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BESO STEAKHOUSE @ CITY CENTER… “I’ll Have Another Sangria, Please!”

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UNFORTUNATELY, THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED.

The name simply means ‘kiss’. And the experience will virtually overwhelm your senses. Tucked within City Center in Las Vegas among the magnificent Crystals Shopping Plaza, you will find Beso…a Latin-infused steakhouse owned by Desperate Housewives star, Eva Longoria. What will you discover here? Try intrigue, romance, a supreme waitstaff, cutting edge cuisine and an ambiance so enthralling that you’ll think you’ve fallen into a dream. A very good dream.

The entire restaurant is phenomenal. From the prestigious exterior of the glass wall of windows to the luminous shimmering chandeliers dangling from the ceilings inside, this finely detailed dining establishment will envelope you with its unmistakable charm, its intimate setting and it’s obvious attatchment to all things beautiful.

Above, the cozy lounge beside a trendy back-lit bar is inviting and tempts patrons with delicious and unique cocktails and standard favorites, views of the enchanting interior of the restaurant decor, and a bright pop of color outside via the red lounge chairs on the Beso patio featuring outdoor heaters that possess the appearance of larger-than-life lamps!

Below, inside Beso in the main dining room, the back-lit bar as you enter the front door, another burst of ruby color in the open kitchen, the dramatic crystal chandeliers falling in cascades from the ceiling, and one of the cozy steakhouse-style booths along the perimeter of the dining room.

Below…the best white sangria I’ve ever experienced. The Pear & Elderflower Sangria ($15) at the Vegas Beso. I’ve enjoyed this light delightful cocktail on numerous occasion over the years, and it’s still the same crisp, alluring and seductive libation as it’s always been. Made with Sauvignon Blanc, St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Cointreau, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, White Cranberry Juice and served over ice with a garnish of fresh mint, raspberries and blackberries. In a word…breathtaking. I especially LOVE the 24 ounce Bordeaux wine glass this refresher is served in. No wonder this is Beso’s number one selling cocktail in Vegas! Each trip we take to Vegas, this is a mandatory ‘to-do’ on our list. Even if we’re just having drinks there…I HAVE to have my Pear and Elderflower Sangria! It’s just not Vegas to me if I don’t.

Below, an interesting modern and tech-savvy approach to the traditional wine and champagne menu…it’s all on an iPad! How clever is that? We also indulged in warm fresh-baked bread and chilled butter while sipping on a couple of glasses of Champagne before ordering dinner.

Every last detail was pondered and carefully brought to fruition here. Take a look at the following photos of Beso’s cocktail napkin with it’s signature kiss imprint (I love this!), the black suede dinner menu covers that feel incredible when held, and of course, the Beso logo so craftily created in a classic scripted font…

Ready for something to soothe your appetite? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here, we ordered Beso’s Iceberg Wedge Salad ($11) and an order of the Guacamole ($10). The Iceberg Wedge was chilled and crisp with bacon, tomato, and Shaft’s Blue Cheese Dressing creatively presented. On the guacamole front, this is Eva Longoria’s signature recipe and is served in an oval container with thin crunchy tortilla chips.

Iceberg Wedge Salad & Eva Longoria’s Signature Guacamole

After having the Wedge Salad and the Guacamole as our appetizers, we decided to share the Chopped Salad before receiving our entrees. This incredible chopped salad was comprised of an Iceberg-Romaine mix, carrots, celery, avocado, cucumber and tomato then was tossed in a spectacular avocado dressing and topped with crumbly cheese and tortilla strips. Trust us…you can definitely split this amply-portioned item.

Beso Chopped Salad

My husband enjoyed the Sesame Crusted Halibut ($36). Served with grilled cactus relish, spring onions and containing a mole sauce, this menu item offered a bit of heat to it. However, the succulent tender meat of the fish offered a savory flavor sensation with the cactus relish and spring onions as a whole.

