Beverly Hills Hotel Celebrates 100 Years
02 May 2012 Leave a Comment
The Pink Palace in Beverly Hills is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Walking into the lobby, one notices a life-size artifact gallery filled with photos of the hotel and their celebrity guests that have graced its grounds.
In 1906, Burton Green from the Rodeo Land and Water Company developed acres of lima bean fields, that were once owned by the Mexican Government. Since the land was located at the base of rolling hills, Green renamed the area Beverly Hills, after his home in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts.
Margaret Anderson and her son Stanley S. Anderson were commissioned to build a hotel halfway between Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean on May 12, 1912. Since Anderson had been the manager of the Hollywood Hotel, she hired Pasadena architect Elmer Grey to design the new hotel. He had designed the Huntington Library and the Pasadena Playhouse.
In 1923, Will Rogers is sworn in as the mayor of Beverly Hills on the grounds of the Beverly Hills hotel. This location became Rogers and his friends watering hole after polo matches.
In 1930, the hotel closed due to the depression. The bungalows were leased out to individuals until a bank reopened the hotel in 1932.
In 1941, under new ownership, the restaurant inside the hotel, El Jardin, is renamed The Polo Lounge, in honor of Will Rogers, Darryl Zanuck, Tommy Hitchcock and Neil McCarthy.
The hotel is offering fun festivities for visitors this year. Vintage photos of Sophia Loren, Clark Gable and the hotel built in 1912, grace the menu covers.
A group of friends and I recently had lunch in the Polo Lounge. We were excited to sit next to comedian Tom Arnold, (once married to Roseanne Barr). Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and actress/ comedian Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live) sat outside on the lovely garden patio at separate tables. Aldrin’s ex-wife, Lois Driggs Cannon was dining inside the restaurant with a friend. An interesting moment happened when Buzz, carrying a book with a rocket ship on the back of the cover, walked by Cannon’s table. Buzz Aldrin looked fit and spry for a man born in 1930.
What I like about the Polo Lounge is the impeccable service. Servers Felix and Pepe have worked at the Polo Lounge for years and have waited on many celebrities. One of their favorites was Princess Diana sitting in the back garden patio.
While looking over the menu, one of the most gorgeous and talented blonde piano players, Oksana, entertains guests.
We decided to order two items that have been on the menu since day one, the McCarthy salad and Tortilla soup. The salad was named after Neil McCarthy, who frequented the restaurant after casual polo games. When the actor/polo player got hurt after a game, his mouth was sore. The Chef in the kitchen finely chopped all the ingredients in the salad he ordered. It was a hit with the actor and his friends. Today, this wonderful chopped salad is still one of the most popular items on the menu.
To celebrate 100 successful years in Beverly Hills, the hotel is offering “Pop-Up 1912 Pricing” at each dining venue. Once a week, one lucky table will randomly have their total check converted to 1912 prices.
The Spa Specials include a Pink Palace Manicure and Pedicure or Diamond Anniversary Facial or Caviar Express Massage for $100 each.
For Beverly Hills buffs, Robert Anderson, the great-grandson of the hotel’s original owner, Margaret Anderson, is launching his book ”The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows – The First 100 Years,” this month. As the official historian of the Beverly Hills Hotel, he has exclusive images of many dignitaries and celebrities, historical facts and documents that are featured on each page. Many of the photos have never-been-seen-before of celebrated guests relaxing and enjoying the grand hotel. His book is available at the hotel’s Logo shop and on the website. Each guest room in the hotel will have a book on display.
To learn about other special events at the hotel this year, go to www.thebeverlyhillshotel.com 9641 Sunset Blvd. (310)887-2777.
Article published in the May 2012 issue of Not Born Yesterday.
Catalina Adventure Tours
09 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
We are so perplexed as to why hardly any cruise ships stop for the day, in the city of Avalon, on Catalina Island. It’s an ideal alternative port for ships cruising down to the Mexican Riviera. The port of Avalon offers a Mediterranean feeling, in a safe environment, with plenty of picturesque sights and fun activities.
Currently, the Carnival Inspiration stops in Avalon on Tuesday’s each week before sailing down to Ensenada. Here are some of the most popular excursions passengers can experience while in the port of Avalon:
Doug Lord of Catalina Tours takes guests on a whale-watching excursion to see some of the 28,000 gray whales that migrate up North after giving birth to calves down in Baja. Lord has been able to get groups of enthusiasts up close to observe baby whale’s nursing. Calves acquire a critical layer of fat from their mother’s milk, so they can survive the 7,000-mile journey to the Bering and Chukchi Seas.
