July 27th, 2010
Urbane Cafe in Agoura Hills
July 27th, 2010 by Irma Haldane Categories: Uncategorized
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For gourmet sandwiches, salads and catering
By: Irma Haldane
Urbane: polite, refined, sophisticated and courteous
If there is one word to describe the service at Urbane Cafe it’s efficient. With a brief glance into the kitchen you’ll quickly notice the well defined stations that enlist each employee to a designated task. Whether it’s rolling out dough to be cooked in the wood fire grill, seasoning the salad, flipping chicken or putting sandwiches together as high speeds, Urbane cafe knows how to handle the crowds. Good thing, because it’s packed.
Possessing the feeling of classic California fresh cuisine, Urbane offers surprisingly tasty choices under $7. The prices would seem to suggest a lower quality of food but in fact, the recipes are seasoned properly and offer a fusion of Italian and southwest flavors. This fresh new spot in Agoura Hills is just north of the new Trader Joes and south of the McDonalds. A perfect lunch spot for a tast, healthy and relatively inexpensive meal.
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.
Posted by Irma Haldane on July 27th, 2010
July 22nd, 2010
Make Be-Leaves in Agoura Hills
July 22nd, 2010 by Sheri Karp Categories: Uncategorized
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Local Agoura Hills plant business booming
By: Sheri Karp
This Agoura Hills company specializes in manufacturing custom artificial trees. Although it may sound strange, Make Be-Leaves is a strong business that sells artificial trees, palm trees, silk plants, silk floral arrangements and plantscapes for commercial interior use. This national preferred supplier for hotels and restaurants is headed by founder, Susie Ameche. Ameche started her business from her own home and slowly expanded into an Agoura Hills office. The small business is increasingly popular as commercial interior designers opt for low maintenance, green options.
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.
Posted by Sheri Karp on July 22nd, 2010
July 21st, 2010
Local Baseball Talent in the Minors
July 21st, 2010 by Irma Haldane Categories: Uncategorized
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Agoura & Calabasas graduates playing in a Mid West League
By: Irma Haldane
Pitcher Robert Stock of Agoura High and catcher Chris Notti of Calabasas high are rising in the St. Louis Cardinals’ organization. The two play for the Quad Cities River Bandits alongside former Agoura Hills teammate Jason Novak. Coincidentally, many other local sensations play in the Midwest League, a Single-A minor league with teams across the heartland.
Matt Magill of Royal, Cutter Dykstra of Westlake, Mike Gilmartin of Moorpark and Corey Jones of Camarillo all play in the same league. But, despite all the talent, Stock is considered one of the finest prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals’ farm system.
Novak and Stock used to play for the Agoura Chargers together and later competed against each other in college. Novak pitched for UCLA and Stock caught for USC. Last year they were roomies for the Johnson City Cardinals in Tennessee and now they live in the same apartment complex in Iowa.
As our local talent continues to play at a higher level, they all hope to play until they physically can’t play anymore. Notti explains, “There’s no timeline. You play until you can’t play anymore.”
We wish our fine local boys good health in the future!
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.
Posted by Irma Haldane on July 21st, 2010
July 1st, 2010
The Tomato Patch
July 1st, 2010 by Roger Ewing Categories: Uncategorized
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For healthy food in Agoura Hills
By: Roger Ewing
For those of us living by the high protein, low carb diet, The Tomato Patch in Agoura Hills is a perfect spot to try after a workout or for a casual lunch. Serving sandwiches, salads and soups, it is their Allstar Smoothies that set them apart. Operating somewhat of a Jamba Juice, Tomato Patch offers 25 different smoothies in 2 sizes, all named loosely around sports. The Tour De France, the Downhill, or the Corner Kick are all great choices. Add a nutritional boost as well.
The Tomato Patch is located on 5889 Kanan in the Agoura Hills City Mall. They also deliver: 818.889.7867.
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.
Posted by Roger Ewing on July 1st, 2010
June 22nd, 2010
Regency 8 Agoura Hills Movies
June 22nd, 2010 by Irma Haldane Categories: Uncategorized
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Insomniac Cinema in Agoura Hills
By: Irma Haldane
Right across the street from our Sotheby’s office in Agoura Hills, the Regency 8 movie theater will be hosting a Wednesday night series. Tomorrow, they will be showing Rear Window, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and staring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. The film is about an adventuresome free-lance photographer who ends up with broken legs, stuck in his wheelchair in a tiny new york apartment.
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.
Posted by Irma Haldane on June 22nd, 2010
June 18th, 2010
Taking a Walk on the Bark Side
June 18th, 2010 by Sher Hann Categories: Uncategorized
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How a walk in the dog park turned into a walk on the wild side.
By: Sher Hann
The new Oak Canyon Dog Park, in Oak Park, has been the bark of the town, at least in canine circles. Friends have commented on how lovely it is, waxing so eloquently it would seem John Muir himself had scripted the comments.
