Jodi Jackson’s Hollywood

I am also a publicist, and I do many types of publicity, but recently I have been blessed with a wonderful new restaurant on the Sunset Strip, Blue Birdy. Part of my job is to bring in the local hotel concierges. I asked the lovely staff at The London Hotel around the corner from Blue Birdy to come in and do a tasting and they did. Their tasting was wonderful, and I got to meet the staff, Tanisha Geiman, KJ Alam and Frido Vita, and suggest my take on what are the things to order off of the menu. But little did I know they would want to return the favor by inviting me into The London Hotel’s new rooftop dining experience. Their pre-existing restaurant on the first floor has been transformed into a rooftop dining event. Wow, it’s like a religious experience, but with food. It will transform and heal your soul! With incredible food and just the best atmosphere, I can’t say enough about my wonderful night, but here goes.

So, The London Hotel is now doing a collaboration with John Legend, and Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of the Boisset Collection. Jean-Charles said, “I’m thrilled to embark on this partnership with The London West Hollywood and LVE. In 2015, John Legend and I created the first Legend Vineyard Exclusive wines together and now they are all available to enjoy at this iconic location all summer long with food pairings inspired by some of John’s own recipes. I can’t think of another place I’d rather be at to drink LVE.” The name LVE means, Legend Vineyard Exclusive. John Legend and The London West Hollywood at West Hollywood are making sweet music together this summer.

Introducing the LVE Collection by John Legend. The perfect harmony of passion, eloquence and Napa Valley tradition. A unique series of rich, soulful and complex notes inspired by true love, produced in collaboration with Napa Valley’s renowned Raymond Vineyards. Raymond Vineyards boasts an enduring forty-year reputation for elegant wines with a beautiful balance of finesse, power, and complexity. Today, guided by the vision and passion of Proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset, Raymond is widely hailed as one of the Napa Valley’s pre-eminent producers, sustainable winegrowing leaders, and one of the wine world’s most dynamic and luxurious winery destinations.

London Hotel’s, Executive Chef – Anthony Keene also created an a la carte menu with highlights including shared dishes such as surf and turf featuring king crab, grilled wagyu, burrata and caviar featuring Golden Osetra Caviar. “We are always seeking ways to deliver fun experiences to our guests and locals and are excited to bring this new dining experience to life alongside acclaimed musician, TV host, EGOT winner and fellow Angeleno, John Legend and his incredible LVE wines from Napa Valley and France,” said Anthony Keene. The main dishes are paired with LVE Cabernet Sauvignon giving you the “Green Light” for a magical summer evening. The experience isn’t just limited to hotel guests, everybody is welcome.

As for the menu, Executive Chef Anthony Keene created a John’s Favorites three-course prix-fixe menu with dishes inspired by “John’s Favorite Things” from wife Chrissy Teigen’s cookbook “Cravings,” paired with a curated wine list of LVE and Boisset favorites. Starter options include BBQ chicken pizza, croquettem-bouche, French onion soup gratinee, and short rib ravioli, paired with LVE Chardonnay Carneros and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mains include spicy miso pasta with Manila clams, fried chicken, spicy honey butter and Beef Wellington (served for two) accompanied by mac and cheese gratinee.

In collaboration with Legend’s LVE Wines, the hotel has launched a seasonal dining experience, that transforms the poolside rooftop into a restaurant. Visitors can dine al fresco in a private cabana or a table while taking in the breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills and city skyline. To round-out this beautiful experience, you can see downtown Los Angeles, while listening to the best John legend music.

The starters include a charred octopus’ salad with chili lime crunch, and lobster tortellini with sweet corn and trumpet mushrooms. Main dishes include English pea and morel mushroom risotto, and whole branzino, with artichokes, lemon, and shaved fennel. The menu also features steaks sliced for sharing, including 8-oz. Prime Rib Cap, 14-oz. Bone-in New York, and Bistecca Alla Fiorentina 50-oz. Dry-Aged Porterhouse.

The wine list will feature all LVE Wines including summer seasonal favorites like Rose and sparkling wines along with Boisset Collection wines, John Legend’s LVE partner.

