Los Angeles, CA

I’m the first to admit that life sometimes gets away from me. Hormones, heat indexes and plain ol’ crazy folks can come out of the woodwork, testing my faith and patience. Aside from a well-placed, pin-cushioned doll, soothing teas are a more sensible approach. Zen Zoo Teahouse, founded by J. Alfred Ritter and Linda Yu, offers Asian cuisine and tea beverages with a serene ambience to de-stress all things chaotic.

Their popular Zodiac Zenfusions are made with tapioca (a chewy Chinese gummy bear consistency) called “Black Pearls”. Reason alone to escape into the tranquil walls of one of their three locations.

I used to live vicariously through the prowess of Martha Stewart, buying food processors, ramekins, melon pitters, and all the culinary toys necessary in creating weekly recipes that usually ended up - er - underwhelming. My lesson through that delusional phase? Leave it to the pros.

Although I hung up my color-coordinated apron, my inner prima donna still demands the taste of a gourmet meal. So until my Prince Charming shows up with the glass slipper and the piping hot casserole, California Chef Services satisfies my craving for good home-cooked cuisine.

Owner & Executive Personal Chef Denise Macuk whips up weekly delivery, bi-weekly deliveries, or single orders. Clients are the extremely busy, ill, calorie-conscious, vegan, or just-plain-pampered (that would be me). There are even gift certificates available, great for the holiday season. Or for culinary-challenged souls.

Call 805-499-7604 to discuss your dietary requirements, food preferences, and meal delivery schedule.