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Today’s vegans are blessed—nay, spoiled—with so many exciting fruit and vegetable menu choices. Silicon Valley, in particular, has a vast array of restaurants for those who chose the road to veganism.

Here are some of the best Silicon Valley-based vegan restaurants to try out:

1. The Green Barn

190 Ranch Dr.
Milpitas, CA

The Green Barn has an uncanny ability to put a unique and tasteful vegetarian twist to various cuisines. With its mission to help patrons maintain “a healthy lifestyle devoted to clean eating,” you’ll have both your stomach and heart fully satisfied. Make sure to give their papaya salad a try.


2. Loving Hut

548 Lawrence Express Way
Sunnyvale, CA

Vegans in and around Sunnyvale know that they can get their fix at Merit Vegan Cuisine. Serving the community since 2007, the venue offers Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes given the vegan treatment. Must-tries include the spring rolls, orange nuggets with homemade orange sauce, lemongrass tofu, and curry veggies.


3. Merit Vegan Cuisine

548 Lawrence Express Way
Sunnyvale, CA

Vegans in and around Sunnyvale know that they can get their fix at Merit Vegan Cuisine. Serving the community since 2007, the venue offers Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes given the vegan treatment. Must-tries include the spring rolls, orange nuggets with homemade orange sauce, lemongrass tofu, and curry veggies.


4. Veggie Garden

2464 W. El Camino Real #C
Mountain View, CA

For truly authentic vegan Chinese food, the Veggie Garden is guaranteed to be worth the visit. The food fare is proudly all-natural, non-chemical, and served fresh with aplomb. Enjoy the venue’s vegan take on classic Chinese dishes such as orange chicken, pot stickers, and wonton, among other delectable delights.


5. Good Karma Artisan Ales & Café

37 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA

Vegan dining spots are a rarity in Downtown San Jose, but even if Good Karma was your only pick, that would be perfectly fine. Though the menu is limited, the portions are generous. The location also brews its own ales, making it an ideal spot for some after-hours vegan fun.


6. Garden Fresh Chinese Vegan Cuisine

460 Ramona St.
Palo Alto, CA

Just like Veggie Garden, Garden Fresh focuses on making Chinese vegan cuisine. Bestsellers include Kun Pao Eggplant, Basil Moo Shu Rolls, Crispy Fried Tofu and Sweet and Hot Spicy Bean Curd.


7. The Happy Hooligans

1711 Branham Ln. #A9
San Jose, CA

When it comes to comfort food, Happy Hooligans is the place to be. If you think it’s impossible to have an all-vegan mac-and-cheese, burger, buffalo chicken or burrito, The Happy Hooligans will be more than happy to prove you wrong.


8. Mint & Basil

1741 N. Milpitas Blvd.
Milpitas, CA

Vietnamese cuisine offer a lot of different and delicious flavors but too bad for vegans, these often have a lot of meat. Fret no more, because the people behind Mint and Basil took it upon themselves to give you Vietnamese food that vegans can truly sink their teeth into. From rice noodle soups to spring rolls, Mint & Basil has them all. They now have two locations: one in Milpitas and the other, in San Jose.


9. Vegan Donut and Café

449 E. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA

If you want something light and hearty, the Vegan Donut and Café is a great choice. Cake donuts, donut bars, bear claws, custard-filled, jelly-filled—every donut there is vegan-friendly. So if you’re craving for something sweet that won’t ruin your healthy diet, this place is worth checking out.

David & Sunny specializes in helping homebuyers feel at home in Silicon Valley. As residents of the area, we know how good life can be here. We would be more than happy to get you settled here. Get in touch with us at 650.489.6251 or via email at info@david&sunny.com.

Los Altos Hills is a lovely residential community in Santa Clara County, California. As one of the more exclusive communities in Silicon Valley, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy the finer things in life while basking in the splendor of their natural surroundings. It’s no small wonder that people who call this place home love what the neighborhood has to offer.

It stays true to its rural nature

From the tree-lined streets to the open space preserves, Los Altos Hills is blessed with natural beauty. The townsfolk are particularly proud of their town’s terrain consisting of small hills which they maximized with the construction of the Pathway System. This is a park-like environment where residents can enjoy a stroll or bicycle ride through an approximately 85-mile system of paths.

The many preserves in the area, such as Westwind Barn and Rancho San Antonio, offer a refuge for those wishing to get away from the daily grind.

Strictly residential

Commercial zones are banned in Los Altos Hills, so if it’s space, peace, and quiet you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. In fact, the only ventures that resemble a business here are the bookstore inside Foothill College and the gift shop within the Immaculate Heart Monastery of the Poor Clare Colettines.

