Dad’s Day Ideas…

Ask the Yenta

“Dear Yenta, Help! I need Father’s Day gift ideas?”

Oh – you have sooo come to the right Yenta!!  Here are some fab ideas for dad – and see my “addition to the Y list” (below) on where to find THE BEST men’s ties.

The Shave of Beverly Hills
Special for Father’s Day!! Dads N’ Lads of any age!  For $125, enjoy two Beverly Hills Shaves (value $150), or 2 haircuts (value $160) – one for dad and one for the lad or grad!  If the lad is too young, they will create some memorable photos with a fake shave!  How fun!  Also mention THE YENTA REPORT and save 10% on Father’s Day gift items. Whoo Hoo!!!Beer Basket from Fancifull
A large galvanized tub holds six beers (imports and micro-brews), potato chips, white cheddar popcorn, honey mustard pretzels, and various beer snacks – ice ’em up and party down!
$100.00PRADA Cologne
I’m loving the new PRADA cologne for men. It’s soft and subtle, with a hint of citrus – great for the summer!!  They also have After Shave Lotion, After Shave Balm, Shower Gel and Soap in the same scent.
$54 for 1.7 oz, $74 for 3.4 oz, and $100 for the 6.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

 
“Dear Yenta, Any ideas about where to go for Father’s Day for brunch or dinner?”
 
Of course, dahling!  Here are some delicious ideas for dining with dad:
Arnie Mortons: Treat your Dad to Morton’s The Steakhouse this Father’s Day! Enjoy a special Father’s Day menu for $65 pp. Morton’s signature menu is also available. (Burbank, Downtown, Woodland Hills)
Ford’s Filling Station: Head over to Big Daddy’s Texas Style BBQ!  Feast on 2 meats, 2 sides & a free beer for your dad $18 pp. (Culver City)
Il Cileo: Enjoy Father’s Day brunch and dinner at Il Cielo!  3-course menu with salads, pastas, fish, chicken, veal, and desserts. Brunch: $48 pp Dinner: $58 pp. (Los Angeles)
Raffles L’Ermitage: Take Dad to an elegant brunch on their beautiful patio.
11am – 3pm $75 pp $40 pp for children 12 and under. (Beverly Hills, of course)
“Dear Yenta, I’m going on a picnic this weekend – any suggestions for some great picnic food?
 
You bet – one item comes to mind right away…I recently read about it on Tasting Table.
Nduja (pronounced en-doo-ya), a spicy, spreadable salami from Boccalone’s.
“The soft salami takes its name from the French andouille sausage, and Italian nduja is similar in that it’s made from finely ground pork and a blend of dried chile peppers. Boccalone’s version is fiery with a hint of bitter orange and smoke, and has a smooth texture like a firm liverwurst or pâté–no slicing necessary.”
You can buy it at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.  Add some crackers, of course, pick up some cheese and a bottle of wine – you’ll be ready to go!!
Additions to The Y List

 

Men’s Ties

Every man should want to look sharp – and believe me, when they do – woman (and men) will notice!!  A fantastic tie will always make you stand out, and can show off your personality.  And please, no novelty ties – those are for men who are trying to appear more significant, sexy or outgoing than they actually are – and that’s saying it nicely!

Backs, babies & burgers

Ask the Yenta

“Dear Yenta, I’m looking for a chiropractor/wellness center that has weekend hours – any suggestions?”

Hope this helps – wherever you are, your back will be covered!!!

West LA Chiropractic
With offices in both Westwood and at Olympic/Sawtelle, they have Saturday hours for Chiro, Massage and Acupuncture

Chiropractic Center of Los Angeles
La Brea and Beverly Blvd – with Saturday hours

LA Chiro Spa, Dr. Dana Zappalla
In Sherman Oaks – offers Saturday hours, plus Sunday by appt.

Dr. Nick Campos
West Hollywood – Saturday hours

Vaziri Alternative Medicine
Woodland Hills – Saturday hours

“Dear Yenta, I recently sat for my neighbor’s children and had forgotten how much I enjoy little ones.  Do you know of an organized company that hires out/places sitters?  I am not looking for a company who places au pairs, because I believe that is full-time.  Any knowledge is welcome.  Thank you.”

No problem, here you go…good luck and have fun with the kiddies!
“Dear Yenta, So, who do you think has the best burgers in town?
 
If you ask burger fans, hands down these are LA’s best burger places:

Father’s Office

I also have a couple of personal favorites: Houston’s, cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, no onions (not a fan of them uncooked) with a side of their yummy cous cous. Also, the Grand Lux burger melt at Grand Lux Café.  It’s their version of a patty melt – a burger on grilled parmesan cheese bread with lots of cheddar cheese, grilled onions and Thousand Island dressing with French fries. I get a craving for the burger a few times a year and when that yearning comes – I must fulfill it!

