An informal seminar and luncheon served to give some southern California travel media a new look and prospective  on what  almost every region of Nevada now offers visitors.  Our hosts were representatives of Travel Nevada and several regional visitor bureaus.   Heading the Travel Nevada group were Teri Laursen and Chris Moran.  Las Vegas Territory was represented by Earl Jobson.   As Chairperson Earl heads a group that boosts scenic regions that surround Las Vegas with the theme "Amazing Experiences Beyond the Neon".
Jamie Lokan was present as Tourism Sales Manager for Reno Tahoe while Tom Lester represented Elko Convention Center as Tourism & Convention Manager.
 We had a long conversation with Earl on some of the interesting side trips offered in places like Mesquite, Moapa Valley, Good Springs, and the Valley of Fire.
A most welcome encounter occurred when we met  a long time acquaintance who had been of so much support on previous trips to Laughton and its picturesque and scenic surroundings.  She is Meg McDaniel of the Las Vegas Visitors  Authority based in Laughlin.  This event gave up the opportunity to catch up to current happenings.
The event took  place the Farmhouse Restaurant located on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Blvd and Third Street.
Here we enjoyed a outstanding buffet luncheon as well as refreshments from the bar.
And we left with ideas for some fascinating stories on not just what Las Vegas offers but the whole state of Nevada as well.
A most welcome encounter occurred when we met  a long time acquaintance who had been of so much support to us  on previous trips to Laughton and its picturesque and scenic surroundings.  She is Meg McDaniel of the Las Vegas Visitors  Authority based in Laughlin.  This event gave us the opportunity to catch up to current happenings with her.
The event took  place the Farmhouse Restaurant located on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Blvd and Third Street.
Here we enjoyed a outstanding buffet luncheon as well as refreshments from the bar.
And we left with ideas for some fascinating stories on not just what Las Vegas offers visitors but many other places in Nevada as well.

The world famous Hollywood Palladium  proved to be the perfect place for the 2019 Kosher Food and Wine Experience.   The annual festival included both an afternoon event for trade and media and then an evening planned for fortunate ticket holders.
 For us it was a great opportunity to learn more about some of Israel's wineries and  vineyards.  Domaine du Castel is an example of how a modern winery has developed on lands that first grew grapes in biblical times.   It is located in the Judean Mountains with an elevation of 2500 feet and was founded in 1992.  A large number of varietals do well here including reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Syrah, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  The white  varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,  Viognier and Gewurztraminer.
Carmel Winery is one of the oldest in Israel, founded originally by Baron Edmond de Rothschild.  Now Carmel has 3,500 acres of vineyards and operates four wineries.  Some of Israel's best known vineyard regions are Upper Galilee, Carmel Mountains and Judean Hills.
Yatir Winery is located in the South, near the Dead Sea, on reclaimed land that was once part of the Negev desert, but now reforested as the Yair forest.  Yatir makes Viognier, Rose and Yatir Mt Amsha, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz , Petit Verdor and Merlot.
Tabor Winery is located in Galilee but its vineyards spread over Mt. Tabor and the Golan Heights.
All the classic varietals are grown in Israel with reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz and whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Roussanne and Barbera Rose
 Also we noted a wine made as a blend of two Mediterranean varietals Marselan and Tanat..
 Another interesting grape original to Israel is Argaman which shows as a well balanced red wine.  It is produced by the Jezreel Valley Winery close to Hannton and Nazareth.
New to us was Psagot Winery which is located in the northern Jerusalem Mountain range.  Founded in 2003 Psagot now is distributing its wines to twelve countries.  It is currently expanding with a new winery and visitor center to be completed in 2020.
Wines from many countries were  on display for tasting including Herzog Wine Cellars of Oxnard as well as Teal Lake wines from Australia, and a large selection of Chateau wines from France.  Also wines from Spain and Italy.
 Some exciting foods were also offered providing tasty appetizers and specialties.  Award winning Tierra Sur Restaurant, located at the Herzog Winery in Oxnard was present. Harissa Restaurant & Catering showed appetizers by Alain Cohen, chef-owner..
La Gondola Restaurant in Beverly Hills was kept busy with its show of tasties and appetizers.  Also attracting a good deal of attention was  Yooshi Catering  of the San Fernando Valley with its elaborate offerings of Sushi.
 For  us besides the elegance of the Kosher event were memories of the Palladium going back to when it was hosting and broadcasting the big bands the  likes of Harry James, Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman  or  Glenn Miller.  

