Author: Igor Nastaskin
Reilly Cooks! Riviera Native Serves Up Home Cooked Meals
With the pandemic underway for several months, most of us are staying home more than ever, which means cooking more than ever. And as many of us have found, that can get old quickly. Which is why my family was delighted to employ the services of Hollywood Riviera born and raised Reilly Quillin, owner of meal prep and catering company, Reilly Cooks. Reilly may already be familiar to many of you – he was the oyster bar and seafood chef at Chez Melange for 7 years, right up until when the acclaimed restaurant closed earlier this year. Reilly was also the lead line cook at Chez Melange, where he was mentored by renowned chef Robert Bell. Reilly has been enamored with cooking for as long as he can remember, and is a culinary school graduate. “I’m a creative person and I love to cook, so preparing delicious food for others is my dream job,” says Reilly. “Nourishing my clients with carefully made meals is incredibly satisfying for me.” I have to say, it’s been incredibly satisfying for me and my family as well. So far we’ve feasted on such entrees as Thai chickpea curry with brown rice; Tofu saffron risotto with asparagus; mushroom Lomo Saltado with ancient grains, potatoes, and onions; and falafels with tabbouleh and grilled squash (we stick to plant-based meals, but Chef Reilly can accommodate a wide range of meal preferences). Prior to the pandemic much of Reilly’s business was in catering, where he offers everything from appetizer service, to sit down five-course dinners, to specialty buffet stations, including stocked bars. Due to social distancing precautions, there’s little business now for catered parties and functions, but Reilly’s meal delivery service has taken off. As a result, meal prep with free delivery (to South Bay residents) is now the core of his culinary artistry. When you’re ready to take a tasty break from cooking, go to www.reillycooks.com to check out his meal delivery service, or contact Reilly directly at 310-569-2242 or reillycooks@gmail.com. You can also follow him on Instagram @reilly_cooks. Your taste buds will thank you. NOTE… mention this newsletter story for 10% off your first order. And be sure to enter this month’s raffle for a $25 gift certificate toward Reilly Cooks meal delivery.
Kitchen Looks Currently Trending on Instagram
Whether you’re thinking about upgrading a backsplash and countertops, or just adding some chic new seating, here are five favorite kitchen looks from Instagram that are trending right now. 1. Glass cabinetry Looking to make your kitchen feel more open? Glass cabinetry might be just the thing. A popular choice in new-home construction, its intrinsic aesthetic appeal resonates with most modern designs. The transparency of the glass also gives the appearance of a larger space that wouldn’t be achieved with closed cabinetry. 2. Slate countertops While dark-gray cabinets might be quite the thing lately, it turns out that slate countertops also can elevate a kitchen design. If your countertops are in need of a little TLC, these trending beauties could be the perfect solution. Not only are they timeless, authentic and organic, the material also is soft, smooth and cool to touch, which offers a wonderful sensory experience. 3. Gradient backsplash Want to upgrade your kitchen with a little personality? Try a unique gradient backsplash creation to add color to an otherwise conventional design. Gradient transitions allow for either a subtle movement between similar hues or a more striking movement connecting vastly different color palettes 4. Contemporary cushioned barstools A kitchen island or bar is never complete without a few barstools, and modern cushioned ones seem to be eliciting doses of both comfort and class to the home’s culinary center these days. Of course, you’ll want to make sure the function is still there, while also adding in softer and more feminine elements that will carry style throughout the home. 5. Glass globe pendants Bring some modern farmhouse flair to your kitchen with some rustic glass globe pendants. Currently experiencing a resurgence in design spaces due to its versatility and clean aesthetic, the timeless globe design lends itself to both urban and classic kitchen spaces. It’s also highly adaptable, as the glass globe pendants can be used as flush mounts, singular pendants or in groups as large statement pieces.
Is a Pandemic a Good Time to Buy a Vacation Home?
