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Posted on Nov 16, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Beverly Hills Hotel
I had the good fortune of staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel for two nights recently, in a deluxe suite that I was told is JLo’s choice when she visits the Bev Hills landmark. It was beautiful. I felt like a movie star walking the red carpet into the spectacular lobby.
Red carpet entrance
Lobby
my bedroom at the BHH
Countless Hollywood luminaries have stayed in this Pink Palace, with 203 large lavishly adorned rooms, suites and bungalows each appointed with plush art-deco style and offer the perfect romantic hideaway. Many rooms also offer terraces, wood-burning fireplaces and separate entrances. The 12-acre grounds which include the infamous pool and cabanas are lush and overgrown. The hotel’s infamous Polo Lounge serves everything from breakfast to late night suppers. Below are some more pics from my suite.
Living room
I found choc dipped strawberries and fruit upon arrival
master bathroom, loaded with marble
In addition to the two bathrooms, kitchen, huge living room area with fireplace, master bedroom and really big walk in closet (I guess those celebs need a place for their fancy clothes), there was an enormous attached patio that was fully enclosed for absolute privacy.
huge enclosed patio
I never wanted to leave the room, but I did to meet Wendy the pr director for lunch. She let me know all about the history of the hotel and some interesting fun facts, such as the city of Beverly Hills was named after the hotel (not the other way around) and that there were polo fields in the back area at one time, which is where the famous Polo Lounge got its name. Here is what we had for lunch:
Squash soup with cream
Lobster fettucine
chopped McCarthy salad
We ended with this creamy pumpkin tart.
Pumpkin tart
Later my neighbor Todd and his visiting friend Rob came by to hang by the Polo Lounge, where we enjoyed another yummy chocolate dessert.
Todd and Rob, Polo Lounge
yummy chocolate tart
Here are some shots of the pool, just as famous as the hotel.
Pool
pool
Between guests (my friend Nicole showed up for dinner in the Polo Lounge, see next post), I retired to my bedroom and took a nap. If you can afford to go (my room was $2,000 per night, without tax!) , I highly recommend staying at least once at the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel (9641 Sunset Blvd., 310/276-2251.
Posted on Nov 03, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Bouchon Las Vegas
Thomas Keller’s latest restaurant, Bouchon Beverly Hills, is set to open on November 18 at 235 North Canon Drive. Above is a pic of Bouchon Las Vegas (sorry, no pics yet of the new Bouchon), which is fabulous. You can now make reservations for the new Beverly Hills eatery by calling 310/271-9910, and can view pics and a write up of his latest Yountville eatery, ad hoc, on a previous divine dish post as well as an interview with ad hoc chef Dave Cruz under the interview section.
Chef Keller recently received seven total stars from the acclaimed Michelin Guide 2010. This honor gives him the distinction of being the only American-born chef to hold Michelin stars at multiple restaurants.
Keller’s widely acclaimed fine dining establishments, The French Laundry in Yountville, California and Per Se in New York City have each received the guides’ highest possible ranking of three stars. Keller’s Bouchon Bistro in Yountville, California, provides the chef’s seventh star of distinction. Foodies outside of Manhattan, Las Vegas and Yountville now can visit Bouchon in Los Angeles.
Named for the particular style of café that existed in the province of Lyon for centuries, Bouchon will feature classic bistro favorites and seasonal offerings, along with a signature raw bar featuring a wide array of oysters on the half-shell from both the west and east coasts. The new restaurant will be located in the Beverly Hills Gardens building.
To complement menu offerings, beverage offerings will feature a broad wine selection, available both by the glass and bottle along with an array of artisanal beers. Vin de Carafe, a Bouchon wine program that brings recognition to vintners of the cherished California wine region, will feature unique selections to showcase wine producers in Southern California. Each exclusive selection is blended specially for the restaurant one barrel at a time to showcase the distinct personality and flavors of the featured winemaker.