History is exciting especially when you are actually living it.  That was certainly true when we gathered on the apron of Lyon Air Museum at John Wayne Airport and boarded a classic 1928 Tri motor Ford.
For this airplane was the first to offer passenger service and launch what has become a key player in world transportation.
The tri-motor Ford holds twelve people, two pilots and ten passengers.  As we boarded it meant a careful large step upward while keeping the head bent since headroom is marginal for anyone over about five and one half inches tall.  There are individual seats, each with a window, an asset that regretfully was not continued on airplanes.
From my seat I could look directly at the starboard engine and below the fixed landing gear.  Our takeoff was smooth and quick and there was much less vibration that I had anticipated.  The noise level is high making much conversation difficult.
Our Ford named "City of Port Clinton" was at John Wayne airport for three days offering 20 to 30 minute flights.  Once in the air we moved over Newport Beach and then followed the coast on to Huntington Beach and then a long circle route on returning to Wayne airport.  Landing was very smooth,  smoother than many jet flights I have been on. 
Our flight on the "City of Port Clinton" was as media but  other passengers were people interested in looking back and experiencing an earlier era in aviation.  Our Ford had one pilot and quite interestingly also aboard were his  aunt and nephew. who reside in Southern California.
Top speed for the Ford is about 125 miles an hour and the range of the aircraft about three hundred miles.  First passenger service was offered by a company  that later became Trans World Airlines.  If crossing the country the service included flights during daylight hours and then transfer to a train for night travel, then back to an airplane the next day.
The Tri motor Ford was the first mass produced airliner and the one we flew on now calls the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio home.  From now until May it will be on tour in the west with stops at many cities.  For the schedule of these visits and opportunities to fly on the plane check the web at www.flytheford.org.
The tour is under the direction of the Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA which is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  The EEA is celebrating its 50th year with  Oshkosh as headquarters with events planned each year.  The 2019 Fly-In will take place July 22-28, 2019.
This also proved to be our introduction to Lyon Air Museum.   We marveled on how after spending so much time in Orange County for decades we did not know it existed.  It was founded by Major General William Lyon with the mission of capturing the history of World War ll aviation.   This proved of much interest to this Writer, a World War ll infantry veteran, since he was actually bombed by B 17s while a prisoner of war.  One of these B 17s is at the museum as well as a B 25 bomber and also a C 47 transport plane used to carry supplies or airborne troops.  We flew from Germany to France in a C 47 after our liberation from a German POW camp.
Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road in Santa Ana, Ca. 92707.  It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but closed on some holidays and special events.  For more information call 714 2`10-4585, on the web at www.lyonairmuseum.org.

The Kickoff of Newport Beach Restaurant Weeks was held at the Lincoln Experience Center in upscale Fashion Square.  Seven restaurants took part in what was a Culinary Journey  With city leaders and media present to take part.  We were there with camera to take part with Passport in my other hand ready to be stamped at each restaurant station.
Newport Beach restaurants taking part included The Bungalow, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Mayor's Table, Moulin, Five Crowns and Olea.  We also had the opportunity to chat with some of the owners and chefs at these restaurants.  From Five Crowns we met Alejandra Victoria, Executive Chef, and was so impressed with her presence that we also took a photo.
At Great Maple we talked with Andrew Dizon, General Manager.  Vine Restaurant is one of three owned and operated by Russ Bendel,with vine located in San Clemente, Ironwood Cellar in Laguna Hills and Olea Cellar in Newport Beach.  Representing Lido House of Newport Beach was Brian Neubauer, director of restaurant operations.
The Newport Beach Restaurant Weeks started on January 14 and will continue to January 27.  This is the sixth year the event has taken place.
Looking at our passport at the end of the evening we noted that we were missing a couple of the stamps but you can be sure we did not miss any of the tasty,  unique and sometimes colorful appetizers presented at the event.

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.
 Which explains why the Southern California Restaurant Writers named him Restaurateur of the Year in 2018.   
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.
  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.
  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 818 956-7

