Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

It’s like one big mirage, only 30 miles away from Los Angeles. Up on a hill, with spectacular views lies The Pacific Palms Hotel; it’s just the most perfect staycation. With its award-winning views, The Pacific Palms Resort promises to put you in a whole different mind space, relaxing, soothing, peaceful, and just what the doctor ordered.

The pool is very tranquil, you could be anywhere, on a Polynesian island or in Palm Springs. It is tropical and revitalizing. It was a pleasant getaway from the loud bustling city. There is a bar there at the pool if you want to get your drink on. I had this hotel stay since last year, but they were reinviting the pool area, both the jacuzzi and pool are fresh and fantastic, just the right temperatures.

I was given a great food tasting at their premier restaurant Red’s, you can see that review on my website as well.

This is just the perfect place for a golf weekend, whether it’s romantic or just for the fun of the sport, it’s got some great golfing. There are 2 golf courses, Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort; come and play on one of their two championship golf courses, the Ike, and the Babe! Breathtaking views. It has pristine grounds and landscapes, and it’s exciting and rewarding. The Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort is one of California’s most noteworthy public golf courses, and a historical site as well. Some of the game’s greatest players have graced these links making it one of the best golf courses in Los Angeles and a memorable round for more than 40 years.

Their guests enjoy these championship links in better conditions than they’ve ever had before. This vintage gem is upgraded with 650 acres of new, lush, green carpet. Fully modernized for the demands of today, and our San Gabriel Valley golf club is one of the best to be found near LA.

The Eisenhower (The Ike), is a Premier Southern California Course. Designed by both William F. Bell and Casey O’Callaghan, locals and fans affectionately call this Los Angeles golf course “Ike” because it attracts golfers from around the world, it is fitting that this 18-hole, classic par 72 course be named for a popular world leader who also happened to love the game. Since reopening in late 2006 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Ike continues to win over fans with its traditional features: Lush fairways and large undulating greens. This course has earned its place among the most challenging in Southern California and can lay claim to it. It stretches 5,662 yards from the forward tees to 7,211 yards from the championship tees, with slope ratings from 130 to 145. It’s no wonder that the Ike has been the proud host of many U.S. Open Qualifying tournaments as well as LPGA tour events.

The Zaharias (The Babe) an 18-hole course is named for Babe Didrikson Zaharias, one of America’s most decorated all-around athletes. In fact, in a poll conducted by the Associated Press, Americans voted her the world’s greatest woman athlete of the first half of the 20th Century. Today, the “Babe” welcomes players of every skill level who are eager to experience a remarkable feat of design and engineering. Designers William F. Bell & Casey O’Callaghan designed the Zaharias course to be intentionally narrow and long, maximizing the expansive acreage of the hilltop resort. At 650 acres, the sheer size of the layout remains a novelty among golf courses near Los Angeles. It ranges from 5,363 yards from the forward tees to 6,821 yards from the championship tees. This par 71 features slope ratings ranging from 126 to 138, making the course worthy of the great athlete for which it is named. I actually saw a funicular that isn’t being used anymore, that goes up and down from the hilltop parts of the golf course. My recommendation is to get it back to working again, it really would be such a main attraction. 

The whole experience was stellar, and so close to Downtown Los Angeles, and it’s a great way to spend a weekend.

Pacific Palms Resort

Industry Hills Golf Club
Pacific Palms Resort
1 Industry Hills Parkway
City of Industry, CA 91744

Note Some Content Was Taken Off Their Website.

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When I saw the movie, I just loved Robin Williams’s portrayal of the iconic Mrs. Doubtfire, and Daniel Hillard, especially because Robin was a friend. I met him right before Mork and Mindy at The Holy City Zoo in San Francisco. But, what Rob McClure did for this show was just astounding. He is talented, can do anything, and makes it look so easy.  He was the true star of the show. What an amazing actor, singer dancer, and storyteller. I just can’t say enough about him. The other highlight for me was Giselle Gutierrez, her voice was pure and just delightful. A difficult part was playing Daniel Hillard’s daughter, Lydia Hillard. She really completed the singing part of the show for me. Of course, the setting of San Francisco was also a big plus for me.

About the Show: Rob McClure is an American actor and singer, best known for his work on the Broadway stage. McClure made his Broadway debut in 2002 as an understudy in I’m Not Rappaport. From 2006 to 2009, he went on to play several roles in Avenue Q, both on Broadway and on the show’s national tour. His Tony-nominated performance in the title role of Mrs. Doubtfire for the musical’s national tour, launching from Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York. In September, McClure, who created the role for the musical’s Broadway 2021 premiere, was joined by Maggie Lakis as Miranda Hillard plus the newly announced Giselle Gutierrez as Lydia Hillard, Aaron Kaburick as Frank Hillard, Nik Alexander as Andre Mayem, Leo Roberts as Stuart Dunmire, Romelda Teron Benjamin as Wanda Sellner, Cody Sawyer Braverman and Axel Bernard Rimmele as Christopher Hillard, and Emerson Mae Chan and Kennedy Alexandra Pitney as Natalie Hillard.