Alas, a recent Sunday trip had to be aborted. The walk to the park is about 200 yards, uphill and down. Our aging Aussie, Murphy, couldn’t even get to the park! His back legs collapsed, and he lay immobile – his Ghandi routine. There is handicapped access parking, but is it for disable dogs?
For a second outing to the park, I arranged to have my son stay with Murphy so his feelings wouldn’t be hurt while I took Walter to meet his friend Prada. The scenery there as we emerged from the wooded path is truly spectacular – a great bowl of green lawn set against a backdrop of dark hills.
Little “Waltman” was very excited by the time we reached the entrance. So, it seemed, was a small black lab just inside the park. The two immediately set upon each other, attracting other dogs to the fray.
When we were finally able to extract our respective pooches, I carried my shaken 29-pound “Schnauchshund,” a rescue dog in more ways than one, out of the park and sat on a bench while he regained his composure. He looks defeated, said one passer-by as we ambled back to the car. That was an understatement! In fact, he is ok, just one small puncture wound.
Perhaps this weekend I’ll go to the park on my own, sans dogs, and enjoy the scenery.
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.
Posted by Sher Hann on June 18th, 2010
June 11th, 2010
Sumac Park in Fountainwood to Receive New Playground
June 11th, 2010 by Rob Jordan Categories: Uncategorized
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Construction is set to begin at Sumac Park…
By: Rob Jordan
Located adjacent to Sumac Elementary School in the Fountainwood neighborhood of Agoura Hills. The existing playground areas and equipment are all being renovated or replaced. Plans for the park include new swings, adventurous playground equipment (read climbing stuff!), soft wood fiber surfacing that is fall-friendly, a sand play area, new benches and trashcans, and shade canopies.
Construction is planned to be swift, taking only 2 weeks from the middle to end of June 2010, during which time the existing playground will be closed.
Fountainwood is an established, popular family neighborhood in Agoura Hills consisting of some 700 or so one and two story homes. Sumac School is an award winning elementary school located in the middle of the tract. And Agoura High School is walking distance from Fountainwood homes.
Rob Jordan, successful realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty/Ewing and Associates, specializes in helping buyers and sellers in Fountainwood. He achieved the highest sale in 2009 and 2010, helping his Seller obtain $677,000 for a custom 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Rob can be reached at 818 237 4425.
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.
Posted by Rob Jordan on June 11th, 2010
June 8th, 2010
A Walk on the Wild Side: Wild Gardens
June 8th, 2010 by Sher Hann Categories: Uncategorized
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If green is the new black, then wild is the “au courant” look in gardens.
By: Sher Hann
So goes the ecological wisdom.
In fact, the concept of “wild gardens” is not new, dating back to the 1860’s when it was pioneered in England by William Robinson. It has evolved to what we commonly call today the English Cottage Garden. Robinson, taking his cue from the Arts and Crafts movement, strove for the practical, more natural, less formal garden that harmonized with the surrounding landscape. Wild gardens were to contain a large variety of plants, including edibles and natives all mixed together in a free design.
In eco-conscious Southern California, wild gardens showcase those plants that thrive in our dry environment. Some wild gardens also seek to attract wildlife. In the wild garden in the photo, surrounding a home in Wood Ranch, owner Agnes Faughnan says, “We focused on the abundance of birds in the area, putting in not only plants but also a water feature that would attract them. Definitely, this has been a success story.”
To maintain the pastoral environment, Faughnan’s garden uses natural stone for the patio, walkways and small retaining walls. The resulting setting, says Faughnan, is eco-friendly, with low-water-using plants irrigated by micro irrigation sprinklers. It offers variety, with an abundance of native plants, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees, including lemon, lime, tangerines, blood orange, pear, Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranate, fig and black walnut, as well as many herbs and, of course, lavender.
“Our wild garden is also practical,” says Faughnan, “because of its low requirements for both water and maintenance. Like nature,” she says, “our garden is a work in progress.”
For more images of this tranquil paradise, see Starbright Gardens.
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.
Posted by Sher Hann on June 8th, 2010
June 7th, 2010
David Asher of The Old Place
June 7th, 2010 by Categories: Uncategorized
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Tattoos and all, Chef Asher breathes life into The Old Place.
By: Stephen Roesler
David Asher looks the part. Just over six feet with tattoos crawling out of shirt collar, you’ll likely find Chef Asher on his 69′ Harley or directing an amiable kitchen crew in the back of The Old Place. But that’s not to say he’s unsophisticated, just not ostentatious. With a vision to keep his restaurant rustic and a hint of inspiration from Dom Deluise, Asher aims to accentuate the undeniable antiquity that healthily lives at The Old Place.
“The Culinary world has gotten so hyped up in the past few years,” he says distastefully. “I think it has lost its simplicity, its palatability. Everything is so technical that its made people believe you have to be really, really good or you shouldn’t touch food.”
And that’s wrong, believes the CIA (Culinary Arts Institute) trained Asher. It’s about the company, conversation, and communion with family and friends.
With a humble background from central Florida, his 
fascinating road to the Old Place is entirely atypical. Growing up around a family who believed in traditional gender roles, cooking was left to the women. In his case, however, his mother was not a cook.
