Ron Viola kills it!

By: Kenny Melcombe

Billy and the Beaters performed live last weekend @ Harper’s Bar & Grill. It was simply fantastic to see a band from 80′s still sounding amazing. They are the same band from back in the day, including one of the fabulous saxophone players, Ron Viola, who is  also one of the fine Realtor-Associate’s I work with at Sotheby’s in Sherman Oaks.

They played all their hit oldies including the worldwide number 1 Hit…”At this Moment.” You know, it makes me wonder, what would I give at this moment?

They don’t miss a beat, these guys are fabulous. Another 5 star event.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nRaJvn0eow[/youtube]

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.

Kenny Melcombe

Kenneth Melcombe, estate agent and licensed broker at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty represents buyers and sellers. He specializes in representing residential real estate properties throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

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Tarzana Homes for Sale

By: Jeff Biebuyck

Marge Young just listed this Tarzana home on Dorlon Drive. The virtual tour can be found at at http://19029dorlon.com/.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZrXoTRnZ2E[/youtube]

With 180-degree views of valley lights and mountains, situated on a cul-de-sac above the Braemar Golf Course, this custom gated, beautifully remodeled home offers tranquility, charm and sophistication. The 5,000+ square feet includes a master suite featuring a fireplace, sitting area, two balconies, large walk-in closet and a luxurious master bath. The chef’s kitchen is complete with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, granite counters, impressive cabinetry, oversized double ovens, warming drawer and spacious breakfast area. This special home offers an office, three fireplaces, coffered and artisan trayed ceilings, crown moldings, wood and travertine floors as well as custom designed art niches and architectural lighting. Walls of glass flood the home with light and stunning views. There is a fenced pool with waterfall and expansive lawn bordered by rose bushes, as well as several patios and decks. A truly special house.

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.

Jeff Biebuyck

Jeffery Biebuyck, Branch Manager of the Sherman Oaks Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty Office, oversees all office operations, expansions, and new agent recruitment. Jeff thrives on using his talented and creative mind to help agents focus on their business and achieve success.

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Courtesy of My Daily Find

Brazilian style food in Tarzana

By: Karen Lee

Welcome to the Brazilian style buffet, sort of. Kravings World Fusion Steakhouse and BBQ is known for their hand carved meats. Fire roasted tri-tip, lamb chops, sausage, tequila lime chicken but perhaps most enticing is the Churrasco, not to be confused with Chorizo. Churrasco is a Portuguese and Spanish term referring to beef or grilled meat.It is a principle ingredient in the cuisines of Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, Uruguay and other Latin American countries.

Kravings World Fusion offers a great lunch bargain —for $9.95, you will enjoy an all you can eat salad bar. Over 30 items are freshly made including eggplant humus, sliced nova lox, sushi, peel and eat shrimp, barley mushroom soup, fire roasted garden vegetables, clams in white wine, make your own Caesar salad, and delicious homemade pita and potato chips. $16.95 will provide you with carved meats for your lunch. All-you-can eat Dinner costs $34.95 Sunday-Thursday and $39.95 Friday and Saturday (with meats) or $19.95 for the salad bar only.

Brunch is a whole different topic being served Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30am – 3:30pm. All-you-can eat for $19.95 gets you hand carved prime rib, an omelet station, BBQ ribs, Belgian waffles, the salad bar and up to 8 kinds of sizzling meat. For $6 more you can get endless champagne and soft drinks too.

Don’t be shy next time your in Tarzana looking for high quality food, stop in to Kravings World Fusions Steakhouse and BBQ.

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.

Karen Lee

Karen Lee, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing estate properties throughout the Greater West Valley area including Woodland Hills, Calabasas, West Hills, Agoura and Tarzana.

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A few tips to help your  teenage drivers

By: Maggie Mayall

You’d think I’d be used to teaching a kid to drive, this being my third time through it (2 sons and a stepdaughter). But I recently learned that the best way for me to be in the car with my teen driver is to let my husband sit in the front seat, with me in the back. I have to promise to keep my head down and not look while we merge onto the freeway. Not that our teen driver is doing so bad, he’s actually doing quite well. The problem is me. I’m a worrier.

There is a lot to be concerned about, though. Car crashes are the number one killers of teens in the United States, so it’s important to know the facts and risks. I thought I’d pull together some resources to both bolster up my arsenal of helpful tools and to also share some tips with other parents of teens out there that are going through it too.

