Another new establishment at Redlands Public Market, but JoJo Taiwanese Eats has other locations. Owner Leon is very ambitious; he plans to open more as his business progresses. After tasting his wonderful food, I can understand why he would want to spread the word about his great cuisine. This is fast food at its best.
Here’s What I Tried:
Drink:
JoJo’s Taiwanese Refresher, Strawberry Lychee, Strawberry Mango, Peach Mango. This is just so great, and might I add where it gets its name from, super refreshing.
Small Eats:
Dumplings, 6 fabulous fried dumplings and loved every minute, with its wonderful bold flavors.
Egg rolls, I got 2 and was happy with this little taste treat.
Big Eats:
Beef Noodle Soup, with Beef shank, spinach, and mustard greens in our house beef broth.This broth is out of this word, it is cooked from beef bones for 6-8 hours, it is rich in flavor and protein, a true winner.
Braised Pork Belly, with pork belly, mustard greens, soy sauce egg, and rice. I have never been the biggest fan of pork belly because of the fat strip that comes along with the meat, but I am here to tell you that I am now in love with pork belly. This dish is packed with delicate nuanced soft pure pork flavor, the rice soaks up all of the goodness, a must try.
Dan Dan Pork, with ground pork cooked in a mildly spicy sauce, garlic, mustard greens, soy sauce egg, with rice Noodle. The sauce is sweet and sour with hints of garlic and soy sauce, but whatever it is, it’s luscious and terrific.
Jojo’s House Fried Rice, with Taiwanese sausage, scrambled egg, peas, carrots, cabbage, and onions. Just fill me up with the sausage and I will be forever happy, the rice will make me super happy as well.
Popcorn Chicken, fried chicken morsels. These little gems have a great mild flavor, dipped in their sweet and sour sauce will make this a great bite every time.
I am super excited to see this place take off. Its real Taiwanese food with good key ingredients, it promises to be super successful, in this brand-new experience, – Redlands Public Market.
The day I was there the Market was super packed; I saw that word already got out and that locals were waiting for the opening. The good news is you can make this a train destination on a day trip from anywhere Metrolink travels to. So, what the heck are you waiting for?
One of the things I love about my IE visits is seeing all of the growth. When the Arrow train came in a few years back I knew this whole area would have an uptick in new restaurants and make a mark in Redlands being a new travel destination. All of the existing warehouses near the train station are transitioning into new restaurants and bars, including Redlands Public Market. Which used to be the historic 1980 packing house – The Mutual Orange Company was one of several packing houses affiliated with the Mutual Orange Distributors, a cooperative formed by local growers in the early 1900’s. By 1920 citrus was one of the top agricultural commodities in Southern California. Oranges fetche higher prices than any other time in history-which in that season was about 4 cents per pound for the fancy grade. So what better way to show off Redlands ever growing food scene with a historic Landmark, and great new foodies location.
History:
Redlands, A Monolith of the Citrus Boom – RPM resides in what was once the Mutual Orange Distributors (MOD) Packing House. A part of Redlands’ rich Citrus Industry History, much of that history is still present today in the distinct architecture, scenery, and accents inside and around the building.
Standing Strong – Some brick walls date back to 1908 when the Packing House was expanded and joined the Mutual Orange Distributors, a competitor to Sunkist. All buildings in downtown Redlands were required by law to be made of brick until the great Long Beach earthquake of 1931, when the decorative brick parapet was removed (or fell during the earthquake), and the exterior brick stuccoed over. A preservation companyattempted to remove the stucco to return the building to a brick façade, but it turns out 100-year-old stucco should be left as is.
Downtown Redlands, one of the epicenters of the navel orange industry, historically and even today has the largest array of citrus-heritage buildings in Southern California. At the Citrus industry’s peak in 1928 there were 14 packing houses in downtown Redlands. Eight have been demolished and the “MOD Packing House” was heading towards the same fate when, following community protest, the city elected to sell the derelict structure for redevelopment.
