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10 tips for training your dog to head to the curb to get business done

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Now that we’ve covered the the top 10 benefits of curbing your furry friend (last month’s blog), it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of how we get it done. Training your city dog to relieve themselves at the curb can be a challenge.  Be that as it may – with patience and consistency, you can do it! And at present time, it’s the law. Here are some tips to help you train your dog to do their business at the curb and away from walkway to your Downtown Los Angeles loft apartment:

Start with a consistent routine. Take your dog to the curb at the same time every day, such as first thing in the morning and last thing at night. This will help your dog to learn when it’s time to go.

Use a cue word or phrase. Use the same cue word or phrase every time you take your dog to the curb. This can be something simple like “go potty” or “do your business.” By the same token, you may choose a less conspicuous sound better, tuned to your dogs ears that won’t tip off your neighbors that your Labrador Fido is about to do a very big deed. 

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Be patient. It may take some time for your dog to understand what you want them to do, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if it takes a while for them to catch on.

Reward good behavior. When your dog goes to the curb to relieve themselves, be sure to praise them and give them a treat as a reward. This will help to reinforce the behavior you want them to exhibit.

Avoid distractions. Choose a spot where there are minimal distractions, such as busy streets or loud noises. This will help your dog to focus on their business.

Use positive reinforcement. When your dog goes to the curb to relieve themselves, give them lots of praise and affection. This will encourage them to continue to use the curb as their designated spot for going potty.

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Keep it short and sweet. Dogs have short attention span, so try to keep your training sessions short and sweet. Don’t force the issue if your dog just doesn’t feel the spirit moving them. Even so, persistence is key and they’ll get it next time. For that matter, we can’t win ’em all and when it comes to curbing your dog, city-dwellers do get points for trying.

Be aware of your dog’s needs. Observe your dog’s behavior, if they are sniffing around, circling or whining this may be an indication that they need to goo . Start moving them to the curb rather than the middle of the sidewalk, or worse, a shop-owner’s doorstep.

Practice makes perfect. Keep taking your dog to the curb regularly and it will become a routine for them, they’ll know what to expect and what is expected of them.

Be consistent with your rules. Once you have established the rules, stick to them. Consistency is key when training your dog. Take the case of heeling. Keeping your dog’s leash always on the street side, and away from storefronts, lobbies and entryways, will set them up for success. Given that only show dogs and hunting dogs need concern themselves with exclusively heeling on the left, urban canines, after all, have their civic duty to fulfill. For other reasons (broken glass, cigarette butts and other urban contraband), heeling on both sides is a must for city dogs.

By following these tips, you can train your urban canine to relieve themselves at the curb and maintain a clean and pleasant neighborhood. Remember, training takes patience and consistency. But with time and effort, your dog will catch on and you’ll have a well-trained companion that you can take anywhere.

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Downtown LA loft-dwellers now have the license to jaywalk!

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Well, well, well, it looks like the wild west of jaywalking in downtown Los Angeles just got a little bit wilder. That’s right folks, jaywalking is now officially legal in California. As long as you pose no immediate risk of a collision with a motor vehicle or bike, it’s hunting season!

This is great news for all the thrill-seekers out there who live for the rush of narrowly avoiding being hit by a car. No more waiting for that “Walk” sign or weaving through traffic to find a crosswalk. Basically, It’s time to live on the edge and jaywalk to your heart’s content.

But let’s not get too carried away here, just because you can jaywalk legally, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. And let’s be real, jaywalking is like playing Russian roulette with your life. To rephrase it, you never know when that one-in-six chance of getting hit by a car is going to call your number.

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Jaywalking in downtown Los Angeles more akin to playing a game of chicken with the city’s cars, buses, bikes and (now) army of scooters. Undeniably, it’s a dangerous game, but one that many people play on a daily basis.

Why do people risk their lives to cross the street outside of a crosswalk, you ask? Well, for some, it’s the thrill of narrowly avoiding being hit by a speeding vehicle. For others, it’s the convenience of getting to their destination faster – more likely. But for most, it’s simply a matter of not wanting to walk an extra block to the nearest crosswalk.

