Sep 20, 2018

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.



La Bruschetta – A Tradition in Fine Italian Dining

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.

La Bruschetta Culinary Journey

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.

Main Course

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.

Ravioli al Carciofi

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.

Dessert

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!

Italian Sorpresa

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.

Robert, Angelo, Tom and Pete at La Bruschetta
La Bruschetta main course.
La Bruschetta wow
La Bruschetta Plate
La Bruschetta











Executive Chef Joaquin Estolono Jr. Adds To Andaz Hotel Culinary Journeys

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.

Culinary Journey

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.

Dessert

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.








Messages With Pete Allman


 

Jul 12, 2018

Chef Bruno Serato Feeds Children In Need

There are many well known chefs throughout the world, but perhaps the best known is Sir Bruno Serato, who has unselfishly fed more than 2 million needy kids. It began a few years ago when Caterina, his mother and Bruno had visited The Boys and Girls Club.

As they were given a tour, Bruno’s mother noticed a kid eating potato chips, later learning that it was his dinner. She quickly had her son go back to the restaurant and prepare pasta for the children. That has escalated to serving 3500 meals a day in over 50 locations, including Southern California, New York, Chicago, and Italy.

In 2005 Caterina and Bruno formed Caterina’s Club, a non profit organization that feeds children of ‘motel families’ that live in cheap motels. Chef Bruno has also created the Welcome Home program where he has helped families move into their own furnished apartments.

Bruno Serato at the Anaheim White House.

But it doesn’t end there, he has partnered with the Anaheim Union P21 mentorship program, a nine week program where students explore the hospitality industry, restaurants and tourism industries.

His passion in helping feed children in need has earned him the CNN Hero of the Year Award. He was also knighted by the Italian General Consulate, along with being invited to speak about hungry kids at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

 

Anaheim White House

History of Anaheim Whitehouse

The Whitehouse Italian Steakhouse is an historic landmark that was built in 1909 by Doris Gervais. The home exchanged hands from the Waterman family to Dr. Truxaw and his wife Louise and it remained a home for 50 years. In 1981, Jean and Barbara Stoval purchased the home from the Truxaw family and built it into a restaurant with the title “The Whitehouse Restaurant.” In 1987, Chef Bruno Serato an Italian from Bonifacio, Verona took over ownership which featured Northern Italian Steakhouse cuisine.

Tom Hallick, Yin Jiang, Chef Bruno Serato, and Pete Allman as President Trump.

Arrival at Anaheim WhiteHouse

As my party handed the car keys to our valet, we fixed our eyes on the beautiful setting of the Whitehouse. Walking slowly through the garden area, there was a calmness in the well-groomed grass area with beautiful Cypress trees gracing the grounds.

Upon our arrival, Chef Bruno Serrato greeted Tom Hallick, the veteran actor who received the Best Supporting Actor in “The Admired,” from the Amsterdam Film Festival, and his wife Jin Jiang, a concert violinist with Andrea Bocelli.

We were given a personalized tour which included dining areas that display recreations of Michelangelo’s work. Every detail in this restaurant is beautiful, from the furniture, the table settings, flatware, and design of the cuisine.

We especially enjoyed the “B” bar that overlooks the patio where one can view the nightly fireworks at Disneyland. This is an area where business groups can meet and have their events catered, perhaps with a jazz trio. Larger conventions however can be held in the banquet facilities just off the entrance to the restaurant.

Bruno Serato with the president.

Culinary Journey


Beginning with a Stella Beer, and two glasses of Strawberry Lemonade, our thirst was quenched with appetizers Lobster Ravioli and Bourgogne Escargot. The Lobster Ravioli is prepared with Langostino Lobster with fresh basil, Japanese ginger, served with a citrus sauce. The Bourgogne Esgargot is served with garlic, herbs and grated parsley. Both Tom Hallick and Yin Jiang said it was the best they’ve ever enjoyed, and I agree. Our second course consisted of corn chowder with chicken. A wonderful creamy taste indeed.

The diversification and design of the cuisine at the Anaheim Whitehouse is quite colorful and so delicious. Our main entree included a New York steak for Tom, a Rigatori Cabonara for Yin and a Shrimp Bucanti for me.

The New York Strip Steak is 14 ounces, seasoned with imported Madagascar green peppercorn shallots, in a brandy sauce. You could hear Tom moaning on every bite. It really was very good. I sneaked a bite! Yin’s dish was quite innovative. The Chocolate Salmon is a Whitehouse Signature Dish. It is a steamed Atlantic Salmon with Chef Bruno’s creation of Belgium White mashed potatoes with Japanese ginger, orange and a citrus beurre blanc.