A small portion of this packing house was originally built in 1894 as Packing House Number 2343214. It was upgraded in 1900 and again in 1906 by the founder Arthur Gregory when it was rebranded and affiliated with Mutual Orange Distributors, an early competitor of Sunkist.
In 1929 MOD reorganized as a non-profit organization, the Redlands Mutual Orange Company, and that year handled about 224,000 packed boxes of citrus fruit and up to four railroad box cars per day along the Southern Pacific rail line (now abandoned on the south side of the building). To accommodate the high demand, in 1930 the sum of $30,000 dollars was spent to upgrade to a new steel truss and corrugated metal roof with north facing clerestory windows, creating the Packing House we see from the inside today.
This Packing House ceased operations by 1960 and thereafter housed a variety of businesses until it was abandoned in 2000 and finally sold to the City of Redlands in 2006. Arteco Partners was able to purchase the building from the city and after several years of planning and an $11 million dollar renovation from top to bottom (following Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Rehabilitation) finally reopened Packing House Number 2343214 as Redlands Public Market in February 2025.
Here’s What I Tried:
Drinks:
Cappuccino, with the perfect swirled heart on top.
Organic Coconut Water, this water is very hydrating and just went so well with my glorious brunch.
Sweet:
Vegan Cookie Pandan Biscoff, this cookie is so soft, with a great dab peanut butter on top.
Brunch Items:
Ube Cloud Pancake, this dish is otherworldly, you just have to try it and you will see what I mean.
Avocado Toast, there are many establishments that make avocado toast, but with their sunny side up egg on top – the yokes just oozes goodness.
The healthy Omelet, with spinach, tomato, and cheese, it’s a real filling breakfast item.
TUS Breakfast Sandwich, a great rendition of this main staple in most breakfast restaurants, but this sandwich has all of the bells and whistles, and they do not scrimp on their eggs and bacon.
Rendang Curry Bowl, if you’re in the mood for curry in the morning, then try this one.
Swai Fish Rice Bowl, I just loved the flavor of this dish, it was so satisfying and it really doesn’t matter if it’s more of a lunch item, it was just amazing.
Garlic Cream Cheese croissant, this is by far the best croissant ever with its novel ingredients baked into one gorgeous creation, it just is so tasty and delicious.
Their food is really spectacular, they have many other locations, so the customer base pretty much knows what they have to offer. It’s worth a trip to check it out. Portions are very big – so come hungry.
“Brunch so good your taste buds will high five.”
Take Ur Seat Lite
Redlands Public Market
330 3RD Street, Unit 4 Redlands, CA. 92374
https://www.redlandspublicmarket.com/take-ur-seat Some Content Was Taken Off Of Their Website
When Steven Ortmann – Chief Operating Officer of Selvin’s and The Palm Garden Hotel, offered me a stay and brunch tasting I was so happy. I had previously done a dinner tasting, so brunch will be another welcomed gift. What I can say about the brunch is it did not disappoint, with many menu items and a beautiful ambiance, it is a culinary moment that will be remembered for a very long time, alongside some family members that were my guests.
Here’s What I Tried:
Drinks:
Luca Paretti – Prosecco Brut, just the perfect brunch cocktail, smooth and fruity with lovely bubbles.
Sweet Things:
Belgian Waffles, berries with whipped maple butter, and syrup. The presentation is astounding, with a gorgeous floral plate and all of the delicious berries scattered around the centerpiece waffle. Delicious and airy, just a perfect waffle.
Salads:
Chopped Caesar Salad with chicken. The dressing is just the best thing, tart and sweet, with a great creamy texture, just the bomb.
Entrée’s:
Classic Egg Benedict with Canadian Bacon, poached eggs, house made hollandaise sauce, served with crispy potatoes. The hollandaise sauce is just off the charts. This would be my go-to brunch menu item.
3 Egg Omelet with smoked mozzarella bacon, and avocado, a nice blend of ingredients in this very hearty omelet.
Pizza:
Funghi Pizza with shitake bechamel sauce, Fontina cheese, seasonal mushrooms, caramelized onions, and oregano. A must try pizza item, the mushrooms are a nice variety, with the caramelized onions and fontina cheese – a real winner.
