Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

When you first walk in you will notice the grandeur and opulence of an era long gone, but Church Hill Manor manages to keep itself authentic and timely. This place oozes grace and charm and all I can say is – if these walls could talk.

There is so much history here, in 1889; Edward Churchill built this magnificent mansion on what is considered to be the original street of the Napa founders. He built another mansion in 1891 for his son as a wedding gift right behind this one called Cedar Gales. Another mansion north of this one is the Goodman mansion, built in 1872. To the south was the The Manasse mansion, built in 1886 by an executive of the original Sawyer Tannery. This aristocratic lifestyle is reflected in these 4 mansions. Churchill Manor was the first residence in the Napa Valley to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Churchill Manor was the largest residence built in Napa during the 1800s. There are original leaded and beveled glass doors and fireplaces framed with ornately carved ribbon-grained redwood mantels and paneling. Pocket doors created by heritage burl redwood are one of the many fantastic interiors details still remaining. Six solid redwood-fluted Corinthian columns grace the grand staircase and the music room.

The Napa River was an active steamship route from San Francisco; many folks would travel on that river to parties in Napa at The Churchill Manor. Edward Churchill made his money in banking, beer and wine. His Tokalon Vineyards near Rutherford was eventually sold and is now where Robert Mondavi has his famous winery.

Edward Churchill died from an accidental poisoning brought on by himself, he took the wrong medicine and by the time he went to the hospital he was dead. His wife and daughter did a major remodeling of the building after his death in 1903.The original home was designed in the Second Empire architectural style, a two-story symmetrical building with a mansard roof and a square central tower. Changes consisted of removing this tower and adding an expansive colonial revival veranda surrounding three sides of the mansion. The original cornice and brackets were duplicated in the second-floor porch addition, supported by two-story ionic columns. A total of 22 ionic and Doric columns flank the veranda and kitchen porch. Mosaic marble-floored patio was also enclosed to create a bright and cheerful solarium overlooking what was then the tennis court. The exterior wood siding was shingled and third-floor dormer windows were inserted into the mansard roof. Inside the mansion, gas was replaced with electricity and the third floor attic was finished off to accommodate overnight occupancy. Around 1940, the second-story front porch of the mansion was enclosed to create a private apartment for the elderly Mary Louise Churchill. An additional kitchen was an added and large window installed for her to behold her lovely front yard from above.

Edward’s granddaughter, Dorothy Churchill, resided at Churchill Manor as well, she had lots of social events and weddings during that time. Between the Depression and Prohibition, the Churchill family wealth disappeared. Dorothy eventually admitted boarders into Churchill Manor to help her subsidize its upkeep. In 1956 the Manor was sold and several families continued to reside on the second floor of the mansion, while renting the third floor to college students and using the first floor and grounds to host wedding receptions and other special events.

Joanna Guidotti and Brian Jensen purchased the property in 1987 and have continued the tradition of hosting travelers and weddings in the grand scale of the 1800’s.

Here’s what I had for breakfast:

All of their breakfasts are made fresh to order every morning and are delectable; they really do an excellent spread for morning energy call. I would come back just for their great breakfasts.

Huevos Rancheros

A soft corn tortilla topped with 2 fried eggs, queso fresco Mexican cheese, roasted mild pasilla peppers, mild salsa, and sour cream. On the side are black beans, beacon, and avocado slices.

Pancakes

Three golden brown pancakes made with fresh fruit of the day served with butter flowers, warmed syrup and bacon on the side.

Garden Omelet

Filled with Jack cheese, sour cream, marinated red onion, sautéed mushrooms, sliced avocado and tomato. On the side: roasted red bell pepper sauce made with champagne vinegar and slices of sausage.

Churchill Manor French Toast

Sciambria Bakery French baguette slices dipped in orange zest egg batter and served with warmed syrup and a dipping sauce.

This place is the real deal, so elegant and peaceful. The staff is so accommodating, I just can’t say enough. Demitri, Rebecca & Susan were so kind, never missing a beat, but at the same time not be so attentive that it’s annoying. They all added just the right amount of attention at just the right times. They also have wine and snacks between 5:30 – 6:30, one night I was the only guest so Dimintri took the bottle of wine and the snacks into the television room. I watched The Bachelor by myself with lots of yummy treats and a full bottle of great Napa Valley wine.

I just love this place; you are comforted by the grandeur of this old gorgeous home. The rooms are clean, there are no old smells, and everything is perfect. I had the honor in staying in 2 separate rooms during my time in Napa Valley. My first stay I was in The Rutherford, which has a great view, and sits on the corner of the property. My second stay was in the biggest grandest suite, The Stags Leap. Really any room would have been amazing, because just being able to stay at this property would be enough for any weary traveler.

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Churchill Manor Bed and Breakfast

485 Brown St, Napa, CA 94559

(707) 253-7733

http://www.churchillmanor.com

*Note some text is directly off of the website.

Sunshine, lollipops, and everything purple is what The Purple Room is all about. It’s an amazing array of fun loving Coachella folks wanting to eat drink and be merry. This place will remind you of when times were sleek and groovy. When good music, food were embraced and imbibed. No wonder Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bob Hope and other notables would call The Purple Room their watering hole back in the 60’s! It is one of two original Rat Pack hangouts still around in the desert today.

The venue was called the Purple Room back at Club Trinidad in the 60’s, so when restaurateurs Mark and Tony took it over last year they wanted to bring it back to all of its splendor, and made it that swinging supper club once again. With all its glitz, glamour they managed to keep it’s historic roots in order. Getting its original name back was just one of the lovely things they chose to do. Mark and Tony are no stranger to the food scene in Palm Springs, they also own the great dinner house Trio.

I have a history with this place, so it’s really dear to my heart. When times were better, my parents had two homes in the Palm Springs area. I would be fortunate enough to tag along on numerous trips. We would always have at least one night out where we would get dressed up; have a nice dinner, and then a nightcap at the Club Trinidad. The room was much smaller, but always had good crooners singing those great old Sinatra songs. My step-dad Max was quite the looker; he always dressed to the nines. My Mom, Max and I would sit in the front row and bask in the joy of good music. Heads would turn whenever we walked into this place as a family. It was always fun, and my Palm Springs experience was never quite the same without a late night trip into Club Trinidad.

Here are my favorites:

Brussels Sprout Salad, blanched and shaved with feta, dried cranberries, walnuts and lemon vinaigrette. I always order Brussels Sprouts when I do my tastings. If a restaurant can manage to make Brussels Sprouts delicious then they can do that to everything on their menu.

1000 Island Wedge Salad, iceberg wedge, chopped tomato, chopped bacon, and 1000 Island dressing. There is nothing for me like a really great wedge salad, nice cold, crisp iceberg lettuce and a great dressing.

Spinach Salad, roasted beets, goat cheese, bacon, pecans and garlic ranch dressing. This salad was very healthy and light, with a nice no-nonsense dressing.

Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, a house made cocktail sauce really done the old fashioned way. There were huge shrimp with fantastic cocktail sauce. I would definitely order this every time.

Fried Oysters, Corn meal dipped with a remoulade sauce. These oysters had the entire wonderful briny flavor, which was delicately fried.

St. Louis Style Ribs were made with house made BBQ sauce. These ribs were sweet and just fell right off the bone. A very good choice!

Shrimp and Goat Cheese Grits were made with a twist on a southern classic. This was my most favorite dish. It really was an elegant comfort dish.

Dessert:

Salted Caramel Pot de Crème was so delicious. The Caramel flavor really knocked me out. This was by far the best dessert I’ve ever had.

