Date night in SoCal

Shima 0 comments 27.04.2026

Date night idea, you ask?
How about an Italian night at @primo_italia 🍝

The restaurant was literally designed around its massive wood-fired pizza oven. They had to lower it in with a crane and built the layout around it. 😮

It’s not just background music. Live piano and singing are a big part of the experience, and the owner (Lou) has even been known to perform alongside musicians. 🎹

Not to mention, they have some really cool spaces!

“La Cucina del Nonno” → designed to feel like a Tuscan family kitchen.

Rocco’s Room → a private event space with its own bar and tech setup. (Perfect for client dinners or celebrations.)

They offer a strong Italian wine selection (including many from Tuscany) and even a large number of wines by the glass. 🍷

With its live music, dim lighting, and upscale-but-homey vibe, it’s one of the South Bay’s favorites.

Chef’s kiss if I do say so myself. 😉

Palos Verdes PEACOCKS

Shima 0 comments 27.04.2026

The peacocks roaming around Palos Verdes today aren’t native at all. 🦚

They were originally introduced in the 1920s when developer Frank Vanderlip received a small group (around 16 birds) as a gift. After they were released, they multiplied and spread all over the peninsula. 😮

Because they’ve been here for so long (over 100 years), they’ve become such a signature part of the area that spotting one casually walking down the street, or even on your roof, is totally normal for locals.

So basically… Palos Verdes didn’t plan for peacocks. They just showed up, stayed, and became part of the vibe. 

When in Long Beach

Shima 0 comments 27.04.2026

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 is easily one of the most popular waterfront spots in Long Beach. 🏖️

AKA, a great place to take family and friends visiting SoCal. There are boardwalk vibes, colorful shops, and harbor views all in one place.

It was designed to feel like a quaint seaside village
(Cape Cod–style) with wooden walkways and bright buildings.

There’s so much to do! Below are some of my personal favorites.

𝗘𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🔭
There are several indoor/outdoor seating options available at the waterfront restaurants that face the marina and boats. Casual to nicer dining options available.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 & 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 🛍️
Enjoy small boutiques, souvenir shops, jewelry, beachwear. Not in the mood to shop? A great “walk around with coffee/ice cream” kind of place.

𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 🪂
My personal favorite thing to do is rent a bike and cruise along the coast. If that’s not your thing, you can consider renting a boat to sail or even parasailing. Be sure to check out the arcade, too.

𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 🌅
Enjoy a sunset view over the marina. You can also catch the Queen Mary, just across the water. A great spot for photos, date nights, or just walking.

𝘼 𝙛𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙛𝙪𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨:
It is a walking distance to the Aquarium of the Pacific. 🐠
Definitely a family-friendly environment during the day and I’d say more romantic in the evenings.

Finally, be sure to visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. 🤤 🍫

Enjoy one of their famous caramel apples, fresh fudge made in-store, or chocolate-covered strawberries. 🍓 SO good!

Don’t fall in love without a house before…

Shima 0 comments 27.04.2026

checking the age of the home!

The age of the home matters more than you think…especially in the South Bay.

Here’s why:
1️⃣ Major systems wear out.

Roof, plumbing, and electrical can be at (or past) their lifespan. While we may not be able to find the exact year it was added, we may be able to identify its condition.

2️⃣ Hidden costs add up.
Some older homes can mean bigger repairs are expected sooner than later. Knowing what these cost could be will allow you to decide if this home is in fact for you.

3️⃣ Permits & past work.
Not all remodels are done with permits, and that can fall on you. If the city requires it to be brought up to code, that cost is on you—not the previous owner.

The charm is easy to love… the maintenance is what you need to understand. As always, my duty is to protect you and help you investigate, investigate, and oh, investigate some more. 

Looking for Kosher?

Shima 0 comments 27.04.2026

Have you checked out @milkywayla? If not, you should!

This beloved kosher restaurant has been a local favorite for decades.

Bernie and Leah (Spielberg) Adler opened the doors to Milky Way in 1977.

Their vision was to offer elevated kosher cuisine to the Jewish community at a time when nothing like it existed in Los Angeles.

Leah also wanted to introduce bold, diverse flavors—bringing dishes inspired by Cajun, Mexican, and Thai cuisine to guests who had never experienced them before.

Not long after opening, it became clear that the main attraction wasn’t just the food… it was Leah herself.

With her vibrant personality, independent spirit, and unmistakable charm, she had a gift for making every guest feel like the most important person in the room. People came for the food, but they kept coming back for Leah.

Her memory and spirit continue to live on at Milky Way, woven into the food, the atmosphere, and the community it still brings together today.

Upon entering, you’ll be welcomed by the soft sound of piano music and surrounded by photos of Leah that beautifully honor her legacy.