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

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.

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.

SUR Restaurant and Lounge

For the ultimate in dining pleasure and the feeling that you've traveled abroad without leaving the comfort of West Hollywood, SUR Restaurant and Lounge brings a taste of the exotic to the trendy corner of Melrose and Robertson. An industry favorite of celebrities for over a decade, SUR offers friendly attentive service and sumptuous eclectic cuisine for a truly unique dining experience. For a romantic and alluring touch you'll find low lighting, candles, crisp white linen, and fresh cut flowers. For your culinary experience there's a choice of either a comfy indoor dining room, a patio and a chic private room.
The SUR Lounge with its intimate tree-lined garden and incredible structural design is a blend of coarse industrial pieces and idyllic whimsical charm. The decor of both the restaurant and lounge pulls together old railway sleepers, graphic modern glass tiles, chandeliers enclosed in cages, French pillows, a mixed media of art and fabrics, treasures in nooks and crannies, and long antique leather Chesterfields.
Along with the Founders and co-owners Guillermo and Nathalie Zapata, talented Executive Chef Joe Martinez oversees the culinary team for its inventive and classic cuisine. A treat for your taste buds, the Dinner Menu features:
Appetizers: Shrimp and Crab Cakes, served with chipolte mayonaise; Portabello Mushroom Skewers with Tameri soy sauce; Smoked Salmon Tapas-capers, creme fraiche and chives; Fried Calamari-chipolte mayonaise and hot tomato sauce; Fried Goat Cheese Balls with a cucumber salad.
Specialty salads: Grapefruit Arugula Salad; Caesar Roma Salad; Golden  Beet Salad and Apple & Baby Spinach.
Pasta & Risotta: Linguine Alle Carboara; Angel Hair Fettuccini; and Lobster and Crab Ravioli.
Entrees: Grilled Skirt Steak; Seared Ahi Tuna; Chicken Enchilada; Wild Blackened Scallops; Roasted Duck Breast; Roasted Rack of Lamb; Charbroiled Rib Eye Steak; Roasted Filet Mignon; and Grilled Swordfish, all done to perfection.
Desserts are all mouthwatering: Blackberry Cobbler; New York Cheesecake; Crepes; Lemonchamp (lemon sorbet and champagne)
Full menu of cocktails and wines.
Step away from your everyday life, expand your palate and head over to SUR for their mouthwatering new Brunch menu considered legendary and for all good reasons. The swank restaurant also serves as the basis for the popular BRAVO TV  Show Vanderpump Rules, starring Guillermo Zapata.  SUR serving a variety of sweet and savory offering presents their new menu featuring more than 10 new entrees as well as classic favorites and signature cocktails with a fresh, new twist.
The new Brunch Menu will include but not limited to Frittata Omelet, Vegetable Omelet, Linguine Primavera, Blue Cheeseburger,  Vegan Burger, Pan Roasted Salmon, Italian Chicken Milanese, Homestyle Crispy French Toast.
Brunch cocktail options include in addition to the regular offering: Homemade White Sangria, Bellini, Bloody Mary, Parisian Pear Martini, Strawberrini, Raspbery Mojito, Brazilian Caipirinha, Fresh Basil Gimlet.
Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations recommended.
SUR Restaurant and Lounge is located at 612 N. Robertson in West Hollywood, 90069. Phone (310) 289-2824 www.surrestaurant.com