The wines I tried:

Sauvignon Blanc, Cakebread Cellars – Napa Valley. This wine has lots of peach and pineapple flavors. I would drink this with the Spinach Salad.

Chardonnay, Trio Private Label – California had nice light fruity notes. I loved this wine with the fried oysters.

Chardonnay, Sonoma Cutrer – ‘Russian River Ranches’ – Sonoma. This wine would go great with anything other than meat. I liked it with the Shrimp Cocktail.

Chardonnay, Cakebread Cellars – Napa Valley, got to try this winner with the Shrimp and Goat cheese.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Emblem By M. Mondavi – Napa Valley, just an all around great wine which worked with the Steak that I did not talk about.

Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Vin. Redemption – Dry Creek. I always go for the Zinfandel with pork or meat. This was a great pairing with the St. Louis Ribs.

The Rat Pack world was a playground for fun, mischief and debauchery. The Purple Room offers you a great deal more, with a great old 60’s vibe, which stays true to its Sinatra roots. What I liked most about it was the return to a bygone era done in such a way that you felt it had been modernized in the process.

The Purple Room is a must in anyone’s journey to the desert. They have great entertainment every night. It will remind you that there are still places that are footloose, fun and fancy-free! But remember: What happens at The Purple Room, stays at The Purple Room. It’s where Palm Springs Plays.

Dinner is served 3pm to midnight on Tuesday through Sunday. Late Night Menu is served from 11pm to 2am Friday & Saturday and Happy Hour is 3pm–7pm, Tuesday thru Sunday.

The Purple Room
1900 E Palm Canyon Dr • Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: 760.322.4422
purpleroomps.com

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I consider West Hollywood to be my hometown; I have lived here for close to 23 years. I have seen many changes and have always been very happy to be a member of this community. Bossa Nova is located in the hub of “Boys Town”, but also has 2 other local locations. Right across the street is David Cooley’s Abbey, and soon there will be a lot more new nightclub/restaurant right around the corner. Keeping up with all the expansion in this small area is demanding, but Bossa Nova is up for the challenge. 2014 promises to be a huge reminder for how popular this area is and how lots of remodeling and new venues will be starting up.

The Abbey used to be at Bossa Nova’s location, they moved across the street and blossomed into the packed house it is today. Now Cooley’s and Lisa Vanderpump’s “Pump” will be moving in on Santa Monica and Robertson. Bossa Nova has bought the dry cleaners right next door and has big plans to upgrade the property, keeping in line with all of the other new changes to this booming neighborhood.

What I want to rave about with Bossa Nova is their fantastic food, and so many different types of food to choose from. Yes this is Brazilian food, but they also have Italian dishes, Mexican dishes, so… pretty much anything you would desire you can get at Bossa Nova.

Here’s what I tried:

Coxinha, Brazilian delicacy made with chicken and cheese inside a fried breaded dough. Kind of like a croquette, but more Latin.

Mushrooms Appetizer, Fresh mushrooms sautéed in olive oil, garlic, parmesan and sherry sauce. Served with fresh sliced bread. These are whole button mushrooms, very fresh and a great starting appetizer.

Camarao a Brasileira Appetizer (Charbroiled Shrimp) Garlic charbroiled or sautéed shrimp served with yucca flour, salsa and fresh sliced bread. I loved these, there are big and plump, with great garlic flavor.

Bossa’s Salad, a wonderful salad with romaine, tomatoes, roasted almonds, Gorgonzola, homemade style croutons and onions, tossed in their homemade style balsamic dressing. I had this one with shrimp and was very happy. The best part about this salad is the crouton. They are very large, with nice garlic hints.

Gabriela’s Salad with fresh spinach, arugula, fresh basil, goat cheese, walnuts, croutons, red onions, chopped tomatoes and corn, again with their homemade style balsamic dressing. This one I had with the grilled salmon. They don’t give you a huge piece of Salmon, its cut thin, but really mouth watering.

Bossa Nova Sandwich with boneless chicken breast, melted Monterey jack, lettuce, mayo and their own salsa on toasted Italian bread. This sandwich is very juicy, and is simple, but really terrific.

Churrasquinho no Pao Skirt Steak Sandwich, charbroiled skirt steak with Monterey jack, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, on toasted Italian bread. I ordered the steak rare, and it was so amazingly tender, this would be my stand by sandwich.

BBQ Bacon Burger, charbroiled half-pound patty, Monterey jack, bacon, red onions, lettuce, homemade style BBQ Sauce on a hamburger bun. It is sweet due to the red onions and BBQ sauce, but I’m all about sweet and savory, so this burger is high on my list!

Cristiane’s Favorite Tornedor Grilled Filet Mignon Medallions wrapped in bacon topped with Madeira sauce and served with mushroom cream risotto, and charbroiled asparagus. Order these on the rare side and you will be very happy, but the real jewel of this dish is the risotto!

Pink Seafood Risotto with homemade style pink sauce risotto with sautéed shrimps and scallops. So the pink sauce is a tomato based sauce, but very light. The scallops popped in my mouth, and the risotto is cooked al dente, what an accomplishment.

Manuella’s Special Pasta with shrimp, chicken breast, prosciutto, onions with their own Cajun cream sauce topped with parmesan. I had this one with fettuccini, if you like spicy then this is the pasta to order, it is very tasty.

Dessert:

Colossal Chocolate Grande Cake, more then 14 oz. per slice. This cake is oozing with pure chocolate heaven, really a treat!

Here are the Wine’s I tried:

Chardonnay, CK Mondavi, CA. Any dish that has shrimp in it works well with this wine, there were so many shrimp dishes that it is hard for me to pick out just one.

Chardonnay, Irony, Napa CA. I would recommend this wine to pair with the pink seafood risotto, well-balanced fruit adds to the comforting ingredients in this amazing dish.

Red Blend, Hahn, GSM, Central Coast, CA. In Cristiane’s Favorite Tornedor there is so much earthy mushroom flavor, that the wine balances the rich nuances just perfectly.

Malbec, Las Moras, San Juan, Argentina. Absolutely hands down this is the wine to drink with the Churrasquinho no Pao Skirt Steak Sandwich. The meat is so tender and the wine is so fruit forward, it almost tenderizes the meat even more in your mouth.

Zinfandel, 4 Vines Old Vine, Sonoma, CA. I liked this wine with the BBQ bacon cheeseburger, the burger and its sauces are sweet, and the Zinfandel is very full bodied, so it stands up nicely to all of the burger tones.

Cocktails:

Caipirinha, Brazilian mojito with no mint, fresh lime, sugar, ice and sake. This little gem will make your entire troubles go bye bye, and will quench your thirst at the same time. All of this with no hard liquor, hard to imagine, but Sake does the trick in this very popular cocktail.

Passion Mimosa, with special passion fruit concentrate. Great drink for afternoon brunch, very light and refreshing.

Their outdoor patio sits almost on the street, but gets you very close to all of the action. The dining room is very casual with a kitchen in the middle. I suggested that they put the kitchen in the back when they renovate or have an open kitchen so that people can see the chef. Marco, my fantastic server and manager said that they plan to have the kitchen hidden away behind what was the dry cleaner. He says that they plan on doing full renovation that should modernize the place to keep up with all of the new restaurants coming in.

The vibe is very relaxed, with nice ambient new age music. A cleaver mural resides on the back wall and the dining room is eagerly awaiting its make over.

All things considered, I would choose this fantastic food over a lot of my many stand byes. There is just so much variety, and what they lack in other peoples standards they make up for in great food, and a fantastic attitude!