The ensemble included David Hibbard, Alex Branton, Jonathan Hoover, Sheila Jones, Julie Kavanagh, Jodi Kimura, Marquez Linder, Alex Ringler, Bianca Rivera-Irions, Lannie Rubio, Neil Starkenberg, Joey Stone, Gina Ward, Lauryn Withnell, and Julia Yameen. Along with McClure, Kaburick, Hibbard, and Kimura were also members of the Broadway company.

“It is a very rare and special event when the star of a Broadway musical takes the show on the road,”  producer Kevin McCollum said in an earlier statement. “Rob won the hearts of theatergoers and huge critical acclaim for creating one of the great musical comedy roles in Broadway history. I am thrilled that audiences across the country are not only going to be able to laugh and tear up at Rob’s landmark performance but also see a magical onstage chemistry with Maggie, a major talent who I first met when she starred in the national tour of Avenue Q. Our show is all about family, so to have Rob and Maggie leading this on the road, it couldn’t be more perfect.”

Based on the 1993 film, Mrs. Doubtfire follows out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard, who transforms himself into a senior, Scottish woman so that he can be hired as a nanny for his own children after losing custody in a divorce. The work, which features a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell and music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, premiered at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in 2019, making the jump to Broadway in 2021. A West End debut began in May following the musical’s U.K. premiere in Manchester last fall.

Mrs. Doubtfire is directed by Jerry Zaks and features choreography by Lorin Latarro; music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Ethan Popp; scenic design by David Korins; costume design by Catherine Zuber; lighting design by Philip S. Rosenberg; sound design by Brian Ronan; hair and wig design by David Brian Brown; and casting by The Telsey Office‘s Craig Burns.

McCollum is producing the tour in association with Work Light Productions, which also serves as executive producer and general manager.

The tour dates through July 2024, including stops in Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, Memphis, Tampa, Orlando, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Run, don’t walk to this fantastical journey. It’s just the best of Broadway here in Hollywood. I just can’t say enough about this production, the talent, the music, the sets; everything was simply wonderful.

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/

The Hollywood Pantages Theater

6233 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA 90028

(323) 468-1770

DoubtfireBroadway.com.

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Remember a time when crooners were king and all you wanted to do is have a martini and get dressed up in your gorgeous glitter and lace outfits. Well seeing Manee Valentine will just make you go back to a time when things were gloriously innocent, but oh so fun. His two special guest songstresses were equally brilliant: Pamela Clay and Wanda Ray Willis. His show is a show not to be missed, check his calendar and next time he is playing run don’t walk to see him in all his glory.

International Jazz Crooner, BMI affiliated and Recording artist, Manee Valentine will celebrate the release of his new album “Lucky 7” – dropped on June 1 (The physical CD will be available at Amazon; digital CD is already available.)

The album “Lucky 7” features 7 original compositions written by Argentine songwriter Ike Montana. Manee Valentine will be performing several songs from “Lucky 7”, and some from his previous CD “Red Soul”, plus he will dazzle his audience by performing many favorite American standards. Keeping with his 7 themes, he has 7 talented female jazz musicians accompanying him: Beth Marlis (guitar) Anne King (trumpet), Amanda Campos (sax), Sherry Luchette (bass), Amanda Mora (trombone) and Ana Barreiro (drums) His very seasoned music director, Karen Hernandez has many accolades, she burst onto the jazz scene in the 60’s, she has many film credits to her name as well, including original songs in “Pretty Woman” and “The Fabulous Baker Boys”. Alongside her is music arranger Carlos Luna, he too has many television credits.

Valentine has the vocal precision and control of many that have come before him, but he has a bit of a Latin twist in there for good measure. Manee Valentine says, “I just love bringing a good story from a great ballad to life, but in my own fresh way! I listen to all the greats and take away what I can use for myself, I take pride in having my own unique style, and I love what I do!”

As the Creative Director of 7Notas Music Designers & Publishing, Manee Valentine has an uncanny and natural ability to create lyrics and melody for his original songs. He specializes in adapting and translating popular songs, including standards and current hits.

Coming from Miami, Manee Valentine was able to get a real feel for what Florida had to offer musically. Miami is the mecca for rich Latin music and is a great place to learn the ropes. But he feels Los Angeles is really the place to be seen and grow as an artist. With Manee Valentine’s velvety smooth voice, and enormous stage presence, he can trigger emotions of better days, and toe tapping happiness of what’s to come. Every generation who are lovers of Jazz and Big Bands, will enjoy his rhythmic renditions and arrangements of the great American songbook. Truly a throwback to a time when crooners were gold, whether interpreting a romantic ballad or singing to the beat of swing, Manee Valentine is a force to be reckoned with.

