Tag Archives: BruinOwned

Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 3

s the summer sizzles, so should your food. We've compiled for you the third edition of select Bruin culinary businesses to tempt your taste buds and lure you to dine out in support of these UCLA alumni. Warning: the following images will make you hungry.

Contigo Latin Kitchen

Owner/Founder: Deborah Tenino ʼ92

Phone: 520-299-1540

Location: 3770 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, AZ 85718

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: eatatcontigo.com

Social: @contigolatinkitchen

About:

Contigo Latin Kitchen offers the best heirloom recipes in South America and Spain. Our menu combines vibrant flavors with the freshest ingredients available and our complex, multi-layered flavors leave diners surprised, delighted and always wanting more.

Review:

“We had a great time at Contigo Latin Kitchen. We sampled many of the tapas and my friend and I had the fish tacos which are so good, with the fish crisped to perfection. They are pet friendly and were so lovely to our little 5 lb Pomeranian Finley! We had an outdoor pet-friendly table on the patio that has a great view of the mountains on one side and a hotel, plus some people golfing, on the other. Service was lovely and friendly and prompt.” - V. V.

Blue Plate Oysterette

Owner/Founder: Jennifer Rush ʼ88

Phone: 310-576-3474

Location: 1355 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: blueplateoysterette.com

Social: @blueplateoysterette

About:

Having spent many years on the East Coast enjoying lobster rolls and clam shacks, Jenny Rush longed for this food in her hometown Santa Monica. BPO is committed to sourcing the best seafood from fishermen, purveyors and oyster farms around the world. Buying directly from fishermen and picking up daily at LAX ensures the best ocean-to-table experience.

Review:

“This was so good! The yellow tail sashimi with the green sauce was a perfect Asian-Baja mix, the touro sashimi basically melted in your mouth (and it didn't taste like metal!) and the holy trinity temaki was like a trio of flavors that basically took their time dancing on your tongue, acts one after the other, back to back, ‘til your head explodes from how genius an idea it is to have all these in one beautiful photogenic open face roll.” - Bry L.

Dulan's On Crenshaw

Owner/Founder: Greg Dulan (UCLA Extension)

Phone: 323-296-3034

Location: 4859 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: facebook.com/DulansOnCrenshaw

Social: @dulansoncrenshaw

About:

An iconic restaurant that first debuted in the '90s, Dulan's on Crenshaw Soul Food Kitchen is the home you can turn to for hearty meals, friendly staff and a strong sense of community. With our large portions, you can eat here for lunch and still have leftovers for dinner – that is if you can resist not eating every last bite. If you're planning an event and get a craving for our food, contact us for catering. We're always happy to know you enjoy the dishes we create and we can't wait to see you the next time you stop by for a taste of soul.

Review:

“The food is fresh and reminds me of the way my mom would cook when I was young. The staff was so professional and kind. And I really liked how the owner greeted my family and me to ask us if everything was okay. Great hospitality which is missing in so many places. So I will give this place a 10+ for the food and service." - Stephanie D.

n/naka

Owner/Founder: Carole Iida-Nakayama ʼ00

Phone: 310-836-6252

Location: 3455 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: n-naka.com

Social: @nnakarestaurant

About:

The whole of a meal is as important as the sum of its parts. At n/naka, we are devoted to providing a unique and satisfying dining experience through our interpretation of kaiseki. This traditional Japanese culinary art form reflects the ever-changing rhythms of the earth by taking the freshest seasonal ingredients and presenting them in their most natural states. Using the very best ingredients we have access to is true kaiseki; we proudly serve vegetables from our organic garden built and maintained by our friends at Farmscape Gardens. We take great care in preparing a beautiful plate and believe that the more involvement we put into a meal – no shortcuts – the more connected we feel to the food and your experience of it. Through a meaningful balance of both traditional and modern techniques, Chef Niki Nakayama is committed to creating a meal that will engage your attention; it’s about enjoying the moment, the current offerings of the season, and ultimately, the food in front of you.

Review:

“I finally secured a spot to try n/naka! They've held two Michelin stars since 2019, and it was rated as one of the essential restaurants in L.A. It's totally worth the hype! The hospitality was professional and exceptional. Their attention to detail was amazing. Our main server Emily explained each dish thoroughly and shared a lot of her knowledge about sake, the local food scene and food in general with us. It made us feel so comfortable and at ease, which was a critical part of the kaiseki experience!” - Ya Y.

Echo

Owner/Founder: Matthias Gloppe Ext. Cert. ʼ07

Phone: +33-1-40-26-53-21

Location: 95 rue d'Aboukir, 75002 Paris, France

Yelp Rating: 5 stars

Website: echo-paris.com

Social: @echo.paris

About:

Silver Lake? Almost, but not quite. Echo is a “deli Californien” on Rue d’Aboukir, with food by Mailea Weger, an alumna of Gjusta and Gjelina in Los Angeles, and one of the latest signposts of the California dreaming that has seized Paris. They serve California-inspired burgers and wraps, plus desserts and breakfast, in a bright, casual space.

Review:

“Muah! Echo is my favorite café in Paris. I love the little hidden neighborhood it is tucked away into. It definitely has a Silver Lake vibe which reminded me greatly of home. The food is very delicate and the flavors are immaculate. The coffee was delicious and the staff was very informative and kind.” - Natalie L.

Hayato

Owner/Founder: Brandon Hayato Go ʼ00

Phone: 213-395-0607

Location: 1320 E 7th St., Suite 126, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: hayatorestaurant.com

Social: @hayatorestaurant

About:

Hayato is a place where we have the responsibility of showcasing the work of master craftspeople in many fields. Potters, fishmongers, carpenters, kimono makers, tea masters, sake brewers and countless other artisans are all part of the team to help us create a dining experience. Just as we have a duty to our guests, we also have a duty to those who devote their lives to the crafts that are the building blocks of a Japanese restaurant.

Review:

“I love love love love loooooovveee! My ultimate best *FAVE* in L.A.!!! I can't believe I never wrote a review other than the bento box. So unfortunately, he doesn't make those anymore but the dinner is amazeballs! Not only is the food incredible but the experience is awesome as well. Unlike a lot of other tasting menus, you will for sure leave stuffed. Every dish is beyond fresh and delicate. Definitely lives up to their Michelin 2 Star and I hope they'll get 3 soon.” - Helz M.

Toscana Brentwood

Co-Owner/Founder: Michael Gordon ʼ61

Phone: 310-820-2448

Location: 11633 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 100A, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: toscanabrentwood.com

Social: @toscanabrentwood

About:

Toscana is a neighborhood trattoria that celebrates the rustic, authentic, farm-to-table flavors of Northern Italy. For more than 30 years, we have stood tall on a corner in Brentwood and set the backdrop for special meals shared by generations of families, friends and neighbors, as well as elites from the worlds of entertainment, sports, fashion and our valued guests from around the globe. This is a place where every guest, whether famous or not, is treated like they’re a part of our family.

Review:

“Came here for dinner last Thursday night with my sister. We got reservations less than 24 hours before, luckily for 7:30 pm. They were definitely busy but we were seated on time. We shared a special salad that was arugula, peaches, goat cheese and endive. It was very good. My sister got a fish which I believe was a branzino, which she liked. I got the black truffle pizza, which was amazing!!! I hadn't been here in probably 10 years. I barely go to Brentwood for dinner, but I definitely would come back and I highly recommend coming for a date night or a night out!” - Joya E.

Verde

Owner/Founder: Maris Manzano Ext. Cert. ʼ03

Phone: 808-320-7088

Location: 4454 Nuhou St., Suite 501, Lihue, HI 96766

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: verdehawaii.com

Social: @verdehawaii

About:

Verde Restaurant continually strives to celebrate the essence of local food and a vibrant community valuing the support of local farmers and businesses. We opened our original location in Kapaa back in 2008 and eventually moved to Lihue in 2017. We aim to practice being green by using locally grown, sustainable ingredients, supporting local businesses and using eco-friendly takeout products. We are also proud to use local Kauai beef and antibiotic-free, hormone-free chicken and pork. Most recently, we have been using tortillas as our platform to showcase what we can grow locally and sustainably here in Hawaii, such as ulu breadfruit tortillas and sweet purple potato haupia tortillas.

Review:

“So Kauai apparently has excellent Mexican restaurants, and Verde has got to be in the top 5. Located in one of the more modern commercial developments on Kauai, it feels like a place you'd find in a mainland shopping center, but the food is anything but run-of-the-mill. The mahi-mahi furikake tacos were the best fish tacos I've had, from the furikake tortillas to the cilantro-furikake mahi-mahi with their signature aioli and unagi sauce. I wanted to try the ube horchata, but they said they ran out because it had been so hot that day. Will have to go back to try!” - Therese H.

Love and Salt

Co-Founder: Sylvie Gabriele ʼ92

Phone: 310-545-5252

Location: 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: loveandsaltla.com

Social: @loveandsaltla

About:

Love & Salt is a story that begins with Café Pierre, a restaurant birthed by Guy Gabriele in 1977 to bring a taste of France to Los Angeles’ South Bay. While Café Pierre was a beloved part of the community for nearly 37 years, in 2014, Guy and his daughter Sylvie Gabriele, now the owner of Love & Salt, closed the restaurant to bring new life to the iconic space. Love & Salt is a philosophy: that food needs only two ingredients to be great. It’s a sensibility that informs the feeling in the restaurant and the dishes on the menu — Italian-inspired with Southern California soul. An approachable wine list and classic cocktail program similarly reflect the vibrant SoCal setting of the restaurant, located just steps from the Manhattan Beach pier.

Review:

“We came to Love and Salt got the first time tonight and I can't say enough about how great it is. First off, serving staff was oh-so-nice and patient with my 1-year-old daughter who threw up and then dumped a plate of pasta on the floor. Not only were they friendly but so attentive and helpful to us parents. The food was all very good. My wife loved her halibut, the mussels I had were amazing and the pasta bolognese was very good. There was a problem with my mom's pasta not being warm enough but the staff made it right. Great restaurant.” - Brian P.

Angelini Osteria

Owner/Co-Founder: Elizabeth Angelini ʼ79

Phone: 323-297-0070

Location: 7313 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: angelinibeverly.com

Social: @angeliniosteria

About:

Gino Angelini became the youngest chef in the region’s top hotels and restaurants where his fame continued to rise. During his tenure overseas, Gino co-founded Italy’s most popular gourmet magazine, served as president of the Association of Chefs Romagnoli and was appointed the Italian Vice Commissioner of the Euro-Toques International, an organization committed to safeguarding and promoting quality and authentic food within the European network. In October 2001, he opened Angelini Osteria, in the heart of Los Angeles. Since its opening, Angelini Osteria has become known as simply everyone’s favorite Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, winning over the city with unassuming and authentic dishes in a warm, intimate setting. Gino has grown his expanding culinary portfolio into the Angelini Restaurant Group alongside his wife and business partner Elizabeth Angelini.

