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:
How’s the Real Estate Market of the Riviera in the Pacific Palisades
June 30, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
I was driving around on caravan today (Open Houses for Brokers) and looking at specific homes for my clients in my favorite neighborhood of the Pacific Palisades: the Riviera.
Guest how many listings are currently active on the market? If we look at the Market Analysis report from the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), there are currently 22 homes actively for sale on the market, one in escrow and 8 homes that have been sold in the last 3 months.
From those 8 homes sold, the average days on the market are 116 and the median price is $3,375,000. The average price in the Riviera is currently $4,504,000 with an average price per square foot of $935. If we comparing those numbers to 3 years ago, there is a decline of 20%. That was in 2007, at the peak of the market. The average homes used to go for $1,159 per square foot.
So, do you think now might be a great time to buy?I’d love to know your thoughts.
Great opportunity for First Time Home Buyer in Rancho Park
June 30, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
10540 Ayres Ave, $879,000. Redone & remodeled 2 bed 1.75 bath Traditional in Rancho Park. Perfectly captivating with multiple gardens, dining patios and decks bringing the outdoors and sunlight inside while creating a most comfortable lifestyle. Formal living, dining & Sun Rooms, remodeled kitchen and baths, sumptuous master suite with direct outside access to fabulous deck overlooking the very private gardens. Upgraded roof, plumbing, electrical & heat. Overland Elementary School.
Good Real Estate Deal in Cheviot Hills
June 30, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
10551 Esther Ave, asking $869,000. Incredibly private & serene designer Traditional 2 bed/1.5 bath set on knoll with tree-top views + guest qtrs w/ bathrm. Endless charm & character w/ updates. Living rm w/ brick-accented fireplace, dbl french drs to private side patio. FDR w/ chair railing, crown molding & french drs to brick patio & beautifully landscaped bkyd. Sun-filled kitchen includes bfast area w/ corner window, fresh white countertops & cabinetry w/ new s/s dishwasher. Lndry rm & updated 1/2 bath off kitchen w/ sideyd access. Rear mstr bdrm w/ dbl french drs to private patio & bkyd. Totally rmdld full bathrm w/ dual basins, marble & subway tile finishes. 2nd bedrm w/access to patio & bkyd. Detached bonus rm/guest qtrs nestled in the rear of the property w/ french drs, tile flrs & full bath. Additional updates include refinished hrdwd flrs, newer furnace, newly painted interior & exterior. Exuding a tranquil lifestyle in prime Cheviot Hils/Rancho Park location.
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.
Los Angeles: Junior Tennis Summer Camp is Starting Monday June 14
June 11, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
If you are looking for a tennis clubs for a great junior tennis summer camp for your kids you might be interested with the Braemar Country Club located in tarzana in the valley. 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.
The Junior Summer Tennis Camp is starting this Monday, June 14, 2010.
They offer 3 great programs for you to choose from.
Junior Tennis Camp for kids ages 5-12
Monday- Friday from 11:00am-3:45pm.
Play tennis, swim and of course, collect “BRAEMAR BUCKS” .
Competitive Camp for kids ages 8-13
competing in Team Tennis and Tournaments
Monday- Friday from 11:00am-3:45pm.
Drill as well as match play.
Afternoon Summer Junior Program
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Times and days will depend on the “STAR” Level.
Braemar Country ClubSummer Afternoon Junior Program 2010Session 1 June 16 – July 24 Session 2 July 28 – September 4 |
Bright Star 6-week session
This program is for children ages 4 to 6.
The focus will be on a variety of skills, such as balance,
movement, agility, coordination, throwing, catching and hitting.
Thursday: 4:30-5:15 pm (45 min),
Saturday: 10:30-11:15 am (45 min)
Member Price 1x week $87 / 2x week $150
Non member/Social Member Price 1x week $117 / 2x week $210
One Star 6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons
The One Star Program is for children 7-8 years of age or older who have had little or no tennis exposure.
Thursday: 5:00-6:00 pm (1 hour),
Saturday: 9:30-10:30 am (1 hour)
Member Price 1x week $152 / 2x week $236* (*No additional private lessons)
Non member/Social Member Price 1x week $183 / 2x week $297*(*No additional private lessons)
Two Star 6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons
The Two Star Program is for those who are skilled enough to hit forehands and backhands over the net from the baseline and maintain a rally of 2-3 shots crosscourt and down the line. Introduction to serve and volley.