Manee Valentine Posts:

https://www.lifoti.com/2024/05/lifoti-interview-jazz-sensation-manee.html

https://www.hollywoodvue.com/2024/05/jazz-virtuoso-manee-valentine-announces.html

https://www.woralfi.com/2024/05/manee-valentines-lucky-7-album-release.html

Manee Valentine – LUCKY 7

Celebrate with Manee Valentine at The Catalina Jazz Club for the launch of his new album “Lucky 7” on June 2, 2024 (pumpitupmagazine.com)

Jazz Sensation Manee Valentine Set To Release His New Album – Lucky 7

JAZZ SENSATION MANEE VALENTINE SET TO RELEASE HIS NEW ALBUM – LUCKY 7

Jazz Sensation Manee Valentine Set To Release His New Album – Lucky 7

YouTube Video’s:

Videos for his new CD “Lucky 7”:

“Lucky 7” is on – social media platforms: Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and most music digital platforms.

https://www.facebook.com/manee.valentine/

https://www.instagram.com/maneevalentine/

https://www.youtube.com/@maneevalentine9328

Catalina Jazz Club

6725 W. Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

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This restaurant is quite the find, tucked away in a forest-like atmosphere, in the foothills of Redlands. The Esri compound is right behind Benjarong. Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) since 1959, and is a privately held company 100% owned by its founders, Jack and Laura Dangermond. 

So, you can take the Arrow train and walk back a few blocks to Benjarong. Their back patio is huge and has live music on the weekends. The patio is tranquil, with foliage filled exotic vegetation. It is lit by twinkling party lights.

The night I visited included a great duo who played adult contemporary modern rock from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Where else can you find live music with great Thai cuisine. It’s quite the little gem in Redlands, just the best Thai food with great creative menu items.

Here’s What I tried:

Cocktails:

Thai Tea Martini, a great unique idea, so delicious and truly an imaginative cocktail.

Traditional Martini, a great way to start my delicious dinner.

Mojito, lush and tropical; just a wonderful cocktail.

Appetizers

Lumpia, deep-fried crepes stuffed with ground chicken, carrots, potatoes, and onion served with a special sauce. A small egg roll with marvelous flavor.

Fried Wontons, wonton skins stuffed with ground chicken and spices served with Benjarong sweet and sour sauce. These wonderful wontons are full of flavor and super filling.

Satay, with four skewers of marinated and grilled chicken, served with peanut sauce and cucumber relish. The sublime coconut flavors are heavenly marinaded and made my taste buds dance. This is a must-have menu item.

Coconut Shrimp, succulent deep-fried shrimp battered with coconut. These are coated with lots of coconut which makes for a very delicious and satisfying appetizer. Plus, who doesn’t love shrimp!

Salads:

Yum Nuer, slices of perfectly grilled beef sirloin in spicy lime juice and seasoned sauce with cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and scallions over a bed of mixed greens. A very tangy dressing that is both sweet and sour, with nice tender meat slices. It was a nice start to my amazing meal.

Soup:

Tom Kah Kai, a hot and sour spicy soup with chicken, mushrooms, and baby corn in coconut milk. A great, sweet, savory comforting soup. Their rendition was super scrumptious.

Wonton Soup, served with lovely flower-cut carrots and a super flavorful broth; just what the doctor ordered.

Noodles:

Pad Thai, stir-fried, thin rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, and eggs with shrimp and ground peanuts on the side. These are nice, thick noodles with very well-rounded Thai spices. They did a great job with this menu item.

Rice:

Gulf of Siam Fried Rice, a mixture of seafood, shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels, imitation crab, stir-fried with eggs, scallions, tomatoes, and onions. The rice is super flavorful, and the added seafood makes for one very satisfying rice dish.

Entrees:

Deli Fish, breaded and fried Orange Roughy topped with ground chicken, ginger, mushrooms, and scallions in a special sauce. They serve it with the fish looking like a flower, and the added ginger just melts in your mouth. This is one of my favorite dishes.

Pad Ka-Pow, beef stir-fry with chili, bell peppers, onions, scallions, and basil leaves in Benjarong sauce. Their Benjarong sauce is just superb! It is a light soy sauce-based gravy, and they use it in many menu items. The beef is very tender, and the sauce is very subtle with white rice. It hits the spot!

Yellow Curry Shrimp, cooked in a special, smooth curry with potatoes, onions, and coconut milk. Another favorite dish, the way they present the potatoes is enough to order this dish.

Panang, with chicken and tofu with bell pepper, cooked in a special, smooth curry and peanut sauce in coconut milk. Anything that they do with coconut sauce is going to be divine.

Dessert:

Mango and Sticky Rice, a sticky delight; it was a great way to end my fantastic experience.

Manager Tan mentioned that they only have 3 woks in their kitchen, and everything is made from scratch. Their head cook, Noon makes most of the food and follows their family recipes. She explained that her customers are very loyal and have been coming for the full 18 years of them being open. Server and bartender, Alexandra Olson started when she was 17, and was taught by Tan how to do everything to run a successful restaurant.