Legend and LVE at The London West Hollywood Rooftop is every night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will run through Labor Day Weekend. Pricing is $85 for this three-course meal, $120 with wine pairings included. Reservations can also be made on Open Table.

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Martini with Tito’s Vodka. A wonderfully chilled martini, in a proper martini glass.

Blackmagic with tequila, another wonderful drinkable cocktail.

Dinner:

Rosemary Sea Salt Focaccia, freshly baked, you could just eat this and would be so satisfied, but really save room.

Starters:

Lobster Tortellini, with sweet corn, trumpet mushrooms, and button onions. By far my favorite dish of the evening, the corn really highlights the sweet flavors of the lobster and the trumpet mushrooms are a bonus, just delightful.

Charred Octopus Salad, with Castelvetrano Olives, Yukon potato, Greek yogurt, and chili lime crunch. The octopus is tender and cooked to perfection, this salad is a nice light flavorful treat.

Mains:

English Pea and Morel Mushroom Risotto, with wild morel mushrooms, spring pea shoots, and mascarpone. Another favorite dish, the color is so fantastic, it is bright green, but the flavor of the peas shines through with every bite.

Seared Scallops, with lemongrass lemon, and shaved fennel. The scallops are tender and moist, with the bold lemon grass and fennel, it’s just a pairing made by the Gods, or should I say Anthony Keene. In my book he is the one of the best culinary Gods that there is!

6-Oz. Filet Mignon, au poivre, grille romaine, and big fat fries. The meat was a perfect medium rare, and it is bathed in a pepper sauce, that is just scrumptious.

Whole Branzino with artichokes, lemon, and shaved fennel. It is a whole fish with both sides of the fish laying on top of one another, which makes for a lovey presentation. The skin is crispy and flakey, it is just the best Branzino ever!

Mac & Cheese, with Monterey Jack, and Sharp Cheddar. Super creamy, a perfect match to the Beef Wellington.

Then off the LVE prefixed menu:

French Onion Soup Gratinee, with gruyere cheese, and crouton. Super melty cheese and a hint of sweet sherry makes this soup one of the records, just simply divine.

Short Rib Ravioli, with Calabrian Chili, and pomodoro. Delicious and sublime, with amazing tomato flavors, another standout menu item.

Spicy Miso Pasta, with fresh noodles, Manila Clams, English peas, guanciale, and parmesan. This dish is just heavenly, it is creamy and rich, and the clams are just the freshest ever! The guanciale is crispy and amazing as well.

Fried Chicken, with spicy honey butter, Cholua hot sauce, and wildflower honey. I can totally see why Chrissy Teigen craves this one, its super crispy and light, and the honey wildflower just takes it over the top.

Beef Wellington, with glazed carrots, and bacon wrapped green beans. This enormous dish comes in a copper platter, the presentation is fit for a king and queen, and so are all of the meaty goodness and juices, just terrific.

Desserts.

Chef Anthony’s, Harrys Strawberry’s with strawberry sorbet. This is a dish that I was told was only made for my dinner, and you can understand why. The sorbet melts in your mouth and balances out all the previous flavors. The fresh strawberries are just sweet and perfect. Harry’s Berries is a small organic produce farm in Oxnard that has been used in many famous Chef’s recipes.

Berry Pavlova, chewy, crispy, and a little marshmallow-y. This is a very creative dish and just needs to be tried.

Chocolate Brownie, with pecan ice cream, for the chocolate lover this dessert will rock your world.

Wines:

LVE – Chardonnay – Carneros, 2021.

LVE – Grenache – Napa Valley, 2021.

LVE – Cabernet – Napa Valley, 2020.

Each wine is paired so wonderfully with the LVE menu, they are all unique and well made.

My server Chris Iredale worked at some high-profile West Hollywood places before the London Hotel, Sunset Tower, and Zinque. My fabulous host Tanisha spent recent time in Arizona, but originally is from Chicago. GM of the London Hotel is Terry Bucholz, and their Pastry Chef Is Nidia De Los Santos. She does an amazing job on the deserts, wow.

