Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

Think 1942 American romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid in the controlled city of Casablanca. El Morocco Inn is all about Morocco and Casa Blanca, from its looped screening of the film in the TV lounge room, to its décor all over the property. What you don’t figure out until after you are bathing your troubles away in one of the hot mineral baths, is that this décor will enhance your overall experience. The spiritual new-age background music adds to the incredible heightened mood. One thing you will be guaranteed of for sure is that once you enter the compound, all of your stress will be left outside of the wooden gate.

The grounds are very charming as well. There are lots of hammocks and little nooks to meditate. There are fabrics flowing off of every available area, which in the wind adds an extra sexiness. One of their treatment rooms is in a small building on the grounds near their wonderful gardens. This very sweet little area is all part of the overall ambiance that makes El Morocco Inn  & Day Spa so unique and special.

As part of my 3-night stay, they gave me a 90-minute treatment done by Maria, which was pure heaven. She started me off using a soft brush, and brushing my skin with the circulation going up towards my heart. She then applied a clay body mask, massaged my scalp, and wrapped me up like a mummy. I was escorted to an outdoor shower that was still private with a shower curtain separating any common areas. Once the clay was washed off, I went back into the treatment room and she did a full body massage. What a treat, I highly recommend including this with your glorious stay.

They have a happy hour with their special martini, “The Morocco-tini”, as well as a lovely continental breakfast, which included: hard-boiled eggs, pastries, bagel, fruit, yogurt, and cereal. The best part of all of this is their French-press coffee that you make yourself, and is ready to make anytime of the day or night – what a very amazing touch.

My room was on the first floor and very close to the entrance. The bed is super comfy, and their small but cute kitchen gives you everything you need if you wanted to stay in and chill. The motif aligns itself with the rest of the Inn with Moroccan details, which for me was very soothing.

Robert, who arranged my stay was extremely accommodating, he is just so sweet. Anything your heart desires he will make happen. He extended my stay to 3 nights, which was so kind and generous. He is one stand up guy!

Dessert Hot Springs is off the beaten path, but something not to be missed. It’s about 25 minutes away from Palm Springs, worth the drive, in a very quiet low-key area. The hills are all part of the San Andreas fault, and they release minerals so all of the hotels are privileged to have mineral baths that are great for healing any ailments. After 1 day of soaking in the baths my body felt great, all of my aches and pains were literally gone.

I highly recommend this Inn. It is part of the Cabbi – California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns, which is a vetted website/book that only has the best of the best Bed and Breakfast Inns. www.cabbi.com

A truly amazing romantic getaway, but not just for lovers, it can be a nice time by yourself as this hotel is quiet and rejuvenating. Whatever the occasion, I would make your next trip a very memorable one by trying a nice spot, The El Morocco Inn & Day Spa.

El Morocco Inn & Day Spa
66810 4th Street
Desert Hot Springs, CA. 92240
760-288-2527
www.elmoroccoinn.com

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I must say I was truly surprised. I went to the grand opening and an industry mixer, and although I never tried the full experience, I was able to enjoy little bits and pieces of delicious food by LN2! LN2, a “modern gastro lounge,” opened early January 2019 with Chef Chris Robbins at the helm. The restaurant gets its name from the chemical symbol for liquid nitrogen (LN2), a substance that adds theatrics in the restaurant to both the cocktails and various dishes. This is a testament to the detail-oriented, chef driven food LN2 has to offer. Everything served was unique and interesting. Each dish, with its own flavor profile and nuances, Chef Chris Robbins and his restaurateur wife Mica Ray made for one stellar experience.

NJ restaurant was in this space previously, and while they had their own crowd, LN2 is a welcomed sight along a very hipster part of Melrose Ave in West Hollywood. Mica Ray did all of the interior design, she had her work cut out for her. She had some help from Maison Bertet Showroom on Beverly Blvd., they did some of the furniture that Mica Ray designed herself on paper, they also did some of the furniture for Crustacean Restaurant in Beverly Hills. Mica transformed this space into a lively modern experience, with deep purple plush velvet club chairs, lots of marble, a friendly bar, and cool graphic wallpaper and murals. There is a very user-friendly patio, which will make it the ideal place to come and meet up with your friends after a long week during those hot summer Los Angeles nights.

I couldn’t wait to do a proper tasting. For my readers, a piece of advice, if you love the food at a grand opening or catered affair, show them your love by going for a full sit down dinner!

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Proper Vodka Martini, it comes in nice large coupe glasses, for the perfect martini.

LN2 Cosmo with vodka, hibiscus, cranberry and lime. This cocktail is very festive. Its garnish reminded me of a peacock, and the combination is a feat in itself. After tasting it you too will know why it is their signature cocktail.

Blueberry Smash with vodka, cucumber, blueberry, lime, and mint, this is a very fresh light pairing of vodka with blueberry, a nice thirst quenching cocktail.

Melrosita with Mezcal, centerba, agricanto, lime, and agave, a sexy blend of liquors, that packs a punch.

Small Plates:

Soup of the season – Cream of Spinach. Farmer’s market inspired. I can always tell how good the food will be from the soup. If a Chef can make a killer soup, then the rest is easy-street. This soup was so delicious and great to the last drop.

Snacks, with Furikake chickpea fritters, wood fired bread, avocado goddess dip, and tapenade. The presentation is just fantastic, and the flavors all together make for one incredible starter.

Hamachi, with aji amarillo, kizami wasabi, lime, apple, nori, shoyu pearls, avocado, wonton crips. Lovely colors add to the overall experience, the Hamachi is cubed and extremely fresh, with a nice tag from the citrus, a true winner.

Shoppe fries, with pickle chips, mango-caper ketchup, and piquillo aioli. This was a very fun way to start this meal, the fried pickle chips with the two sauces do not disappoint.

Salads:

Caesar, with romaine, butter brioche croutons, kale, anchovy, and poached egg. The egg oozes its lovely yolk all over, creating the perfect sauce for this great salad, topped with crispy and light croutons.

Pizza:

The wood fired oven makes all the difference in the world for LA’s pizza aficionados.

Duck confit, with goat cheese, butternut squash, basil, roasted plum hoisin. Oh my goodness, truly a must have. It is sweet and cheesy, with the precise amount of everything. This is one of my all time favorite pizzas.

Shrooms, with Taleggio, truffle sauce, candied peppers, arugula, thyme, and herb oil. Another off the charts pizza, wow! You just have to try.

Caramelized fig, with saint agur blue cheese, hazelnuts, onion jam, arugula, aged balsamic. This pizza was served to me after my entrees, as it is kind of a desert pizza. However, whenever you order this pizza, it will be tantalizing and delicious.

Plates:

Crispy chicken sandwich, with jidori chicken, brussels slaw, butter lettuce, pickles, wasabi dynamite sauce, and tomato jam. The chicken melts in your mouth. There are lots of fried chicken specialty restaurants opening up in Los Angeles, but this will give them all a run for their money, it is just that good.

Black Cod, with sauce Vera Cruz, clams, roasted tomato, fennel, potatoes, chorizo, and saffron. The clams pop into your mouth with incredible foam, and the fish is flaky and tender. A great entrée!

Short rib, with mashed potatoes, baby vegetables, charred onion, and hondashi jus. For the meat and potato lover, it hits all the right notes.

Buffalo duck wings, with crispy duck leg, sriracha-tangerine glaze, celery, five-spice sherry caramel, 
and root vegetables. This is a very inventive dish. I can’t say enough about these lovely duck wings; the duck is tender and sweet, with an incredible caramel glaze.

Special:

Lamp Shank with creamy Taleggio polenta, Bordeaux reduction sauce, mushroom glaze and caramelized shallots. This entree was by far my favorite. Call ahead and see when they are featuring this dish again – It is heaven on a plate.

Sides:

Sautéed spinach, this spinach comes with a hint of garlic slightly cooked, making for an impeccable side dish.

Mashed potatoes, these potatoes will blow your hair back! They are creamy and smooth, everything you would want from a mashed potato side dish.

Mushroom Ragou, this was an ideal accompaniment with the short rib.
Market vegetables, these veggies are colorful and fresh. It feels good to be able to include such a healthy side in my meal.

Desert:

Carmel Corn with kumquat, on a waffle cup, this is sweet and sour, and also amazing. Vanilla crème brulee whipped cream in a waffle cup, my favorite one of the night, I just love vanilla and caramel. All I can say is WOW!

Milk and cookies with chocolate syrup and balsamic pearls, the balsamic pearls are the highlight. They pop in your mouth and are a very interesting combination with the chocolate, but somehow work beautifully.

Ice Cream:

They have a whole area designated just for their handmade ice cream. You pick your favor, all of the other fixings, and you have one heck of a flawless ice cream delight. Chef Rodolpho gets a huge “bravo” from me. The ice cream itself is so specialized, you almost can’t describe it.

Wine:

Vermentino Di Sardegna, Giunco, Sardinia, 2017. This is a fresh fruity wine, one you can tell is Italian. It was a great start to my night, and the correct balance between the Cesar dressing and the anchovies.