The inside patio is just the perfect environment to enjoy a wonderful brunch at Selvin’s. The backdrop are the lovely surrounding hills and palm trees that you see right out the big open windows. If you’re a hotel guest then for sure come indulge your senses in Selvin’s wonderful food, or as a designation spot it will engage all of your taste buds.
For happy hour, cocktails, lunch, brunch, or dinner, this is the best of the best here in Ventura County!
The perfect hidden oasis in the beautiful, picturesque area of Thousand Oaks. This premium hotel boasts a fresh, new and dynamic look after a $3.5 million renovation, which you can clearly see in every area inside and out. Including updates to rooms and suites – creating bright, contemporary and inviting spaces for work or relaxing after your day – in what the locals call “T.O” – Thousand Oaks, and beyond. All accommodations have modern furnishings, ultra-premium eco-friendly bedding, 55″ HD Smart TV’s, complimentary Wi-Fi, microwaves, coffee makers and mini fridges, also their beautiful bathrooms feature Moen fixtures.
It’s the perfect property for business and leisure, with personalized hospitality on a resort-style property framed by lush gardens and a tranquil courtyard. The way the gardens are laid out you can tell that they had wedding planners and bride and grooms in mind. There is a gorgeous gazebo which is the perfect place for a wedding altar. For meetings, weddings and special events, The Palm Garden Hotel features 12,000 square feet of newly refurbished space encompassing indoor and outdoor venues to accommodate any gathering. They offer fully tailored catering and event planning services. It is right off the 101 freeway, but with the way the hotel is designed your sleep will not be disturbed. The Palm Garden Hotel is centrally located, it is less than an hour from Malibu, Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
There are lots of complimentary upgrades at the hotel including Wi-Fi, parking, and one of the best hot breakfasts in Thousand Oaks. Get in a workout in the fitness center equipped with modern weight and cardio training equipment. Soak up a little California sun while lounging by newly renovated heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi with cabanas.
Each room is surrounded by tranquil gardens, lush lawns, winding paths, chirping birds, to help you be calm and relaxed while enjoying your stay. And might I add that all rooms are below SoCal hotel prices.
The Palm Garden Hotel is just so comforting, a home away from home, and the best kept secret in Ventura County. Whether you’re relaxing at the hotel or exploring Thousand Oaks, they really make sure you feel well taken care of from the moment you arrive. Their hospitality overflows from the hotel to Selvin’s restaurant, anywhere on property you really feel that they care!
My well-appointed room, a courtyard facing King room, featured a plush King bed, sleeper sofa, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a 55” flat-screen high-definition television with Spectrum TV, HBO and an in-room tablet. Also, The Palm Garden Hotel is super pet friendly. The ground floor rooms feature wood floors and open to an exterior grassy area. With single king and double queen accommodations, and the lowest pet fee in the Thousand Oaks area, The Palm Garden Hotel welcomes furry friends with open arms.
They also offer catering to make any event extra special. With a talented kitchen staff and the ability to create a customizable menu, it is their wish to assist you in hosting the most talked about engagement celebration, corporate affair, college graduation, holiday party, business round-table, shower, fundraiser, alumni reunion, weddings. They can accommodate anything from spectacular dinners to casual poolside gatherings.
This area is very famous for having some of the most iconic eating establishments in Beverly Hills throughout the years. There have been many restaurants that have come and gone, but Mama Lu’s Dumpling House has a few other Southern California locations, so this location is very much a welcome addition to this already very well-known area.
My lovely server Suki has been with the company for many years, she was extremely efficient and made my dining experience smooth and easy. She was very helpful. She started working at Capitol Seafood when she was in high school, she is truly part of the family.
Mama Lu’s Dumpling House interior is large and roomy, great for family dining, with large round tables and lazy Susan’s. The large ceiling lamps are art nouveau and look like upside down umbrellas. It’s light and airy with a great outdoor patio.
Here’s What I Tried:
Drinks:
Morning Star, with Vodka, Aperol, Elderflower, Orange. This is a light and citrusy cocktail.
