Tag Archives: yang

Red: The Color of Good Luck

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Feng Shui Folklore, Feng Shui Tips, Furniture, Los Angeles, Lounges and Bars and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Good Luck Exterior

When used properly, the color red in feng shui can be the fastest, most auspicious way to alter an environment for the better.  Connected to the fire element, red is symbolic of  reputation, prosperity and success.  Red feeds the flames of passion, romance and sexuality, causing a space to have  more yang, sensual energy.  Because of this, in feng shui and Asian folklore, red has often been deemed the color of good luck.  There is one very prosperous lounge in Los Feliz that exhibits scarlet hues in all their elegance, and that would be the aptly named Good Luck Bar.

Good Luck Booth 01

From ornate wallpaper, to comfy leather seating, to the glowing lights scattered throughout, shades of ruby and cardinal permeate the area.  Wood carvings and a metal ceiling evoke a Bohemian Orient-Express feel to the establishment.

Good Luck Interior 02

A jukebox in the corner allows guests to select songs of their choosing.

Good Luck Potent Potion

Now while the environment is Asian inspired, the drinks served at Good Luck are mostly Hawaiian themed.   Many of the specialty cocktails are served in Tiki-esque glasses or ceramic coconuts.  My favorite is the Potent Potion.  Sailor Jerry Rum, nutmeg, bitters, cream, pineapple juice, and toasted coconut are blended together, instantly exporting one to a tropical paradise.  Very, very strong and alluring.

Good Luck Interior 01

Another symbol of good luck is the paper lantern.   They attract positive energy, and conjure a festive and lively atmosphere.   Paper Lantern LampThey are also commonly seen during celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year.   In feng shui folklore, is it believed that two red paper lanterns on either side of the bed can increase fertility for a married couple.  Now, while I am a strong advocate of having two light sources on either side of a bed, they do not have to be red paper lanterns.  One common trait in the San Francisco area is to use paper lanterns as shades for ceiling or wall sconces.  Inspired by this, I refurbished an old lamp, whose glass shade had long since perished.  Using a paper shade from IKEA, I affixed it to the top of the lamp, held in place with decorative twine and the lamp’s original hardware.  A very nice “IKEA Hack” if I do say so myself.

Good Luck Interor 04

There are many ways to incorporate red into one’s environment.  For my clients, I always suggest having some red in the bedroom. The shade in this room will attract more passion and zest to one’s romantic life.  Try sensual red curtains,  a down comforter, or a cozy pillow in red hues.  A romantic painting with red as a dominant color can also improve the intimate atmosphere.    The important things to remember when looking for red objects for the bedchamber are:

  • One must like the object.
  • The object should blend in with the other possessions and decor of the room.
  • One should consider the object to be romantic and/or sensual in nature.

There are many possibilities, and any shade of red can work – from brick to ruby to cranberry.

Good Luck Booth 02

Another highly beneficial way to add more red to one’s life is by wearing the color.  In an article by Dr. Melissa Burkley, a social psychology professor at the University of Oklahoma, she discusses the direct and yet subconscious connection to red and sexual attraction.  The article mentions studies that were conducted on how red in Western cultures signifies sex.  It states that men who wear red are perceived to be more dominant and of higher status that men not wearing the shade.  Women wearing red were perceived to be more sexually alluring than those not clad in cardinal.  This is completely supported from a feng shui standpoint because red is representative of fame, prosperity, passion and sexuality.   The complete article can be found here:  http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-social-thinker/201008/seeing-red-does-wearing-red-make-you-sexy  Because of this, any shade of red is excellent to wear on dates (for added romance), for business interviews (for greater success), and for festive occasions (happiness and abundance).  One can wear either a lot or a little red, depending on their mood and personal style.

Good Luck Interior 05

Sometimes the color red gets the short end of the stick – such as with automobile color.  Although it is a complete urban myth that red cars cost more to insure, they do cost more to purchase.  Because of the positive connotations of the color red and the wonderful yang energy the color encompasses, the price of red cars never decreases.  It is also an urban myth that drivers of red cars get more tickets, and that red autos are stolen more frequently.   Drivers of sports cars do get pulled over more so, and many of these happen to be red; hence the negative connotation.

