The Hilton Garden Inn in Burbank was the place chosen to 'show and tell' the Media about the changes that are taking place with Hilton Garden Inn hotels.  New hotels are being added both in the U.S. and in other countries around the world.  For existing hotels there are plans for Refresh both in decor, ambiance and especially in food and beverages.
So it was that we were treated to what Hilton called 'sophisticated bites' a long list of delicious dishes with handcrafted cocktails to match.  Entitled 'First Taste Event' there was a selection of appetizers and then a tasting menu that included sticky finger ribs slow cooked baby back ribs with a whiskey-soy sauce  matched with the cherry blossom cocktail made with Hornitos Reposado Tequila, lime and grapefruit juice and grenadine.  Then there was the Mason Jar chocolate fudge cake which was layers of rich chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Some of the new delicious dishes we tried were  the open faced Caprese Salad. Mobley Burger Slider and roasted artichoke and spinach flatbread.
All of this was explained to us by John Greenleaf, Global Head for Hilton Garden Inn, who explained the expansion plans to give each hotel  new features  and additional services for guests and especially  trendy new menu options for its restaurants and cocktail lounges.  John pointed out that Hilton Garden Inn now has 775 locations worldwide and ten new properties have been added so far this year. 
We thought the 'sophisticated bites' concept a great idea and noted  the enthusiasm displayed by staff members who explained the details to us.
To see first hand new menu items visit newsroom.hilton.com/hgi.

Each year the Southern California Restaurant Writers stage an Awards Banquet to honor the best restaurants in Southern California with awards in many different categories.  One of the most prestigious awards is Restaurateur of the Year.
This year named as Restaurateur of the Year was Ara Kalfayan, proprietor of the five  star Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale.  But at the Awards Banquet ,  held at the Orange Restaurant in Orange , Ara Kalfayan was in  Europe and so could not be present to receive his award.
Time went by and there always seemed to be some good reason why we could not get the ribbon  medallion award to Ara.  But finally this was accomplished with enthusiasm by James Woodin, President of the Restaurant Writers and Ronnie Greenberg,  Secretary.
Without question Ara Kalfayan has made Phoenicia one of the best ethnic restaurants in Southern California. Here can be found authentic Eastern Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine which has always been Ara’s hallmark. Decorations include artifact reminders of the ancient seafaring Phoenicians mixing with colorful peach colored linen and napkins. And trust Ara Kalfayan to find some exciting Lebanese wines.
The restaurant  features two large outdoor patios, one with a sliding covering roof when weather is less cooperative as well as two elegant dining rooms.
We opened with appetizers that included Hommos; Labm, Lebanese cream cheese served with garlic; Warak Enab, grape leaves stuffed with rice, oil and vegetables, cooked in lemon juice and olive oil, and Tabbouleh, chopped parsley, crushed wheat, tomatoes and onions.
Some hot appetizers we tasted included Kibbeh Makli, beef dumpling stuffed with ground beef; Bourghoul , onions and pine nuts as well as San Bousek, freshly prepared dough with ground beef and pine nuts and Rekakat, a selection of Lebanese cheese baked in a pastry dough.
Our samplers of grill selections included Beef Kafla, ground beef, onions, parsley and spices, grilled on skewers.  One of our favorites are the lamb chops marinated with spices and grilled. Also chicken breast kabob, perfectly prepared rice and the best french fries we have had in a long time.
Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale has achieved fame for its Lebanese cuisine but it also has an outstanding cellar of wines from  many countries including Lebanon.  One recent evening while dining at this five star restaurant the conversation turned to wine.
Through the decades Ara Kalfayan has always been a leader in creating an extensive wine cellar for his wine list.  Also he was in the forefront when California restaurants broadened their selection of wines by the glass  in the last decades of the 20th century. 
Lebanon has a history of making wine for almost six thousand years.  Many of its wineries are located in the Bakaa Valley just eighteen miles from Cana where the Bible tells us Jesus turned water into wine.
Most wines from Lebanon show a French influence and the red wines are generally blends of French varietals like Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot.  Two of Lebanon native varietals are still to be found, Obaideh and Merwah.
The wine list at Phoenicia is one of a kind featuring wines from all over the world and some from Lebanon that are exclusive to this restaurant. Chateau Kefraya is produced in the Bakaa Valley. Chateau Ksara makes French styled blends and the winery dates back to 1857. Chateau Fakra offers red wines from the Kardebvian Valley north of Berut.
Phoenicia is located at 343 North Central Avenue in Glendale with valet parking. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. except on weekends when with  live entertainment there is a 2 a.m. closing time. For more information or reservations call 818 956-7800.