Chardonnay, Starmont, Napa Valley 2015. This wine was made for the Cod. It is a bit oaky and enhanced the unique Vera Crus sauce.

Chardonnay, Blindfold, Santa Barbara 2016. I loved this wine with the Duck confit pizza. The pizza is sweet and the wine is a huge contrast, which makes for a delightful experience.

Red Blend, Cline, “Cashmere” Sonoma 2016, this is a lovely wine with the short rib. It is jammy with a bit of a creamy texture, which adds another component of flavor to the enjoyable short rib dish.

Malbec, La Perlita, Mendoza, 2016. This wine was designed to be paired with the lamb, plain and simple.

I had one of the best meals ever. Their take on inventive, creative, and casual cuisine will make you want to come back for more. There is a bit of Italian influence over this delectable food, but the real story here is their Chef’s take on otherwise unexciting cuisine. Every now and then you find a new spot that engages you with innovative food, and LN2 Pizza Shoppe is just that. Don’t let the name fool you, yes their pizza is delightful and fantastic, but all of the menu items will put a huge smile on your face and palate.

LN2 pizza shoppe is located on Melrose Avenue in the heart of Los Angeles. LN2 is where the chef creates his own whimsical take on what he calls “the modern gastro lounge.” Utilizing his fine dining background and passion for tastes that “make us happy,” Chef Robbins and the team at LN2 offer an innovative, playful approach to comfort food right here in West Hollywood.

LN2 Pizza Shoppe
7212 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles 90046
https://ln2pizzashoppe.com/
Phone: (323) 917-5178
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 5:00pm to 11:00pm, Sunday – 11:00am to 3:00pm and 5:00pm to 10:00pm, and Closed Mondays
Social: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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In the glamorous W Hotel in Westwood lies an oasis of wonderful fully realized delicious cuisine. This is a true steakhouse in the finest tradition, but somehow modernized. The food is off the charts and the service was just as special.

With Executive Chef Robert Liberato, taking the lead, you know all of the food is going to be the best of the best. The Chef De Cuisine, Carlo’s Flores From San Diego, had previously worked at Divante Enoteco in Del Mar, and was also executive chef at Martini’s in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego.

My server Ivory was so accommodating and sweet, anything I asked for she just said yes!! She delivered an amazing experience of serious fine dining. Francisco Castaneda busboy from Honduras, was equally fantastic.

STK has a modern and inviting interior. We sat in a large dining room, which also boasts a grand bar with mirrored walls. The mood is romantic, with small float-like lighting fixtures that drop down from the ceiling. The floors are a cool slate, and the seats an elegant leather. I loved their wood tables and illuminated flowers. There are beautiful strong white textured walls and purple colored lights, with black walls. The ambient dance music creates an added hipster element, letting you know you’re not in an average old fashioned steak house.  In the summer, you can dine in the very inviting outside patio.

The types of customers at STK are varied. Businessmen, dates, and families all enjoy this hearty amazing cuisine.

Here’s What I tried:

Cocktails:

Martini, served up in a tradition martini glass, this was the perfect cocktail to start my incredible dinner.

Strawberry Cobbler, with Grey goose, fresh muddled strawberry, and graham cracker. This is light and fluffy, and has some good sweetness, a delightful cocktail.

Starters:

Tuna Tartare with Hass avocado, soy honey emulsion, and taro chips. This starter was delicious and fresh, and the sauce melded everything together. It was truly an elegant appetizer.

Lobster Ravioli with Maine lobster, Parmesan, English peas, and truffle crema. This is very simple tasting lobster ravioli, but the tiny bites of lobster and the peas just make for one amazing pasta starter.

Market Salads:

Market Lettuces with cucumber, heirloom tomato, market vegetables, avocado, and green goddess dressing. The vegetables are so fresh and pristine, and the dressing adds the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness!

Mains:

NY Strip 14oz: Their steak program is a one-of-a-kind curated experience, courtesy of the Linz Heritage Certified Black Angus Program. Each piece USDA beef is primarily from farms in Iowa and Nebraska, and carefully cared for from conception to plate. Linz Heritage Black Angus cattle are certified, allowing for consistency and the highest quality of marbled beef. These are great cuts of meat with delicate seasonings, so tender, you don’t need a knife. With all of these amazing sauces, you just have to dive in and indulge.

Sauces: STK, STK Bold, au poivre, horseradish, chimichurri, blue butter, béarnaise, Red Wine. These sauces will blow your hair back, each one having separate flavors.

Entrées:

Mary’s Organic Chicken, roasted winter squash – couscous – Brussels sprouts – roasted apple jus. Mary’s chicken is very famous, just about every fine dining establishment has Mary’s as their chicken option. This dish does not disappoint; their version of the winter squash and couscous adds the right touch.

Market Fish – Branzino, with black truffle rice, chili oil. This fish is so flaky and fresh, and the black truffle rice is so fantastic, a real winner.

Sides:

Sweet Corn Pudding (so creamy and smooth). This was my favorite side dish, creamy, sweet and luscious, just a must have side dish.

Creamed Spinach (fried onion on top). This is another one of my favorite sides. It has just the right amount of cream and flavor that makes for one great spinach dish.

Seasonal wild mushrooms. You just have to try these on top of the steak, Wow, what an amazing combination.

Spicy Broccolini (small onions). vegetables offer a crisp fresh take on a usually boring side dish, it’s the spice that will get you coming back for more. You must try these if you want a kick.

Parmesan Truffle fries. Instead of traditional baked potatoes, this will add the extra pizazz that you would want from your fabulous steak dinner.

Desserts:

Bag O’ Donuts with dulce de leche filling, spice chocolate sauce, and raspberry sauce. These little darlings pack some beautiful sweetness for the end of your glorious meal.

Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie with caramel sauce, hot fudge, and vanilla ice cream. I just loved this; it is served on a square mini iron skillet and its so yummy.

Frozen S’more, with graham cracker tuile, and burnt marshmallow. This is just so decadent, you have to try this.

White Wines:

Michael David: Chardonnay, Lodi, CA, ’16. A very nice light Chardonnay, it was a good pair with the tuna.

Landmark: “Overlook”, Chardonnay, Sonoma, CA. This Chardonnay is right in the middle, not too dry, and not too oaky, it was a good pair with the Branzino.

Sonoma Cutrer: Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, CA. My favorite wine of the night, it went so well with the lobster ravioli.

Red Wines:

Decoy by Duckhorn: “Estate Red”, Sonoma, CA. I loved this wine with the chicken, it just hit all of the right notes.

Justin: Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA. You can’t go wrong with this big and bold Cabernet complimenting the steak, its spicy flavors bought out the meatiness of the steak, and the uniqueness side sauces.

I have been doing these reviews since 2011, this experience will go right up there with my top 20, and it is just that good. Next time you want to indulge in a glorious steakhouse experience skip, the others and go straight to the STK. Enjoy, you won’t get this kind of food anywhere else!

“Not Your Daddy’s Steakhouse” – STK Artfully Blends The Modern Steakhouse and chic lounge into one – offering a dynamic fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse.”

Hours of Operation
Monday: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 3:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dinner Hours
Mon-Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fri-Sat: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Happy Hour
Mon-Fri: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

STK
930 Hilgard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-208-8765
www.marriott.com
https://togrp.com/venue/stk-los-angeles/

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WOW! Creations – The W Hollywood

The Harris Brothers always do a great gift suite at Oscar time. You really feel like a princess with all of the glorious gifts given.

Here is the list of gift vendors:

Amy Ron, Octopus and beach Picture, Shannon Justice – Cartoon art, Divine Spark Art – Woman with snake picture, Shine – Candles, Kat Trimarco – Book – self approved, Watson Style Group – Wardrobe bag, Tenfed – T-shirt, hat, Central Cali Caregivers – Miracle healing rub, Nutrista – Pink coconut water, Maximum State Program, Bracelet, 2 rings, G4 Tequila, 2/6 tequila, Shea Moisture – 4 in 1 all over wash, Manuka honey and yogurt skin renewal recipe body yogurt, Silicone free miracle styler leave-in treatment, Nyakio – soothing oil, Luxe bag care, Acrylic handbag hanger, SC Enable oil, All around booster oil, Muscle Vodka, Vodka mini samples, Mrs. Prindables, Caramel/chocolate apple, Meraki – Ultra hydration cocoa butter, CBD fast pain relief cream, Ganja Gold – Pre-rolls, Hats, Kashmira Professional – Baobab oil + biotin glimmer shine spray, Proliss – Diamond Collection mini straightener, Liv&b – Earrings, Corc Yoga – Cosmetic bag, Canna Hemp – Relief cream, Euphoria elixir, Focus elixir, Lip balm, Corydon Customs – Toy car, G Cookies – Lemon lavender shortbread, Zéa – Facial wipes, TBH – Conditioner, Mont Blac – 1 free black car ride, Toluca Lake Tennis and Fitness Club – 2 day pass.