Good Luck Interior 03

I usually come to the lounge on the weekend.  On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar is packed with swanky patrons, while Sunday nights offer a more subdued crowd.  The service here is fast and excellent.  In addition to a stellar drink menu and full bar, daily specials are also available.  Rumor has it there is also a hidden drink menu, but I’ve yet to explore this personally.  For a powerful beverage in a highly auspicious setting, I suggest the red-hued environment of Good Luck Bar.

Good Luck BarGood Luck Asian Lamp

1514 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

323 666-3524

Hours:  Monday – Friday 7:00 pm – 2:00 am,   Saturday – Sunday  8:00 pm – 2:00 am

http://www.goodluckbarla.com/

Extra Extra! Read All About It

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

Local Edition Papers

Concealed behind an unassuming storefront, there is a hidden gem of a lounge in San Francisco known as Local Edition.  Housed in the basement of the vintage Examiner building in the Financial District, Hearst inspired cocktails and mid-century libations permeate the area that once contained the newspaper’s printing presses.  Upon hearing of this great bar, some of my friends and I decided to make some headlines of our own on a Monday Night, and headed down for a drink.

Local Bar 02

The entrance to Local Edition is located on Market, not far from 3rd Street.  After one’s checked in with the doorman, a staircase leads down to the submerged tavern.  For residences, I am not a fan of basement level apartments (also known as garden apartments).  These offer far too much yin energy, as one’s home is literally underground, completely surrounded by the earth (similar to a burial plot).  Those who inhabit such dwellings can suffer from a variety of issues, including  feelings of being stagnant, and poor health.  However, this is not a residence – it’s a bar.   When bars or restaurants reuse subterranean spaces like this, it adds a wonderful yang energy to a very yin space.

Local Bank Seating

Everywhere one looks, the history of William Randolph Hearst and The Examiner has been captivated and transformed.  Famous newspapers are showcased throughout in frames or under glass tables (pictured at the top of the post).  Vintage manual typewriters are displayed as monuments to a bygone era of news reporting.  Even the marble-topped tables make a statement.  Not only are they beautiful, durable, and a wonderful example of the earth element, the marble used is remnants leftover from the construction of Heart Castle.

Local Table 01

Honoring and preserving history is of vital importance to every generation.  In order to evolve and grow, we look to the  past to see our former successes and our unfortunate mistakes.  Using this knowledge helps us to decide which paths to take, inspires us to create and innovate to new heights, and further enriches us as a people.

How is preserving history good feng shui?  Well, first you have the green aspect.  When one reuses or repurposes an Local Typewritersobject or material in a new fashion, this helps to reduce energy and resources that would be needed to make something brand new.   It’s also a way of clearing clutter.  An item that has been sitting around collecting dust is employed in a new way, thus changing negative energy into positive energy.

There is also the matter of style, which I find to be of great importance in feng shui.  In our home environments, one common factor is that everyone has their own sense of what they do and do not like.  And, either knowingly or not, history influences our individual style.  There can be a particular time period we are drawn to – or music from a decade we can’t seem to get enough of – or an allure to vintage clothing of a specific era.  We take samples of the past and intermingle them into our modern tastes.  Having items that are personally nostalgic in one’s environment is comforting, and gives one a sense of peace and belonging.

Local Leather Seating

History influences us in all kinds of beneficial ways.  One example is in alcohol and mixed drinks.  All of the specialty cocktails at Local Edition are influenced by vintage recipes with modern flare, looking at those from the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many of the libations derive their names from things of a newspaper origin, or anything connected to William Randolph Hearst.  One drink I didn’t get to try was The Rosebud, a tequila based beverage with vanilla simple syrup and sea salt.  The namesake of this concoction was actress Marion Davies, Hearst’s mistress of over thirty years.  Rosebud was her nickname.  Let’s look at the libations I did try:

The Eagle

The Eagle – My friend Rachel could not stop talking about this drink, so I had to try it – and I’m so glad I did!  Bourbon, soda water, and a root beer simple syrup combined make this an incredible beverage.  I could drink these all day.  Refreshing and addictive.