With innovative menus and creative presentations, Executive Chef Anthony Keene brings an ambitious cooking style to this signature restaurant. Keene began working with The London West Hollywood and Gordon Ramsay Restaurant. In 2010, Keene officially took over Gordon Ramsay Restaurant at The London West Hollywood as Executive Chef. Chef Keene’s inspiration drives the location to feature inventive, seasonal menus that are playful-yet-sophisticated, delighting the restaurant’s discerning clientele. Keene’s personal chef style pairs classic British favorites with bright California flavors, creating a one-of-kind culinary destination. Anthony’s prestigious training and expertise in fine dining allows for a creative menu filled with surprises.

I did a review in 2012, and back then the meal Chef Keene prepared was other worldly, I walked away with my best dining experience ever. I have to say this one was the same. His attention to detail is just the best, he is an asset to every kitchen he touches. Each dish has its own unique flavor profile, and nothing is ever repeated. His sauces are all just perfectly balanced sauces, that adds so much to every dish. All I can say is thank you, and just keep doing what you do, because we are all very enlightened by your creativity, and your incredible culinary genius.

The London Hotel
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069 (866) 282-4560

https://www.thelondonwesthollywood.com/

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills – World’s Best Award-Winner “The Top 15 Hotels in Los Angeles” 
6 Years Running.

*Note some content was taken off their website.

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What a rare find in a very quiet part of the Inland Empire. The food is so good and creative, it’s just amazing that it is in a suburban location that you really must seek out. From the outside, you would not even know that it is a glorious Thai food experience. It is a very unassuming building, with a funky motel in the back. But whatever and wherever, I am here to tell you; that Chapter Two, has some of the most inventive tropical Thai inspired cuisine, that I have ever laid eyes on and tasted. From the moment you are served your beverage, you know you are in for a charming fantastical experience. They serve a Matcha Thai Iced Tea, in a lovely wooden holder, with mini cookies alongside. Every part of Chapter Two is well thought out and planned. From The depression ware glass bowls to the delicate flowers served on top of my beverages and food items. This food is light years apart from everything you have ever tried before. It is colorful, with rich exotic Thai spices and curries, and the utmost attention to details. It really got my creative taste buds a blaze.

Here’s What I Tried:

Beverages:

Matcha Thai Iced Tea, this is the iced tea with the amazing presentation.

Watermelon Mojito, they use different glasses for everything, and this amazing drink had a beautiful strip on watermelon on the top of the glass. It is a wonderful, super refreshing drink. They do not have an alcohol license, but it really did no matter.

Appetizers:

Summer Rolls, it is made with super fresh vegetable and shrimp, a very nice peanut dipping sauce alongside of it, and a gorgeous curry strip of red beets on top to add to the overall art piece of this food item.

Curry Puff, in a very light puff pastry with vegetable inside, just a wonderful starter.

Salad:

House Green salad, the dressing on this salad is enough to try it!

Khao Yum Rice Salad, so they bring you a huge plate, with all of these lovely vegetables and fruits separated. It looks like a big carnival, or like confetti. Lexi poured it all into a beautiful wood bowl along with some amazing Thai dressing. She mixed it all together and presented us with the most delightful salad ever. I would absolutely order this every time.

Mains:

Pad Thai Bo-Ran, with very delicate noodles and super plump shrimp, it’s a great Pad Thai and I have tasted many of them.

Mussaman Braised Beef, they are cubes of beef that are super tender, with some very lovely Thai dark curry flavors. It is just an amazing dish.

Khao Soi Chiang Rai with Chicken, the presentation is fantastic, with all kinds of accompaniment, almost like the kimchi at a Korean BBQ. It just makes one’s appetite soar. It is so great to see all their very clever ways that they deliver such lovely cuisine.

Rawang Curry, this curry is a bit on the spicy side but is so different from any other dish that I had, that it is was just perfect.

Garlic Green Beans with Shrimp, there is a very subtle mild sauce, that is wrapped around these delicious darlins, and the shrimps are plump and delightful.

