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

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:

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

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

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.

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

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

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.