Review:

“It was my first time visiting, and I thanked my friend who recommended this place for me! everything was delicious - I was enjoying them so much, forgot to take pictures – and the dessert, Affogato, was the best I've ever had. They make their own olive oil and it's the best. I got a bottle to take home. The servers were fast and kind, explained the menu very nicely; and the owner, who is actually serving the table with the rest of the crew, was very, very kind. Thank you!” - Evie J.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

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Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 2

ow, more than ever, we've discovered the importance of self-care and prioritizing our mental and physical health. The sequel to this Bruin-owned business series features several organizations that offer fitness and wellness-related products and services, geared to inspire a healthier, happier you.

West Los Angeles Karate

CEO/Founder: George Takahashi ʼ59, M.A. ʼ61

Phone: 310-463-5119

Location: 1466 S. Westgate Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025

Email: help@wlakarate.org

Website: https://wlakarate.org

Social: @westlosangeleskarate

About:

West Los Angeles Karate School has been a unique community resource for nearly 40 years. In fact, this martial arts school was one of the first in this part of Los Angeles. We provide instruction in traditional Japanese style Shotokan Karate. Each of our instructors has trained in this style for over 20 years. Instructors teach on a volunteer basis and all dues go to pay for our facility rental. Our program is geared toward teenagers and adults. Beginning students are given individual attention for the first few classes to familiarize them with some of the basics prior to joining a class. We train in a large, well-lit and ventilated room with a clean wood floor and a high ceiling. Visitors are always welcome.

Review:

“This school is a hidden gem. Because it’s now part of the Westside YMCA, the monthly tuition is far less than any other dojo around and includes all other classes and services the Y offers (gym, pool, etc). The four regular instructors are patient, master practitioners. They’re also volunteers meaning they’re teaching because they love the art, not to turn a profit. In addition to them, the class includes another eight to 12 black belts who generously offer pointers, suggestions and encouragement to junior students. If the class doesn’t show up in the Y’s schedule, don’t let that dissuade you (it wouldn’t be a hidden gem if it was easy to find). Just show up at the scheduled class time. You’ll feel welcomed and it won’t take long before you feel part of the community.” - Jonathan P.

Luxe Beauty and Wellness Boutique

CEO/Founder: Kiiyonna Jones, M.S.N. ʼ08

Phone: 562-804-0000

Location: 10242 Rosecrans Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706

Email: luxebeautystaff@gmail.com

Website: https://www.luxebeautyandwellness.com

Social: @luxebeautyandwellness

About:

Luxe Beauty and Wellness Boutique is a premier aesthetic and wellness boutique in Bellflower, California. We specialize in permanent make-up, aesthetic injectables and other wellness services. In a serene environment, Luxe Beauty and Wellness also offers IV infusions including vitamins, minerals and other nutrients tailored to your individual needs. Our goal is to focus on encouraging our clients to feel beautiful inside and out. It is our priority to support you on your journey of looking and feeling your best.

Review:

“This place is amazing! A friendly professional staff of young women who are kind and welcoming. It's clean, modern and decorated beautifully creating a luxurious comfortable environment. I get the chocolate Brazilian wax, it leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling sweet with no irritation afterward. I recommend this boutique for all of your aesthetic needs.” - Tywonia H.

LiveMetta

CEO/Founder: Ythy Farnsworth ʼ10

Phone: 562-598-8585

Locations: California Studios in Long Beach, Laguna Niguel (2), Newport Beach, Tustin, Orange

Email: longbeach@livemetta.com

Website: https://livemetta.com

Social: @livemettapilates

About:

At LiveMetta we think “wellness” is as simple as being grounded in the present moment. Everything that you do from a wellness perspective should have the intention of helping you spend as much time there as possible. To do so, you must take care of your body and mind but also foster a sense of connectedness to the world around you. While yoga and Pilates are incredibly useful practices, there is a lot more to the picture. A loving-kindness mindset is a beautiful place to start. We want to help you be the strongest version of yourself so that when the stressors of life are at their highest, you’re still able to tap into that sense of equanimity and weather the storm. That is wellness to us.

Review:

“Simply the best Pilates studio ever. The trainers are committed to your fitness, health and safety. My favorites are Susan and Gabby. They both ensure that my time is invested. My body is now pain-free and developing. My balance is improving. Private sessions with Susan are simply the best!” - Gregory D.

Art Therapy With Sharon

CEO/Founder: Sharon B. Uy ʼ06

Phone: 818-860-1569

Location: 14724 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1000, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Email: arttherapywithsharon@gmail.com

Website: https://www.sharonuy.com

Social: @aparigraha_art

About:

Sharon B. Uy offers psychotherapy sessions rooted in creativity, mindfulness, body awareness and spirituality. Uy is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in art therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy, with a private practice in Sherman Oaks. Using the client’s innate capacity for creative expression and spiritual insight, she specializes in guiding her clients toward personal freedom from self-limiting patterns.

Review:

“Utilizing art therapy, holistic movement and authentic interactions, Sharon makes it easy for clients to tackle difficult subjects. She brings her extensive knowledge of the mind-body connection to the work, without it ever feeling flighty and ‘out there.’ Her humor and humanity always shine through." - Jenni W.

O Positiv

Co-Founder: Brianna Bitton ʼ14

Location: 11740 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 109-333, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Email: hello@opositiv.com

Website: https://opositiv.com

Social: @opositivwellness

About:

Women’s health vitamins with results. At O Positiv, we noticed the gap in the women’s health industry, so we set out to create custom, innovative formulas to address what women really need. Our vitamins are created with science-backed ingredients that keep you feeling your best.

Review:

“These work better than any that I've tried (and I've tried many). Easy, smooth flow on a regular basis. I'm on my second jar. I thought something was wrong because I lost about 10 lbs. within the last month. I just wasn't thinking about food. All of a sudden my appetite improved and I remembered that I forgot my gummies for about four days. Wow! That's when I realized that definitely helped me lessen my appetite! Give them a try ... be patient!” - Dawn L.

Sonki Fitness

CEO/Founder: Sonki Hong, Cert. ʼ04

Phone: 310-260 2518

Location: 1112 Montana Ave. Suite 810, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Email: info@sonkifitness.com

Website: https://www.sonkifitness.com

Social: @sonki.fitness

About:

Sonki Fitness is one of the most successful and longest-running boot camps in the world, created by a five-time World Fitness Champion and former U.S. Army Captain Sonki Hong. What makes it unique and special is that the program uses a positive and fun approach to inspire clients to get in top shape in beautiful outdoor settings. Sonki created the program based on his experience working with people from all walks of life, so it really is designed for ALL ages and levels. Regardless of what kind of shape you're in, you get to push at your own pace within your limitations, so you learn to push your own boundaries without feeling judged or pressured to keep up with others. The workouts vary, so you never get bored doing the same thing over and over. And the environment is very friendly, positive and supportive with everyone encouraging one another. Many people have called it a "life-changing experience" and "the best workout they've ever done." When you're in his program, you feel like you have a personal coach who genuinely cares about your health and well-being. Over 5,000 clients have successfully graduated from the program since 2002. Currently, our classes are in Santa Monica and Playa Vista.

Review:

“Sonki creates a motivating and safe working environment! His workout pushes you no matter where you are in your fitness journey. He and the Sonki Fitness trainers challenge and support all of his clients and offer alternatives to workouts to best fit where you are physically. It is a great workout class and is 100% outdoors!” - Ashley Jay S.

Chair Yoga Online

Co-Founder: Howie Baral ʼ80

Email: howie@chairyogaonline.com

Website: https://www.chairyogaonline.com

Social: @chairyogaonline

About:

Waiting at an airport terminal, a train station, a bus stop, a ferry terminal, really so many places... we spend that time waiting and sitting. Let us instead use these few minutes to do mindful movements to help invigorate the body, mind and spirit. All ages and all abilities will benefit from movement with Chair Yoga Online sequences.

Review:

“I love how Chair Yoga allows me to move and accommodates everyone with different abilities.”- Flora

My Gym La Jolla

Co-Founder: Cameron Bunce, MBA ‘14

Phone: 858-352-6085

Location: 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla Village Square, 121B, La Jolla, CA 92037

Email: lajolla@mygym.com

Website: https://www.mygym.com/lajolla

Social: @mygymlajolla

About:

My Gym was born out of our passion to teach children in a fun, physically engaging environment. We delighted in seeing children's eyes light up for all those incredible milestones, from the tentative first steps to tumbling down soft mats. Sharing the parents’ excitement at their children’s accomplishments was the high point of our day.

Review:

“Our time at MyGym La Jolla has been the best part of our week! I've been bringing my one-year-old to this location since June and he gets so excited when he sees where we are going. The owner and staff members are so kind, patient and enthusiastic with the kids. The classes are the perfect balance of free play and organized skill practice/activities. There is truly something for every kid at every developmental level here. And my son takes the best nap afterward, which is so nice when you have a toddler! We love MyGym and can't wait for our next class!” - Jamie L.

Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness

CEO/Founder: Glenna Tolbert ʼ85

Phone: 424-355-0344

Location: 240 S. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 250, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Email: help@wlakarate.org

Website: https://drglennatolbert.com

Social: @tolbertcenterforrehabandwellness

About:

The Tolbert Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness, founded by Glenna Tolbert, M.D., Q.M.E., is a Los Angeles-area state-of-the-art medical facility specializing in using non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques and procedures to help people enjoy long-term pain relief. Our vision is to restore quality of life and wellness, and optimize our patients' ability to function.

Review:

“Five stars is not even close to enough! I am seven years out from breast cancer, the formal treatment stopped cancer, but the other side-effects of the treatment are nightmarish. Dr. Tolbert has helped me manage to get through the treatment and start the process of getting my post-treatment body back in balance. Her investigative approach to my individual issues has gotten me MUCH better results than anything I was getting from my 'traditional' doctors. I am also pleased with her patience, humility and knowledge - I don't feel rushed or dismissed. She answers my questions and appreciates my desire for a correction of my issues (not just symptom management).” - Debra H.

Yoga Wake Up

Co-Founder: Lizzie Brown, Exp. MBA ʼ24

Location: Venice Beach, California

Email: team@yogawakeup.com

Website: https://www.yogawakeup.com

Social: @yogawakeup

About:

The snooze button has been wrecking our sleep and our mornings for far too long. Enter Yoga Wake Up, the first-ever Yoga Alarm Clock that teaches you to wake up the right way — with yoga! Yoga Wake Up has hundreds of sessions, and two dedicated series created to teach you how to have your best morning yet.