If you are compiling a list of successful chain restaurants Black Angus certainly must be close to the top listing.  It is currently celebrating its 55th year as one of the West's  premiere steakhouses. The decor and ambiance of the western cattle ranch has been coupled with an always contemporary menu that has stayed with popular trends. An add on is  superb marketing which has always been present.  
Our recent visit to Black Angus Steakhouse in the west San Fernando Valley showed clearly why it has enjoyed such a long reign of success.
Meeting us at the entrance was John Akillian, general manager, and watching him that evening proved that once again success begins and is maintained by alert management.  The Northridge Black Angus has been in place for forty years and John has spent half of his twelve years with Angus at this location.  We had been invited to experience some of the Angus new menu items and the addition of wines from highly rated Daou Vineyards of Paso Robles.   This partnership with Daou Vineyards was announced by Chris Ames, CEO of  Black Angus Steakhouse who explained that the policy has always been to keep a  wine list of "an exclusive selection of popular, yet affordable wines that we know will enhance  meal choices.  Currently the featured Daou wine will be a 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon.
New menu items at Angus paired with Daou wines include Beef Wellington and Crab Cakes.
Our glass of  Daou Cabernet Sauvignon arrived with our appetizer. We thought it a superior vintage very true to the varietal. Delicate aroma leading to smooth flavors with the tannins present but tamed.
  From a large selection we chose  the Wagon Wheel  Sampler Platter which offers several of the listed appetizers.  It came with crispy zucchini, buffalo styled chicken tenders, shrimp cocktail and loaded potato skins.  Another appetizer that caught our eye was the artichoke-spinach dip.  Our entrees were both what the menu calls 'partner items' matching steak and seafood on one platter.  My dining companion chose the prime rib and lobster while I tried one of the new menu additions, filet mignon with crab cake.  Other partner selections included filets with either lobster or shrimp and several with other steaks.
The menu shows a large selection of sides, all priced most modestly.  Our choices included green beans with bacon, the au gratin potatoes, a house specialty, onion rings and garlic mashed potatoes.   Other sides included an acclaimed Caesar salad, french fries or steamed broccoli.
Our server was Diana who enjoys almost celebrity status at the Northridge restaurant with customers leaving comments like "enjoyed our evening but missed seeing Diana who was off that day".  Certainly we were impressed with both her pleasant demeanor and efficiency.  The night of our visit she had a trainee beside her and following her every move.  This showed  us that Black Angus takes the time to truly train their employees which is one more reason for the longevity enjoyed by its many restaurants. 
John Akillian told us that two new Angus restaurants had opened in 2018 and that Black Angus Lakewood has just completed a remodeled floor plan and  private dining room.
Black Angus was founded in Washington in 1964 and now has 44 locations spread across six states, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.  The restaurants continue their western cattle rancher theme with certified Angus Beef for Choice steaks and burgers.  Always planned for entire families the menu includes seafood, salads, sides and desserts.  The Bulls Eye Bar has been  a leader in offering craft beers as well as selected wines and freshly designed cocktails.
The addition of Daou wines to the Angus menus is an excellent match.  The Daou Winery offers predominantly  Bordeaux varietals, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, wines perfect for hearty Steakhouse fare.  The 120 acres of vineyards are located in the Adeaida range of mountains west of Paso Robles just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
Black Angus Steakhouse in the San Fernando Valley is located at 9145 Corbin avenue, Northridge, Ca. 91324, Tele. 818 701-1600, web www.blackangus,.com.  It is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There is also a Happy Hour Monday thru Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Tuesday a Happy time from opening to closing at the Bulls Eye Bar.

Where ever you go in Southern California these days  you will note rapid changes.  In downtown Los Angeles new construction is everywhere and in nearby cities as well.  Glendale offers a completely new look on Central Avenue and in Pasadena even the world famous Rose Bowl is scheduled for some changes  including  its adjacent classic Brookside Restaurant which will now be offering much besides its traditional role as being  a great place for breakfast.
We were at Brookside to take part in their new Monday through Friday Happy Hour which extends from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The cocktail menu includes special prices for wine, beer and well drinks as well as a very special Margarita and we certainly enjoyed the one we were served.  Then the appetizers started to arrive.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday they include loaded Tater Tots, Bacon, sour cream, chives, Cheddar cheese Bacon Blue Cheese Dip, Tortilla Chips and lime wedges.  On Tuesday and Thursday it is Buffalo, Korean BBQ wings, a duo of wings with carrots & celery, and chips with salsa and Guacamole.
We were there on a Friday and while lounging in close proximity to the picturesque massive fireplace that dominates the dining room we enjoyed the live music of Northern Acoustics, a talented duo of guitar with Nathan Gignac and vocals by Jerin  Forgic.  This live entertainment is offered every Friday.
While at Brookside we had the opportunity  to meet with Brandon O'Neill, who is now General Manager of Food & Beverage Operations.  From him we learned that Levy Restaurants, a national firm based in Chicago, has taken over all catering operations for both the Rose Bowl and Brookside Restaurant.
For Brookside this means that while maintaining the classic decor and ambiance of the restaurant new menus and expanded dining options are in the future.   This is good news to locals who have long enjoyed Brookside which besides a spacious bar and lounge and large dining room graced with the towering stone fireplace also offers four rooms for special events and private meetings.  These are the Mediterranean, Arroyo, Rose  and Madrid rooms with a total seating of some 300.
At present the regular menu shows an American menu of burgers, fresh fish, salads, sandwiches and appetizers and this will be expanded in the future.
Because of heavy traffic we were a bit late in arriving at Brookside and so had alerted the restaurant but standing in front waiting to greet us when we  did arrive was Josh from the wait staff, a most gracious and courteous young man and typical of all that we met that evening.  We also met and chatted with Eddie Arteago, who is assistant manager and with Brookside for five years.  With the current expansion we suspect he will be scheduled for additional responsibilities.
We also chatted with Jerin of the musical team and learned that they have been performing together for five years as Northern Acoustics.  If interested in seeking live entertainment for a special event we suggest you contact them at NorthernAcousticsBookings@gmail.com.
Brookside Restaurant at the Rose Bowl is located at 1133 Rosemont Drive in Pasadena and open seven days a week.  Telephone 626 585-3594, web www.brooksidegc.com.  Ample free off street parking is available.