Another interesting tour to discover wildlife is the Inside Island Adventure Tour. The two-hour trip takes visitors on a private drive along the island’s mountain range.
Guests enjoy spectacular canyon and scenic coastline views. Tour guides are happy to stop so visitors can take pictures of the mule deer and buffalo that continue to roam the island. The buffalos are descendants of the wild bisons, turned loose on the island back in 1924, after starring in the silent picture film, “The Vanishing American.” There are 135 furry brown mammals roaming the island’s interior now. The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy, a non-profit organization maintains the healthy herd.
The last stop on the tour, before going back down to Avalon, is at the Airport-in-the-Sky. Built in 1946, it is one of the most challenging airports for pilots due to its 3,250-foot runway. Inside the airport is the Runway Café. Be sure to buy a few of their famous peanut butter, oatmeal and chocolate-chip cookies for the ride back. They are scrumptious.
For passengers who would like to have a tour of Avalon and learn a little about the history, they can hop on the Avalon 
Trolley. The $4 roundtrip ticket includes a ride along the waterfront with multiple stops. One stop is the Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Center, Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. It’s a tribute to William Wrigley Jr., who purchased the island in 1919. Mr. Wrigley was interred at the Memorial upon his death in 1932. His wife, Ada supervised the design and planting of the exotic cactus garden filled with desert and native plants. Many are only found on Catalina Island. There is a Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Center next to the gardens that appeals to all ages.
The trolley travels downtown to Crescent Ave. with its unique shops, restaurants and nearby Green pleasure pier. Cruise passengers who would like to learn more about the inhabitants under-the-sea, can take a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible adventure tour from the pier. Learn about the brightly orange-colored Garibaldi fish and kelp forest filled with interesting sea creatures. Passengers enjoy feeding the ocean inhabitants in specially designed food drop tubes or push the torpedo buttons that shoot out food.
A half-a-block from the pier is Catalina’s Golf Gardens. It’s a no-nonsense eighteen-holes miniature golf course situated in a beautiful garden setting.
Pick up the trolley from here to take a ride out to the Catalina Casino and Descanso Beach activity center.
Thrill seekers will want to get off at the Descanso Beach activity center to experience the adrenaline pumpin
g zip-line ride that reaches speeds as high as 45 miles while zipping to five different platforms.
The Descanso Beach Club offers an open-air restaurant and bar, private cabanas and chaise lounge chairs. Single and double kayaks are available to rent for one hour, half-day and full day. It’s also a great place to swim or snorkel in the clear and refreshing water.
While relaxing on the beach, to the right, is the landmark Catalina Casino built in 1929. This is not a gambling spot; but a dance pavilion, museum and movie theatre that runs first-run movies for the residents and visitors.
Currently, the Catalina Island Museum is exhibiting Celebrity Playground with photos and stories of Catalina Island’s glory days as Hollywood’s favorite island destination. Charlie Chaplin, Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner, Humphrey Bogart and John Wayne were some of the movie stars that sailed their boats to Avalon harbor.
When hungry, the Cottage Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s one of the closest restaurants to the Cruise terminal. The food is good, and the owner Muriel Willhite has lived on the island for years. She is happy to share interesting stories about Avalon.
For those who would like to visit Avalon for the day without boarding a cruise ship, The Catalina Express boat leaves from Long Beach to Avalon on roundtrip cruises seven-days a week. Check their cruise schedule at www.catalinaexpress.com.
Helpful websites:
Catalina Trolley Schedule and Map – http://www.ecatalina.com/pdf/trolly.pdf
Zip Line adventure – www.visitcatalinaisland.com
Inside Island Adventure Tour and Glass-Bottom Boat or Semi-Submersible tour– www.catalinaadventuretours.com
Catalina Casino and Catalina Golf Gardens and Descanso Beach – www.visitcatalinaisland.com
The Cottage Restaurant – www.menu4u.com/thecottage/html/about_us.html
This article was published in the April 2012 edition of NOT BORN YESTERDAY. www.nbynew.com
Lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Polo Lounge
19 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Beverly Hills, Celebrity Dining
Last Wednesday for lunch, my Luxe Lunch group and I dined at the Beverly Hills Polo Lounge with comedian Tom Arnold, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and Saturday Night Live actress and comedian Amy Poehler.
Arnold actually was sitting in a booth across from us. Poehler and Aldrin were sitting outside on the garden patio at separate tables. Aldrin’s ex-wife, Lois Driggs Cannon was dining inside the restaurant with a friend. An interesting moment was when Buzz, carrying a book with a rocket ship on the back of the cover, walked by Cannon’s table. Buzz Aldrin looked fit and spry for a man born in 1930.
