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The proper way to boil and eat Lobster! Via Endre Barath,Jr. Marina Del Rey Realtor
The proper way to boil and eat Lobster! As some of you who read my blogs know I spent a lot of wonderful years in Boston, MA. I lived in the South End right across from Copley Square the Back Bay. For some of you who are not familiar with Boston, it is comparable to living on the West Side of Los Angeles or Beverly Hills Adjacent. They were wonderful times for me. I could buy live lobster for about $4.50 a pound and if they were on the high end than $5.99 a pound. Those were the good old days…. Then we relocated to Los Angeles the price of Lobster went to $9.99 on a good day to more like $19.99 a pound. So it became a Tradition when Diane would go visit the East Coast she would bring back Lobsters. If my parents would visit they would order Lobsters. Therefore I was assured that 3-4 times a year I would have Lobsters sent to me one way or another. Now with that said, there are many ways to cook lobster as well as to eat it. I love to play in the kitchen, Diane on the other hand is more straightforward and like lobster the simple way. In other words Boil it and eat it. So with that said. Here are the easy directions: 1. Boil the water (fill large pot ¾ full of water and about 2-3 table of salt for every quart of water 2. Place lobster head first into rapidly boiling water and cover the pot 3. Depending on the size of the lobster ( I prefer 2.5-3.0 lbs) 15-20 minutes should do the job Easy way to tell the Lobster will turn bright red when done and the large Mustache can be removed easily from the head the lobster is done. 4. Remove lobster with tongs and place on large serving tray to cool and drain the liquid. 5. I like to reserve a large portion of the cooking liquid for lobster bisque.(you better have lots of glass jars to reserve liquid) 6. I also like to save the used shells for the lobster bisque (you better have plenty of freezer bags to do this) I will also take lots of butter and clarify it (simmer and skim the froth of the butter as you keep doing this you are making a cholesterol free butter at the same times) I also like to add Thyme, Parsley and Basil to the butter to add an extra level of flavor for the dipping. 7. While the lobster is boiling I will also boil some Potatoes & Corn on the cob in a separate container. Once to lobster is done have some extra containers at the table to place the empty shells and the finished corn cobs. This should provide you with a Four Star Dinner. Do not forget to have fresh lemons. As Julia Child would have said “Bon Appetite”! If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu,...
read moreSpago Beverly Hills, CA the Flagship Restaurant of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Empire!
Spago Beverly Hills, CA the Flagship Restaurant of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Empire is next door to my office. Very appropriately, since our Coldwell Banker Office generates probably the most business internationally for the entire Coldwell Banker Organization, depending when you do the statistics we are either one or two amongst the rest of the offices. Many times I have seen the Chef Wolfgang Puck stand in front welcoming his guest. That is what I call the ultimate in Marketing and Customer Relations. He is an Icon & one of the original creators of “super star chefs” and he still uses the basics. He gives his clients a warm welcome, a warm introduction and then fine service and great food. This is giving the ultimate dining experience to the first time visitor or to the repeat clients. The food is always consistent, good and usually lunch time you can see the Hollywood Power Brokers, from Directors, Producers to Hollywood A lists wanting to be seen. Of course some of the Realtors that want to discuss business with their clients. Often times you will find Sidney Poitier either having lunch or standing on the curb waiting for his car to be delivered by the Parking Attendants. Wolfgang Puck provides his signature dish the Smoked Salmon Pizza as well as his Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, in addition to his daily changing seafood and fish menu. Obviously going there once is not enough and you need to go back more often to be able to taste his various fine creations. I believe he has mastered the ultimate in client retention, repeat clients and has achieved the Rock Star Status in Celebrity Chefs. He also understands availability just look at his hours of operations: 176 North Canon Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310)385-0880 Monday – Thursday 12pm -10pm; Friday 11:30am – 10:30 pm; Saturday 12pm- 10:30pm; Sunday 6pm-10pm Now with that said if you are looking for a Realtor that will give you a consistent and comfortable buying or selling experience. Please reach out to me. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, please feel free to give me a call at 310.486.1002, email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
read moreMukesh Ambani’s house is finally finished!