The scene was very lively with lots of celebrities, influencers, and socialites getting amazing gifts, truly a fantastic event.

BudTrader – Hollywood and Highland Center:

Since Marijuana is legal is California, Hollywood is jumping on the bandwagon. There are many Cannabis type of events popping up for the Hollywood elite and this was one of them. There were lots of many great Cannabis products that were all high and mighty.

The gift suite was located within the Dolby Theater complex, where the Oscars were held on Sunday night. BudTrader.com, the universe’s largest cannabis social media platform, hosted an exclusive cannabis gifting suite to honor nominees and other film industry VIPs. The weekend leading up to the biggest awards show is traditionally a time of high-profile entertainment industry parties and high-end gift bags for nominees, but the BudTrader “Save the Weed, Save the World” event was the first ever all-cannabis VIP gift lounge to feature during a major awards show.

“BudTrader made history at the Save the Weed, Save the World gifting suite,” says BudTrader CEO Brad McLaughlin. BudTrader.com is the largest online cannabis social media marketplace. Its platform is available in the United States where cannabis use is legal, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico. Their two-million registered users can safely and legally post and reply to classified-style ads for cannabis products, services, jobs, equipment and more while also networking.

It was a star-studded guest list for the BudTrader pre-awards show gifting suite! Attendees included Craig Robinson (The Office, Hot Tub Time Machine), Trisha Rae Stahl (Glee), Dominic Keating (Star Trek: Enterprise), Daniel Franzese (Mean Girls), Andre Allenberg (Entourage), Blaine Gray (Narcos), Scout Taylor Compton (Halloween, The Runaways), Billy Wirth (Lost Boys), Vanessa Zima (The Babysitter’s Club), Farrah Abraham (Teen Mom), Tasha Courtney (Playboy, Playboy TV), Kristopher Maz (Rock, Paper, Scissors), Alice Ko (Silicon Valley), Tony Winters (Silicon Valley), Jill-Michele Melean (Reno 911), Robert MacEwen (Mindhunter), Tasha Courtney (TBL), Marc Cleary (director Pepper), Jayson Glick (Bethany), Ivory Broome (Speed 2), Hari Tahov (model), Kyle Shaw (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Cody Pressley (Stranger Things), Jake Jensen (Alone Yet Not Alone), Brent Harvey (Natural Vice), Joshua Lee Young (Beauty Queen Murders) and Rolonda Watts (media personality). Also in attendance were high-profile athletes such as John Salley (five-time NBA champion, BudTrader Advisory Board), JD Harmon (NFL & Ex on the Beach) and Ian McCall (UFC, MMA, podcast host). Rappers Slim 400 and Scrilla King were also in attendance. In a surprise appearance, Cosmo, the supermodel great dane dog who has modeled for Gucci, strutted his stuff for the 300 guests in attendance, and snacked on CBD dog treats from Bark Bliss.

Sponsors who contributed are among the most prestigious cannabis brands in the business, including Enerhealth Botanicals, My Best Bud, Josh D, Hashbone Vape, Natural Emphasis, Traveling Hands Massage, Pure Hemp Rolling Papers, Pride Wellness, Therapy Tonics & Provisions, HempZoo, LA Kush, Centurion Extracts, Bark Bliss, Rove Vape, NEWSZN, QWIN CBD Technologies, Highgarden, CRU Cannabis, Randy’s Club, and Rosin Bomb. Guests also got to enjoy the art of Doug Mau and High Art Studios; his work graced the walls of the dispensary in the Netflix show, Disjointed. Linzy of Linzy’s heART-work was also there, working on her latest cannabis-themed painting and chatting with attendees.

http://mybestbudca.com/

Rafi Gift Suite – The Waldorf Astoria – Beverly Hills

TAO Social Media presents Rafi’s Choice Gifting Lounge. Bringing back elegance and style for the Oscars this year, Rafi’s Choice will feature a curated selection of exotic and luxurious vacations, rich cultural experiences, rejuvenating spa treatments, fine contemporary jewelry and more to create one of Hollywood’s most memorable celebrity experiences. Celebrity guests attending include Spike Lee (Best Director Oscar nominee for BLACKKKLANSMAN), Marina De Tavira (Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee for ROMA), Peter Farrelly (Best Screenplay Oscar nominee for GREEN BOOK), Keegan-Michael Key, and Gerard Butler. Live musical performances throughout the day include legendary Rock N’ Roll Hall-of-Fame groups The Temptations (Louis Price) and The Platters (Sonny Turner), as well as the Grammy-winning group Mary Mary.

A new and delightful suite that did not disappoint, here’s who was there:

Omax Health, Phytomax stress remedy, Crytofreeze CBD pain relief roll-on, Dr. Seeta Herbals – 7-day ayurvedic beauty detox, A personalized ayurvedic medicine session gift certificate, Sierra E – Suite kit bow, Moderntie – Tie, Gloria Hincapie – 3 sessions body contour gift certificate, Pineapple tea, Cellu lithe GH, Massage cream, Fydelity – Gold fanny pack, Source Naturals – Wellness formula, Herbal resistance liquid, Stem Cell Lift – Bioplantica facial treatment voucher, Fab 5 Clothing – Earrings, Lip balm, Towel, Bag, Parasuco, Hat Jeans, Save the Girls – Purse with phone pocket, FACE – Tshirt, Grind Stone – Hat

It is so nice to know that being apart of our great community allows those to get gifted, and it is not even my Birthday or Christmas! Cheers, here’s to many more!

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Super excited about this festival coming up, I will be there with bells on!! Among the fifty participating chefs are Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger, Jaime Martin Del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu.

¡Latin Food Fest! celebrates its seventh annual Hispanic culinary celebration March 29-30 at Los Angeles State Historic Park. California’s largest annual Latin culinary extravaganza includes “Chefs Night Out,” a high energy party and “Gran Tasting Los Angeles,” the festivals signature event featuring food, beverage, wine, beer, and spirits stations, cooking and wine demonstrations, chef awards, VIP Tent, and a four-hour music performance by La Junta Sound System.

Gran Tasting Los Angeles also includes a comprehensive tasting of Latin spirits with Agave Liquor, Bacanora, Cachaca, Fernet, Mezcal, Pisco, Pulque, Raicilla, Popo, Rum, Sotol, and Tequila. Wines from Argentina, Chile, Napa, and Spain with be poured and paired with a variety of Hispanic cuisine. Beer includes Tona Cerveza from Nicaragua, Estrella Damm from Spain, Sol from Mexico, local Latin favorite Chihuahua Cerveza.

Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will conduct cooking demonstrations on the main stage, discuss Hispanic culinary trends, and sign copies of their latest book.

For more information, visit www.latinfoodfest.com/gallery.

This year was so much better then last year, with this new location at The Iconic Hollywood Palladium, which is so retro, situated at 6215 Sunset Boulevard, this gigantic music venue has been built in a very chic and modern style. The dance floor inside alone measures around 11,200 sq. ft., which means it has the capacity for around 4,000 people. Since the time that the Palladium was built in 1940, it has held up its legacy quite stalwartly. Whether it is because it was built at the place where the famous Paramount structures once stood or not, luck has certainly been loyal to the reputation of the Hollywood Palladium.

“Where Academy Members Love to Watch The Oscars Over Dinner then Join The Nominees After Party”

Roger and Lynn Neal, Founder and Chairman of the annual Oscar night event, announces along with their partners Maryanne and Thomas Lai, the 4th Annual Roger Neal Oscar Viewing Party
For the past three years this event was held at the Hollywood Museum however the party has grown beyond the museum’s capacity. Neal and his associates moved into their new home The Hollywood Palladium, operated by Live Nation. It’s the first time in 50 years since an Oscar party has been held there. Neal added an after party that saw Oscar winners and presenters stop by to celebrate their win on Oscar night. “We are most excited for booking the Palladium and its beautiful restoration. We can set up to 800 for dinner if needed.” said Roger Neal.

Entertainment included live on stage R&B Pop sensation/Foundation Records recording artist 22 yr. old Roger Neal, and his dancers followed by Richard Halpern’s Hollywood Cavalcade show with a live band, (from LA’s Cicada Club) and special guests performing high brow music from the 20’s and 30’s. A special appearance by Howard Hewett of Shalamar will rock the Palladium performing at the after party.

The Roger Neal Oscar Viewing Dinner once again honors stars with the ICON AWARD during the pre-show to the Academy awards. This year’s honorees include: For Television, award winning actress Loretta Swit star of Mash. Oscar nominees Robert Forster(Oscar Nominee), Margaret Avery(Oscar Nominee) and Lainie Kazan(Oscar nominee) for Motion pictures. Ernie Hudson for Motion Pictures, Bernie Kopell (Love Boat), for TV and Walton’s star Ms.Michael Learned, for TV. The Music Icon Award will go to Grammy and Golden Globe nominee Frank Stallone. Woman in Philanthropy Icon award goes to actress/philanthropist/ 2 time Daytime Emmy Award Winner Kira Reed Lorsch (The Bay). Awards presenters include:(TBA) All Awardees accepted in person.