While most of us have been cooped up in our apartments and houses, it may have crossed your mind that now would be the ideal time to finally purchase your dream vacation home. After all, mortgage rates are at all-time lows and a change of scenery probably sounds pretty sweet right about now. Remember, however, that we’re living through a time of economic uncertainty. You could lose your job or find yourself up against a major financial challenge in the weeks or months to come. So, is this really a good time to take the plunge on a second home? The answer depends on your individual financial situation and your plans for the future. Here is some expert advice to help weigh the pros and cons of investing in a vacation property right now. Con: This could be a risky time to buy… Although real estate is one of the soundest investments you can make, you have to make sure you have the tolerance for risk that comes with it. If you think you’ll be ready to sell off your second home in just a few years, you should probably hold off on buying and instead rent your dream destination. If you only plan to keep the property for the short term, you’re more likely to expose yourself to risk and market volatility when it comes time to sell; who knows if your home will retain value during the next few years? Pro: With low-interest rates, now could be a great time to invest Purchasing a second home might make a lot of sense for those with stable incomes. Lower interest rates have boosted purchasing power, and for those who have ‘buy-and-hold’ mentalities, there likely has not been a better time to buy. That means if you plan to purchase a property that you’ll keep for years to come, you’ll be in a good position to weather the twists and turns of a volatile economy in the months and years ahead. Real estate always is a good investment if you have the proper financial strategy in place. Ultimately, if you’re unsure about it, talk over your situation with your agent and your financial planner to decide if now is the right time to buy. A professional real estate agent not only will walk you through the financial steps to ensure a good investment, but also will do their due diligence to ensure you’re investing in the right area with growth. Con: Getting a mortgage has gotten trickier Before the pandemic, lenders would run a few employment verifications before approving a new loan for a home buyer. These days, however, some lenders are running checks anywhere from seven to 10 times before approving a loan. If you lose any source of income during the buying process, that could jeopardize your ability to purchase a second home. Pro: You can offset the cost of your vacation home by renting it If you buy a second home in a popular vacation spot, you could tap into a new source of income by listing your place on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Just keep in mind that renting your home to vacationers comes with extra responsibilities, including maintaining the property, keeping photos and descriptions up to date, and cleaning between guests. The possibility of rental income also has a major COVID caveat: During the pandemic, travel restrictions and cleaning logistics have made renting more complicated for hosts. The bottom line: Be sure you understand what you’re getting into before you bet on rental income. Con: The market where you’re buying might take a while to recover from the pandemic You’ll want to do your due diligence on the area where you want to buy a second home. For instance, know what kind of travel restrictions are in place, whether you’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the location, if the restaurants and attractions are closed, or if social distancing will dampen the appeal. Also, consider what this means for your property value. If the local economy is largely driven by tourism, will it resilient enough to withstand downturns that could then impact property values? Work with your agent and financial planner to evaluate an area’s risk before you decide to buy. Pro: You don’t have to be a multimillionaire to own a vacation property You might think that the idea of a vacation home seems out of reach, but it’s actually more feasible than you think. Second-home purchases are not just for high-net-worth individuals. There also are plenty of opportunities at lower price points for prospective borrowers, especially if you’re willing to expand your search beyond the main drag or to take on a few renovation projects. That means you might need to look for homes near the water instead of on it or to search for homes that need a little bit of updating.
Celebrating 6 Years: Ten Thousand Villages Helps Buyers Shop Ethically
The simple act of buying a greeting card is more meaningful when you buy it from Ten Thousand Villages That’s because Ten Thousand Villages located in our own Riviera Village, is a non-profit store that sells products handcrafted by artisans in developing countries who would otherwise struggle to earn a living. Read the back of some of the greeting cards at Ten Thousand Villages and you’ll learn: “This card was created for you by women who have escaped sex trafficking in the Philippines. Your purchase provides jobs that enable these women to support their families.” Other cards were handcrafted by young adults orphaned by the Rwandan genocide or diseases such as AIDS and malaria. Each of these cards are signed by the artisans that made them. Newly re-opened with social distancing measures in place, Ten Thousand Villages is open to the public Friday through Monday 11 am to 4 pm, with convenient curbside pickup available every day from 11 am to 4 pm, and VIP appointments offered Monday through Friday (visit www.tenthousandvillagesredondo.com). From cards to kitchen items, home decor, jewelry, children’s goods, and more, the fair-trade products at Ten Thousand Villages are sold with the goal of improving the lives of unemployed artisans, most of whom are women. The products are environmentally sensitive and reflect the cultural traditions of their country of origin. Colorful placemats, baskets, and baby blankets, for example, are made from recycled sari cloth in Bangladesh. Bombshell jewelry, including earrings and necklaces, are wearable symbols of peace made from repurposed brass once used as bomb casings in Cambodia. The concept for Ten Thousand Villages began in 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler, a member of the relief agency Mennonite Central Committee, traveled to Puerto Rico where she met a group of women struggling to feed their children. Having lived