Le Parc – Hotel Stay – October 13, 2024 – West Hollywood, CA.

Karla Roque, general manager of Le Parc, is just a lovely lady who made all of my dreams come true. I do book many friends, family, business associates there, so this stay was two blocks from me and just a great little respite from my crazy life.

My room had a balcony, a very comfortable bed, a separate bedroom from the living room. A great bathroom and dressing area. You really feel like you could be anywhere when you’re at Le Parc; it’s very quiet and its very cozy. Not like a typical hotel room, it’s a very large suite and all of the rooms are suites.  Curl up by your private fireplace, sip cocktails on your balcony, and indulge in a movie on your flat-screen TV. You have entered a world of ultimate comfort, where your every need is overseen by Le Parc’s enthusiastic and expert staff. Complete with a step-up sleeping area and a fully equipped kitchenette with Keurig coffee makers.

Set on a tree-lined residential street, this relaxed, all-suite hotel is 2 miles from The Grove outdoor mall and 3 miles from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Plush, studio-style suites feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus balconies, minibars, and separate living areas with fireplaces and pull-out sofas. The 1-bedroom suites add kitchenettes. Room service is available. Amenities include free local shuttle service and a fitness center. The intimate hotel bistro and lounge features a seasonal menu served indoors or on the sundeck beside the heated pool and cabanas. There’s also a lighted rooftop tennis court. A day at La Parc is the chill Hollywood experience you’ve been craving!

Here’s what I tried:

Cocktail:

Traditional Martin with Three Olives, it’s a very large martini glass, but the shaken not stirred is the way to go; it’s icy cold and lasted throughout my dinner, so good.

Entrees:

Fettucine Alfredo with Shrimp is a must have menu item; its succulent and so delicious, I would do this dish every time.

Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes and vegetables; it’s a very large filet, cooked medium rare but more on the rare side; with great flavor, and the accompaniments were also terrific.

Dessert:

Carrot Cake, served with French vanilla ice cream, is a huge slice of cake with amazing frosting.

The pool area is wonderful; there is full food and beverage service, with a pretty happening happy hour and social hour event. The social hour has free wine; who wouldn’t want that? The pool is small but heated nicely, and the view is just spectacular. It’s the perfect spot for a bridal shower, ladies’ day, family fun day, guys day out, anything that requires drinks and relaxation. You can also enjoy rooftop pickleball, tennis, a rooftop pool, spacious suites, chic accommodations, and personalized service. Some of the best views of Los Angeles from the Skydeck. Sit back and relax in a lounge chair and sip cocktails poolside. For groups and gatherings, book a private cabana, which includes plush sofa seating and extra amenities.

A real staycation is just a phone call away, so what the heck are you waiting for?

Le Parc Hotel

733 N West Knoll Dr.

West Hollywood, California 90069

www.leparcsuites.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Jake’s Italian Bistro & Brew – Dinner – Re-Visit – October 11, 2024 – Yucaipa, CA.

I already knew that Jakes is an amazing sports bar, and the Dodgers were playing their do-or-die game to get them closer to the World Series. So, I called Jake and asked if I could come back and try new menu items as well as some dishes I never tried back in May, when I did my first tasting. Well, the Dodgers won and have now moved on, but what was so great is that Jake turned all the screens on with the game, and the customers were all in blue, doing all of the Dodger chants. It was so much fun!

This trip Jake’s Italian Bistro & Brew was all decked out with Halloween décor, but it still has the same charm that it had on my last visit. 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.

Jake’s Italian Bistro & Brew is just one of Yucaipa’s best sports bars; everyone knows everyone and you are made to feel super comfortable there. My server, Gisselle Munoz, has been at Jake’s Italian Bistro & Brew for three years; she was fun and knowledgeable. And Jake’s lovely wife Rachel is always very welcoming; it’s like you have known her your whole life; she is beautiful inside and out.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Traditional Vodka Martini with three olives, put into my favorite martini glass with ice chards, just perfection.

Blueberry Sour, with Stolichnaya Blueberry Vodka, sour mix, club soda, and blueberry puree, garnished with lemon. A very refreshing cocktail, a bit sweet, but it went down very easy.

Chili Mango Margarita, with 1800 Silver Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, sweet and sour mix. This has a kick to it and is very sweet, for the tequila lover, it’s a true winner.

New Appetizer Items:

Mussels, with a nice tomato cream sauce, these little darlings do not disappoint. With a rich and creamy sauce, and the mussels are super fresh.