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Bossa Nova
685 N. Robertson
West Hollywood, CA. 90069
http://www.bossanovafood.com

Tucked away on a back street, a small distance from the craziness of Old Town Pasadena lies an oasis filled with good ole fashion Americana, but with a gourmet twist. Here you will find all of your favorite fast food dog and burger stand items. The difference is, all of their fare is a mix of fun and eclectic delights that you remember from your childhood and with very unique combinations. What can I say about the best designer hot dogs on the planet other than… try it! It is so worth the drive to Old Town Pasadena to satisfy your dog and burger craving. Their menu items are so astounding, they are all huge, so come hungry and you will leave super happy.

Here’s were my favorites:

Haus Dogs:
The Cowboy with American cheese, smoked bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce, crispy onions. The combination of BBQ sauce, bacon and onion rings really make this hot dog something special. All of their dogs, sausages, and burgers are served on sweet Hawaiian bread, which makes all the difference in the world.

Haus Burgers:
Freiburger, white American cheese, fries, haus, meaty and sweet, this burger was a huge hit!

Cheeseburger with American cheese, lettuce, onion tomatoes, and 1000 island dressing. The best cheeseburger ever. It oozes with juicy meat goodness and the 1000 dressing is one of my very guilty pleasures.

Haus Sausages:
Frickin Chicken, chicken sausage, hausmade marinara, melted mozzarella, and crispy basil. It’s very Italian, and very good.

Uber Corn Dog, uber kase sausage dipped in root beer batter, deep-fried with honey mustard. I really haven’t had a corn dog since I was a kid, so all of my good childhood memories came flooding back, and made for one delicious corndog experience.

Sides:

Tater tots, great little bit-size crispy potatoes, just like you remember but definitely not of the frozen kind.

Haus slaw, simple and direct but added a nice refreshing break from all of the big dog, sausage, and burger flavors.

Fresh cuts fries with Kennebec potatoes, these fries brought me back to a trip to London where I had the best fish and chips ever. There was some seasoning on those chips, like a mystery seasoning. I could never figure out what it was, I think these French fries had the same seasoning!.

The interior is very sleek, black walls, rolling bench type tables, with lots of red accents. Great rock and roll music enhances your dining experience.

The manager Tony was very accommodating, he instructed me on the best of the best menu items. Tony came from the corporate side of the restaurant world, working at TGI Fridays, he is brilliant at marketing, and Dog Haus has had some great eating contests to stimulate business. In 2013 he did a very fun July 4th hot dog eating contest, in January of 2014 they will have a slider contest, and when I had my tasting Tony did a promotion called “ Tater Tots for Toys.” You can tell that he is very passionate about his job, and the success of Dog Haus. The 3 partner owners of Dog Haus should be very proud!

Right now they only have 3 locations all in the Pasadena area, they are selling franchises, and I am sure it will go national very soon. What more can I say about this place, it boasts major accolades. So when you are craving a really great hot dog and hamburger, treat yourself and go to Dog Haus.

Dog Haus Biergarten
93 E Green St, Pasadena
(626) 683-0808
www.doghausdogs.com

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Massage at Somatherapy – Nov. 20, 2013

I met Margaret Hines at the Women’s convention, where I got a mini chair massage. She was so nice and invited me to her school to experience the 1-hour treatment.

This is the best deal on the planet, $25.00 for an hour massage! This was not just any run of the mill massage, I have to say, it was one of the best ever. At the school, there is a very nice serene room, with quiet tranquil background music. Margaret is a master, she hit every pressure point and muscle and kept asking me if I was ok. I was better then ok, I was fabulous! I’m telling you, this massage will rejuvenate you, and for the price it really doesn’t get any better then this. So when you’re in the desert don’t get fooled by pricey spa type treatments, just call Margaret and she will make you feel like a king or queen.

Somatherapy
70225 Highway 111 Suite B&C
Rancho Mirage, CA. 92270
760-321-9214
www.somatherapy.com

Dinner at Lulu’s Nov. 20, 2013

Right in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, it doesn’t get any cooler then this. Kind of like a throwback to Modernism but with a Disneyland twist. All the fantasies you would want in one place, very stylish, but upscale and funky at the same time.

There is a love story here, between manager Willie and his partner Albert Gonzales. Albert walked over to my table and said that the food was making him salivate. He is hysterical. Willie and Alberto met at a Circle K store 8 years ago and it was love at first sight. They manage to balance their busy social lives with work. The love between them really shines through and when you first meet both of them you can see hearts dancing all around them.

Here’s what I tried:

Skewer of Peppered Filet Mignon with strips on a caramelized and grilled green apple, served with a Wasabi-mustard sauce. They use choice Filet in this appetizer and it shows, a great starter.

Skewer of Shrimp and Scallops on a grilled pineapple served with wasabi-Asian sauce. The scallops are seared and the shrimp is tender and light. There is also an Asian slaw underneath which really make this dish delightful.

Wild Mushroom Soup, with a touch of white truffle olive oil and chopped chives. The true test of a good restaurant is their soup. Seems simple enough but many chefs can screw it up. This soup was a masterpiece.

Corn Chowder Soup with a creamy and kernel-rich blend of great ingredients and fantastic corn flavors.

Iceberg Wedge with hickory smoked bacon and Roquefort cheese dressing. What I like about this salad is that the lettuce is served really cold, and the dressing was not too overpowering.

Pizza with Smoked Salmon with dill créme, onions and caviar. I have had this pizza at Spagos, and this one is right up there with
Wolfgangs creation, nice!

New England Lobster Roll, lobster meat with our homemade mayo, celery, chives and diced tomatoes, served over your choice of three New England rolls. You can also get this with romaine lettuce hearts, next time I would do that. I love the lobster but the bread was just a bit much for me.

Domestic Kobe Beef Burger American Kobe Beef, thousand island dressing with grilled red onion, fresh sliced tomato and lettuce, served with French fries and garnished with cornichons. You just can’t go wrong with a Kobe burger, they always take special care in delivering the best burger, and this one is just marvelous.

Lasagna Bolognese Arturo Style, topped with their kielbasa sausage, very hearty, and the sausage adds a great surprise.

Grilled Pork Chop, topped with maple syrup and baked apple glaze, served with mashed red skin potatoes and
fresh seasonal vegetables. The pork chop itself is so firm, yet tender, and the amazing sweet glaze just gives it a very positive lift.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Arturo’s secret sauce, served with mashed red skin potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables. These ribs just fall off the bone; the secret sauce will blow your hair back.

Filet Mignon 10 oz. grilled filet mignon, served with a light roasted garlic topping, sautéed mushrooms, mashed red skin potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables. So many steaks so little time. This is just one more of the best of the best steaks I have tried since I have been on this journey.

Desserts:
Flourless Triple Chocolate Cake, this was astounding, so rich, and so
much chocolate, wow.

Floating Island, just when I though all of my dreams had come true, out came my very fantastic server with an addition. Served in the largest margarita glass in history, comes this creamy decadence. Floating crème with a very mysterious center, all I can say is save room; I am not going to give the surprise away.

Here are the Cocktails I tried:
Key Lime Pie, Smirnoff Whipped Vodka, fresh pineapple juice, lime juice, and a splash of half and half. I loved the consistency of this cocktail, with all of its great froth.

Cadillac Margaritas, with 1800 Reposado, Cointreau, Daily’s Sweet & Sour and a float of Grand Marnier. Very high end and very drinkable.

Here are the wines I tried;

Sauvignon Blanc, Kenwood, Sonoma, this wine is always a crowd pleaser and went great with the New England lobster roll.

Chardonnay, Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve, a great wine to pair with the skewer of shrimp and scallops, just the right amount of butter and vanilla flavors.