The Academy Awards viewing dinner was a sit down, black tie white glove service experience for the stars, their guests, sponsors and ticket buyers.

During the Oscar Viewing dinner party, tradition has the 4 charities spotlighted receiving a donation check from Roger & Lynn Neal and partners Maryanne and Thomas Lai, which benefited them from funds raised. The 2019 non-profits are:

1. Environmental Charter Schools 2. Love From Music City 3. The Hollywood Museum, 4. The Robert H. Lorsch Foundation.

Eileen Bradley, from ‘The Real’, ‘E-Entertainment Television’ and 25 years in talent bookings for networks, serves as the Talent Executive and Edward Lozzi of Edward Lozzi & Associates PR (who was publicity and red carpet coordinator for the now ended Night of 100 Stars), has been brought in for the Roger Neal Oscar Viewing Dinner and after party for 2019. Over 100 Stars came and 600 Guests in total for dinner. “Over 200 media worldwide to cover our very long step & repeat Red Carpet”, said Edward Lozzi, Media and red carpet coordinator for the Roger Neal Oscar Viewing and After Party.

Souley Vegan owner and Celebrity Gourmet chef Tamearra created the Dinner for Oscar Party guests. Emerald Hare Winery will be among the wineries that supplied exceptional wines for dinner and afterwards.

This Year’s 2019 Oscar Nominees In Attendance:

Peter Farrelly-Oscar nominated Writer & Director of Green Book, Tony McNamara-Oscar nominated for Best Original Screenplay for The Favourite, Erick Beckman & David Jesteadt-Distributors of Oscar Nominated film Mirai, Mamoru Hosoda- writer & Director of Oscar Nominated film Mirai, Yuichiro Saito, Producer of Oscar nominated film Mirai, Joe Cortese(co-star) of Green Book. Patrick Don Vito (Oscar Nominated Best Film Editing for Green Book), Ethan Van der Ryn and Eric Aadahl(Oscar Noninees for Best Sound Editing for A Quiet Place), Kirk Bovill (starred as Henry Kissinger-Oscar nominated movie Vice) Emma Eliza Regan(Oscar Nominated “Detainment” 2019), Steve Kingston(Production Designer of Oscar Nominated “Detainment” 2019), Darren Mahon & Vincent Lambe Oscar nominated director and filmmaker (Oscar Nominated Film Detainment) Bryce Nielson(Special Effects for Roma),Ms. Tan Kheng Hua (star of Crazy Rich Asians).

Celebrities In Attendance:

Loretta Swit, Ilya Salkind(Superman), Ms. Michael Learned(Little House), Joe Cortese(The Green Book), Barbara Luna(Star Trek), Frank Stallone(Barfly), Lou Ferrigno, Jr (Swat), Cory Oliver, Lydia Cornell(Too Close for Comfort), Bridgette Nielson(Red Sonya), Sofia Milos(CSI Miami), Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island), Lorenzo Lamas(Falcon Crest/Renegade), Dee Wallace (ET), Mary Wilson(The Supremes), Lainie Kazan(My Favorite Year), Bernie Kopell (Love Boat), Ernie Hudson(Ghostbusters), Cory Feldman(Stand By Me), George Papadopoulous(fmr Trump’s Foreign Policy Advisor), Courtney Stodden(Celebrity Big Brother), Nic Novicki(Sopranos), Teale Sperling(Toy Box), Kate Linder(Young & Restless), Kami Kotler, Judy Tenuta(HBO Specials), Ieva Georges(No Way Out 15’), Katherine Kelly Lang( the star of Bold and Beautiful), Katherine Pacino, James Jurdi(Reaper), Noreen Taylor(The Bay), Patrika Darbo(Days Our Lives), Meredith Thomas, Miles Tagtmeyer(Emmy nom Broken), Stanley Livingston(My 3 Sons), Suzanne Marques(Enlightened HBO), Donna Spangler(Beverly Hills Christmas), Patty McCormack(The Bad Seed Oscar nom), Gabrielle Stone(Speak No Evil), Tanya Banks(Little Women), Ivan Modei, Rebecca Holden( Knightrider), Joel Diamond(Grammy Record Producer Engelbert Humperdinck), Robert Mack(Host Good Morning LaLa Land), Autum, and Todd McGinley, Dr. Paul Nassif(E!’s Botched), Danny Arroyo(tv series regular Sangre Negra), Clarence Gilyard(Walker Texas Ranger series star), Brenda Dickson(Young&Restless), Kathy Garver(Family Affair), Joann Worley(Laugh In), Ava Cantrell(Niclelodeons Haunted Hathaways), Melody Anderson(Flash Gordon/Firewalker), Carrie Schroder(I Am Frankie-Nickelodeon), Petri Byrd(Judge Judy), Renee Lawless(Tyler Perry’s Have and Have Nots), Sonika Vaid, James Dumont(Law & Order: True Crime), Lucille Soong(Fresh Off the Boat), Sheryl Lee Ralph(Instant Mom), Alison Arngrim(Little House), Yi Zhou(Runaway Pistol), Keith Carlos(Bold & The Beautiful America’s Top Model), Emmanuel Kabongo(21 Thunder), Gloria Loring, Carl Crawford (LA Dodgers), Francesca Fanti(American Crime Story:Versacae), Frank Pesce(29th Street), Carolyn Hennessey(Terminator 3), Peter Mark Richman(Naked Gun’Star Trek), Erin Haskell(Good Morning La La Land, Richard Brooks (Emmy winner), Ron Moss( Emmy winner star of The Bay), Devin Devasquez (tv & film producer Emmy winner & former Playmate), Marla Gibbs(The Jeffersons), Freyda Payne(singing legend), Ernest Harden Jr., (White Men Cant Jump), Kathleen Bradley(Price is Right), Art Evans(Die Hard 2), Janet Dubois(Good Times), Roger E. Mosley(Magnum PI), Ella Joyce( Roc), Margaret “Shug” Avery-(Oscar nom.The Color Purple), Cisco Reyes(Amazon’s Chosen Kin), Luenella (A Star is Born) nominated Best picture, Jamie Farr(Mash-presenting Icon award to Loretta Swit), Joe Fria(Guardians of the Galaxy) Kevin Seymour( NFLCarolina Panthers), Adoree Jackson(NFL Tennessee Titans), Vincent Spano(Alive), Willard Pugh(Air Force 1), Mother Love, William McNamara(Nun), Jaclyn Lopez(The Lucky Man), Roger Neal Jr.(recording Artist), Tanya Roberts(Charlies Angels& Sheena), Stephanie Szostak(ABC’s A Million Little Things& Iron Man 3), Gloria Garayu(How To Get Away w Murder), Farah Abraham(star of Teen Mom), Carrie Mitchum(James Dean Live Fast Die Young), Vincent DePaul( The Bay), Ken Davitian(Borat), Shadoe Stevens(Hosts Top of The World), Beverly Stevens(Shadoevision), Amber Stevens West(ABC’s Greek), Laurene Landon(All the Marbles/Maniac Cop), Jeremy Miller(Growing Pains)Jeannie Kasem (Cheers/The Tortellis), Lou Ferrigno(The Hulk), Burt Ward(Batman), Susan Olson(The Brady Bunch), Buzz Aldrin, Chris McDonald(Thelma & Louise-Happy Gilmore), Donovan Carter(HBO’s BALLERS) Jamie Kennedy (Scream), Johnny Roastbeef Williams( Good Fellas & Green Book), Katherine Kramer, Karen Kramer, Gloria Allred( Netflix-Seeing AllRed, Celeste Thorson(How I Met Your Mother,)Lee Purcell-JL Ranch +Murder She Wrote), Sean Kanan(Bold Beat, )Camila Banus(Days of Our Lives),Phil Crosby(Bing’s grandson performing)Richard Halpern(performing)Terry Moore(Oscar Nominee Come Back Little Sheba)Sally Kirkland(Oscar Nominee-Golden Globe winner), Roslynd Kind(singer Streisand sister), Nancy O’Brian- Playboy Playmate, Vince Lazano(Pirates of the Caribbean),Wes Geer, Jeri Jewel(Facts of Life), Jeraldine Saunders(The Love Boat Lady), Kirk Bovill (starred as Henry Kissinger-Oscar nominated movie Vice) Emma Eliza Regan(Oscar Nominated “Detainment” 2019), Steve Kingston (Production Designer of Oscar Nominated “Detainment” 2019) Darren Mahon & Vincent Lambe Oscar nominated director and filmmaker of The Oscar Nominated Film Detainment), Maria Conchita Alonso( Moscow on The Hudson), John Ratzenberger(Cheers/Toy Story), Bryce Nielson(Special Effects ROMA), David Permut(Producer Hacksaw Ridge),Ms. Tan Kheng Hua(star of Crazy Rich Asians),Joyce Bulifant (Mary Tyler Moore Show regular.