Simply put, the town is committed to maintaining an idyllic laid-back lifestyle that eludes so many.

Upscale living standards

Data USA statistics as of 2016 sets the median household income in Los Altos Hills at $243,701. This is almost $190,000 higher than the national figure at $57,617.

Average home values meanwhile are among the highest with Los Altos Hills properties almost touching the $5,000,000 benchmark, according to Zillow.

Despite the higher-than-average selling prices for homes here, available properties are highly sought-after. They don’t stay in the market for long, with very few homes for sale at any given time.

Los Altos Hills residents include movers and shakers in various industries including technology, entertainment, sports, academia, and more. Some personalities who call Los Altos Hills home include Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Marcus & Millichap founder and chairman George M. Marcus, American-Chinese writer Connie Young Yu, and Hollywood actor Max Thieriot.

Schools

Three school districts serve Los Altos Hills: Los Altos School District (LASD), Mountain View-Los Altos High School District (MVLA), and the Palo Alto Unified School District (MVLA). The township is served by three high schools, three middle schools, and five elementary schools. All the schools under LASD have a 9 ranking.

A true neighborhood in every sense of the word

Los Altos Hills has a uniquely large number of committees chaired and run by residents. These committees harmoniously collaborate in tackling issues affecting the town as a whole such as safety, public health, and social connectedness. They strive toward only one goal: to keep the integrity of the neighborhood intact.

Picturesque natural beauty, the friendliest of neighbors, and luxury living at its finest—all these reasons and more are why so many home buyers are drawn to Los Altos Hills.

Finding an available home in the locale can be a challenge, but with the right real estate partner, it doesn’t have to be. Contact us, David and Sunny Chung, at 650.489.6251 or email us at info@david&sunny.com to discover how we can help you meet your real estate goals.

Recent months have seen home prices and sales in Silicon Valley declining slowly. But do the numbers mean that the market value of properties in the area are dropping?

The simple answer: No.

In fact, Silicon Valley real estate remains an impressive and healthy market. Despite the apparent cool down, property values in the area remain strong. Compared to other housing markets in the country, Silicon Valley is still hot.

Here are a couple of things you should know to better understand the market shifts in Silicon Valley real estate.

1. There is an increase in the housing inventory.

   Not everyone in Silicon Valley has caught up with the slowdown in the local real estate. Enticed by the prices fetched by properties in the area, many home buyers in the market decide to list their homes.

   This has led to an increase in the housing inventory. And with that, buyers have more options and thus, more room to be selective.

2. Some home buyers are getting fatigued.

   Home buyers who have been repetitively knocked out of bidding wars are also laying low for the mean time. It could be that they have gotten tired of the constant stress that comes with being outbid.

   Those who are still searching the market for their dream home, however, have noticed that prices in Silicon Valley have gone down. Instead of rushing to make an offer, the popular approach this time is to take things slow.

   And since sellers are making discounts, buyers are in a better position to pick out their dream home and make sound financial decisions.

3. Sellers are being forced to make discounts and other offers.

   Due to the slowdown, some sellers in Silicon Valley slash their listing prices. Some even offer to cover closing costs and other fees to woo potential home buyers.

   With these price cuts, the median sales prices and average sales prices in Silicon Valley get affected.

These trends seem to show that the Silicon Valley market shifting from a seller’s market into a buyer’s market.

If you are buying a home in Silicon Valley, this can mean great things. More homes in the market mean more options and perhaps even more time to plan.

If you are selling your home in Silicon Valley, the venture might take some time. Offering discounts and other freebies might generate buyer interest, but it won’t guarantee a fast sale.

In conclusion…

Property prices might have slightly fallen in Silicon Valley, but the market is still hot and thriving, especially when you compare it to other cities.

For home buyers, now is the perfect time to explore housing options in Silicon Valley. To get started, browse the latest property listings in the community of your choice.

Meanwhile, sellers may have to work harder (or wait longer) to sell their home. That said, there is no need to worry. Competitive pricing and a brilliant marketing strategy can help you sell your property.

David and Sunny can help you navigate this interesting time in Silicon Valley real estate. Contact them today at 650-489-6251 or info(at)davidandsunny(dotted)com.

Silicon Valley has long established itself as the center for tech and innovation. If you are looking for inspiration, these attractions will get the juices flowing.

1. Hewlett Packard Garage
   367 Addison Ave, Palo Alto, CA

   No trip to Silicon Valley is complete without paying a visit to its so-called birthplace. This is where Stanford alums William Hewlett and David Packard made history in 1939.