Chardonnay, St. Francis, Sonoma, a good pair with the pizza with smoked salmon

Cabernet Sauvignon Simi, Alexander Valley, good combination with the Filet Mignon, captured all of the berries and smokiness in the meat.

Zinfandel, 7 Deadly Zins, California, I liked this wine with the grilled pork chop; it enhanced the sweetness in the sauce.

Malbec, Dona Paula, Argentina, went great with the Kobe beef burger; with it’s natural built in flavors.

Shiraz, Greg Norman, Australia, this was a stellar pairing with the Lasagna Bolognese.

The chandeliers were left over from the Ritz Carlton when it closed not too long ago. The artwork has a confetti look to it, which adds fun to the Large black and white photos of Richard Gere and other notable Hollywood stars that adorn the walls. I sat in the big over stuffed white booths against the wall, which gives you a panoramic view of all the diners. It is Las Vegas meets the Jetsons!

Barbara and Jerry Keller, who also own Aqua Pazza, have really struck gold here. The building has had a stormy history; first it was Muriel’s Supper club, then Atlas for 2 years then Kopycats for 3 years, then was abandoned for 5 years, and considered to be an eye sore in downtown Palm Springs.

On this night, the restaurant Kaiser Grille right across the street was empty, and Lulu’s was all a buzz. You really can’t find a more fun place in Downtown Palm Springs. Lively and full of great food, this place will rock your world!

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LuLu California Bistro
lulupalmsprings.com/contact.htm
200 S Palm Canyon Dr.,
Palm Springs · (760) 327-5858

Dinner Castelli’s Nov. 21, 2013

You would expect to see Tony Soprano or Joe Pesci in Casino at this authentic Italian restaurant, what a find. It has everything that you would expect from an old school, mob Italian style dinner house, right down to the piano bar. You could be somewhere in little Italy in New York with its wood paneled wainscoting walls. It’s got a green awning over the bar that says “ Bar Via Veneto”, with green table clothes and green carpet. I am hooked!

Most of the staff and owners are from St. Louis and they have been in business for 26 years, so its all one big happy family.

Since Palm Springs is very seasonal, they close from July 4th until the Thursday before Labor Day. So they are always closed in the heat of the summer for 6 ½ weeks.

Here’s what I tried:

Insalata di Caesar with crisp romaine lettuce tossed with their homemade, zesty dressing, sprinkled with imported Romano cheese. It does not get any more authentic then this, great rendition of this true classic.

Linguine alle Vongole with imported pasta prepared in a white clam sauce, extra virgin olive oil with garlic, green onions, basil and fresh Italian parsley. I love how all of the flavors melt together in this standard Italian dish, and this one really hit the spot, terrific.

Linguine alle Bolognese with imported pasta prepared in a sauce of diced tomatoes, red wine, ground beef, mushrooms and grated Parmigiana. It’s easy to ruin Bolognese but here at Castelli’s they cooked this sauce down to its utmost perfection.

Fettuccine Alfredo, specialty of the house. With imported pasta and cream, butter and freshly grated Parmigiana from Parma, Italy. Once again a dish that I have coveted throughout my whole life, starting at 19 when I first moved to the bay area. The restaurant called North Beach Restaurant was my favorite for this dish for a longtime, move over North beach Restaurant! This is the best ever, and is one of Castelli’s specialties.

Tortellini Romano, with beef stuffed pasta in a Romano cream sauce with Prosciutto, mushrooms, peas and freshly grated Parmigiana. This pasta is beyond good; no words can describe this fantastic creation.

Pranzo Del Padrino, The Godfather’s Dinner!
The Best of 3 Worlds! With tenderloin beef spiedini, shrimp scampi and Vitello alla Piccatina. I liked the dish but personally, I would just stick to the pasta’s here at Castelli’s

Wines I tried:

Chardonnay, William Hill, Central Coast, 2011. This wine went great with the Caesar salad, it had just the right amount of acid to perk up the anchovies, and cheese.

Chardonnay, Markham, Napa, 2011. No brainer, this one with the Linguine alle Vongole, nice fruity nuances, did not over power the garlic and clam sauce.

Chardonnay, Frank Family, Napa, 2012. The Fettuccine Alfredo was just the perfect creamy combination with the wines extra buttery consistency.

Oberon, M. Mondavi, Napa 2011, paired nicely with the Tortellini Romano.

Xyzin, Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma, CA 2011. Of course I would choose this one with the Linguine alle Bolognese, a perfect pair.

La Stonia, Trentadue, Alexander Valley, 2011. Great with the Pranzo Del Padrino, especially the filet.

Part of the fun of dining at Castelli’s is discovering Chef Brian Altman’s seasonal specials and having your dinner cooked exactly to order. I met Brian at The taste of the Valley and he invited me in to taste his wonderful creations. Owners Michael and John Castelli are there most nights, and will greet you upon arrival. There is seating in the intimate enclosed patio, and also in the well-known “Celebrity Room” where the walls are lined with photos of celebrities, or in one of their elegant private dining rooms.

Palm Springs has lots of throwback type restaurants, with Modernism being a big new draw there. If you want to go back to a time when men wore suits and big gold pinky rings, and smacked each other on the back to say hi, then Castelli’s is the place for you. Or if you want to eat really authentic terrific pasta, and be surrounded by family, Castelli’s will be your home away from home, either way it’s a real fun time!

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Castelli’s
73098 Highway 111
Palm Desert · (760) 773-3365
www.castellis.cc

Bed and Breakfast Stay – Casa Cody Nov. 20 & 21, 2013

When you first get on the property you are stunned at how far down the street it goes, but the website is very misleading, it looks a lot smaller then the true layout. It is a sprawling compound filled with lots of nooks and crannies that takes up a whole city block. The hot tub is nettled in between two of the cottages, and is hard to find if you don’t ask someone.

There is so much history here, dating back to the 100 year old Francis Crocker Adobe on the property. Casa Cody’s founder Harriet Cody, came to Palm Springs in 1916. She arrived on a horse drawn gypsy wagon along with her health-seeking husband who was Buffalo Bill’s first cousin, the hotel opened in 1932. In the early 1900’s when few non-Indians inhabited Palm Springs, Harold Bryant Cody and his wife Harriet, came to find a new home in heart of the California Desert.

Many celebrities have stayed in the standing on its own cottage; Elke Sommer, John Phillips, Mickey Spillane. Montie Montana was a guest; trying out his rope tricks in the garden. Another very famous celebrity cowboy actor Tom Mix took shelter at Casa Cody as well. In the 40’s General Patton took over one of the wings as his office, and trained his troops for the North African Campaign. The property started out just being the Casa Cody house but by the 1980’s owner Frank Tysen bought the adjacent properties, one owned by actress Polly Bergen and another owned by Mrs. Winter. I stayed in the original Casa Cody property and then moved to the newly renovated Mrs. Winter house in a small studio. Frank Tysen wanted to always keep every thing at Casa Cody very authentic, to its original architecture.

There is a self-guided tour of Casa Cody, with the highlights being, the Adobe House, built in 1910, McCallum Era Irrigation Ditch, which got ruined in 1893, The Crocker Cottage, built in 1940. Then you have the Olympic Cottage built in 1932, The Apache Lodge built in 1950, and The Winter House, built in 1936.

