Big Event Coming Up: Braemar Country Club NTRP Adult Tennis Tournament
July 28, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
Here it is once again, Braemar Country Club is proud to host its 12th Annual Fall Adult NTRP Tennis Tournament which will take place on September 3rd, 4th, 5th. This is a SCTA (Southern California Tennis Association) sanctioned tournament welcoming over 100 tennis players from USTA rating 3.0 up to 5.5 Men’s and Women’s divisions, in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles. This is a great opportunity to see some great matches. There will also be a BBQ on the main deck on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The entry deadline is September 1st. If you’ve never been to a NTRP adult tournament, this is your opportunity to participate in a fun event that will take place up in the hills of Tarzana. The club is located at 4001 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana CA 91356.
If you are interested in entering this event: Click on the following link:
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=82845
Online entry instructions:
1) Click on red writing that says: Click here to register online
2) Enter your USTA # and you’re on your way.
Friday matches will not start until 5:30 pm with some matches starting at 8:00 PM
You may not have to start play on Friday, depending on how many entries there are in your division.
Divisions: Men’s & Women’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed.
Level: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5
Times: Saturday & Sunday matches start as early as 11:00 AM
Matches may be scheduled as late as 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: $41.35 per player per Singles, $28.00 per player per doubles
Le Sanglier Restaurant: Great French Restaurant in the Los Angeles Area
July 19, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
When I moved to Tarzana, I knew that the restaurants that were offered along Ventura Boulevard would bear some fruit (despite the sneers of some Westsiders). But I had no clue about the many options available for every type of palate. It was above all a pleasure to discover a lovely French restaurant that has been based in Tarzana for almost 40 years.
We learned about it through word of mouth – the location is quiet and unassuming. Upon entering the restaurant, you will encounter a long interesting menu of specials and a soothing dark sumptuous décor. Some of the entrees can sound a bit intimidating (beef cheeks, for example – yes, the actual cheek) but are ultimately delicious. My personal favorite is a dish of venison chops served with a Bordelaise berry sauce. The wine selection is mostly French, of course, and reasonably priced (for us winos, allowing an opportunity to broaden knowledge of non-California wines). One Wednesday a month there is a multiple-course wine tasting dinner, with the bonus that if you love a wine they will keep pouring it for you.
But the real appeal of this place is the fact that the owner, Gilles, and his attentive staff will remember your name every time you come, as well as your preferences. This is one of those intimate restaurants where you receive individualized attention that can be so rare, especially in these days of chain restaurants. There was one dinner we attended where one of our party asked for French Onion Soup – with no onions and no cheese (she was serious about this). We burst out laughing when Gilles took down the order without even blinking. At times, Gilles will sit down with you and chat, and will often offer you a bit of Porteau at the end of the evening. Watch out, though, if he breaks out the Armagnac!
Le Sanglier offers an authentic French dining experience that is unforgettable! Visit it online at http://www.lesanglierrestaurant.com/ and Bon Appetit!
Here’s a video of Le Sanglier celebrating their 40th anniversary:
Pacific Palisades: Beautiful Will Rogers State Park, California
July 8, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
Have you ever been to the Will Rogers State Historic Park? This was my first time at the park and I had no idea how beautiful it was. Will Rogers was the most popular and highest paid actor in Hollywood in the early 1930’s and he owned over 186 acres in what is now known as the Pacific Palisades. Rogers’ property included a golf course, hiking trails, and a beautiful stable with 31 room ranch house. The actor died in an airplane crash in 1935, and the ranch later became a state park in 1944.
The ranch is extremely relaxing and peaceful This park has so much to offer, including horseback riding lessons, ranch house tours, guided trail rides and an amazing moderate 3-mile hike to Inspiration Point where you can enjoy a full view of the ocean.
Take a quick look at the video bellow and feel free to leave any comments.