Review:

“I love this app. I have chronic health issues and wake up in a lot of pain each day. This app is such a positive way to start my day. You can pick from tons of ‘wake-ups.’ Some are just meditations and a little movement, others have stretching and restorative yoga poses you can do in bed as you wake up. Then others get you up and do standing yoga poses right next to your bed. They all have different themes and vary in length so you can choose what’s right for you each day. For someone who has a tough time getting out of bed each day, this has been a game changer. I highly recommend this app.” - Tilly55.

Monsoon Maya Meditation

CEO/Founder: Maya Bitton, LL.M. ʼ08

Phone: 818-633-6728

Email: MonsoonMayaM@gmail.com

Website: https://www.monsoonmaya.com

Social: @MonsoonMayaMeditation

About:

Maya is a Chopra-certified meditation teacher who conducts meditation sessions and workshops (in-person and virtual) for individuals and groups. Her teachings include both theory and practical tools, utilizing The Ways of MAYA: Meditation, Affirmations, Yogic-breath and Awareness.

Review:

“I have been thinking of the qualities of a daily meditation practice for a long while. I tried guided meditation and other forms of meditation, and I kept struggling with it. When I met Maya Bitton and heard of the principles of Primordial Sound Meditation, I understood I needed to try this method. What I like about this technique is that the personal mantra acts as a clearing for the mind. You play it over and over in your head, it takes the space of other thoughts, and eventually, the mind can zone out of, or transcend thought, connecting us to the silence that is already there inside us. I found this most helpful. Having a one-on-one teacher is very helpful in learning the technique, and Maya is a knowledgeable guide and an usher into this practice.” - Hilla

Embodying Your Curriculum

CEO/Founder: Angelica Singh ʼ98

Phone: 773-769-7217

Location: 4050 N.E. Broadway St., Portland, OR 97232

Email: info@embodyingyourcurriculum.com

Website: https://www.embodyingyourcurriculum.com

Social: @theembodimentprocess

About:

Embodying Your Curriculum is an online course that equips faculty and students with pedagogies to address overwhelm during a time of unprecedented change in education. Amidst political demonstrations, racial injustice and an international pandemic that has hit the U.S. hard, our students and faculty are experiencing more anxiety, mental health challenges and feelings of overwhelm than ever before. Embodying Your Curriculum is a modern, innovative approach to increasing faculty productivity and boosting student retention. It combines trauma-informed pedagogies and mental health neuroscience to teach practical solutions that will retain faculty, retain students, increase the value of your classroom and create a lasting relationship with students who will feel deeply connected to the university, even as alumni.

Review:

“Professor Chari’s unique and genuine style of teaching is unlike that of any professor I have had the opportunity of learning from before. I continue to be amazed at her ability to lead us in connecting with the creative and intellectual parts of ourselves and combining rather than separating these parts. I also greatly admire her commitment to encouraging us to engage with the political, through our stories and writing, and those of others. It has been an incredible honor and such a wonderful opportunity to be able to take this class with Professor Chari, and I do believe every student should have the opportunity to take a class from her – thank you.” - Namratha S.

Mastery Fitness

Co-Founder: Kevin Chu, MBA ʼ19

Phone: 800-899-3450

Location: 375 W. Victoria St., Gardena, CA 90248

Website: https://masteryfitness.com

Social: @mastery_fitness

About:

Mastery Fitness is an innovative facilities services provider, delivering full-lifecycle gym builds and consulting services for residential and commercial gym design. In this changing industry, we are contributing to the disruption of the "traditional" equipment lease model. So whether you're a large spin studio, boutique hotel or a fitness-minded individual, Mastery Fitness has you covered.

Review:

“I have had such a wonderful experience dealing with the folks at Mastery Fitness. I purchased a refurbished Precor Elliptical machine and I absolutely love it! Kevin was so attentive and took the time to help me find the right machine, and then spent time going over all the features with me. He also delivered the machine to my house and I live very remotely. I can tell that he does quality work and really cares about his customers' satisfaction. I highly recommend this business to anyone who wants a high-end quality workout machine, doesn't want to pay "new" prices, and wants to have an excellent customer service experience!” - Jessica S.

Piper + Enza

CEO/Founder: Rita Ho-Bezzola, MBA ʼ07

Location: Online

Email: hello@piperandenza.com

Website: https://piperandenza.com

Social: @piperandenza

About:

Our mission at Piper + Enza, a health and happiness company, is to support children and their families with the inevitable bumps and bruises of growing up, shifting the narrative from a place of fear to one of healing, knowledge and celebration. Using books, tools, toys and resources developed in collaboration with early childhood educators, child life experts, pediatricians and child psychologists, we want to give families strategies to navigate through the fears and unknowns of growing up and instead, support them in embracing the journey.

Review:

“A must-have in your children's books collection! What a playful way of explaining why the body reacts a certain way to protect itself! By making it fun and reassuring. Also, a good book to keep handy for parents who need to answer all the questions of their child: "Why is my nose running?" "Why do we get sick?"...Clearly informative for both grown-ups and children” - Lucie

The Symptom Sleuth

Founders: Michelle Wong ʼ08 and Edward Hynson ʼ10

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Email: thesymptomsleuth@gmail.com

Website: https://thesymptomsleuth.com

Social: @thesymptomsleuth

About:

When an eczema flare-up painfully appeared on the sweet little girl's face, first I had a flashback of my cousin being bullied for growing up with a skin condition; then I had an idea stemming from my own experience controlling my eczema today. I designed The Trigger Tracker so that the little girl could use stickers to collect and visualize data while practicing the scientific method to uncover what triggers her flare-ups. (Spoiler alert: it was milk!) With help from my husband (a nurse with joint pain), my cousin with multiple sclerosis and my sister with lupus, we designed The Symptoms Log to help people track all kinds of symptoms. Collectively, The Symptom Sleuth aims to empower you to take charge of your own health with detailed records to share with your doctor with information your doctor would want to know.

Review:

“I've had psoriasis all my life, and only in the last 10 years discovered that food was the major contributing factor to my terrible skin. I started a program to help people heal their psoriasis but struggled to find an elegant way to track what we eat. I was introduced to Symptom Sleuth's Trigger Tracker, and it was exactly what I was looking for. It's beautifully made with stitched binding, and nicely laid out pages. It even helped me figure out why I had a flare-up recently. I love the book and my clients are using it to log their foods to figure out what their trigger foods are too. Highly recommended.” - Thomas P.

Prospera Mental Health & Wellness

CEO/Founder: Andrea Niles ʼ07, M.A. ʼ11, Ph.D. ʼ16

Phone: ‪415-289-9114

Email: support@prosperamhw.com

Website: https://prosperamhw.com

Social: @prosperamhw

About:

Prospera is a mental health platform that provides exceptional mental health care specifically for moms. Our mental health coaches are certified in maternal mental health and use cognitive behavioral therapy, which is the world’s most effective approach to improving symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Review:

“The phrase ‘therapy’ can be intimidating, and occasionally we lose sight of the fact that everyone in today's society has anxiety on some level. I realized that I couldn't control my anxiety on my own because it was now negatively affecting my mental health. I resorted to Prospera at that point and am I glad I did! A good therapist is not someone you talk to for an hour and then ask for advice from. A skilled therapist guides you through the process, identifies patterns in your life and equips you with coping mechanisms. Having Sara as my therapist made my experience completely positive. Even though I still experience anxiety, I am certain that I can manage it with the help of Sara. I highly recommend Prospera for anyone dealing with anxiety or depression.” - Karina R.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

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Bruin-Owned Photography Part Two

Photo by Vinukh Kalansuriya

hese Bruin-owned businesses showcase the work and art of Bruin photographers. Whether it’s for grad portraits or wedding shoots, corporate events or commercial ventures, you can support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by booking a shoot, buying prints or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming projects.

Michelle Guan '18

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://michelle8guan.wixsite.com/mguan

Social: @mguanphotography

My name is Michelle Guan and I graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in psychobiology. I am extremely grateful to have been able to stay at UCLA for medical school as part of the class of 2023 and am currently finishing up my last year of schooling. My love for photography began during college in 2016 when I started exploring Los Angeles with friends and a camera in hand. As I ventured more into the graduation photography scene, I enjoyed the new friends I met (some of whom ended up becoming my medical school classmates) and being able to immortalize moments of joy for others as they celebrated their achievements with their friends.

As I had more opportunities to travel, photography has also been a great medium for me to share with others the beauty of the landscapes and cultures found across the world. Five of my landscape photographs were published in the UCLA Health community's annual arts and literature magazine "The Beat."

Photography continues to be a way for me to find balance in life as I am pursuing my career in medicine, and I'm always looking forward to events or photoshoot collaborations with others. I hope to continue connecting with other Bruins and alumni clients throughout the years!

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I absolutely love capturing these candid laughter moments, which can sometimes be difficult to produce when posing in front of a camera. I continue to make it my goal during every photoshoot to create a warm and relaxing environment so my client's personalities and styles will shine through!

Charline Messa '21

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: www.charlinemessa.com

Social: @charlinemessa

I started as a self-taught photographer in Brazil, my home country and where I had the opportunity to capture uncountable moments on and off stage for great artists and bands. After moving to Los Angeles, I decided to embrace photography as a career and chose to study at UCLA. I have always been fascinated with the idea of capturing a scene or a moment forever in time. During my childhood, I used to exercise my creativity by drawing, painting, organizing and doing handcraft activities. Bringing movement to a static image, playing with space, and interaction and proportion of objects with the environment inspired me to photograph toys and miniatures.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I’m constantly using my personal collection of toys as my models, playing with light, composition, poses and creating a dynamic environment inside static images. What inspires and fascinates me while working with objects are the infinite possibilities to explore the different colors, textures and shapes.

Kevin A. Gilligan '90

Current City: Torrance, California

Website: www.photosbykag.com

Social: @photosbykag

Kevin Gilligan ’90 is an award-winning landscape, portrait, sports photographer and destination workshop instructor. Based in L.A.’s South Bay, he frequently travels to capture the beauty of our national parks and stunning destinations, including Patagonia and the Italian Dolomites. In 2020, Gilligan’s image of the Three Towers in Torres del Paine National Park won a Bronze Award from the highly competitive Epson International Pano competition. His portrait work, including his recent solo exhibition “Developing Men,” has been gallery-exhibited and was featured by UCLA Magazine. His sports photography includes professional surfing, professional soccer and mixed martial arts. Gilligan is a second-degree black belt in Krav Maga, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is passionate about MMA. His images have been in over 30 group shows, three solo exhibitions and displayed in museums three times. Gilligan is also a full time-prosecutor who won UCLA’s Public Service Award in 2016.