Crying Tiger Beef, the beef is cooked medium rare, and is very tender, with a nice marinade. The rice comes in its own individual rattan steamer and is a dark purple and black rice.

Rice:

Pineapple Crab Fried Rice, here is another great presentation, with tomatoes and cucumber surrounding the rice, with the crab and the eggs on 2 different sides of the platter. They do a natural dye on the rice, with pea flowers, to make it look a blue purple tint, which also adds to the overall artistry of this dish. It is just the best fried rice you will ever eat.

Desert:

Watermelon Iced Crush, what a wonderful light desert. It’s only served during watermelon season, so come and get it now. On a hot balmy summer day, it’s worth the trip to try it and nothing else.

Pandan Pudding, I was not sure about this one. You must have an acquired taste for this fruit, but I am sure there is a serious fan out there who can’t get enough of this dish.

I found out some tidbits about Lexi, but I was so enamored with the food, that I really did not do my usual detective work on the history etc. I do know that Lexi had another establishment not far from this one, and during Covid it got tough to stay open. So now, she is doing reconnaissance and nurturing this already existing business. She has taken over the kitchen and does her best to show the customers her whimsical artistic takes on already fascinating Thai food. It’s amazing how much energy she has seeing that she has two very young children and a husband. She told me that she was living in Los Angeles and working at Natalie Thai in Beverly Hills. She was coming to visit her husband when she was not working. Now, with her young children she had to settle down more in this area. I am so glad that she did. Honestly, I will be coming in here a lot, there is so much other good stuff on this menu that I need to try.

It’s off 10-freeway going East to the desert, so it’s a pretty good call to come here for lunch, or dinner, or get to-go to take with you. It’s just that good. For me, I would want to do a sit down every time, because of this quaint charming atmosphere, and the way the food is plated, it is all one big, brilliant experience. Lexi should not change a thing, people just need to discover Chapter Two, and like me they will be hooked forever.

Chapter Two

24957 Redlands Blvd.

Loma Linda, CA 92354

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I am sure you know the story, and all the characters, but this one is a bit different. It’s been cut down to 2 hours, the original musical was close to 3 hours and has been made a bit more modern.

The technology is the number one thing that I saw, that has been changed and completely enhances the story and the viewers experience. They have a full video screen behind the set that becomes part of the story with many pivotal secondary narratives being told. So, you got the live action on the stage and the video screen revealing many parts of the original theme.

The flying is really what this show is all about. They have clear cables coming from their sides, that are very hard to see, these great flying moments are highly choreographed, but super subtle. You just want to climb onstage and fly with all of the flying characters.

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price, and choreography by Lorin Latarro.

The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure, features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.” Peter Pan embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right, and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will Take Flight!

Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Music by Morris (Moose) Charlap, originally directed, choreographed and adapted by Jerome Robbins. Cast highlights for me were Nolan Almieda as Peter Pan, Cody Garcia as Captain Hook, Hawa Kamara as Wendy, and Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily. Nolan Almieda is still in Jr. High School at only in 17 years old. His voice is fresh and strong, he was just the perfect Pan. Hawa Kamara brought a different version of Wendy, making her professional debut after graduation from college. She had the right number of maternal instincts as well as a great sweet voice.

Peter Pan runs at The Hollywood Pantages Theater, July 9-28.

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/assets/doc/Pan_PeterPan_7-9_TrimForLorraine-dd4fc285d4.pdf

The Hollywood Pantages Theater

6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 468-1700

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

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I first came in here to order a dish to go and met owner Natty Reinherdt. She was so charming and sweet. Once she found out that I am a restaurant reviewer, she offered me a tasting. I am here to tell you that this is a rare find in Hollywood, or in Los Angeles. It has very limited seating, but the food coming out of this very unassuming place, is just astounding. For sure, my new go to Thai place in Los Angeles. People find this place from Yelp, Google, Instagram, and word of mouth. People come from all over: San Francisco, Boston, New York, etc.

