TYR Query
Daniel Carpio
Daniel knew at an early age he was a tech geek. For fun, he would take apart the brand new, several thousand dollar Beta Max video player that his parents just bought, and then just put it back together. Fun, eh?? So, his title of Technology Consultant is very fitting.
Daniel totally gets that technology is now so integrated into people's everyday lives, at home, at work, at school, and everywhere we go. He will help you streamline and manage your existing technology, help you make well informed purchases, and give advice about future technologies. He’s more than just the “computer guy!”
Be it business, VIPs, celebrities (trust me, he gets confidentiality) or the "Average Joe," Carpiotech will bring technology to you the way it should be: Fast, Efficient, Effective, and of course – Fun!
In addition to his passion for technology, it’s all delivered with experience, enthusiasm, and a huge smile! This is Daniel's vision - this is the way of THE CARPIOTECH CRUSADER! (insert theme song, roll credits)…seriously, he means it – and it’s true!!
Your favorite place in LA to have a cocktail?
I don't drink often but when I do and just want to socialize, chill and have a drink with friends, definitely Lucy's 51 in Toluca Lake! Sometimes it's pretty crowded but their clientele is just my type, chic but casual. The decor is not for everyone since it's kind of all over the place with its lounge type red booths on one side and its sports bar feel on the other. The plastic frogs on the ceiling throw people off too! LOL, in the end, everyone is pretty chill, and I like that. However, when I want to get my party on...Tokyo Delves in North Hollywood (http://www.tokyodelvessushibar.com) comes to mind. The crazy, electrified atmosphere along with their Sake-Bombs, and of course, a ton of memorable ‘80s-‘90s music blasting in your ears tends to make you get a little wild! LOL
Your favorite LA place for bargain shopping?
As a hardcore technician and technology geek in general I have to represent: The LA Computer Fair (http://www.lacomputerfair.com) at the Pomona Fairplex Exposition Complex. It's the same location as the LA County Fair. It's dangerous for us impulse buyers - you know who you are - you can walk in there just to "look around" and end up needing a flatbed cart to wheel out all your unexpected purchases because of all the great deals. A word to the wise, know exactly what you want, otherwise you will end up buying things you "thought" you absolutely needed. Unfortunately, for purebred Mac Geeks, it's 90% PC based. Personally, I'm a hybrid geek, "I'm a Mac AND a PC!", so I'm still susceptible to all the great deals the LA Computer Fair has to offer us tech geeks!
You could change one thing about LA - what would it be?
Most people say traffic or smog...but I wish the beach was somehow closer or more easily accessible than it already is! As one of the rare native born Los Angelinos, I don't go to the beach nearly as much as I should!!!
You’ve always wanted to go to this LA spot – but just haven’t made it there yet?
I'm ashamed to say that in my all my life here in Los Angeles, I have not gone all the way up to the Hollywood sign (http://www.hollywoodsign.org) that has watched over the city for so many years. Unfortunately/fortunately I heard they fenced it off now to preserve it, which is understandable, since people were vandalizing the landmark. I'm just sad that I never went when you could actually go all the way up to the sign itself! You can get a closer look on their website, but it's not the same as being there in person.
Your favorite LA extravagance?
That would definitely have to be the 80 minute Deep Tissue massage at Burke Williams (http://www.burkewilliamsspa.com). Add on a Reflexology session after the Deep Tissue for your tootsies, and I'm a very happy man. Hmm, just thinking about it makes me want to call! They have locations everywhere but my wife and I love that there is one right here at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. Danger Close!
Your favorite neighborhood haunt?
Being in "The Valley", having a favorite haunt is a tough one. There is just so much here, so I'm going to have to say the stretch of Ventura Boulevard from North Hollywood to Encino. No matter how many times I drive down Ventura I'm always finding new places to try out and visit that I didn't see there before. It makes me do a double take sometimes, especially when I find this "great new place" that has been there for like 30 years. LOL! Then there is the Annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair in Oct (http://www.shermanoakschamber.org/2009_street_fair/index.cfm), which is a local's favorite. It's a treasure chest of a street that all people in the Valley constantly explore!
Your favorite local getaway?
It's a toss up between Las Vegas and Santa Barbara. What? Las Vegas isn't a part of LA, or even California? Of course it is silly! HA HA HA! People even slightly north of LA, let alone Santa Barbara, would harass me if I associated them with our city, but in my eyes, they are a part of the Los Angeles experience!
Your favorite place for cheap eats?
A lot of people know about California Chicken Cafe, but what they may not know about is the great deal on 8 pieces of Dark Meat Chicken that is right on the menu but people don't seem to notice this crazy great deal on some really good chicken. You can feed an entire family for $6.50!!! Don't believe me? Check out their menu online http://www.californiachickencafe.com/menus.html and check out the 4th entry under Whole Chicken with Sides – “8 Piece Dark Meat Special (4 legs & 4 thighs attached, subject to availability) $6.50!” If you go during busy times, getting this is no problem, as most people will opt for white meat and that is when we Dark Meat lovers will benefit!
You always take out of town guests to this spot?
Besides the obvious places out of town guests generally want to go, like the beach, see Hollywood, and the sign, I like to make sure my guests experience some good food that can only be had here in Los Angeles! For my more adventurous guests I take them to the corner of Beverly Blvd. and Rampart Blvd. to the Original Tommy's burger stand (http://www.originaltommys.com). I also like to have them start their day out right with the signature light and crispy waffles at More Than Waffles (http://www.morethanwaffles.com) for breakfast. What can I say? I'm Filipino, we love to feed people! :D
You're most connected to this charity or your last volunteer experience?
I was active with LA Works (http://www.laworks.com) for a while and what a great experience it was helping out the community. More recently, I've been doing occasional technical support for Clothes Off Our Back (http://www.clothesoffourback.org). I think it's great that celebrities are using their influence and more specifically their clothes for a charitable cause!