Beer, potatoes and chocolate -- even dearer to our hearts than real estate.

It can’t be all sell-sell-sell, we have to stop for food and drink sometime, right? So this is a recap of our recent trip to Golden Road Pub and Brewery. The restaurant and brewery are in three old warehouses painted yellow, red and blue off San Fernando Blvd., in a unique location next to the train tracks on industrial land. It’s right about where L.A. meets Glendale, close to the 134 and 5 fwys. Talk about creative repurposing! Golden Road is brought to you by the same visionary people who brought you both Tony’s Darts Away in Burbank and Mohawk Bend in Echo Park. Thanks, guys.

The pub has an all-around great space. There’s an outdoor patio (dogs welcome) on an old loading dock, and a huge open-space interior with high ceilings, long wooden tables, a welcoming atmosphere and a Munich beer garden feel (there's a sarcastic Hitler joke in here someplace but I can't find it). The night we went, it was populated with after-work-ers, families including kids, late middle aged folks (that would be us) and hipsters. How’s the beer? Great. First, there are many different kinds to choose from and some of them are brewed right there, of course. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and only too happy to give you samples. Lots of samples. I was a little buzzed before I even decided on one. It’s cheap, too – prices range from $4 to about $9 per glass.

The food was good, impressive and unpretentious, too. Just like at Tony’s and Mohawk, the menu has both vegan and non-vegan selections with lots of sandwiches and side dishes. My 2nd favorite item: fingerling potato salad. Absolute favorite: freshly made chocolate truffles – 4 plus candied walnuts for $5. O yes, trust me on this: chocolate absolutely DOES go with beer. All in all, it’s a great addition to our area’s growing list of fun bars and restaurants.

Fifteen minutes from Dodger Stadium. Walking distance from the Rose Bowl. And open this Sunday.

Just in time for baseball season’s opening day, 1585 Knollwood Terrace in the Linda Vista area of Pasadena will be open for prospective buyers this Sunday, April 1, from 2 to 5.  This gorgeous 4+3 with pool features a view and a secluded location that’s just minutes from all that the L.A. area has to offer. Check it out on line by Googling 1585 Knollwood Terrace or visit my website at JudyGraff.com for more pictures.

Open Sunday: turnkey home in a private Linda Vista location

Ever wanted to live in a verdant setting but not be too far from civilization? 1585 Knollwood Terrace in Pasadena will fit the bill.  This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath beauty is in a hillside cul-de-sac with open space right behind it and features a pool, a view, big kitchen, 2 fireplaces, gorgeous hardwood floors, big French doors -- and it's 10 minutes from downtown Pasadena.  You can walk to the Rose Bowl or Art Center.  So close and yet so far...and nobody but the local wildlife will know that you're home.  The property is listed for $1,049,000 and I'll be holding it open on Sunday from 2 to 5. Famous dj Steve will be there spinning his tunes, too.  If this sounds like your next home, come enjoy the beautiful spring day and the view this weekend.

Because we just can't get enough of this Mad Men stuff...

Our friends at Curbed LA have just published a guide to Mad Men filming locations in Los Angeles.  Title should link; if not, click here. No, 3031 N. Lamer is not on the list.

We All Scream: Thank you!

I loved this ice cream truck (especially its licorice ice cream).  I was so excited that Lake Street was opening a shop at Mariposa and Riverside in Burbank.  This is just the kind of business the area needs. But read on...and weep.

We All Scream: Thank you!: Dear LSC Ice Cream Eaters & the curious, Thank you for your patience.  First of all, we would like to thank you all for your support and k...

Prepping for the Mad Men season premiere? Make sure to visit my midcentury modern open house tomorrow

Can't wait for the Mad Men season premiere? Fascinated by midcentury design? Looking for that perfect MCM home and not quite ready to move to Palm Springs? Whet your appetite for all things 1950's-1960's by visiting my open house from 2 to 5 tomorrow at 3031 N. Lamer in Burbank.  (Title should link to website; if not it's www.3031nLamer.com.) Designed by noted architect Boyd Georgi, it has all the hallmarks of midcentury post and beam design, including huge windows, an atrium, recessed entry, smooth indoor-outdoor flow, and more.  Plus, it's in the fabulous Burbank school system and has an expansive view of the San Fernando Valley.  Oh yes -- it has 3 beds, 3 baths, a den, solar heated pool, 2127 square feet, and has been rehabbed in "period" style.  It's listed at $839,000.  Of course, we'll have our special 1950's-early 1960's playlist going too.

