Posted on Nov 29, 2009 under Archives |
During my stay at the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey, I visited their Jerne restaurant. It has beautiful views of the marina and boats and a great menu selection. A perfect place for a date or dinner with friends. Here is what my friend Antoine and I had at our tasting menu.
appetizer butternut squash soup
We started with a fragrant butternut squash soup with frangelico and pumpkin oil Paired with a yummy prosecco from santa margherita, Italy.
Sea bass
We then enjoyed a lovely sea bass with broccolini, peppers, olive and shallot butter, served with a chenin blanc from Man Vintner’s Steen, South Africa.
scallop
Then came a scallop with parsely root melted leeks and truffle. This was our fave. Paired with a chardonnay from Cakebread Cellars, California.
Delmonico beef
We ended the meal with a nice course of beef with chanterelles, brussel sprouts and zinfandel jus. Served with a pinot noir from Hahn, California.
We also got a selection of desserts from the chef, below.
Chef
dessert platter
Antoine and me
I recommend bringing a date or friends to enjoy the marina views and fabulous food at Jerne, located in the beautiful Ritz Carlton, Marina Del Rey, 4375 Admiralty Way.
Posted on Nov 29, 2009 under Archives |
Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey
The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey is a romantic high rise set harborside overlooking LA’s largest marina. Here you can hang by the pool, indulge in a couples massage at the spa, rent a bike and go on an oceanfront ride or enjoy a lavish meal at the Jerne restaurant. Rooms are decorated in warm hues of gold and brown with French doors, decadent feather beds and marble bathrooms. I stayed to review the resort and restaurant for my upcoming iphone application on romantic places in Los Angeles.
Here are some pics from my room:
Bedroom
Huge main mathroom
Tub and shower
Living room
second bathroom
View from my room
The room and hotel are beautiful. I had a great massage at the intimate spa and received two nice welcome gifts, some yummy macaroons and champagne with chocolate dipped strawberries, pics below, before heading to dinner at Jerne restaurant.
welcome treats
champagne
choc dipped strawberries
Posted on Nov 26, 2009 under Archives |
Avalon hotel room
Last week I stayed at the Avalon hotel in Beverly Hills and had dinner at their restaurant to review both for my new Best Places to Kiss in Los Angeles iphone application (coming out in December!). Marilyn Monroe once lived here before the property became the cool retro-chic hotel it is today. Three buildings dating back to 1949 house 84 rooms surrounding the alluring curvaceous pool and cabanas. Each room is unique and decorated in sage and sky blue with a mid-century flare, including George Nelson bubble lamps and Charles Eames inspired chairs. Above is a pic of my room, below the bathroom.
bathroom
My friend Raymond joined me for dinner, which was served poolside.
mozzarella tomato salad
I had the mozzarella tomato salad, Ray had the mozzarella and beet salad. Both yummy.
Beet salad
For our main courses, I had the short ribs and Ray had the steak.
ribeye steak
shortribs
We both ordered dessert, I had a trio of ice cream and Ray had panne cotta with fruit.
panna cotta
trio of ice cream
The Avalon hotel is located at 9400 W. Olympic Blvd.
Posted on Nov 26, 2009 under Archives |
Maison Akira Pasadena
A few weeks ago I visited Maison Akira in Pasadena for dinner and to interview the chef and owner, Hirose Akira.
Offering five small rooms with gilded walls, large mirrors, flowing red floral drapery, flickering candles and contemporary Impressionist artwork, this intimate restaurant offers dishes as luxurious a its design. Couples can dine on renowned Chef Akira’s compelling French creations with Pacific Rim highlights. My friend Todd and I started with an amuse of steamed egg and smoked salmon, below.
Amuse of steamed egg and smoked salmon
I had an appetizer of a trio of tuna tartare, Kona kampachi sashimi and seared scallops, Todd had the brandy flamed Maine lobster bisque.
Trio of tuna tartare
lobster bisque
The chef made his specialty, miso marinated grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Grilled ratatouille for me and Todd had the angus beef with Cabernet Sauvignon sauce and a potato gratin.
Chilean sea bass
angus beef
For dessert, I had the signature Timbal Elysee Laserre, a vanilla bean ice cream with cookie tuile and berries. Todd had the flourless chocolate cake.
Timbal dessert
chocolate dessert
I interviewed the chef after our fabulous dinner, interview is on the last blog. Maison Akira is located at 713 East Green Street in Pasadena and is a perfect place to get a great meal before heading to the Playhouse for a play.
Chef Akira and me