Casa Cody is a romantic, historic hideaway nestled against the gorgeous San Jacinto Mountains in the middle of Palm Springs Village. Adobe hacienda architecture decor is inspired by Santa Fe and other desert cultures. They have managed to keep the original hacienda designs. The Winterhouse studio had a bit more of a modern flair. There were a few things that needed to be fixed overall in the Casa Cody large studio, but all and all it is a great find in Palm Springs. You know what they say: location, location, and location, right around the corner from the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

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Lunch at Backstreet Bistro – Nov. 20, 2013

LaVane, the owner has he real message here, provide great food that will change your life, and in her situation it has. She lost 48 pounds in 4 months in the last year, and is talking the talk, and looking great walking the walk. Her method is “Fit 42”, and she even has a whole menu called “Get Fit”, dedicated to this weight reduction system. Their slogan is “Give us 42 days and we will change your body.” She wanted to provide an eating method for people that are already part of the diet, who won’t feel guilty about having a nice meal out.

Morgan Becker, my gracious server, is considered part of LaVanes family. She says that LaVane has taken her under her wing, and considers her one of her daughters. It shows, everything Morgan does is with pride, the kind that comes from pride of ownership, even though she does not own Backstreet Bistro. She has been well trained, and was a standout in my lunchtime experience.

All of their breads come from a local bakery Bosch Bakery, and most of their ingredients are from local products.

Here’s what I tried:

Spinach Shrimp Salad with fresh spinach, red onions, walnuts, black olives and Gorgonzola tossed in raspberry vinaigrette. This salad is packed with large tiger prawns, and the spinach is very fresh. A nice light lunch with few calories, exactly what the doctor ordered.

The President Salad with chopped romaine, turkey, Swiss cheese, dates, walnuts, grapefruit and Mandarin oranges tossed with a honey poppy seed dressing. It is so beautiful and rustic, with both citrus, and dates, and walnuts, this salad is a keeper.

Rueben Sandwich Classic Reuben on Rye. Thinly sliced pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing served on marble rye. Really terrific, what an amazing Reuben and I have had my share.

Sand Dabs, two fillets pan seared and topped with lemon caper piccata sauce, served with choice of sautéed spinach. Just about the best Sand Dabs ever, what an accomplishment.

Backstreet Bistro’s menu is completely different during evening hours, mostly Italian menu items. I did not have the opportunity to try this time around, but maybe on my next visit.

“Home” is what the locals call Backstreet Bistro, and you can see why. It is very comforting place. The have Live Jazz every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm. Next time I am in the desert I will for sure come by and try the Italian food with some live Jazz to match. This place will be one of my regular stops.

Backstreet Bistro
72820 El Paseo,
Palm Desert · (760) 346-6393

http://backstreet-bistro.com/

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With its intimate splendor this was Cary Grants old house and somewhere his dapper spirit lingers in the restaurant. From the outside you really don’t see this hidden charming gem, once inside you are bathed in luxurious splendor.

My waiter Victor, who said everyone calls him “Victa”, was very knowledgeable and fun. Before Palm Springs he spent time in San Francisco, Maui, and Los Angeles, he loves what he does and calls Palm Springs his home for now.

The interior is both sophisticated and provincial, kind of like a restful backdrop to what promised to be an eventful dining experience. There is light background music, with maple wood floors, a romantic atmosphere and a very upscale Palm Springs clientele. They pay attention to lots of little details, like their steak knives, which are a work of art unto themselves.

Here’s what I tried:

Diver Scallop, and Sweet Pea Ravioli, over creamy ginger corn, with fresh herb and chardonnay butter. Ok I will forever be thinking about this favorite scallop dish, especially the fragrant sweet pea ravioli.

Copley’s Seafood Sampler, Ahi Taco, Poached Jumbo Shrimp, Salmon & Caper Tartar. This was good, but it left me wanting more.

Slow Braised Veal Cheeks and Maine Lobster, over garlic potato, sautéed wild mushrooms, asparagus, and veal stock reduction. What a novel idea, so different. Seemed like the lobster was an after thought, but the veal cheeks are out of this world.

Lavender parsley Crusted Colorado Rack of Lamb, over root vegetable and goat’s cheese potato, carrots, baby spinach, and merlot reduction. Sometimes genius just lands on your plate from the chef gods, this is one of those dishes. So many lovely ingredients, with its great crust, this lamb is outstanding.

Dessert:
Chocolate Soufflé Cake topped with toasted marshmallows, served with salted caramel ice cream. Just oozing with chocolate goodness, wow!

Lemon and Lavender Scented Pound Cake, basil ice cream and lavender sauce. To me the basil ice cream is the winner of this desert.

Cocktails:

Pomegranate Martini with Seagram’s Extra Smooth Vodka, Orange Liquer, Pomegranate Juice. Quenched my thirst and was fun to drink.

Woodford Manhattan with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Fee Bros West Indian Orange Bitters, with maraschino cherry. Not really my drug of choice, but was nice just the same.

Here is the wine I tried:

2010 Alexander Valley Vineyards (Alex.Valley) Merlot, a nice combination of dark rich cherry flavors, worked great with the lamb.

Executive Chef Andrew Copley has an extensive 20-year culinary background at five-star restaurants and hotels across the world and is known for innovative dishes. Juliana Manion Copley; wife, owner and business manager is an active member of the Coachella Valley business community, where she serves as the president of the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Association and was one of the founders of Palm Springs Restaurant Week. In recognition of her efforts to grow the local culinary community, Juliana and her husband Chef Andrew Copley were recently named “Restaurateurs of the Year” by the Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors’ Authority.

Copley’s ranks up there with some of the best tastings, just plain good food! Well thought out, beautiful presentation, and very gracious surroundings. This place is a big winner!

Copley’s
621 N Palm Canyon Dr.,
Palm Springs · (760) 327-9555
www.copleyspalmsprings.com

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Dinner at Le Donne Cucina Nov 19, 2013

Heather the owner can be very shy, she has such a gem in the heart of Palm Desert and by the look on her face she doesn’t know it. Constantly in motion you would think that she is a hired server then an owner, she oversees every glorious detail of this very fine food establishment.

The walls are covered in Best of Best awards, so may that I got lost in the shuffle. There was a huge rush around 7pm, so many customers, every table was full, and the wait staff was running from kitchen to table.

At Le Donne Cucina it’s all about the food, and the great fresh ingredients. You will taste the authentic flavors of Italy. Voted best Italian restaurant in Palm Desert three years running by the Desert Sun and Palm Springs Life. Pastas are made fresh everyday using old-world techniques.

Here’s what I tried:

Minestrone Soup, just like Italian penicillin, what a great rich broth.

Polenta Con Porcini E Parmigiana with homemade polenta topped with Porcinis and fresh shaved Parmigiana. This dish seems like your Italian chef made it form scratch, such marvelous goodness, makes me want to cry.

Tuna Carpaccio with thinly sliced raw tuna with shaved Parmigiana, lemon and olive oil. Oh those Italian are very sly, saying never use cheese with fish, well this dish the Parmigaina is all over the place, but somehow it really works.

Eggplant Parmigiana, with fresh eggplant topped with marinara Parmesan sauce. Served with Spinach. Great consistency, the eggplant was cooked tender, and the sauce was true perfection.

Tortellini Alla Penne, Tortellini filled with cheese or meat served in an Alfredo sauce with ham and peas. Loved this traditional dish, it has something special in it, must have been really good cheese.

Linguine With Clams And Mussels Fresh clams and mussels served in a White wine sauce. Good clam and mussels flavor, but just the right amount of seasoning made this dish simple and luscious.

Ravioli Al Radicchio Or Ragu Homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach topped with radicchio cream sauce or topped with a meat sauce. In my case it came with both sauces, which added to my dining splendor.

Mare Caldo Salad with shrimp, calamari, clams, and mussels tossed with fresh garlic, lemon and olive oil. The seafood is served warm, and the garlic and lemon, olive oil combo is just the perfect delicate needed to bring out their lovely flavors.