Sesame Crusted Halibut

Sharing any of the sides here is definitely a good idea, as they are enormous in size. Below, we ordered the Au Gratin Potatoes, and this massive dish of cheesy goodness appeared before us…

Au Gratin Potatoes

I decided on the Pan Roasted Diver Scallops ($36). Though served with Adobo spice, this dish was not spicy in any regard. Joined by a corn-spring vegetable ragu, peppered bacon, tomato confit and a balsamic reduction, prepare yourself for being flabbergasted by this incredibly ambrosial and tasty option.

Pan Seared Diver Scallops

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our many visits to Beso in Las Vegas. Whether there for a long, relaxing, romantic dinner, entertaining business associates or just sipping on cocktails at the bar and on the outdoor patio, we have always had an enjoyable time.

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Enormous crystal chandeliers tumble from high ceilings above dining patrons and the cozy seductive lounge, while flickering candles and wall sconces enhance the already alluring environment. A burst of the eatery’s signature red flashes from the open preview kitchen as well as on the outside patio’s seat cushions. Prepare for enchantment, romance and a trendy upscale vibe at this fine dining establishment.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Exquisite preparation, creative selections, outstanding unique cocktails and intriguing visual display of all items offered.
  • LOCATION: Beso is located at 3720 South Las Vegas Boulevard in Las Vegas, NV 89109 in the Crystals Shopping Plaza inside the renowned City Center next door to the Aria Hotel & Casino.
  • HOURS: Beso Steakhouse in Las Vegas is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5PM – 10PM, then on Fridays and Saturdays from 5PM – 11PM. Reservations are recommended.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Camacho was our server the last time we dined at Beso. Just as his stellar service and kind demeanor was appreciated, we’ve also been happily satisfied with past service from all other servers and bar staff.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Considering the quality and proportions of what we ordered, we feel that we received a fair value.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $35 per bottle! But it’s Vegas…and it’s a steakhouse. Both of which tend to drive the corkage charges higher than normal.
  • CONTACT INFO: This restaurant is no longer in business.
  • PARKING: Valet service is available at the front of the establishment in the rounded entry drive in front of Aria Hotel & Casino, which is immediately next door to Beso.
  • TOTAL BILL: We ordered a Pear & Elderflower Sangria, two glasses of Champagne, the Iceberg Wedge Salad, the Signature Guacamole, a Chopped Salad, the Sesame Crusted Halibut, a side of the Au Gratin Potatoes and the Pan Seared Diver Scallops, which brought our grand total to just over $160. Well worth the splurge, and most certainly well worth the visit!

Beso (Crystals) on Urbanspoon Beso Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

ROASTFISH & CORNBREAD… “Fine Southern Cuisine & Artistry Everywhere!”

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Chef David Vincent Young transformed an area along Marshland Road on Hilton Head Island, SC into an uncommon dining venue for locals and tourists alike to experience his Low Country Gullah cuisine, which carries with it a distinctive Caribbean flair. Roastfish & Cornbread is brimming with artistic connotations everywhere one can look. From the location of the eatery, nestled beneath hovering protective mighty oaks overhead to the simple style of the white stucco exterior of the establishment enhanced by the outdoors to to the brilliant colors housed inside just through the front door to Chef David’s thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable cuisine, this is the place to find comfort, good times and a feeling of home. There’s no pressure here. Just a great culinary experience with generous portions, hushpuppies and sweet potato cornbread you will not soon forget and a friendly environment that will only set you at ease the moment you arrive.

The approach to the restaurant is pure Lowcountry. Gravel parking beneath massive oaks trees, a pathway of paving stones leading to an arched, wooden, carved front door, a charming picnic-bench-appointed outdoor patio, tiki torches to set the mood and that great inviting feel of the south. This is definitely a place you’ll want to visit. Since it’s opening in 2009, this dining establishment has been renowned for its mouthwatering selections and it’s popularity. From day one, there’s literally been a waiting line to get in for dinner. And that still holds true today. We promise, however, that it will be worth the wait to sink your teeth into Chef David’s culinary creations. And the way his staff cares for patrons is uncanny. Their devotion to guests and kind friendly demeanor has proven continuous and is always well-appreciated.