Either in fact or legend the American West has been a fascination for not only Americans but people from almost every part of the world.  From early dime novels, then cinema and radio and finally television the myths of the West have continued to entertain.
All of this, both the fact and the fiction, is on display at Autry's Museum of the American West.
Allow plenty of time for a visit to this Museum.  Both the cinema myths of the West as well as the real life of the cowboy and frontiersman are shown.  We spent a long time viewing the wonderful collection of paintings which show the West as viewed by 19th Century artists.
A current exhibition presents more than one hundred native art paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints by contemporary artist Rick Bartow.
There are also two Community Galleries one depicted how the Mormon pioneers centered in small communities as they developed farms and ranches rather than scattered over the countryside.  The second shows how the Navajo continue to pursue their unique and traditional way of life.
Yes there is the chronicle of the rise of the "singing cowboys" but also how the real cowboy lived and the tools of his trade which seldom included a "six-shooter" but often the "chuck wagon" which is included in the exhibit.
There is a very complete collection of the firearms that were used in the 18th and 19th century as the west was settled. While another exhibit describes the early days of 'law and order' as western communities came into being.
We spent some time admiring the full scale classic western Saloon complete with a beautifully carved one hundred year old back bar as well as nearby tools for gambling and 'bucking the tiger'.  Also the gallery of the real 'western badmen' and a few of the 'good guys' as well.
The Museum also included the Autry Store and the Crossroads West  Cafe.  Both have the  same hours as the  museum.
The Autry Western Heritage Museum is located at 4700 Western Heritage Way in Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo. There is free parking.   The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information check the web at www.autrynationalcenter.org.

 Few places offer the tranquility and serenity of a golf course with its manicured greenways. artistic setting and the sheer luxury of spaciousness.
As  an inept golfer for some 30 years this Writer has learned that this peaceful feeling can best be experienced in the club house dining room rather than on the course.  Playing golf does not always bring out the best in people, what seemed a delightful day can be quickly erased in a few moments,  leaving  disappointment and disgust while  pondering "how could I take four putts on a par 3 hole."
I thought of this as I looked over the delightful menu at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club Restaurant.  From the picture windows of the dining room the course stretched out offering luxurious contentment for the ex golfer who has abandoned the game for the clubhouse.
Upon arriving at the Club we met  Sara Guccione, executive chef, who told us how  the restaurant services have expanded .  There is a colorful contemporary cuisine with exquisite dining rooms that, with ambiance and decor, match the cuisine.  The Club's facilities are  prepared for every kind of event including golf tournaments, weddings, meetings, conferences or just a pleasant dining experience and relaxing occasion.  In fact a major tournament was in play the day we were there.
Since taking over as Executive Chef of Tustin Ranch, Sara  has established a new menu.   There is the Pine Tree BBQ Patio for special events, the Players Lounge, with its own bar,  for golfers and guests as well as the picturesque outdoor area for weddings and receptions.  There is also a Sunday Brunch which has become a most popular event. 
.The Tustin Ranch Golf Club is public but with all the amenities of a plush private country club.  The Restaurant is open Monday thru Friday for dinner, Saturdays and Sunday Brunch till 5 p.m.  The Players Lounge is open  from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week with a full menu.
The Tustin Ranch Golf Club is located at 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, Ca. 92782.  For more information call 714 734-2106.