“If we wanted to eat, we had to make it ourselves,” he says with wide blue eyes. “I was taking egg noodles and putting paprika and butter in it and figuring out something good to eat.”
But the slender chef has come a long way from his childhood menu. After attending college for a short stent, Asher began a job as an EMT. Quickly deciding it wasn’t for him, he began working at the Hard Rock Café and later moved to the Blue Jazz Café as a Garmache. Dissatisfied, Asher pursued formal training. “I had to find a way to get that coat,” he insists.
Making a drastic move to New York City, he soon received a French culinary degree. He went on to work at Casa La Femme, Eros, and Tapas Bar and Lounge – all in mid-town Manhattan. Before long, the visibly composed chef began to feel pressure to leave town.
“I was in a relationship at the time and she really wanted to go to California,” he explained. “I made it in New York,” he thought. “I’m sure if I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.”
With a U haul and a few hundred dollars, they left town. “Long story short, we’re not together anymore,” he laughs. But that hasn’t affected his success. After literally transforming a Pasedena-based eatery into a white tablecloth restaurant, he moved north of Los Angeles to escape the traffic.
Since his arrival, The Old Place, known in the ’70s for its clams and sirloin steak, has undergone a substantial change. Asher has taken a fare of just two items and vastly expanded. They now offer a seasonal menu that varies weekly.
‘We have grown up and become a little more flexible. Now we have sour cream, now we have diet coke,” he says sarcastically. “We have chicken on our menu and salad. We’ve got it all.”
Although he preserved the classic bone in rib eye, sirloin and clams, the Old Place now boosts a full menu. A lot has changed. This week they’re serving a Novy Ranch filet mignon. Known for its grass fed, healthy cows, Novy Ranch produces some of the finest local beef.
“We want everything to be local Californian,” he says firmly. “We don’t want to get Maine lobsters. We want to get spiny lobsters out of the Pacific here.”
And the regulars don’t seem to mind. In fact, it’s difficult to get a reservation at the Old Place because their customers are so loyal.
“It’s a good story,” Asher comments sincerely. “Here at the Old Place, we love that story.”
Continuing to foster the Old Place, Asher’s job is literally 24-7. Making calls to purveyors in the middle of the night, researching potential menu items on his days off, and regularly working in the kitchen 5 days a week, Asher rarely gets time to himself. But when does, you may see him tinkering with his classic Chevy hard tail or removing some of his old tattoos.
His right hand has the letters L-O-S-T strewn across his fingers in fading ink. As for the other hand, “It used to say H-O-P-E, but I took that off with a Dremel tool,” he says casually. “A little crazy. I didn’t want it on anymore.”
If you happen to see him around town, don’t be afraid to ask him how many tattoos he has. He’ll likely tell you with a half-mooned smile, “Just one big one.” You’ll know it’s him.
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.
Posted by on June 7th, 2010
May 28th, 2010
A Gift that Keeps on Giving: The Carpenter Family Theatre
May 28th, 2010 by Sher Hann Categories: Uncategorized
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The Carpenters: Top of the World
By: Sher Hann
When my son, now 20, was in middle school at Ascension Lutheran School, in Thousand Oaks, he came home one day after practice for the school production of “Charlie Brown” and in exasperation exclaimed, “It’s not going well. Mr. Carpenter says we’re not ready, and he’s a professional!” And then it dawned on me: Traci Carpenter was one of David’s classmates. Mr. Carpenter was Richard Carpenter, of the famed duo The Carpenters.
Richard and his wife, Mary, of Westlake Village, have long been supporters of the arts in the Conejo Valley. Now, their latest donation bears their name at Westlake High School: The Carpenter Family Theatre.
In a gala celebration last evening, a sold-out crowd thrilled to performances by students from the high school Drama Department, the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Choir and, of course, members of the Carpenter family, including Richard himself.
The new theater features improved site lines and state-of-the art audio, lighting and video capabilities, plus enhanced acoustics and all-new interior surfaces and finishes. Other improvements in the new theater include the elimination of the multi-tiered cafeteria floor, which is the entry chamber to the theater, while excavating the old theater room to accommodate the new seating.
Outclassed by performing arts centers constructed at Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park High Schools in the late 90s, the 1970s-era black-box theater at Westlake High School was long overdue for a theatrical facelift. Richard and Mary Carpenter approached the staff at Westlake High School and the school district about expanding and renovating the theater, and offered a substantial contribution to jumpstart the project.
With a $4 million budget, construction began in June 2009, using the Carpenters’ donation and funds from the CVUSD Measure R Bond and the State Modernization Grant. The Carpenters’ donation came through the Conejo Schools Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for school district.
Introducing the final number last evening, “Top of the World,” as a continual royalty maker, Richard Carpenter called the song “the gift that keeps on giving.” And so his family’s generous gift to Westlake High School will keep on giving for generations to come. He is, after all, “a professional” in the true spirit of the word.
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.
Posted by Sher Hann on May 28th, 2010
