Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Carnival Panorama Naming Ceremony

The Carnival Panorama Naming Ceremony took place at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
Carnival's first new ship in 20 years on the West Coast was named by Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune fame.
Joining Carnival president Christine Duffy at the ribbon cutting was Carnival's team of "Culinary All Stars" including Guy Fierei whose Burger Joint and Smokehouse Brewhouse are featured on the Panorama, as well as Emeril Lagasse and Rudi Sodamin, who each will have new restaurants, Emmeril's Bistro 1396 and Rudi's Seagrill, respectively on the new Mardi Gras when it debuts next year.
The grand opening of the first Sky Zone trampoline park was also celebrated on Panorama.
For more information and reservations call 1-800-CARNIVAL.

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