Brussel Sprouts, crispy and crunchy with balsamic and ricotta cheese. These Brussels sprouts are just incredible, caramelized, and sweet, with the creaminess of the cheese – just stupendous.

Buffalo Cauliflower, with great buffalo dipping sauce, for the vegetarian craving chicken wings,  it is a delicious substitution.

Salads:

Caesar salad, with crispy romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, shredded parmesan and fresh Roma tomatoes. Delicious, robust, with their super light and flavorful croutons, just great.

Side Salad, with mixed greens, carrots, red onion, shredded parmesan, and tomatoes. It is a very fresh and crisp salad, with their great ranch dressing, a real winner.

Sandwiches:

French Beef Dip Sandwich, with ½ lb. grilled and seasoned steak and a deliciously thick dipping sauce. But the bread – their house French roll is just the best thing possible.

OG Pastrami Sandwich, with grilled and seasoned pastrami and melted mozzarella, served on a house French roll. Who doesn’t love pastrami, and once again, the French roll really steals the show.

Pizza:

Jakes Pizza, with grilled chicken, roasted garlic, roasted tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and Alfredo sauce. Filled with lots of yummy garlic, the flavors are just off the charts.

Burger:

Teriyaki Burger, ½ lb. Angus Burger, with smothered teriyaki sauce, topped with grilled pineapple, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pickles. A sweet, happy burger, the teriyaki sauce makes it all happen.

Wake N’ bacon, ½ lb. Angus beef, with applewood smoked bacon, fired egg, gouda cheese, and jalapeno, with house made Thousand Island dressing. This breakfast sandwich is all about the applewood smoked bacon; it just sets the flavor profile for everything around it.

Pasta:

Baked Ziti, with 3 cheese sauce, penne noodles, baked with mozzarella cheese.  The pasta is baked, so it’s got that old world Italian nuance – that I just love.

Entrées:

8oz. Flame Broiled steak, served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a side salad. The steak was cooked to perfection, with wonderful cross hatch grill marks, a truly amazing steak.

Dessert:

Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream, just the best cake ever!

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?

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.

Jake’s Italian Bistro & Brew is just the best neighborhood bar and restaurant; it’s a must try when you’re in the Inland Empire.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Late Lunch – Wangs N Thangs – October 4, 2024 – Venice, California

I was walking on the strand when a handsome young gentleman asked me if I wanted a sample of food from the restaurant down the small street Wangs n Thangs, but he was out of samples in his tray. His name is Seven, and he said follow me and I will get you a sample. After a long wait, he handed me a piece of BBQ chicken and a breaded shrimp, that was just incredible. So, I told him that I am a food writer, and he immediately had me speak to his cousin Atrayu’s wife, Cynthia Moore. She offered me to come back the next day to do an official tasting for my website, I was very excited.

The thing about Wangs N Thangs is that it is a beach stall, with no real dining room. So, they got creative; they have some tables and chairs on the street, which is a walk-up street, and added a large flat-screen TV, and they play some great urban music, and videos. That really adds to the overall vibe. The other thing about Wangs N Thangs is that the food is their real star of their show. It really doesn’t matter if there’s no official indoor dining room, because by the time you get your food you’re just going to dig in no matter where or how you eat it; it’s just that good!

They opened in January of this year, their first time owning a restaurant. Before this, they dabbled in other businesses but never a restaurant. Atruya is from Mississippi, so it made perfect sense to bring his memories into his food here in Venice Beach. He started by watching his dad cook and then took his dad’s recipes and experimented on his own. You will see him in the kitchen and Cynthia taking the orders in the window. I asked her if there were plans to open another Wangs N Thangs, and she said they love the beach vibe and would like to open another one in Miami. She also said she would be so happy to open one that had a proper dining room. I see a lot of growth potential for them soon.

Drinks:

Homemade Lemonade, the perfect sweet pink lemonade, they really don’t limit the sweetness.

Food:

Onion Flower Thang, a big, huge yellow onion that gets opened and fried in their special batter. Forget Outback Steakhouse; this version is the bomb, served with Thousand Island sauce.  I was just speechless!

Fried Shrimp, served with their honey garlic sauce, truly a real winner. The breading is crispy panko, and the shrimp is super fresh, it’s just the perfect fried shrimp ever.

Fried Oyster Mushrooms, they almost look like real oysters, but they are fragrant and succulent, delicious mushrooms.

