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On any given night one can get a feeling of the old west upon entering Tin Horn Flats Saloon and Grill. Walking through its saloon doors there’s pictures of the old west and a long bar where people sit and chat. The atmosphere sets the stage for some excellent grub, and a feeling of the old west.
On this occasion, Talya Letejian, Varet, her dad, and her brother Lucus greeted my guests, Tom Hallick, and Yin Jiang.
The first thing Tom Hallick said was, “this is neat, like the old west, and they even got a pool table.” Tom should know, he’s traveled practically everywhere in the world and as an actor has enjoyed many western settings. His wife Yin Jiang, a concert violinist with Andrea Bocelli, is originally from China, and found Tin Horn Flats to be a fun place.
The first thing on the menu was fried pickles, which were delicious. That was a good start, especially in combination with a Stella beer.
The real kicker though, was the sweet potato fries and Buffalo wings. According to Hallick, they’re better than the Chicago style wings, which is where Buffalo wings became popular.
Our main course was a ribeye for Tom, a filet for Yin and a blackened salmon for me. Each dish was cooked just right, and served with healthy portions. Tom had to take home part of his rib eye.
Tin Horn Flats Saloon and Grill is a family business that treats their customers like family. They’re located at 2623 Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. Hours of operation are 10:30 am until Midnight.
The Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill has a history in Burbank since 1939. Everyone loves the country swinging saloon doors.
Call in your orders for take out at 818-567-2420.
Celebrity Scene News awards 4 stars to Tin Horn Flats Saloon and Grill for excellent steaks, atmosphere, and service.
There are quite a few Peruvian restaurants in Los Angeles that serve good cuisine in different styles. However, Mamita Peruvian Restaurant is the finest I have discovered so far. Their history is marked in the history of Los Angeles, and was founded by Sonia Gubeara and attended to by her daughter Natalie.
On this occasion, Tom Hallick, the veteran actor who starred in “The Young and Restless,” as Brad Elliott joined me, with his wife Yin Jiang. Yin Jiang is a concert violinist with Andrea Bocelli and New West Symphony, and she loves Peruvian food.
Our culinary journey began with Ceviche de Mariscos, prepared with shrimp, squid, and octopus, marinated in a spicy lemon juice, topped with onions and garnished with sweet potatoes and Peruvian corn.
“I love the Ceviche, everything about it – the presentation, the aroma and especially the taste,” Tom Hallick said.
Yin Jiang had the Papa a la Huanciana, an appetizer consisting of boiled potatoes served in a creamy garlic/cheese sauce, and I had the Ceviche. This was an excellent way to start off our dining experience.
Next, Tom and Yin were served Lomito Montado Estilo Mamitas, an entree prepared with beef strips sautéed with French fries, two eggs, cilantro, onions and tomatoes, served with steamed rice. My entree, Pescado al Vapor Especial, was steamed fish filet Peruvian style with a combination of seafood. Delicious.
Other items we partook in were the Model beer, Maracuya, which is passion fruit and Chicha Morado, made from purple corn, and Yuca Frita, which is fried yucca. Peruvian cuisine is one of flavor from the natural juices of the meats and imported spices.
As an extra added treat, I chose to partake in Picante de Maricos, an entree with seafood, milk and peanuts blended in a medium red hot sauce. This dish was awesome, and my favorite dish. I compliment Arturo Melgar for his knowledge of Peruvian cuisine.
As I have said on many an occasion, a sweet tooth is something that most of us enjoy. Our desert consisted of Helado de Lucuma, an ice cream with Lucuma Peruvian fruit and Crema Volteada, a flan. These were the perfect way to end our wonderful dining experience.
Mamita Peruvian restaurant is located in Glendale at 714 Brand Boulevard. Hours of operation are 11:30 am to 10 pm. For catering and delivery call 818- 243-5121.
Celebrity Scene News awards 5 stars to Mamita Peruvian Restaurant for it’s authentic cuisine, atmosphere, and service.
There is something to be said for tradition in dining where the proprietor greets each customer as if they were coming into his home. Angelo Peloni and his son Robert make it a point to treat each one of their patrons with love and kindness. It has been that way for 34 years, catering to the likes of the late Liz Taylor, Burt Lancaster, and many great film producers.
Angelo came to the United States when he was 21. He worked at The Palms, the Executive Room as a Captain, and has had other restaurants. However, his passion was to go back to his roots in Genoa, Italy and use authentic recipes, yet add some unique features to his cuisine. The combination of greeting his patrons and making sure his recipes are on point, has customers returning time and again, some for over 30 years.
“People want to be recognized, especially mature adults. That’s what we do at our restaurant. It’s our way of life,” Angelo says.
In reviewing the cuisine at restaurants, I usually invite guests, especially those who have traveled the world. Tom Hallick, the first host of “Entertainment Tonight,” who was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “The Admired,” and his wife Yin Jiang, a concert violinist with New West Symphony and Andrea Bocelli joined me in a unique tasting of appetizers from Italy, and entrees that melt in your mouth.
Our first appetizers were the Tortino di Funghi con Fonduta, a vegetarian pate of wild mushroom and black truffles, in a fontina creme sauce. It was so delicious!
We were also served Burrata, a soft cheese imported from Italy, as well as Gnocchi, which is potato dumplings. Both fabulous!
During our conversation with Angelo Peloni and his son Robert, we met patrons who had been customers for 30 plus years. This is a lost art, as most proprietors are not in their restaurant to greet their patrons.