OSCAR GIFT SUITE Part of The Evening:
The stars were gifted with a gift bag filled with couture, and service brands worth $20k.

Some of our stars Invited and or attended last year:

Mel Gibson, Natalie Portman, Bryce Dallas Howard, Hilary Swank, Tippi Hedren, Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, Renee Lawless ( Tyler Perry’sThe Have and Have Not’s) Kevin Sorbo, Burt Ward ( Robin From TV’s Batman), Fred Willard, Michelle Johnson(Blame it on Rio), Lee Purcell, Suzanne Sena, Don Most(HAPPY DAYS), Fernando Allende, Ruta Lee( Seven Brides For Seven Brothers), Hank Garrett, Nikki Leigh- (Lifetime Movie) , Jen Lilley( Days of Our Lives), Phil Morris( Seinfeld), , Matty Cardarople( Netflix Series of Unfortunate Events), Oscar Winner George Chakiris, Mayf Nutter ( The Waltons), Lindsey Bloom ( Mike Hammer), Jayne Kennedy, Lee Benton ( NOCTURNAL ANIMALS), Marla Gibbs, Kymberly Hefner, Anne Marie Johnson, Marci Miller ( Days of Our Lives) Khandi Alexander, Maria Conchita Alonso, Alice Amter, Geri Jewel, Jeremy Miller ( Growing Pains), Rex Smith, Benjamin Onyango, Fred Willard, Isidora Goreshter ( Shameless), Renee Taylor, Lou Ferrigno, Gloria Allred, Lee Meriwether, The Pointer Sisters(receiving Icon Award), Burt Ward, Dawn Wells, Lee Purcell, Courtney Stodden, Judy Tenuta, Ruta Lee, Marion Ross(receiving Icon Award), Paul Sorvino, Don Most, Erin Murphy, Anson Williams, Katherine Kelly Lang( Bold and The Beautiful), Gloria Allred, Cerina Vincent, Jake Busey, George Chakiris(Oscar winner), Janice Dickinson, Jeremy Miller(Growing Pains), Rex Smith,Charlene Tilton, Leyna Nguyen, Kristy McNichol, Chester Rushing(Stranger Things), Martin Klebba( Pirates of the Caribbean), Dee Wallace (ET), Ronnie Schell (Gomer Pyle USMC), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), Carol Connors(2 x Oscar nominee), Ed Asner(Icon Award recipient), Shadoe & Beverly Stevens, Chester Rushing (Stranger Things), Claudia Lee(Kick Ass2) Jayson Blair(The New Normal, Moniqua Plante (Nashville), Lou Gossett Jr.(Oscar winner, Hal Linden( Barney Linden, Tracy Scoggins(Dynasty), Victorial Rowell – (Young and The Restless & Rich and The Ruthless), Sean Kanan, Dorian Davis – (Star of The Oscar Nominated Best Live Action Film Short. ‘ My Nephew Emmett) Shana Solomon (The Big Sick’)Pat Boone, Jacqueline Murphy ), Kym Whitley(The Parkers) Maria Conchita Alonso, Nicky Whelan(Dusk til Dawn, Nic Novicki( Boardwalk Empire, Bernie Kopell (Love Boat, Kelsey Scott (Fear The Walking Dead) Tylon Larry (My Nephew Emmett), Sam Humphrey( The Greatest Showman), Margaret Avery(The Color Purple), Christine Divine(Fox News personality), Margaret O’Brien-Oscar winner,

Sponsors: ~ Presenting Sponsor is World Zhitan Art Finance Co., LTD.(MaryanneLai), Greg Chapman executive tailor Beverly Hills, Souley Vegan, Emerald Hare Wine, Monte Cristo Cigars, Black Coffee, Bertha Maes Baking Company, Takako, Party and Sushi Catering, The Worlds Most Talented Mom, GM Collin Skincare Paris, The Hollywood Museum, The Red Skelton Museum, Greg Chapman, Belleeck Castle Ballina Ireland, Timmy Woods Beverly Hills Handbags, Glamour Bonbonier Chocolatiers, Raju Rasiah Rare Exotic Jewelry Beverly Hills and Hint Water, Bertha Maes Brownie CO, The Organic Face Cosmetics, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Papira Health & Wellness Group, SAY YES To HOPE.org, Hot Town Events, MSP.

This event is up there with the best of the best. It is always done with elegance and class. Both Roger Neal and Ed Lozzi really pulled off an amazing evening, filled with everything you would want from Oscar Sunday. The room looked beautiful and this iconic venue added the overall glamour of Old Hollywood. Next year, once again, I will be there with bells on!

The 4th Annual Roger Neal Oscar Viewing Dinner-Icon Awards and After Party

The Hollywood Palladium
6215 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA. 90028
www.rogernealsh.net
www.lozzipr.com

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To be part of the whole spectacle, live and in person, makes me just gush with delight. In all of its original glory, Hello, Dolly! is a masterpiece of Broadway history. Seeing Betty Buckley on stage was a gift like no other. Her wisdom, and deep smoky voice led the audience down a divine path. This is a role that is made for her; she coveted every moment of Dolly Levi, commanding the theater.

Growing up in Los Angeles during the 70’s I had a drama teacher, Mrs. Meyers, who was a huge fan of the original play The Matchmaker. Part of our acting classes in high school required studying the play, and then working on many of the scenes. So for me, Hello, Dolly! was ingrained in my psyche from a very young age. As you may know, The Matchmaker was adapted into what we now know as Hello, Dolly! in the 1960’s, during Broadway’s heyday.

Producer Scott Rudin and Tony Award®-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in Hello, Dolly! – the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” and the Los Angeles Times says “distills the mood-elevating properties of the American musical at its giddy best.” Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, director Jerry Zaks’ “gorgeous” new production (Vogue) is “making people crazy happy!” (The Washington Post). Breaking box office records week after week and receiving unanimous raves on Broadway, this Hello, Dolly! pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest staging’s in musical theater history. Rolling Stone calls it “a must-see event. A musical comedy dream.”

In 1890s New York City, the bold and enchanting widow Dolly Levi, is a socialite-turned-matchmaker. Her latest client seeking assistance is the cantankerous “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder, and a young artist named Ambrose, who is in love with Horace’s niece, Ermengarde. Dolly’s scheming soon involves Horace’s employees as well as a New York hat maker, as she tries to cover up her own secret romantic designs.

Led by four-time Tony Award®-winning director Jerry Zaks, and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Warren Carlyle, the entire creative team of the Broadway production reprises their roles for the national tour of Hello, Dolly!, including four-time Tony Award® winner Santo Loquasto (Scenic & Costume Design), six-time Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Tony Award® winner Scott Lehrer (Sound Design), Andy Einhorn (Music Supervision), Robert Billig (Music Direction), Tony Award® winner Larry Hochman (Orchestrations), Tony Award® winner Don Pippin (Vocal Arrangements), David Chase (Dance Arrangements), and Telsey + Company (Casting). Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman, Book by Michael Stewart, and based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder.

Betty Buckley (Dolly Gallagher Levi) called “The Voice of Broadway” by New York Magazine, is a legendary Tony Award® Winning performer; he is also a 2012 Theatre Hall of Fame inductee, and a 2017 recipient of the Julie Harris Award for Artistic Achievement given by The Actors Fund. Broadway: Triumph of Love (Tony Award® nomination), Sunset Boulevard, Carrie (Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), Song and Dance, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Cats (Tony Award®), Pippin, 1776. London: Dear World, Sunset Boulevard (Olivier Award nomination), Promises, Promises (Evening Standard Award nomination). Television: “Preacher,” “Supergirl,” “Getting On,” “The Leftovers,” “Chicago Med,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Pacific,” “OZ,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Without a Trace,” “Eight Is Enough.” Recordings: 18 solo albums (two Grammy Award nominations), most recently Hope released on Palmetto Records in June 2018. Betty is a teacher of scene study, and song interpretation for over 45 years. Two Honorary Doctorates for her contribution to musical theater from The Boston Conservatory and Marymount Manhattan College.

Producers – Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, John Johnson. Director – Jerry Zaks, Choreographer – Warren Carlyle, Music Supervisor – Andy Einhorn, Music Director – Robert Billig, Scenic And Costume Design –  Santo Loquasto, Lighting Design – Natasha Katz, Sound Design – Scott Lehrer, Hair & Make Up Design – Campbell Young Associates, Dance Arrangements – David Chase, Music Coordinator – Seymour Red Press, Vocal Arrangements – Don Pippin. Music Coordinator — Seymour Red Press.

Cast:

Dolly Gallagher Levi – Betty Buckley, Horace Vandergelder – Lewis J. Stadlen, Cornelius Hackl – Nic Rouleau, Irene Molloy – Analisa Leaming, Barnaby Tucker – Jess LeProtto, Minnie Fay – Kristen Hahn, Ambrose Kemper – Garett Hawe, Ermengarde -Morgan Kirner, and Ernestina – Jessica Sheridan.