6 Piece Wangs, they do a BBQ buffalo type sauce that is spicy and delicious, and the chicken is tender and so flavorful.

Fried Corn, well, I never!!!  Yes, that’s right, breaded fried corn, so unique and wonderful.

Mushroom Thang Poor Boy. It’s got tomatoes, onion, lettuce, pickles, with a great Thousand Island type sauce, and the mushroom is pure heaven.

Shrimp Thang Poor Boy, they do the same fixings as they do the mushroom thang poor boy and the sauce, and it’s really good.

Crab Legs, super spicy and they serve a great sage butter sauce with it. I just fell in love with this dish before I even got approved for my tasting, I saw their photo of this menu item, and really wanted to try this; it did not disappoint.

Because they do not have a dining room, they make do, but in the rainy season this whole area rolls up and closes, depending on the amount of rain each day, so be warned. Cynthia says they make allowances financially for those days that they have to close. She has 2 kids and 1 on the way, so her business is very important, she’s got to keep her kids fed, and her husband happy.

It goes without saying that Venice Beach is a staple in the Los Angeles community. It has cultivated LA beach culture among surfers, skaters, entertainers, and workout enthusiasts, and is a prime destination for tourists and locals alike. That’s why Wangs N Thangs is honored to bring their cuisine to the oceanside. Famous for their chicken “wangs” and chicken sandwiches, and they have an array of other “thangs” to make your taste buds happy.

They are always busy, tourists, locals, and everyone in-between. Word has gotten out about Wangs N Thangs; it’s just the perfect Cajun, southern, type of beach cuisine in Venice Beach. It is remarkable, delicious, affordable food. Next time you’re at the beach, try Wangs n Thangs; you will be so happy you did!

Wangs N Thangs

1425 Ocean Front Walk

Venice, CA 90291

https://www.wangsatvenice.com/
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Hotel Stay and Dining at Hotel Erwin – October 3, 2024 – Venice, California

I am the luckiest lady in the world. To be able to do a wonderful staycation a half hour away from my home in Los Angeles, glorious, fantastic, I feel like I was on a real vacation.

You know the cheers song, “Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came, you wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same, you wanna be where everybody knows your name.” Well, that is how I felt at Hotel Erwin – pretty much the best VIP treatment ever! But it really wasn’t too much, it was such a treat to have every staff member treat me like I was important, all of them knowing my name and saying that I am the VIP staying in room 613. Ok, and about my room. Pretty much at the west edge of the building with an ocean view and up on the highest floor besides the roof top bar High; we will get to that later. My room had a super comfy bed and a huge walk-in shower. Every amenity is covered, from the mini bar to the gorgeous view right outside my window and the incredible balcony with 2 chairs and a table. It’s very sublime, but oh, so amazing. They have a delightful breakfast, my new friend staff member Jeanne added so much extra, to my breakfast. She made me a latte, with luscious cream, and fudge sauce, plus a very spicy but good bloody Mary. The breakfast served every day is not basic. It’s got delicious homemade coffee cake, homemade yogurt and granola, fresh fruit, eggs and sauce, and every kind of toast and topping you can imagine. Plus, fresh juices and strong, perfect coffee. They also offer a water bottle and a water station area on every floor. As part of your stay, you can get beach amenities or use a beach bike cruiser, as well as be able to use their gym.

Hotel Irwin has many dining options, so for sunset I went to High Rooftop Lounge, which is their rooftop bar. They offer a nice happy hour, but I was late for that. I did manage to get a proper vodka martini and their super delicious fried calamari. This was the start of my culinary adventure. High Rooftop Lounge was voted #9 from Timeout for Best Rooftop Bar. Then on the first floor there is a lobby restaurant called Barlo Kitchen. I had their delicious, roasted cremini mushrooms with butter and chives, then on to their scrumptious linguini with clam garlic sauce. They were so generous with their clams, 25 clams cooked to perfection in their shells, a great, tasty dish. Off to their main event, 3 luscious lamb chops with garlic, and mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Everything was simply cooked to perfection and was thoroughly enjoyed by yours truly. The next day I had a great lunch at the High Rooftop Lounge to-go, lobster roll, super delicious.