This is the kind of place that someone has to take you to, like it’s their own hidden secret because it really is an amazing treasure in Redlands. You can take the train and make it a destination lunch or dinner, as well as being out on their amazing, beautiful patio listening to live music. I would say to put down what you’re doing, and just get there; you will be so happy you did.

Benjarong

1001 W Park Ave,

Redlands, CA 92373

(909) 792-3235

thebenjarong.com

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This is just a spectacular theater piece. It’s got a very tough story, but with the actors and the music of Bob Dylan, it just explodes with fiery passion and extreme talent. The cast’s amazing singing and acting really shined through. But don’t expect a Broadway-type song and dance musical, this one has deep-seated meaning that takes place in a boarding house in 1934, in the shores of Lake Superior, in Duluth Minnesota. It’s all about the Laine family during the Great Depression and their friends and acquaintances struggling financially, with illness, and other life events. The musical focuses on desperation and its effect on the human psyche and includes nearly 30 songs by Bob Dylan. The story follows the family as they try to save their property from foreclosure, and the wife, Elizabeth, struggles with dementia that causes her to become detached and then have outbursts that are difficult to manage. The story is narrated by Dr. Walker, a physician to the Laine family. Nick Laine is the proprietor of a rundown guesthouse. The bank is threatening to foreclose on the property, and he is desperate to find a way to save his family from homelessness. His wife, Elizabeth, is suffering from a form of dementia that propels her from catatonic detachment to childlike, uninhibited outbursts which are becoming difficult to manage. Their children are Gene, who is in his early twenties, and their adopted daughter, Marianne, who is nineteen.

Marianne is five months pregnant, and the father’s identity is a mystery she guards carefully. Nick is trying to arrange a marriage between Marianne and a local shoe mender, Mr. Perry, to secure her future. The social awkwardness is complicated because Marianne is a black girl living with a white family. She was abandoned in the guesthouse as a baby and brought up by Nick and Elizabeth. Gene is unable to get a grip on his life, and veers between ambitions of becoming a writer while having debilitating alcohol binges, a situation not helped when his sweetheart, Kate, announces she is marrying a man with better prospects.

Nick has become involved in a relationship with a resident of the guest house, Mrs. Neilsen, a widow who is waiting for her late husband’s will to clear probate. They dream of a better future when her money comes through, although she scolds Nick for his constant pessimism. Also, staying at the house is a family, the Burkes. Mr. Burke lost his business in the crash. His wife, Laura, and his son, Elias, share a room upstairs. Elias has a learning disability and the family struggles to come to terms with their vulnerable state. Late at night, during a storm, a self-styled reverend bible salesman, Marlowe, and a down-on-his-luck boxer, Joe Scott, arrive looking for shelter. The arrival of these characters is a catalyst, changing everything for everyone in the house.

Girl from the North Country  – book by Conor McPherson and songs with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan. It is the second show to use Dylan’s music after Twyla Tharp‘s The Times They Are a-Changin’. The production premiered at The Old Vic in London running in October of 2017, directed by McPherson. Following the success of The Old Vic production, it transferred into London’s West End at the Noël Coward Theatre in December for a limited 12-week run until March of 2018, with the majority of The Old Vic cast.

It made its Broadway premiere at the Belasco Theatre, beginning previews in February 2020. On May 16, 2022, it was announced that prior to re-opening, the Broadway production was filmed for a future public release. Producers Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons remarked, “We feel that now was the right time to capture this incredible production … this was the right time with the right cast, and everything fell into place perfectly. This story is beautiful and deserves to be seen by audiences all over, even if they can’t make it to the theater,” while revealing that negotiations were underway to find a distributor.

Musical numbers include 28 songs by Bob Dylan that appear throughout the show. Each is backed by instruments from the 1930s. The Original London Cast Recording was made at Abbey Road in August 2017, and released by Silvertone/Sony Music on CD in September 2017and double vinyl in December 2017. The Original Broadway Cast Recording was made on March 9, 2020, at Reservoir Studios in Manhattan, and released by Legacy Recordings/Sony Music in August 2021.

Stand-out cast member, Jennifer Blood, playing Elizabeth Laine, had an incredible voice, with her physical comedy, she really steals the show. Ben Biggers as Gene Laine has a moody, lonely stance on stage at all times, but it’s his angelic voice that really captures everyone’s hearts. Sharae Moultrie plays Marianne Laine; the audience feels her. She is strong and vulnerable at the same time and has unsurpassed vocal chops, all making her a cast member to watch and cherish. All the other leads had their own essential gifts and talents to round out this terrific cast!

