The Century City Hotel
The Century City Hotel and Town Hall hosted a breakfast with First Lady. Laura Bush that filled the Crystal Ballroom to capacity. Mrs. Bush addressed the many concerns facing our country following September 11, and graciously answered questions from the audience regarding various issues, including education. As a food writer, I really wanted to know the brand name of that pretzel the President had choked on earlier in the month, but during an interview which Jay Leno, NBC Tonight Show host, she declined to name the brand, and after sampling a replica of the infamous snack, which the First Lady brought to show Leno, he tasted it and described it as a "no-sissy pretzel: to which the first lady replied that from now on they would be "practicing safe snacks" at the White House.

The Century City Hotel
Crystal Ballroom

Raffles L 'Ermitage
A Beverly Hills luxurious new Restaurant JAAN (a Cambodian originated word meaning "dish or bowl"), featuring the beautiful and delicious presentations of chef David Myers, has everyone raking notice. The new Zen-like decor in the hotel is most appealing and the culinary creations being offered by chef Myers are amazing.

Chef Myers sumptuous dishes include: Ceviche of Maine Lobster with Calamansi Lime, grated Daikon and Cambodian Peppercorn; Crispy Golden Trout with deconstructed Kroeung and White Sweet Potato; Miso marinated Liberty Farms Duck Breast with grilled okra, forbidden rice and plums. This former Patina chef demonstrates the true talent of a finely trained and well-disciplined chef who easily and delicately co mingles subtle Indochina flavors with exciting California accents.

Raffles L 'Ermitage
For reservations call 3I0-385-5344

Waters Catering
It was an Afternoon Delight with Chef John P. Workings of Waters Catering in San Diego, who created a divine "Afternoon at the Grove" luncheon in the home of Helene Beck, President of La Vigrae Enterprises in Fallbrook. The Beck Groves provided the 100% organic exotic fruits used in the special menu designed by Workings, which included Japanese Salad, Kumquat glazed Chicken with Bok Choy, Scallop & Fennel Salad with kumquat Vinaigrette, Persimmon glazed Pork Tenderloin with carrots & green onions, Duck Confit Quesadilla, Chipotle Persimmon Pumpkin Soup, Persimmon Aspic w/blue cheese sauce, Chilled Persimmon Soup and a verity of scrumptious desserts made with kumquats, including Cranberry-Kumquat Bread.The luncheon menu was paired with three wines from the Maurice Carrie Winery in Temecula, including their newly released White Merlot. Workings, a San Diego based chef, is a graduate of the New England CIA and has worked for several fine restaurants and caterers in the area, including Mille Flours, Mister A's, George's at the Cove and Azul. "I love creating original recipes using unique and exotic ingredients like organic kumquats and persimmons," says Workings. Below please find the recipe for Chipotle Persimmon Pumpkin Soup (recipe).

Waters Catering
Chef Workings may be contacted at 619-596-2890

Jerry's Famous Deli
On Beverly Boulevard in West LA was the venue for my meeting with partner John Mitchell, who gave me unending samples of the wonderful food that has been served at the popular deli since Ike and son Jason bought it in 1978. This restaurant is one of many in California they own and operate, and is a place filled with "Broadway" memorabilia. They are dedicated to serving people what ever they want 24 hours a day. Including my favorites, corned beef sandwiches and matzo ball soup. The menu includes 700 items, and is a favorite hang out for local entertainment types. The Studio City restaurant shares the same building with an actor's workshop.

According to Mitchell, a successful real estate developer who joined the group as an expert in real estate acquisitions, "I love the hospitality aspects of this business." The group has been very busy in the past few years acquiring locations in Florida. The Wolfie Cohn and Rascal House venues in South Florida are also busy business ventures of the successful restaurateurs.

Jerry's serves an endless variety of New York style pizza that is billed as JFD "The Greatest Pizza" and recently added a breakfast pizza to their menu. The New York style cheesecake also comes in a variety of flavors and is delicious. This is a great place to have a complete breakfast, lunch or dinner at prices that are affordable. Jerry's restaurants are kid friendly and accommodate large parties for birthdays and special occasions. They are renowned for their complete range of catering services.

Jerry's Famous Deli
For location information go to www.jerrysfamousdeli.com

The Highlands
Gabel Entertainment-NY sponsored a Pre-Oscar Celebration at The Highlands, a chic new multi-level restaurant/lounge/club in the heart of Hollywood Kodak Center, which was also the site of a huge celebrity party following the Academy Awards. The dance floor was filled with all the beautiful people, while the drinking, eating and patio areas were filled with a sea of happy guests who enjoyed a runway fashion show for charity.

Music Matters-Keeping Music Alive in LA
The L.A. Philharmonic Association in tandem with the Napa Valley Vintners Association and Patina Catering at the Music Center sponsored A 15 Wine Tasting, Dinner and Silent Auction to support Music Matters-Keeping Music Alive in LA. Over 100 wines and a bevy of hors d'oeuvres provided by Patina Catering were enjoyed by guests. The 5-course Connoisseur's Dinner was presented b Master chefs Joachian Splichal, founder of the Patina Group; Octavio Becerra, Pinot Bistro; Michael Cimarusti, Water Grill; Josian Citrin.

The Waterfront Grill
Located in the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, offered a special touch of Maritime history for my guests, who viewed the Tall Ships in the harbor, while savoring a Sunset Dinner Special in a the restaurants charming nautical atmosphere. The Sunset Dinner Special is served from 5:00 - 6:30 nightly, and includes a choice of fresh grilled salmon with tartar sauce and lemon, single cut roasted and grilled prime rib of pork with caramelized shallots and port wine sauce, boneless grilled chicken breast with Dijon mustard cream, eight ounce grilled prime top sirloin steak that all come with a small Caesar salad, fresh vegetables and rice pilaf for $9.95.

The regular menu offers appetizers of cioppino, ahi sashimi, oysters, steamed clams, Island mussels, prawn cocktail and a Waterfront Grill version of oysters Rockefeller. Seafood specialties include pacific sand dabs; pan roasted local halibut, grilled pacific salmon, and grilled fresh whole lobster. They also serve a delicious sirloin steak with grilled onions, chicken breast, prime rib of pork that is outstanding and filet mignon. A delightful children's menu is available as well.

Executive Chef Jerry Wilson, owned a restaurant for ten years, received his chef's degree from the CIA, and has worked at renowned dinner spots such as Gaston's and The Spa in Palm Springs, and El Enranto in Santa Barbara. "I am still learning, and the owners have some great ideas. We have a fish and game permit to buy fresh fish locally, and this provides great fresh fish for our seafood menu on a daily basis," said Wilson.

For a casual lunch or some trendy cocktails try their upstairs Endless Summer Bar Cafe. Waterfront Grill Co-owners Larry Stone, Nan Stone and Steve Hyslop have a successful history in the hospitality industry; they are also owners of the award-winning Chuck's of Hawaii in Santa Barbara and the Ballard Inn and Cafe Chardonnay, in Santa Ynez Valley.

The Waterfront Grill
For Reservations call 805-564-1200

Pink Palace Hotel
Sonoma's Iron Horse Vineyards brought favorite wines of the White House to the Pink Palace in Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hills Hotel featured a reception and four-course dinner created by award winning chef Katsuo "Suki" Sugiura, who perfectly matched the dinner menu with selected Iron Horse wines from vintner Joy Sterling.

Pink Palace Hotel
For Reservations call 310-276-2251