A landmark in and of itself, Hotel Erwin is a love letter to the ever-changing spirit of Venice Beach. Located along the iconic Pacific Avenue, they distill the best parts of our culture, creativity, and community, so you can discover Venice in all its forms, the way it was meant to be experienced. With rooms and suites featuring balconies and sweeping ocean views, three on-property restaurants—including LA’s best oceanside rooftop bar—and all the usual hotel frills, Hotel Erwin is the perfect choice for those looking to experience the vibrant energy of Venice Beach. Their rooms and suites are designed to offer a relaxed, yet elevated environment with everything you need to explore at your own pace. Each room features a private balcony, offering stunning ocean views that make for a perfect morning coffee or evening sunset. Inside, you’ll find spacious interiors with contemporary décor, plush bedding, and all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay. Whether you choose a cozy room or an expansive suite, meet each day with beachside views and immerse yourself in the laidback luxury of our coastal hotel, where the only thing they overlook is the ocean.

I was gone for a total of 24 hours, but it felt like a week. I came back super refreshed and relaxed, just the perfect staycation. Next time you’re in need of the perfect getaway book into Hotel Erwin and check out this beach staple. Maybe you too will see new things on Venice Beach, that you never saw before.

Hotel Erwin is a – Pacific State of Mind.

Hotel Erwin
1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291

(310) 452-1111

  • Some content was taken off their website.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Late Lunch – Damasco Mediterranean Cuisine – September 20, 2024 – Yucaipa, CA.

I first met owner Josh Badwan at a local grocery store in town, he was buying stuff for the restaurant. He was very sweet and told me to come in and do a tasting. It took me quite a long time to try their food, but boy was I happy I did.

When you walk in you feel like you’re at your grandmother’s table; there are no frills in the interior, except fantastic food, which is the star of their show. They have been serving up this great food here in the Inland Empire for over 9 years. He also had a restaurant in San Pedro but decided that Yucaipa was where he wanted to make a name for himself in the culinary world.

It’s really a family business, Josh and his lovely son Rojeh run all of the day-to-day business, which includes to-go orders, delivery, catering and their restaurant orders. He has 3 sons, whom he adores, he is also super in love with his beautiful wife Nehed. When I asked him how long they have been married, he laughed and said, “1000 years”. He says he just can’t be without her; he worships her. His recipes come from his beloved mother Mary, who is watching over her family from heaven, but a huge piece of her heart was left in this wonderful food. Mary had 14 kids, so it’s amazing how she was able to do anything besides raising them. But she loved to cook and now we are all the bearer of her incredible recipes. People who know this kind of food know how lucky they are to have Damasco Mediterranean Cuisine in their immediate town. You just can’t find this quality of Mediterranean food anywhere, except for probably in Syria. And what really sets them apart if the way they use spices that you can only get in Syria. The blending of their spices and ingredients are very specific to their roots, their region where they came from. Josh has not been back to his homeland for 27 years; he says he loves America. He loves his restaurant and wants to keep every customer happy. When he gets customers telling him how delicious his food is, it really makes him happy.

Here’s What I Tried:

Falafel Plate, with falafel, hummus, tomatoes, pickles, and tahini sauce, chili sauce, and pita bread. Their falafel is huge and rich with flavor, a must try.

Hummus, with mashed chickpeas with tahini sauce and lemon juice. A delicious hearty dip that goes great with everything.

Dolma – Grape Leaves, with 6 pieces of dolma with a mixture of rice, chopped vegetables, and spices. This is another fantastic Mediterranean staple, just incredible.

Fattoush Salad, with fried pieces of pita bread, cucumber, tomatoes, lattes, black olive, lemon juice, and parsley. I would order this salad every time, it is tangy and crisp, I ate it with every dish and its adds a nice flavor.

Tabouleh, with minced parsley, tomatoes, wheat, mint, onions, olive oil, and lemon juice. Such a healthy dish, they do a great job with this one as well.

White Cabbage Salad, with white sliced white cabbage, carrots, mint, and tomatoes. This salad is flavorful, crisp, and fresh, just heavenly.

Lamb Chop Plate, with rice. This was by far my favorite dish; the lamb chops are tender and juicy and grilled to perfection.

Combo Plate, with rice. A little bit of beef and a little bit of chicken, both made me very happy.

Kibbeh Plate, with rice. 2 bulgur cracked wheat, minced onions, finely ground lean beef, and allspice. I love this rendition of another Mediterranean staple, just the best.

Josh and Rojeh played and sang some of their songs from their culture, which really made my experience even more enjoyable. There is an instrument table in the main dining room, I would imagine when they get inspired, they entertain their guests while they enjoy their marvelous dining experience. The instrument Rojeh played is called an oud, a short-neck lute-type, pear-shaped, fretless instrument. The oud is very similar to other types of lute, and to Western lutes which developed out of the Medieval Islamic oud.   So, I got a quick course in Syrian instruments as part of my overall review, how nice!