Natty took the restaurant over from her Auntie and changed quite a few things. Her goal was to make Thai Spicy BBQ a real successful business, she has managed to do that and more.  By reimagining some of her aunt’s recipes she took what was a run of the mill Thai food experience to an off the charts meal. Natty said she works and creates from the heart; she embraces the fact that good food and a warm atmosphere make this restaurant a real find. Natty loves to eat and knows what good food is.

Here’s What I Tried:

Drinks:

Thai Iced Tea, a very refreshing iced tea, and Natty does this very sweet, folded straw trick, where she turns a straw paper cover into a white rose. What a nice added touch.

Appetizers:

Fried Shrimp, these shrimps are orange in color with the breading. Must be some kind of extra Thai spices that make it that color. This appetizer is one to order every time.

Fried Tofu, deep fried tofu with sweet and sour dipping sauce. They give you lots of tofu and the sauce is just divine.

Soup:

Tom Kha Soup, hot spicy coconut soup made with galangal, mushroom, onion, and chicken. Their Tom Kha soup is colored white, not orange, and you can tell why. It’s got more coconut milk than most of this same exact soup. This makes for one savory and sweet comforting soup.

Salad:

Glass Noodle Salad, combination green salad with glass noodles, chicken and shrimp, tossed in spicy lime dressing. It is a bit spicy. I would order this every time, it’s a very large portion, super flavorful and fresh, just perfect.

Entrees:

Seafood Fried Rice, this rice has many different types of seafood: mussels, fish ball, crab, shrimp, white fish, squid, as well as a variety of mushroom that I do not think I have ever tried. I like to eat this rice with the peanut sauce.

Pad See Ew, pan fried big flat noodles, in sweet black sauce with broccoli and carrots. The sweet black sauce is enough to try this incredible great dish.

Pad Thai, pan fried noodles with egg, bean sprouts, onion and ground peanut. Everything they do here is unique and fantastic, including this very wonderful Pad Thai.

Northen Egg Noodles, egg noodles in Northern Thai curry. These noodles are rich, thick, and the sauce or soup is just to die for; my favorite thing that I tasted.

Green Curry, their super-secret curry ingredients are just heavenly. Natty would not tell me much, but I did get to understand what it takes to make this curry so delicious.

Spicy BBQ Beef, stripes of super tender beef with a nice spicy dipping sauce.

Their dining room is very alluring, with a flat screen tv on one wall, and lots of things that are all about Thailand. But really, you feel like you’re in someone’s kitchen; it’s small and charming. Natty adds that extra touch of hospitality. She does a lot of the cooking, but has another chef, in the kitchen, who she guides along to prepare the best Thai food anywhere in Los Angeles!

Thai Spicy BBQ

5101 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA.

90029

(323) 663-4211

https://www.spicybbqtogo.com/

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This restaurant, Napoli, has been in business for many years, and after tasting their glorious food, you can understand why; it’s just that good.

Napoli Italian Restaurant has a lot of loyal customers, since it opened in 1994. Owner, Santokh Singh Bhatti really thinks his success is because they haven’t changed anything for many years. He says, “I really don’t mess with an already proven good thing.” His reputation speaks for itself. He came to San Bernardino in 1992 when he opened a convenience store, but in 1994, with very little money, he managed to open Napoli Italian Restaurant, and the rest is history. Many regular customers have been enjoying Napoli since its inception, they come for dinner every week. Santokh is also a Chef; his cooking education came from spending his early teenage years cooking in Wiesbaden, Germany restaurants. He worked his way up from dishwasher to Chef. Even though Italian cooking is very different from German cooking, he honed his European cooking skills there. (Fun fact: And for you, Bollywood fans, Santokh could be superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s stand-in, he really looks so much like him.)

Here’s What I Triied:

Appetizers:

Calamari, nicely breaded and very fresh; a good way to start my meal.

Bruschetta alla Napoletana, homemade toasted bread topped with fresh mozzarella di bufala, diced tomato, fresh basil, oregano, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. These are so darn tasty, packed with garlic and basil; just wonderful.

Salad:

Napoli’s Caesar Salad with Prawns crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a special Caesar dressing, topped with grilled prawns, pine nuts, fresh tomatoes, and homemade croutons. I always want to try a good Caesar salad and they really make a very delicious and special salad. The prawns are super flavorful and tender, and the pine nuts are a great added touch.