Photo Showcase:

**Description:** It was challenging to choose only one image for this profile because I photograph and teach workshops in three areas: landscapes, portraits and sports. Traveling and shooting images is an incredible feeling. This image captured the "Three Towers" in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The hike to get to the location took 11 hours round trip with a 30lb. photo pack. At the top it was so cold I could only shoot for about five minutes before taking shelter from the wind behind large rocks. Although I hiked with a tripod, it was too cold to use it. Instead I took several images handheld and combined them in post production. This image represents many things to me: the wonder of exploration, natural beauty and determination. In the near future, I will conduct destination photo workshops to beautiful locations like Patagonia and the Italian Dolomites. I was thrilled that this image won a Bronze Award from the very competitive Epson International Pano Competition.

Vinukh Kalansuriya '21

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://thedarkroomjukebox.com

Social: @thedarkroomjukebox

My name is Vinukh and I am a recent grad from the University of California, Los Angeles. I studied sociology and film during my time there. I really developed my photography and filmmaking abilities on the back of a wont to capture moments and document them as a part of someone's life history.

My primary medium is film photography and have honed in on shooting mostly commercial and editorial work. I also have experience in concert and music festival photography. Some of my clients have included Insomniac, Google and Irvine Company Apartments.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: This is one of my favorite pictures I've taken and I took it during my time at UCLA. I initially had started photography as a way of documenting my life so I had something to look through when I was older and show my kids whenever they asked me what my life was like when I was younger. This photo was a result of me taking pictures of my friends playing basketball, and it just happened to be so loved by people in my life and on the internet, that it kickstarted my whole journey of professional photography.

Serena Zhang '19

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://serenatyphotography.wixsite.com/photography

Social: @serenatyphoto

I have always loved the magic of capturing memories through photography. With thoughts and visions captured in shapes and lines, photography has the power to evoke strong feelings through nostalgia, imagination and familiar scenes. Photography has also given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and hear their stories. Whether it is a graduation session, an engagement session or a lifestyle shoot, photography allowed me to capture and share in the joy that the clients may reminisce in for years to come.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I selected this photo because graduation season is my favorite time of the year and I love capturing the glowing joy of grads with this tremendous achievement.

Selina Pan '21

Current City: San Francisco, California

Website: https://shotbysel.myportfolio.com/

Social: @shotbysel

After receiving a camera as a gift on my 16th birthday, I originally wanted to practice and build a portfolio in the editorial and fashion space. I loved planning creative photoshoots with any of my friends that wanted to model for me. I dabbled in sessions with a wide variety of backgrounds, props and lighting. In college, I joined organizations and worked on several projects with different focuses like fashion and dance. I also started building my name in the graduation space at UCLA and other local colleges, and started branching out to shooting events. My recent focus has shifted towards portraits and events, with a heavy emphasis on graduation portrait photography, families and babies, and weddings. I discovered a love for capturing candid moments and documenting growth and milestones. I'm grateful to have experienced various facets of the photography industry, and ultimately, I love working with people, capturing real life moments and emotions.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: The subject in this photograph is my best friend from my childhood and the first "model" I worked with when I started photography. Three years prior to this image, we had shot another milk bath photography series when it was Instagram trending. This shoot was inspired by a desire to try and not just recreate, but improve upon a past idea. This image is special to me because it showcases the development of my photography skills and passion, as well as the growth of my ability to plan and direct a photoshoot. It also goes to show how far the two of us have come, from our very first shoot to our original milk bath shoot to this most recent shoot.

Miranda Montenegro '20

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.mirandamontenegro.com

Social: @mirandaelmontenegro

My name is Miranda Montenegro and I am a filmmaker and photographer. I made photography my passion after interning and eventually working for UCLA Radio in their photo/video department. I have photographed countless artists and bands including Greta Van Fleet, Da Baby, Bishop Briggs and Ruel, and created content for Gibson Guitars and Stila Cosmetics. In 2019, I DP’d two short films, "Velour" and "Love Letter to Los Angeles," and co-wrote "Rate My Poetry: An Anthology on the Poetics of the Review." In 2020, I co-directed an award-winning mockumentary, "The Internet's First Girl Band," and directed my first fiction short film, "Hey Joe." In 2022, I wrote and directed my sophomore short, "U.S. vs. Beltran" and produced and edited the dark comedy "The Good Father." Additionally, I have interned for Sony Pictures Entertainment, Montecito Picture Company and Entravision Communications Corporation. I graduated from University of California, Los Angeles in March 2020 with a B.A. in English and concentration in film, television and digital media. I am a second-year M.F.A. film and TV production student at University of Southern California.

I am currently serving as a director's assistant on a Disney+ television show scheduled for a fall 2023 release. I am self-represented and take clients on a limited basis.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I love that this image signals that we are in a female's court. Ball is in her court and we are awaiting her wicked serve. As the Trump Administration was ramping up their reelection efforts, I wanted to show that females are more empowered than ever to claim their power.

Sabrina Yeung '13

Current City: Bay Area, Ohio

Website: https://www.syeungphotography.com/

Social: @syeungphoto

Since childhood, I've loved the idea of being able to capture moments in time through a photograph. I bought my first camera during my time at UCLA. While I should have been studying for my neurosci exams, I spent hours wandering around campus and different parts of West L.A. with my camera in hand, practicing and developing my photographic style.

During my senior year, I photographed my first wedding for a friend that I had met at UCLA. After graduation, I moved to the Bay Area and with the encouragement from friends, started my wedding and portrait photography business. Ten years later, I am working full-time as a product manager and continue to run my photography business.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: When I first started my business, I had a few venues in mind that I wanted to photograph, yet they seemed so far out of reach. A few years later, this was one of the first weddings I had the opportunity to photograph at one of those venues. I'm so thankful for everyone who has encouraged me along the way and entrusted me to capture memories for them!

If you are a Bruin photographer, send us an email at connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu for possible inclusion into this page. Include your website, social handle, class year and a short one-paragraph bio. We will follow up to request additional info.

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Best of Connect 2022

February Edition

Save up to $25,000 on residency at The Watermark at Westwood Village, an award-winning senior living community steps from campus. Also covered is your Alumni Association Sustaining Donor contribution!

March Edition

Which has better food - North Campus or South Campus? In this second helping of the Campus Eats series, we highlighted the dining options at LuValle, Anderson, Court of Sciences, Medical Centers and more. See what's good, what's changed and what's no longer open for business.

December Edition

UCLA has a rich history of producing professional athletes who work for a variety of sports teams. In this issue, we’re featured nine recent graduates who are currently performing for professional cheerleading and dance teams in both the NFL and NBA. Be sure to cheer for these Bruins when you spot them at the game!

March Edition

Amy Rueda is a 25-year veteran of executive search and has placed CEOs and C-suite executives across multiple industries. In this new series she offered her expert career advice to those seeking to level up. In this issue, she described the DNA of the ideal candidate.

September Edition

Our Bruin-Owned Businesses series continued with a feature on art galleries and collectives which showcased the classic and contemporary works of both Bruins and non-Bruins alike, as well as that of their founders. Support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by planning a visit or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming exhibitions.

July/August Edition

The slider overlays an aerial view of South Campus in 1950 to the same area today. Test your knowledge on what sits in the locations where the Greek amphitheater, the orchards and the reservoir used to be. Then check Show Labels to reveal the answers.

November Edition

From the U.S. House of Representatives to local school boards, scores of Bruin candidates ran in various national, state and municipal races in the general election on Nov. 8. See the diverse pool of UCLA alumni (including one current student) who were on the ballot. While this was not an endorsement of any candidates or political parties, it was a call for all Bruins to make their voices heard and VOTE!

June Edition

As the world opens up, the once distant dream of traveling is closer to becoming a reality. Fortunately, UCLA Alumni Travel has expert tour professionals who can aid you with worry-free travel from beginning to end. On most tours you’ll be guided by a UCLA professor, stay in 4- to 5-star accommodations and, best of all, see the world with like-minded, friendly Bruins, where your shared experience lends itself to creating new memories and lasting friendships. Explore our 2022 tours!

July/August Edition

(Tied for No. 1) Now is a great time to come out and enjoy a delicious meal with good company, while helping a Bruin business. In a sequel to the restaurants installment of the popular Bruin-Owned Businesses series, we’re once again tantalizing you with the mouth-watering dishes being served up by fellow alumni. Bon appétit!

January Edition

(Tied for No. 1) Are you cool enough to know what block party, birding and UZLA all mean? Check out this growing glossary of campus slang and see what the young Bruins are saying these days. Perhaps you'll recognize some throwback lingo from your time in Westwood.

Bruin-Owned Businesses: Gift Ideas 2

hat better way to fulfill your holiday shopping needs than with unique gifts from these Bruin-owned businesses? Explore what they have to offer, whether online or in-store, and find those perfect Bruin-inspired presents for family and friends.

Rabbit Air

Vice President of Business Development: Edwin Cheung ʼ94

Location: 125 N Raymond Ave., Suite 308, Pasadena, CA 911031

Phone: 888-866-8862

Website: https://rabbitair.com/ucla

Social: @rabbitair

About:

Founded in 2004, our Los Angeles-based company has dedicated its time, energy and resources to perfecting a product that improves quality of life: the air purifier. Our dedication to air purification has led us to become one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S.; we have been ranked as such from 2009 to 2022 by Inc. magazine.

Review:

“My husband is allergic to EVERYTHING! He takes 10-12 allergy pills daily, has been to several doctors, the whole nine yards. So, last resort, I purchased this air purifier, put it in our family room...and within hours he could really tell the difference…so I purchased another one for our bedroom. The first night was the first time in many years that he slept without pills and could breathe through his nose now; he takes no more than 2 allergy pills daily. I wish we got this years ago.” - Kathy B.

Eliqs

Co-Founders: Max Berg, MBA ʼ19, and Dave Goldman

Location: Gardena, California

Phone: 904-414-3643

Website: https://www.eliqs.com

Email: hello@eliqs.com

Social: @shopEliqs

About:

Eliqs enables the creation of personalized, custom-branded beverages for any and all occasions! Select from our pre-set templates that you can personalize or create a custom design by partnering with our in-house professional design team. Select a beverage from our curated list of craft offerings (beer, wine, hard seltzer, water). Then sit back and relax as we deliver your custom cans directly to you!

Review:

“Such an awesome gift! I've ordered a couple of times from Eliqs, both for birthday gifts. Both of the recipients loved it and I got so many compliments from others! These are such a unique and thoughtful gift for a beer lover in your life. Love that they also send you previews and updates about your order and the shipping is pretty fast as well. Will definitely order again!” – Chanel R.