I really loved my meal and having some fun moments with Josh and Rojeh. Next time you’re on your way to the desert and need a nice lunch stop try Damasco Mediterranean Cuisine, like me you will be glad you did!

Damasco Mediterranean Cuisine

35045 Ave D
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 372-1727

https://damascomediterraneancuisineca.com/
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Wow Creations – Emmy Gift Suite – September 13, 2024 – The Astor Hotel – Hollywood, CA.

I always love going to the Harris Brothers Wow Creation Gift Suite and this one did not disappoint. Located on the roof top of the glorious Astor Hotel, with all the bells and whistles. But really for me the best part was seeing the Harris brother on the cover of Hollywood Elite Magazine, in their handsome glory. Their red carpet was all decked out with a blow-up photo of the magazine cover as well. This was their moment, and they took it all in.

There were some nice vendors representing: Longevity Forever Young, Healthy Paws Herbal Labs, Helen Ficalora, Dax Hair Gel, Morpheus 8, Marc Edwards Skincare, Wild Vibes Home & Body, Smoke Lab Vodka, Everyday Action, Shaquita Smith Spa Rituals, Vybes Energy Drinks, Myth Community Oriented Policing, Unreal Candy, Rachel Scheff Interiors, Toned Protein Gelato, and Acai Bowls.

They had coffee and cocktails, the weather could not have been better, it just was a very lovely Emmy Gift Suite. Now going to get ready for the Emmy’s.


The Aster

1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 962-1717

https://www.theasterla.com/
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Friday – September 6, 2024 – Hotel Stay – AC Hotel Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, CA.

I met Rita Simmons at Blue Birdy, when I was doing their publicity. We brought in many hotel concierges to try their food. So, when Rita asked me to do a complimentary stay and breakfast, I was very grateful.
The location is so spectacular, it’s so close to all the fun in Los Angeles. It’s on Wilshire near Crescent Heights, and very close to La Cienaga and Fairfax, so lots of stuff to walk to and see.

They have a small pool on the roof, which is just the perfect way to cool off. We had a brutal heatwave the day and night that I stayed, so their air-conditioned rooms and common areas was just a pleasure. The room is very sparse with a super modern feel. I asked for ice and was surprised when my phone rang, and a robotic type of voice said your delivery is here. When I opened my front door, I was astounded. A small type
R2-D2 robot told me to press a confirm button, where a top opened, and there was my bag of ice. About an hour later the same thing happened. Rita sent me a gift bag of wine and goodies and the robot delivered that as well. Just the most fun ever.

Their breakfast is super yummy, with lots of items to choose from. They had smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese, an egg dish, waffles, fruit, all types of pastries, really everything you could ask for in your desert needs.

I really loved my staycation it was a much-needed break from my crazy business life, thanks so much Rita!

AC Hotel Beverly Hills

6399 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 852-7000

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxab-ac-hotel-beverly-hills
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

MU Restaurant Martini Bar and Lounge – August 29, 2024 – Redlands, CA.

What a treat, nestled in the near downtown area of Redlands lies a Thai delight.  Owner Daranee Muongpruan was so accommodating, she was just wonderful in giving me a once in a lifetime tour of MU’s menu. I really got to try so may special items. Her brother Andy was also spectacular, he helped me along my journey with menu choices and explanations about the cooking process and Thai food culture.

Daranee comes from a long line of restauranters, and she just loves her role in this modern fusion Thai type cuisine. Prior to MU, Daranee’s brother opened a traditional Thai restaurant, and he brought her on as a partner. She likes to have a very strong team around her, so she can leave the driving to someone else, because she claims that she is not a cook. So, she prefers to be on the outskirts while other’s take the helm. She is more of a delegator, but whatever she is, Darenee is pure genius, creating this traditional yet modern atmosphere. When you’re at MU she will come and talk to you about her love for this amazing cuisine and all of factions it takes to keep MU on top!

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

They have a very long illustrious Martini menu, that is both fresh and creative. I had to try a few!!

Martini’s:

Thai Tini, it’s got lots of different ingredients including Thai tea, but what really stands out is the Frangelico Liquor, is that it’s milky and smooth, just perfect.

Watermelon Martini, it is very effervescent, but packs a punch, I just loved it.

Traditional Martini.  My readers know that I just have to try a traditional martini at my tastings, it really sets the tone to see how good the bartender is, and this martini did not disappoint. Micheal is their bartender and their chef; he is the true backbone to MU!