Salmon Oreganato, salmon seasoned with blended herbs and grilled, served on a bed of spring mix salad with artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, tomatoes, onions, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and balsamic vinaigrette. They give you lots of salmon and the herbs really take this salad over the top in a very good way.

Pasta:

Ravioli di Portobello, portobello mushroom ravioli with fresh tomatoes and wild mushrooms, in a cream sauce. I just loved this ravioli; it is comfort food at its best; take my word for it and just try it.

Seafood Capellini with Lobster Sauce, angel hair pasta and  seafood. There are plenty of scallops, shrimp, and salmon in this delicious pasta. The lobster sauce is mellow and smooth, just a terrific pasta dish.

Fettuccine Alfredo, fettuccine pasta with homemade creamy alfredo with shrimp. I just loved this rendition of a very classic Italian staple. Wow is all I can say.

Spaghetti Bolognese, spaghetti with homemade meat sauce, with sautéed mushrooms and meatballs. If you like a very deep and rich Italian red sauce, then this is the dish for you.

Meats:

Chicken Parmigiana, lightly fried parmesan-breaded chicken with homemade marinara sauce and melted Italian cheese. The chicken is very succulent, and the blending of the sauces and cheese is just divine.

Veal Marsala, veal with sautéed mushrooms and marsala wine. I loved this dish; it’s got that sweet kick from the wine and the mushrooms are sliced nice and thin; it is one of my favorites.

Pizza:

Napoli’s Meat Lovers, Italian sausage, ham, pepperoni with marinara and mozzarella cheese. This pizza was jam-packed with every Italian meat that you would want on a pizza, and the crust was perfect.

Side Order:

Garlic Bread, they put lots of herbs on this garlic bread, which adds an extra flavor profile.

Dessert:

Tiramisu, beautiful and light; just the best way to end my glorious meal.

I also tried a few fantastic wines that paired so great with my dinner; they have a very good wine list. Remember, reds with meat and whites with seafood.

My server, Rafael, came from one of my all-time favorite places in Beverly Hills, Chaya Brasserie. A place I used to frequent for many years. He wanted to move to Palm Springs, but in 2018, he somehow was brought to the Loma Linda area. He is so happy that his circumstances led him here. He was very charismatic and really guided me through my amazing tasting.

What can I say about Napoli that hasn’t already been said? It truly is a find in this rural area. Fine Italian cuisine at its best! It has all the bells and whistles and will make your taste buds soar. Regular customers, Kerry, Laurie, and Timothy told me how much they love the food at Napoli and come here all the time. You can come here as a destination dinner, or when you’re enroute to the desert; make this your first stop for lunch or dinner and you too will be so happy your stomach is full and satiated.

Napoli Italian Restaurant

24960 Redlands Blvd.

Loma Linda, CA

92354

(909) -796-3770

HOURS – SUN, MON, TUE, WED, THUR, FRI, SAT

11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

https://napolilomalinda.com/

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Sitting high on a glorious hilltop, overlooking the San Gabriel Mountains, you’ll find a wonderful bar and restaurant the City of Industry offers. Red Restaurant is an upscale dining experience where only the finest steaks, freshest seafood, and most stunning cocktails are served. The luxurious restaurant makes the Pacific Palms Resort a must stay hotel in the San Gabriel Valley. Red is perfect for a scrumptious breakfast, power lunches, passionate evenings, or any special event.

Dining with a view at Pacific Palms Resort, you may have realized that Pacific Palms Resort has quite a bit to offer. In fact, this luxury resort is almost a complete world of benefits for its guests, including golf and spa options. But you can’t enjoy all this, or anything else on an empty stomach! That’s why this luxury resort also includes one of the best restaurants in the City of Industry, CA. Red Restaurant and Bar’s fine California style dining stands in contrast to what you’d expect from most resorts. They confidently invite you to bring friends and significant others alike for a dining experience that will satisfy everyone and enjoy the expansive outdoor seating area with spectacular views!