But let’s be real, the real reason people jaywalk in LA is because they’re too cool for crosswalks. They want to be like the cool kids in the movies who casually stroll across the street while cars swerve to avoid them. They want to be the hero in their own action movie, dodging traffic like it’s nothing.

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So, what does this new law mean for the people of Los Angeles? It means that we can now jaywalk in style. No more sneaking across the street like a criminal, it’s time to saunter across the street like the law-abiding citizens we are. And let’s not forget the added bonus of getting some exercise while jaywalking. After all, who needs a gym membership when you can burn calories by running across six lanes of traffic.

But seriously, while you can now jaywalk legally, it’s still important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Remember, just because you’re not breaking the law, doesn’t mean you’re not putting yourself in danger. So, let’s all jaywalk responsibly and keep our eyes peeled for any oncoming cars or bikes.

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Unfortunately, the reality is that jaywalking in LA is not a game, and the stakes are much higher than just being labeled as a “nerd” for using a crosswalk. Real-life consequences include getting hit by a car, or worse – a bus. And yes, you can still get a ticket ($196) if you interrupt the flow of traffic.

But let’s not be all doom and gloom, there’s a silver lining to all your new jaywalking madness. It’s a great opportunity for some good old fashioned people watching. You never know who you’ll see darting across the street – it could be a celebrity, a tourist, or even your neighbor. It’s like a live-action game of “Where’s Waldo”. That is, with a much higher chance of getting hit by a car, scraped by a scooter, or clobbered by a bicycle.

In conclusion, jaywalking in downtown Los Angeles just got a whole lot more exciting, but let’s all remember to do it safely and responsibly. Happy jaywalking!

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Luxury loft vs. soft loft – which is right for you?

Luxury lofts are the epitome of urban living, offering spacious and unique living spaces in the heart of the city. These properties combine the best of both worlds, blending industrial charm with modern amenities to create an unparalleled living experience. However, as the name implies, this is going to be the most expensive option available to you in the most sought after urban areas. For a review of six of the most popular loft styles, check out our November 2022 overview of 6 different loft styles in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs.

One of the defining characteristics of a luxury loft is the open floor plan. These properties often feature high ceilings, large windows, and minimal walls, creating a sense of spaciousness that is hard to find in traditional apartments. The open floor plan allows for flexibility in decorating and furniture arrangement, making it easy to create a personalized living space. The natural light that floods in through the large windows also adds to the spacious feel and gives the illusion of a bigger space.

Another defining feature of luxury loft is the high-end services. Unlike all of the other styles of loft-living, a luxury loft is more likely to have a door-person and may even boast a concierge to assist with dry-cleaning, access to local venues and food deliveries. You can also look for staff housekeeping services as well as the availability of a building handy person in both rentals and condos. 

Luxury lofts are often located in the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, offering residents easy access to the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. These properties are also popular among urban professionals and artists, who appreciate the unique and creative atmosphere of the loft-style living. The prime location of a luxury loft, makes it ideal for people who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.

Luxury lofts have it all, with some finished surfaces and elements; plentiful amenities; with nearby and in-house services; but still boast many of the raw industrial hardware and exposed framing, ductwork and electrical.

One of the biggest advantages of living in a luxury loft is the privacy and exclusivity that it offers. These properties are often located in converted industrial buildings, and have limited units available, making it a unique and exclusive living experience. The exclusivity of a luxury loft is further enhanced by the high-end finishes and amenities, which are not usually found in other types of properties. You frequently have one-of-a-kind options like private elevators, access to the entire floor, walk-in closets and bathroom suites. 

In terms of maintenance, luxury lofts are relatively low-maintenance. The properties are often made of durable materials such as concrete and steel, which require little upkeep. Additionally, the high-end finishes and appliances are usually of a premium quality, which means they are built to last and require less repairs. Immediate service in most luxury communities is usually available, if not provided by the building, HOA, or management, luxury lofts are generally situated in areas where high-end service is readily available. 