Appetizers:

Lettuce Cups Chicken, They give you three cups filled with great chicken and vegetables. This is a big appetizer so share with your friends.

Sauteed Clams with garlic, lemon juice, chili, and Basil. The broth is other worldly, and the clams are super fresh, a great way to start my dish.

Skirt Steak, spicy tamarind sauce, and coleslaw. The steak was done on the rare side which makes for one succulent dish, a real crowd pleaser.

House Specialties:

Alaska Halibut with garlic, cilantro, and Thai chili sauce. This is a huge piece of fish, with great flavor, another must have.

Bangkok Duck with Mandarin Gastrique, and sauteed vegetables.  The duck is super flavorful with it being medium rare and the crispy skin left on, another fabulous dish.

Seafood Kapow, shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams, fish, chili, garlic, bell pepper, onion, and Thai basil. So many tempting seafood items, all cooked to perfection, with a wonderful, sumptuous sauce.

Scallops With Asparagus. This dish has lots of scallops that are perfectly seasoned and cooked plump and light.

Noodles and Rice:

Pineapple Fried Rice, with egg, chicken, shrimp, BBQ Pork, Chinese sausage, pineapple, onions, tomatoes, and snow peas.  I am a big fan of the Chinese sweet sausage; I just cannot get enough of it. So that was enough for me to order this dish and enjoy.

Pad Thai, they do a perfect job of marrying all these exotic flavors, and the noodles are medium flat noodles, just the kind that I love.

Soup:

Tom Ka Spicy Coconut soup, baby corn, mushroom, and seafood. There are all kinds of seafood, and the broth is sweet and sour, a great rendition of this terrific Thai staple.

Wonton Soup with dumplings, Bok choy, carrots, snow peas, chicken, and BBQ pork. This is comfort food at its best, what you want to eat when you’re feeling under the weather.

Salad:

Papaya Salad, with cherry tomatoes, French green beans, shrimp, peanuts, and Esarn dressing. Such a fresh light flavorful salad, with a kick, great as a starter.

Dessert:

Malaysian Crepe with Rum, brown sugar, coconut ice cream, and berries. The presentation is just lovely with purple yam ice cream, an amazing way to end my glorious meal.

Fried Bananas, coconut ice cream. This is a showstopper, so save some room.

Daranee is such a hard worker, she only takes one day off and works 6 days straight. She really values her customers and their opinions. She can accommodate any dietary needs; you just need to ask her. She can do half portions, for any health situations, she can take care of you.  She drives to Los Angeles a few times a week to go to her very special fish purveyor, sometimes she rents a car and has her friends help her unload. She is just so committed to get quality foods for her clientele.

The interior is very elegant, with a fun separate bar and a nice outdoor patio. It is very comfortable, just the perfect place for a late lunch or early dinner, what more could you want?

MU Restaurant Martini Bar and Lounge has lots of regulars, I met the lovely Wendy who was eating a nice bowl of soup with a refreshing iced tea. She had a friend come meet her, I spoke with her after her meal. She has a huge history with Redlands, having owned a business there a few years back. She just loves MU and adores owner Daranee. Their customers range from locals to hospital staff, to doctors and everyone in between. The more I get to know Redlands and this area the more I realize how important community is and how close all these restaurant owners are to each other. It’s really a blessing for me to be able to try the different foods and meet the locals and owner and hear their different stories.

Her family has given themselves short American names so to not confuse their customers, but here are their real names for my article: Waikoon Chareonraj, Daranee Muongpruan, and Anuchar Muongpruan.

MU Restaurant Martini Bar and Lounge

309 W. State Street
Redlands, CA. 92373

(909) 798-7747

Hours:

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

https://www.murestaurant.com/
https://www.murestaurant.com/journal

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

August 24, 2024 – Lunch – Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano – Costa Mesa, CA.

When you walk in you feel like you are walking into someone’s cozy home, with all the nuances that would make you feel comfortable. Then you meet owners: Julie and Mark Garduno, you immediately know you’re in for a real treat. They both have been in business for many years, and have been serving Southern California since 1988 and know how to make their customers feel at home. Capacity inside and out is 37, and their busiest nights are Friday, Saturday and Monday. It’s such a homespun family environment that you see post cards from their patrons’ vacations strewed along the edge of the bar. If people are taking time off their glorious vacation to write greetings you know something very special is happening here.