Emporium Thai Cuisine in Westwood, CA

A hip spot right in the heart of Westwood, the Emporium Thai. a street front restaurant, has a chic designed dining room that is easy on the eye, with comfortable booths and tables, and the most pleasant soft background music.
This sets the delightful scene for their new seasonal collection of the finest flavor packed Southern Thai culinary treats to fire up your taste buds. Featuring signature delights, all with your choice of spicy or mild( on a scale of 0 to 10), many dishes that are designed for sharing Tapas style, and plenty of vegetarian, gluten free and peanut free options.
Owner John Sungkamee was happy to share his story of how his mother Supis (his total inspiration), won a lottery in Thailand to come to the United States, and brought John with her, the youngest of her 12 children. With the opening of Thai Emporium, many of the family began emigrating here, and now work alongside him, including his sister Gina who is the Executive Chef.
Family member Honey Bee (I love that name) walked us through the menu. We followed her suggestions that are featured in the new Thai Tapas Tasting Menu consisting of 4 courses, with an optional wine pairing available.
First Course: Southern Wings with 2016 Margerum Riviera Rose (Santa Barbara County. The hot chicken wings are cooked in Thai spices with Southern Thai curry flavors that beautifully meld together. Second Course: Papaya salad with 2016 Clos Henri Petitie Clos Sauvignon  Blanc (Marlborough NZ). It's an exotic papaya salad featuring duo dishes of Pad Kra Pow Gai Sab, Thai basil ground chicken and Panang curry served with crispy pork belly and Jasmine rice with 2015 Quipe Modern Red (Santa Barbara County). This dish is one of the most popular Thai street foods and it is delicious. The special thick and extremely flavorful Panang curry is prepared with crispy pork belly and Jasmine rice. Dessert: Mango sticky rice comes with slices of mango along the side making the rice sweet and sticky. Yummy!
A staple in the neighborhood of the renowned UCLA since 2000,  Emporium Thai's mission is to "create a memorable and wonderful Thai dining experience that you'll return to often and rave about  to your friends." In addition to capturing  many accolades and prestigious awards, it has also achieved the significant milestone of being the first Thai restaurant to partner with UberEats.
Emporium Thai  is open for lunch and dinner, Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday-11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
There is also a late afternoon Happy Hour, Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with fabulous prices on wine and Thai Tapas.
Located at: 1275 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles 90024 (310) 478-2838  www.ethaicuisine.com

The Los Angeles Paella, Wine & Beer Festival October 7

The Los Angeles Paella, Wine & Beer Festival is a celebration of Paella- a dish that comes to us from Spain, with origins dating back to the 18th century. A saffron-infused rice dish that marries bold flavors and delightful textures. Paella was originally a peasant's meal cooked over an open fire in the fields and eaten directly from the pan using wooden spoons. Today, paella recipes have become somewhat of an art form ranging from meats and seafoods to vegan and vegetarian.
The Festival will feature unlimited tasting paella, 50 acclaimed Paella chefs and their teams from across the globe,  (the winner will go to Spain to compete for the world title of  the best Paella Valenciana in Chueca Valencia Spain); dozens of acclaimed local and international wineries, breweries and tequilerias with unlimited wine & beer tasting, Sangria, spirits and Spanish tapas for sale.
Restaurateur and Chef Vicente Ortiz will be cooking the biggest Paella ever cooked in the USA.
The Festival will also feature Spanish and Mexican music and dance performers enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The Festival will be held on October 7, 2017 from 1-6 p.m. at Pershing Square (532 S. Olive Street)
For more information please visit www.paellawinefest.com  General admission tickets cost $50 and may be purchased online. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the festival's non-profit partner, CANICA USA Inc.
Join in for a delicious fun filled day.

Maestro in Old Town Pasadena

Maestro, a critically acclaimed modern Mexican eatery has amazing Chef Partner Elena Vega, celebrating her Mexican roots, at the helm. She singlehandedly crafted Maestro's brunch program, which has sold out tables every weekend since its inception. She specializes in fresh farmer's market fare, with produce, cheeses, spices and ingredients that are all incorporated into her superb menu. Her working partner Sergio Martinez Maestro is there to explain all the dishes she creates.
Chef Elena's Fall Menu offers such delights as Kumiai oyster shooters; heads cheese tostadita; kale orange salad; scallop, Huitlacoche rice and mushrooms; free range chicken mole; and carrot cake tres leches. On the regular menu, highlights include; bay boat scallops; short ribs; enchiladas; duck carnitas;octopus;esquite; enchiladas and ceviche.
Behind the incredibly lively, warm and friendly bar at Maestro are brothers Rodrigo and Ivan Fabian, whose craft drinks have become known as the best in town. With a beat all their own they design and serve their cocktails along with wine and beer,  creating a show that seems faster then the eye can see. Their specialties include: Maestro, watermelon, and Picosita margaritas; Mezcal campfire, and tea mule: aged old fashion, Cazuela, the La Elena, and Deovlet white wine (among many others). Bar and Beverage Manager Paul Gonzalez is nearby ready to answer any questions you might have.
. Enjoy dining indoors or on the lovely patio alongside the restaurant.
. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Closed Mondays, Saturday and Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Maestro is located at 110 E. Union Street in Old Pasadena, 91103 Phone (626) 787-1512 or www.maestropasadena.com