Philippe Rodrigue is a community expert for Pacific Palisades, and can be followed on http://twitter.com/philrodrigue
Palm-Mar Vista: Great Opportunity for First Time Home Buyer
July 2, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
3756 Moore Street, Mar Vista offered at $825,000. IF YOU DESIRE…The original architectural details of a 1930’s Spanish style home but want all the upgrades of a newer home. You will love this modernized property that has successfully combined and integrated the old with the new. Cement counters, warm hardwoods, barreled ceilings, spa like master suite and private garden. The formal living room has a large arched window, two bay windows, hardwood floors and a lovely fireplace. The master suite with plenty of closet space and special bathroom overlook the backyard. If you’ve been looking for a home that’s dramatically different from the ordinary homes you’ve been seeing then this house is the one you’ve been waiting for.
Travel Back to the Dark Ages at the Renaissance Faire
June 21, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
Throwing axes, knifes, tomatoes, tests of strength, archery, damsels in distress. You probably think that I’m describing life in the dark ages. Well, I’m not — I’m actually talking about the Renaissance Faire festival. If you haven’t yet been, you have to try the time traveling experience at least once in your lifetime.
I have to say: I had no idea what to expect, but found it to be quite original and fun. You can watch jousting in full armor, falconry shows, old tradition dances, and lots more.
I would say my biggest mistake this year was that I didn’t dress up for the occasion. I was probably one of the few without a costume and wow, did I feel out of place. Next year, I’m going all out — you might not even recognize me.
Also, make sure to bring some old shoes or boots as there is a lot of dirt and occasionally mud — they didn’t have asphalt back in the 1200s. Also, plan on bringing plenty of water, although they do sell pretty much all sorts of modern refreshments like pop, water, wine and beer. But the real treats that the Renaissance Faire is well known for are their original foods such as the giant pickle on a stick that I have never encountered before. And let’s not forget about those giant turkey legs, which you can see in the video below.
The original Renaissance Pleasure Faire that I have been to is located at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, California. While this particular event has finished for the season, there are other Faires located throughout California – and the rest of the country – so take a look and see where the next one is taking place nearest to you and have an adventure.
Please share some stories if you have been to a Renaissance Faire in the comments below.
Photo courtesy of rachelcoyne’s Flickr photostream
LA Real Estate: What You Can Get in the Valley Compared to the Westside
June 14, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
Here’s some interesting real estate market data for the general Westside of Los Angeles as well as the Valley communities south of the 101 freeway.
I only picked 5 cities in the valley including Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills. For the Westside, I chose Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica.
If we look at the statistics of what’s been sold in the last 2 months in the valley: We have 370 homes sold, average days on the market is 70, average price is $800,000 and the average price per square foot is $330. If we compare those numbers to the Westside we have 156 homes sold, average days on the market is 70 as well, average price is $2,400,000 which is triple the price of what you can get in the valley and the average price per square foot is $725.
Once again this is general information but useful to know. For 15 minutes more of driving, you can get twice as much as you would on the Westside.
Big Event Coming Up: Braemar Country Club Junior Tennis Tournament
June 5, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
Here it is once again, Braemar Country Club is proud to host it’s 24th Annual Junior Satellite Tennis Tournament which will take place on June 25th, 26th and 27th. This is a SCTA (Southern California Tennis Association) sanctioned tournament welcoming over 200 tennis players from the ages of 8 through 18, boy’s and girl’s divisions, in Singles and Doubles. This is a great opportunity to see some of the upcoming tennis stars of the next generation. There will also be a BBQ on the main deck on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Due to the large amount of players entering in the tournament each year, some matches will be played at the University Cal State-Northridge on Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon. All finals will be played on Sunday afternoon at the Braemar Country Club. The entry deadline is Monday June 21st . If you’ve never been to a junior tournament, this is your opportunity to participate in a fun event that will take place up in the hills of Tarzana. The club is located at 4001 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana CA 91356.
If you are interested in entering this event: Click on the following link
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=86109
Online entry instructions:
1) Click on red writing that says: Click here to register online
2) Enter your USTA # and you’re on your way.