Once inside, the colors are vibrant, exciting and Caribbean-inspired. In-wall shadow boxes are enhanced by golden lights which show off the various art and shells for the viewing pleasure of appreciative patrons, while walls colored in intense hues of oranges and yellows draw attention to original artwork displayed. The interior seating is welcoming, intriguing and eclectic, and feels a bit as thought you’re at a friend’s island home to enjoy dinner together as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Below, we were treated to a viewing of the artistic brush manipulations of a very talented painter. Here, at our table, we had a front-row view of his artistry. Such an amazing thing to witness as you dine…

Gullah cuisine maintains its emphasis on tradition. Most of the time, Gullah recipes are those that have been passed down from generation to generation…sometimes unwritten. Such examples of typical Gullah foods include yams, rice, peas, and many more items most would tend to think are ‘Southern’ delicacies. Always exploding with flavor and unique in its own ways, Gullah cuisine can be enjoyed by most anyone.

Below, my husband ordered a seafood plate which included Grilled Mahi Mahi, grilled shrimp, grilled scallops and three out-of-this-world hushpuppies garnished with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge. The scallops were tender and flavorsome with just the right amount of seasoning on them without being too salty or spicy. The shrimp and fish were juicy and served at a perfect temperature, while the hush puppies contained small bits of corn throughout their tender savory texture.

Seafood Plate With Grilled Mahi Mahi

I made my decision and chose the seafood plate with fried oysters, grilled flounder, grilled scallops, macaroni and cheese and a piece of Chef David’s amazing sweet potato cornbread. Tasting more like a dessert than cornbread, I could easily see this side item being served with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert! It was sensational, as were our entrees.

Seafood Plate With Fried Oysters

All in all, we enjoyed our entire experience at Roastfish & Cornbread. Do we recommend it? Yes, we do. Will we return for more of Chef David’s intriguing culinary artistry? Most definitely.

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Caribbean-style paintings and colors prevail indoors at Roastfish & Cornbread. Comfortable family-style seating indoors, while picnic benches aligned atop a patio surface are available for dining al fresco.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Nicely-seasoned, not-too-salty seafood, meat dishes and vegan dishes are also available here. Chef David should really market his Sweet Potato Cornbread and hush puppies! They’re THAT good!
  • LOCATION: Roastfish & Cornbread is located at 70 Marshland Road on Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.
  • HOURS:Monday through Saturday from 11 AM – 9 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Our waitress was kind, friendly, kept a smile on her face at all times and genuinely seemed as though she loved being employed at Roastfish & Cornbread. It was refreshing to see that.
  • PRICE / VALUE: We were happy. A great locale with terrific Gullah-style Low Country cooking and a friendly efficient staff. Is there really more than that?
  • CORKAGE FEE: $10 per bottle.
  • PARKING: There is ample parking right in front of the restaurant beneath the oak trees hovering overhead.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our total bill was just under $50 (including tax) for our two entrees and a few beverages.

Roastfish & Cornbread on Urbanspoon

Chef David's Roastfish & Cornbread Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

TRULUCK’S SAN DIEGO… “La Jolla’s ‘True Luck’ Restaurant!”

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Well, we said we would do it, and we did. After our experience in Miami at the Truluck’s restaurant there, we had to try the one in San Diego to see if it compared. And compare it did! There’s really nothing negative we can say about this seafood and steak restaurant. It’s more of an institution really. The quality, consistency, precision to detail, competitive customer service and above average overall ambiance is just incredible. Known countrywide for their incredible award-winning seafood, stone crab claws, and succulent steaks, Truluck’s is by far a leading company far ahead of the game.

The entrance to the San Diego Truluck’s near La Jolla is welcoming, offers spacious outdoor patios and allows for most any celebration to be enjoyed easily.

Above, the huge glass-encased wine cellar right next to our table. We dined at the Captain’s Table, which is where the owner sits when he visits the restaurant. Request this location when you have dinner here. The view from the table allows for oversight of most everything going on in the establishment from the lounge, the entertainment at the Baby Grand and the entire restaurant. No wonder Truluck’s San Diego was voted “Best Wine List” in 2011 by the San Diego Magazine Reader’s Poll and The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence!