Additions to The Y List
 

Car Detailing

Okay, Angeleos can get a little too obsessed with their cars and sometimes they want to give them a good rub down – shampoo, wax, and polishing – so here’s where to get the works:
Allure Auto Detailing – they are eco-friendly and environmentally safe
Detail USA – they’ve been around for years, and work with the movie studios
Detail 301 – they’ll pick up your car and bring it back – better than new!

Dame Edna, wine bars and watermelon sunscreen

Ask the Yenta
 
“Dear Yenta, I have a hand-woven rug – very expensive – and I need to get it cleaned. Where do I go?
 

Bobcat Carpet and Fabric Care – They will come to you, pick up your rug, hand-clean it, and return it. They do an excellent job!

“Dear Yenta, I’m obsessed with keeping my face out of the sun to keep the aging process at bay, etc.  Do you have any ideas about special/great sunscreens for the face??”

Yes, as I’ve mentioned, I am a lover of beauty products and keeping up with the latest trends is a must. Here are a couple of superior suggestions for skin protection, especially your face:
Korres Natural Watermelon Suncreen Face Cream SPF 30 $28 – good for normal to dry skin – you can find it at Sephora.
Keihls UV Protective Suncare Sunscreen Cream, For Face and Body SPF 20 $32.50 – sweat and water resistant – find it at a local Kiehls store.
Kiss My Face Sunscreen SPF 30 $9 – good option for sensitive skin – available at your local Pharmacy or Whole Foods
“Dear Yenta, where can I get discount tickets to shows in Los Angeles?”

I love, love, love Goldstar Events. I never get tickets to a show without checking here first. Plus I get the email updates to keep up with any last-minute specials that go on sale!! Right now you can get discount tickets to:

Sesame Street Live Full Price: $20.00 – $30.00

Goldstar’s price: $11.25 – $16.25
Dirty Dancing Full Price: $98.00
Goldstar’s price: $50.25
Dame Edna Full Price: $70.00 – $80.00
Goldstar’s price: $35.00 – $40.00
Playboy Jazz Festival Full Price: $32.50
Goldstar’s price: $16.25
Note: in order to see what shows they offer, you do have to sign up with them – but it’s free.
Additions to The Y List

 

Wine Bars
Pourtal
Pourtal is as much a wine bar as it is a casual tasting room and retail shop in Santa Monica. The wines are hand selected by Wine Director Peter Birmingham, with an emphasis on boutique producers from around the globe. They currently have an extensive list of delectable wines from Argentina to New Zealand, and of course, France, Spain and California. Prices range from $1.50 to $8 for one-ounce self-service pours from the uber-fancy Italian Enomatic machines.
Bottle Rock
With locations in Culver City and downtown Los Angeles, Bottle Rock is a wine retailer, tasting room and small plates café.  With an inventory of over 800 wine labels from around the world and handcrafted beers and sake, there’s something to please your palate. Bottle Rock will open any bottle of wine in the store, regardless of price, if two glasses are purchased. They also offer an extensive food menu, which changes seasonally.
Corkbar
Corkbar specializes in a California wine tasting experience. Located downtown in the EVO building (12th and Grand Ave.) they carry around 40 wines by the glass, artisanal beers and farmer’s market fresh food. Corkbar has a cool and modern atmosphere, yet it’s very relaxed and unpretentious.  Cheers!

Sports, dating and exercise

Ask the Yenta
 
“Dear Yenta – I was wondering if you could recommend a good exercise boot camp near the Grove. A friend of mine is doing one in Sherman Oaks and it’s inspired me to do one myself?”

Hey, here’s a worthwhile spot right inside Pan Pacific Park, which is just next to The Grove! Fantastic instructor for quick results that take the “work” out of work-out. Good Luck!

“Dear Yenta – My granddaughters are coming to LA in June for 2 weeks. They are 2-1/2 and 4-1/2 years old. Can you suggest places to take them and things to do?!  I live close to La Cienega and Wilshire. Thank You.”