Margarita, with tequila and triple sec, sweet and sour, salt and lime wheel. A nice colorful cocktail with the right amount of tequila, just hits the spot.
Dim Sum:
BBQ Pork Pastry, this is both sweet and savory with the BBQ pork being the star of this show.
Dry Shrimp and pork dim sum, a nice filling starter.
Shrimp Har Gow, this is one of my all-time favorite dim sum, and this one did not disappoint.
Spinach Mix Vegetable Dumpling. This is a light and delicious dim sum, with very subtle flavors.
Bean Curd Roll with Vegetable. I always love this dish, it’s got great flavor and then vegetables add the perfect note, a true winner.
Steamed Shrimp Dumplings with sticky rice. The shrimp is pureed, but it had a wonderful shrimp flavor.
Taiwanese Shrimp Egg Roll. They take the whole shrimp and wrap the egg roll paper around it and deep fry it, this dish is a must-have as well.
Pan Fried Stuffed Shrimp and Jalapeno, the core out the spicy part of the pepper, so the heat is very minimal, it’s really a terrific dish.
Pan Fried Chicken Pot Stickers. They give you lots of these, so share them with a friend.
Scallion Pancake. This is beautifully presented, like a flower, it is a great way to start as well.
Shrimp and Chives Dumpling, I just loved this dim sum, it has lots of shrimp mixed with the chives.
Fish Dumplings, these are nicely done with fish that is pureed, you get lots of built in flavor.
Soup:
Shanghai Shrimp Wonton Soup. These wontons are so light, and fluffy, for sure one of my go to soups from now on.
Crab Meat with Fish Maw Soup this is just what the doctor ordered; luscious thick creamy texture makes this one comforting soup.
Fried Rice:
Crab with Dried Scallop and Egg White Fried Rice. It had very subtle crab flavors but was just spectacular as an addition to any of the meat, chicken dishes.
Vegetables:
Egg Tofu Top with Mushrooms, the presentation is just delightful, for the vegetable lover, this dish is a must.
Entrees:
Chicken:
Orange Chicken, the chicken is lightly breaded, and you can really taste the orange in this terrific Chinese staple.
Meat:
French Style Beef Tenderloin, by far my favorite dish, the meat is so tender, and the flavor is sweet and savory with a nice well-rounded marinade.
Roar Roar Seafood:
Kung Pao Shrimp, big, huge shrimp with spicy pepper oil sauce, it’s a great flavorful dish.
Dessert:
Almond Tea with Puff Pastry, it is a unique dessert, with gorgeous hot almond tea surrounded by puff pastry, all I can say is save room.
Ding is the manager; he is very sweet and was so welcoming. I am not going to get into all the side bars, descriptions, and history of this place, I am just going to tell you that when you want authentic delicious Chinese dim sum and menu items – this is the place to go, it’s just that good!
This was a Chinese Restaurant for many years, but their business was not doing great, their prices were rising, and their food was traditional Chinese fast food. Now Noodle Art has taken over in the same space. What sets them apart is their amazing homemade noodles, they have smaller type Chow mein noodles and then thin large flat noodles at very reasonable prices. When I went there, there were people waiting in line. They also have another location with a more extensive menu in Monterey Park.
Here’s What I Tried:
Drinks:
Honey Jasmine Iced Tea, not too sweet and the perfect thirst quencher for some of the spicy dishes.
Snow Pear with Rock Sugar, this one is sweet, but with a lovely pear flavor.
Appetizers:
Cold Noodles with Chili Oil, sesame sauce, cucumbers, these are thin large flat noodles with rich spicy flavor, a great menu item.
Chinese Pork Hamburger, this is hearty and delicious, and for the price it is truly amazing.
Cumin Beef Hamburger, this flavor of this is spectacular, great cumin nuance makes this for a great sandwich.
Signature Dry Noodle:
Three Toppings Spicy Handmade Noodles with pepper oil. The prices are so great, you can’t find a big bowl of handmade noodles for such a nice low price anywhere, most ramen or soba noodles are getting very expensive. This dish is very flavorful, with spicy flavors and many toppings to choose from.