through hard times during the Depression, Edith knew the importance of dignity and a way to help oneself. Byler saw the pieces of fine embroidery these women created but had no place to sell. She brought the embroidery home and sold them out of the trunk of her car to friends, explaining how each purchase meant a woman gained a brighter future for her family. Mennonite Central Committee recognized the long-term value that sustainable income opportunities would bring to impoverished villages and facilitated Byler’s travels to India and other countries to seek out more handicrafts. Byler’s actions blossomed into a global fair trade movement, culminating in 1996 into what’s now called Ten Thousand Villages. The genesis of the Riviera Village store – one of only two in California — began when five South Bay friends seeking to make a difference in the world formed a non-profit organization to raise funds to become part of the Ten Thousand Villages family. Hollywood Riviera resident Tom Hoffarth, one of the founding members, has seen the store become a favorite for South Bay locals since it opened in June of 2014. “Shopping here is a sensory experience, a place to come and decompress while you touch, smell and see all the beautiful products and learn about their origins,” he said. “People want to shop with consciousness and to be part of something bigger, something that helps empower disenfranchised people from around the world. The energy in the store is serene and uplifting because that’s the essence of our products and even the people who work here.” Indeed, the workers at Ten Thousand Villages come across as enthusiastic because, as volunteers, they truly believe in the store’s purpose. Ten Thousand Villages’ stores nationwide are run by more than 1,000 volunteers, with paid positions for store managers (full disclosure—my wife, Suzy, is a volunteer). You can help break the cycle of generational poverty and ignite social change by buying your next birthday, special occasion or thank you gift at Ten Thousand Villages. Bring in this newsletter for $5 off your purchase of $5 or more (consumables excluded). And be sure to enter this month’s raffle for a $25 Ten Thousand Villages gift certificate. You can also sign up to become a store volunteer. Ten Thousand Villages is located at 1907 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach. For more information, browse their website (tenthousandvillagesredondo.com.), call 310-465-1600 or email
Riviera Cheesemonger Supports Milk’s Leap Toward Immortality: Local Deliveries Now Available
With June National Dairy Month, this is a good time to highlight a local business that pays homage to Fromage (Full disclosure – that business, Froma Cheese, happens to be run by a Hollywood Riviera native who is very near and dear to my heart!) Life on the wedge for Froma Cheese founder Aaron Nastaskin began seven years ago when he graduated from South High and entered Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as an Agricultural Business major. It was there that Aaron started learning about the dairy business and the art of cheese making in Cal Poly’s own student-run creamery. Several years of living in cheese-loving France, including earning his masters in International Business there, gave Aaron the knowledge and experience to finally launch his dream business, Froma Cheese, in 2018 right here in the Riviera. Froma Cheese specializes in sourcing and distributing unique artisan cheeses to consumers, restaurants (including Baran’s in Hermosa Beach), caterers, hotels, private chefs, specialty cheese shops and wine boutiques, such as MB Wine Co and VIP Wines & Spirits in the South Bay. Most of the cheeses are small-batch, fresh off the farm and can’t be found in grocery stores. For example, Froma Cheese is the first and only distributor of Cal Poly Creamery’s cheeses to the Southern California market, including their delectable smoked gouda that won the Gold Medal in the 2019 American Cheese Society Competition. For goat cheese lovers, Aaron partnered with Drake Family Farms in Ontario, one of the only humane-certified goat dairies in California. Aaron visits their farm each week to pick up hand-made small-batch cheeses, including Apricot & Honey, Jalapeno, Herbs de Provence and Garlic & Onion chevre. Other unique artisan cheeses sold by Froma Cheese include a rare Buffalo Mozzarella made by a small Northern California farm with one of only two water buffalo herds in California, and a 14-month Bandage-Wrapped Cheddar from Fiscalini Cheese Co, a family farm out of Modesto. Last year, Froma Cheese made news headlines when they became the first and only importer of Baldauf German Alpine Cheese, including the dairy’s Meisterstuck cheese which won the title of “Best German Cheese” at the 2019 World Cheese Championship. Froma Cheese also helps cheese producers uncover new distribution opportunities and connect with retailers. This service is increasingly important during the pandemic as the decline in the foodservice industry leaves producers worldwide scrambling to find outlets to sell their excess cheese. Most recently, Froma Cheese facilitated a distribution deal that helped a family-run cheese producer in Northern California sell thousands of pounds of excess cheese that might otherwise have been wasted. “As the market changes my services naturally evolve to fit the needs of the industry,” said Aaron. “That’s why I love my job, there are so many ways in which I can be of value to so many players. One day I may be on a home delivery bringing a couple wedges of brie to a customer, the next day I’m coordinating a cross-Atlantic import of several tons of European cheese. And both bring me an equal amount of satisfaction and purpose.” Froma Cheese was a much-loved vendor at the Long Beach Farmers Market until non-produce sellers were prohibited due to COVID 19. As a result, the company now provides free home delivery to South Bay residents every Friday and Sunday. In addition to artisan cheeses, Froma Cheese also sells a selection of Farmers Market products from fellow vendors who had to shut down. Those products include fresh baguettes, specialty cured meats, homemade jams, gourmet olives and freshly roasted coffee. As part of its efforts to give back to the community, Froma Cheese recently donated 50% of its weekly sales to the Los Angeles Food Bank. You can see the complete lineup of Froma Cheese products and place an order at fromacheese.com. Input the code SAYCHEESE for 20% off your first order and be sure to enter this week’s raffle for $25 gift certificate for fromacheese.com.