With a glass of wine from Italy, and a Stella Artois Pilsner beer for Tom Hallick, we traveled to Italy through our cuisine. Our first entree was Ravioli ai Carciofi, an artichoke ravioli, with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, olive oil, and garlic in a white wine sauce. An outstanding dish.
Our second course of Costolette di Agnello al Barolo, consisted of Australian lamb loin chops in a Barolo wine, with balsamic herb sauce and fresh herbs.
“Angelo prepares the best lamb chops! This is better then the French Laundry in Napa valley,” Hallick said.
I had ordered for the third main course Barramundi, an amazing tender white fish from Australia, prepared with lemon capers and a puttanesca style sauce. With that, salmon and fresh bard sauce was also served. This was indeed the ultimate taste for me. My favorite fish comes from the regions of Alaska and Norway.
There is no question that Angelo Peloni and his recipes are truly authentic and such a sensation to the taste buds. Another entree which I enjoyed at another time was the Penne al Indiana, prepared with shrimp, eggplant, curry, in a light creme sauce. I happen to be a curry lover too!
For those on a strict diet, there’s Gluten-free pasta and risotto.
How in the world could we fill our tummies with desert, you might ask. It’s very easy when you have a sweet tooth. And there is always room for dessert!
The Italian Sorpresa, a dark chocolate shell has a warm scoop of homemade gelato, with a secret ingredient. When warm caramel is poured over the shell, it melts into the gelato which also has fruit. A beautiful sight to watch.
Angelo’s Molten Cake is wonderful. It is a dense chocolate cake with a chocolate lava center, served with a scoop of white vanilla gelato. What a delight, especially with espresso.
Angelo, Robert and their staff made our visit a real pleasure, the best dining experience ever!
La Bruschetta is located on 1621 Westwood Boulevard in Los Angeles. They’re open for lunch from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm and 5 pm until closing, usually 11pm. For reservations call 310-477-1052.
Celebrity Scene News awards 5 1/2 stars to La Bruschetta for authentic cuisine, warm friendly conversation by Angelo Peloni, stellar service, and an incredible wine cellar.
The Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood, a Hyatt property, has been noted as the place where music notables such as Robert Plant and Little Richard frequent, along with just about anyone of celebrity status. It is also popular with corporate clients as well. Today it presents a new dimension in hospitality.
The entrance area of the hotel has a contemporary living room atmosphere where guests can enjoy an espresso in the cocktail area. Opposite the front desk area is a beautifully appointed wine cellar unlike the majority of wine cellars one would see in restaurants. There is an open kitchen area where patrons can enjoy the artistry work of the chefs. For those who enjoy the Sunset Strip view, there’s a cocktail bar.
On this special occasion, my guest Tom Hallick, known for many guest star roles on television, and best known for “The Young and Restless,” joined me with his wife Yin Jiang, a concert violinist with Andre Bocelli. Erin Maley the Food and Beverage Outlet Manager at the Riot House introduced us to Chef Estolono.
An intriguing chef, Joaquin Estolono Jr. has worked in many of Mexico’s top resorts, including San Diego. For the past seven years he’s been with Hyatt. His most impressive accomplishments most recently won him the Silver Medal for Hyatts “Good Taste Series” globally.
As Chef Joaquin states, “I create cuisine that satisfies the soul.”
That he does ever so cleverly and artistically. Our culinary journey was a celebration for Tom Hallick recovering from a bad case of the flu. Our first tasting was presented with Yellow Tail Poke, Tom raved about the unique taste. This entree is prepared with avocado, radish and ginger.
Next Chef Jaoaquin served us Charred Octopus, which is slow cooked, and prepared with chimichurri aioli topped with a house sauce. “Wow, this is the most mouth-wateringly tender octopus,” states Hallick. I certainly agree with Tom on this dish.
Another dish popular with vegetarians is the baked Kabocha Squash served with fresh ricotta, pomegranate, spiced pepitas and cocoa. The most talked about dish was the Roasted Bone Marrow. It is prepared with purple radish, tangerines, and flyer de del. An electric dish indeed and very healthy. I especially enjoyed this dish along with the Cauliflower Croquettes, prepared with saffron aioli, manchego, pimenton de la vera.
The prize winner toward the end our culinary journey was the Brown Butter Sea Scalops, served with swiss chard, truffled cauliflower, medijool dates and chorizo. Quite the unique taste that combines brown butter with the sweet taste of the dates.
Chef Joaquin is an absolute artist, Yin Jiang and Tom Hallick both said. I conclude with that by saying, “food artistry at its best.” Our final entree was an all Natural Grass Fed Prime New York Steak right from California. This comes complete with heritage carrots, pommel puree, baby turnips and borealis, this is a sure bet for steak eaters.
With our tummies not too full, we ordered Chocolate Bread Pudding Brûlée. Chef Joaquin prepares this unlike other deserts of this stature. Prepared with creme fraiche, salted ganachem and drunken cherries, stewed for 30 minutes, this desert tantalizes the taste-buds to the extreme.
The nine course dinner is the highlight of my reviews in culinary delights. Congratulations goes to a very deserving Chef Jaoquin Estolono Jr.
The Riot house is located inside the Andaz on 8401 Sunset Boulevard. For reservations call 323-785-6071.
Celebrity Scene news awards 5 stars to Chef Jooquin Estolono Jr. and the Riot House.
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