Stir Fried Handmade Noodle with Beef, vegetables, egg, with a cumin sauce. These are the thinner Chow mein type noodles, the flavor is just incredible, this would be my go-to dish.
Rice Dishes:
Fried Rice with vegetables, egg, and shrimp. This rice is very subtle, with carrots and peas, and a nice egg flavor throughout.
I love all things about the Framers Market. I worked there in my early teens. So anytime I get the opportunity to do a tasting at any of their restaurants, I am excited. Owner Vincent Benoliel calls this new incarnation Safta after his beloved grandmother Lisou. There is another location in New York City as well.
Nestled at the corner of 3rd & Fairfax, Savta offers a rustic-chic haven where Californian innovation meets a blend of French and Mediterranean traditions. From fresh, house-made croissants and brunch classics to wood fired pizzas, vegetable-forward dishes, each plate reflects owner Vincent Benoliel’s care and creativity. Guests can escape the hustle and bustle in a space that embraces LA’s casual charm and rich food heritage set to the backdrop of a historic icon. Embracing their success in NYC, the Los Angeles location is SAVTA’s second restaurant. Vincent owns some other very popular restaurants in the market as well, my favorite is Pasta Corner, where they make all of their pasta, fresh and made to order.
Manager Santiago Barejo moved from New York City, where he worked at their Savta location, he told me he goes back and forth from their NYC Village location, he helped open this one a few weeks back. He is very excited to see the success of this location.
Cocktails:
Prosecco, a nice light way to start my delicious experience.
Vodka Martini, traditorio in a proper martini glass. This martini didn’t disappoint, it was just the perfect amount of olive juice and vermouth, with chilled shards of ice in the glass, just the best!
Passion Fruit Margarita, 818 Blanco Tequila, passion fruit puree, triple sec. & tajin. A beautiful, sweet margarita, it goes down very easy!
Starters:
Manila Clams Au Gratin, butter, parsley, olive oil, panko. These are small little clams that are served open face, but the mix and marriage of ingredients are just spectacular.
Vegetables:
Sautéed Corn, feta, yogurt, cilantro, chili flakes, shallots and spring onions. The combination of all of these flavors is so amazing, it’s a bit on the sweet and sour side from the sweet corn and then the feta and yogurt. Whatever the flavor profile is, it is a must try.
Japanese Eggplant with agrodolce, cherry tomato, tahini, sumac, cilantro. The Tahini is very pronounced which is a delicious way to flavor eggplant, another great menu item.
Wood Fired Pizza:
Mushroom, fontina cheese, parmesan, thyme, oregano, truffle tremor. This is a great pizza, the ingredients and the crust, I just loved it. Their pizza oven cooks at 1000 degrees.
New Caledonia Blue Prawns, extra virgin olive oil, shallots, garlic, onions, red pepper and tomatoes. The prawns were super fresh and delicate, with the rich garlic flavor, truly a winner.
Vincent oversaw the design with The Superior Home Remodeling group, he implemented his ideas into the architectural plans, so all of what you see as far as the design’s inception was created by him.
About Savta:
Savta is more than just a restaurant—it’s a heartfelt homage to Vincent’s beloved grandmother, the woman who taught him everything he knows about food and cooking. Naming the restaurant Savta is his way of celebrating her legacy, her wisdom, and the countless hours he spent with her in the kitchen. Every dish they serve is a reflection of her teachings, filled with the love, tradition, and culinary skills she passed down to Vincent. At Savta, they invite you to experience the warmth and flavor that shaped our passion for cooking, and that continues to inspire our menu today. They have live music every Sunday and brunch from 11am-3pm. It’s a lovely
Another glorious day in Hollywood, with Award Season in full bloom. Even though its February it feels like its spring or summer. This year’s Wow Creations Oscar Suite did not disappoint, with all of the bells in whistles, it was super fun, and action packed. Where all of the nominees, and celebrities go to get gifted, and have a bite and a cocktail, it was all there ready to be enjoyed. They had champagne, margaritas, pizza and great Italian focaccia sandwiches, all super yummy and the perfect way to keep up your energy, being happy and satiated.