Music Numbers:

Act I

• “Sign on the Window” – Mrs. Burke, Company
• “Went to See the Gypsy” – Mrs. Neilsen, Company
• “Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love)” – Marianne, Company
• “Slow Train” / “License to Kill” – Reverend Marlowe, Joe, Mrs. Neilsen, Marianne, Company
• “Ballad of a Thin Man” – Orchestra
• “I Want You” – Gene, Kate
• “Blind Willie McTell” – Orchestra
• “Like a Rolling Stone” – Elizabeth, Company

Act I

• “Make You Feel My Love” – Mrs. Neilsen, Mrs. Burke, Company
• “Like a Rolling Stone” (Reprise) / “I Want You” (Reprise) – Elizabeth, Company
• “What Can I Do for You?” – Mr. Burke, Joe, Company
• “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” – Kate, Company
• “Jokerman” – Marianne, Mrs. Neilsen, Mrs. Burke, Elizabeth, Kate, Company
• “Sweetheart Like You” / “True Love Tends to Forget” – Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Neilsen, Company
• “Lay Down Your Weary Tune – Orchestra
• “Girl from the North Country” – Company
• “Hurricane“* / “All Along the Watchtower” / “Idiot Wind” – Joe, Marianne, Company
• “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You” – Orchestra
• “Duquesne Whistle“** / “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” – Elias, Kate, Gene, Company
• “Is Your Love in Vain?” / “License to Kill” (Reprise)” – Mrs. Burke, Mr. Burke, Company
• “Lay, Lady, Lay” / “Jokerman” (Reprise) – Marianne, Mrs. Burke, Kate, Mrs. Neilsen, Company, Orchestra
• “Clair de lune” – Orchestra
• “Forever Young” – Elizabeth, Company
• “Pressing On” – Mrs. Neilsen, Company
• “My Back Pages” – Orchestra

This is a show not to be missed since it’s an amazing story and includes Bob Dylan’s partial songbook. It makes you think about heartfelt chapters in people’s lives, and transports you to a time long ago, but not forgotten.

Hollywood Pantages Theater

6233 Hollywood Blvd,

Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 468-1700

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/venues/detail/pantagestheatre

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This is my charity of choice. Every year I go and have such an eye-opening experience. I bid on the silent auctions, and always win a few, this year was no different. It’s a wonderful way to give back and also get something in return. I just love it.

At 6:00 pm, there was a great cocktail reception-, with bidding on the silent auction. Then 7:00 pm dinner, which included awards, entertainment, and an auction. The dinner started with a beautiful leafy green salad, with a lemon herb vinaigrette. Then there were sumptuous, mashed potatoes with a medley of wild mushroom and baked chicken, with broccoli. It was simply amazing!

There were special performances by, The Divas and Drummers of Compton, and by actress & singer, Morgan Dudley (Jagged Little Pill, The Prom, Descendants). We were welcomed by the chair of the board, Alaynè Marie Sampson, and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Charity Chandler Cole.

The Casa Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Dev Stein, the Reimagine Award was presented by She Ready, and the Karen Bass Award was presented by Sydney Kamlager-Dove. Sponsors were Parton Plus, Amazon, and MGM Studios. Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass appeared in person and gave a great speech as well.

CASA of Los Angeles (CASA/LA) organizes the community to take action and advocate for children and families in LA County’s overburdened child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Through an intentional, restorative and culturally relevant lens, we train committed, consistent and caring adults who provide equitable access to resources and life-affirming connections. Casa/LA’s vision, is that all children and families impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems have equitable access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Make time for this charity if you have not already, you will be so happy that you are able to give back.

Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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Homepage

This is a great neighborhood place to come, let your hair down, and relax. The ambiance is casual, but what makes Jake’s so great is how the staff makes you feel like you are at home. And the food, well it’s just great! Part Italian, part American, but whatever you order is guaranteed to be tasty, fresh, and just fantastic.

Owner, Jake Litras, comes from a culinary family background. His father owned Two Guys Pasta and Pizza, so Jake really has a handle on what makes an eating establishment successful. From my tasting, he delivered delicious food, at great prices, in a cozy neighborhood atmosphere; what more could you want?

Here’s What I tried:

Cocktails:

Prickly Pear Margarita, this cocktail is so smooth, with great pear nuances, I just loved it.

Traditional Martini, they did a great job with my signature cocktail.

Cucumber Cosmo, a very refreshing drink, with a nice neutrally balanced fruit-forward flavor.

Appetizers:

Sauteed Mushrooms, whole button mushrooms sautéed in white wine, butter, and garlic sauce, served with toast points. These mushrooms pop in your mouth, with their rich garlic and butter flavor; a winning start to my glorious meal.

Jake’s Famous Chicken Wings, served with carrots, celery, blue cheese, and a sweet chili glaze. I opted for the sweet chili, which is also a bit spicy, but these are the best wings I have had in a long time. Their secret recipe will blow your hair back; a must-try.

Corkscrew Calamari, lightly battered and seasoned calamari served with marinara, ranch, and lemon wedges. A fun way to slice calamari, like a corkscrew, and they land very easily in your mouth. These are piled high; I would order every time as a starter.

Soup and Salad:

Broccoli Potato Cream Soup, a luscious rich, flavorful thick soup.