When compared to a soft loft, luxury lofts offer a more polished and upscale living experience. Soft lofts, still may offer more open floor plans than a conventional apartmentl but they may feature more finished partition walls and room divisions than other loft designs. Soft lofts also may not have the same level of high-end finishes and amenities as a luxury loft. Luxury lofts are often located in the most sought-after neighborhoods, whereas soft lofts usually cater to the modern apartment dweller looking to dip their toe into this new urban trend. A soft loft may have more of a traditional, or even ’rustic’, feel and may not have the same level of luxury as a true luxury loft.

Soft lofts show less of the raw, exposed elements of electrical conduit, exposed concrete and open ductwork, while still retaining the open floor-plans, high ceilings and large windows. For some, it’s the best of both worlds.

Luxury lofts also offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of decorating and design. The open floor plan and high ceilings allow for a wide range of decorating options, making it easy to create a personalized living space. The industrial elements such as exposed brick and ductwork, can be used as a design feature, adding character and charm to the space. A soft loft, by contrast, tends to feature finished interior ceilings and painted sheetrock walls. Ductwork and electrical conduit in soft lofts tends to mimic what you see – or don’t see – in modern apartments.

In conclusion, luxury lofts offer a unique and upscale living experience, blending industrial charm with modern amenities and high-end finishes. They are located in the most desirable neighborhoods and offer residents easy access to the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The privacy and exclusivity that these properties offer, along with the flexibility in decorating and design, make them a desirable living option. Compared to a soft loft, luxury lofts offer a more polished and upscale living experience, with a greater emphasis on high-end finishes and amenities. For an overview of 6 different loft styles in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs, check out this recent bog!

Woodspoon Brazilian Grill serving nearby loft apartments for rent in LA
CategoriesArts & Culture DTLA Local Food & Dining Lifestyle Tips & Tricks
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(Only) The top 10 restaurants near 8th and Spring in DTLA

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If you find yourself planted at the intersection of Spring and 8th in Los Angeles, you might be tempted to think that the only options for a meal are a hotdog cart and a taco truck. But fear not, my hungry friends, for within a quarter-mile radius of this urban residential intersection lies a veritable smorgasbord of culinary delights.

Woodspoon: Stylish but simple Brazilian spot known for yuca fries, chicken pot pies and its famous red (and white) sangria. Focused on the multicultural influences of Brazil’s Minas Gerais region, Woodspoon’s Natalia Pereira, mixes up a melting pot of African, European, and Amazonian influences. Start your dinner with an assortment of Brazilain street foods like potato croquettes, coconut dumplings and grilled prawns with lime and salt.

LALA’s Downtown: This restaurant is a carnivore’s dream – the Argentinain kind. LALA’s serves up giant portions of meat that will have you feeling like a prehistoric beast. Sorry vegans, even the veggies are stewed in chicken-stock. Just be prepared to unbutton your pants before digging in.

Wild Living Foods: This spot is the perfect place for all of your plant-based needs and much of the menu is raw. The food is delicious and healthy, but just be warned that you may leave feeling a little too virtuous. And here’s the zinger – you won’t have to go far for a star-sighting here. The establishment is owned and operated by Project Runway and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Santino Rice

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A favorite of the many Loft apartments for rent in LA - Beelmans Pub
Beelman's Pub between 6th and 7th on Spring St DTLA

Sugarfish Sushi: This staple Los Angeles sushi spot is always packed and for good reason. The fish is fresh and the rolls are perfectly curated Nozawa style. Just be prepared to race your fellow diners for the last piece of tuna, and they don’t take reserations.

Joes Pizza: Another staple in Los Angeles, Joe’s pizza joint is perfect for a quick bite on the go. The slices are large and the toppings are piled high. Just be prepared to burn your mouth, as the cheese is always piping hot. Friday and Saturday night’s the place is jammed, so be prepared to wait up to an hour for your made-to-order pie. The club goers on Spring Street keep this place hopping until the bars close

Tocaya Modern Mexican: This growing Los Angeles chain serves up some of the best tacos in the area and they have vegan options for everything on the menu. The flavors are bold and the portions are generous. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty on Taco Tuesday. Those tacos are stuffed to the gills and at $2, you will be too.