Here is what I love most about the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel that is now celebrating its 100th Anniversary:
1. I always see a few mega-stars dining for lunch with friends, agents or managers. It’s a refuge for them, because no one will take their photo or ask for an autograph. That is a big “no-no” at the hotel and restaurant.
2. The service is impeccable. Many of the staff members have been at the restaurant for years. Ask for Felix, he will share a few interesting tales about guests who frequent the restaurant often.
3. The pianist Oksana is one of the most gorgeous and talented blonde piano players in Southern California.
4. The food is quite good. I thoroughly enjoyed my spice crusted salmon with fingerling potatoes and white/green asparagus. The McCarthy Salad and Tortilla Soup have
been on the menu from day one.
To celebrate 100 successful years in Beverly Hills, the hotel is offering “Pop-Up 1912 Pricing” at each dining venue. Once a week, one lucky table will randomly have their total check converted to 1912 prices.
The Spa Specials include a Pink Palace Manicure and Pedicure or Diamond Anniversary Facial or Caviar Express Massage for $100 each.
For Beverly Hills buffs, Robert Anderson, the great-grandson of the hotel’s original owner, Margaret Anderson, is launching his book ” The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows – The First 100 Years,” this May. As the official historian of the Beverly Hills Hotel, he has exclusive images of many dignitaries and celebrities, historical facts and documents that are featured on each page. Many of the photos have never-been-seen-before of celebrated guests relaxing and enjoyed the grand hotel. His book is available at the hotel’s Logo shop and on the website. Each guest room in the hotel will have a book on display.
To learn about other special events at the hotel this year, go to www.thebeverlyhillshotel.com
The Polo Lounge is at 9641 Sunset Blvd. (310)887-2777.
Halloween at Disneyland and Special Hotel Deal
02 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Family Fun Event, Special Hotel Deals
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love seeing all the colorful pumpkins and Fall colors. Every year we take a trip to Disneyland in October to get into the festive spirit.
The park is transformed into a lively autumn/Halloween celebration. The fun begins the minute the tram leaves the parking garage to take visitors to the entrance of the park. Main Street Disneyland has been transformed with more than 300 pumpkins and a 16-foot-tall Mickey Jack-o’-lantern.
My youngest daughter and her friend decided to dress up for our one day adventure. They received a lot of attention from park staff with “Hello Princess, you look beautiful today” and a few visitors wanted to take a picture of them.
Unfortunately, The Pirates of the Caribbean was closed down, however The Haunted House with its 999 residents is decorated with Halloween and Christmas decor, featuring Jack Skellington and buddies from the Tim Burton film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Space Mountain is even more scary with a new Ghost Galaxy. That is by far my favorite ride, because it is so dark inside and I never know where the next turn will be. Star Tours offers new
destinations and
adventures in 3-D. Big Thunder Round-up has barnyard animals and a creative display of carved pumpkins and beautiful autumn displays.
Cruella de Vil, Jafar and Captain Hook wander around the park to trick guests into having a fun time at Disneyland.
Another favorite is “Mickey’s Sensational parade at 4p.m. and 6:30 pm on the weekends. In the evening “Remember….Dreams Come True” fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. on Sat. & Sunday.
Dress up for Mickey’s Halloween Party to collect treats, and watch the newest firework show, Halloween Screams, on two Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays during the month of October. The park stays open later on these spooky nights. Save on an advance purchase price of $49 per person every Tuesday. Friday night tickets are $59. All prices include parking for one vehicle. 1313 S. Disneyland Dr. Order tickets by calling (714)781-4565.
dineLA and the Los Angeles Food & Wine festival
29 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in celebrity interview, Culinary Event, Fun dining, Uncategorized
As Mayor Anotonio Villaraigosa graced a stage yesterday near two of my favorite downtown restaurants; DRAGO and CHAYA, he gave us his mega-watt smile. He comfortably faced a crowd of chefs, media and VIPs welcoming everyone to the 5th dineLA week starting on October 2-7 and 9-14.
“dineLA is becoming tops in our city due to our diversity,” announced Villaraigosa. “Our chefs combine food from all over the world.” Mayor Villaraigosa enthusiastically revealed a new event to Los Angeles, the Food &Wine festival, with over 100 celebrity chefs, 300 wineries and 70 events from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA and Hollywood. “Los Angeles used to be second, third, fourth or fifth in the culinary world, behind New York and San Francisco. Now we are becoming #1,” enthused Villaraigosa. “This event demonstrates the strength of our culinary community.” dineLA brings in about $6.2 million to the city of Los Angeles.