It is real traditional Southern Italian Garduno’s Ristorante, it will make you love Italian family recipes all over again. But the star of the show here is their homemade pasta. This is not an easy find anywhere in Southern California. So, there’s your number one reason to get to Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano. The Bowers Museum did a piece on Mark, from the International Noodle Festival, and his pasta making machine, you can see it on his website.

Here’s What I tried:

Wine:

Prosecco, a nice fruit forward easy drinking Prosecco, a great way to start.

Chardonnay J. Lohr’s, this is a buttery, creamy Chardonnay perfect with the cream sauces.

Salad:

Caesar, with homemade Caesar dressing with grilled chicken, Parmesan and croutons, over romaine lettuce. A very garlicky salad, but so delicious. Get your breath mints out after you eat this great salad.

House Salad included a nice mix of greens, red cabbage, tomatoes, shredded carrots, olives, cucumber wedges, peppercini, mozzarella cheese, and a very tangy Italian dressing.  This is a great salad with all the bells and whistles.

Appetizers:

Calamari Fritti, a nice batter with lovely Italian seasonings added, and the marinara sauce was just spectacular.

Cozze E Vongole, mussels and clams, in a tomato wine sauce. Lots of chopped garlic make for one delicious dish, the clams and the mussels are fresh and just perfect.

Al Forno, From The Oven:

Melanzane Parmigiana, eggplant, mozzarella and parmesan. It comes in a nice porcelain oven ready dish, the cheese is melted, and the eggplant is soft and very fragrant, a great dish.

Pasta:

I tried the Linguini Bolognese, with a meat, tomato and mushroom sauce. I can always tell a restaurants greatness from certain things, with an Italian restaurant it’s usually this sauce. It is a slow cooked sauce that has many ingredients and done right it is amazing. They did a fantastic job, and the homemade pasta is just the best. Plus, Chef Daniel really knows how to follow Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano, unique recipes and do some of his own.

Fettucine Alfredo, luscious large flat noodles in a cream sauce with shrimp. Another homemade noodle that is so wonderful.

Tortellini with pesto, basil, garlic, olive oil, and pignoli nuts, in a cream sauce. Light, delicious and the pine nuts are the bonus. This is a great, wonderful pesto sauce.

Chicken and Veal:

Pollo Limone, chicken in a creamy lemon, caper, and mushroom sauce. Their chicken is fresh, all natural with no preservatives. The chicken is tender and is just the best super comfort food, I loved it.

Vitello Porcini, with veal, imported mushrooms a creamy tarragon sauce with melted mozzarella. This dish was another one of my favorites, the porcini is such a unique flavor, just melts in your mouth.

During Covid they had a huge outdoor patio in the front of the building, which really kept their business afloat. Also, the fact that they make the own pasta is really a huge draw. Their homemade pasta includes Linguini, Fettucine, Spaghetti, Fussilli, Rigatoni, Tortelini, and Cheese Ravioli. They have a pasta extruder by Pasquini, it’s the highest quality pasta maker from Italy. There are many restaurants that serve lovely pastas but putting fresh pasta in the mix, with every pasta, is a game changer.

Family owned and operated, with Julie and Mark Garduno at the helm, this is a ship shape operation. Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano offers traditional Italian favorites in a quaint and cozy environment. They specialize in Southern Italian cuisine with a touch of French. Everything on their menu is made-to-order including their sauces. They pride themselves on using the highest quality ingredients – their chicken is natural with no hormones or preservatives, their veal is Wisconsin milk-fed, and their seafood is always wild from Alaska, Oregon and Mexico.

At Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano they offer a complete array of authentic Italian meals. They have 20 different sauces to pair with your choice of pasta, and they encourage you to come try them all. They also carry a great selection of Italian wine and beer. Not only do they provide their authentic Italian experience at their restaurant, but they also cater meals for any size gathering. Also, for those on the go, they have take-out meals available. Their biggest to-go orders are Christmas Eve. They ask you to order months in advance to be part of this phenomenon many families are enjoying Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano during the holiday season. Whatever the reason or the season, now is a great time to try Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano.

Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano

298 E 17th St

Costa Mesa, California

(949) 645-5505

Garduno’s Ristorante Italiano is open for indoor and outdoor, take-out and catering.  

Mon. – Thurs. 12:00-8:00 pm

Fri. – Sat.12:00-9:00 pm

Sun. 4:00-8:00 pm

*Some Content Was Taken Off Of Their Website.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

COMPANY – August 1, 2024 – The Hollywood Pantages Theater – Hollywood, CA.