The Honest Company

Co-Founders: Brian Sung Lee, J.D. ʼ96, and Christopher Gavigan, M.A. ʼ04

Website: https://www.honest.com/

Phone: 888-862-8818

Email: support@thehonestcompany.com

Social: @honest

About:

We’re a wellness brand empowering people to live happy, healthy lives. And we’re also people, just like you. When our founder, Jessica Alba, couldn’t find one brand to trust for all her everyday needs, she had to create it. And she knew that there had to be others out there looking for safe products, simple solutions and clear information about their choices, just like her. If you want trusted, effective products that work for your family, your home and yourself, you’re Honest, too.

Review:

“I have sensitive skin that gets oily easily. I’m always hesitant to order online. Due to COVID I’ve received several emails about how they are behind, which I wasn’t in a huge hurry anyways. But I still received my package in a timely manner. The products ordered and used were Prime + Perfect Mask, hydra gel and magic gel to milk. I already had the vitamin C serum and Everyday Radiance. My skin hasn’t felt this smooth and glowy in a long time. Love, love, love these products.” - Tori S.

Lollaland

Founders: Mark Lim, MBA ʼ08, and Hanna Lim, M.Ed. ʼ05

Location: 1825 Peck Road, Monrovia, CA 91016

Phone: 310-776-5655

Website: https://lollaland.com/

Email: hello@lollaland.com

Social: @lollalandusa

About:

Lollaland products were created by parents dedicated to providing safe, stylish and smart products for children and their families. Our award-winning products are premium quality, beautifully packaged and ready to gift. Lollaland is proudly funded by Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec through ABC's hit show, “Shark Tank!”

Review:

“These cups are great. 1. The straw is hidden; I don’t understand the ones where the straw stays up, especially during a pandemic. 2. Easy to disassemble and throw in the dishwasher—I’ve washed mine dozens of times and no fading or issues. 3. Durable—my tot has literally thrown one down a flight of stairs and no cracking. 4. Sure it is not leak proof but it also doesn’t take a ton of pressure to suck up liquid. It doesn’t just pour out either; my tot will literally hold the bottle upside down and shake it and several drops may come out. 5. Fun colors. 6. Great customer service. I can’t rave about these cups enough. I have one in every color.” - Mr. P.

Mana Life Energy

Founder: Dylan Price ʼ14

Website: https://manalifeenergy.com

Social: @manalifeenergy

About:

Our herbal proprietary blend replenishes your energy, mental clarity and focus without the crash or jittery feeling. Mana contains no artificial ingredients, and was specifically designed for you, whether you are an athlete, parent, student or a person who simply needs a boost of energy throughout the day.

Review:

“MANA is great! I have used it for a while now and I have found it to be better than coffee or energy drinks. It has all-natural ingredients that you can look up and are not just consuming random lab-engineered ingredients. If you are looking for a pre-workout intense supplement this is not it. It’s a subtle energy you likely won’t really notice but you no longer feel tired or like falling asleep. I often get tired driving while commuting after a long day and about 10 minutes after taking MANA you likely won’t even realize it but you just won’t be tired anymore. I have also taken it before the gym and it gives you a pump once you get going, without the jitters from a pre-workout.” - Alex L.

Rosen Skincare

Founder and CEO: Jamika Martin ʼ18

Locations: Various

Website: https://www.rosenskincare.com

Email: hi@rosenskincare.com

Social: @rosenskincare

About:

We're creating the next generation of breakout care. Traditional breakout solutions have often left diverse skin types and concerns out of the conversation, but we're here to change that. Our routines use clean-ical ingredients to focus on the prevention and repair of hyperpigmentation and breakouts in the acne aisle. All of our products and routines are developed through the lens of women of color, to ensure the diverse concerns we deal with are addressed in the acne aisle.

Review:

“I love the scent of the Super Smoothie Cleanser. It wasn’t too strong but did have a slightly sweet citrusy scent. It’s made with strawberry powder which helped to gently exfoliate my skin and provided a nice gentle cleanse. My skin was left feeling smooth after using it. The best part is that it didn’t dry out my skin. This is the only product that I finished during the 30 days and I was quite sad when I ran out. I can definitely see myself purchasing this product in the future.” – LaTayia B. (SoDazzlingBlog.com)

Caffé Luxxe

Co-Founder: Gary Chau ʼ90

Locations: Various in Southern California

Phone: 310-394-2222

Website: https://www.caffeluxxe.com

Email: hello@caffeeluxxe.com

Social: @caffeluxxe

About:

Established in 2006, Caffe Luxxe was the first cafe in Los Angeles to champion a move towards hand-crafted artisanal espresso and brewed coffee. Our dedication to serving the best individually crafted beverages has helped LA drinkers discover what fine coffees can taste like, earning us numerous accolades by customers and journalists alike. Hand crafting every single drink is our daily passion, and we strive to make each drink better than the last.

Reviews:

“Being Italian, coffee, lattes and expresso are my primary beverage and a variety of comfort food. Finding myself on Sunset Boulevard in the Pacific Palisades I noticed up ahead a new coffee shop, Caffe Luxe. They claim their coffee is "an artisanal expression". Well, I went for an expression and ordered an Americano. It was delicious! Great aroma, body, fragrance, smooth and not bitter. There was no sharp burnt after taste that so many expresso roasters produce. For a moment, I was transported to my favorite cafe in Rome. If you are a real coffee lover, you’ve got to try this brand. They are hitting home runs. I can't wait until my next fix!” – Vincent G.

MATTEO PARFUMS

Founder: Matthew Sánchez ʼ17

Website: https://www.matteoparfums.com

Email: help@matteoparfums.com

Social: @matteoparfums

About:

Nicknamed “Matteo,” I’m a Southern California native motivated to create products with purpose and establish a legacy. Self-taught in perfumery then a perfumer's apprentice, in October 2017, I became America's youngest Black male perfumer and youngest Latino perfumer. In my last year at UCLA, I knew I wanted to find ways to connect with others while fulfilling my entrepreneurial desires. I made full use of the fact that of all five senses, our sense of smell has the strongest connection to our memories and emotions. Therefore, I knew I could access peoples' lives through the power of scent and storytelling. This is my vision and desire for MATTEO PARFUMS: to influence the scent culture and multiple industries, inspire confidence and fellow visionaries, and immerse people into the global and imaginative world we live in.

Review:

“The visuals tricked my mind into thinking I was going to dive into relaxing light green waters. Quite the contrary, I am submerged in orange light and swirled around in a circle of spicy fire. A bright orange sun turns into a blood-red orange, spiked with cinnamon rays, making it even hotter as minutes pass. The juiciness of the orange is short-lived and it rapidly dries to a clove-spiked orange peel warmed on a radiator. Not long after, the leathery saffron comes into play, the spices bloom with sharp peppery edges and all slowly melt into a sweet, ambery, rich, wooden texture. Then hours pass and in the scent lingering on my skin, a deep, enveloping cinnamon is still the main character. Reasonably priced [at] $95, it’s the debut fragrance of MATTEO PARFUMS. If you want a cool–but–warm “urban lumberjack”, to embrace you in a thick cinnamon hug, give Celadawn a try.” – Nicoleta Tomsa (Senior Editor for ÇaFleureBon)

Tequila Cabal

Partner and CFO: Benjamin Gordon, MBA ʼ19

Locations: Various

Website: https://www.tequilacabal.com

Email: framers@mac.com

Social: @tequilacabal

About:

Tequila Cabal is a multi-award-winning tequila headquartered in Los Angeles, with roots tracing back to 1911. The word Cabal is rooted in the Spanish word for gentleman, caballero, which compels the idea that one must aspire to their full potential. The inspiration behind the horsehead bottle design is derived from the Charreria and horse culture in Jalisco. This ties into the very essence of Jalicense culture. We raise our horses and agave much like we raise ourselves, nurturing from a young age with passionate resolve to become both a noble steed and noble in spirit. It is our belief that the spirit in your glass should only be matched by the spirit of your company.

Review:

“Tequila Cabal is a perfect example of excellence expressed in liquid form. I judge any tequila by its blanco, the purest manifestation of this spirit. Only if the blanco offers a superior experience do I explore the reposado and añejo. I did indeed explore the aged Cabal offerings because the blanco was extraordinary, easily one of the finest tequilas I have ever tasted. And then things only got better from that very high standard, because the reposado, añejo and extra-añejo were pure pleasure. This is an extraordinary tequila.” Jeff S.

Gem Surprise Box

Co-Founders: Steve Ibbotson ʼ15 and Christine Lopez ʼ15

Location: Fallbrook, California

Phone: 661-236-7706

Website: https://www.gemsurprise.com

Email: Hello@GemSurprise.com

Social: @gemsurprisebox

About:

Gem Surprise Box is a gemstone and mineral subscription service, founded by Gemological Institute of America and UCLA alumni, that has a strong focus on STEM education for both adults and children with the goal of introducing the world to the science of mineralogy, sparking interest in the geosciences and sharing the wonders of our natural world one box at a time. We offer monthly memberships, specialty boxes and unique gifts for everyone. Every Gem Surprise Box is packaged with care in our signature black sustainably sourced gift box and tied with a black satin bow. All of our gemstones and minerals include mineral graphic cards with information on each new item with fun facts about how it formed, identifying characteristics, gemological notes of interest, and information on how people interact with that material.

Review:

“It’s like Christmas every month.” – Doug H.

Shef

Founder: Joey Grassia ʼ09

Website: https://shef.com/

Phone: 415-825-7433

Email: support@shef.com

Social: @ordershef

About:

At Shef, we’re rebuilding the food system from scratch, redefining who can participate in the food economy, and returning personal connection to the making, eating and sharing of food. We are an online marketplace for local, food safety-certified cooks to connect with customers in their community and earn a meaningful income selling homemade dishes. Homemade is the aroma of your childhood kitchen, the laughter around a family table, the taste of locally sourced produce; it is memories, nostalgia and tradition. It is building bridges between cultures and people that make us whole. More than anything, the power of homemade food comes from the love and care of those who make it, all opening up their hearts to provide the gift of a homemade meal to you.

Review:

“I just ate this a few minutes ago and it changed my life. It's as good as going to your Pakistani aunty's house for dinner. Super traditional dumplings that remind me of my grandma's.

I am really picky about my food and any purchase. I am 200% satisfied with Shef. Food was awesome. Quantity was really good.” - Cynthia C.