Friday matches will not start until 5 pm with some matches starting at 8:00 PM
You may not have to start play on Friday, depending on how many entries there are in your division.
Divisions: Boy’s & Girl’s Singles & Doubles
Age Division: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18.
Times: Saturday & Sunday matches start as early as 11:00 AM
Matches may be scheduled as late as 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: $41.35 per player per Singles, $28.00 per player per doubles
Great Tennis Club and Junior Tennis Camp at the Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, California
June 5, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · 2 Comments
One of my favorite tennis clubs to go to in the valley is definitely Braemar Country Club. It has one of the nation’s largest and most diverse tennis professional staffs teaching courses for all ages. Their training options includes a junior development program with over 200 children active on any given week on a year round basis and over 30 classes for adults, targeted for specific levels each week. Whether you’re an adult, junior, beginner, or advanced, Braemar has the right coaching program. Private lessons can even be scheduled at your convenience.
With over 20 tennis courts, Braemar provides the flexibility to accommodate its members whenever they want to play tennis. They’re open Monday thru Friday from 6:30 am – 9:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 6:30 am- 8:00 pm, which is great for me since I’m able to still stop by after work and play tennis even if I work late.
Here’s a Few of the Programs Currently Available
Junior Program Class Levels
Tots: Ages 4-6, initial experiences
Star 1-3: Ages 7-12, beginner and intermediate levels
Teen Tennis: Beginning and intermediate classes for teenagers
Star 4-5: Advanced drills and coaching for players experienced in USTA Satellite and Open tournaments and/or High School Team Tennis
Complimentary “Quick Fix” Adult Tennis Clinic
Every Saturday morning one of the pros will help you to improve your game. Stay ten minutes or stay the full hour! There is never a charge.
No sign up necessary… just stop by Court 1 at 10:30 am!
Adult Tennis Clinics:
Designed for every level and every desire.
LEAGUES
USTA Team Tennis
These players participate in three USTA League Tennis national divisions – Adult, Senior and Mixed Doubles with each level winner advancing toward the final goal – National Championships. Individual sections offer additional league opportunities including Super Senior Doubles (age 60 & over), Mixed Senior (age 50 & over) and Combo Doubles where the combined NTRP ratings of the doubles team determine the level of participation.
World Team Tennis
This format features co-ed teams competing in six sets – men’s and women’s doubles, men’s and women’s singles, and mixed doubles. The unique WTT format, which is also played in the Professional League, includes no-ad scoring, substitution and coaching.
Braemar Tennis Club Men’s and Women’s Interclub Leagues
Doubles matches are played on a specific day
Singles matches are played at a mutually agreed time
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Pacific Palisades: Southern California’s Best Youth Athletes Learn Tennis at Riviera Country Club
June 3, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · 1 Comment
The Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades hardly needs an introduction: it is one of the best places in Los Angeles to play golf and tennis, or to simply come and relax in one of their 30 guest rooms with all the modern luxury amenities you would expect from such a high-caliber locale.
Meet the director of high-performance training Erik Kortland. He oversees the Junior Excellence Program, which takes youth tennis training to the next level – Kortland’s students consistently rank at international levels. Would you expect anything less from a golf and tennis club that has been world-famous for nearly 80 years?
Kortland is currently training on the clay courts for the National Clay Courts in Florida. In Southern California, they are preparing for the Quicksilver Tournament in Palm Springs, and the US Open Qualifier in Clairemont.
Many notable tennis stars have passed through the doors at the Riviera Country Club. To name a few: Maria Sharapova, Mardy Fish, John McEnroe, and the Williams Sisters.
Great Deal for a First Time Home Buyer in Mar Vista, California for $385,000
June 1, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · 1 Comment
 This charming 1bd/1ba cottage style home is perfect for your first time homebuyer. Bonus room is great for an artist’s studio or home office. Property is zoned R3 for multifamily development opportunity. Large rear yard offers ample parking and many possibilities for entertaining or creating a tranquil backyard getaway. Great access to 405 freeway and local Mar Vista neighborhood. |