Here’s What I Tried:

Cocktails:

Traditional Vodka Martini: 3 olives; it came with little ice crystals in the glass and was the perfect amount of vodka, olive juice, and vermouth, a great martini.

Lavender Lemon Drop, Grey Goose Vodka, lemon, and lavender. The lavender adds a very soothing quality to this delicious smooth cocktail.

Redgarita, Patron Silver Tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate juice, sweet and sour, and a salt rim. For the tequila drinker, this would be the one to order. It really doesn’t have an acidic element, so it goes down pretty easily.

Pear Martin, Absolut Pear Flavored Vodka, Disaronno, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Another elegant martini type of cocktail, with very subtle pear nuances.

Soup:

Lobster Corn Chowder, there are nice chunks of lobster on the top as you eat the soup. The combination of corn and lobster is so brilliant, one of my all-time favorite soups.

Firecracker Shrimp, garlic lime sweet chili sauce, and honey sesame aioli. They give you a generous portion and the dipping sauce is just to die for.

Crispy Calamari and Vegetables, carrots, onion, jalapeno, and sweet chili garlic lime sauce. I really like the addition of all of the fried vegetables with the calamari, something about it made it healthier.

Sesame Wok Saute, chicken udon noodles or steamed Calrose rice, stir-fried vegetables, peanuts, and wok sauce. This was a surprise; I was told by my server, Joshua Pearson, to try this and it did not disappoint. The vegetables are served crispy and fresh. The chicken is very flavorful and tender, coupled with the amazing udon noodles, this one was a winner.

Red Chopped Salad with Shrimp Garden Greens, carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, crispy wanton, and sesame dressing. There are big, huge, plump shrimp in this wonderful salad, I would highly recommend it to start your meal. 

Miso Black Cod, slow-roasted, sauteed baby bok choy, shitake mushrooms, sweet soy miso glaze, and steamed rice. This was my favorite dish; the cod was so tender, and the sweet miso glaze added another layer of goodness.

Grilled New Zealand Rack of Lamb, these little darlings were just delicious, cooked medium rare, they had a tender juicy flavor, and I loved them.

Pan-Seared Blackened Day Boat Scallop, the flavor of this blackened scallop was both crispy, and caramelized, and the amazing flavor of the scallop itself.

Side Order:

Mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and wild mushrooms. Each side order was perfect.

Dessert:

Baileys Chocolate Mousee Cake, raspberry sauce; a chocolate lover’s dream, with the Cabernet, it covered all my culinary bases.

Crème Brulé, seasonal berries, nice crackling sugar top, delicious, with a nice vanilla flavor. It was a hit with the lamb.

Wines:

Chateau Buena Vista Chardonnay 2020 North Coast, a nice, rounded wine that went well with the chopped salad and with the seafood.

Sonoma Cutrer, Chardonnay 2020, Sonoma, this was a great pairing with the soup, just simply divine.

1000 Stories Zinfandel, 2021 California, you can drink this wine with the chocolate dessert or, of course, the lamb.

Ca’Momi Cabernet, 2019 Napa, nice leathery nuances, it was the perfect addition to the lamb.

It’s just an overall delightful experience. Manager Gerardo made my dining wonderful as well, he knows this area and can give you lots of fun tidbits. His knowledge and experience made my trip extra special. Looking out onto the golf course is really the main event, it is lush and gorgeous, with great views and a great way to enjoy your meal, I would come back here anytime!

Pacific Palms Resort

City of Industry

626-854-2509

Hours Breakfast 7:00am-10:00am

Lunch and Dinner:

Sun-Wed 10:30 am-9:00 pm

Bar: 10:00 am-11:00 pm (Bar Food Menu until 10 pm)

Thurs-Sat: 10:30 am-10:00 pm

Bar: 10:00 am-12:00 am (Bar Food Menu until 10:45 pm)

https://pacificpalmsresort.com *Note some content was taken off their website

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If you find this place on your own or you were brought here by a friend, however, you get here, it’s pretty much the best Indian cuisine you’re ever going to eat. This place is a true gem. Located in a strip mall off Azusa Ave, in the very sleepy City of La Puente, with an unsuspecting exterior. You really wouldn’t know about this amazing place unless you scoped it out on your own.

