Saturday, April 23, 2016

The Anaheim Whitehouse

The amazing and beautiful Anaheim White House Restaurant, a national historic landmark, recently presented their new menu to Members of the  Southern California Restaurant Writers.  At the request of charming and personable Manager Sylvano Iby, Sous Chef David Onesimo Lorenzo presented a magnificen 7 course dinner that included Foie Gras, Sturgeon Caviar, Abalone and Filet Mignon, alll artistically plated, and topped with a mouthwatering dessert.
Many of othe Members already knew of the amazing creations of Chef Lorenzo, as he was previously  the White House Pastry Chef for 14 years. Chef Lorenzo now thoroughly enjoys his culinary artistic talents as Sous Chef, much to the delight of all that dine here.
The staff was amazing and proved it's not a lost art to be attentive and yet not obtrusive, rounding out  the perfect fine dining experience.
In addition to delicious cuisine and fine ambience, it is a tradition (thanks to owner Bruno Serato)
 that for each dinner presented at Anaheim White House, a free pasta dinner is served to a homeless child.That amounts to an amazing 1400 free dinners to underprivileged children nightly.
Anaheim White House is located at 887 S. Anaheim Blvd, in Anaheim. For reservations, phone (714) 772-1381 or www.anaheimwhitehouse.com


Thursday, April 21, 2016

5th Annual Jazz & Wine Festival sponsored by the Rotary Club in Westlake Village, CA

The highly successful 5th Annual California Jazz & Wine Festival sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. Hundreds of visitors came out to pay homage to some great causes including the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the Mark Taper and Johnny Mercer Artists program, and  other Rotary charities both locally and globally.
It was an afternoon of pleasure sampling the fine beverages of over 60 wines, craft brews, and boutique spirits from exhibitors that  included: Distillery Rum, Cutler's Artisan Spirits, Squashed Grapes,Twisted Oak Tavern, Sunland Winery and Ventura Limoncello Company. We also  relished tasting the cuisine from many of the finest local restaurants, the likes of Grissioni Italian Ristorante, Maestro's Steakhouse, Paul Martin's Grill, Spanish Hills Country Club and Urbane Cafe.
On the main stages the sounds of mellow jazz floating through the air featured the artistry of Grammy Winner Tom Scott with his quintet, along with Adam Clark Trio, Paul McCallum & Friends, and Santa Barbara Community College Jazz Big Band. The Bistro Stage was also filled with performing musicians.
We enjoyed a lovely California day under robin blue skies with just enough of a breeze to create the ultimate in comfort.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Seta in historic uptown Whittier

Critically acclaimed Executive Chef Hugo Molina, is at the helm of Seta, a family owned restaurant and lounge in historic uptown Whittier. By his side is his beautiful wife Aricia, who was originally his pastry chef in his Pasadena restaurant. Aricia is now co-owner with Hugo, and Seta's general manager.
Long heralded for his extensive and ambitious menu of Modern American Cuisine, Chef Molina presents a culinary adventure like no other with his rainbow pallet of cuisines. Molina prides himself with using prime, hand selected cuts of meat and the best steaks prepared over mesquite wood.  Cuisines from different cultures include Day Boat Diver Scallops; Mexican Corvina Sea Bass; Alaskan King Salmon; New Zealand Lamb Chops; New York Bone in Rib Eye; and Muscovy Duck Breast. Top it off with such favorites as Passionfruit cheese cake with brulee bananas and cashew nut crust.
The cocktail creations and tailored drinks on the menu compliment Chef Molina's creativity. Enjoy watching Mixologist Robert Gonzalez at the beautiful lounge bar as he mixes the premium liquors, adds house made infusions and blends in seasonal organic ingredients making each drink a work of art.

The warm dark wood interior design transforms throughout the afternoon and evening from a relaxed dining experience into a late night dining lounge. Outdoor dining is also available and private dining and event space is offered.

Located at: 13033 Philadelphia Street in Whittier, phone (562) 698-3355 or www.dineseta.com

Hours are Lunch Monday through Friday from 11;30 a.m. to 2 p.m.- Dinner-Sunday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cocktail hour-Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Late night lounge-Friday through  Saturday up util 11 p.m.  Sunday Brunch is also served.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