Wedge Salad, iceberg wedge, Applewood smoked bacon bits, carrots, tomatoes, red onion, candied cashews, blue cheese crumbles, topped with blue cheese dressing, and balsamic reduction. So, hands down, the best Wedge Salad ever. It’s their super creative ingredients that knock this one out of the park. Also, they make all of their own salad dressings. Pretty much everything is house-made from scratch, and it’s all very fresh.

Off The Grill:

Flame-broiled steak with pan-seared shrimp, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. A very tender, yummy steak with the perfect grill marks, just loved it. And the surf and turf part were off-the-charts good!

10 Oz. Grilled Chicken, just a stunning presentation, with nice crosshatch grill marks; a wonderful, low-calorie, healthy menu option.

Handcrafted Sandwiches:

Philly Cheese Steak, ½ lb. grilled and seasoned steak with sauteed mushrooms, crispy onion strings, roasted bell peppers, topped with their house-made cheese sauce, and served on a toasted French roll. It’s a huge sandwich, with a big, bold, and meaty flavor. A perfect lunch item!

OG Pastrami, grilled and seasoned pastrami, melted mozzarella cheese, topped with spicy mustard, and served on a house French roll. I love the mustard; it just adds so much flavor to this sandwich.

Wraps:

Impossible Vegetarian Wrap, there is no way this is not beef, it’s so flavorful, and you really think it’s meat. Just the perfect menu item for the vegan.

Gourmet Burgers:

The John Wayne, ½ lb. Angus beef, Applewood smoked bacon, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheddar cheese, and topped with smoked BBQ sauce. This burger is something else, with the very smokey Applewood smoked bacon, wow, just amazing!

Pasta:

Sicilian Combo, lasagna, Italian sauce, and penne pasta, smothered in marinara sauce, baked until golden brown. You get a little bit of everything, and it’s so enjoyable!

Penne A La Vodka, smoked bacon, Roma tomatoes, and basil, tossed in their house-made vodka sauce, served over penne pasta with shrimp. A delicious pasta, and a huge portion that can be shared with a friend.

Pesto Chicken, grilled chicken breast, sauteed mushrooms, tomatoes, fresh basil, roasted garlic, and parmesan cheese, in a pesto cream sauce over penne pasta. A very comforting pasta with great pesto flavor.

Stone Oven Pizza 14″ BBQ Chicken Pizza, grilled chicken, red onion, gouda cheese, cilantro, and BBQ sauce. The crust is thick and tasty; I just love anything with BBQ sauce! Their pizzas are worth the destination.

Dessert:

Cheesecake, homemade with strawberries.

Bread Pudding, homemade.

Both desserts were out of this world! I would just love to come in for their desserts. Chef Danny Meron really goes to the extreme with the ingredients to make sure it’s true perfection.

Wine:

Bogle Chardonnay, a bright crisp Chardonnay; it went great with the sauteed shrimp.

Bogle Essential Red, a nice blend of varietals that paired so great with the burger, and of course the steak.

Jake’s mom, Janie Dakan, redecorated the interior 2 years ago, she really spruced everything up. The bar has some great sports heroes adorning the walls, as well as many classic rock posters. It goes along with the great music they play while dining. They also have live music on most Saturdays.

Bartender/Server, Tess Emmons, tells me that 80 percent of their customers are regulars; some come as much as every day. They have 15 flat-screen TVs, so lots of these regulars are coming in for a variety of sporting events. As well as their nightly specials, they have a burger night, a wing night, and a steak night; all highly discounted meals. Chef Danny Meron came from a very well-known place in Redlands, CA called Copehouse. When he was hired, he had only one condition, which was to change up the menu by adding brunch and soon-to-be seafood selection to their huge menu. I am so lucky to be invited back to taste both brunch and the new menu coming in mid-June. Chef Danny got his wish!

Jake’s Italian Bistro & Brew offers up some very delectable grub but with a cheers bar type of vibe. When you’re at Jake’s, you’re family, and everyone knows your name!

Jake’s Italian Bistro & Brew

12170 4th St.

Yucaipa, CA 92399

909-790-8750

(Corner 4th and Yucaipa)

Monday 11:30 am to 8:30 pm

Tuesday 11:30 am to 8:30 pm

Wednesday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm

Thursday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm

Friday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm

Saturday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm

Sunday 11:30 am to 8:30 pm

Happy Hour 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday – Friday!
1/2 off Selected Appetizers
$2 Off Pints
$3 Off Pitchers
$10 Buckets of Domestic Beer
$13 Buckets of Imports

Home

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Cava is a great way to get nutritious Mediterranean food at a great price. It’s a pick your combo type of counter operation. There are many options, you can either have them do one of their specials bowls or pitas or you can choose your own. I opted for both.

Here’s What I Tried:

In my bowl, I did basmati rice, corn, eggplant, lamb meatballs, harissa honey chicken lettuce, pickles, different dips, and garlic salad dressing. It comes with a couple of pieces of homemade pita bread as well.