The Framer's Workshop

Co-Founder: Kirstie Bennett ʼ69

Location: 2439 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Phone: 510-849-4444

Website: https://www.framersworkshop.com/

Email: framers@mac.com

Social: @the_framers_workshop

About:

The Framer's Workshop is a family-run custom and do-it-yourself picture framing shop located in Berkeley, California, serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1977. We specialize in fine custom framing, do-it-yourself framing, photo restoration and large format printing. We offer commercial onsite design, delivery and installation for businesses, designers and volume residential clients. We welcome wholesale accounts for art consultation and framing services. We also offer ready-made frames with free DIY fitting at The Framer's Outlet, a ready made frame shop directly connected to our main store.

Review:

“I've been a customer of The Framer's Workshop for over 15 years now and only have high, high praise for them. The work is excellent quality and they will take great care of your art. You can leave precious items with them without worry. There’s no upselling. They'll work with your budget and provide options without any guff or shaming. They have a wide variety of frames, mats, materials. You want something cool? They've got it. Premade frames at discount prices, cute greeting cards, pre-framed art for sale and DIY assembly options. They'll even teach you how to use the machines, so it's really like a free education. Communication has been excellent over the years with different staff, which means training is consistently solid.” - Sarah W.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

Bruin-Owned Photography

Photo by Karina Wang

hese Bruin-owned businesses showcase the work and art of Bruin photographers. Whether it’s for grad portraits or engagement shoots, corporate events or commercial ventures, you can support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by booking a shoot, buying prints or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming projects.

Antoine Delcayre '20

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://photosby.antoinedelcayre.space/

Social: @monsieurrr_delcayre

I bought my first camera the summer before my first year at UCLA and my camera guided me through most of my college experience. It was the creative outlet that kept me sane through my astrophysics studies. I'm thankful for all the opportunities it allowed me to pursue, such as being a press photographer for L.A. concerts and being hired as photo manager for UCLA Housing.

After spending four years at UCLA I've definitely found my home in Los Angeles. I decided to pursue a master's in computer science at Johns Hopkins, which I work on remotely from L.A., and I'm hoping to graduate soon! I see computer science as a happy medium between the quantitative technical nature of physics and my creative hobbies.

I still like to take photos when I have time, though I've preferred to take analog photos using my Polaroid these days. In addition to photography, I'm passionate about cooking and eating, playing soccer, and programming lightshows! I try to keep an online footprint of all my pastimes and you can find links to all of them through my Instagram.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: This is one of my favorite image sets. There are a few things I like to capture in my photos and I think these photos encapsulate all of them. I like my photos to feel slightly surreal - I like quiet and empty spaces that invoke something between unease and serenity. To accentuate this I try to use a minimal amount of colors in an image. I want people to feel like they are looking at a memory or a dream; for there to be a softness and silence to my photos. I did this shoot at the Hitch basketball courts because I loved the plain blue pavement with the strong white lines.

Karina Wang '18

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.karinapjwang.com/

Social: @karinapjwang

My name is Karina Wang and I graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics. My journey with photography began and has been influenced heavily by UCLA and the amazing people that I have met there. While landscape, greens and nature first gravitated me towards the medium, I initially gained courage to explore photography through portraits with a friend, whom I met at my first-year dorm floor. I owe a lot of gratitude to my friends who have helped me model for editorial projects, new friends who I have met through graduation portraits and to the many others in the UCLA/Westwood community who have trusted me with my vision.

Specifically, I am grateful for the UCLA campus and Westwood neighborhood for they have given me a beautiful space to simply explore and find my style. Since then, I am fortunate to have learned so much about the art, and it is something that I will continually grow with and always hold near and dear to my heart.

Currently, I am in medical school but continue to shoot in my spare time. I am constantly seeking indie BIPOC artists and/or small businesses that could benefit from a photoshoot collaboration. In my near future, I plan to take on more photo trips and to delve into photojournalism as well!

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: Pictured are the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy. While I love many genres of photography, my heart will always be with landscapes, specifically with the mountains and endless fields of green. Photo trips are my favorite, because they are a unique type of adventure. Right after graduation, my friends and I flew out and definitely had one filled with sunrises, amazing food and accidentally getting lost in these ranges!

Tia Liu '19

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.tialiu.com/

Social: @tea.ah

My name is Tia Liu and I am a portrait, wedding/couples, commercial and lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. I have more than 10 years of portrait photography experience and am a New York Times published photographer. As a self-taught photographer since high school, I have been involved in the influencer industry on social media, gaining the likes of YouTubers and "The Bachelor" contestants. I’ve also spent the last seven years shooting a full three-month (and year-round) grad season at UCLA and other SoCal campuses.

Photo Showcase:

**Description:** Many people in the UCLA network know me for my grad work of over seven years, but I also shoot couples and weddings as well! Hope to continue to connect with more Bruins and gain more alumni clients!

Jordan Angulo '18

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Social: @acideo

I am a queer Latinx photographer from Los Angeles with family descending from El Salvador. I have been exploring portraiture for over 15 years. My passion for photography existed ever since I was a child and wanted to use the cameras used by my father and grandparents. I purchased my first "professional" camera in high school and started shooting portraits of classmates and friends. I later learned my late paternal grandfather had his own collection of cameras and shot landscapes as a hobby, further cementing photography in my family history.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I created this image at the beginning of 2021 when the COVID-19 vaccine started to become widely available and it felt safer to meet in person for portrait sessions. I wanted to continue my work which allows people to escape and become someone else for a moment, taking on a character or adopting a person they otherwise would never attempt in their daily life. Decorative masks and head pieces have been a staple in my previous work and it felt necessary to continue their inclusion in our current moment. I enjoy combining elements of whimsy or beauty with lurid details or pointing at subversive ideas, to create a dissonant image that can be easily accessible, but also cause an uncanny feeling to the viewer.

Ruben Viramontes '19

Current City: Berkeley, California

Website: https://rubenviramontes.com

Social: @rubenviramontes_

In high school, I fell in love with music videos and the process of people making them. I started to take videos of random things, found beautiful music and started coming up with my own music video ideas. I created my own storyboards for a certain song and then filmed my videos. I learned a lot about video and color editing, and composition. At UCLA, I made a friend, Kelly Ma, who worked part-time as a professional photographer. I learned more about portraiture from her and finally bought my first DSLR, something I wanted to do since high school. Kelly taught me so much. I thought I was going to enjoy taking more landscape pictures, but I soon learned that I loved capturing people's smiles, people feeling joy, even if for just a moment. I begged my friends and family to let me photograph them, and most would begrudgingly agree, but they would be happy with the way I took their picture. And it made me happy to see that I was able to cheer up someone and make them feel confident in an image. I grew curious of Kelly's grad shoots and she invited me to one of them. I took pictures for free for the seniors. I had so much fun. Directing people, asking them to smile and try different poses, catching the right light for them, getting the exact setting I wanted (manual mode always) - all of it brought joy to me. Around this time, Karina Wang, another UCLA friend, was also beginning her portraiture journey. We eventually linked up, talked about photography and started modeling for each other. I learned so much from Karina. We have different styles and the way she chooses composition was never what I would first think to do; she has such gorgeous results. She was always down to take pictures and plan a shoot together. We also gushed over the highly requested UCLA grad photographers, and other L.A. portrait photographers. We always texted about photography, and we've grown so much since.

Photo Showcase:

Grad Photo-Ruben-Viramontes — **Description**: This was my first time taking grad pictures of a group with popping confetti! I was always in awe over all the beautiful grad photos with confetti from other photographers, and I was excited to finally have that opportunity with a group of people. It was a cloudy day, and I understand it's normally not ideal for most grad pictures, but I love the challenge of bringing warmth to grad pictures when it’s overcast. I'm proud of this image. It brings me joy that I captured this image, and I found the right coloring for it too.

Gavin Holt '03

Current City: San Dimas, California

Website: https://judyandgavin.com/

Social: @judyandgavin

As a computer science engineering major, I found out quickly that I was not happy as a computer programmer. I had a side job capturing club videography, which turned into a small business for wedding videography. Photography came soon after in 2006. I have been self-employed since 2005 and run the business with my wife, Judy.

Photo Showcase: Remy Xmas

**Description**: This is what we did for our Christmas card with our first child (at nine months old). It is not Photoshopped. It was the first time our daughter saw a Christmas tree, and she was old enough to reach up and try to touch it. I love the image for the wonder that it inspires, along with the deep personal attachment we have to that moment.

Luis Motta '22

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Social: @luisabndnher

My name is Luis Motta. I'm an artist born and raised in Los Angeles. I started taking photographs at Art Division, a nonprofit program located in the Westlake district. Then I started getting more technical in the darkroom while attending Los Angeles City College. Early on, I was very into the documentation of friends and would carry a camera at every party or band show. I started to invite friends into studios for portraits, and this transitioned into an interest in still life.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: I created A fictional planet that has gone through a world-ending catastrophe. Planet "C" is made of concrete, barbed wire and fencing material. The items found are constructed out of the same materials. I've used family records like my mom's cancer test to create fictional documentation. This series of photographs comes from my experience of feeling lost and coming to terms with structures coming to an end. The series is also a meditation on how ruins of a past time and event create an identity. After many journeys and migrations, the few fragments we have through photographs and documentation are what we hold on to to define our present and can decide our future.

Jintak Han '20

Current City: Athens, Ohio

Website: https://www.jintakhan.com

Social: @jhancamera

I am a freelance photojournalist currently based in Athens, Ohio, as I pursue my master's degree at Ohio University's School of Visual Communication. You can find my bylines on news agencies around the world such as ZUMA Press, the Associated Press and the Denver Post, where I recently finished a summer internship. I have a strong interest in the topic of discrimination, especially among minority and immigrant communities. I started photography as a hobby towards the end of middle school, but it wasn't until college that I took up photojournalism, when I joined the Daily Bruin in my first quarter at UCLA in 2014. I started working as a photojournalist while in school in 2019, hungry for opportunities beyond the Bruin, with no formal education in photography. I spent the year after I graduated in 2020, photographing the racial injustice protests in Los Angeles and working in an internship at a daily newspaper in South Korea, but returned to school in 2021 to focus on my interest in long-form visual storytelling.

Photo Showcase:

**Description**: Guests pick out free flower bouquets at a Walmart in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. The Walmart location offered the flowers to the local community after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at the nearby Robb Elementary School two days prior. Town residents placed the flowers at the school entrance and a memorial set up in the Uvalde town square. I was traveling through Houston when I received the alert about Uvalde. I immediately rushed over there, arriving a few hours after the shooting, and spent eight days trying to document the resilience of the small grieving Texas town that would soon send its children back to school. There are thousands of more dramatic and traumatic scenes that I documented in Uvalde. I chose this photograph instead because it tells the story quietly.