But that’s not the only recognition this specific Truluck’s has received. There’s much more to their list of accreditations:

Best of the Best 2011 / 2012 and Best Seafood 2011 / 2012 by the San Diego Magazine Reader’s Poll, the Best Service 2012 San Diego Magazine Critic’s Choice Award, Best Happy Hour 2011 and Best Service 2011 by San Diego Magazine Reader’s Poll, Best of the Best, Best Seafood, Most Impressive Decor, Best Service and Happiest Happy Hour by San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyles, Best Service, Best Wine List, and Best Seafood by SanDiegoRestaurants.com (Diner’s Poll), Best Steak by La Jolla Light Reader’s Poll, and was rated Excellent for food and service in 2011 by Zagat. And there are plenty more where those came from!

The Truluck’s menu…just wait until you see what’s inside!

Fresh Delectable Bread Service

Fresh crusty bread is promptly served to the table by an attentive waiter. Chilled sweet cream butter is also provided.

Crab Display Before Ordering

The presentation of one of Truluck’s best-known specialties…crab claws…is presented to patrons before ordering. This is not only entertaining, but the visual enchantment is also worth while. I snapped a photo as our server was explaining their offerings of the evening above.

Pinot Noir Selection From the Wine Cellar

Upon arriving, we chose a bottle of 2009 Tolosa Pinot Noir, which we both enjoyed. Its huge nose and delicious finish was perfect for sipping while waiting to be served dinner.

Large Stone Crab Claws

As a starter, we selected four of Truluck’s Stone Crab claws. Pre-cracked for ease of enjoying and served over ice with lemon and a creamy tasteful sauce, we knew these would be delectable. And they were!

Truluck’s Wedge Salad

Next, we agreed to share one of the Wedge Salads, which was so memorable from our visit to the Miami, FL Truluck’s. It was just as good at this locale, if not better! Crisp, chilled and a beautiful visual presentation with all the flavor sensations we remembered from before.

Filet Mignon Oscar-Style

Above and below, the Filet Oscar was cooked to a perfect medium temperature and was accompanied with an Oscar topping of grilled asparagus, fresh crab meat and Bearnaise sauce. What a beautifully presented and visually-pleasing contract against the brilliant green asparagus. We did, however, get a little carried away with the Bearnaise sauce!

Interior View of the Filet Mignon…with Extra Bearnaise Sauce!

We enjoyed the below dish so much during our Truluck’s experience in Miami that we had to get it again in CA. The Miso-Glazed Sea Bass…MSC certified South Georgia Chilean Sea Bass served with crab fried rice and a chilled cucumber slaw. Immensely satisfying from first bite to the last taste on your fork, this is one of our all-time favorite Sea Bass dishes ever! The crab fried rice beneath is tender and erupting with flavor, while the Chilean Sea Bass is delicate, tender and almost melts in your mouth upon contact!

Miso- Glazed Sea Bass with Crab Fried Rice

Of course, our server had to present us with their dessert tray after dinner. The below left photo shows Truluck’s extensive array of sweet temptations. However, you already know what we ordered, probably…the Carrot Cake! A little coffee on the side led to the perfect conclusion to a wonderful meal, spectacular service and amazing ambiance!