Absolutely! There are lots of darling kid-friendly things to do around LA. Check out “Go City Kids” for daily events and activities in town. Here are some great ideas for the girls nearby – from classic to clever.  Have fun!
Check out this site lots of local events:

http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/region/los-angeles-ca-usa

A. Build-a-Bear Workshop at the Westside Pavillion: make your own teddy bears

B. My Gym: kids’ fitness classes

C. Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. Located in Park Center between the Los Angeles Zoo and the Los Feliz park entrance. Open weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

F. The Farmer’s Market in Beverly Hills: on Sundays, there are special activities for kids
G. The Treehouse Social Club: an indoor playground, plus it has a café, and even free wireless for you!
you!H. Zimmer Children’s Museum at The Jewish Federation: part cultural museum, part indoor playground – there are art classes and story time, etc.
“Dear Yenta – I have a question for you.  Speed dating…are there any particular ones you’d recommend or say stay away from?”
 
Hmmm, I really am not sure how to answer this one…So I’m listing a few of the more popular LA Speed Dating companies.  My suggestion: dive in – pick out and try it out.  Decide what’s most important to you – the age range of a particular group that fits you best or maybe finding a geographically-desirable spot close to home?  Just go for it – and if there are only social retards and uglies in your group – try another or move to a different location.  You never know!!
Tip from Dating Coach Kim Lockhart (she’ll be featured in next weeks TYR Query.)
“There aren’t any speed dating companies that I’ve heard are bad per se. I think the most important thing is for people to try to connect through fun topics like hobbies and passions, so that the date doesn’t end up feeling like a resume exchange. People need an emotional connection  (like, we both love dogs, or surfing, or Dave Matthews) to build chemistry.”
Hurry Date – It’s speed dating is arranged by age groups, and it also has Jewish speed dating groups. In LA, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, and Pasadena.  There are all age ranges up to 55 years old. $37
Speed LA Dating – Most events are around Hollywood or West Hollywood (with less events for people over 34 years old). $36
Date and Dash – Its events happen in Beverly Hills, Culver City, Pasadena, and Santa Monica. The age-range goes up to 45-year-olds, and it even has a gay men’s speed dating event. $35
Additions to The Y List

 

 
Recreational Sports

Want an excellent way to get and stay in-shape, while also having fun and meeting new people at the same time – without that feeling of a work-out?  Join one of LA’s loads of co-ed sports groups!!  And who knows – maybe you’ll meet the love of your life or a great workout buddy – or both?!?
Just a sampling of the group sports you can find around town: dodgeball, flag football, basketball, soccer, softball, kickball, ultimate frisbee, broomball, volleyball…

Strapped, spooky and dressless

Ask the Yenta
 
“Dear Yenta, I’m having a hard time finding a cool leather belt – you know, something substantial, good looking, big buckle…any Suggestions?
 
I love the belts from Lucky Brand.  They’re thick, substantial and you know it will last a long time (ok, this sounds a little dirty – but it’s the best way to describe them.) The men’s belts rock, and ladies, you can wear them too!  I don’t know why they don’t show many belts online but you can find tons at any one of the store locations – check the website for a listing of lots of LA places.
Also, try Falconhead in Brentwood. They have a variety of terrific belts and cowboy boots.  You can even have one custom-made!

“Dear Yenta,  I have always heard about those movie screening at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery?  Do you know when they start the screenings???”

Yes!  The first screening of the summer is this Saturday – COOL HAND LUKE.  The gates open at 7pm and the movie starts at 8:30p.  They ask for a $10 donation (even though they say it’s a donation – its seems mandatory.) Some tips: It gets cold at night, so wear warm clothes. Also, bring a blanket to sit on (something that won’t get wet from the moist grass) and another blanket to throw on yourself.  Other ideas: bring a small flashlight (getting to the bathrooms in pitch black is not fun), a pillow, everything for a picnic – and maybe some to share with your neighbors. It’s a fun time.

 

“Dear Yenta, I’m getting married and I have a drawing of my fantasy wedding dress.  Is there somewhere I can I bring this picture and have my fantasy dress created??”

My dear, you have come to the right person. I’m so glad you asked – and seriously, I only found out about this amazing place a couple of weeks ago.  Bill Hargate Costumes!!  This is THE place to go to get any clothes made.  You will find the best designers and seamstresses who are used by all the top Hollywood Filmmakers – and you, too, can have your own design created there!  Very Cool.  Best of Luck!

Bill Hargate Costumes
(323) 876-4432
1117 N Formosa Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90046

Additions to The Y List

 

Perfume: Fragrant Options
Don’t we all want to smell good?  Our scent makes us feel sexy, alluring and mysterious.  When shopping at Trader Joes’s we want that hot guy picking out some fancy cheese to feel the same way as we walk by and smile…
 

Santa Maria Novella, from Florence, Italy, is one of the world’s oldest perfumeries. Its colognes are famous for the quality of oils, lasting power and originality. Maybe you remember Santa Maria Novella from the JAMES BOND movies?  In “Casino Royale,” during one of the final scenes, when James looks through his girlfriend’s handbag, you can see the perfume in Eva Green’s purse is “Melograno” by Santa Maria Novella.  This is a special store and well worth a visit to its Melrose boutique – just for history’s sake alone.