Mukesh Ambani’s house is finally finished! Mukesh Ambani’s house is finally finished! He is one of the richest men in Asia the World, who’s net worth is around 50 Billion Dollars. (He is the Chairman of Reliance Industries) Originally the home was supposed to be 50 stories high and they down scaled it after the uproar it caused. So now it is only a mere 26 stories high, consisting of about 400,000 sq feet of living space. Three helicopter pads, six levels of parking, a ballroom and a 600 member staff to handle the upkeep of the home to name a few of the features. So if you thought Donald Trump was extravagant with his homes or the Arabian princes and kings, well you were wrong. Mukesh Ambani puts them all to shame. The cost for this home was 1.8 billion US Dollars. Now with that said I am confident I can find luxury homes in Beverly Hills or Bel Air for a lot less. Just ask me to help you with your search. If you would prefer an Ocean View luxury home in Malibu I can help as well. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, please feel free to give me a call at 310.486.1002, email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read moreHow can homeowners know if this is a good time to refinance?
How can homeowners know if this is a good time to refinance? I have been asked this question so many times in the past few months. My answer remains the same. Home owners need to look at the facts. Interest Rates are at a 50 year all time low. The Fed has been artificially keeping rates low to entice and invigorate the Real Estate Buying process. This will not be here forever; hence it is a good time to refinance. The only ones who should not refinance are home owners who are considering selling in the near term. The home owners should also check see what the closing costs will add to the total costs and factor that in as well before refinancing. Given how the stock market is declining and there is all the uncertainty about the economy this is an ideal time to lock in those low rates for a fixed term. What is your expectation? Do you think interest rates will rise? How would you have answered this question? If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, please feel free to give me a call at 310.486.1002, email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue...
read moreHas your target audience changed with the economic changes?
Has your target audience changed with the economic changes? As I mentioned the other day I was interviewed by a Mortgage Website (http://www.mortgagerates.com/real-estate/qa-with-endre-barath/) and one of the questions they asked me was: Q: Has the target audience changed with the economic change? A: Absolutely, the target audience has become the Foreign Buyers. The greater Los Angeles is a destination place from all over the world and as the value of the Dollar is declining it is making Real Estate a great investment for the Foreign Nationals. There are a lot of Chinese, Canadian and European buyers who are purchasing luxury homes as well as ocean view homes from Beverly Hills to Malibu. As some of you know I have written about buyers coming from all over the world, I have also noticed an increase of affluent buyers from Mexico. Quite fascinating since the average American thinks of Mexico as an inexpensive vacation destination or they think of migrant workers or illegal migrant workers when you say Mexico. Most Americans, do not think of the all cash buyer of a $6 million dollar vacant land to build condominiums on, from Mexico. So with that said we need to keep an open mind when we get inquiries from various parts of the world. At the same time feel free to share how your Target Audience Changed with the current economic conditions. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, please feel free to give me a call at 310.486.1002, email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read moreFantastic News from www.theanimalrescuesite.com !
Fantastic News from www.theanimalrescuesite.com To all the Supporters, who have been clicking daily: You’ve helped Fund $1 Million! I am thrilled to pass on the report that the International Fund for Animal Welfare has reached fantastic milestone: As of August they have received $1million in grants from GreaterGood.org, funded by The Animal Rescue Site, to help animals in crisis. That was from you clicking, shopping and making direct donations to help. So please continue to Click to give—FREE and shop for all your animal related products. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, please feel free to give me a call at 310.486.1002, email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
read morePawsitively Perfect Evening in Beverly Hills, CA
Pawsitively Perfect Evening in Beverly Hills, CA We had a Pawsitively Perfect Evening in Beverly Hills, CA. Together The Pet Care Foundation (PCF) also know as Pets 90210 (www.pets90210.org) and the Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) (www.animalrescuecorps.org ) had their first annual PAWSITIVELY PERFECT EVENING in the Japanese Garden of Paula Kent Meehan’s Beverly Hills Estate. We had fun while advocating for those without a voice as we honored local guests Councilmen Tony Cardenas and Paul Koretz and actress & animal advocate Debra Wilson. Our purpose was promoting animal rights, and in particular, bringing attention to puppy mills. Actress Elaine Hendrix was the MC of the event, and Bill Crowe, Director of The Pet Care Foundation, was instrumental in bringing the event to fruition. There was gourmet light Vegan fare and an open bar with refreshments. Some of the supporters who turned out were Dog Whisperer, Caesar Milan, and actress Joan Worley of Laugh-In Fame. Many local rescue organization founders were there as well including Gillian Lange of the Lange Foundation (www.langefoundation.org), Christy Metropole of Stray Cat Alliance (www.straycatalliance.org), and Brenda Barnett, General Manager of LA Animal Services. Special thanks to Honorary Host Committee Member, Salli Sammut, as I was one of her invited guests. Needless to say I appreciated this. I also appreciated the ability enjoy the tranquil surroundings of a Japanese Garden encompassing approximately 3 acres of this magnificent Beverly Hills Estate. The General Admission was $200 per person and the proceeds will benefit the work The Pet Care Foundation and Animal Rescue Corps. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, please feel free to give me a call at 310.486.1002,email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read moreWhat is going on with down payments, do buyers have to make larger down payments?
