Paint the town at Raphael

Raphael's

By: Deena Nissley

For a no-fail date in the 818, head to Raphael in Studio City, a polished-but-unpretentious bistro ideal for food snobs and picky eaters alike.  Look for a globetrotting spin on fine-dining staples, paired with a wine list diverse in both price and provenance. It’s all in a respectably modern room with some dressed-up touches, like a mirrored ceiling and crystal sconces.

Expect outstanding service and consistency from both the staff and the kitchen. A French-inspired poached apple salad with hazelnuts and ricotta stands out among the starters. Saffron gives Spanish flair to the pan-roasted chicken breast, which comes perfectly cooked alongside crispy prosciutto chips and potato croquettes. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate an eggplant tart’s classic Greek flavors, while bread pudding with peanut butter ice cream, tempura-fried bananas and crumbled peanut brittle makes for an unstoppable dessert.

Raphael
11616 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (818) 505-3337
raphaelonventura.com

Price: 3 (out of 4) Noise: 1 (out of 4)
Parking: $5 valet
Scene: Studio foodies sick of sushi, plus a growing clientele of local couples and regulars, the majority of whom witnessed the 1970s.
Best bets: Apple salad; free-range pan-roasted chicken; eggplant tart
Hot seat: A front corner table keeps you out of waiter traffic and offers a street view.
Taste test: Make nice with the staff — they’re big on treating first-timers to freebies.
Nearby: Laurel Tavern; Firefly; The Fifth The Rundown’s restaurant reviews are based on anonymous visits by reporters, not press releases.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Deena Nissley

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In the spirit of Halloween, I’d like to offer a few creative Halloween decor ideas cordially presented by youtube.  Happy Halloween all!

By: Roger Ewing

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVcqYhlHd7E[/youtube]

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Roger Ewing

Amelia Earhart (born 07/24/1897- missing 07/02/1937) is remembered as a prominent Female American Aviator.

By: Shelley Rizzotti

She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic  Ocean solo.  In addition to her many accomplishments she was also a best-selling author, passing on her experiences of her flying expeditions.  Once marrying George Palmer Putnam in 1931, Amelia decided to live in Toluca Lake, where she resided at 10042 Valley Spring Lane.

She chose this area because it was located close to Burbank’s Lockheed Plant where the best aircrafts in the world were being designed and built. The home is  well known for its front-yard tree where Amelia Earhart historically signed her round-the-world flight plan. In 1937 when Amelia took her round-the-world trip in her Lockheed L-10 Electra she disappeared over the Central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island which is just north of the equator.  Her story is a mystery, there are many speculations of what happened to her. People will remember her as a remarkable, brave person, and it’s nice to know that Toluca Lake was a part of life. Her house still exists today and the memory of Amelia Earhart will never be forgotten.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

It may be time to say goodbye.  The Magnolia Park Station Post Office at 3810 W. Magnolia Boulevard will not likely be renewing their lease.

Magnolia Station

By: Shelley Rizzotti

This post office is often referred to as a Burbank landmark, and the absence of the post office will have a negative effect on individuals and businesses in the surrounding community. Many independent shops in the Magnolia Park area such as Bell Cottage, and Atomic Records depend greatly on the traffic that comes through to visit the post office. This will mean a dramatic decrease of everyday business for local stores, the same stores that make Burbank so unique.

Aside from storefront businesses taking a downfall, this will be a major inconvenience for disabled and elderly residents. Many of these people depend on the Magnolia Park Station Post Office being available to them while they are unable to make the drive or  seek proper transportation to the Hollywood Way branch which is 1.5 miles away. On  top of this, the Hollywood Way and Olive Avenue branch, being the closest two now, on an average have a twenty to  thirty minute waiting  time. Sadly, the Magnolia Park Post Office will likely be closing mid-January, 2010. Many Burbank Patrons are shocked and in disagreement about this change. This will have a major impact on Burbank, an impact that no one is happy about.

Another neighborhood post office, Glenoaks Station Post Office located on San Fernando, may have a similar fate.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

I am excited to announce the launch of our new web site design, including new features.

By Roger Ewing

In a short time we will be launching our newly redesigned web site at ewingSIR.com.  It may take us a few days to get the kinks out and some of our links may temporarily not work as a result of the new theme installation.  Please be patient with us, we are doing our very best to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Over the coming weeks, we will also be updating our Community Blog sites as well.

We will be adding a new link to our Community Newz sites, where you can subscribe to receive current statistics for your community by zip code.

When our new site is launched, please let me know your thoughts and your feelings about the new design.  We greatly value your input and recommendations.