Here are The Brands Represented:
Art Lewin Bespoke, M Blues Labs, Linen Society, The Healing Trilogy, Holy Caramel, Eat Vesti, Tobin James, Skin Intervention, Celebrity Your Everyday Action, Caribbean Living Magazine, Comfy Dental Studios, Philipe De la Cruz, Katt Works, The Figaro, Edanugo, Flow Tasty Treats, Wine Away, Drink Parch, Manlabs, Galit Ventura Rozen, Sony Apaz, Flows Tasty Treats, Kattworks Kollection, Mike & Niki’s Honey, Artist Miki Goto, Roxanne’s Biscotti, ifs, ands, & butts, L.Misty Art, Chrome Hair Beauty, The Figaro Co, Chroma, Bluelene, Kiyo Wall Art, Saya Works, “Because I Care” – Estate Planning Journal, Attorney, Rena McDonald, Hisayo Jewelry, G.L.A.M., Dr. Zoe Indigo MD Skin Care, “Awaking to the Fifth Dimension” by – Kimberely Meredith. Sonya Paz Artist, Nurikaetai Art, and Jinsui.
Some of the celebrity attendees, Director of Anora, Sean Baker, Yuro Borioz actor from Anora, Janty Yates from Gladiator II, Liz Kearney from Memories of a Snail. Legend Cheech Marin, and Kato Kaelin.
It was all super fun, with lots of things to see and gifts to be given. I always love the energy and seeing all of my Hollywood friends. Thanks again Wow Creations!
Wow Creations
Universal Hilton
Universal City
555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608
I saw that many of my fellow food writers were doing food reviews last year when Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge first opened. I felt like I missed the boat on those tastings. Then I went to Taste of Conejo with wanting to make inroads with Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge at that event. Bingo, I did and was so pleased when I reached out to their assistant general manager Giovanni H. – he welcomed me with open arms. But what I didn’t know was how wonderful the rest of the staff at Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge are and how they made me feel.
My server Rebecca was the icing on the cake, she was smart, quick, fun, and gave me some much great information about all the things that go into the success of this terrific spot Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge. Every staff member has a great attitude, from busser Guillermo, Sous Chef Jorge Vera, F&B Manager Nicole, Chantal the hostess, to bartender Paul Rodriguez. Each of every one of these great staff made me feel super important and very special. Then the CEO – Steve Ortmann who was so nice, he has been on property since 2012, who came from Las Vegas. He is super young but very ambitious, he said that he wants customers to know that they are all about their hospitality.
Designer’s Sarah Levy and Eddie Bitton did such a great job of creating lovely vignettes throughout the interior and patio areas. There is a flower wall which is so perfect for all of your social media moments. The patio is very inviting, Sunday brunch is just perfect for this space. There is even a Veuve Clicquot room for diners or special events. The dining room has many different areas for romance, business meetings, girls’ night out, it’s all a very elevated, elegant experience.
Here’s What I Tried:
Cocktail:
Traditional Martini, with their house vodka, and the vermouth was gently splashed, the cocktail was fantastic.
To Share:
Cajun Fried Shrimp, lovely large fried shrimp with a nice remoulade and dipping sauce, and lemon. These are fat juicy shrimps that are fried, and the dipping sauce is off the charts.
Raw:
Ahi Tuna Poke, with spicy kimchi mayo, seaweed salad, avocado mousse, Fresno chili, and crispy wontons. The flavor has a lot of Asian influences, but the overall taste for me was Japanese, with a great blend of umami, another great menu item. (Umami is a savory taste that’s one of the five basic tastes, along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It’s a Japanese term that means “savory”.)
Hamachi Crudo, sesame ponzu, daikon radish, micro wasabi, gooseberries, and smoked trout row. The Hamachi is sliced nice and thin, and the smoked trout row made it other worldly.
Salad:
Harvest Salad, with yellow beets, a lovely arugula, candied pecans, maple balsamic vinaigrette and feta cheese. This salad was very fragrant, with the marriage of all these great flavors.