"Car Free" fun in Santa Barbara

Showcasing the best that Santa Barbara has to offer, the "Car-Free" way is an easy, fun and unique way to get there. Once there just show your train ticket to receive discounts for hotels, dining, and the many special attractions that make Santa Barbara a premier vacation spot.
We parked our car at the station in Chatsworth,  and boarded the Amtrak Northbound Pacific Surfliner . We sat, back in our comfortable seats, relaxed, and took in the incredible scenery unfolding before our eyes. In Business Class we enjoyed coffee,  tea and sweet rolls during our early departure, arriving Santa Barbara in style in a little over 2 hours.
We walked 3 blocks to the privately owned small historic Hotel Santa Barbara, in the heart of  downtown on State Street, where we spent the night. Offering the perfect blend of history, convenience, charm and comfort, we were warmly welcomed by Nadine Turner, sales and marketing manager, along with the  rest of the attentive staff. Room amenities included a flat screen TV with extended cable and HBO, fridge, free HiFi, and comfy beds with pillow top mattresses. www.hotelsantabarbara.com
After settling in we immediately opted to board the Santa Barbara Trolley, where we took the fully narrated 90 minute tour of the 'America Riviera.' After getting our bearings we took advantage of the jump on and jump off feature that the trolley has to offer. Some of the highlights were Stearns Wharf, the Old Mission, the Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara Art Museum, Bike Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Zoo. Sailing Cruises, Fun Rentals (bikes) and much more.
We also took advantage of the electric bus (50 cents each) that actually dropped us off right in front of the hotel.
From our location on State Street there were endless choices to dine and shop.
The next morning after a first class Continental Breakfast at the hotel, we took the trolley to the Funk Zone (part of the Urban Wine Trail) where there were blocks of award-winning wine tasting rooms.
Going back aboard the Amtrak Southbound Pacific Surfliner we again sat Business Class and on this late departure we were served a goodie bag and given a choice of soda, wine or water.
Our car was 'waiting' at the train station, and we both agreed that our car-free Santa Barbara experience was a perfect pleasure.

Santa Barbara Car Free is an award winning project founded and led by the Santa Barbara County Pollution Control District with more than 100 community partners dedicated to making car-free vacations through December 31,2016. Find resources and car free discover ideas  at: www.SantaBarbaraCarFree.org

Monday, April 4, 2016

Arrive Car Free to 2016 Santa Barbara Car Earth Free Festival & Win Prizes

The Santa Barbara Car Free Project announced that people arriving without a car to the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival on April 16 and 17, 2016 at Alameda Park, can register to win prizes-including the Grand Prize: round trip tickets for two from Santa Barbara to Seattle or Portland aboard the Amtrak Coast Starlight in a private roomette with incredible scenic views and meals included. Additional prizes to  be awarded include: pairs of Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets; a one-nights stay at Hotel Santa Barbara; brunch for two at Belmond El Encanto Hotel, passes from Clean Air Express Saturday Services to the Santa Ynez Valley and much more.
For information access http:www.santabarbaracarfree.org/santa-barbara-earth day. To find out more about Santa Barbara's Earth Day Festival highlights,visit http://www.sbearthday.org



World's Largest Zero Waste Tea Tasting Party

On April 3 California Science Center was the scene of an attempt to break the Guiness Record for the Largest Tea Tasting with over 800 guests in attendance including many characters from Alice in Wonderland.
 Live music from around the world,unlimited tea samples, a dessert buffet by Chef Stef Candy, including orange tea infused chocolate brownies, Earl Grey shortbread cookies, lemon curd cups garnished with a blueberry, and orange cranberry scones, with games and prizes rounding out the party.
Celebrating the launch of their product, The TeaBook at www.TheTeabook.com- it is the new and evolved way to store, share and serve teas, as well as their artistically drawn and collectible line of teas . The TeaBook is chic, stylish, and lightweight and you can organize up to 144 teabags. Just  flip through and pick your tea of choice.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Costa Rica

March 31,2016

Costa Rica Tourist Board and Pro Image hosted an informative trade show and delicious dinner at the Universal Hilton.
A beautiful energetic country, Costa Rica is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. Known as the happiest country in the world, it's where nature is expressed through all its splendor thanks to the extraordinary biodiversity that exists here.
Along with being a pioneer in eco-tourism, there's endless opportunities for adventure including diving, fishing, white water rafting, and whale watching. There's romantic beaches,volcanoes, rainforests and cloudforests, eco-adventure tourism, pure trek canyoning, the ultimate waterfall adventure ,as well as a new tourism program called "Essential Costa Rica."
Costa Rica Kosher Adventures presents Passover with seder nights and onsite synagogue.
There is an amazing selection of hotels, and one of the newest is Croc's Casino Resort, located beach front with incredible ocean views, surrounded by nature and just 90 minutes from the airport.
As for getting there-Alaska Airlines now has a direct flight from LAX to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in the Central Valley region north of San Jose.