Chang Liu '17

Current City: New York, New York

Website: https://changliu.io/

Social: @shampliu

I'm a freelance creative developer who recently moved to New York from California. In high school, I would make skate videos with my friends and that transitioned into photography once I got a better camcorder that could take decent photos as well.

Photo Showcase: Maximalism

**Description**: This is a PhotoShopped image of a viewpoint from a bar in New York. I think this illustrates the kind of style I gravitate to - heavily texture-based, abstract landscapes that include some subject or subjects in the foreground. I like to emphasize the background/texture more and have the subject in a less prominent light so the photos can be more relatable.

Hon Hoang '14

Current City: Los Angeles, California

Website: https://www.honhoang.com/

Socials: @honnnhoang

I was born in Vietnam and grew up in Los Angeles (Rowland Heights), California. Shortly after graduating from UCLA with a degree in psychology, I pursued photography and started making short films a few years after that. My experience in psychology has continued into my photography and films because of my curiosity in people and cultures. I create photographs to get a glimpse of humanity and pursue films as an exploration of it. Some of my previous short films include: “Taciturn Tango,” “Fall With Me” and “Calling,” which won Best Short film at ECAASU 2021 and the Audience Award at Viet Film Fest 2021. In between films, projects and photoshoots, I try to fill in gaps with moments in street photography - walking around Los Angeles or wherever I may be traveling, trying to capture beautiful moments within what seems to be a gritty landscape.

Photo Showcase: Fall With Me

**Description**: The photo is from a series called "Fall With Me" (2017). It was taken on set during the making of my first short film of the same name. I want to showcase this image because it represents a moment where my photography converged with my ambitions to make films. After a few years of learning photography, I knew I wanted to create more narratives so I started exploring filmmaking to tell these tales. It was helpful for me to use the years of experience with photography as it translated well to cinema. It was a small project, it was me, a buddy with a camera, another friend with a handheld light, and two actors/models. We just went out and filmed something. You can watch the short film at https://www.honhoang.com/fall-with-me/.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

Bruin-Owned Art Galleries and Collectives

ur Bruin-owned businesses series continues with a feature on art galleries and collectives which showcase the classic and contemporary works of both Bruins and non-Bruins alike, as well as that of their founders. Support the arts and Bruin entrepreneurship by planning a visit or following them on social media to see their current and upcoming exhibitions.

Giant Robot 2 GR2 Gallery

Founder: Eric Nakamura ʼ93

Location: 2062 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

Phone Number: 424-246-7626 Text Only

Website: https://www.giantrobot.com/

Social: @giantrobotstore

About:

GR2 Gallery features art exhibitions by notable artists like Katsuya Terada, Luke Chueh, David Choe, Mari Inukai, Deth P Sun, Rob Sato, Ako Castuera, Sean Chao, Yoskay Yamamoto, Uglydoll and countless others.

Crenshaw Dairy Mart

Co-founder: Patrisse Cullors ʼ12

Location: 8629 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305

Website: https://www.crenshawdairymart.com/

Social: @crenshawdairymart

About:

Home to an artist collective and art gallery dedicated to shifting the trauma-induced conditions of poverty and economic injustice, bridging cultural work and advocacy, and investigating ancestries through the lens of Inglewood and its community.

The LA Art Box

Founders: Bernie Bernardo ʼ92 and Mar Dumlao ʼ94

Location: 8020 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

Phone Number: 323-612-8112

Website: https://thelaartbox.com/

Social: @thelaartbox

About:

A Filipina- and minority-owned cultural gallery showcasing exhibits and events that highlight artists from communities of color.

TW Fine Art

Founder: Gary Leonard ʼ73

Location: 717 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954

Phone Number: 929-298-2611

Website: https://www.tw-fineart.com/

Social: @tw_fineart

About:

TW Fine Art practices a hybrid model of fine artist representation and art collection management. Their in-house fine artist agency services entail managing an artist's career, along with the business backend required to produce and sell art.

Take My Picture

Founder: Gary Leonard ʼ73

Location: 109 W. 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90015

Phone Number: 323-559-1973

Website: https://takemypicture.com/

Social: @tmpgaryleonard

About:

Take My Picture is a gallery on Broadway Avenue in downtown Los Angeles dedicated to Gary Leonard’s photographs, documenting the public and private culture of Los Angeles with significant guest collections.

Machine Inspired Art

Founder: Behn Samareh, M.A. ʼ97

Location: 530 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Phone Number: 213-221-7076

Website: http://www.machineinspiredart.com/index.php

Social: @MIAGallery

About:

Machine Inspired Art is a design studio and fabrication workshop. They specialize in artwork and large-scale installations for the hospitality and entertainment industries.

Advocartsy

Founder: Roshi Rahnama ʼ89

Location: 434 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048

Phone Number: 213-372-5096

Website: https://advocartsy.com/

Social: @advocartsy

About:

Advocartsy is a contemporary art platform specializing in Iranian contemporary art.

Art + Practice A+P

Co-founder: Eileen Harris Norton ʼ74

Location: 3401 W. 43rd Place, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Phone Number: 323-337-6887

Website: https://www.artandpractice.org/

Social: @artandpractice

About:

Art + Practice A+P supports L.A. transition-age foster youth through their collaboration with nonprofit social service provider First Place for Youth and provides Angelenos with free access to museum-curated contemporary art.

Blum & Poe

Co-founder: Tim Blum ʼ87

Locations:
2727 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-836-2062

19 E. 66th St., New York, NY 10065
212-249-2249

Harajuku Jingu-no-mori 5F1-14-34 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
+81-3-3475-1631

Website: https://www.blumandpoe.com/

Social: @blumandpoe

About:

Blum & Poe was founded by Tim Blum and Jeff Poe in Santa Monica in September of 1994 as a space to show local and international contemporary art in all media.

Rough Play Collective

Co-founder: Emily Sudd, M.F.A. ʼ14

Locations: Los Angeles and Joshua Tree

Website: https://www.roughplay.net/

Social: @roughplayprojects

About:

Rough Play Collective was born out of a dialogue that began with a debate on the increasing demand in contemporary art for the artist to combine artistic practice with academic research.

3B Collective

Founders: Adrian Alfaro ’15, Aaron Estrada ʼ16, Oscar Magallanes ’17 and
Gustavo Martinez ʼ15

Locations: Los Angeles and San Diego

Phone Number: 323-686-1846

Website: https://3bcollective.com/

Social: @3bcollective

About:

3B Collective is a Los Angeles-based group of artists and designers who met while doing their undergraduate studies at UCLA. Their works reflect their commitment to providing an inclusive platform that encourages pride and recognition of the different facets of communities.

Malibu Contemporary Art Gallery

Founder: Lori Mills ʼ86

Location: 2 Dole Dr., Westlake Village, CA 91362

Phone Number: 310-359-3895

Website: https://www.malibucontemporaryart.com/

Social: @malibucontemporaryart

About:

Malibu Contemporary Art Gallery, a gallery featuring contemporary works exclusively by Southern California-based artists, featuring contemporary works by established artists who exhibit internationally and in museum collections.

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

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Bruin-Owned Restaurants Part 2

ow is a great time to come out and enjoy a delicious meal with good company, while helping a Bruin business. In a sequel to the restaurants installment of the popular Bruin-owned Businesses series, we’re once again tantalizing you with the mouth-watering dishes being served up by your fellow alumni. Bon appétit!

Pinches Tacos

Co-Owner: Miguel Anaya Jr. ʼ96 and Family

Address: 1030 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Phone Number: 310-361-8566

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: https://pinchestacos.com/

About:

"Our mission is simple: to provide you the best taco experience by using high quality meats and seafood, fresh garden vegetables, handmade tortillas and high quality artisan breads. Our father, Miguel, hand picks those ingredients every morning. We could have made it complicated but choose not to, because we have found through experience, that keeping things simple is a good recipe for success and happiness. It's also a good recipe for a pretty tasty Pinche Taco. We hope you agree."

Review:

“We live in Maryland but miss the West Coast food…this was the best taco plate in L.A.! It came with three tacos of my choosing; I had a shredded pork, asada and shrimp…all three so amazing! Looking forward to their breakfast.” - Liz R.

Bella Pita

Owner/Founder: M. Yahya “Medy” Sanadidi, Ph.D. ʼ82

Address: 960 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Phone Number: 310-209-1050

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: https://bellapita.com/

About:

Dr. M. Yahya “Medy” Sanadidi, retired professor of computer science at UCLA, founded Bella Pita in 2006 in partnership with his son, Ezedin Sanadidi. Originally from Egypt, they were thrilled to find growing demand for Mediterranean cuisine everywhere they traveled. After years of perfecting Bella Pita menu items at home (2003 to 2006), Bella Pita opened its doors for customers in Westwood in March of 2007.

Review:

“I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I mean, it’s criminal to be in this area of UCLA hospital and not stop here and get a pita. My favorite is the black bean wowshi with all the fixings and the icing on the cake for this place is all the delicious sauces!” - Blaqc R.

Asterid

Co-Owner/Founder: Ray Garcia ʼ00

Address: 141 S Grand Ave., Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone Number: 213-972-3535

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: https://www.asteridla.com/

About:

Inspired by Chef Garcia’s Angeleno experience, Asterid lives to discover and celebrate Los Angeles’ mosaic of diverse cultures and culinary richness through vibrant, ingredient-driven menus in a warm, lively atmosphere. Authentically from and for Los Angeles, Asterid features Chef Garcia’s California-inspired menu and bar program that celebrates the spirit of L.A. It has a lively, intimate outdoor and indoor gathering place featuring sophisticated décor and a private dining room.

Review:

“Very rarely do I get to try a new restaurant and have EVERY SINGLE dish be perfectly balanced and delicious. We ordered the following:

Sunchoke rosti - perfectly crispy. The unassuming spice in the jam on top of the creme fraiche was perfect.

Chicken liver mousse - surprised how well the cherries on the mousse helped balance the dish out. The cherries were perfectly sweet and slightly tart.

Burrata - DELICIOUS. All the vegetables that accompanied the burrata were perfectly crisp with the perfect amount of acid.

Maitake mushrooms - without feeling heavy, perfectly fried with the mild aioli that came with the mushrooms. Perfectly paired.

Striped bass - the cannellini beans were perfectly soft and light as was the bass.

Short rib - this was comfort in a bowl. I could have eaten 10 of these.” - Young C.