The portions served at Anaheim Whitehouse are large. Yin however had partaken in another popular dish, the Rigatori Carbonara, which is is a large pasta stuffed with Parringiano-Reggiano, cheese, egg, sautéed bacon and dusted with black pepper. So her stomach was quite full, and she enjoyed the rest of her Salmon Chocolate for lunch the next day. “My Shrimp Bucanti, which was sautéed with soy sauce and a touch of cream, tossed with bucanti pasta was super rich and very tasty,” she said.

“This meal is better than the French Laundry in Napa Valley,” Hallick said. Considering the presentation, and the quality of cuisine, in the elegant surroundings, this is a culinary journey that we will treasure.

Michelangelo recreation

Dessert

To everyone’s surprise, the dining parties, along with Yin Jiang were totally surprised when Sylvano Ibay, the maitre d’; and our waitress Britney and staff brought out a 36-inch tall tower of caramelized sugar tower with cotton candy and glowing candles, surrounded by custard cups, chocolate strawberries, blueberries, little cakes and some breaded fruit cups. It was a beautiful moment when everyone sang happy birthday to Yin. She said it is something she will treasure for many years to come.

Anaheim Whitehouse is open daily from 5 pm until closing. They’re located at 887 South Anaheim Boulevard in Anaheim. The restaurant however, stops serving at 10 pm. For catering or to have an event, call 714-772-1381.

Celebrity Scene News awards 6 stars to CNN Hero Sir Bruno Serato for his tireless efforts in feeding hungry children, along with his relentless passion in serving cuisine that is healthy and creative in design.

In closing, “The Power of Pasta is an uplifting tribute to the most inspirational use of Italy’s most famous culinary import: Bravo Bruno”!! – Sophia Lauren.

US Flag at Anaheim Whitehouse


Jul 10, 2018

Interviews Dr. Robert Sprague, Former Acting President of West Los Angeles College


Pete Allman speaks with President Robert Sprague of West Los Angeles College about the curriculum and Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to the dental program.

Marina City Club – The Premiere Residential Condominiums

 The Marina City Club has a rich history over the course of the development of Marina Del Rey. Financed by Howard Hughes who owned part of the land on which it was built, it was an investment and tax shelter by the Hughes Aircraft Company, which was owned by Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

In effect, this facility was for key executives of the Hughes Corporation. MCC was built between 1970 and 1973. Today it is the home to some 700 residents. Containing three beautiful pools, tennis courts, a beauty salon, gym and spa, including a coffee shop and restaurant, and a mini market, it is a complete retirement community where one can live in luxury.

MCC also has a premiere marina for yachts which can range from a small boat to a 100 foot yacht.

Marina City Club.

Marina City Club Restaurant

Louis Estrada, the Food and Beverage Manager, has brought a new dimension to MCC for its dining, wedding, and special events. Estrada is a wonderful and interesting man to speak to. He was head of Food and Beverage Director of Mar a Lago Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, among many other operations.

On this occasion, Mr. Estrada gave me a tour of the restaurant which has a grand view of the marina. After a wonderful conversation about the game of golf, and the fabulous food stories, Mr. Estrada suggested a Salmon entree with a Caesar Salad for dinner. The quality of the salmon and vegetables were excellent. In fact, more people are enjoying wild salmon because of the Omega 3s.

Other items on the menu include Australian Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, Gulf Wild Shrimp, Sushi, and a variety of pizzas. Quality food and beautifully presented.

Executive Chef Jesus, a veteran with MCC for 35 years, heads up special events on Saturdays and Sundays, when the restaurant is closed. However, on Sunday once a month, there’s dinner from 5pm to 7 pm.

One very important factor in any good restaurant is its manager and how well the restaurant is run.

Mr. Estrada has that quality and is most congenial with his guests. That is why they have such content customers returning on a regular basis. In addition, on Fridays there’s some great entertainment in the cocktail area and on Thursdays once each month there’s a comedy show with top comics and new talent.

I really enjoyed the conversation, the ambiance and the meal, all top quality.

Marina City Club is located in Marina Del Rey on 4333 Admiralty Way.

For more information on membership, banquets, or weddings, call 310-822-0611.

Celebrity Scene News awards 5 stars to Marina City Club.


Louis Estrada and Pete Allman




Marina City Club from above.



Issue 8

  Radio legend Jack Gibson "The Rapper" was recently honored at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Gibson known for his s...