Crispy Falafel, with hummus, roasted eggplant, pickles, cabbage slaw, tomato + onion, garlic dressing, skhug, roasted eggplant that’s emulsified with olive oil and lemon juice, plus, parsley, onions, garlic. Red Pepper Hummus, something magical happens when fresh roasted red peppers are puréed with chickpeas, tahini, and garlic. Hummus, chickpeas puréed with tahini, lemon juice, fresh garlic, and salt. No oil here! A guest favorite and a CAVA classic.

Drinks:

Strawberry Citrus Made in-house with fresh strawberries and lemon juice. With great strawberry flavor, this drink is a true winner.

Blueberry Lavender, Made in-house from a purée of blueberries and lavender. The blueberry flavor is really all you need to know.

This review is short and sweet because it’s just the best Mediterranean food that is quick, no-nonsense, and not a big dip in your wallet.

About CAVA:

CAVA is the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, bringing together healthful food and bold, satisfying flavors at scale. Our brand and our opportunity transcend the Mediterranean category to compete in the large and growing limited-service restaurant sector as well as the health and wellness food category. CAVA serves guests across gender lines, age groups, and income levels and benefits from generational tailwinds created by consumer demand for healthy living and a demographic shift towards greater ethnic diversity. We meet consumers’ desires to engage with convenient, authentic, purpose-driven brands that view food as a source of self-expression. The broad appeal of our food combined with these favorable industry trends drives our vast opportunity for continued growth.

Cava

Westfield Century City

10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 2120

Los Angeles, CA 90067.

https://cava.com/news/century-city-opening

• Note some content was taken off of their website.

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Karen Salicath – Jamali’s 8th studio album, part classical, part new age – titled, “Angel Hanael’s Song”, being released on April 26, 2024, through Tunecore and on major digital platforms. Karen’s new project promises to gain international acclaim, particularly with the otherworldly way the tracks are conceived. The highly anticipated first single and first track, “Angel Hanael’s Song,” released on April 8^th, 2024, and second single, “Angel Hanael’s Joy,” will be released on April 23, 2024. The album cover art was created by Karen Salicath – Jamali as well.

Karen Salicath – Jamali has a very remarkable way of composing her virtuoso music, she is a vessel for one of her many angel guides. She had a head injury from an accident in 2012, after a 3-year recovery she miraculously began to hear music in her dreams, guided by angels, and the rest is history.

The angel Hanael, her current album’s namesake, is one of the seven archangels. Hanael also known as Haniel, is generally associated with the planet Venus, and is the archangel of joy and intuition. This album has been written and conceived in her dreams by communication from Angel Hanael. There are many roads for composers to create music, but for Karen it all comes organically, and pretty much is out of her control. Karen receives her music in her dreams from a variety of angels. She recaptures all the music once she is awake and at her Steinway grand piano. Karen’s ethereal music process evokes many emotions from herself and the listener, but it’s a rare phenomenon, all her own.

Karen Salicath – Jamaili is no stranger to success, she is a multi-award-winning composer, pianist, producer, artist, painter, sculptor, photographer, and a voting member of the Recording Academy. Karen Salicath – Jamali is also a very accomplished performer, having appeared 8 times at Carnegie Hall. Karen was educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art, School of Design in Copenhagen, she worked as a painter, sculptor, and photographer for 30 years. Karen participated in 180+ exhibitions in Museums and galleries throughout the world, including the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Karen Salicath – Jamali recent awards include: this year, “The Midnight Gold Record Award”, “The Clouzine International Music Award”. She is inducted to “The Akademia Music Award Hall of Fame”. Karen is the official nominee for “Elite Music Awards”. 2 Nominations from “The Josei Music Award”. Premio “Oscar della Creatività” – Montecarlo. Winner of the “Golden Piano Talent 2d International Piano Competition”. “The Academy Grand Award”. “The Global Music” Silver Award, National Finalist: of American Music” The Ernst Bacon Memorial Award”. and Finalist of “World Songwriting Award”.

Karen has had many accomplishments, but her music is what really makes her soar. She says, “In dreams, my music comes. In dreams, I hear whispers of angels, in the depth of the canvas of life are hidden blessings of sound, I paint hearts full story, brilliant, bold, of love, peace, and compassion.”

https: //www.youtube.com/channel/UCqtfv-THKB1U3bmtgSBi9bA?view_as =subscriber

@KarenSalicathJamali

Karen Salicath Jamali

Professional American Artist Painter, Sculptor, Photographer Award Winning Composer & Pianist BMI

Voting Member at Recording Academy/GRAMMY^® 
www.Kjamalimusic.com
www.Kjamali.com
www.Jamali.com

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Located in a very nice mini mall in Yucaipa California, on the main drag of Yucaipa Blvd, is a delicious half Chinese half Japanese eating establishment that will send your taste buds soaring to another dimension. Bella & Yang is a wonderful restaurant that must be discovered by everyone who enjoys super fresh delectable Asian cuisine.