Local Edition Cocktail

Local Edition Cocktail – The namesake of the establishment, this is Local’s own edition of an Old Fashioned.   Bourbon, cherry-infused bitters, and an orange peel simple syrup are the main components of this headliner.  Strong and bold.

Rex Roth and Fidel and Che

Rexroth – Pictured on the left is the Rexroth, named for the famed poet and political activist.  A complex mixture including Peychaud’s bitters, pisco, and an egg white, this was intriguing and unforgettable – much like Rexroth’s poetry.   His writings are poignant and impressive.  A selection of his work can be found at Poemhunter:  http://www.poemhunter.com/kenneth-rexroth/poems/

Fidel and Che – On the right is Fidel and Che, a unique twist on a mojito.  Although rum, lime, and mint are used as in traditional mojitos, this drink also uses aperol, an Italian apertif similar to campari.  Vibrant and invigorating.

The Pulitzer

The Pulitzer – Named after the famed publisher and journalist, The Pulitzer was the ideal libation to close the evening,  Scotch, honey, angostura bitters and manzanilla sherry served straight up in a small goblet with an orange peel garnish.  Very strong, and perfect for sipping.  Daring and memorable.

Local Table 02

Comfortable  seating, walls draped in scarlet fabric, and high ceilings evoke a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.  Although reservations are not required, my party and I did make some just to be safe.   Decanter service is provided should one desire a favorite bottled spirit.  Local Edition also offers great live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  On the record, I will state that is a brilliant and highly auspicious place to grab a drink.  Off the record – This place is awesome!  I can’t wait to come back here again – for the drinks and the history.

Local Edition Entrance

Local Edition

691 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

415 795-1375

Hours:  Monday – Friday 5:00 pm – 2:00 am,   Saturday 7:00 pm – 2:00 am

http://localeditionsf.com/

Shaun Local 03

Street of Dreams: Susan Feniger’s Culinary Delights

Posted by fengshuifoodie in Happy Hour, Restaurants, Vegan/Vegetarian, Wine and Cheese and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Street Restaurant Sign

Years ago when I first visited New York, my friend Petra insisted that I try all of the classic street food Manhattan had to offer.  This included the bagel, the pizza slice, the hot dog, the pretzel, and the ever famed knish (and a few others).  As I ventured around the city,  I would occasionally spot a food stand or truck, and would try one of the items on the list.  It was shortly after this trip that I started really paying attention to street food and food trucks for unique culinary experiences.  Coincidentally, shortly after I returned to Los Angeles, the food truck craze was just coming into vogue.  Since then, I have had some amazing meals and memories created around sidewalk food.  So when my friend Kristy suggested we dine at Susan Feniger’s Street, I was thrilled and ecstatic.  I’d been wanting to try Street for ages, and the tantalizing cuisine far exceeded my expectations.

Indian Iced Soda

While waiting for our table, we sat inside at the bar and ordered some drinks.  I went with the Indian Lime Soda.  I found this to be quite similar to a Gimlet.  A generous amount of fresh lime juice and gin, served over ice.  Celery salt and cumin rim the glass.  The libation provides the ideal balance of yin and yang with the flavors, from sweet to savory, and from mellow to tart.  Absolutely excellent.

Crisps and Jelly

We were seated outside on their elegant patio. Unobtrusive umbrellas create a protective awning under which we sat.   These crisps, pictured above, came complimentary with the meal.  I found them highly addictive.  I didn’t sample the jelly that accompanied them, because I found they were tasty enough on their own.

Biig Fred's Red

We brought a bottle of wine with us from one of my favorite wineries, Robert Renzoni out of Temecula.  This is a fine table wine called Big Fred’s Red.  Hints of cherry and blueberry come across gallantly, with a slight oaken tinge.  Sensational and divine.  We then ordered a bottle from Street’s impressive wine list.  We went with their Barbera.  Unfortunately, I cannot recall the winery it is from, but it is the only Barbera they have, and only available by the whole bottle.  It was a rich, smooth red that accompanied the food perfectly.  I loved it.

Potato Samosas

Potato Samosas – Golden pyramids of delectable potato served deep-fried with a trio of sauces:  minty yogurt, cucumber chilli and a tamarind chutney.  Each Indian based sauce was savory and impeccable, and good alone or mixed with the others.  The samosas come four to an order, and are purely sublime.  I could eat them all day.