Ensemble featured Maddy Apple, Daniel Beeman, Brittany Bohn, Giovanni Bonaventura, Elizabeth Broadhurst, Whitney Cooper, Julian DeGuzman, Wally Dunn, Alexandra Frohlinger, Dan Horn, Corey Hummerston, Madison Johnson, Nathan Keen, Beth Kirkpatrick, Ben Lanham, Ian Liberto, Kyle Samuel, Scott Shedenhelm, Timothy Shew, Maria Cristina Slye, Cassie Austin Taylor, Davis Wayne, Brandon L. Whitmore, and Connor Wince.

Musical Numbers:

Act One:
“I Put My Hand In,” “It Takes a Woman,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Motherhood,” “Dancing,” “Before The Parade Passes By”

Act Two:
“Penny in My Pocket,” “Elegance,” “The Waiters’ Gallop,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “The Contest,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” “So Long Dearie,” “Hello, Dolly! (Reprise)”

Celebrities In Premiere Attendance:

Fran Drescher, Carly Hughes, Denise Crosby, Malcolm Barrett, Jennifer Leigh Warren, Lynn Andrews, Keala Settle, Sofia Milos, Patty McCormack, Brooke Lewis,Courtney Reed, Masiela Lusha, Naomi Grossman, Lisa Loeb, Bernie Kopell, Eric Petersen, Richard Portnow, Rob Colletti, Aubrey Anderson Emmons,Thomas Lennon, Ruta Lee, Rachel Bay Jones, Lea Thompson, Reginald VelJohnson, Kitana Turnbull, Dianne Kay, Laurie Walter, Al Sapienza, Kiki Shepard, Patty McCormack, Mindy Sterling, Kym Herjavec, Molly McCook, Kate Linder, Mindy Sterling, Garrett Clayton, Adam Rich, Patrick KilPatrick, Karen Strassman, Jeffery Anderson Gunter, Micky Dolenz, Masiela Lusha, Robert Herjavec, John Krause, Raegan Revord, Katherine Steele, Gloria Garayua, Connie Needham, Armand Mastroianni, Issie Swickle, Aijia Grammer.

History – From The Thornton Wilder Society:

From the very start of his work on The Merchant of Yonkers in early 1937, Thornton Wilder wrote that he was indebted to other plays, specifically a comedy by Johann Nestroy, Einen Jux will er sich Machen (Vienna, 1842), which was in turn based upon an English original, A Day Well Spent (London, 1835) by John Oxenford. Oxenford’s comedy is a one-act light farce about clerks taking a surreptitious holiday. The Austrian Nestroy’s play expands Oxenford’s basic plot, adding music, songs and social commentary.

Wilder made major changes to his sources, especially the introduction of Dolly Gallagher Levi, the matchmaker. After initial frustrations with the Fourth Act, Wilder experienced a breakthrough in March 1938, writing to his mother and his sister, “All my plots – count ’em – and idea-themes all come to a head at the right moment, with Mrs. Levi ruling the Roost.” The Merchant of Yonkers opened on Broadway in December 1938, while Our Town was still playing, with mostly disastrous reviews, and closed after only 39 performances, although it continued to be staged in other settings.

Almost twenty years later, following encouragement and specific recommendations by the actress Ruth Gordon and by director Tyrone Guthrie, Wilder transformed the play into The Matchmaker. The major changes are the new title, which emphasizes the role of Dolly Levi, and the addition of lines, especially a grand soliloquy, given to Dolly. The Matchmaker debuted in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 4, 1954, and was already an international success when it opened on Broadway on December 5, 1955. In 1964 Hello, Dolly!, a musical adaptation of The Matchmaker starring Carol Channing in the title role, premiered on Broadway, and ran for seven years. A film starring Barbra Streisand was released in 1969.

From: http://www.twildersociety.org/works/the-matchmaker/

All in attendance celebrated this Broadway legacy and no one was disappointed. With the perfect sets and colorful costumes Hello Dolly! is a show not to be missed. You travel to a time of simplicity, but with its historical moments we remember the suffragettes of what women had to go through to be part of society and find their place. Nowadays, these kinds of topics would never be written. The way women are treated in our-day-and-age does not allow for being the bride for reasons other than love. Back in those days, a good wife kept the house, and was basically considered a maid. However, the message of women being in power back then did not go unnoticed by me, and I am sure all of today’s feminist audience members. This is an important side note and one that needs to be addressed. The innocence of the time when women were happy to help men take care of their families and households still can be seen in many traditional marriages and families. These values have morphed into other traditions, but all in all, the strength of women in today’s society is something that is very prevalent. The Me Too movement has made all of this come to the forefront and I am glad it did, but one can still appreciate a grand story of when women were treated as the queen of their castles.

The performance schedule for Hello, Dolly! is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. Opening Night is Wednesday, January 30th at 8pm.

The Pantages Thaeter
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, Los Angeles
www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com

*Note: Some content was taken off of website.

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A sweet little corner restaurant nestled in the small adorable beach town of Carlsbad. From the moment you walk in you know you are in a family establishment. Here all of the staff is family, every one of them working here over the course of many years. Their stories will truly warn your heart, and it’s all part of the overall ambiance. My beautiful, charming hostess, Ashley Hayden, has been working at Jay’s for over 20 years. At age 21 she started as a hostess, she left for a bit but came back, and really loves her job.

They are all so close that Ashley’s best friend Courtney got her job at Jay’s through Ashley. Courtney ended up marrying owner Jay Meotamedi, and they have been married for 10 years now. Ashley’s other friend Shelly also met her husband at Jay’s, which happens to be Jay’s brother Johnny. A true family affair, but even the customers are made to feel like family when they are dining at Jay’s. Jay has had many other restaurants in adjacent cities, but recently closed all of them and puts all of his energy into his one special original restaurant.

Eddie Garcia is the prep chef, and he does all of the homemade fare: like their wonderful meatballs, soups, sauces, and all of their delicious salad dressings. He also makes their bread dough from scratch. Customers know when Eddie is not there, they can tell because things taste just a bit different.

Here is What I Tried:

Appetizers:

Fresh Clams in a red or white wine garlic sauce. Oh my goodness, these calms are so huge, with plump tender flavors of garlic and better, a true keeper.

Soup & Salad:

Minestrone Soup: Home made tomato based soup with fresh vegetables, beans & pasta. I always know that the food is going to be great by the soup, and this minestrone soup doesn’t disappoint.

Clam Chowder: New England style with corn and bacon. A nice creamy rendition with added oregano for a real added Italian flavor.

Seafood Salad: Shrimp, salmon, calamari and scallops over house salad, with creamy Italian or vinaigrette dressing. The seafood is served warm, so it’s got its own unique flavors on top of what the dressing adds as an extra creamy zest. Hands down I would have to order this salad every time I would come to Jay’s. It has got everything you would want in a seafood salad.

Pizza:

BBQ Chicken Pizza, with chicken and red onion. This pizza has a very crispy crust, with lots of BBQ sauce and moist chicken – it’s a real winner.

Veal:

Veal Marsala: Veal and mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce, with side linguini in meat sauce. The veal is cooked very tender and the mushrooms are large and fruity, the Marsala sauce just took my breath away.

Seafood:

Cioppino: New Zealand mussels, clams, salmon, jumbo shrimp, halibut and crab in a savory marinara sauce with linguini. The mussels in this cioppino are huge and incredibly meaty, and the sauce is very delicate. All in all it’s a great Cioppino.

Fresh Jumbo Scallops with Sea Scallops sautéed in a white or red wine garlic sauce with spinach and fresh tomatoes over linguini. A very light garlic sauce enhances the simple taste of the scallops. If you’re a scallop lover like I am, order this dish – it’s amazing!

Pasta:

Meat Sauce, with home made meatballs or sausage. The meatball has such great consistency and flavor, very much comfort food.

Pasta Ala Pesto: Pesto, Romano cheese, sun dried tomato, and pine nuts over pasta. This is so different then what you would expect. It is a creamy pesto, and the sauce is not super green like a typical pesto sauce, but that doesn’t matter because it is terrific.

Desert:

Crème Brulee: Nice little fresh raspberries make this one the best of the best list. It is remarkably creamy and delicious.

Triple Chocolate Cake: Layers of rich chocolate goodness make this an extremely decadent dessert that Jay’s offers. Try it, you will be very happy.

Normally I do many wines as pairings with my meal, but since this was a daytime tasting and I had to drive 2 hours directly after, I ordered a simple glass of Chardonnay. However, they do have a nice variety of wines to choose from.

The atmosphere is funky, clean and cozy, kind of like a home away from home. Surfboards adorn the walls, with a fun chalkboard describing their desserts. They have no refrigerators because everything is fresh every day. You can taste how fresh the food is with every glorious bite.

On any given day you will see celebrities – they come in to eat and get away from the craziness of Hollywood, but still do get noticed. John Cena has been seen eating a great seafood meal here.

