was revered by the ancient Egyptians.  They believed that the various layers of the onion symbolized eternal life, sometimes burying Pharaohs and other royals with the revered vegetable.

Photos Courtesy of the Southbank Centre, London

For the wine connoisseur, this a large cork coffin, complete with a wine opener sticking out.  This was commissioned by the County of  Cork in Ireland.

This next  model looks pretty traditional from the outside, but it was the inside that moved me.  While I do not condone having coffins in one’s home under normal feng shui guidelines, I couldn’t help but be enamored with the Vinters Vessel.  Made by The Old Pine Box Company of Edgewood, New Mexico, they offer a beautiful all pine coffin with a wine rack inside.  The lower two-thirds of the box houses nineteen bottles of wine, and top third used as storage space for glasses.  When needed as a funerary box, the inside framework can be removed to create a free standing wine rack, so that one’s wine collection may be displayed.  Each casket comes with a hand-painted emblem with grapes and the Latin phrase  Sono Meus Vita, meaning Celebrate My Life.  This coffin retails for about $1400.00.   For more information, please check out their website http://www.theoldpinebox.com/vintner.html   If  one wants to place this beautiful box inside their home, I suggest either a wine cellar or library, but make sure that it’s always filled with wine, and kept free of dust.

The Vinter’s Vessel.  Photo Courtesy of The Old Pine Box Company

As for myself, I’m not sure what kind of coffin – if any – I’ll be acquiring yet.  But if I had to select a food-shaped one, I would probably go with a man-sized bottle of Louis Jadot Beaujolais,  mostly due to the delicious taste of the wine and the prettiness of the label.

Cocktails at Cliff House

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Tips, Restaurants, Vegan/Vegetarian, Wine and Cheese and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Since we talked so much about the wood element in the last article, I thought I’d devote this blog to another of the elements:  Water.  In feng shui, the water element is associated mainly with the North, which is the Career area of any room  But water is also associated with wealth and prosperity for many reasons.  For example, if one’s career is thriving, then one will have more earned income, thus providing more prosperity.  Water abundance isn’t always monetary, either.  Being around water in general  (be it an ocean, lake, river or fountain)  tends to rejuvenate the human spirit, thus creating a sense of calm and comfort.  It makes people feel safe and reminds us of the womb.  This leads into another reason – waterfront property.  Nearly all major cities in the world have a large body of water directly attached somehow.  Also, most residential waterside property tends to be more affluent in nature, which raises the chi in those areas.  Unfortunately, this also raises the cost of living and mortgage rates for homes near the water.  Despite the costs, however, this is no shortage of those wishing to acquire condos by the beach.   From a biological standpoint, humans are comprised mostly of water.  It makes complete sense why we, as a race, tend to flock towards water whenever we can.  It’s not just limited to humans, either.  Those seagulls in the photo above were enjoying the ocean as well, but they paused so I could capture their image.

For my birthday this year (I’m turning thirty again – it’s a good age to be for awhile), I went to visit my best friend Wendy.  She lives in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities in the world.  After a purely luxurious day meandering through Golden Gate Park, we decided to have some cocktails at the historic Cliff House.  The original Cliff House was built-in 1863.  Over the years, the building was completely rebuilt twice – once in 1894, and again in 1909, both due to destructive fires.  The current Cliff House has undergone a variety of architectural facelifts throughout the years, before being renovated to its original glamour in 2004.   Below are two vintage postcards showing the second and third variations of Cliff House.

Two very distinct versions of Cliff House. On the left is the late Victorian model. On the right, its Edwardian counterpart, which the restaurant resembles today. Historic images provided by Penny Postcards: http://www.usgwarchives.org/special/ppcs/ppcs.html

The renovations to Cliff House also included a modern addition, the new Sutro Wing.  They cleverly managed to combine both vintage and modern styles throughout the design and decor of the structure.  Below is a photo of their lounge, facing inward, where we had drinks.  The rounded supports above tend to create a canopy-like feeling over the guests.  The railing overlooks into the lower level, which features another bar and more dining.  I really liked the dining chairs used here as well.  This is a prime example of a good feng shui dining chair.  Beautiful, comfy, and not too heavy.  It also has a mostly solid back – important for security and back support.  For more on how to select a proper dining chair, take a glance at the article here:   https://fengshuifoodie.com/2012/06/16/finding-a-place-to-sit/

And now onward to the provocative and intoxicating items that we sampled.

Old Fashioned – One of my favorite beverages.  Made with modest ingredients, and mixed extremely well.  I love the orange hue the liquid displays.  Strong, tasty, and sophisticated.

Pear Martini – One of the specialty drinks favored by Cliff House.  Using Grey Goose Le Poire, this makes for a refreshing and mildly sweet cocktail.   Pleasingly alluring.

On the left is a glass of Brassfield Estate Pinot Grigio.  A crisp and enticing white wine, perfect for drinking at the seaside.  On the right is The Bird of Paradise.  This champagne cocktail, which includes St. Germain and pineapple juice, tastes exactly like passion fruit with bubbles.  So good was it, in fact, that I had two of them.  Enchanting and tropical.

Of the savory food offerings available, we went with the Buffalo Wings and the Garlic Fries.  The wings were sauceless, with heat-inducing spices rubbed into the skin.  Served with bleu cheese dressing, these were mouth-watering.   The fries, covered liberally with crushed garlic, were the perfect accompaniment to our intoxicating beverages.  And being a native Californian, I asked for ranch dressing to accompany the fries  (Californians like their ranch).

I was entranced by the waves crashing below us outside the window.  Our table overlooked these two impressive rocks emerging from the seas.  In addition to the beautiful scenery and tantalizing items, another impressive aspect here was the service.  The hostess was welcoming, and our server, Josh, was jovial and attentive – we wanted for absolutely nothing.   He also invited us to stay and listen to the live jazz being played later – which we did.  I didn’t catch the name of the three-piece ensemble, but their melodies were as enticing as the breathtaking view.

If one doesn’t live close to a body of water,  I suggest visiting an ocean or a lake at least once a month to boost one’s sense of tranquility and well-being.  Even stopping by a fountain or koi pond for a few minutes can help to improve serenity.  Another way to add more water energy to your surroundings is art.  A beautiful painting or photo of a watery landscape can help tremendously.  Just make sure the art in question is beautiful and serene.  A painting of ships battling at war on the ocean, or of the Titanic sinking, are two examples of sha art.  Sha is the word for negative chi, and should be avoided.  It’s also important to drink lots of water, at least eight glasses a day.  Most of us don’t drink enough water, and this makes our bodies work harder to keep us healthy.  Not consuming enough water can result in various illnesses and discomforts, which is also a lack of abundance and prosperity.  I strongly suggest embracing more water energy in your life.  And, if you happen to be in San Francisco, stop by the Cliff House for some cocktails – and a glass of water – and maybe some garlic fries, or dinner…

Cliff House

1090 Point Lobos, San Francisco, CA 94121

415 386-3330

Hours:  Please refer to the hours located here:  http://www.cliffhouse.com/home/pdf/CH_Hours_Res.pdf

Note:  For Sutro’s at the Cliff House, and the  Sunday Brunch, reservations are strongly encouraged.  All other areas (including where I sat) are walk-in.

http://www.cliffhouse.com/

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/