Zuppa Livornese with clams, mussels, calamari and shrimp served in a red sauce. Sort of like bouillabaisse or cioppino, but seriously richer. The flavors roll around in your palate and make you want to scream, it’s that good!

Here are the wines I tried:

Pinot Grigio Da Vinci, Venezie, had just the right amount of sparkling fruit, went great with the Tuna Carpaccio.

Chardonnay William Hill, Central Coast, CA. A good oaky wine to go with linguine with clams and mussels.

Chardonnay, Rodney Strong, Sonoma, CA. This wine was just right with the mare caldo salad, and the zuppa livornese, with a good strong backbone, and just the right amount of fruit to work graciously with these 2 fish dishes.

Zinfandel, Leese-Fitch, Lodi. I loved this wine with the
polenta con porcini e parmigiana, the cherry vanilla flavors worked great with the musky porcini aroma.

Cabernet Sauvignon, William Hill, Central Coast, usually I would pair this wine with meat, but it enhanced the red sauce in the eggplant parmigiana.

Merlot, Canyon Road, CA. I like this wine with the meat part of the ravioli al radicchio, with its rich full-bodied flavors.

Chef Guillermo Cruz moved to Palm Desert in 1994 to take on his chef duties for the 3 women the originally owned Le Donne Cucina. Chef Guillermo orders his produce and meats always keeping an eye on quality control and costs. He says, “Freshness, and quality are my priorities”. He is a perfectionist and is so happy when his regular customers return week after week.

The interior is very simple, kind of an empty canvas, with the food being the main attraction. Every delectable dish is done with the utmost attention to detail, and come to your table piping hot, truly a feast for your eyes and stomach.

Le Donne Cucina is all about tempting their loyal customers palates with the best Northern, Southern and Central Italian Cuisine. This is high-styled, affordable Italian cuisine at its best. There are many Italian restaurants in the Coachella Valley, but Le Donne Cucina scores very high in my book.

Le Donne Cucina Italiana
72624 El Paseo Ste. C7
Palm Desert · (760) 773-9441
www.ledonnecucina.com

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People have been telling me that I am writing too much for each review so I am going to pare this whole review down so that you read the whole thing and it’s short and sweet. I usually talk about everything I eat and drink, this review I am just going to talk about the food and wine that I would recommend, here goes:

6th Annual Desert Women’s Show & Business Conference – Nov. 17, 2013.

What can you say about Suzanne Somers other then thigh master? Well even though I did not get a chance to see her speak at the conference”, her photo was on every Palm Springs Magazine and newspaper, she really is the main draw. Being the keynote speaker about her new book, “I’m too young for this” offered up some desert celebrity. The day I attended “The Taste of the Valley” there were great Palm Springs restaurants represented, some of which invited me to do a tasting later in my getaway week… including an hour massage!

Some of the finer restaurants were there such as: The Steakhouse, Backstreet bistro, Sullivan’s, Castellis, Joes Sushi, The I.W. Club, Tommy Bahamas’, along with Valley Brewing Co., and Crater Lake Vodka. There were lots of great tastes with drinks to match.

This is a great job! My 2 friends Jessica and Eric joined me on my adventure at Agua Caliente Resort and Casino, where the convention was held. My friend Jessica always surprises me, when she first came she handed me a hotel key and said if you need to take a nap or freshen up I got a hotel stay here, and you could always spend the night. She gave me a 2-night stay back a few years ago when I came to Palm Springs with my Mother. Agua Caliente has all of the great hotel amenities, including a flat screen very close to the bathtub, where Jessica’s daughter Ashley could be frequently found. I even watched the 49er game from the bathtub!

I am supposed to be writing about the conference not the hotel!
There were lots of interesting speakers including JJ Virgin talking about her healthy eating secrets and her new book. Doctors such as Dr. Steven Gundry offering up health scans. The overall feeling that I got from this event was that it is all abut woman’s comradery, and friendship.

Lunch at Desert Willow Golf Resort –  Nov. 18, 2013

I met Chef Francois at the conference and tried his amazing braised beef, it was delicious. So I asked him if he wound be interested in doing a private tasting for me, and wouldn’t you know, off I went the very next day. Situated off of Country Club Drive in Palm Desert you will find an oasis of great food and a fantastic golf course. Chef prepared 3 courses for me, each a sampler platter.

William, my server, came from great restaurant stock; his father has owns Guillermos in Palm Desert, hopefully one day soon I can do a tasting there! Hostess Koanda was hysterical, a real highlight in my experience. She is originally from Kansas City, but loves the desert and loves her job even more. Her face lights up when you talk about the view and how happy it makes her to be the hostess at Desert Willow Golf Resort.

There is so much wildlife to look at here, especially birds. William told us about a few pelican that landed in the picturesque lake; I thought pelicans in the dessert? Well while I was enjoying my lunch 3 pelicans landed right in front of me. Not your dark dirty looking pelicans that you normally see at the Pacific Ocean, no these were prestine white birds, very majestic. There were also red tailed hawks circling the lake as well.

The types of people that go to Desert Willow, of course the obvious golfers, but also ladies lunching, new retirees. The ladies were eating salads and the men are eating burgers as they enjoyed the beautiful lake view. Also, lots of movie star look a likes. They rely heavily this time of year on Canadian Tourism and the tourists won’t be disappointed.

Here’s what I tried:

Starters
Tortilla Soup, garnished with tortilla strips, cotija cheese and cilantro. Kind of had a nice kick to it, with good mellow flavors.

Scottish Salmon Salad with Scottish Salmon Za’atar chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese and lemon vinaigrette dressing. This is a great salad for the calorie conscious, the salmon was cooked to perfection.

Shrimp and Lobster Louie Salad with chopped romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce, shrimp and lobster meat, roasted tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, cucumber, radish, bacon bits and louie dressing. By far the best thing I tried today. The lobster pops in your mouth; the butter lettuce is the perfect accompaniment.

Burger Forestiere, a pound burger with cheddar cheese, with sautéed chanterelle mushrooms, onion jam and demi glace. This would be the burger to order, great woodsy flavors from the mushrooms, what a great stand by.

Dessert sampler, Desert Willow Chocolate treat, Citrus Sundae, Tres Leche Cake. The presentation is gorgeous, so save some room for this delectable treat.

Here are the wines that I tried:

Kenwood, Cuvee Brut, Yulupa, a very great way to start my lunch with some very perky bubbles.

Grgich Hills, Fume Blanc,Napa CA. This wine paired nicely with the shrimp and lobster Louie, bright and elegant, but with subtle fruit flavors.

Desert Willow, Chardonnay, “Reserve” Fallbrook, CA. This wine is very drinkable, not so much oak, and lends itself to good balanced fruit flavors; it went great with the salmon.

Sterling Vineyards, Merlot, Napa, CA. I liked this one with the burger; it’s got robust berry nuances with a great finish, just the right amount of tannins to go with the sharp flavors in the burger.

7 Deadly Zins, Zinfandel, CA. I love a good Zinfandel with any kind of meat, so this one was just right with good balance as well.

I have to say that my wine experience here was beyond words; William opened up fresh bottles of wine for every tasting; that never happens!

The interior is very modern with a very special adornment, a Chihuly Chandelier, by renowned Washington State artist Dale Chihuly. It is truly a site to behold, the sculpture is 12 feet high and 6 feet in diameter, and is located in the main lobby when you first walk in. The lamp was commissioned with funds from the City of Palm Desert Art Program. www.chihuly.com

I also did a golf cart tour of the greens, which I have to say are very well kept and seems to be a golfers paradise. Golf Week and Golf World Reader’s choice “Top 50 Public Course” as well as one the “Best Place to Play” by Golf Digest. There are 2 world-class courses Firecliff and Mountain View.