Pizza: Margarita, with marinara sauce, buffalo mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and basil chiffonade. Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge get its mother dough from Italy, which is 238 years old, amazing!
Entrees:
Prime Filet, with melted leeks, green beans, duck fat, Yukon potato rosti, and Szechuan jus. The steak was cooked rare and was very tasty, with the super nice, melted leeks. The showstopper was the duck fat Yukon potatoes, the duck fat was very decadent.
Pan Seared Sea Bass, with couscous, seasonal vegetables, fried sun chokes, and citrus mango sauce. The fish is flaky and moist, while the citrus mango sauce adds another layer of goodness, just impeccable.
Smash Burger, double beef patty, bacon, onion jam, smoked cheddar, lettuce, caramelized onions, tomatoes, and a special sauce. All of these extras for this burger, make it truly exceptional.
Butternut Squash Risotto, risotto, mushrooms conserva, parmesan truffle foam, toasted hazelnuts, and fried sage. This was one of my favorite dishes, I would order this every time.
Sides:
Homemade Sourdough Focaccia with whipped seasonal butter. You just have to indulge in their homemade focaccia, it is perfect!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. These have a nice cheesy crust on top, just a lovely side dish.
Broccolini with lemon and parmesan. You always should add a bit of vegetable to your dining experience, and these are just great.
Dessert:
Carrot Cake, mounds of great icing make for one incredible dessert.
Black Forest Cake, this one will make a chocolate lover come back for more.
Red Velvet Cake with cocoa nibs. Pastry Chef Reice made the most delicious cakes, I am so sure that everything he does is just stellar.
Homemade Vanilla Gelato, this is really Gelato at its best, a must try, so save room.
Wine:
Cabernet Sauvignon – Justin, ’21, Paso Robles. This wine paints a lush, gorgeous fruit forward picture – paired with the steak. All of my senses were heightened from the bold, jammy textures and fragrances. They have a very nice wine list, with so many that you can order by the glass.
Esteemed Owner and founder, Harry Selvin passed away recently but left a remarkable legacy with Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge, He was a distinguished gentleman of 97 years, whose remarkable journey through the realms of hospitality, music, and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark in the community. As an entrepreneur with an innate flair for innovation, Mr. Selvin’s embarked on a new culinary adventure with the opening of Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge. Here, his vision for culinary excellence met his passion for creating spaces where people can come together to savor life’s moments. His love for music intertwines seamlessly with his dedication to the art of hospitality. Having acquired a team with decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Selvin embraced the opportunity of creating memorable experiences for guests. Each aspect of Selvin’s reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence, from the warm welcome at the door, to the exquisite flavors that dance on your palate.
Every dish tells a tale, and every moment is infused with the timeless charm of hospitality and music. At Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge they celebrate the passion and legacy of Mr. Selvin and indulge in an experience that transcends the ordinary.
Steven Ortmann took time out of his busy schedule to tell me all about both Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge and its sister property Palm Garden hotel. Steven wants me to come back and do a stay there as well as another dinner and brunch just to make sure I am really a fan, so I will go along with all of it, stay tuned!!!
About Steven Ortmann – Chief Operating Officer:
Steven’s dedication and passion for service shine through in every aspect of his work. Beginning his illustrious career in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, Steven has always been determined to create timeless experiences for his guests. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he continually seeks to elevate the standards of hospitality to create unforgettable memories.
A true visionary in the hospitality industry, Steven is renowned for his creativity and passion. His innovative approach to guest experiences has earned him multiple awards and accolades throughout his impressive 19-year career.
Notably, he was honored with the Outstanding General Manager of the Year award by the California Hotel & Lodging Association, as well as inclusion in the prestigious 30 Under 30 list for his exceptional leadership at the Palm Garden Hotel. Additionally, Steven’s contributions to the community have been recognized with the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under Forty Award, highlighting his instrumental role as President and Chairman of the Conejo Valley Tourism Improvement District.
