Friday, July 15, 2016

Phoenician Restaurant in Glendale

Ara Kalfayan. the personable and charismatic owner is at the helm of the iconic Phoenician Restaurant in Glendale. Larger than life, Ara is always there to extend a hearty welcome to his devoted loyal patrons, as well as warmly greeting new diners.
The Phoenician dining room, while quite romantic, is also whimsical surrounded by the eclectic decor of various mixed media art  pieces.  If alfresco is your choice, there's a large open patio for you to enjoy.
The cuisine is an array of authentic and sumptuous fine Lebanese dining. Cold appetizers include: Hommos, Baba Ghonouj; Moussaka; an. There's an array of cheeses. Hot appetizers are: Soujook;San Bousek; and Arayes among other delights.. Lovers of salads will not  be disappointed with the Olive Salad or Cucumber and Yogurt. Grilled choices highlight  mouthwatering ,Chicken Shauarma;Lamb Chops, Lamb Shanks, Kebabs and Mixed Grill. Sea Bass; Shrimp Sautee and Shrimp Kabob top the list of Seafood. You can't go wrong with Mezza, Family Style. Top if all off with large  Platters of  fresh fruit , and a various selection of desserts including chocolate and cheese cakes
Knowledgeable and courteous servers and staff are always available to guide you with choices.
Hours are: Sunday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.&  Bar to 12 a.m. -Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 midnight & Bar to 1:30 a.m.
Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. featured live entertainment includes a singer and guitarist singing Middle Eastern and American music, as well as Belly Dancing.
Phoenician Restaurant is located at 343 N. Central Avenue, Glendale 90213. Call for reservations at (818) 956-7800.  Valet Parking is available.
It's worth the trip.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Thornton Winery in Temecula, CA

Set out for as breathtaking day of wine tasting, gourmet cuisine and entertainment along the lush rolling hills of Southern California's Temecula Valley Wine Country.
Head for the family owned Thornton Winery (overseen by President Steve Thornton), that buzzes with both locals and wine tasters.
Here among the region's micro-climate and well drained decomposed granite soil, boasts an incredible lineup of award winning Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and a variety of Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Vintage ports. The Tasting Room is open year round, and the 1500 foot elevation makes for cool summer nights.
While Chefs  from around the world vy to bring their brand of culinary magic and wine pairing to the tables of Wine Country, Thornton's  is right on top with their  elegant country French Cafe Champagne,/where you  get to dig into the creative dishes of their gold medal winning contemporary cuisine.
Lining the walls of Cafe Champagne are 12 prestigious Gold Awards  for their cuisine and wines, that caught the eyes and the pallets of the Southern California Restaurant Writers.

As if the delicious food and flowing  wine are not enough, every Friday evening Thornton Winery livens things up with live music on their patio from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 brings Crimson Crow; July 15, Little Lies with Big Truth; July 22, Rolling Stones Tribute Band; and on the 29th B.I.G. August 5 brings Huey Lewis Tribute Band; the 12th Crimson Crow; the 19th-Big Truth; and on the 26th it's Black Hat Pasty.

The sought after Thornton Winery 28th Annual Concert Series lineup features;
Al Jarreau, Saturday, July 16 at 7 p.m.; BWB, Saturday, July 23 at 7 p.m; Dave Koz and David Sanborn, Saturday, July 30 at 7 p.m.; Chris Botti, Sunday, July 31 at 6 p.m.; Michael McDonald, Saturday, August 6 at 7 p.m.; George Benson, Saturday, August 27; Kenny G, Sunday, August 28 at 6 p.m.l Gerald Albright & Jonathan Butler, Saturday, September 10 at 7 p.m.; Pat Metheny, Saturday,September 17 at 7 p.m.;Keiko Matsui, Kenny Lattimore, Michael Lington, Saturday, September 24 at 7 p.m.; Ottomar Liebert, Saturday, October 1 at 7 p.m.; Spyro Gyra & Lee Rittenour, Sunday, Oct 2 at 4 p .m.; Brian Culbertson with special guest Javier Colon, Saturday, October 8 at 7 p.m.; and  Richard Elliot & Peter White, Sunday, October 16 at 4 p.m.
The Gourmet Supper Package includes a reserved table under the covered patio, and a 3-course meal served during the concert.
For tickets phone (951) 699-3021 or www.ThorntonWine.com

Thornton Winery is located at 32575 Rancho California Road in Temecula. phone (951) 699-0099 or www.ThorntonWine.com