This was a very nice way to spend the afternoon; a tranquil moment is my very busy weekend here in Palm Springs.

Desert Willow Golf Resort
38-995 Desert Willow Dr.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
www.desertwillow.com
760-346-0015

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The Secret Garden Bed and Breakfast – Pink Taco – Glendon Bar & Kitchen – Oct. 22 & 23 2013.

October 22 & 23 2013

As part of my stay cation I was asked to review a two night stay at the Secret Garden, do a tasting at Pink Taco on Sunset, which is right around the corner from the Bed and Breakfast, as well as a tasting at The Glendon Bar & Kitchen in Westwood. That was a no brainer, so I did all of these in my 2 night staycation!

The Secret Garden

If you try to find an affordable hotel in Los Angeles you will probably wind up in some flea bitten, irritatingly small motel type situation. If you want to stay somewhere that is walking distance to the Sunset Strip on a small budget well that is almost impossible. You might as well sleep in your car. Not to be negative, but these kind of miracles just don’t happen in Hollywood, until now! The find of a lifetime… right in my own backyard here in Weho. Yes, the quintessential place for your out of town guests who don’t want to spend their life savings just for a trip to LaLa Land, put them up at The Secret Garden, a real home away from home.

The two tortoiseshell cats will greet you upon entry, Lucy and Ethel, and they will follow you around throughout your whole stay. You will be in the lap of luxury in this antique filled great Hollywood Hills Home. But with just a 5-minute walk and you can be thrust into the craziness of The Sunset Strip, with all its dining glory. The garden will enchant you, but the sound of traffic during rush hour will remind you that you are still in Urban Los Angeles.

There are 4 rooms total, 3 in the house and 1 cottage in the back; I stayed in the charming back cottage. The Bed and Breakfast has been used for photo shoots, one recently being for Playboy. I guess the décor would be called Gothic Ancient European. The house was built in 1920’s with lots of add-ons since then. Like beautiful bevel leaded glass windows and so many antiques it is hard to pick the best one.

Sylvester Butler, the oldest of 15 siblings, and the Innkeeper, will tell you lots of heartfelt stories about his family, his love of acting and what goes on in the house when your not there. It is a family filled with rich history and above all lots of love. What really strikes you about Sylvester is his huge smile and larger then life spirit, what a sweetheart!
David Austin the owner of The Secret Garden is a poet, real estate mogul and a wonderful humanitarian. He also owned the wild nightclub Probe back in the day. He still owns Playhouse Theater Stage 52. Since his partner Raymond passed away David has been wheelchair bound, he had a stroke 7 years ago. Sylvester, and the other innkeeper Thomas help out with his home health care.

Every morning breakfast is served in the house’s dining room. I had a very filling breakfast the first morning of fresh berries, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and your choice of bagel or toast. The second morning I had Maplewood bacon and scrambled eggs, with cantaloupe as a starter. Both breakfasts were a great way of getting my busy day stared.

Just so you know this is not a swanky Sunset Strip hotel, it is basic but lovely. There are some things that could use a little fixing here and there, maybe some would call it funky, but for me I was delighted by the hospitality and hominess of this very special place with great affordable prices. Above all with its special touches, you feel lots of love from within the walls here at The Secret Garden, a true home away from home.

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The Secret Garden Bed and Breakfast
8039 Selma Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
Phone: 1-323-656-3888, 1-323-656-8111
http://www.secretgardenbnb.com

Pink Taco – Taco Tuesday and Dinner – Oct. 22

The obvious thing would be to make mention of this double entendre name “Pink Taco”, and all of the references people say to lady parts. Whether its name is derived from lady parts or not, Pink Taco has a lot to celebrate. I had great Happy Hour food and well as some very unique dinner fare. They have $3.00 tacos on Taco Tuesday and $5.00 margaritas as well. I did a combo of that and other stuff to get the full vibe of the food place. Just had to walk around the corner from my hotel to check this place out.

Located right on the Sunset Strip, there’s lots to see out of their heated patio. Fast cars, leggy girls, and rock and roll wannabees, this place has it all. But what really stand outs is their very creative high-end Mexican cuisine.

Here’s what I tried:

House Margaritas, Jose Cuervo, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau and agave nectar. Nice tangy lime flavors with a good hit of tequila.

Carne Asada Taco, with grilled skirt steak, corn tortilla, arbol salsa, avocado and cheese. Very meaty, good rustic flavors.

Pink Taco, with grilled chicken, black beans, topped with arbol salsa, cotija cheese, pickled pink onions and avocado. Sweet and sour this taco packs a punch, great grilled flavor and the onions balance everything out.

Cheese Enchiladas, corn tortilla with three-cheese blend. Nice Mexican cheese with great beans and rice.

Lobster Enchiladas, corn tortilla filled lobster, brandy chipotle cream sauce, three-cheese blend. This dish is such a great option for traditional Mexican cuisine. It has a brandy undertone, wow what an amazing enchilada.

Guacamole, straightforward with lots of avocado.

Mexican Street Corn, done with shredded Mexican cheese, the corn is charred, a great side dish.

Baja Fish Tacos, grilled mahi mahi, flour tortillas, shredded green cabbage, Serrano cilantro sauce, jalapeno aioli, pico de gallo. The fish is very fresh and tender and the sauce is spicy but savory, truly great.

There is cactus lined all the way around the patio, and you get lots of “Day of the Dead” decorations. Nice metal chairs and wood high backbenches adorn this very friendly patio atmosphere.

When you’re done with your drink and your meal you can just walk 5 minutes back to your hotel room, so you get to see the sites and walk off your tacos.

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PINK TACO | SUNSET STRIP
8225 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
323.380.7474

Happy Hour Mon – Friday 4pm – 7pm
Sat, Sun 3pm – 7pm

Glendon Bar & Kitchen – Dinner Oct. 23

Located in te heart of Westwood Village, this place is popping with students, families, dates, all out for the same thing, a good time. When you enter there is a definite buzz, with nice bar food, great romantic atmosphere and just a hop, skip and a jump from one of Southern California’s most prestigious Universities, UCLA.

They have straightforward good food, with decent prices. A student on a budget could eat well at Happy Hour, or a proper date night is also highly recommended here at The Glendon Bar & Kitchen.

Here’s what I tried:

Specialty Cocktails:

Jane Fonda with Nikoli vodka, fresh sliced cucumber, lime & agave. They have this under their skinny drink section, what it lacks in calories it gains in great taste. You would not know that this drink has fewer calories than its counterpart on their regular specialty drinks menu.

Tequila Diablo, Tanteo jalapeno tequila, basil, lime, and egg whites, Cointreau, agave, served in a proper martini glass this drink was awesome. The egg white sounded weird but it makes the liquid frothy and smooth, what a nice refreshing cocktail.

Appetizers:

Bourbon Buffalo Wings, their signature dish and I get it. These wings are by far the best wings ever. I am not a big wings fan because I don’t really like the Buffalo sauce, but there is not of that in this dish.

The Mac with Jalapeno, three cheese béchamel and
bacon, very rich, nicely appointed, but beware it will fill you up!

The Sweet‏ Potato Fries with truffle & herbs, so delicious, wow. The truffle flavor really rocked my world.

Pizza:

Glendon, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, spinach, mushrooms, bacon, caramelized, it has a great blending of ingredients, some that you would not expect being together on a pizza.

Appetizers:

Lone Star Chicken Spring Rolls
Southwestern style, served with Mexican buffalo ranch, just a little too spicy tangy for my tastes, maybe someone else would love this.