First of all, we have no problem turning over the lessons to a professional instructor and mining outside resources. I need all the help I can get, no matter how good a driver I may be. The good news about a professional is that they don’t have the emotional attachment that could add to the stress of the situation and they have the experience to teach this skill in a calm and efficient way.

But in between lessons and the driver’s license test, though, a lot of hours have to be logged behind the wheel so that we can prepare him to be a proficient driver for his lifetime.

DON’T’S:

• Don’t be negative, freak out or have a meltdown. (Sit in the back seat if you have to and have someone else be co-pilot!)
• Don’t use their time behind the wheel to nag them about other issues like their chores or homework!
• Don’t allow your teen to take his behind-the-wheel test too soon. It’s always better to wait. Sure, it will be convenient for your teen to have ability to drive themselves to the game practice or the store, but the more supervised experience they have under their belts before being on their own, the safer they will be. And safety should be our number one priority here, not convenience.

DO’S:

• Decide ahead of time what today’s lesson will be and outline it (like today we’ll be practicing left-hand turns around this specific route).
• Start small for their first lessons, like in an empty parking lot. Work up to the freeway!
• Use encouragement and positive reinforcement (point out what they are doing well).
• Calmly point out when mistakes are made, without shaming or freaking out.
• Make lots of opportunities to practice (like on errands and extra curricular activities)
• Set a good example when you are driving. Make conscious choices to remain calm, don’t run yellow lights, always make full stops, stick to the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, show respect to other drivers. It’s important that my teen driver listens as I explain what I’m doing and why, when I’m doing the driving.
• Use at least one lesson to go over emergency roadside situations, changing a tire, driving in inclement weather, checking the oil and coolant levels, filling with gas and jumpstarting a battery. And we need to have a plan about what to do if the car breaks down or if he’s involved in an accident.
• Draw up a safe-driving contract with your teen. This would include all your house rules about your car and all the state laws, like wearing a seat belt at all times, refraining from speeding, driving under the influence and talking on the phone or texting while driving. The Automobile Club of America has a great contract (it’s free), as well as other resources for parents of teen drivers. http://teendriving.aaa.com/CA/

The most important thing to remember with a teen driver is that we are preparing him or her to go out there in the world and use this 3,000 pound machine in get around in safely and responsibly. But it is not a “right,” it’s a privilege—and it’s important for us to help him understand that. As long as he is a minor, we will allow him to drive under the rules we have set down, after he has completed a driver’s training course and signed a contract with us. It is our job to make sure our teen driver develops an appreciation that driving is a highly complex task for which he needs maturity and judgment.

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.

Maggie Mayall

Maggie Mayall, Realtor Associate at Ewing and Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing residential properties in the West San Fernando Valley. A diligent Realtor and seasoned business owner, Maggie treats her clients with steadfast compassion and care.

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Looking for Lunch in Tarzana?

By: Caitlin Lassen

The Tarzana Armenian Deli is said to have created the “first pita wrap sandwich” in Los Angeles, and I believe it – I’ve been getting them here for over 20 years. It’s the perfect sandwich in my opinion, made using Premium Boar’s Head meat, string cheese, and fresh veggies wrapped in pita bread that is freshly baked every day. I like to spice up the meal with one of their authentic sides such as babaganoush, hummus, or stewed eggplant. As a family run business, “Pops” operates the Tarzana location and his son-in-law runs the Studio City location. Both stores are conveniently located on Ventura Blvd. making a healthy, fast, affordable lunch possible during this busy holiday season. Visit their website for more info www.tagdeli.com.

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.

Caitlin Lassen

Caitlin Lassen specializes in residential sales throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. As a lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley, Caitlin offers the local and regional perspective that clients need to invest with confidence.

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Lunch in Tarzana

By: Kenny Melcombe

There are many options for lunch in Tarzana. Restaurants, V.I.P.’s, Panda Express, great Italian places, steak places, veggie places and then Whole Foods Market. YES, and especially on Wednesdays when the buffet, the HUGE buffet is only $5.99/lbs (regularly $7.99). Choices of meat and potato’s, salads and an entire veggie/vegan bar.  So whomever you bring to this not so
secret place–they can choose something good to eat. Plenty of room to sit and eat include the typical table and chairs, community bar style seating, and couches to lounge. Easy parking.

Check it out and you may even see me there.

