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.