Big Surprises Are Found in Small La Palma

Almost forgotten on the western border of Orange County lies tiny--but densely populated--La Palma. To put it in perspective, at about 2 square miles it’s smaller than Villa Park but with about 16,400 residents, it has more than twice the population.

More of a suburb to the Wax Museum-boasting Buena Park, most Orange Countians only pass through this residential community when they take the Artesia Freeway west to LAX.

But like every other Orange County city, La Palma has unique jewels.

La Palma Palmist

I’ve had my palm read twice, once by a girl at a New Year’s party and once by my brother. He had just gotten a book on the subject.

I didn’t take either reading to heart.

But after a visit to Palm and Tarot Card Readings by Rachel (7002 Moody St., #205 C, [562] 809-7020), I found myself reconsidering vacation plans to Mammoth Lake over the Labor Day weekend. Rachel Lee, a professional palmist for more than 20 years, warned me to be careful around water for the next couple of weeks.

Lee is a licensed palm reader in La Palma and Cypress, where she does readings at swap meets at the community college. She has been operating her small, simple office in La Palma for about 1 1/2 years.

Warm and humorous, Lee said she has been aware of her talent since she was 7 years old. She describes her ability as a feeling that enables her to see things when she’s around other people.

“My mother and grandmother both had the ‘feeling.’ A lot of people have it,” Lee said. “I was going to college and it was then that I felt this was something I’d like to pursue as a career.”

She gave me the basics: I have a long lifeline (whew!). I will be married within two years and I will have two children in my lifetime. And I should stay at my current job because a big promotion will come to me next year. (I don’t think my editors believe that one.)

But regarding a couple of other more personal, past events in my life, she was very accurate. And whether you believe her ability to read my presence, it felt good to hear about them.

“I get some people who come in once a week, once a month or once a year,” Lee said. “The people who come in every week are the ones who want someone to talk to and to get advice from; just like a friend.”

Often her first-timers will tell her they were reluctant to come to a palm reader because they were afraid to hear bad news. In addition to the water warning she told me I might be sued during the next six months, possibly as a result of a car accident. Now none of my friends wants to drive with me.

But that’s OK. I’ll also be receiving a phone call within the next five weeks that will bring tears of joy.

“Sometimes I will give readings to couples, cousins or friends,” Lee said. “But each time one of them will ask the other to leave the room to ask a personal question.

“You don’t know anyone 100%,” she said. “There are things that nobody knows about you. People have deep secrets. These are the ones who usually come for advice.”

Palm or psychic readings cost $25 and Tarot card readings are $45. Readings are available by appointment only.

Fresh Fish

It’s an acquired taste.

But if you love raw fish, or even want to try it, go to the Mirak Sushi Bar (5511 Orangethorpe Ave., [714] 522-3792). Perfect for beginners, the restaurant has easy-to-read, four-color place mats showing each of kind of sushi, what kind of fish it is, and its Japanese name.

But be careful when ordering. Selections, each with two pieces, run from $2.50 to $3.95 per item and it’s easy to eat a $20 meal if you’re more than hungry.

But the sushi at Mirak is worth the cost because it’s made from tender, fresh (even at 10 p.m.) and very large cuts of fish. The albacore tuna is especially nice served with a garnish of cucumber strips that are ideal for cleaning the palate between orders.

Min Kang, 26, has been working as a sushi chef for about three months. “That’s about long enough to learn how to [assemble] sushi,” he said. “To learn to make sashimi [raw fish served without rice or garnishments] takes at least a year. But to learn to make the sauces takes about four or five years. The challenge is to learn how to make it taste the same each time; to get an even mix of the flavors.”

Served with each dinner is a small cutting board with dollops of pasty green wasabi and light pink slices of ginger. The wasabi is very hot and should be used in moderation until you find a comfort level. The ginger is used if a sample of sushi smells too fishy. Its aromatic flavor will override any fishy taste.

“The halibut is kept in a tank in the restaurant. Then we filet them up fresh,” Kang said. “I love all fish, but halibut most of all. It’s chewy and it doesn’t taste fishy at all.”

For the less adventurous, the restaurant also serves barbecued beef ribs, chicken teriyaki and tempura shrimp and vegetables.

Mirak is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s closed Sunday.

All That Jazz

For more than 15 years, students have been coming to Dance Rax (5551 Orangethorpe Ave., [714] 228-0418) for discounted dance supplies.

“We discount our merchandise about 15% to 25% of retail prices and offer discounts for high schools and groups,” said Jeannie Wiggins, store manager.

The small shop is filled from wall to wall with a huge selection of shoes, leotards, tights, hats, costumes and more.

It stocks the standard shoes: jazz, tap, ballet and sandals for modern dance. It also features colorful flamenco skirts and suede-soled ballroom dance shoes.

Parents can get their children into beginning jazz shoes for $26.99 and durable, leather ballet slippers for $15.99.

For cheerleaders and drill team dancers the store also features dance sneakers. “When you’re dancing outside or on concrete, jazz shoes don’t hold up as well,” Wiggins said. “The sneakers have split-soles. Not only are they more fashionable but they last longer.”

During October the store transforms itself into a Halloween costume shop. Dance supplies are still available, but during the season character costumes for about $16.99 line the walls.

Dance Rax is open Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s closed Sunday.

IF YOU GO

* Getting There: From the westbound Artesia Freeway, exit Valley View Street and go north to Orangethorpe Avenue and turn left.

North La Palma

1. Mirak Sushi Bar

5511 Orangethorpe Ave.

(714) 552-3792

Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4-11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Closed Sundays

2. Dance Rax

5551 Orangethorpe Ave.

(714) 228-0418

Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sundays

3. Palm and Tarot Card Readings by Rachel

7002 Moody St. #205C

(562) 809-7020

Call for an appointment.