Whole Foods Market 18700 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, just west of Reseda Blvd.

www.Wholefoods.com/Tarzana

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.

Kenny Melcombe

Kenneth Melcombe, estate agent and licensed broker at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty represents buyers and sellers. He specializes in representing residential real estate properties throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

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For traditional hot dogs in the valley

By: Karen Lee

You don’t have to cross the US to get traditional New York hot dogs – just head over to the Loehmann’s shopping plaza in Reseda. Owner Joe Fabrocini, a 30 year restaurant veteran who opened the original Fabrocini restaurants in the 818, knows how to offer a variety of eclectic hot dogs with culinary ease. This particular Dog joint joins the authentic hot dog with an array of complex sauces inspired from locations all around the country.

Fab Hot Dogs also offer 100% angus burgers and garden burgers.

The restaurant recently relocated to 6747 Tampa Avenue, Reseda  (818) 344-4336 www.fabhotdogs.com

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.

Karen Lee

Karen Lee, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing estate properties throughout the Greater West Valley area including Woodland Hills, Calabasas, West Hills, Agoura and Tarzana.

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Tarzana’s Rich History

Burroughs's Tarzana Ranch

By: Joan Duffy

Edgar Rice Burroughs, known best as an American author for his creation of the jungle hero Tarzana and the heroic Mars adventurer John Carter. In 1919, Edgar Rice Burroughs purchased the Otis Ranch, built his home there and named it Tarzana Ranch.

In 1923, Burroughs subdivided a portion of his land for homes. This was known as the Tarzana Tract. A promotional brochure of the era said of Tarzana Tract: “Chosen by Edgar Rice Burroughs, author of the Tarzan Stories and The Girl from Hollywood, Tarzana is the pride of the beautiful San Fernando Valley. Tarzana will enjoy everything that makes for ideal home life. High elevation, water, gas, electricity, paved streets, etc…. Tarzana offers you homey, spacious acres, with cool, liveable surroundings. Here amidst nature’s own, on a subdivision in which the price includes all improvements, with convenient schools, churches and theatres, is the place to live. Do you know that you can buy one of these full acres for $1500, the price of a city lot in the poor district? Why hesitate? Come out into the open and see Tarzana.”

Although it’s a substantially more expensive today, Tarzana still holds that spacious, natural feel south of the boulevard.

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.

Joan Duffy

Specializing in real estate in Toluca Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village and Hollywood Hills areas of Los Angeles, you have found your realtor for buying or selling your next home. With expertise in real estate for both purchasing and listing properties, you have found the right realtor for all of your real estate needs.

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Using sunscreen could accelerate cancer

By: Kenny Melcombe

Sure, you may not get that red, itchy sunburn, but some sunscreens containing Vitamin A are said to actually increase the speed at which cancer develops. Nearly half of the 500 most popular sunscreen products may increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread skin cancer.

With that knowledge, the best sunscreen is a hat and shirt. That way, you won’t worry about whether you may get sunburned or if the sunscreen is actually hurting you. But sometimes you want to feel the sun on your back and that’s when you ought to use EWG’s top rate sunscreen that provide UVA and UVB protection. Typically, these lotions contain either zinc or titanianium minerals to help cut the exposure.

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.

Kenny Melcombe

Kenneth Melcombe, estate agent and licensed broker at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty represents buyers and sellers. He specializes in representing residential real estate properties throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

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Words from Emerson…

By: Gary Krieger

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “As every man had ever a point of pride that was not injurious to him, so no man had ever a defect that was not somewhere made useful to him…Every man in his lifetime needs to thank his faults.”  Likewise, the faults of the market offer opportunities to those who pay attention.  And, we must thank those faults and pay attention to what they offer us.

Today on the radio I heard an economist say by 2012 we’ll be back to normal.  Recovery will have taken hold and the stock market will thrive.  Now, we all know that economists are notorious for digging themselves into holes and then explaining how they get out of the holes, but more and more economists are predicting recovery in the not-so-distant future.  That leaves opportunity for savvy people to buy real estate now, before the market heats up again.  And, those who do will likely reap the profits from those purchases.  2012?  2013?  2014?  We really don’t know.  But we do know that historically, in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills, for example, the markets have always rebounded and have always gone higher than the previous highs.  I hope this is helpful…

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.

Gary Krieger

Gary Krieger, Estate Agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty in Sherman Oaks, is a seasoned business executive and author who devotes his full time to the business of real estate.

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