By the way…I know I mentioned this in our review of the Miami Truluck’s restaurant some time ago, but this restaurant has THE BEST CARROT CAKE EVER!!!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Having been voted ‘ Most Impressive Decor’ by San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyles, there’s reason this happened. Truluck’s signature underwater vases of pale pink orchids are displayed atop the division wall between the lounge and the main restaurant, while the upscale feel of the steakhouse and seafood haven will have you relaxed, feeling at home and enjoying the intricate detailed design of the entire establishment.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Amazing Stone crab claws, succulent steaks, crisp salads and refreshing beverages. There’s not a thing that we found to be unsatisfactory during our attendance for dinner.
  • LOCATION: This Truluck’s restaurant is located near La Jolla at 8990 University Center Lane in San Diego, CA 92122.
  • HOURS: Truluck’s in San Diego is open daily for Dinner Monday through Saturday from  5 PM – 10 PM, and on Sunday evenings from 5 Pm – 9 PM. The Stone Crab lounge is open daily from 4:30 PM, where cocktail hour is presented until 7:30 PM Monday through Sunday.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Todd Perry, a managing partner of the establishment, made sure we were seated in a satisfactory location with a beautiful view inside of the entire restaurant. Corey was our waiter, and we cannot express in words his exemplary service. Corey was informative, enlightening, amusing and supportive throughout our entire meal. We’ll be sure to request his section the next time we dine at the San Diego Truluck’s.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Taking a look at what we enjoyed for dinner, we expected the price for everything to exceed $100, which it did.  But well worth the splurge, and well worth the additional consideration when we added in the quality of the cuisine we enjoyed, the incredible and attentive service and the stunning interior decor.
  • CORKAGE FEE: $20 per bottle, just remember that on Wednesdays if you purchase a bottle of select wine or champagne from the bar, they will give you 50% off the regular price!
  • PARKING: Self parking is available for guests in the adjacent parking garage, however we recommend the valet service for a simple $8. It will save you a lot of time and allow you to relax and not have to worry about parking your vehicle.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our total bill came in over $100, but we were more than happy to accept that charge considering what we received.

Truluck's on Urbanspoon

Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

BAR 12/21 @ MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE… “The Great Escape Inside Morton’s Steakhouse!”

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On the corner of South La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills on the famed “Restaurant Row” sits a steakhouse you’ve probably heard of: Morton’s. Inside the restaurant sits Bar 12/21. Tucked off to the side of the restaurant as you enter the main threshold, you will find that this lounge not only offers great deals on their Happy Hour libations and edibles, but also hosts a feel of elegant comfort and charm.

Bar 12/21 got it’s name from the opening date of the original Morton’s in Chicago, IL on December 21,1978. Hence it’s name, 12/21. Besides their high standards for keeping their cherished customers happy and the intimate feel Morton’s is commonly known for, Bar 12/21 offers an astonishing Happy Hour they call their “Power Hour”. In fact, it’s not just one hour. It’s several hours. Bar 12/21′s “Power Hour” is available Sundays through Fridays from opening to 6:30pm. But wait…it gets better. There’s a reverse “Power Hour” again from 9pm until closing (11PM) on the same days. (We LOVE double Happy Hours)!

Let’s talk “Power Hour!” Bar 12/21 offers Bar Bites at an unreasonably terrific value. Their list of goodies includes: Iceberg Wedge Bites for $6 – normally $10.50 (four mini wedge salads with tomatoes, bacon bits, egg and Blue Cheese dressing), Blue Cheese Steak Fries for $6 - normally $10.50 (fries with red pepper flakes, melted blue cheese and chives), Chicken Goujonettes for $6 - normally $11.50 (crispy chicken strips with a mustard mayonnaise), Mini Crab Cake BLTs for $7 – normally $16 (three crab cakes served on silver dollar rolls with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mustard), Smoked Salmon Pizza for $7 – normally $15 (Morton’s smoked salmon with capers and purple onion layered on a warm crust with dill sour cream), Prime Cheeseburgers for $7 – normally $14 (three cheeseburgers served on silver dollar rolls with lettuce, tomato and purple onion), and their Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches for $7 – normally $15 (with a mustard mayonnaise). But wait…that’s just their Bar Bites menu. Their beverage menu offers the following: Beer for $5 (Sam Adams-Seasonal, Budweiser, Bud Light, Heineken and Heineken Light), Wines for $6.50 (Canyon Road Chardonnay, Cavit Pinot Grigio, Montevina White Zinfandel, BV “Coastal Estates” Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” Merlot, Colores del Sol “Reserva” Malbec), and fabulous Mortinis, (LOVE the name!), for $7.50 each (Power Hour Vodka Mortini, Power Hour Gin Mortini, Power Hour Cosmopolitan, Power Hour Manhattan, and their Power Hour Mojito). (Phew… thought I wasn’t going to make all that in one breath)! Needless to say, Bar 12/21 offers an extensive collection of Power Hour libations and Bar Bites sure to please anyone.

