Restaurant Review

Cheng Du’s - Westside's Hidden Treasure

Located just west of The Westside Pavilion, this neighborhood restaurant has pizazz, panache, and a lot of sweet n’ sour sauce! Rated one of the top 10 “Best Chinese Cuisines” in Los Angeles by AOL City Guide, Cheng Du’s has truly earned their standing. I am particularly fond of their lunch specials, which boast hot n’ sour soup, egg rolls, and a main dish of your choosing for just 5 bucks! Yes, believe it, all that for 5 dollars!

For this Chicago transplant, Cheng Du’s ranks among my favorite Chinese “joints” ever. Huge portions that taste even better the next day,
I highly recommend the Moo Shu Chicken, made and served hibachi-style at your table. The wait-staff is extremely attentive, and is always willing to bring additionally sauces to the table (spicy mustard included)!

Cheng Du’s is my secret spot. Actually, I was told about it from a friend of a friend of a friend, but nevertheless, the menu has pages and pages of dishes that peak your curiosity for your next visit, and leave your taste buds a dancin'.

Cheng Du is located at 11538 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064-1520 Phone: (310) 477-4917 Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm

Posted by Andie Karras

The Coolest of Caravan for January 22nd.

New Listing at 738 N. Kenter Ave. in Brentwood!

Just listed in Kenter Canyon for $2,995,000! Stunning newly remodeled home with a beautiful park-like back yard, situated on a large lot (appx. 11,848 sf). Single level floor plan is open, ideal for indoor/outdoor living. Living & family rooms open to patio/garden with views of the surrounding landscape. 4BR/4.5BA, formal dining room, and cook's kitchen w/breakfast area. Finest materials and finishes are implemented - rich walnut and travertine floors, handsome cabinetry/doors, custom bookcases, fireplace, stainless steel and outdoor BBQ.

If you'd like to see this home or for inquiries, please contact- TheWestwoodian (310-442-1398) (mickey@mickeyandjamie.com) or the listing agent Julie Chandler at (310-979-3963) (jchandler@coldwellbanker.com) of Coldwell Banker.
Posted by Mickey Kessler

PINK BERRY HAS GONE COFFEE!

For all of you PinkBerry lovers, you would be pleased to know that after weeks of waiting, a third flavor has been introduced to the already limited menu. For several weeks now it has been very hush hush as to what the new flavor would be AND I am pleased to inform all of you that as of early last week the new flavor is……COFFEE. I am also pleased to tell you that it is delicious! I would recommend trying the coffee flavor with chocolate chips. Visit http://www.pinkberry.com/ to find a location nearest you. Posted by Jamie Theis

The Coolest of Caravan for January 16 2008

Here are some of the homes that I just saw on Tuesdays Broker's Open (Caravan) that I really liked. These are not necessarily located in Westwood, they're just really cool homes.

1300 N. Beverly Glen Blvd., List Price- $1,199,000

This new listing was allot of fun to see. It has been extensively remodeled with a very contemporary/architectural style. It has a definite "W Hotel" vibe that is evident from the beautiful glass mosaic tiling and fixtures in the kitchen and baths right down to the very cool outdoor fireplace with glass-pebble ballast. I thought it was very well executed.

The home has more than a few steps so it may not be right for some aerobics-conscious buyers, but the walk up is well worth it. . . great perspective and a very nice canyon view!

The home also features high ceilings with great art-walls, surround sound, huge master suite with a glass to glass shower, a walk-in closet, an office/loft, chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a video surveilance system (gotta get one of those). Overall, this home is just allot of fun and it could be yours- list price of $1,199,000.

If you'd like to see this home or for inquiries, please contact- TheWestwoodian (310-442-1398) (mickey@mickeyandjamie.com) or the listing agents- Mike Nourmand (310-666-3294) and Adam Sires (310-498-1024) of Nourmand and Associates (mnourmand@nourmand.com.

Posted by Mickey Kessler

Weak Employment - Lower Interest Rates

The Fed is expected to lower interrest rates again in late January as a result of very weak employment numbers that just came out today. Here are the prevailing interest rates for this week as provided by Jim Greenwald of First Capital Mortgage at 310-434-1703.

30 Year Fixed Loans for Single Family Homes

Conforming Loans (loan amount up to $417,000) - 5.5%
Jumbo Loans (loan amount over 417,000) - 6.5%

Mickey and Jamie Have A New Listing in Westwood at 1946 Midvale Avenue!

This stunning four bedroom Mediterranean home located in a highly sought after neighborhood. It is of quality construction, newly built in 2006. It has four bedrooms, four and a half bath home is listed for $1,999,000 and features spacious rooms flooded with natural light. Other highlights include:

a Living room with soaring 18 foot ceilings, exquisite finishes, huge palladian windows, crown moldings, dual AC/Heat, and travertine floors with granite insets. Gourmet eat-in cook's kitchen with center island, granite counter tops, Viking appliances and Bosch dishwasher. Cozy yet spacious family room is off of kitchen. Home is wired for sound throughout.

Master suite features fireplace, balcony, oversized shower with two sprayers and marble-top double sinks. All bedrooms are en-suite (including guest/den downstairs) Back yard with built-in BBQ and fountain. This home is located in the Westwood Charter School district and is close to loads of parks, shopping and restaurants.

For more information and personal showings, contact Mickey Kessler at 310-442-1398 or Jamie Theis at 310-230-2446. For more photos and a virtual tour, visit http://www.midvaleave.com/.