Driven by his unwavering dedication to service and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Steven continues to make strides in his career while giving back to the industry and community he cherishes. As a founding board member of the Conejo Valley Tourism Improvement District and a valued member of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Advisory Council for Cal Lutheran University, Steven remains deeply committed to shaping the future of hospitality. With boundless passion and a commitment to exceeding expectations, Steven Ortmann is poised to continue enriching the guest experience and leaving an indelible mark on the hospitality landscape for years to come.
Steven Ortmann wanted my readers to know, that when you come to Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge you will find it a hospitality focused – curated experience, and its elevated dining will guarantee many lasting memories.
The Gower Gulch is a mini strip mall and has seen its share of many restaurants. All types of food, from all over the world, have had much success in the Gower Gulch. Vala Kitchen is one of these new fabulous restaurants that really is a great addition to Hollywood and the Gower Gulch. The day I went they had many happy customers dining on their very wonderful Persian inspired cuisine. Everybody I spoke with said it was the best Persian food in Los Angeles, better than Persian cuisine in Little Tehran on Westwood Boulevard, which is really amazing. One gal told me she came in from my old childhood neighborhood, Carthay area, she was happy she did. Another adventurous diner came in from the westside and usually frequents places on Westwood Blvd., she loves the food at Vala Kitchen. After trying some menu items, I will agree. Owner’s Sam Mirhadi and Mo Naderi have made sure that their food is the perfect remedy for those that crave their homelands delicious cuisine. Vala Kitchen has caught on amongst the local community as well as the Persian community. I noticed that they’re putting a Grocery Outlet where the drugstore used to be in The Gower Gulch, which is a huge plus for Hollywood as well as for me. The Grocery Outlet happens to be one of my favorite places to shop. The closest one is downtown LA – which means for Vala Kitchen, it will be getting lots of foot traffic. The food is fresh, clean and flavorful, and the service and the staff make you feel like you’re eating in their own kitchen. They do not have a liquor license, but they said they will be getting one very soon. It really did not matter to me because their lemonade was super refreshing.
Here’s what I tried:
Drink:
Lemonade, not too sweet and super thirst quenching.
Pita Bread and Butter, of course you are going to eat this lovely pita bread with their delicious eggplant and hummus.
Soup:
Harmony Soup, lentil soup with onion strings on the top. A very rich hearty soup. The perfect way to start my terrific lunch.
Appetizers:
Persian Eggplant, it is a beautiful presentation, with a drizzle of a yogurt cream sauce. The flavor is so lovely, served with crispy onion strings on top.
Torshi, Vegetable pickles. This is like a Mexican Escabeche or Italian Giardiniera. They are pickled and delicious.
A Mezza platter, with falafel, hummus, tahini, cucumber and tomato salad, and dolma, all super flavorful, with great presentation, I really enjoyed all of it.
Entrees:
For the main course, they made me a mixed grill of chicken koobideh, lamb chops and beef koobideh with white rice, mixed in with saffron rice. I never went into the kitchen, so I really do not know the cooking method, but it says on their menu grilled, the flavor was one of a marinade and grilled. Whatever the process is – it is super scrumptious. Alongside came grilled onions, tomatoes, and spicy green peppers. The rice is the perfect accompaniment, each grain was separated and cooked to perfection.
Dessert:
Traditional Baklava with a honey sauce. This is a great ending to a perfect meal. It is not too sweet, with a great cinnamon sugar flavor, and the honey sauce is simple, elegant and delicious.
My favorite dishes were the eggplant and the lamb chops, I would order these every time. The falafel had great flavor as well and was fried to perfection. I marked down my interest on the menu, and what you see here is what they served me. They have some amazing other Persian dishes that I will have to go in and try another time. This is Mediterranean food at its best, which is a really healthy diet.
The interior is very much a surprise, you cannot tell from the outside that it is designed very simple but sleek, with nice olive-green seat cushions and a monochromatic color theme. It is a calm and soothing environment, adding to the great overall experience.
So, when you’re in the mood to try some great heart healthy Mediterranean cuisine – come to Hollywood and try Vala Kitchen, truly a hidden gem in the heart of Hollywood.