Keller opened the renowned The French Laundry in 1994 and later brought his distinct style to Manhattan with the opening of Per Se in 2004.
Located just steps from The French Laundry, Bouchon in Yountville was also for the fourth consecutive year presented with a one-star rating from the 2010 Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country. Rooted in traditional French bistro fare, Bouchon continues to exemplify Keller’s philosophy of combining the finest, seasonal ingredients with an unfailing attention to detail in presentation.
Keller’s culinary vision, combining award-winning cuisine and guest service, has contributed to the growing presence of American gastronomy within the global industry.
Keller’s additional casual dining establishments include Bouchon Bakery (Yountville, Las Vegas, New York City) and Ad Hoc (Yountville).
Posted on Oct 28, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Cafe La Boheme
Cafe La Boheme
Last night, I visited Cafe La Boheme to dine and get some info for a new iphone app I am writing on LA dining. The newly redesigned interior is mesmerizing, opulent and comfortable. The restaurant houses five grand chandeliers suspended from the high wooden plank ceiling into the dining space below with two huge open fireplaces. Seating is in three spots, the crimson colored dining room, upstairs in cozy balcony tables overlooking the action below, or outside in the lush patio. My friend Dalbert and I opted for the dining room seating which was decked out in Halloween decor.
vegetable spring roll starter
We started with an amuse of a crispy vegetable spring roll. Next came appetizers, Dalbert ordered the Maryland crab cakes with a sauteed corn salad and spicy remoulade. I had the tuna tataki, a beautiful tower of tuna tartare, avocado, cucumber and wasabi mayonaisse. Both were delicious.
Maryland crab cakes
Tuna Tataki
We both ordered the special filet mignon with whiskey peppercorn sauce and horseradish mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus for our entrees. It was the special of the night and hard to resist.
filet with whiskey sauce
We also had a really nice bottle of La Crema pinot noir to go with our steaks, which paired perfectly.
Dalbert and me at Cafe La Boheme
We were forced to get dessert, well… not really forced but the choices looked so good that we had to order something. I opted for the vanilla creme brulee with berries and Dalbert got the savory chocolate chip bread pudding. Both were sweet and yummy.
chocolate chip bread pudding
vanilla creme brulee with berries
If you find yourself in WeHo and want a great meal with an intimate ornate setting, make a reservation at Cafe La Boheme. Located at 8400 Santa Monica Boulevard, reservations recommended at 323.848.2360
Posted on Oct 28, 2009 under Uncategorized |
Strip steak
Last weekend I travelled out to Palm Springs to finish a pet friendly Palm Springs article and checked into the Westin Mission Hills resort and Spa. Set on 360 acres in Rancho Mirage, the property houses 472 guest rooms all offering their signature Heavenly Bed and private patios. The property is surrounded by pools, waterfalls and lush gardens with rooms arranged in a series of two-story bedrooms (beware, check into a second level room if you can as I had to move rooms because of the upstairs noise). In addition to their championship golf courses, they offer a running track, bike trails, tennis courts, lots of pools, lawn games and an expansive spa. My friend Paul met me for dinner at their Bella Vista restaurant. Here is what we had:
Crab cake amuse
We started with a amuse from the chef – a baby crab cake topped with a slice of tomato. Next came starters – mushroom artichoke heart risotto for me and clams and scallops for Paul.
clams and scallops
mushroom artichoke heart risotto
Paul had the striped bass and I opted for the strip steak, both were very good. The real star at the restaurant is the view, overlooking the many water features and towering mountains. A perfect place to watch the sunset in the desert.
grilled stripe bass
Strip steak
Paul and me enjoying a drink
After our main courses, we ordered desserts of carrot cake and rice pudding.
carrot cake
rice pudding
If you are in the desert area, it’s worth a visit during sunset to stop in for dinner or a drink on the patio.
Bella Vista is located at 7133 Dinah Shore Drive, rancho Mirage, CA, 760/328-5955.