Above, I indulged in a Power Hour Cosmopolitan, while my husband enjoyed a Power Hour Mojito. Both were prepared quickly, hand-made in front of us and blended to perfection. We were pleased to discover that both beverages were quite refreshing and beautiful in color. The Cosmopolitan wasn’t too fruity or sweet, and the Mojito wasn’t too minty or sugary. They were both perfect. Our bartender, Taylor, was extremely pleasant and offered a kind smile.

We placed our order for appetizers after I ordered another Cosmo leaving us anxiously awaiting and curious about the food we were soon to receive. If the Power Hour cocktails were any indication of the quality of the upcoming Bar Bites, we were certainly in for a treat. We selected the Iceberg Wedge Bites, the Smoked Salmon Pizza and the Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches. We were right. The cocktails were indeed an indication of the greatness of the food. Here are photos of what we ordered, then happily consumed:

We had more than enough to eat with the three appetizers we ordered. Our total bill came in under $50, however for the type of establishment it is, it was a great deal for the two of us.

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Upscale, old-style lounge with several separate bar tables and a popular main bar area along windows that overlook the Boulevard.
  • FOOD / DRINK: The hand-crafted cocktails were phenomenal, while the Bar Bites we had definitely delivered.
  • LOCATION: Located adjacent to the SLS Hotel at 435 South La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills, CA 90086.
  • HOURS: Power Hour in Bar 1221 is available Sunday through Friday from 5 PM – 6:30, and again from 9 PM until closing (usually 11 PM).
  • SERVICE / STAFF: The service we received from our bartender was to our satisfaction. Her kindness and professional attitude were appreciated.
  • PRICE / VALUE: The combined price of our appetizers and cocktails was under $50, but the value of everything from the staff to the drinks to the food to the establishment proved well worth it.
  • CORKAGE: The corkage fee in the bar is $25 per bottle. (SHOCKING!!!). But their wine selection is well worth ordering there.
  • TOTAL BILL: $47.83 (including tax) for two Martinis, one Mojito, a fairly sizable Smoked Salmon Pizza, a plate of Petite Filet Mignonette Sandwiches, and the Iceberg Wedge Bites.

Morton's The Steakhouse on Urbanspoon

Arnie Morton's-The Steakhouse on Restaurantica

Morton's, The Steakhouse Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

BLVD 16 LOUNGE… “Lined With Good Times!”

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A boulevard by definition is a street, often lined with trees. Wilshire Boulevard leading to the Westwood Palomar Hotel in Los Angeles may be lined with trees, but BLVD 16 Lounge is lined with good times, great appetizers and warm and inviting staff and management in a terrific upscale contemporary hot spot. This is definitely a place you do not want to overlook!

Making this establishment even better is that the hotel is pet-friendly. Of course, no animals are allowed inside the lounge or restaurant, but are welcome in the lobby area and guest rooms. When my husband asked one of the front desk associates if they allow felines into the hotel, she gave him a resounding ‘yes’ : “We accept all animals! In fact, we had penguins sitting in the lobby not too long ago!” (I’m not sure if she was referring to a group of gentlemen in tuxedos or the actual flightless birds, but hey…they love animals. What more could you ask for)? Either way, kudos to the Palomar in Westwood, CA for boasting the pet-friendly PR and the exceptional treatment of their guests and patrons alike. Kimpton hotels have long outdone themselves by impressing guests, caring for Fido and Sylvester (and Tweety Bird, too!), and for just an all around great sense of ease and style. We’ve not had the opportunity to personally stay at the Westwood Palomar as guests, but we have stayed in others across the country. This is due to the fact that we have a feline companion. (That’s an entirely different blog, but for you cat lovers out there, if you’d like to see a photo of Riesling, our traveling kitty, zip me an e-mail at savorhourdotcom@gmail.com).