What a great rendition of this iconic show. Sondheim’s work is timeless, he was a genius in the world of musicals. With his creative witty lyrics to his storylines. All-encompassing the tests if time. The unique sets, with movable box type of staging, to the amazing talent, all a world winning show that needs to be seen and embraced.

Press Release:

Los Angeles (Wednesday, July 31, 2024) – Broadway In Hollywood is delighted to announced that the thrilling Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and George Furth’s COMPANY, winner of five 2022 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, will make its Los Angeles Premiere at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited three-week engagement, from July 30 through August 18, 2024.

Tickets are now available for purchase in Los Angeles at www.BroadwayInHollywood.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre box office. For current box office operating hours, please visit the official website.  

The Los Angeles engagement of COMPANY is part of the 2023-2024 North American tour starring Britney Coleman as Bobbie. It follows the critically acclaimed, sold-out engagement in London’s West End, and Tony Award-winning run on Broadway.  The most honored musical of the 2021-2022 Broadway season is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Marianne Elliott (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America).  

Producer Chris Harper said, “The extraordinary response to this musical masterpiece, both in London and on Broadway, was exhilarating.  We are delighted that audiences across North America will finally have the opportunity to experience Marianne Elliott’s Tony Award winning, joyful and laughter-filled production.”  

COMPANY, the musical comedy masterpiece about the search for love and cocktails in New York, is turned on its head in Elliott’s revelatory staging, in which musical theatre’s most iconic bachelor is now a bachelorette. At Bobbie’s 35th birthday party, all her friends are wondering why isn’t she married? Why can’t she find the right man? And, why can’t she settle down and have a family? This whip smart musical comedy, given a game-changing makeover for a modern-day Manhattan, features some of Sondheim’s best loved songs, including “Company,” “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “Side by Side,” and the iconic “Being Alive.”  

Sondheim and Elliott collaborated to update COMPANY, bringing Bobbie’s array of friends and lovers into the 21st century: Paul is waiting patiently for his fiancée Jamie to get over his frantic wedding day jitters.  Sarah and Harry try jujitsu to keep their marriage alive.  Joanne is on her third husband with younger man, Larry.  Peter and Susan seem to have the perfect marriage, until perfection proves impossible.  Jenny and her square husband David can’t understand Bobbie’s perpetually single status and are not shy about telling her.  All while Bobbie juggles three men: sexy flight attendant Andy, small-town boy Theo trying to find his way in the big city, and P.J., the native New Yorker who is more in love with his hometown than Bobbie!  

The creative team for COMPANY includes Liam Steel (choreography), Joel Fram (musical supervisor, additional vocal arrangements), Tony Award winner Bunny Christie (set and costume design), Tony Award nominee Neil Austin (lighting design), Tony Award nominee Ian Dickinson (original sound design), Keith Caggiano (tour sound design), Tony Award nominee David Cullen (orchestrations), Sam Davis (dance arrangements), Chris Fisher (illusions), Campbell Young Associates (hair, wig, and makeup design), Steve Bebout (associate direction) and Tara Rubin (casting).   

COMPANY began preview performances on Broadway on March 2, 2020, and, following the shutdown, resumed previews on November 15, 2021. The production was in previews when on November 26, 2021, Broadway suffered the devastating loss of the titan of the American musical, composer Stephen Sondheim. This production of COMPANY was the last Broadway production of his work that he saw to fruition before his passing at the age of 91.    

The production opened to critical acclaim on Broadway December 9, 2021 and was called “gloriously transformative” (The New York Times), “dazzling” (The Hollywood Reporter), “sensational” (Variety), “deeply funny,” (The Washington Post), “a phenomenon that should be experienced in person at least once in this life,” (The New Yorker), and “hands down the best musical production of the season” (New York Post).   

COMPANY played its final performance on Broadway on July 31, 2022, having played 300 performances (268 regular performances and 32 preview performances).  

The North American tour of COMPANY is produced by Elliott & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber. Anièle Fortin-Perkell of Work Light Productions is the Executive Producer.  

“The leading character of COMPANY has been born again in this gloriously transformative revival. Marianne Elliott’s enthralling production is a godsend.” –The New York Times  

“Hands down the best musical production of the season.” –New York Post   ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Yes, it’s really that good.” –Time Out  

“Dazzling! So Vibrant, So Alive!” –The Hollywood Reporter

Britney Coleman as Bobbie in COMPANY. Photo by Matt Murphy for MurphyMade.

It is a must-see show, run before it’s too late, only through August 18, 2024.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment