Sunday, December 22, 2019

Studio Movie Grill... Eat-Drink-Movies

Dallas based Studio Movie Grill (SMG) the leading in-theater dining chain has opened its new flagship theater in Glendale, California's Downtown Arts & Entertainment District. It is unlike anything you have ever experienced  going to the movies.
The dramatic 5 million plus project encompasses nearly 60,000 square feet showcasing 10 screens and 780 custom recliners that feature a service button, heated seats, telescopic table lamp and chilled cup holder. The theater is designed in warm woods and touches of mid century classic mix of textiles and stone surfaces. There is indoor and outdoor dining for your pleasure and unique new menus dishes are from Executive Chef Thad Kelley. You can dine in the lounge or while watching the movie of your choice. In addition there are 2 fully stocked bars offering wine and specialty cocktail drinks.
SMG currently serves seven communities across California including Monrovia, Simi Valley, Redlands, Rocklin and  Bakersfield. It was established in 1968 modernizing the traditional movie going experience by combing first-run movies with full service in theater dining.
In addition to its credit it has offered movies and meals to underserved community members. To date the program has offered over 14,000 movies and meals.
. Check times for the first rate movies being shown.
. Parking is in the Parking Garage across the street.
The theater is located at: 128 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale, CA 91206

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Mandarette Chinese Bistro

Welcoming their loyal neighborhood locals, visitors and tourists, Mandarette Chinese Bistro/Restaurant Bar  has been a welcoming mainstay on the corner of Beverly Boulevard, serving their fresh delicious Chinese Cuisine with a modern twist.
Wu Yang who is the dad of Ken Yang (and now the general manager and owner) although retired, still come in to oversee operations and supervise. Ken Yang nurtures the customer base and understands the area  very well. Ken says his family's culinary journey started from a little town, just north of Taipei when his father began his traditional training in the kitchen at the young age of 13. After completing the traditional culinary training from his master, he worked at various establishments in Taipei. By the age of 25 he was discovered by a Japanese Chinese restaurant owner who invited him to Japan to work at the head chef of his kitchen.
Celebrating their 35th Anniversary, in addition to serving their memorable  dishes they are introducing their new fall/winter menu. Their mission is to always provide the best fresh ingredient to their customers without overpowering sauces. New items include their signature Strawberry Shrimp, Spinach and Glass Noodles; Asparagus in Black Bean Sauce. Their Three Cup Chicken, Or Squid is a classic Taiwanese dish made with three ingredients, sesame oil, soy sauce and rice wine. The beef, chicken or squid is cooked in the sauce until tender before the sauce is reduced to a glaze that coats the meat. Sichuan Poached Filet excites all the senses in your taste buds. Aromatic Fiery Shrimp is crispy shrimp stir fried with chili pod.
Also expect to find classics include Won Ton Soup; Wor Wonton Soup; Kung Pao Shrimp and Lemon Chicken.
The Lobster Tail is drenched in garlic sauce and served on a bed of egg noodles for lots of bang for your buck.
Every dish here is guaranteed delicious.
Located at 8386 Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles 98848, phone (323) 655-6115 or mandarette88@gmail.com

Will Rogers- the Extraordinary Life of an Extraordinary Man

Representing what the people wanted and cheered about, Will Rogers was a major part of the beginning of America's 20th century. He was a cowboy first and foremost, and love of horses and roping. Among other things he went on to become an actor, radio commentator, humorist and philosopher. He wrote a daily column which appeared in over 300 newspaper, and his quotes and remarks remain insightful to this day.
Will was born in 1879 and named after a famous Cherokee leader. He died an untimely death when his plane crashed in Alaska in 1935. He was with renowned pilot Wiley Post.
Having said this, how lucky we are to live so close to the Will Rogers State Historic Park that his widow Betty Rogers deeded to the State of California in 1944. You can enjoy learning about his heritage while visiting his 186 acre property that he purchased in 1922 and that is now part of Pacific Palisades. The home was last increased to 31 rooms, 11 baths and seven fireplaces. Living in the house were Will and Betty and their four children, unfortunately losing one young son. Many celebrities of the time including Walt Disney, Clark Gable and Charles Lindbergh were frequent visitors. There is a polo field, a  grassy center where he practiced roping, and amazingly large stables.
When you enter the Visitor Center which was once the guest house, there is a black and white mini film showing how he learned to rope as well as the silent films and talkies he was in.
The tour of his residence led by a docent, shows a ranch house decorated in a western motif, and a dining room table set with the plates and  glassware of the time.
As far as activities go, you can enjoy a hike, picnic on the many tables available, along with several barbeques on the fantastic rolling grounds.
The park is located at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades , (310) 454-8212 ext. 100
www.parks.ca.gov/willrogers is easily accessible from either Pacific Coast Highway or 405 Freeway.
There is a slight fee for parking.

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Napa Rose

Located at Disney's Grand Hotel & Spa, 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim 93802
Reservations: (714) 300-7171
Stylish and sophisticated with more than a touch of warmth and opulence, Napa Rose's magnificent interior has leaded glass windows and towering ceilings, an Exhibition Kitchen, and a comfy sbar that beckons you to sit down enjoy your drink and socialize. Surrounding the perfectly spaced tables dressed in crisp line, sparkling glassware and candles, are high back craftsman style chairs, creating a timelessness that beguiles diners.
The name Napa Rose is descriptive of their upscale fare and extensive wine list that is overseen by the celebrity team of Executive Chef Andrew Sutton, General Manager Phillippe Tosques and Sous Chef Steven Ruiz. All specialize in the pairing of food and wine. Executive Chef Sutton whose culinary talents have been recognized nationally has elevated the regional cuisine of Napa Rose to the forefront of contemporary dining.
There is a unique full bar and the wines are far from ordinary. Many of them are rare vintages with California wines and some French Champagnes.
In addition to the regular menu there are prix fixe dinners"The Vintner's Table" created by the culinary inspirations of the season with or without the flight of 4 hand picked wines.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Delectable Palm Springs along with Preferred Small Hotels

Enhancing your experience along with the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, is a mix of some of the grand oldies of dining with many of the new.
Eight4Nine Restaurant is a eclectic flowing and glowing hot spot featuring West Coast modern  cuisine where you can indulge in a multicourse dinner as well as a prixe fixed menu in the dining room, or relish the small plates in the buzzing lounge: lunch or brunch in the patio or sip a signature cocktail at the white onyx bar.
Chef Israel Jimenez changes his menu seasonally an some of his offerings include; grilled Scottish steelhead trout with fennel, orange basil on a crispy rice cake and Arbequinm olive oil. www.Eight4Nine.com
Mr. Lyons Steakhouse is an updated image of Lyons English Grille, a version of a "new classic"
At our wine and food pairing Chef Eddie Moran included small local fare with wines paired by Wine Expert Jessie Casanova. Outstanding was the pork belly with rhubarb fennel aperol paired with Margerum M5 red blend. www.mrlyonsps.com
Purple Room Supper Club is a double treat. The sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive at Michael Holmes' Purple Room. Here you are transported back to the elegance of the era, an intimate and inviting room serving classic cocktails with a modern twist, and swinging and listening to Michael and his acclaimed duet. You will delight in the wide variety of mouthwatering  food featuring the outstanding short ribs. www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Jewel Toned Palm Springs- Preferred Small Luxury Hotels

Palm Springs dramatic desertscape smudged with soft pastels and muted shades of earth tones, cuddles at the base of the stunning San Jacinto mountains.
Here in this Art Deco oasis, we found the picture perfect place to hang our sun hats.The Westcott Hotel, an adult only boutique Inn that is one of the Palm Springs Preferred Luxurious Small Hotels.
With incredible detail to the lifestyle in the 1930s when it was first established, intermingled with its present modern desert style, we found this an awesome place to stay.
From the moment you arrive you are greeted by manager Michael Skinner and/or owner Matthew Westcott who immediately make you feel at home. With their personable and subtle service all your questions are answered including all that the Westcott has to offer, as well as the best of the surrounding area.
Alongside the beautiful Art Deco touches, this enchanting and charming boutique hotel with 10 themed rooms, features comfy beds dressed in fine sheets and comforters, AC and heat in every room, Keurig coffee maker, fridge, microwave and WiFi. Suites include kitchens along with sitting and dining space.
Outdoor amenities highlight the sparkling fresh water pool and separate hot tub, and the glamour of
1930s Palm Springs inspired poolside furniture. In the lobby area refreshments are available 24/7 for all guests. Gentle and nostalgic 1940 and 1950 music played in the background complete the magic.
Included in your stay and for your convenience is:
.Complimentary breakfast presented from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
. Daily Cocktail Hour featuring The House cocktail special, wine and beer, snacks and finger food and is served from 5:30 to 6:30
A great way to get to mingle and chat with your fellow  guests.
The Westcott Hotel has been named the best B&B in Palm Springs for several years!
Located at 539 E. Mel Avenue, Palm Springs 92262 phone (760) 992-5410  www.thewestcotthotel.com     
                                                             *****

Other Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels include:
 The Triangle Inn Palm Springs; The Santiago; Chaps Inn (men's clothing optional here) Alcazar Palm Springs; L'Horizon; Palm Springs Rendezvous; Del Rey Hotel Palm Springs; Avanco Hotel; Skylark Hotel; Canyon Club Hotel; The Monkey Tree Hotel; The Rossi; East Canyon Hotel and Spa; Movie Colony Hotel; INNdulge; A Place in the Sun; The Wesley; Holiday House; The Willows; and The Ingleside Inn.





Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Brookside at the Rose Bowl

Brookside at the Rose  Bowl offers panoramic views of  the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains, manicured greens, and golf course fairways lined with mature majestic eucalyptus, pines and oaks.
Once inside you are greeted by classic rooms, a large blazing fireplace, spacious seating and a bar and lounge  surrounded by banquet rooms for special events.
What's new and exciting said Brandon O'Neil General Manager of Food & Beverages, is that the Levy Restaurants a national firm from Chicago has taken over all operations for both the Rose Bowl and Brookside Restaurant.
Launching a daily Happy Hour, Taco Tuesdays and live entertainment, Brookside is luring in Pasadena locals and commuters with its new fall/winter menu and entertainment program. In addition to introducing a new Pasadena fresh menu, the restaurant is also premiering daily Happy Hour specials.
Taking place Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Happy Hour will feature a range of bites including $2 bacon blue cheese dips, loaded taters and buffalo wings, with $5 well drinks, $4 domestic draft beers and $4 house wines. On Tuesday and Thursday Taco Tuesdays will feature $1 tacos, $5 margaritas and tequila tastings, tortilla chips. buffalo and Korean bbq wings, chips with salsa and guacamole.
The dining experience once limited to only breakfast, is enhanced by highlights from their latest menu that offers a range of dishes including decadent salads, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, fish and more.
Brookside is located at 1133 Rosemont Avenue in Pasadena (626) 585-3594 www.brooksidegc.com
There is a parking lot and plenty of street parking.