BLVD 16 Lounge and Restaurant both offer FREE corkage Sunday night through Wednesday night. A point that makes us very happy. Despite our passing on the “Rush Hour” $3 glasses of wine at the bar, we thought we would just bring in a bottle from our storage locker and have a great time despite. (There are always martinis and brews available as well for those of you out there who aren’t wine connoisseurs)!

This establishment is anything but dull. The beautifully-designed lounge beckons the soul, while the incredible service and welcome feel lures you in. Reuben was our waiter and bartender. If you’re lucky enough to be there when he’s working, you will not be the least bit disappointed. (Call ahead to make sure he’s working before you go!)! His kind smile and genuinely warm personality made us feel welcomed and as thought we were the most important people in the room. We were fortunate enough to have also met the BLVD 16 Lounge and Restaurant Manager as well. His name is Isaac, and his professionalism, courteousness and effort to put his patrons first were impeccable. We certainly look forward to seeing and speaking with him again the next time we’re there.

Now, on to the food and drink fun! BLVD 16 Lounge has what’s called “Rush Hour”. This is basically their version of Happy Hour which includes very inexpensive wines by the glass, brews and well drinks. As this photo of their menu shows, Rush Hour lasts from 4pm to 7pm Monday through Sunday. If you opt to avoid that menu, and if you are there Sunday through Wednesday, you can bring your own bottle of wine in WITH NO CORKAGE FEE! (There’s our favorite line again)! Just remember that there is a 2-bottle limit, so don’t cart in your entire collection of ’78 Chateau Margaux!

The “Bar Bites” menu consists of BLVD 16′s appetizer selection. Interesting thing…it lasts from 4pm to 10pm! (Have you ever heard of such a thing)!?! How great is that! 4PM UNTIL 10 PM! And the options are amazing. Look at the below photos. We certainly couldn’t get them all in…there wasn’t anymore room left! The “Bar Bites” menu boasts various selections such as Mini Tasty Burgers for $3 each (crispy onions, smoked tomato, black pepper, Aioli and Jack cheese), Short Rib Sliders for $3 each (Robbiolo cheese and crispy onions), Crispy Calamari $7 (spicy tomato Aioli and lemon), Fish Tacos $4 each (corn tortilla, pickled Habanero, shredded cabbage and creme fraiche), BLVD 16 Hummus for $6 (served with crispy pita chips), Flatbread $7 (butternut squash, sweet apples, burrata, and truffle honey), Buffalo Chicken Wings $5 (with house-made blue cheese dip), Onion Rings $5 (with paprika Aioli), Herb Fries $3 (served in a mini handled fry basket with ketchup on the side), and the Mini Chop $4 (which is a mini version of a chopped salad complete with grape tomatoes, romaine lettuce, ranch dressing, bacon and heaping with chunks of fresh avocado on top!). We opted for the Mini Tasty Burger, the Short Rib Slider, the Fish Taco, the BLVD 16 Hummus, the Herb Fries and the Mini Chop. (Yes, we ate all of those! But believe me, between the two of us, we really weren’t hungry after. Even despite their smaller sizes)!

Above, the Tasty Burger with melted Jack cheese, a creamy Aioli, caramelized onion and a delicious savory beef burger nestles in between two mini toasted hamburger buns. Below, the Short Rib Slider with succulent beef short rib in a savory sauce, fried onion strings, melted Robbiolo cheese and a toasted bun.

The BLVD 16 Hummus above served with crisped pita chips went very well with the creamy tasty hummus, while the below Fish Tacos were outstanding with their cabbage slaw, fresh lime, pickled habanero and creme fraiche.

Above and below, these Herb Fries were perfectly seasoned, yet not overly salty. The Mini Chop Salad was flavorful, fresh and crisp with its chilled ranch dressing, chunks of crumbled bacon, grape tomatoes and hunks of fresh avocado.

For the art lover in you, BLVD 16 hosts their “Art In Motion” series every Thursday. It’s a 3-Course Menu that varies every week and is complimentary with the art being shown and the artist presenting it. There you can not only indulge in incredible creations on your plate, but also in amazing creations from the artist, who will be in attendance! (For more details on the Art In Motion series at BLVD 16, give them a call at (310) 474-7765.