Cassia

Co-Owner: Bryant Ng ʼ00

Address: 1314 7th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone Number: 310-393-6699

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: http://www.cassiala.com

About:

Cassia is a member of the Rustic Canyon Family and is a partnership between husband-and-wife duos Bryant Ng & Kim Luu-Ng and Josh Loeb & Zoe Nathan. Taking its roots from Bryant and Kim’s culinary heritage and experiences, Cassia celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, striking a unique balance of soulful, ancestral cuisine and a California sensibility, utilizing the best quality ingredients from local farmers. Since opening in 2015, Cassia has earned critical acclaim from the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Bon Appétit, GQ and more.

Review:

“Hands down my favorite restaurant on the Westside! It's a beautiful restaurant for a night out, and the Asian fusion flavors are to die for. My favorites are the sea bass, grilled lamb breast, sunbathing prawns and the scallion clay oven bread. Just absolute perfection! Their cocktails are also strong and delicious. Tried to DoorDash it once due to a last minute craving, but sadly it didn't do the food justice. Dine in and make sure to make a reservation in advance!” - Tiffany T.

Maple Block Meat Co.

Co-Founder: Daniel Weinstock, MBA ʼ07

Address: 3973 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230

Phone Number: 310-313-6328

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Website: http://www.mapleblockmeat.com

About:

Maple Block Meat Co. is a tribute to the craftsmanship of butchering, smoking and grilling meat, paying respect to the deep-rooted traditions of American barbecue. We’re a neighborhood restaurant and bar serving wood-smoked meats and great eating food. We specialize in authentic, wood-smoked meats prepared with the classic technique of smoking and incorporating a variety of subtle flavor profiles that we love. Guests can expect a familial casual atmosphere, friendly attentive service, seasonal menu based on the traditions of American barbecue and a bar featuring craft beers, interesting wines and handmade sodas.

Review:

“Wow!!! Good service and healthy meat selection is hard to come by in Culver City! Amazing service, the owner came out as well to ask if we enjoyed it and thanked us for coming in. The lettuce pork wraps to the nachos and brisket and ribs - phenomenal! Mac 'n' cheese, salad, breads, all so tasty, collard greens and salmon were cooked so well and had so much flavor. I'd definitely recommend stopping in. Great atmosphere and outdoor dining as well with heated lamps. Very cool spot.” - Cyndi I.

Porto's Bakery

Co-Owners: Betty Porto-Magadan, M.A. ʼ83, and the Porto Family

Address: Buena Park, Burbank, Downey, Glendale, Northridge, West Covina

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: https://www.portosbakery.com/

About:

Established in 1960, Porto's Bakery was born out of Rosa's love for sharing her wonderful cakes and pastries with friends and family. When the family immigrated from Cuba to Los Angeles, they sold pastries and cake out of their house. As the little bakery started picking up steam and the line of customers lining up outside their door grew, Porto’s opened its first location in Glendale in 1975. Today, Porto’s Bakery is run by three siblings: Raul, Betty and Margaret Porto. The family is still committed to using the finest ingredients from all over the world, ensuring that quality remains the cornerstone of the Porto tradition. Rosa Porto has passed, but her recipes and her high standards remain, including her motto "Quality is the number one ingredient in everything we do."

Review:

“Ooo Porto's! Such a solid institution in the SoCal area that a visit almost doesn't feel complete without one of their signatures to take home. Having worked near the Porto's in Downey, I made many-a-trip to this specific location. Everything on the menu hits that perfect spot where affordability and taste collide so that you really can't go wrong with anything you order here. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the lines but they do tend to go by really quickly so as long as you are patient, you should not really have to wait too long. In terms of my usual orders, I usually will order several guava cheese or plain cheese rolls to take back home. I would also like to shoutout to their savory offerings as well! For a simple light lunch offering, their Cubano or Medianoche sandwiches hit the spot for me. This last visit I got the ropa vieja and it was not only pretty good, but also super filling at $10! Otherwise, you can also order one of their potato balls which are small but are filled with enough meat and goodness. Overall, Porto's Bakery is one of my favorite places to visit in SoCal! It is not just the nostalgia, but the great value and food that they offer!” - Patrick S.

The Jetty

Owner: Brian Huskey

Address: 3029 Ocean Blvd., Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Phone Number: 949-723-0174

Yelp Rating: 5 stars

Website: https://thejettycdm.com/

About:

The Jetty is the epicenter of fresh, delicious food. We provide our community with quick, flavorful, unique flavors that appeal to the masses, and are inspired by local and sustainable purveyors in order to deliver the best quality meal. The Jetty is our interpretation of community through food and beach vibes. We source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets. No matter what time of year, you can be sure you're eating the best of the season.

Review:

“Located on the beach of Corona Del Mar, nestled along the sand, there's this cute little food spot called The Jetty. Everything I've ever ordered has been fresh, and packed with so much flavor! My all-time fave is the shrimp roll. Refreshing, and not too heavy. My hubby had the Korean bbq hamburger which was delish! Served with seasoned fries and baked chips. Customer service is on point! They are always so friendly and welcoming - they'll even help you decide if you're in that indecisive mood.” - Mia A.

Himalaya

Owner: Anup Rimal, Anderson Cert. ʼ07

Address: 35 W. Main St., Suite A, Ventura, CA 93001

Phone Number: 805-643-0795

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Website: https://www.himalayacuisine.com/

About:

Rich with woods and traditional décor, a step into Himalaya Restaurant is reminiscent of a step into a Tibetan monastery perched high in the mountains: The greeting is warm, the soup is hot, and you've arrived at the place you're meant to me. Proudly recognized as a multi-year repeat winner of "Best Indian Food in Ventura County," Himalaya is also a California Green Certified business committed to sustainable best practices. Our large diverse menu showcases delicious cuisines from India, Tibet, and Nepal and holds many vegetarian, vegan, paleo, keto and gluten-free dishes! Everyone is welcome here, and every diet too!

Review:

“We have been coming here for years and we always love it! It is the best Indian food restaurant in town. The people who work here are always super nice. Their tikka masala is to die for. My husband gets the chicken briyani at the hottest level because he is crazy but it is filled with so much flavor. I always end up mad at him for ordering so spicy because it's hard not to eat it for its great flavor. Garlic naan is a must to dip into the sauce, sooo good.” - Rosa D.

626 Hospitality Group

Co-Founder: Waldo Yan ʼ13

Location: Southern California

Website: https://www.instagram.com/626hospitalitygroup

About:

Growing up as a restaurant kid, Waldo Yan's heart was never far from the kitchen. If he wasn't thinking about food, it was because he was already eating it. His immigrant parents endured the hardships of restaurant work to offer him a chance at a better life in a new country. But, shortly after graduating from college, Waldo would defy his mother's last wish and return to the family restaurant with a renewed hope to commemorate her. Waldo was joined by close friends and relatives to form Tasty Food 626, a hospitality group with a focus on ice cream and special events planning, which eventually changed its name to 626 Hospitality Group. This collective of cooks, who were displaced by the pandemic, came together to serve their local neighborhoods through pop-ups and special events catering.

Review:

“626 Hospitality Group is like a great cheese or wine. They only get better as time goes on. When I first found out about the dynamic duo, Waldo & Amber, I fell in love with their amazing Hainan chicken. What was already an amazingly strong first impression only began to grow to an almost fanatical fanboy level of adoration for their food. From the most tender melt-in-your-mouth beef skewers to the creamiest and most dialed in ice cream/sorbet flavours, they have never disappointed. I have been privileged enough to get to know the team behind these amazing eats more personally and I cannot stress enough how much love, intention and effort they put into their artistry.” - Tim H.

Giada

Owner: Giada De Laurentiis ʼ96

Address: 3595 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phone Number: 855-442-3271

Yelp Rating: 3.5 stars

Website: https://www.caesars.com/cromwell/restaurants/giada

About:

Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian entrées with a California twist have been a favorite for years. Enjoy dishes like lemon spaghetti and Marsala herb chicken meatballs in a warm and inviting space with fantastic strip views. Don’t skip the bread basket.

Review:

“We enjoyed our time at Giada's. We had reservations and were seated promptly, we had a window view of the strip. Our server was very informative and attentive. Food and cocktails were delicious.” - Diane B.

INTERVAL

Co-Founders: Joshua and Caleb Ng

Addresses: Shop Unit 207, the Arcade Cyberport, No. 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

Shop Unit 417, The Lohas, No. 1 Lohas Park Road, Tseung Kwan O

Phone Numbers: +852 23803498 (Cyberport) - +852 26388904 (Lohas)

Google Rating: 4.2 stars

Website: http://www.twins-kitchen.com/interval-coffee-bar

About:

An all-day dining cafe-restaurant focusing on each guest’s experience by creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for them to have a break from their everyday lives - a place to connect with themselves and others, curated by Twins Kitchen in Hong Kong. Artisanal coffee, low-intervention and organic wines and honest food are at the core of the hospitality and the passion of the people who are part of INTERVAL. The Cyberport address also features an urban farm within the restaurant, a collaboration with Farmacy HK, an urban farming technology company where seasonal micro greens, edible flowers and vegetables flourish and are harvest for cooking at the restaurant.

Review:

“A coffee shop that does excellent pizza and pastries, I've been here more than a dozen times and I am here regularly for filters, and coffee beans (from Denmark roasters coffee collective). Their coffee is smooth and delicious, the pastries are a delight (highly recommend the pain au chocolat or the custard Danish). The staff have always been friendly and they're knowledgeable about what they do. Get pour over coffee if you have the time and try their pizzas. Good value and a usually quiet spot. Plenty of outside seating.” - Mr. Plau

Gao Dumpling Bar

Co-Founders: Joshua and Caleb Ng

Address: Blågårdsgade 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark

Phone Number: 45-34-12-46-26

Yelp Rating: 3 stars

Website: http://www.twins-kitchen.com/gao-dumpling-bar

About:

GAO is a bridge between the traditional and the modern. Expect classic dumplings styles with a twist; Chinese chefs along with international students; low seating and heavy beats. For us, the beauty is in the mix of it all. And everyone’s invited. From the beginning of our journey, the goal has been to make dumplings more accessible in urban neighborhoods. We do that by producing centrally, so that all our locations, big or small, can deliver the same quality everyday. Our dumplings are made as traditional "jiaozi" with a wheat dough and a variety of fillings: authentic styles with a twist - both vegan and meat-based - always with flavor in focus.

Review:

“VEGETARIANS!! The vegetarian/vegan dumplings here are so freaking delicious. The vegetarian soup was also just as good and I definitely can't leave out the crispy tofu! Mushroom dumplings for the win with a side of their chili sauce. You cannot try this place without asking for the side of chili sauce. It's amazing. The quality and flavors were on point with traditional Chinese food. The texture of the dumplings is so perfect that it will give you a foodgasm along with everything else this place has to offer. True gem of Copenhagen.” - Foodie E.

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

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