   The HP Garage is currently not open for public tours, but visitors can admire the one-car garage and its American Craftman style. It became a California Historical Landmark in 1987. Additionally, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2. The Tech Museum of Innovation
   201 South Market St, San Jose, CA

   Affectionately referred to as “The Tech,” this is one of the premier museums of its kind in the country. In 2015, it received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service for its outstanding contributions in science education.

   Plan ahead to fully enjoy this interactive facility. The Tech is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Buy tickets here.

3. Apple Park
   1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, CA

   Covering a total 2,800,000 square feet, Apple’s corporate headquarters is one of the most expensive buildings in the country. Although the offices are out of bounds to the public, visitors can take a peek into the world of Apple at their specially designed Visitor Center.

   The Apple Park Visitor Center is open Mondays through Sundays, at 10600 North Tantau Avenue. The center features exhibits, a cafe, a roof terrace, and of course, an Apple store.

4. Intel Museum
   2200 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA

   Go behind the scenes of one of the largest tech companies in the world. Although it features a variety of changing exhibits, the main attraction is the video tour of the chip fabrication facility. If the HP Garage is the birthplace of Silicon Valley, Intel’s chip fabrication facility is the hometown of computer chips used all over the world.

   The Intel Museum is open Mondays through Saturdays. Visitors should call ahead to check the museum’s availability.

5. Sand Hill Road
   Menlo Park

   A stone’s throw away from Stanford is Sand Hill Road, where you can find a large concentration of venture capital companies. It is also one of the most interesting parts of Silicon Valley.

   Unlike the previous attractions, Sand Hill Road does not offer much when it comes to tech and innovation. A trip to this area, however, provides an interesting look on how venture capital funds the world’s biggest tech projects and companies.

   A visit to Sand Hill Road offers a different “behind-the-scenes” look of Silicon Valley’s thriving tech industry.

You should live in Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is home to opportunities, from jobs and tech to real estate and investments. David and Sunny can help you experience the area, browse property listings, and find the right home for you.

Contact the team today at 650-489-6251 or info(at)davidandsunny(dotted)com and start building a better life in Silicon Valley.

Beautiful beaches are not limited to Southern California. There are great ones in this side of the coast, too.

The following beaches are especially favored among Silicon Valley locals for after-work thrills.

Linda Mar/Pacifica State Beach
Pacifica, CA

Pacifica State Beach is approximately 2 hours from San Jose via I-280 or US-101. Located south of San Francisco, it is popular among local surfers who call the beach Linda Mar.

Although Linda Mar is often frequented, there is plenty of beach to stretch out and hit the waves. Beginners gather at the south end, where waves are gentler. There are even surf camps located along the stretch. Meanwhile, the north part of Linda Mar attracts the advanced and professional surfers.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Half Moon Bay, between Pacifica and Montara, CA

From Pacifica, cruise south along Highway 1 until you find the Devil’s Slide battery, noticeable for its collection of graffiti. Park your car, get out, and admire Gray Whale Cove, hidden from unassuming passersby.

Towering cliffs protect this beach, which is also known as Devil’s Slide. From the top, a steep trail will lead you down where the big swell meets the shore. This wooden staircase is not for the faint of heart.

What waits below is worth it, however. Advanced surfers brave the technical waves, said to be among the most challenging in Northern California. That said, the swells here tend to come and go.

Not surfing? On a special day, you might be able to glimpse great pods of gray whales on their way south to warmer waters.

Montara State Beach
Half Moon Bay

Montara State Beach is not as sheltered as Gray Whale Cove, but it offers plenty of surprises. Located about 8 miles from Half Moon Bay, it is one of the best places to observe local wildlife, surf, and watch the sun set.

Surfing can get technical in Montara State Beach, with the undertow capable of being powerful. Surfers often report riding alongside dolphins. These marine mammals are not the only frequent visitors at Montara State Beach. Look up and you might find pods of pelicans in impressive formations.

At dusk, the sky is a beautiful gradient of sunset colors, perfect for romantic dates. There are also a handful of great restaurants nearby. Take a loved one here.

Princeton Jetty
Half Moon Bay

Surf or skate– Princeton Jetty attracts individuals who love to be on a board. You can skate half pipes one moment, then don a wetsuit and attempt to ride the tide.

Princeton Jetty can be intimidating. The shore is rocky, which can be a challenge for novice surfers. On certain days, the waves are non-existent. But Princeton Jetty is most famous for its perfect, technical barrel which comes out once in a blue moon.

There are other activities here. Watching the crowd can be entertaining. A variety of restaurants are also a short distance away.

Explore Silicon Valley real estate

Discover all the possibilities that come with living in Silicon Valley. Contact David and Sunny today at 650-489-6251 or info(at)davidandsunny(dotted)com.