The interior is huge with a party room in the front of the space, and a full outdoor patio. Bella & Yang offers diners everything they could want, whether it’s a large family gathering or a date night, you will get great service and just astounding food. The design is sleek and lovely with lots of Asian flair, and they play fun pop music in the background.

Then there’s my oh so lovely hostess, Bella Niu, who’s has a very remarkable story on her own. A breast cancer survivor, whose spirit is bright and very hopeful. She is so stoic about her health and how she has gotten a full remission diagnosis, a clean bill of health! With the help of her family and friends she has overcome all the odds. She depended on her friends and families for supporting her through her surgeries and cancer treatments. She feels that she is really blessed in every sense of the word. She is so passionate about her life and serving delicious food to all of her loyal customers!

Her son Oscar works with her as well, he’s the star bartender and knows how to make an exotic cocktail. Oscar is allergic to alcohol so he does everything by smell instead of taste. He can’t try any of his drinks tat he makes, but from what I gathered he is a remarkable mixologist, just the same. He is studying psychology at a nearby college and will be transferring to a bigger college very soon. Bella followed her son to the United States from Beijing, she came in 2017 and Oscars spent his high school years in America away from his mother. Bella’s family are very well-known food suppliers in Beijing, she wanted to do something great in America, by sharing her fantastic recipes and becoming a restaurateur. She only wants to serve food that is fresh, well prepared, and healthy for everyone. Her main goal is to please her customers by providing well sourced menu items, with both delicious Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Her Chef, Chef Yang, came from Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills, and her manager Jagger, really gives the place an added sense of fun, with his colorful personalty. Really everyone who is close by needs to come and try this wonderful food, even if you’re on your way to the desert, and want to stop somewhere that is great and economical, then Bella & Yang is your one stop lunch or dinner hangout.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cosmopolitan Martini, with Vodka and pomegranate, just so smooth and very drinkable, a wonderful cocktail.

Vodka Martini, traditional vodka martini with just the right amount of vermouth and olive juice, my favorite way to start my lovely experience.

Mai Tai, this cocktail makes you feel like you are in a tropical paradise, it’s refreshing and so good!

Sushi:

Eel, they give you 3 pieces, and they do this with all of their sushi, which is very different and very generous.

Dynamite Roll, this is a very nice filling roll with its very creamy cooked topping, so share it with a friend.

Yucaipa Roll, with shrimp tempura, crabmeat, mayonnaise, mixed vegetables, soy wrapped topped with avocado, eel sauce and mango. A delicious creative hearty roll, just a wonderful starter.

Appetizers:

Shishito Peppers, drizzled with spicy mayonnaise and eel sauce, some of them are spicy and some are not, but it’s a great way to start my enchanting meal.

Bang Bang Shrimp, with beautiful large shrimp, that are battered and then glazed with a rich sweet sauce, just scrumptious.

Soup:

Wonton Soup, with seasoned broth with filled wonton dumplings. This is a very simple soup, and the wontons are large and very flavorful. Just what the doctored ordered.

Salad:

Avocado Salad, with sliced avocado with a variety of vegetables. The avocado is sliced super thin with very lovely greens, and the dressing is just perfect.

Specials and Entrees:

Seasoned Hong Kong Style Beef, Filet Mignon. It is served in a sizzling platter with lots of onions, super tender filet. The flavors are strong and deep, I would order this every time.  I just loved this dish.

Sizzling Garlic Shrimp, it comes to the table in an iron platter that is both steamy and sizzling. I just love a deep rich brown sauce and there is plenty of this in this dish. Its rich aromatic flavors and fresh shrimp make this one a terrific menu item.

Egg Foo Young with shrimp, a very different dish, not your traditional egg foo young, it is fresh vegetables and cooked in egg and battered. Served with a warm rich brown sauce, and lots of it, and fresh vegetables. This new type of egg food young is better than any of them that I have ever tasted! A must have menu item for me.

Noodles and Rice:

Singapore Rice Noodles, with rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, and beef in a yellow curry sauce. If you love curry like I do, this dish is for you.

Fried Rice with combination of beef, chicken, BBQ pork, shrimp, and vegetables. I love a good fried rice with my Chinese entrees and this one does not disappoint.

They have a very affordable Bento Box lunch special and a truly amazing Happy Hour, you can try lots of their menu items for a nice, discounted charge. There really is no excuse here, you can come for lunch or Happy Hour and get the same wonderful food at very affordable prices.

Bella & Yang is quite the surprise, you really can’t tell what’s going on here from the outside. People really need to discover this hidden treasure, it’s just delicious food at fantastic inexpensive prices. Bella has really created something from her heart, you will taste it in every bite. She puts her whole soul into this establishment, she really cares. There is so much more food here that I have to try! It’s worth every minute spent here, like me you too will be so excited that you have such a desirable Asian restaurant so close by!

Bella & Yang

12045 5th St.

Yucaipa, CA 92399.

(909) 790-0001

https://bellayangca.com/

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