Chicken and Waffles

Chicken, Bacon, and Waffle Croquettes – Two chicken and bacon “meatballs”, reposed on a lounge of comfy waffle.   Enshrouded in a mildly spicy maple syrup, this was a scrumptious delight.  Here, too, is another prime example of the yin and yang of taste, where savory meets sweet.  I also like how the waffle is cut on the diagonal, adding the triangle shape of the fire element to the dish.

Angry Eggs

Angry Eggs – These, too, have the fire element present, but more in the form of heat – as in the use of green and red sriracha.  A nouveau take on the classic deviled variety, these eggs have a burst of spice.  Two pieces come to an order.  Zesty and unforgettable.

Kaya Eggs

Kaya Toast – This is my friend Lori’s favorite item at Street, and it may be their best-selling dish.  A generous amount of thick coconut jam is sandwiched between toast, and then cut into fours mini sandwiches.  Served alongside is a runny fried egg covered in soy sauce.  The correct way to eat this is to dip the coconut  sandwich into the yolk and soy and eat it with a little of the egg.  Delicious and decadent.

Pizza of the Day

The Daily Pizza – Street offers five different items that change every day, which include a Pizza, a Rice Bowl, a Salad, an Asian Inspired Noodle, and a Market Vegetable.  Pictured above was that day’s Daily Pizza.  Caramelized onions and bacon gave a highly tasteful performance here.  I also really liked the crust.  I generally prefer thin to thick crust, but even then I leave the end piece on the plate.  Not here.   The crust, end piece, and all the toppings were quickly devoured.

Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips – Thick cuts of yucca fries act as the sidekick to strips of  fluffy striped bass.  An enticing Peruvian panca sauce is drizzled on top.  Succulent and well-seasoned.

Tatsutage Fried Chicken

Tatsutage Fried Chicken-Japanese style fried chicken.  The breading on the chicken is astounding and rich.  Shredded carrots and an alluring white sauce garland the morsels.  Tofu can also be substituted for the chicken.  Almost rapturous in its taste, this was one of my favorites.  A must-have.

We also had three items that are not pictured:

  • Pumpkin Cauliflower Cannelloni – Gentle cannelloni filled predominantly with pumpkin.  I love anything with pumpkin, and this vegan pasta dish was intoxicating and filling.
  • Street Cheeseburger – My friend Zach got this, and I’m so glad he did.  A mouthwatering burger with all the usual accoutrement.  I really liked the brioche bun it was served on.  This is quite a large burger, good either as a whole meal, or shared with friends.  Phenomenal.
  • The Daily Rice Bowl – As I said earlier, their daily options change.   When we went, our server Chris highly recommended the rice bowl, and he was right to do so.  Saffron and curry were the main influences of the rice, with luscious pieces of eggplant throughout.  Refreshingly different and complex in flavor.   So good!

Street Patio Interior

I really love the use of color Street encompasses.  The dominating hues on the patio are black and orange.  In feng shui, orange  represents creativity, legacy and fertility.  It also offers a lot of yang energy to the environment, being very warm and lively.  Whereas black, a more yin, cool color, helps to balance out the orange.  I also found all five of the elements harmonizing beautifully here:

  • Fire – The red-orange walls, candles and subdued lighting, as well as the fire pit residing in the middle.
  • Earth – The wood parts of the dining tables and chairs.  When wood is cut down, it effectively “dies” as a wood element.  Therefore, it returns to the earth, becoming an earth element.
  • Metal – The metal parts of the dining tables and chairs.
  • Water – The color black encompassing the furniture and woodwork.
  • Wood – ???

But where was the wood element?  I couldn’t see any living wood at first.  And then I saw them – two large palm trees rising from the ground.  The restaurant environment coexists peacefully around the two living plants.  This is one of the best examples of the wood element I’ve seen in a restaurant.  A photograph of one of these monolithic trees is at the end of the post.