The Strange Invisible Perfumes line is created by Alexandra Balahoutis.  The fragrances are unique, hand-crafted, and contain no synthetics.  The store is beautiful and classy – a must to visit!

You can create your own scent at Melange Apothecary.  In this fantastic and relaxed environment, you can custom-blend a fragrance into an array of products. Select from its varied collection, including Eau de Parfum spray, Parfum Concentrate, Body Creme, Shower Bath Salts, and much more. They even label the product and keep your formula on record for your future use.  This is such a super idea for gifts, parties or a girl’s night out!!

Sweets & to tip or not to tip??

Ask the Yenta
 
“Hi Yenta, If you go to a small hair salon and the owner does your hair, do you give her a tip? I went to a new salon and had my hair blown dry by the owner. I paid the fee, but didn’t know what to do about a tip. What do you think?
 

This is a good question – one that I know many people have asked.  If you read Dear Abby or etiquette books – they’ll advise not have to tip the owner.  But that’s probably an old way of thinking. I have a couple of suggestions/ideas for you: First, remember this still a small business and almost everybody these days is struggling and needs to make money.   Now forget it if you’re going to an uber snazzy salon and paying $300-$400 for a haircut from Sally Hershberger or Chris McMillan (a big shout out to Chris who has been on the road with Hugh Jackman doing press…not only does Hugh look stunning but Chris gave my friend [Hugh’s Asst] the most amazing haircut, ever!!).  High-end stylist/owners can charge their clients big bucks, so definitely do not worry about tipping them.  What it comes down to is this: you really have do to what’s comfortable.  Most likely, since you’re asking the question, it’s feeling a little awkward. Why don’t you try offering a tip and see what the reaction will be…They might happily accept or politely decline. Yenta Out!

“Dear Yenta, I live and work in OC and next week I need to bring some fun, sweet treats to a business meeting in West LA. Any suggestions? Thanks!?”
Compartes Chocolatier
912 S. Barrington Ave.,
Brentwood
310-826-3380‎
compartes.com
Truffles, “Love Nuts” (seriously, they’re awesome!), chocolate dipped apricots or chocolate dipped marshmallows!!
Just to make your mouth water – here is the description of the Love Nuts: we hand roast nuts with real tahitian vanilla beans while quickly caramelizing them in our old fashioned copper candy kettle. Sprinkle them in the finest quality sea salt and then hand enrob them in layer upon layer of delicious Venezuelan chocolate. To finish them off, we cover them in French cocoa powder. All available in beautiful sheer organza gift bags.

Susie Cakes
11708 San Vicente Blvd.
Brentwood
310-442-2253
www.susiecakesla.com
All handmade from the owner Susie’s grandmother’s recipes.  CUPCAKES!! But they also have awesome cookies – Whoopie Pies, Frosted Molasses Snap Cookies, and Frosted Animal Cookies – yum!!!

Buttercake Bakery
10595 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA, 90064
310-470-6770
http://buttercakebakery.com/
Simple homemade style cakes, cupcakes and cookies!

 

“Dear Yenta – My boss wants me to get some gifts for women she’s been working on a project with – my budget for each gift is $200.  Any ideas?”

I like this! Tiffany round button necklace which you can order with any initial for $150. Order by phone 800-8433269 for questions or assistance. Or visit a store located in Beverly Hills, Century City, Pasadena, Glendale and Canoga Park. Modern, simple, elegant.

This Kate Spade Wallet is also fantastic – $245 – every woman would love this! It looks even better in person.  There are Kate Spade stores in Century City, Topanga Plaza and The Americana.  Here is a coupon for 20% offwhich brings you on budget.

I also love those flip video cameras – this one is white and pink – really cute! $149.99 at Best Buy…and capturing special moments in motion is priceless.

Additions to The Y List

 

Outdoor Activities
 
Trapeze School New York – All your dreams of flying can come true.  They have classes or book a party… Have a “big” birthday coming up?!?  What a fab idea for you and your friends!!  They’re located at the Santa Monica Pier.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood – Take an evening horseback ride lit by the moon! Sign up for one with a BBQ after your ride – or try the ride down to a Mexican Restaurant in Burbank..load up on several Cadillac Margaritas then ride back to the horse stables at Griffith Park.
Expand Your LA – Guided hikes in LA that specialize in seeing waterfalls! The hikes can be from one hour to four hours or more.  They cater from novice to experienced hikers – you can select a waterfall hike that’s right just your speed!