Fabio Viviani in a scuffle

Fabio Viviani

By: Rob Jordan

Just when he thought everything was taking off, local top chef Fabio Viviani (Cafe Firenze/Moorpark) has been locked out of his own restaurant by his former partner and father-in-law.

Sounds like a classic story of “local boy makes good” gone awry? Cafe Firenze was originally opened with the help of  Michael Takeda, Viviani’s father in law. Food was fabulous and they developed a loyal local following. Then Viviani ends up on Bravo TV’s Top Chef series and is voted fan favorite and becomes something of a local and national culinary superstar.

Allegedly, Viviani and Takeda couldn’t agree on how to split all the new dough. So Takeda locked Viviani out of the restaurant. All the while Viviani is making plans to open his own new gig in Universal City. Who knows where this one will end!

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.

Rob Jordan

At only 15, Abby plans to sail around the world

Abby Sunderland. Courtesy of LA Times.

By: Rob Jordan

Wasn’t it just a few months ago that Zac Sunderland of Thousand Oaks became the youngest person (17) to sail solo around the world? Now his younger sister Abby wants to break his record!

Abby doesn’t have a driver’s license yet, and can’t drive to the mall, but she can sail around the world on her own? Sounds crazy. She’s picked a “safer” route around Cape Horn at the tip of  South America, and thinks she can avoid pirates on her journey which will take six or seven months if she does not stop.

But this is all depends on her landing a major sponsor and securing an Open 40 sailboat designed for fast cruising.  If that happens in a timely manner, she will begin in November.  She turns 16 on Oct. 19 and plans a nonstop, unassisted voyage that’s expected to last about six months.

Let’s keep her in our thoughts and prayers!

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.

Rob Jordan

By: Michelle Jeanest

Get ready to ShakeOut!

With the purpose of practicing how to protect ourselves during earthquakes, and to get prepared at work, school, and home, California is hosting state wide earthquake drill on October, 15 2009. At 10:15 AM join millions of Californians DROP, COVER, and HOLD!

To register, visit www.shakeout.org

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.

Michelle Jeannest

Michelle Jeannest, Estate Agent at Ewing and Associates Sotheby's International Realty in Sherman Oaks, California has a respected reputation within the industry based on experience, education, and personality.

Website - More Posts

Lobo Castle Event Venue

Dining Room at Lobo Castle

By: Michele Hren

Denise Donlo is fascinated with all things medieval.  After a tour of Scotland’s castles, cathedrals and stone circle, Denise brought a new passion home and began dreaming of her own medieval abode.  Her castle in Lobo Canyon is the culmination of that dream. Old world charm and elegance collides with master craftsmanship and design.  The verdant hillside garden limns the Celtic stone towers as a water well bubbles in the center of the Tuscan style courtyard.

But it’s not just for her own pleasure.  She holds weddings, special events, and private dinners. This months wine dinner will beheld on October 17th and every other month throughout the year.

Nestled into the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu and Agoura Hills at 31400 Lobo Canyon Road  Agoura, CA 91301.

For more information visit: www.lobocastle.com

Michele Hren

Local cities host flu shot clinic

By: Rob Jordan

The 5 local cities of Agoura, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu and Westlake Village are sponsoring a drive-thru flu shot clinic on Saturday, November 14th. Citizens who meet the age and vaccine guidelines will receive the appropriate flu vaccine(s.) Details are still being worked out, but save the date and check your local newspapers such as the Acorn for details.

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.

Rob Jordan

From tomatoes to tamales, pearls to persimmons, pomegranates to Pacific salmon – find it all in one place.  Where else but the farmers’ market?

By Sher Hann

OAK PARK – This is a small, intimate neighborhood affair, like an over-grown fruit stand really (but alas, no sales by the peck or bushel, as I remember from my youth in Adams County, PA). It is held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 until 1:00 in the parking lot of the shopping center housing Starbuck’s and Beau Image.

This past weekend, to the tune of a folk-rock singer remembering “Yesterday,” I easily filed my way through the two aisles to find my favorites – a quick 20-minute trip. This market is small enough that I can survey all the stalls first, then return for my four or five chosen items.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE recently opened its farmers’ market in the parking lot by Bauducco’s and Yozen Frogurt. Much larger than Oak Park’s market, this affair holds court from 10 until 2 on Sundays. With my husband in tow this past Sunday, I lingered over strawberries, gluten-free chocolate almond pastry, roses for $7 a dozen, tomatoes, ears of corn and red bell peppers. The orchids, which I resisted this time, were freckled and speckled and yellow and peach and orchid (of course) and purple and white – amazing specimens for amazingly low prices.