Street Bar

The architect for Street was Neil M. Denari.  Internationally known for his modern, almost futuristic residential and commercial creations, this was Denari’s first restaurant design.  Working closely with Feniger, they wanted to create a space that was welcoming and provocative.  Energy flows very well within the environment, and I love the unique shapes presented in the architecture.  Pictured above is the area right over the entryway and bar.  I love how the curvature of the walls and the wood paneling, further enhanced by the lighting, reminds me of a subway tunnel or an underground walkway.  Thus carrying out the Street theme on varying levels.

Street Interior

The restaurant’s interior offers a more subdued swankiness.  Wood and fire are represented quite differently here than on the patio.  The colors red for fire, and green for wood, are expressed in the hues of the spirited illustrations on the walls.  The murals and wall decor throughout are the products of Studio Huntley-Muir.  Su Huntley and Donna Muir are London-based artists whose innovative line drawings create an ambiance of a lively city populace.  I love how the drawings of people walking about lend to the space an animated yang energy, which is highly beneficial for a dining environment.

Our Server, Chris, was quite knowledgeable about the menu.  His suggestions were spot on, and we were taken care of very well.  Susan Feniger herself also comes around to greet tables personally, which I found wonderful!  She genuinely cares that her guests have an outstanding dining experience on each visit.

Street also has a new Happy Hour, which features a few choice food selections, $5.00 beer and wine options, as well as a $5.00 valet, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on weekdays.  They also have many vegetarian and vegan options every day, and Meatless Mondays, where even more non-carnivorous items are available.   They also serve lunch on Fridays, with select $5.00 cocktails at the bar from 12:00 – 7:00.  I will be returning to Street very soon for said Happy Hour, and also for their Weekend Brunch (The Hawaiian French Toast sounds incredible).   This auspicious restaurant provides its guests with a trip around the world all under one roof, with various avenues to satisfy even the most discriminating of tastes.  I wonder if, on my next visit, I may find a cheesy knish on the menu…

Street Only Tree

Susan Feniger’s Street

742 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

323 203-0500

Hours:  Dinner:  Sunday – Thursday  5:00 pm – 10:00 pm,  Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm  – 11:00 pm,  Brunch:  Saturday – Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm,  Lunch:  Friday 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm,  Happy Hour – Monday – Friday 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

http://www.eatatstreet.com/

Mochas Among the Greenery

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

Wendy and Colorful Trees

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”  Now, while I agree wholeheartedly with Cicero here, I feel he may have omitted a few other necessities in life – such as one’s morning cup of coffee.  I function much better after I’ve had two cups of that delicious brew.  It awakens my senses as part of my daily ritual for facing the world.   Coffee can be highly useful and beneficial in a variety of manners.  One of the many ways I use coffee is to reuse it’s byproduct – coffee grounds.  I have a small garden on my balcony at home, and I have found used coffee grounds are excellent as plant food, due to its high levels of potassium, nitrogen, and other trace minerals – all of which are important for healthy plant growth.  But is there such a place where coffee and plants come together in a beautiful, harmonious environment?  Yes, there is.

Grubb Nursery 01

Located in the Bayview area of San Francisco, there lies a hidden garden of wondrous delights known as Flora Grubb Gardens.  Established by landscape designer Flora Grubb (yes, that is her real name) and French chef Saul Nadler in 2003, this charming array of plants and plant accoutrement is a feast for the senses.   There is also a fountain within the garden, in the form of Ritual Coffee Roasters,  a coffee distributor that has one of its stores inside. Established in 2005 and launching a coffee revolution, Ritual’s main goal is “to craft the very best cup of coffee available anywhere.  Period.”   One may get tea or coffee, and wander about the luscious grounds, admiring the elegant plants and handiwork of clever artisans.  I ordered a mocha from the friendly and attentive barista.  It was that flawless cup of perfection true coffee connoisseurs seek.  I sipped my beverage and began my journey among the greenery.