If you would like to see your community featured on our community blog list, or if you would like to become a Community Newz contributor for your neighborhood,  please let us know.

Best wishes,

Roger Ewing

Roger Ewing

Vitello’s in Tujunga Village

By: Lisa Stanley

Vitello's

In the enclave of Tujunga Village, you will find many little trendy shops and eateries. On the southwest corner sits Vitello’s, the restaurant made famous by Robert Blake, which is neither little nor trendy. It is, however, an original, with a devoted clientele of patrons who have frequented the joint for decades.

Upstairs is a secret that needs to be secret no more. Every Saturday and Sunday night, climb the stairs and be treated to “Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s.” It is a nightclub experience reminiscent of the showrooms of Las Vegas in the 1960s. Some of L.A.’s best talent is up there performing their cabaret after a dinner that is actually quite yummy. Who needs Liza or Barbra? You can meet the stars of tomorrow right in Tujunga Village.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Lisa Stanley

LIFE IS A SONG From the moment Lisa Stanley made her entrance into this world, she came out "singing." Lisa's mother says that she came out crying. No one had to slap her. No, Lisa's too smart for that. Lisa lives life with a song in her heart, always.

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Unless you are one of the fortunate few to live on the border of the lake or lucky enough to view it from the banks of Lakeside Golf Club, you would never know the lake in Toluca Lake really exists.

Toluca Lake, contained within the cities of Los Angeles and Burbank was established almost a decade ago by Hollywood investors and developers.

Two scenic and peaceful lakes, one on the Los Angeles side and the other on the Burbank side, are surrounded by Lakeside Golf Club and beautiful estates. Owned by the homes which border it, the Toluca Lake Property Owners Association, a non-profit corporation, assists with maintaining and keeping the lake clean.

Originally, the springs from the outcropping of the Valley’s water table supplied the lake with water. At present, wells from the lake’s edges supply water and the entire bottom of the lake is surfaced with concrete to stop the water from seeping.

The lake covers approximately 6 acres and varies in depth from 18 inches to 10 feet. Supplied with fish and used as a recreation site for boating and swimming, the lake is a hidden oasis which really does exist!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

Offering unforgettable flowers & gifts.

John Glebocki

By: Tim McLaughlin

Located at 14325 Ventura Blvd. at the corner of Tyrone and next to the Handywash car wash, A TOUCH OF ROMANCE offers the freshest flowers for all occasions and at great prices.

John Glebocki, the owner, has been at the location for over 20 years and he takes great pride in his arrangements and the quality of his flowers.  Stop in and let John assist you with his vast array of flowers, gifts and garden delights.

Drop by at: 14325 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks

818-907-7013

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tim Mclaughlin

From NoHo to Encino, you can find it on sidewalks, street signs and walls.

By Linda Cardoso

Spray Paint Expressionism, and no area is immune. It’s annoying, it’s disappointing, it is disrespectful and even when it’s clever, it’s still vandalism. The one thing most experts agree on is the importance of swift removal.

The City of L.A. has just set up an easy to use website for citizens to report and request removal of graffiti in their neighborhoods. Go to http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org and follow the instructions. Within 48 to 72 hours the graffiti removal should be complete.

Whether you are in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Tujunga Village, Valley Village, or my two favorite locales, No-Mor-Cold-Tofu (that’s North of Moorpark, Coldwater to Fulton) and Sherman Village, the City of L.A. will act quickly to keep our Valley neighborhoods beautiful.

The Graffiti Removal website was developed by the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, Office of Community Beautification. Check out their website at http://lacity.org/bpw/ocb and learn about other City of L.A. beautification efforts including neighborhood Grants and Grant Workshops held at library branches throughout the city.

Let’s keep it pretty out there people – this is L.A. and the World has certain expectations. We are the citizens of the Dream Factory and we share responsibility for keeping safe the image of Los Angeles known throughout the world. Do your part, be a conscientious neighbor and a good citizen keeping our city beautiful. Do not litter, pick-up after your dog, and report graffiti. The World is counting on us.

Please forward this information to your neighbors and friends and ask them to Bookmark the website addresses and Keep L.A. Beautiful.

Linda Cardoso

Linda Cardoso, Estate Agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing single family and condominiums residences in the $500,000 - $3,000,000 price range throughout Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz and Burbank.

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By:  Tim Mclaughlin

If you’ve sat in rush hour traffic on Ventura Blvd  it’s hard to believe that there was a time when you could go there to shop for an in ground swimming pool.  This photo from the late 1940′s shows a swimming pool store located on the Blvd. in Sherman Oaks that offered a variety of different sizes and styles.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tim Mclaughlin