Silverlake Ramen: This cozy spot serves up some of the best Asian-inspired dishes around. The noodles are perfectly cooked and the broth is out of this world. Just be prepared to slurp loudly and they have an excellent vegan ramen to round out the meal for everyone.

Il Café Broaday: This quaint little spot serves up some of the most delicious coffee on the block. The baristas are friendly and the atmosphere is cozy. Il Café has one of the most amazing avocado toast offerings in Los Angeles – and that’s saying a lot for the discerning SoCal appetite for our famous fatty green fruit.

il Café Broadway close to the many loft apartments for rent in LA
il Café's cozy street-side patio on Broadway and 9th

Beelman’s Pub: Located just north on Spring Street in the heart of the historic core, Beelman’s boasts one of the largest patios in DTLA, full bar and kitchen, big screen TVs, Happy Hour and a filipino-inspired all vegan bar-food menu.

Kreation Juicery and Avoholic Bar: This spot serves up some of the most refreshing and healthy drinks around. The smoothies are packed with fruits and veggies and are sure to give you a boost. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege.

In conclusion, Spring and 8th street may not seem like a culinary paradise at first glance, but fear not, foodies! This area has a variety of restaurants that will satisfy any craving, whether it’s modern Mexican, cheesy pizza, Brazilian, SoCal cafe, Filipino-inspired bar food, smooties and açai bowls or just a steamy bowl of ramen. So, don’t let the hotdog carts fool you, dig in and enjoy!

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6 different loft styles in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs

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Finding the perfect loft apartment in downtown Los Angeles can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research and preparation, you can easily find a space that fits your needs and lifestyle. There are a few different types of lofts available in Los Angeles, each with its own unique characteristics.

Hard Lofts: These are typically older buildings that have been converted into loft-style apartments. They often feature high ceilings, exposed brick and ductwork, and large windows. They are hard to come by in LA, but they are considered the most authentic form of a loft.

Soft Lofts: These are newly constructed buildings that have been designed to look like hard lofts. They often feature the same high ceilings and large windows as hard lofts, but they may have more modern finishes and amenities.

Live/Work Lofts: These are lofts that have been specifically designed for people who work from home. They often feature separate living and working spaces, and may have additional features like built-in desks and high-speed internet. Read a little bit more about Live/Work Lofts in this blog!

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Each floor at the Tomahawk Building is one home apartment with private elevator opening into the loft

Industrial Lofts: These are lofts that are located in former industrial buildings, such as old factories or warehouses. They often feature exposed brick, concrete floors, and large open spaces. Feeling a little stuck with the difference between Live-Work and Industrial Lofts? Read more about this distinction here! 

Luxury Lofts: These are high-end lofts that feature high-end finishes, amenities, and views. They can be found in new and older buildings and are often located in prime areas of the city.

Micro-Lofts: These are small, compact lofts typically found in the urban areas of Los Angeles, they are more affordable than traditional lofts but also offer less square footage.

Ultimately, the type of loft you choose will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Some people prefer the charm and character of hard lofts, while others prefer the modern amenities and finishes of soft lofts.

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6 Downtown Los Angeles carnivorous restaurants that offer plant-based options

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Downtown Los Angeles is a vibrant and diverse area, offering a wide variety of dining options for local Downtown loft-dwellers following a plant-based diet. Guests and visitors can also find an authentic DTLA experience for vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike. 

While it may seem daunting to find meat-free options at carnivore establishments, with a little bit of creativity and know-how, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without compromising your dietary choices. We’re going to show you how, and give a few examples of Downtown LA cuisine that won’t leave you feeling hungry – or missing out on the culture.

First things first, don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or modifications to menu items. Many restaurants are more than happy to accommodate special requests, and you’d be surprised at how easy it is to make a dish plant-based. For example, instead of ordering a meat-based burrito, ask for it to be made with beans or tofu instead. Or, if you’re at a steakhouse, ask if they have a vegetarian option such as a portobello mushroom steak. One simple tip to remember at steakhouses is the bountiful salad bar with plenty of pastas and starchy vegetables. Most plant-based eaters can fare quite well at even the most rustic of steakhouses.