Vertical Garden on Metal Wall

One of my current obsessions is vertical gardens.  They provide a beautiful, living wall of art, and introduce the wood element to an environment in a chic and unexpected way.  Pictured above is a grouping of six vertical panels of rich succulents.   Each panel measures 20″ by 20″ and is available for purchase at Flora Grubb, or at their online store (plants not included).  I’d love to try my hand at creating a vertical herb garden perhaps using one of these boxes.  More information about the D.I.Y. vertical garden panel is available here:  http://shop.floragrubb.com/vertical-succulent-garden-d-i-y-panel/  Flora Grubb also offers a great tutorial on making you own vertical garden:  http://floragrubb.com/florasblog/?p=894

Grubb Furniture 03

Since Christmas, I’ve been debating what to do with my leftover string  lights.  I’m thinking of draping them along some kind of metalwork, like the beautiful filigree pieces above,  Using reclaimed scraps from a variety of sources, they make great conversation pieces, and work well indoors or out.  Although more intended for vines and foliage, I think string lights would adorn them quite nicely.  Classy and colorful Fermob garden furniture can be seen throughout.  The neon green-yellow chair on the right is part of their Luxembourg Collection, while the other pieces are all part of their Bistro Collection, which is based on the original French design patented in 1889.   I’ve been thinking about acquiring some of those folding chairs, too.  I really like the blue one in the bottom left.   More information about their Bistro furniture can be found here:  http://floragrubb.com/florasblog/?p=2450

Buick Planter

Broken items or things in disrepair often attract sha, negative energy, into an environment.  Is it always important to either fix the damaged item, or re-purpose it in a new and fashionable way.  This classic car, a functional beauty in its heyday, has been reincarnated as a planter.  It’s almost apocalyptic in how the plants, a wood element, have taken over this very metal automobile.  It works brilliantly in this space because you have the other three elements working together in harmony alongside the wood and metal (the sunlight and red wall representing fire, the earth below, and the water sustaining the plants).  I like how they use every available area in the car to house a plant.  There are even trees growing through it!  A miraculous and thought-provoking piece of living art.

Comfy Concrete Chaises. Photo courtesy of Flora Grubb Gardens.

Comfy Concrete Chaises.  Photo courtesy of Flora Grubb Gardens.

These concrete chaises were deceptively comfortable.  I sat here for a while with my mocha and didn’t want to get up.   Many people have mixed opinions about this pair of cement seating, but I like it.  However, I imagine they would be difficult to move around the property.

Justina, Plant and Coffee

Pictured above is my friend Justina with her coffee and a new addition to her plant family.  It’s a crassula of some kind, but I cannot tell you which one.  It’s cute, though.

Grubb Nursery O2

Gardening is one of those activities that is life-affirming and nourishing at the same time.  From a feng shui perspective, it is one of the few actions that incorporates the physical touch of all five of the elements:

  • Wood – The plants themselves
  • Fire – The sunlight for the plants to grow
  • Earth – The soil in which it grows
  • Metal – Gardening tools and implements
  • Water – Also needed for plants to grow

Yin and yang theory also plays a part here.  Many people use gardening as a stress reducer from their hectic, technological yang-filled lives.  Gardening can be a relaxing yin activity, which helps to replenish and balance out stress levels, bringing one back to nature and away from a highly mechanical world.  In addition to being a creative outlet, gardening is also good exercise for people of every age, from young children to retirees.  Not to mention one can grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs.  Most home-grown veggies taste far better than the store bought varieties.   There is also aromatherapy of sorts working outdoors provides – the various scents of the soil, plants, flowers and air can literally invigorate the soul through olfactory means.  (The smell of fresh-cut grass is a proven aphrodisiac.)

Grubb Plants

The scenery and items at Flora Grubb Gardens are constantly changing and evolving, with new wares coming in almost every day.   I plan on returning here on my next business trip to San Francisco, to see what is currently being offered.  And to have more Ritual Coffee.  (Used coffee grounds also act as a bug repellent, for insects that meander through the soil, such as ants and slugs.  It’s not toxic to them, but will definitely keep them away.)  Come of think of it, I may not be able to wait that long for Ritual’s fine roasts – thankfully, one can order all of their coffee right here:    http://www.ritualroasters.com/store/  I believe is was Thomas Jefferson who said, “Coffee – the favorite drink of the civilized world.”

Flora Grubb Gardens

1634 Jerrold Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124

415 626-7259

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

http://www.floragrubb.com/idx/index.php

Ritual Coffee Roasters (located inside Flora Grubb)

415 694-6448

Hours:  Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Friday – Saturday  9:00 am – 4:30 pm,  Sunday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

http://www.ritualroasters.com/

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