Braised Pork Belly Tacos, slow braised pork belly with an Asian slaw, very nice version of this popular taco, I really liked this one.

Namaste with Chicken Salad with kale, spinach, grilled chicken, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, almonds, light Parmesan, balsamic Dijon vinaigrette. OK, this would have to be my go to salad here from now on, loved it.

The Marc with Penne pasta, grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil sun dried and grape tomatoes, almonds, nutmeg, fresh cracked pepper, light cream finish. The nuts really add an extra touch to this inspired dish, another one of my favorites.

Bourbon Street BBQ Chicken, Served with Bacon Brussels‏
Cherry Bourbon Bread Pudding. I really like this style of chicken, it is sweet but savory, and the Bourbon sauce is killer.

Here are the wines that I tried:

Terranoble Chardonnay, Chili, CA.
With pineapples and pears, fermented‏ stainless barrels, nice wine to pair with the sweet‏ potato fries.

Artesa Chardonnay, Carneros, CA.
Nice rich and creamy, citrus blossom and oak, went good with Namaste with Chicken Salad.

Napa Cellars Chardonnay, Napa CA.
This wine is quintessential California, rich and lush, and paired great with the cheesy Mac with Jalapeno.

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA.
Perfect red fruit, notes of cedar and violet, full bodied, matched the sweetness of the Braised Pork Belly Tacos.

Hess Malbec Napa, CA.
Smooth and supple, elegant black cherry and spice, worked great with the Marc with Penne pasta.

Brazin Zinfandel Lodi, CA. A big and bold, dark plum, coca, spice, perfect with the Bourbon Street BBQ Chicken.

6Th Sense Syrah Lodi, CA. Dark red fruit, smoky notes of vanilla and oak, I liked this one with the Glendon Pizza.

My hostess Martinique, who I first met at The Carson House guided me through a very complex tasting. She pretty much picked all the tempting menu items, and I just added 3 staples that were necessary. But she did really well; I was able to try Happy Hour items and some of Glendon Bar and Kitchens most popular items. I had a new-comer friend join me, Cheryll, who did research on this tasting before hand and told me that we pretty much tasted all of this restaurants most requested menu items.

The interior is very romantic with its very high-trussed ceiling. The lighting is emphasized by their use of nice low wattage, and of course I have to comment on the three very ornate chandeliers over the low dining tables. There is what looks like original brick that reflects that history of this charming building.

What a fun, and lively atmosphere. You have got to do Happy Hour here, most of the drinks and food are under $6.50 so, its a bargain. Even without Happy Hour you will still get a good deal from their regular menu prices. You get a lot of bang for your buck. When your in Westwood and want to stop in somewhere for a drink and some really good food, you want to go here!

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The Glendon Bar & Kitchen
1071 GLENDON AVE
LOS ANGELES • CALIFORNIA • 90024
310.208.2023

Oct. 18, 2013

This is a location that has seen lots of action – back in the days of Carroll O’Connor’s “Ginger Man”. This was a true hipster spot in the 80’s. It’s had some nice evolutions, but hopefully Bedford and Burns will once again find their niche.

The Burns family has a rich history in Beverly Hills. In 1918, Robert Burns Pharmacy in Beverly Hills was conceived at the corner of Doheny and Burton Way. His son convinced him to also open a soda fountain at that location, and a century later Bedford and Burns was born.

Elizabeth and Bob Burns opened their first Bob Burns Coffee Shop in North Hollywood in the 1950’s. Soon after, they added the fine-dining Tartan Room next door and over the following years they added to the Bob Burns family of restaurants with locations in Santa Monica, Newport Beach, Woodland Hills and Anaheim. The three Burns “kids,” Beth, Bonnie and Bobby all got involved in the business and helped their mother run the restaurants, after Bob Burns passed away. Elizabeth Burns was a formidable force in the restaurant world and rose to become the first female president of the California Restaurant Association, regularly lobbying on behalf of California restaurateurs in Sacramento.

In 1990, the Burns family branched out with a casual gourmet take-away shop and catering company on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Marmalade Café was a hit and grew the concept for the next 15 years with locations all over Southern California before selling the majority stake in the company in 2007.

From its inception Bedford and Burns is garnering lots of great reviews. As part of Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle, the Burns Family wants to engage you to taste their fresh take on the American bistro.
In a warm residential setting, punctuated by great contemporary art, and an inviting heated sidewalk patio, dinner guests are happily enjoying a casual dining experience. The interior is classic with a contemporary ambiance; monochromatic beige seating with green banquets. There is a library wall with Delftware Blue Dutch ceramics, a nice Liechtenstein type light fixture with mirrored columns.

Here’s what I tried:

Cocktails:
El Cupacabra with Dobel, Agave, Lime Juice, Muddled Serena, Ginger, Cucumber. Kind of has that Margarita vibe but with more sensibility, really great.
Bedford Mule with Russian Standard Vodka, fresh lime, ginger beer, bitters. They serve this drink in a copper mug; it makes the drink stay really cold.

Soup:
Puree of Market Greens, perfect for the vegan, with no cream, no animal products, a great healthy treat.
Wild Mushroom, fantastic woodsy mushroom flavor, very well blended, perfect for the mushroom lover.

Appetizers:
Santa Barbara Smokehouse Salmon, the salmon is delectable, and the sauce is even better then the salmon.
Lisa’s Shrimp Louie, the shrimp are huge and the dressing is just fantastic.

Entrees:
Bobby’s Bouillabaisse, full of John Dory, clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari, with a nice fish marinara sauce.
Ribeye Steak with Chimi Churri Sauce. Every time I taste a new steak at a new restaurant I say that it is the best ever. It is very hard to keep track of all of different steaks I have tasted. This one however is in another league. It had the right amount of grain, and fat. The Chimi Churri sauce is spread thinly on top and adds the right amount of fragrant herbs, what I winner.

Desserts:
Blackberry & Peach Crumble, vanilla ice cream, very fruity, with just a small amount of crumble.
Lemon Hazelnut Meringue Cake, crème anglaise, raspberries. I really loved this cake; it has such a great light consistency.

Here are the wines that I tried:

Sancerre, Pascal Jolivet, Sancere Controlee ’11, I loved this wine with its very subtle peach flavors, it went great with the smoked salmon.
Chardonnay, Smith Madrone, Saint Helena ’10, a nice mellow wine, great pair with the Shrimp Louie, and of course the Bouillabaisse.
Syrah, Semler Family, Malibu, ’07, how could you go wrong with such a perfect match for the Steak.
Zinfandel, Force of Nature, Mossfire Ranch, Paso Robles ’10, bold, ripe rich, wonderful fruit, this one went great with the steak as well.
Pinot Noir, Belle Glos, Meiomi, California Coast ’11, this wine with its very smooth strawberry, vanilla favors worked great with the mushroom soup.

My experience was highlighted by the delightful John Jewell. Handsome and fun, he delivered many fascinating quips about the food and drink. His blond locks were neatly tied back in a ponytail, but you could see that he was a surfer underneath it all. When I asked him my standard server question, Are you an actor, he said, “ No, I’m a happy person!” He went to both USB and SF State and graduated with a business degree. John worked at Pinot Bistro, Plan Check, Saddleback, and Josies. His description of every menu item was dead on, a very informative tasting.

This is the best American Bistro Beverly Hills has ever seen, and there have been lots. It truly is a winner; it has all the things you would expect from a classic Beverly Hills dining establishment. You can come for food or the namesake, but whatever you come for you will leave with a huge smile on your face!

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Bedford and Burns
369 North Bedford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-273-8585
bedfordandburns.com