Another great way to eat plant-based in Downtown LA is to seek out ethnic cuisine. Many cultures have a rich tradition of plant-based dishes, such as Indian dal, Ethiopian injera, or Vietnamese pho. Not only will you be able to indulge in delicious meat-free options, but you’ll also get to experience the flavors and traditions of different cultures.One of the most offensive options you can offer a vegan at a carnivore restaurant is a salad. Today’s plant-based eater wants a hearty meal, and ethnic cuisine serves up some of the most hearty dishes a plant-based aficionado could desire.

VURGER-GUYZ food truck – 788 S Grand Ave Los Angeles

If you’re looking for a quick bite, look for food trucks and street vendors. For the most part, many of them offer vegan and vegetarian options such as falafel, veggie burgers, or tacos with mushroom or jackfruit fillings. In general, these options are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet.

Finally, don’t be afraid to try new things. Many carnivore establishments are starting to incorporate plant-based options on their menu, so don’t be afraid to ask your server about them. And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite dish. To get you started, we’ve carved out a few nearby restaurants that offer plant-based options among their carnivorous menu items.

Yuko Kitchen, the eponymous Japanese restaurant owned by a sushi chef, makes several plant-based sushi rolls, an amazing peanut-sauce tofu rice bowl with the usual edamame plant-based finger-food. Wash it all down with a Yuko favorite, mint lemonade.

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Woodspoon, located at Main and 9th is a Brazilian restaurant that doesn’t shear slabs of meat right at your table. While they do serve many animal-inspired creations (like their famous chicken pot pie) restaurateur, Owner and chef Natalia Pereira often has a plant-based soup, and her veggie grill is a very hearty meal, especially when paired with her yuca fries or fried plantains. The only modification you’ll need to ask is – hold the farofa, it’s made with egg.

Silverlake Ramen, recently added their downtown location and they have a vegan ramen that already on the menu. There’s also a great tofu rice bowl that comes in two sizes, so if you’ve got an appetite, this will hit the spot. Of course, add an order of edamame and you’re all set.

Tocaya Modern Mexican, actually boasts a menu that starts off vegan with extras allowing your carnivorous dinner guests to add on the animal proteins and cheese they prefer. For vegetarians, carnivores, the health-conscious and purists alike, Tocaya has got something for everyone, and it’s right across the street from Downtown LA’s Whole Foods Market.

Little Llama Peruvian Tacos on Main St in Downtown Los Angeles

Little Llama, Peruvian Tacos takes the exotic ingredients and flavors of classic Peruvian dishes and serves them up in familiar, accessible and beloved formats: TACOS, BURRITOS AND TOSTADAS! They can whip up a plant-based version of each, and their order of chips and guac is one of the most hearty servings in downtown.

Suehiro Cafe, perhaps the most carnivorous of all, this family-owned Japanese restaurant in nearby Little Tokyo has served mouth-watering dishes from tonkatsu to their beloved House Special for over 40 years. Unfortunately, neither of those is vegan, but their extensive menu already has plenty of starters and noodle dishes that come-as-they-are, already vegan.

Vurger Guyz, ok – this one is completely vegan, but their burgers (vurgers) and double vurgers are certain to fool you. They won’t give out their faux-meat recipe, so nobody knows whether they’re Beyond, Impossible or just beyond impossible, but they taste just like one of those flame-grilled small-town hamburgers you’d get at the Frosty stand stand on the corner. If your timing is right; they might have their deep-fried Oreo sundae, but they sell out quick.

In conclusion, while it may seem challenging to eat plant-based in Downtown LA, with a little bit of creativity and know-how, it’s entirely possible to enjoy delicious and satisfying meals without compromising your dietary choices. So, go forth and explore the diverse culinary landscape of Downtown LA and discover all the delicious meat-free options it has to offer just around the corner from your Downtown Los Angeles loft.

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