Torre Lucerna Hotel – A Heavenly Retreat

While tourists are traveling along the coast of California, just an hour away from San Diego is Ensenada Mexico. The beaches, with the fresh ocean breezes are inspiring there for a peaceful vacation. Just as important though is the earth of its people, and the fact that tourism is growing, especially with the port business. Ensenada has the third largest port in the world, which is increasing the economy there. A short distance away is the Torre Lucerna Hotel, a Five star hotel built and designed by Hector Kabande and his brother Fernando. Mr. Kabande, who has seven hotels in Mexico, one in Tijuana, Mexicali, Ciudad Juarez, Culiacan, and Hermosillo, is a visionary who understands the importance of catering to families who want comfort, quality cuisine, and top quality suites.

Upon entering Torre Lucerna Hotel, there’s an open feeling, where one can sit anywhere in the lobby area, enjoy the wine and cheese bar, or listen to the classical sounds of a pianist.

The open area is somewhat like a living room environment, that opens to the ocean view and pool area. Within this area are two restaurants, Acueducto, and Pacific Riviera Grill. Both of these restaurants serve impeccable cuisine, and both are open to the ocean breeze though glass doors and windows. The Acueducto especially, serves a wonderful breakfast buffet where everything is prepared from scratch, including the jellies, cookies, and breads

Riviera Platillo

As with any five star resort, the suites have to be decorated in such a fashion that it compliments the furniture. All amenities are included in each of these hotel rooms, including robes when requested. The bedding for instance is like sleeping on a cloud, and the showers are with authentic tile floors, where the shower itself is like taking a shower in the rain, with a full square shower head that trickles like soothing rain drops upon guests.

Convention Facilities

Torre Lucerna has meeting space that accommodates up to 800 depending on how the seating is arranged. There is also a full gym with an ocean view and a quaint spa to accompany it, with a personal massage therapist on staff.

Alberca – the swimming pool.

Regardless which Lucerna property guests stay at, the personalized service is always first class.

Torre Lucerna Hotel is located just outside Ensenada at Autopista Tijuana Ensenada, No. 2501 Zona Playitas CP 22800, Ensenada B. C. Mexico.| USA 1-800 LUCERNA| Hotel hotelslucerna.com

Celebrity Scene News awards five stars for excellence in hospitality and cuisine to Torre Lucerna Hotel.

Fachada – the summery facade.

Loft Monte Xanic

Luxury loft.

Tin Horn Flats Saloon and Grill Adds To Western Theme With Steaks

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.

Tinhorn Fried Pickles

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.

Tinhorn Ribeye

Family Owned

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.

Tom, Varet, Pete, Talya and Lucus outside Tinhorn Flats Saloon.

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.

Tinhorn Flats Saloon

Tinhorn Filet

Tinhorn Bar

Tinhorn Salmon

Mamita Peruvian Restaurant – A Taste of Peru

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.

Picante Mariscos Especial

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.

Saltado de Carne con Vegetales

Dessert

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.

Pollo Estilo Mamita

Tom Hallick, Natalie Gubeara and Pete Allman inside Mamita Peruvian Restaurant.