What is going on with down payments, do buyers have to make larger down payments? Recently I was interviewed by an Internet Mortgage website and they asked me this question. So I figured I will give you my answer here. This had me wonder how would your answer been different from mine?(http://www.mortgagerates.com/real-estate/qa-with-endre-barath/) My Answer was, tha the reality is there are still VA loans and FHA 3.5% loans out there and buyers and sellers are entertaining offers with Pre-Approval Letters. These types of loans are not prevalent in the Greater Los Angeles’s Affluent parts of town such a Brentwood, Hollywood Hills/Sunset Strip area, Beverly Hills Post Office area or Bel Air. The down payments are more 10-20% of the purchase price in the higher end market. Congress is in the process of changing the down payment to 20 per cent of the Purchase Price of homes across the board. This is detrimental to the fragile economy as well as the fragile real estate market. Historically people always had a hard time coming up with the down payment for a home and family and frugal lifestyle allowed them to scrape up the down payment. Keep in mind that was based on an average home price of $45,000, now imagine an average home of $250,000. Do the math and you tell me how many people have 20% of that number in their savings account? If the politicians get their way they will create a worse situation than what we are in today. So anyone reading this should contact their local politicians and let them know, that this is not good for them nor for the country. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations ...
read moreThe Seventh Annual Los Angles Shelby American Automobile Club Car Show at the Santa Monica Pier
The Seventh Annual Los Angles Shelby American Automobile Club Car Show at the Santa Monica Pier! If you love Shelby’s be at the Santa Monica Pier this Saturday, Sept 17th starting 10am to 3pm. Admission is FREE to spectators. This is not your ordinary car show. The car show is at a fantastic location. There will be cars from all over the West Coast. It is considered one of the best Mustang, Cobra, Shelby and Ford car shows in the country, if not the world. Just to give you a bit of Trivia, the Shelby Cobra was made in 1962 in Marina Del Rey, CA so the car show being less than five miles from the “birth place” of the Shelby Cobra is pretty cool, if you asked me. Ok I cannot help it here is one more Trivia for you. The Shelby American Automobile Club was formed in 1975. If you are not into cars but love to see Celebrities in their casual, relaxed environment the odds are high you will see them at the Santa Monica Pier tomorrow. As you know Jay Leno is a car enthusiast to the highest degree I would bet money he will appear. Herbie Hancock will actually display his 1963 Cobra. (The Jazz Legend himself) He bought the Cobra at age 22 from the dealer showroom floor with his first royalty check. He drove it until 1990 as his primary transportation vehicleand I am sure many of his friends will drop by as well. This is a good time to be had and it is free, so if you have time drop by and enjoy the Show. If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
read moreScott Weaver’s rolling through the Bay!
Scott Weaver’s rolling through the Bay! If you have been to San Francisco and love the city, than you must watch this video, it takes about 4 and half minutes. The video will make you want to go back for a visit. As a Realtor, I loved how the balls were looking for Code Violations as they went thru the buildings. http://player.vimeo.com/video/22461692?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0 Just for the fun of it I had to enclose a few pictures of one of my favorite cities. Coit Tower in San Francisco If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at https://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations...
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