 Last evening we visited the Royal Thai in Newport Beach once again.  After cocktails,  the restaurant has a most comfortable bar and lounge, we opened with a calamari tempura which came with a chutney dipping sauce.  Thai food is traditionally hot and spicy and everything on the menu is marked if spicy.  This was great for This Writer who has an allergy to peppers and spicy dishes.  Again avoiding the hot stuff I ordered the shrimp entree which came with Paht Jungle.  This was a delicious dish of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green onions, snow peas, baby corn, carrots, all in a light garlic sauce.  White rice was perfect with the garlic sauce.
 My dining partner chose the scallops for her entree and then seeing my Paht Jungle ordered it as well.  Another at our table ordered the Tom Kah spicy coconut soup  and followed with the beef entree accompanied with a spicy Kang Panang mix of veggies.
 The list of appetizers is large including such favorites as BBQ ribs, Thai spring rolls, naked shrimp; and a seafood mix called Yun Ta Lay. There are Specialties like Volcanic chicken. This arrives still cooking on an open burner and is expertly carved  at table. It is served on a bed of greens with a most tasty plum sauce and a bowl of steaming white rice. Other interesting specialties included Chou Chee duck with a curry sauce or the Crying Tiger, medallions of spicy beef. The seafood menu covers many ocean species and is most tempting. It takes many visits to this restaurant to experience the large selection of Thai styled entrees. We love noodles and there is a large selection here.  There are also three several course dinners on the menu including Prince of Thailand, Queen’s Royal Banquet and King of Thailand. These are designed from two people to large groups.
 Over the years Proprietor Sumeth Tila has received many awards including 'Restaurateur of the Year" by the Southern California Restaurant Writers and his restaurant consistently earns five star awards for authentic Thai cuisine.
 The restaurant has an exceptionally solid wine list but this evening with long drives ahead for all of us we stayed with the classic Thai green tea.  Our dessert was fresh coconut ice cream.
 The Royal Thai Restaurant in Newport Beach is located at 4001 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Telephone 949 646-THAI.

The smart Electric Owl Bar and Cafe on Sunset in Hollywood was the place chosen by Princess Cruises to showcase new exciting cocktails that will  be available on all of its ships.  Mixing the cocktails for an  assortment of media was Master Mixologist Rob Floyd.  Floyd, who has been named "Bartender of the Year", partnered with Princess to present new cocktails that will showcase the regional flavors of the more than 300 destinations visited by the Princess fleet each year.  Some of these  cocktails will be served in newly designed pewter mugs that will emphasis  the drinks with names like "Passion for the Orient": "Mayan Heat": and "Ivory Coast".
Also present was a team of Princess cruises food and beverage directors led by Gordon Ho, senior vice president for Global Marketing.  We had the opportunity to meet and chat with Gordon Ho who told us that these new drinks will offer guests a more all- around drink experience. Two of the new cocktails are non alcoholic but will offer great flavor for those choosing a "Mocktail".
One of the 'Mocktail' was the Zero Mojito with the taste of fresh lime and mint.  Probably the most popular non alcoholic cocktail was invented nearby in a Beverly Hills restaurant and called the "Shirley Temple".  A bartender produced and named it for the child actress Shirley Temple and it still around these many decades later.
 Being able to watch Rob as he made each of these cocktails was most interesting since he described each ingredient as it was added and often a bit of history as well.  Then all present were  able to taste, sip and drink each of the finished cocktails.
We noted that all of these cocktails used premium spirits brands and with some ingredients being relatively new for most people.  One example is the Italian Sunset which is made with Bombay Sapphire Gin and Aperol which is an Italian liqueur that while originally created in 1919 only has achieved some popularity in recent years.   Another example is the Ivory Coast which includes an African liqueur called Amarula.  This is produced from a fruit which is said to be part of the diet of many African animals.
The Ivory Coast  mixes Amarula with Gray Goose Vodka and Kahlua.
This Writer in earlier eras was an honorary member of, first, the United Kingdom Bartenders Guild and then later the U.S. Bartenders Guild and acted as a judge in some cocktail competitions.  So we truly could appreciate the skill and presentation abilities of Rob Lloyd.
With all these new exotic cocktails some food was in order and this was nobly supplied by Chef Owner Ernesto Uchimura and his staff.  Served were appetizers of cheese and deli meats and then the "Ernesto Burger" which arrived slider style.
Electric Owl proved to be a most interesting site for the Princess Cruises cocktail presentation.  The restaurant is on the site of an old train station and now uses the decor and ambiance of a train dining car of an earlier era.  The bar is in front  with a outdoor look and decor and was a perfect stage for Rob Floyd as he produced his cocktails with a full vision presentation.
Soon all of these will be available throughout the Princess Fleet.
Electric Owl is located at 1451 N. Gardner Avenue, West Hollywood just steps from Sunset Blvd.  It is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.  Telephone 323 545-6565.