4 Summer Home Tasks to Add to Your To-Do List
While deep cleaning your home and getting rid of dirt and dust is important, you shouldn’t forget to take care of heavy-duty home maintenance tasks as well. Seasonal home maintenance is key to keeping your property in good shape and avoiding things like moisture damage that may have occurred during the winter months. As you cross items off your summer maintenance checklist this year, be sure to add these 4 key tasks that may not have crossed your mind. 1. Perform an annual inspection Taking the time to perform an annual inspection of your home not only can save you time and money, but also help you avoid safety issues down the road. Take this opportunity to ensure that all of your safety devices (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.) are in good working order. Check for mold or moisture buildup that may have occurred as a result of winter and spring interior humidity, being sure to pay close attention to attics and basements. Examining all of your appliances, plus their correlating hoses and electrical wires, will guarantee your safety and extend the life of your appliances. Walk around the exterior of your house to check for hazards like loose railings, debris, cracks and holes in the foundation, as well as roof issues. 2. Check Your exterior Power washing is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to give the exterior of your home a quick refresh. Blast off any residual grime that may have built up during those spring showers, but be sure to do this before the very hot months make extra water use irresponsible. Keep an eye out for any chips or cracks in the exterior paint because exposed wood and siding can be subject to rot. If necessary, protect areas with a fresh coat of paint. Rain and snow can lead to branches, leaves, and other debris clogging foundation vents, gutters, and downspouts. Clogs and leaks in your gutter system can mean expensive damage to the roof or even the interior of your home. Check your gutters and downspouts for any accumulated gunk that might cause an issue with proper drainage. If you do come across a clog in your gutters, try removing the debris or using a garden hose to force out any built-up material. If the debris is too difficult to remove on your own, consider hiring a professional. 3. Spruce up your outdoor living spaces Tackle landscaping tasks to boost your curb appeal. This can include planting drought-resistant plants, covering gardens with mulch to protect roots from the hot sun, and selecting summer-ready flowers like sunflowers and lavender. Make sure branches and shrubs are trimmed away from your roofing and siding to prevent moisture damage and provide pest control. Mowing and weeding your grass now will help you stay on top of any sudden growth that takes place when the weather gets warmer. Planting annual perennials that love the summer heat is a low-maintenance way to add a pop of color to your yard and increase your property’s curb appeal. 4. Bring in the experts for your HVAC Your home’s heating and cooling system should be inspected, serviced, and cleaned at least once a year, and it makes sense to do so when the temperatures will be changing. This is a good time to call in the professionals for an annual once-over. Your heating system likely worked hard all winter, and as you switch to your cooling system, regular maintenance can extend the life of your furnace and postpone expensive replacements. Change the air filters regularly to prevent major HVAC issues. If your home has foundation vents, be sure to clean them by hand or with a shop vacuum. Foundation vents usually have screens that become a catch-all for leaves, twigs, and assorted debris.