Selling your home is all about putting your best foot forward. Even the most beautiful homes need some amount of staging to attract buyers. Below are just some tips that can help you seal the deal:

Raise your curb appeal

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling your house. That’s why sprucing up your lawn should be high in your staging to-do list. Power washing your walkways, planting flowers, and replanting turf are just some of the things you can do.

Prioritize your staging

With limited time and money for staging, sellers need to focus on rooms that are most important to buyers, such as the kitchen, the master bedroom, bathrooms, and the living room. Worry about upgrading that den or guest room only if you have wiggle room in your budget.

Create ambiance with lighting

Good lighting instantly makes a room warm and welcoming so consider upgrading your home’s lighting system as well. Make sure your house is well lit—100 watts per 50 square feet is a good rule of thumb. Rooms should also have three kinds of lighting: ambient (overhead lighting), task (under-cabinet lights), and accent (table lamps).

Deep clean and depersonalize

A spic-and-span house tells buyers that a home was well maintained, and thus less likely to harbor problems. Also, depersonalize your home by storing away personal knick-knacks like family photos. Not only will this declutter your home, it will also make it easier for buyers to imagine living in your space.

Keep it neutral

You may love bold colors, but potential buyers may not. That’s why real estate agents recommend using neutral tones such as brown, gray, or cream to make your home more of a “blank canvas.” Furthermore, using these colors saves the buyer from having to repaint rooms should they buy your home.

Keep it understated

Tuck away ostentatious artwork or furniture as these may overshadow the standout features of your home. Furthermore, while displaying said items can certainly add character to a room, they may also create the false expectation that they come with the purchase.

Don’t forget your floors

Few parts of your home get as much abuse as your floors, so make sure to give them some TLC during staging. Have wood floors refinished and have marble floors resealed to restore their beauty. Area rugs are also a quick and easy way to make floors more aesthetically pleasing.

Take nice photos

Increasingly, the first ‘viewing’ of a home happens online, so taking high-quality photos of your home can go a long way towards attracting a potential buyer. If your budget allows it, consider hiring a professional who specializes in interior photography. Otherwise, use a high-resolution camera to show off your home’s best features.

Consult with an agent

An experienced real estate agent knows the ins and outs of selling a home and can provide valuable advice on staging a home. They also have a network of trusted contractors and professional home stagers that you can tap. And once your home has been staged, they’ll use their marketing know-how to promote it to as many potential buyers as possible.

Need help staging and marketing your home to buyers? Contact us, David Chung and Sunny Kim, at 650.489.6251 or email us at info@david&sunny.com.

As of 2017 alone, a total of 1.4 million burglaries have been committed in the US. Of these cases, about 67% were home robberies.

These figures underscore the importance of beefing up the security of your home. Doing so these days shouldn’t take much time, money, or effort. Take a look at these tips:

Change locks in new homes

Whether a house is newly constructed or newly bought, you’d be wise to replace all of its locks. The contractor or previous owner may have given duplicate keys to other people, giving them access to your home without your knowing it.

Consider keyless entry

A misplaced house key isn’t just a big headache; it can also be a major security threat if it falls into the wrong hands. Avoid this risk with a keyless entry system which involves entering a code to unlock your door.

Invest in quality doors and windows

Your front door is your first line of defense against intruders so make sure your door and its doorframe are made of solid, sturdy wood. Likewise, ensure that window locks are functioning properly and that broken panes are replaced ASAP.

Automate your house

Do this not just because it’s convenient, but also because it keeps your house safe. For instance, you can set your lights to automatically turn on in the evening even if you’re not there. Lights turned on in the evening give the impression of an occupied house. This function can help deter burglars. You can also set music to play, further leading potential intruders to think that someone’s at home.

Get a home surveillance system

The sight of a surveillance system alone will discourage many robbers from victimizing your home. The trick, however, is to make sure that there are no blind spots that burglars can exploit. Prioritize installing them near your front door, back door, and first-floor windows.Also see to it that your lawn shrubbery is well-trimmed to prevent them from becoming hiding places for unscrupulous visitors.

Mind your garage door

Make sure your entry door is equipped with a deadbolt and a heavy-duty strike plate to keep burglars out. Since most garages are annexed to the home, make sure the adjoining door is likewise sturdy and tamper-resistant.

Preventing a burglary is far easier than dealing with its aftermath. Moreover, upgrading your home’s security can potentially increase its market value should you ever decide to sell.

Consider Los Altos Hills as your new home. We can assist you in making that dream a reality. Contact us, David Chung and Sunny Kim, at 650.489.6251 or email us at info@david&sunny.com.