Manohar’s Delhi Palace is the most ambitious Indian restaurant in La Puente. They really take pride in serving the best. It is Punjabi-style dishes, retaining the original traditions of Northern India.  The methods of cooking that follow Mughal traditions and dishes prepared at Manohar’s Delhi Palace are generally made mild so that you can experience the natural taste of the fresh masalas used in each preparation. In business since, 1990, they use fresh vegetables and ingredients in all their preparation. Sauces are uniquely blended with the finest and freshest root herbs and spices. Food is prepared in cholesterol-free corn oil, they do not use M.S.G.

Here’s What I tried:

Beverages:

Sweet Lassi, a refreshing blend of mango sweet yogurt and water. It is very filling but simply amazing.

Appetizers:

Garlic Nan, the most perfect flatbread with herbs and garlic, what a treat.

Samosa, crisp turnovers stuffed with spiced potatoes and green peas. This is a staple in any Indian restaurant, but somehow, they managed to make it unique with nice seasoning and herbs. 

Tandoori Paneer, soft, juicy chunks of paneer marinated in Tandoori masala with vegetables. A big bold flavor coupled with all of the onions and peppers, a great start. 

Entrees:

Butter Chicken – Murg Makhani, rich and creamy sauce with butter and tomatoes, blended with selected authentic spices. They call this butter chicken because the chicken melts in your mouth, with such aromatic sauce and spices.

Shrimp Masala, shrimp cooked with ginger in a special curry sauce. As a shrimp lover, this one took my breath away, just delectable.

Lamb Vindaloo, tender lamb with a spicy red curry, cooked with potatoes. The meat is super tender and it’s a very different curry from the others ordered, so it was a really good choice.

Shrimp Biryani, an aromatic basmati rice with tender shrimp cooked with nuts, herbs, and spices. I love rice and I love shrimp, so the combination rocked my world. 

Vegetables:

Malai Kofta, mixed vegetable balls, deep-fried, served in tomato, onion, and cream sauce. Fragrant and aromatic, this was a nice accompaniment to the rest of my meal.

Dessert:

Kulfi, Indian-style ice cream. The perfect pallet cleaner, nice soft sweet ice cream with a hint of coconut.

Taj Mahal Beer, super cleansing and refreshing. I love a nice light beer with Indian food. 

They do a huge catering business. The night I came in, manager Ricky told me that the owner Mike was doing a catering job in Stockton California. For them, driving far away is a pleasure, the fact that there are numerous Indian restaurants all over California, but people choose them, no matter what the distance is. There is a nice Indian community here in La Puente. I met many locals while I was dining, all talking about how wonderful this restaurant is and is a staple in their community.

The interior is very clean and upscale, with beige tablecloths, with lots of tables for group dining as well as family-style eating. The staff makes you feel very welcome like you are in someone’s home.

This was a very lucky find for me, I just happened on it because it was so close to my stay at The Pacific Palms, it is literally down the street. But in my world, there are no mistakes, always new finds and lessons to be learned, everything comes from a very positive outlook! It’s always so nice when I get treated the way they treated me at Manohar’s Delhi Palace. Ricky was so generous, he invited me to come in again while I was down the street, but sadly I was unable to. If you’re ever hankering for wonderful Indian food and you’re anywhere nearby, try it, or far away, you too will be very happily surprised. 

Manohar’s Delhi Palace

581 S. Azusa Way

La Puente, CA 91744

626-964-0343

https://www.mdelhipalace.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pacific Palms Resort

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

Note Some Content Was Taken Off Their Website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/

The Hollywood Pantages Theater

6233 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA 90028

(323) 468-1770

DoubtfireBroadway.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manee Valentine Posts:

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

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

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

Manee Valentine – LUCKY 7

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

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

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

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

YouTube Video’s:

Videos for his new CD “Lucky 7”:

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

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

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

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

Catalina Jazz Club

6725 W. Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

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