Kurt Haas Homes

  Early Christmas Tamales Adapted from a recipe by chef Wes Avila. Courtesy of The Los Angeles Times : https://www.latimes.com/recipe/early-christmas-tamales Ingredients: About 20 corn husks 1 (2- to 4-pound) butternut squash 1 tablespoon oil 1 pound tomatillo milperos, peeled and washed well 1⁄2 pound Roma tomatoes, halved 2 guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed 1 pasilla chile, stems and seeds removed 4 chiles de arbol, stems and seeds removed 1 bay leaf 1⁄2 head garlic 1⁄2 cup sesame seeds 1 tablespoon sh...

Harry Gesner — the surf-loving adventurer and modernist architect who designed some of the most idiosyncratic houses in LA died in his home in Malibu this June (2022) at 97.  If you’re interested in LA architecture, the obits in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times are really worth reading.  ABOVE:  Kimball House, built 1957 Tarzana Photo: Juergen Nogai Gesner sketched his most famous house while bobbing on his long board in front of the secluded cove that would be its site in Malibu.  Set on the secluded beach, the “Wave House” resembles a cresting wave, sea birds, and ship bows, somehow simultaneously. The copper shingles on its vaulted roof are reminiscent of fish scales. Many say the design inspired the Sydney Opera House. BELOW:  Wave House built 1957, Malibu Photo: Steven Lippman, Juergen Nogai LA Times writer Carolina A. Miranda says of Gesner’s soaring designs that they, “...seem to draw their shape from the swells of the Pacific Ocean and the wooded...

Opened in 1981, this family owned Thai restaurant has transformed itself over the last several years thanks to the 2nd-generation owner and son, 30-something chef Justin Pichetrungs, who left his job as a concept artist at Disney years ago to take over his father’s restaurant. During the early months of the pandemic the restaurant focused on take-out to stay afloat. One night, Chef Justin wanted to try something different for his staff meal and since most of his staff are from Oaxaca or Mexico City, he tried his hand at tacos. ABOVE: Fresh albacore is prepared with spicy nam jim and lime—call it Thai aguachile. And topped with boon sauce, essentially salsa macha, and avocado slices. One of Anajak’s regulars — an Instagram-famous nail artist — stopped in at the right moment and was able to sample the tacos, which blew her away… and Taco Tuesday was born. The night I went to Taco Tuesday last year, the tables were in an alley next to the restaurant and a DJ was spinning house-ish music. ...

Following up on my previous Paul Revere Williams posts with more exteriors of some of his stunning houses. Williams designed homes for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck, William Holden, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz -- mastering a wide range of styles to accommodate his customers, including: Spanish Revival, Modern, Tudor, Colonial, and French Chateau and Normandy, all of which helped shape much of the LA landscape I love. At the outset of his career, a teacher tried to convince Williams not to pursue a career in architecture because the white patrons of Southern California wouldn’t hire him and the Black community wouldn’t be able to provide enough work for him. Williams overcame innumerous obstacles to become one of the most prolific architects in America and pave the way for other architects of color. Photo Breakdown: 1. William Banning Residence, Hancock Park, 1929 (photo: Alex Elliot) 2. Bachman Residence, S. Hudson St., Hancock Park, 1927 (photo: ?) 3. Alfred...

Portrait by Anna Higgie for The LA Times. Paul R. Williams was born in Los Angeles on February 18, 1894. Known as the “architect to the stars,” Williams designed over 2,000 homes in his more than 50-year career for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck, William Holden, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. His name is also associated with iconic LA architecture like the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Los Angeles County Courthouse, LAX, and the Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue. Williams was the first Black person to graduate from USC (in 1919) and opened his own firm in 1923, becoming the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1923.   Paul R. Williams was one of the greatest and most prolific American Architects of the 20th Century.   Williams designed homes in neighborhoods where restrictive covenants barred him from living and he designed and expanded hotels that would not admit him as a guest. One widely shared story is that William...