The Divine Dish

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Posted on Nov 16, 2009 under Uncategorized | No Comment

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.

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.

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.

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:

We ended with this creamy 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.

Here are some shots of the pool, just as famous as the hotel.

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.

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Opening Soon in Beverly Hills

Posted on Nov 03, 2009 under Uncategorized | No Comment

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).