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
The Feng Shui Foodie 