The proliferation of farmer’s markets in the Conejo echoes a national trend. According to the Farmers Market Coalition’s web site, there were approximately 1,755 farmers markets in the United States in 1994. In 2009 there are almost 4,900, attracting more than  3 million consumers and more than 60,000 farmer-merchants annually. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates these neighborhood markets generate $1.2 billion in consumer spending a year.

So the next time you’re in the mood for John Dory or jujubu, drop by your local farmer’s market in Oak Park or Westlake Village.  For more information visit, Best Farmer\’s Markets In LA

Sher Hann

Website - More Posts

Say goodby to Sushi Ko restaurant (we’ll miss you)  and say hello to Nate and Al’s.

By Rob Jordan

Beverly Hills deli (owned by the Mendelson family) ready to expand to it’s 2nd location. Their first restaurant has been in operation since 1945.

The city of Thousand Oaks is excited about the new arrival.   At the Lakes, there are some very popular restaurants: PF Changs, a big whopping ClaimJumper, and California Pizza Kitchen, plus a Brighton and other high end boutiques. My observation of late is there are lots of people sunning themselves in the Summer, and skating in the Winter, but not shopping up a storm in any season.

The Conejo Valley already has several big name delis: Agoura Famous Deli, Pickles, Brents, local haunt Jacks, and Roxy’s.  Lets hope Nate and Al get a very positive reception, they have a reputation that deserves it.

To learn more visit, Nate and Al\’s Deli

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.

Rob Jordan

Raya Sagi. Courtesy of The Acorn.

After 28 years, she retires.

By: Sheri Karp

There is recent revival in American culture.  It is an idea revolving around the concept of ‘vocation.’  Unlike its Baby Boomer grandparent, Generation Y is brushing aside the idea of climbing the corporate ladder and striving for meaning in the workplace.  Maybe that’s why the recent story of our very own Agoura Hills librarian is so refreshing.

The story begins with a five-year old explaining a desire to be just one thing in life, a librarian.  Raya Sagi grew up in Israel, moved to New York to obtain a Masters of Library Science, and later started working at the Agoura Hills Library.  28 years later, Sagi is retiring.

She plans to take classes to “learn different things,” as well as spend her remaining years with her husband, and hopes to travel with her family.  But her library days aren’t completely over.  She plans to volunteer at the library and become a regular patron.

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.

Sheri Karp

Website - More Posts

It’s spelled Malibou, not Malibu. It’s a beautiful lake nonetheless.

Early Malibou Lake Club

By Tom Geiser

The most popular explanation for the unusual spelling is that “Malibou” is the Chumash spelling and “Malibu” is the Anglo spelling.

Perhaps the most believable argument for the spelling of Malibou is that it is just different. We may never know the true roots of the name.  But anyway you spell it, this lake an inviting getaway from the city.

“An hour from town” was one of the original advertising slogans for the club, originally developed by Bertram Lackey and George Wilson. They owned Malibou Lake Club in the early years from 1922 to 1926, and originally envisioned and advertised it as hunting and fishing club.

To learn more about this beautiful community visit www.maliboulake.net

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.

Tom Geiser

The City of Agoura Hills Presents the 5th Annual Three Day Festival

By Sheri Karp

Get involved in the community and learn about the rich history of beautiful Agoura Hills.  There will be free children’s activities, food, The Art Scene, Reyes Adobe historical site tours and entertainment for the entire family.

The three day event starts Friday evening, October 2rd  and runs through Sunday October 4th.

Friday kicks off the three day event with Hay Fever a teen extravaganza for ages 10-15, featuring a live D.J.  The art galley opens at the Reyes Adobe barn complete with wine tasting and live music.

Saturday Grand Marshal Jerry Mathers leads the floats, bands, and classic cars through Agoura Hills.

Sunday festivities continue with a Fun Run 5K and a Gymkhana Horse Play Day at the Old Agoura Equestrian Center.

For a complete schedule and brochure, visit  ci.agoura-hills.ca.us

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.

Sheri Karp

Website - More Posts