This Is Actually the Best Time in Years to Sell Your Home
While you might have put the decision to try and sell your home on hold during the continuing Coronavirus pandemic, many real estate experts say that this summer could be one of the best times to market a house in years. According to realtor.com, data suggests that buyers are outnumbering sellers in the housing market, which means it’s better to be a seller than a buyer. So, rather than writing off this summer’s home-selling season as a lost cause, instead, check out these six reasons why the market could actually be moving strongly in your favor. 1. Homebuyer demand has bounced back This past spring, home selling naturally went dormant for a while when COVID-19 was spurring many states to enforce quarantine and ban open houses. Now that lockdown restrictions are beginning to loosen, however, homebuyers are out in force and eager to make up for the lost time. The real estate market already has experienced strong signs of a rebound, according to the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) Pending Home Sales Index (a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings). In May, after two months of decline, pending home sales increased by 44.3 percent—the highest month-over-month jump since 2001, when the index began. There’s significant demand right now, especially in the suburbs and in smaller, less expensive cities, as buyers seek to escape the metro areas and more companies allow employees to continue working remotely. 2. Home inventory is still low While there’s been an influx of homebuyers, meanwhile, the number of homes for sale to actually meet this pent-up demand is at an all-time low. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, reported that there was insufficient supply this past year and the shortage has intensified during the pandemic. According to realtor.com’s market outlook, the housing inventory in June was 27 percent lower than a year earlier. Among the reasons for the shortage of available homes: Many people are living in their houses longer than they used to, and they’re also are fewer distressed properties on the market due to government stimulus support, including mortgage forbearance and unemployment benefits. 3. Home prices are rising With demand for homes up and inventory down, the market conditions are ideal for sellers to get top dollar for their houses. According to NAR, single-family home prices increased in most markets during the first quarter of 2020, with the national median single-family home price increasing 7.7 percent, to $274,600. This good news may surprise sellers since the housing market was expected to take a hit and home prices were likewise expected to drop because of the pandemic. That’s quite the contrary. Home asking price growth is actually higher now than it was before the pandemic. 4. Mortgage interest rates are low Another factor pushing home buyers to shop is the historically low mortgage interest rates. According to Freddie Mac’s July 2 report, average interest rates recently reached a new record low of 3.07 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. This means homes could cost potentially tens of thousands less during the lifetime of the loan, so it’s understandable that mortgage purchase applications have jumped since this past year. 5. The economy is showing slow signs of recovery While the pandemic led to record-high unemployment rates in March, these levels have recently fallen slightly, which could be a good sign that people are still eager and able to buy a home. Continuing spikes in COVID-19 infection rates may have a negative impact on employment numbers in some areas going forward, but for now, the national trends are heading in the right direction. Joblessness data from May and June suggest that businesses are adding back jobs as consumers get back to spending, and some companies are now scrambling to keep up with demand. 6. Homebuyers’ needs have changed Along with working remotely, people have been spending more time at home in general. This has sparked a fresh deluge of home buyers whose current homes no longer seem as comfortable or roomy as they were pre-COVID-19. Home offices, additional privacy, outdoor spaces, and just more room are becoming more important to homeowners. So, keep in mind that playing up these features and amenities when you sell your home can attract buyers. Home staging and visually appealing listing photos, though always important, are especially crucial in today’s market.
Getting Back to Business at Redondo Beach’s Top Hot Spots
Here’s are some of the city’s popular sites that are safely reopening in the wake of the Coronavirus lockdown. The Portofino Hotel & Marina This ocean-front property began welcoming back guests to a newly renovated and enhanced coastal retreat July 1. During the temporary closure, The Portofino Hotel & Marina underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included enhancements to the lobby area and conference center. Known as the Living Room—the heart and soul of the property—the recently renovated lobby has been perfectly designed for comfortable social distancing, while the 8,000-square foot freestanding conference center has been refreshed from the inside out, complete with upgrades and modern touches designed to deliver premier meetings and special events when permitted. The Portofino has elevated its health and wellness programming as well, with the new Adventure Center partnering with renowned outdoor recreation brand REI to launch customized water and land activity tours, including custom activity tours where guests can rent standup paddleboards, single and tandem kayaks, and beach cruiser bikes. The property also has joined with the popular sustainably-sourced collagen supplement Vital Proteins to offer a selection of Vital Proteins’ collagen stick packs and functional beverage products. Open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., the Adventure Center is located at The Portofino dockside next to the boat dock. Nestled in a private Redondo Beach peninsula near Hermosa Beach, The Portofino features a selection of guest rooms, studios, and new luxury suites with private balconies offering stunning Pacific and marina harbor views. Guest amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and heated pool and hot tub overlooking the ocean. With the ongoing global pandemic, the resort’s staff have been fully trained on the importance of upholding the highest level of sanitation and safety standards, while delivering professional and welcoming customer service. The complete list of the resort’s safety measures can be found here: Stay Safe, Start Living. Redondo Beach Pier The Redondo Beach Pier also has reopened to visitors, with guests asked to safely support businesses by wearing a face covering and maintaining 6 feet social distancing while visiting, and restaurants continuing to offer take-out/to-go options. With 50-plus oceanfront dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities, this South Bay landmark is considered a one-stop destination for all things fun and interesting. It’s also a great place to pick up a souvenir for someone special, and to take in some panoramic and coastline ocean views while on a leisurely stroll.