The Mayor introduced celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, to the podium to discuss more about the Los Angeles Food & Wine festival on October 13 -16. “Mayor, with your smile and ease shaking people’s hands, when you are finished with your term as Mayor of our city and after you are Governor, will you please be a maitre d’ at one of my restaurants?” solicited Puck. As the crowd laughed, Puck shared that the first restaurant he worked at was three floors below where we were seated.
Puck is extremely excited to bring the Food & Wine event from Pebble Beach, CA to Los Angeles. The hope is to bring an
additional $4.9 million impact to our city. With 70 events ranging from wine tastings to intimate dinners with celebrity chefs and a Wolfgang Puck Sunday brunch at the newly re-opened Hotel Bel-Air. All the proceeds from the tickets will go to the Saint Vincent Meals on Wheels foundation. Puck has been involved with this wonderful philanthropy for 28 years.
dineLA begins October 2-7 serving lunch courses from $16, $22 or $28 and three-course dinners from $26 to $44. If diners enroll an eligible American Express card by scanning QR code or visiting sync.americanexpress.com/foursquare to sync to foursquare. Load your dineLA special discount by going on foursquare and check-in. Use your synced American Express card between Oct. 2-7 and Oct. 9-14 at one of the participating dineLA restaurants and receive a $5 statement credit when you spend $21 or more.
(Photo 1: Mayor Villaragoisa and Celestino Drago) (Photo 2: Wolfgang Puck)
To learn more about these exciting culinary events, go to www.dineLARestaurantWeek.com. For more information on the Los Angeles Food & Wine event October 13-16, go to www.LAFW.com.
Sister SAM and the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival
28 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in celebrity interview, Downtown Los Angeles, Helping Those in Need
Today I had the privilege of meeting an incredible woman, Sister Alice Marie Quinn from the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. She makes sure that over 4500 home cooked meals are delivered daily to home bound seniors and younger people with cancer, MS and AIDS. The privately funded organization does not turn anyone away in need of a healthy meal, regardless of age, illness, disability, race, religion or ability to pay.
“Homeless can walk to get a meal, but the homebound are lonely and isolated,” shared Sister Alice Marie (aka Sister SAM). “We also bring meals to two schools in low -income communities. We feed the kindergarteners and first grade kids. They have pickier tastes, because they aren’t from the United States,” said SAM. “They don’t like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, purple colored yogurt or food cut into pieces,” declared SAM with a smile. “We find out what type of foods they will eat and deliver them to these children.”
Her five chefs arrive at 4:30 a.m. every morning to prepare the meals in a 16,000 sq. ft kitchen. “It’s really a lovely kitchen,” enthused SAM. “Some meals are cold, others are hot and some are fresh frozen.”
Daryl Twerdahl, Executive Director of St. Vincent Meals on Wheel Foundation expressed to me “An organization in South East LA lost their government funding and had to close, leaving 140 homebound seniors without a meal. They called SAM and she immediately accepted them into our program.”
World-class celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, heard about SAM and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels 28 years ago. He decided to get involved and has helped the organization raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. This year he is hosting the Los 
Angeles Wine and Food Festival on October 13 – 16, 2011 with a portion of the proceeds going to the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.
The four-day festival will include 70 different events across Los Angeles (Santa Monica, Downtown, Beverly Hills and Hollywood), with over 100 celebrity chefs and 300 acclaimed wines. Some of the fun events include I Heart Champagne & Caviar at L’Ermitage – $195 per person and Wolfgang Puck – Live, Learn and Love at LA Live – $150 per person. Wolfgang uses his celebrity status for a good cause. He believes Sister Sam’s program is vital to those in need of a healthy meal in our community.
To learn more about St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, go to www.stvincentmow.org
To learn more about dineLA, click on www.dineLARestaurantWeek.com
To read a schedule of events at the Los Angeles Food & Wine festival, log onto:
A Sweet Ending at Gordon Ramsay’s – The London
28 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Fine Dining, West Hollywood Dining
The London in Los Angeles is home to Michelin-rated Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant. After a satisfying three course meal, we gazed at the dessert menu and opted for the pink lady apple tarte tartin. It’s one of their “serves two” sweet treats. Two plates arrived in a luscious brown butter caramel sauce, bathed softly in cooked apples on top of a chewy pastry crust. The vanilla bean ice cream accompanied this heavenly goody.
A great dessert to keep the memory of The London with you when you return home is the French Macaroons “To Go” package. These colorful sweet confectionary treats arrive in a tidy package. Since these meringue cookies are so light and airy, the luscious chocolate, almond and pistachio filling gives it a burst of sensuous flavors.
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood (310)358-7788.