Wednesday, 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour)
Friday, 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour) or
Saturday Only, 10:30-11:30 am (1 hour)
Member Price 1x week $204 / 2x week $327* / 3x week $387* (*No additional private lessons)
Nonmember/Social Member Price 1x week $233 / 2x week $386* / 3x week $476*
(*No additional private lessons)
Member Price Saturday Only 1x week $152
Non member/Social Member Saturday Only 1x week $183
Three Star 6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons
The Three Star Program is for those children who have achieved the goals of the Two Star Program and are ready for more challenging practices.
Four Star 6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons
The Four Star Program is for those children who are competing in Junior Team Tennis, Novice or Satellite level tournaments.
Five Star 6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons
The Five Star Program is for those children who are getting ready to play in open tournaments or on junior high/high school tennis teams.
Wednesday 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour
Friday, 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour)
Member Price 1x week $204 / 2x week $327* (*No additional private lessons)
Non member/Social Member 1x week $233 / 2x week $386* (*No additional private lessons)
Teen Tennis 6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons
For children ages 13-17 of all levels.
Thursday, 5:00-6:00 pm and Saturday, 11:30-12:30 pm
Member 1x week $152 / 2x week $236* (*No additional private member price lessons)
Non member/Social Member 1x week $183 / 2x week $297* (*No additional private lessons)
NEW |
Beginning Tennis 6 week session with two free half- hour private lessons
For children ages 9-12 that are just learning the fundamental of tennis
Thursday 5:00-6:00pm
Member 1x week $152 Non member/Social Member 1x week $183
For STAR Level 1-4
For STAR Level 5 and Above
Week 3: June 28 – July 2
Week 4: July 5 – 9
Week 5: July 12 – 16
Week 6: July 19 – 23
Week 7: July 26 – 30
Week 8: August 2 – 6
Week 9: August 9 – 13
Week 10: August 16 – 20
Week 11: August 23 – 27
Week 12: August 30 – September 3
2010 Star Junior Program Policies
Payment is required at the beginning of each 6-week session. Drop-in, single-class rates are offered on a space-available basis.
Missed Classes:
Missed classes must be made up during the 6-week session on another day.
Please call ahead to schedule a make-up class. Class session may be prorated in advance
to accommodate your vacation schedule.
Private Lessons:
The two private, half-hour lessons must be used within the 6-week session or they will expire.
Please call the Pro Shop at 818-345-3230 to schedule these lessons.
Graduating to higher levels:
In order to move to a higher level, juniors must pass the on-court test.
Cancellation policy:
A 24-hour notice is required for all cancellations of the private lessons.
Dress code:
Please remember our dress code. No shorts below the knee and only T-shirts with a tennis theme are allowed. No jeans or school uniforms are allowed. Black sole running shoes are prohibited.
Your child may be prohibited from playing without proper attire.
For more info, contact:
Susan Pendo
Head Tennis Professional/Assistant Director of Tennis
Braemar Country Club
4001 Reseda Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91357
818 345-3230 ext 177
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. |
Big Tennis Event Coming Up at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Club
May 27, 2010 by Philippe Rodrigue · Leave a Comment
Calabasas Open & NTRP Championships
A USTA Sanctioned Event
June 4, 5, & 6 (Fri, Sat & Sun), 2010
Location: Calabasas Tennis & Swim Club
This is the second annual USTA sanctioned Open Tournament at Calabasas Tennis & Swim
TO ENTER ONLINE: Click on the following link
http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=82812
Online entry instructions:
6) Click on red writing that says: Click here to register online
7) Enter your USTA # and you’re on your way.
Pay by credit card
Men’s Open division winners, both singles & doubles, receive free entry into the $50,000.00 USTA Pro Circuit Challenger of Calabasas Wildcard Tournament in October. If draw exceeds 16 players, both singles finalists are eligible for free entry.
If the 5.5 Men’s Singles division has more than 8 players, then the winner will also receive a free entry into the Wildcard Tournament.
Friday matches will not start until 6:30 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 Doubles
Open, 5.5, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5, 3.0
Times: Saturday & Sunday matches start as early as 11:00 AM
Matches may be scheduled as late as 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: $35.00 Singles, $42.00 per team Doubles