Customers are locals, as well as tourist folks who come here from Arizona; they come to escape the heat. They also get many people from the close-by Carlsbad Hotel.

Ashley talked about how the neighborhood has changed, and that 6 new restaurants have recently opened. But, she says that her base customers go and try the new kids on the block, but always come back for Jay’s perfect seafood menu items.

I just loved this little Gem in the heart of Carlsbad. It has everything you would want from an Italian Seafood Restaurant, including heart, fantastic food, and charm. It will become one of my staples when I am visiting North County, San Diego.

Jay’s Gourmet Pizza & Seafood
2975 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
http://www.jaysgourmet.net/

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Located in the historical part of Oceanside, on California US Route 101 (AKA Coast Highway) lays a true original. It boosts delicious authentic Italian food right in the heart of one of America’s most popular surf destinations, so close to the ocean you can see it from the street.

Even though the food here is stellar, the real treat is meeting restaurateur Pino Bottalico. Pino is no stranger to the culinary world having run popular restaurants for the last 30 years. He got his start from his father at the young age of 8 in the Southern region of Italy. Pino hails from Puglia, Italy; at 19 he made his way to Florida and landed a job at Alfredo’s in the Italian Pavilion of Disney’s Epcot in Orlando. After a brief stint back in Italy he came back and continued his culinary career in Encinitas by opening Pino’s, then worked at Tuscany in La Costa and Il Fornaio. Pino was featured in 2 magazines recently; Mainstreet Oceanside, and The Coast News. Veneto’s has been opened for 14 months.

Veneto’s specializes in classic dishes from many regions in Italy. The name Veneto or Venetia comes from the northeastern part of Italy where it is located, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Venice and Verona being among them.

Pino is in touch with the community and what Veneto’s old customers want to keep as their tradition. Pino is keeping Veneto’s fresh and exciting, has live music on the weekends and a wine tasting on Tuesday.

The interior is cozy and quaint with a lovely mural of a Venice canal neighborhood (having been there I recognized the area). They play a variety of great music: from Frank Sinatra, Opera, to Nat King Cole, they have it all covered. There was a nice bar scene during their lunch hours as well, tourists, military and locals alike, enjoying their food and friends.

Here’s What I Tried:

Antipasti:

Thai Calamari: Lightly breaded squid, cooked to a crispy golden brown, tossed with a sweet chili sauce. These little darlings came with both a nice marinara sauce, and a delicious Thai sweet chili, both sauces were killer.

Funghi Alla Padella: Sautéed seasonal bottom mushrooms in Marsala wine sauce, plump mushroom with an amazing sauce, just the ideal way to start my wonderful meal.

Garlic Knots, Served w/ marinara sauce. These knots are just scrumptious with lots of great garlic flavor, a perfect accompaniment.

Insalata:

Insalata Di Spinaci: Baby spinach, goat cheese, olives, walnuts & crisp pancetta in warm pancetta Italian dressing. The dressing is tangy and the pancetta is hearty, just a nice spinach salad.

Pasta:

Seafood Linguini: Lots of perfect seafood tossed in a wonderful light red sauce, every bite cooked delicately, with nice tomato nuances.

Fettuccini Alfredo: Flat slender noodles sautéed in a rich cream sauce. Oh there is nothing better then a super creamy Fettuccini Alfredo, one of my most favorite pasta dishes.

Osso Bucco: Tender Veal Shank, braised vegetables in a tomato white wine sauce, served over creamy Parmesan risotto. This dish is just like a Jewish Grandmother’s stew but Italian. It is the same type of warm yummy comfort food, and the risotto is the perfect addition.

Stuffed Eggplant Florentine: Fresh marinated eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese spinach and Italian herbs. Baked and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce served with penne ala vodka. Another super fantastic dish, with all of the right seasonings, cooked to perfection.

Dessert:

Homemade Tiramisu: Layers of ladyfingers cookies and sweet creamy coffee inspired whipped cream, served with a drizzle of syrup. A large healthy piece packed with all of the creamy coffee goodness you would expect, but just a touch more elegant.

Cannoli: Crunchy cannoli shell stuffed with a sweet, creamy, chocolate chip filling. This for me was the cat’s meow. The filling is what I really loved, yum!

I had a couple nice glasses of Chardonnay to taste, but because it was a daytime tasting I did not do my usual extended wine pairing. Their wine list is very good for single glasses. I had a glass of Josh, Craftsman’s Collection. They have a well-rounded list of wines to choose from.

When the word gets out about the great food at Veneto’s it will be a hard place to get into, so get there now! This place is a keeper; in this fun beachside community you can have perfectly authentic Italian cuisine that is fresh and affordable. Mangiamo.

Veneto’s
608 N Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 722-1228
venetositaly.com

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The 87th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade will be hosted by Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain and Montel Williams, featuring Marine Toys for Tots with Nancy O’Dell as this year’s Grand Marshall, with special co-hosts Elizabeth Stanton and Garrett Clayton. Taped for network television, the live event will premiere as a two-hour special on The CW on Friday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET / PT (7:00 p.m. CT). The Marine Toys for Tots program, which is essential in providing gifts to less fortunate children everywhere, will also air to more than one million American service men and women worldwide on American Forces Network. The event will be presented and produced by Associated Television International, in association with The City of Los Angeles.

A true Hollywood yearly tradition, the parade attracts more than one million in attendance each year, with larger than life inflatable character balloons, award winning bands, colorful equestrians, ornate floats, popular characters/novelties, celebrity filled cars and, of course, Santa Claus making the much heralded trek down the over three mile parade route.

12 Pre-Parade Concert Performers: THE TEARAWAYS (Singing “Stuff Your Stocking”), THE BAND OF MERRYMAKERS (Singing “Christmas Everyday”), MAGICIAN ED ALONZO (Star of The CW’s Primetime Hit Show, Masters of Illusion), MIKALAH GORDON (Singing “Mary Did You Know”), BLAKE LEWIS (Singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”), CLARE DUNN (Singing “More” and “O Holy Night”), ELLIOTT YAMIN (Singing “This Christmas”), KIMBERLY CALDWELL-HARVEY (Singing “All I Want For Christmas”), DAVID ARCHULETA (Singing “Christmas Everyday” and “Holly Jolly Christmas”), ASHANTI (Singing “Let It Snow”), RUBEN STUDDARD (Singing “Every Year, Every Christmas”), RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! (Special Performance).

4 Additional Appearances (Telecast Only): DONNY AND MARIE OSMOND, THE BEACH BOYS Performing Mike Love’s new single “(You’ll Never Be) Alone on Christmas Day”, JANE LYNCH, KATE FLANNERY and TIM DAVIS, LUDACRIS Special Tribute To Marine Toys For Tots.

Pre-Show: Los Angeles Antique Bandwagon/Los Angeles Fire Truck with DELIA IBARRA, ESQ., President of Los Angeles’ Fire Commission)/Los Angeles Fire Department/Vintage Police Cars

5 Live Parade Performances: THE CUBCAKES CREW (Youth Dance Group from Los Angeles, CA), CELTIC IRISH DANCE ACADEMY (Burbank, CA),TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE CADETTES (Athens, TX),CAMP BROADWAY (Award-winning youth theatre company from Venice, CA), 34TH & PHUNK (Skilled Hip-Hop Dancers from across the country).

2 Street Performers: Magicians JIBRIZY and NAATHAN PHAN, Stars of The CW’s Primetime Hit Show, Masters of Illusion, will be performing Christmas Street Magic for Grandstand Ticket Holders).

4 Parade Hosts: ERIK ESTRADA, LAURA MCKENZIE, DEAN CAIN and MONTEL WILLIAMS.

Parade Co-Hosts: ELIZABETH STANTON and GARRETT CLAYTON.

Grand Marshal: NANCY O’DELL, Grand Marshal, The 87th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade Featuring Marine Toys For Tots and Entertainment Tonight Television Icon.