Don’t forget to have your valet ticket validated before you leave.The lounge is happy to do that for you. (We parked a block away and walked, which wasn’t bad considering that that’s what most do in the city. But next time, we’ll just valet our vehicle in front of the hotel). Just remember to throw a few dollars to the valet who brings your car back to you despite there being no charge for the ticket. (They have to make a living too)!

We will definitely become regular visitors to the BLVD 16 Lounge at the Westwood Palomar Hotel. There is no doubt about that. It is definitely a winner in our book, and we see no reason why it won’t remain that way. Congratulations to Isaac for running and managing a seamless, exciting and unique establishment!

Oh, and by the way…on Thursdays, Hotel Palomar presents the classic acoustic sounds of Jake & Drew in the lobby. Jake Stone and Drew Nichols came together with a common goal. To play the music they love and to enhance the lives of those who listen to their clear acoustic style. Both talented vocalists and guitarists, Jake and Drew perform every Thursday at the Hotel Palomar on Wilshire Boulevard from 5PM to 6:30 PM. If you haven’t heard of them, remember their name. Because we guarantee that you will be hearing of them soon. Since we were introduced to these two entertainers, we’ve made a point to not miss a single performance. Hearing them for the first time, we were amazed. We expected a lot due to what others had told us about them, but we had no idea what we were in for until we heard them for ourselves.

 Hailing from Missouri, Jake Stone’s strong lead vocals combine well with Oklahoma-born Drew Nichols’ mastery as Lead Guitarist.  Ranging from popular favorites from the 60s to present day popular hits, theirs is a twenty-year combined acoustic talent that forces one to think, urges one to reflect and encourages one to be inspired. Together, their life-enriching, top-notch sound and touching method of delivering happiness to all who listen to their music will leave you spellbound. Performing for scheduled weddings, birthday celebrations and special ocassion events, you can also hear Jake & Drew perform regularly every Thursday at the Hotel Palomar at 10740 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA in the Westwood neighborhood. You can contact Jake & Drew directly at jakeanddrewmusic.com.

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Upscale and contemporary. Cozy, yet not cramped. Private, yet not isolated. Color abounds everywhere you look, as well as featured artists’ creations strategically positioned around the dining establishment.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Other than our recommendation of bringing your own bottle of wine on a “free corkage” night, we saw no other suggestions on the drink front. The “Rush Hour” beverage menu from 4pm – 7pm also offers brews and well drinks if you don’t opt for the wine. On the food front, BLVD 16 blew us out of the water! Great choices, terrific prices, nice-sized portions.
  • LOCATION: Located at 10740 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90024. Just look for the vertical PALOMAR sign in the front of the driveway. (See our first photo posted at the beginning of this blog.)
  • HOURS: BLVD 16 Restaurant is open for Breakfast Service Monday-Friday from 6:30 AM – 10:30AM. Brunch Service is available Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM – 2 PM. Lunch is offered Monday through Friday between 11:30 AM and 2 PM, while Dinner is presented nightly from 5:30 PM to 10 PM. BLVD 16′s Bar Bites menu is available from 4 Pm until 10 PM, while the Rush Hour drink specials are offered between 4 PM and 7 PM daily.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Reuben and Issac were incredible. We were treated like we were family by them as well as a couple of other employees we spoke to at the front desk and valet areas.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Everything we ate for under $22.00! If that’s not a value, I don’t know what is.
  • CORKAGE FEE: No corkage fee, (up to 2 bottles of wine), Sunday through Wednesday, either in the lounge or the restaurant.
  • PARKING: Valet is $7, but BLVD is happy to validate your ticket!
  • TOTAL BILL: $21.58 (Including tax). Throw in a few dollars to tip the valet who brings your vehicle to you, and you have yourself a great evening out for just a few shillings! (If you’re a local, the lounge will throw in a local discount on top of it all!)

BLVD 16 on Urbanspoon

Boulevard 16 - Hotel Palomar Westwood on Restaurantica

Boulevard 16 Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.