The Divine Dish

Dinner at Circa 59, Riviera Resort Palm Springs

Posted on Aug 12, 2009 under Archives | No Comment

I checked in to the retro Riviera Resort last weekend for a story on dog-friendly hotels.  The revamped resort opened about a year ago after a $70 million renovation.   I was in one of 45 guest rooms that was decorated in vibrant orange-red and rich browns.

My friend Paul joined me for dinner in the elegant Circa 59 restaurant, which offers outside covered dining overlooking the pool as well as a dramatic sleek indoor area.  Here are some of the great dishes we had during our tasting menu:

We started with a creamy rich lobter bisque.

Next came a pickled beet salad with tangerines and goat cheese.  We liked the sweet and sour combination of the goat cheese with the pickled beets.

Next came a delicious starter trio of appetizers.

Appetizers included Berkshire pork belly with sweet and sour lentils and celery root slaw, ahi tartare and tataki and a tasty crab cake.  Paul especially liked the crab cake, I couldn’t choose a favorite because all were very good.

Next came a trio of main dishes, including halibut with red wine risotto, a filet of beef with short rib ragout and asparagus and yellowfin tuna with pistachio risotto.

Paul and I loved all of these dishes, our fave was the halibut.  Dessert was a trio of creme brulee (my fave), chocolate mousse (also very tasty) and Paul’s fave, pineapple carrot cake.

Circa 50 is perfect for a group gathering (outside area overlooking the amoeba shaped pool is perfect for drinks with friends) and for an intimate romantic dinner (inside high booths provide close seating amidst a dramatic atmosphere).

1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760/327-8311

Tasting Dinner at Andaz West Hollywood

Posted on Aug 06, 2009 under Archives | No Comment

Last night I attended a tasting menu at the RH restaurant at the Andaz West Hollywood.  We arrived and had a quick look at the modern open kitchen – even the fridges are see through.

Chef Sebastien Archambault was cooking up our meal with his sous chefs.

We took a quick tour of the hotel where each room faces the Sunset Strip or the Hollywood Hills.  Some rooms feature a sunny sitting area that overlooks the strip.

We also travelled upstairs to view the highest rooftop swimming pool in LA, with great views of the strip.

Back at RH, the resort’s signature restaurant named in homage to the Hyatt’s old “Riot House” party days, we gathered to begin tasting some of the yummy food.

Our table was next to the open wine cellar, housing dozens of reds and whites.

We started with some delicious appetizers, including a heirloom tomato salad with cabecou goat cheese.

We also enjoyed a nice shrimp ceviche with avocado, jalapeno and tomato.

We also had sweetbread and morels puff pastry with shallot and madiera wine sauce, a foie gras terrine and a perigourdine poached egg with mushrooms, foie gras and summer truffles.

We also ordered entrees off of the menu.  I had the slow braised beef check with button mushrooms and rainbow carrots.

Other entrees included a 12-hour cooked boneless suckling pig with raosted apricots, the signature burger with foie gras and morels and truffled triple fried French Fries, and a seared wild salmon with potatoes and green beans, and chicken breast with white corn and a pineau wine sauce.

We also enjoyed some delicious desserts.

The bar area caters to a young trendy crowd, but my favorite area was the nice banquet table areas overlooking the strip.  Here you can enjoy a nice cocktail in an intimate environment and enjoy great views of Sunset Boulevard.

Andaz Hotel and RH restaurant

8401 Sunset Boulevard

323/656-1234