56 Celebrities: Santa Claus, The Man of the Season, with United States Marine Corps Escorts Lieutenant Colonel Matthew McDonald and First Sergeant Bill Holodnak,Lieutenant General Pete Osman, President and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots, http://thehollywoodchristmasparade.org/toyfortots/ , U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard (l to r) Sergeant Jonathan Espinisa (rifle), Sergeant Antoine D. Coleman (U.S. Flag), Sergeant Umberto Rodriguez (Marine Corps Flag) and Corporal Edgar Uriarte (Rifle), Gunnery Sergeant James Dempsey (Drum Major, Marine Band San Diego), Lieutenant General John F. Thompson (P51 Mustang Mini Jet), Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (13th District, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council), Councilmember David E. Rye (4th District, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council), Congressman Adam Schiff (U.S. Representative for California’s 28th Congressional District), State Senator Kevin DeLeón (District 24, State of California), Carl Weber’s “The Family Business” on BET Networks (Ernie Hudson, Star and Executive Producer; Cast Members Darrin Henson, Javicia Leslie, Arrington Foster, Miguel A. Nuñez Jr.; Carl Weber, Creator, Executive Producer and New York Times Author; ND Brown, Executive Producer and Trey Haley, Director), “Leave It To Beaver” (Jerry Mathers), Legends of “General Hospital” (Tristan Rogers, Jackie Zeman, Sean Kanan, Ian Buchanan and Kimberly McCullough), Cast Members from “The Bold & The Beautiful” (Karla Mosley, Annika Noelle, Kiara Barnes and Adain Bradley), Cast Members from “The Young and The Restless” (Kate Linder, Alice Huner and Jordi Vilasuso), Cast Members from “Days of Our Lives” (Deidre Hall, Thaoo Penghlis and Lauren Koslow), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk” created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby; International Bodybuilder and Trainer), Burt Ward (Original Robin from “Batman”), Stefanie Powers (William Holden Wildlife Foundation celebrating the Centennial of William Holden), Kelley Johnson (Miss California USA 2018), Stars of Masters of Illusion on The CW Network (Magicians Ed Alonzo, Jibrizy and Naathan Phan), Kerri Kasem (Producer, Writer, Radio Personality and Daughter of the late legendary Casey Kasem). Accompanied by Neiko Alexander, Mark Wallengren (KOST 103.5 FM), David Archuleta (“American Idol,” Season 7), RJ Word (Singer/Songwriter), Kimberly Caldwell-Harvey (“American Idol,” Season 2) and her husband, Jordan Harvey (Major League Soccer Veteran), Sabrina Sieck (Spokesperson for Ripley’s Believe It or Not!) and Guest Art Jansen (a 109-year-old man), Kaitlyn McCormick (“Masha and the Bear”), GUMBY, with Joan Clokey, President of Clokey Productions/Premavision Studios

114 Award-Winning Bands From Around The Country: Marine Band San Diego with U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard (“Hooray For Hollywood” and “Marine Hymn”),Thomas Jefferson High School Jaguar Marching Band (Bloomington, MN),Korean American Youth Performing Artists (KAYPA) (Chino, CA), Carrollton Trojan High School Marching Band now celebrating their 70th Anniversary (Carrollton, GA),The Salvation Army Band (Los Angeles, CA), O’Fallen Township Marching Panthers (O’Fallen, IL), Habersham Central High School Band (Mt. Airy, GA), Northwest Guilford Marching Viking Band (Greensboro, NC), Pacific American Volunteer Association World Traditional Korean Marching Band (PAVA World, Los Angeles, CA), El Roble Intermediate School Marching Band and Color Guard (Claremont, CA), Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums (an Irish pipe band from Los Angeles, CA), Summit High School (Fontana, CA), Chatfield Senior High “Charger” Marching Band (Littleton, CO), Los Angeles Catholic Schools Band (Torrance, CA).

8 Larger Than Life Inflatable Character Balloons: Cat In The Hat (Sponsored by Entertainment Tonight and Wrangled by Air Force),GUMBY (Sponsored by GUMBY and Wrangled by American Legion Auxiliary Hollywood, Unit 43),Toy Soldier (Sponsored and Wrangled by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!),Penguins of Madagascar (Sponsored by Variety and Wrangled by Kiwanis),Pirate and Chest (Sponsored and Wrangled by Author Services, Inc. and Galaxy Press), Grinch (Sponsored and Wrangled by Unified Young Armenians with Dancers from Gevorkian Dance Academy and Vanoush Khanamirian Dance School, Dhol Armenian Drummers and Flags of the United States, California, Artsakh and Armenia), Nutcracker (Sponsored and Wrangled by Easy Choice Health Care)

4 Equestrian Units: Knott’s Merry Farm (Buena Park, CA) with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Lucy with spokesperson Tim Klega, Express Employment Professionals Present The Express Clydesdales, Broken Horn Ropers (Sponsored by The Broken Horn Saddlery of Baldwin Park, CA),Majestic Acres (Ramona, CA).

50 Characters/Novelties: United States Marine Corps Color Guard, 36 Movie Picture Cars Supplied by Nate Trumans’ Star Center, including: Barmobile with original Robin (Burt Ward), Green Hornet (Black Beauty), CHIPS Motorcycles, Covertte Summer, MAGNUM PI Ferrari, Griswold’s Wagon Queen Family Truckster, TRUE ROMANCE, PIZZA PLANET Truck, Cars Francesa, BACK TO THE FUTURE Deloreon 1, 2 and 3, Marty McFly Toyota Dream Truck, Highway Patrol, MAYBERRY RFD Police Cruisers, STARSKY & HUTCH, DUKES OF HAZZARD, SMOKEY & THE BANDIT, HERBIE THE LOVE BUG, HERBIE, BLUESMOBILE, BAYWATCH Lifeguard Truck (Ski-Doos), KNIGHT RIDER Kitt, KNIGHT RIDER Karr, Mustang Kitt, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLE Van, Rad Truck, TRANSFORMERS Bumblebee Original, Bumblebee 2, ITALIAN JOB Mini Cooper, FAST AND FURIOUS Jezebelle, AUSTIN POWERS Shaguar, SCOOBY DOO Mystery Machine, JURUASIC PARK Jeep, JURRASIC PARK Explorer, Sci-Fi UFO/Gotham Patrol Car, United States Air Force Color Guard, P51 Mustang and F16 Mini Jets with Lieutenant General John F. Thompson, GUMBY with Joan Clokey, 501st Legion & Rebel Legions including 189 Characters, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (celebrating their 100th Anniversary) with Spokesperson Sabrina Sieck and 109-Year-Old Man, Art Jensen), Esporesto.com Porsche, The Salvation Army VW Bug, Aquarium of the Pacific, Trolley with International Visitors Council Friends of Sister Cities , Masha and the Bear with Kaitlyn McCormick.

14 Floats: Nebuta Marching Unit and Nebuta Float inspired by the popular Nebuta Festival of Aomori Prefecure, one of the largest and most famous festivals in all of Japan that dates back hundreds of years,The Way To Happiness with Kerri Kasem (Producer, Writer, Radio Personality and Daughter of the late legendary Casey Kasem), The Hanart Chinese Latern Festival, Santa Claus and His Reindeer, ushering in the holiday season, accompanied by two United States Marine Corps escorts, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew McDonald and First Sergeant Bill Holodnak.

16 Parade Sponsors: Marine Toys For Tots, which collects and distributes toys bringing annual holiday cheer to young children worldwide, The Salvation Army, founded in 1865, which has brass bands in worldwide regions known for their charitable work, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – Hollywood now celebrating their 100th Anniversary of everything odd, unusual or just plain weird, Masha and The Bear, the animated television series created by Oleg Kuzovkov, starring Kaitlyn McCormick as the English voice of Masha, Easy Choice Health Plan offering a variety of 2019 Medicare Advantage plans , GUMBY – Joan Clokey of Clokey Productions/Premavision Studios carries on Gumby’s 60-year legacy created by Art Clokey, Esposito Porsche Restoration helping you achieve the body you always wanted, Hanart Chinese Lantern Festival now at the Pomona Fairplex through January 6, 2019 with 1000 larger-than-life lanterns, Carvana, where you can buy your next car 100% online, Banc of California, Express Employment Professionals, putting a million people to work annually Present The Express Clydesdales, an eight-horse hitch with each horse weighing 2000 pounds, standing 20 hands high, Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA, now celebrating its 20th Anniversary as a non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation and education, Torrey Pines Bank, Los Angeles Nebuta Marching Unit and Float inspired by the popular Nebuta Festival of Aomori Prefecture, one of the most famous festivals in Japan, CalPrivate Bank, Knott’s Merry Farm, celebrating the Merry Christmas, Snoopy!

5 Media Sponsors: The CW Network, Entertainment Tonight , Variety , KOST 103.5 FM, POPSTAR!

More About The Hollywood Christmas Parade:
2018 marks the historic 87th Anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, an American tradition. The parade is produced by Associated Television International and presented in association with The City of Los Angeles on the streets of Hollywood, CA on Sunday, November 25, 2018. The Pre-Parade Concert is from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. The Parade is from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

During the Red Carpet Arrivals Council member Mitch O’Farrell will present Grand Marshall Nancy O’Dell with a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of The City of Los Angeles. Parade Co-Hosts, Erik Estrada and Laura McKenzie will present an award to Author Services, Inc. recognizing their 10th Anniversary of hosting the parade and their 10th Anniversary of Stories of the Golden Age, which kicked off at the parade 10 years ago.

The 87th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade Featuring Marine Toys For Tots will premiere as a two-hour prime time special on The CW Network on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (7:00 p.m. CT) and will be seen on Hallmark after The CW broadcast. The parade will also air to more than one million American servicemen and women worldwide on the American Forces Network at 12-Noon on December 25, 2018, Christmas Day.

This parade always gets me ready for the festive holiday season, with all of the joy and merriment. It just kicks the holiday season into full happy mode for me. It would not be the same if I didn’t attend. I just love everything that the parade has to offer.

www.thehollywoodchristmasparade.org
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