If you look really, really closely -- no, not at the garbage can --

-- you'll see three deer.  Look down the middle of the street and then look to the left.  These three were having dinner close by my new listing at 3031 N. Lamer, in Burbank.  This pic was taken a few minutes after 5:00 pm.  My seller tells me they come for breakfast, too. 

Midcentury modern home for sale in Burbank (yes, Burbank) has listed

Here's the midcentury modern listing that I've been posting about forever.  The address is 3031 N. Lamer in Burbank, which is high up in the hills.  Architectural style of this kind is rare in Burbank. Yes, it's this pretty -- the current owners rehabbed it a couple years ago and even added a little touch of tiki style.  It was designed by noted architect Boyd Georgi, AIA, who is also known for designing the Altadena Public Library.  The design shares many features in common with Eichler home styles, including post and beam construction, an atrium, a stacked brick fireplace, and more.  You can see lots of other pics on my website at www.judygraff.com under "featured homes" and the website (3031nLamer.com) should be up tomorrow.  Oh yes: it has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, a living room and a family room, 2127 square feet, and a sweeping view of the Valley.  It's listed for $839k -- where else in the L.A. area can you find this authentic style + great schools + this below-a-million price?

1585 Knollwood Terrace in Pasadena is back on the market, but probably not for long

Alas, the buyers of this gorgeous Linda Vista home had a change of heart, and backed out.  Apparently, Mrs. felt that it was too isolated.  They didn't even get to enjoy the deer that visit the backyard (that's Mrs. Deer, above). Their loss will be somebody else's gain -- we have several second showings tomorrow.

3031 N. Lamer in Burbank will be on the multiple listing service next week. Here are some photos.

That's what I'm talking about!  More pics are available at JudyGraff.com under "featured properties."

Midcentury modern home for sale in Burbank coming next week!

So excited about this! Next week, I will be listing a midcentury modern home that was designed by Boyd Georgi, AIA.  In Burbank. In Burbank? Yes! Who knew?  It's a 3+3 with pool and sweeping view for $839k and I'll put more details up soon.  Check back here for pictures over the weekend, or check my website at JudyGraff.com.  Yes, the house will have its own website.  Do you think I need to create its own Facebook page too?

News of the week and house of the week in Valley Village

Whew! Coming up for air here, and bringing you news of the week.

First, the house of the week: 5501 Morella, Valley Village, $499,994, 3+1.5, 1334 sf, pictured above.  I showed this last night and it's in a cool little pocket.  The house needs decorating, but it's clean and has been expertly maintained by the sellers.  I wish my carpet looked as good, and I wish my kitchen was as spacious.  If you are looking for a decorating project, this would be a great buy.

What did I tell you about L.A.'s "eastside"? You'll see my take on Highland Park, et al, below -- I toured the area recently and was really impressed.  Now, Alejandro Lazo of the L.A. Times has a front page article entitled Investors flip over Highland Park.  That's just what I saw when I was there a few weeks back.

And now for the really big news: I have two listings coming up in Burbank. One is a (rare) architectural home designed by a noted architect, and the other is close to the Chandler bike path.  More news soon!

Finally, 1585 Knollwood, Pasadena is in escrow, after less than a week on the market.  We're still showing for backups. I'll miss going to this house; the setting is just so serene.

Has anybody seen the wild parrots of Burbank this week?

They sure haven't been in my neighborhood.  Has anyone seen 'em? Or have they moved on?

It never rains, it pours...

Whew! I submitted a purchase offer for an Echo Park buyer today.  Showed a condo in Van Nuys.  Set up showings for tomorrow in Valley Village. I took two listings in Burbank, got one offer in on a listing that we then countered, and am about to write yet another offer in Sherman Oaks.  I don't remember being this busy since 2006.  Believe me, I'm not complaining and I'm not bragging.  But if you're wondering about how the market is doing, I think it's doing really well.  I'll be back on this blog when things calm down a bit.

LAT reviews San Fernando Valley retro watering holes!

As you may know, in the interest of public service, this blog occassionally reviews local bars.  Now, the LAT has done so for you, too!  Check out Friday's "The Enabler" feature by Jessica Gelt, entitled Soaking up retro vibe at the Valley's classic bars.  As the Enabler states, "the Valley is home to a number of blissfully unmolested lounges from the 1940s, '50s and '60s." 

1585 Knollwood Terrace has listed!

My new Pasadena listing at 1585 Knollwood Terrace is now on the mls -- and we've already had three showings.  That's one of the neighbors, directly above.  I have a picture of this deer's wife on the mls, too.  I can't promise that you'll meet them at the open house on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00, but husband Steve will be there spinning tunes, if that's any consolation.