Damian Chapa- Lives His Vision

 

It seems like yesterday when I sat down to talk with Damian Chapa about his upcoming film, “Brando Unauthorized.” It was a tranquil day with blue skies in Marina Del Rey, California where we were relaxing on his yacht. Chapa, looked up at the sky in wonderment of his over 50-film career and calmly said, ”This new film project Brando Unauthorized is possible through God. We’re making history with the greatest actor of our time,” Chapa said.

Chapa is an upfront individual and his accomplishments as a controversial filmmaker have garnered him world-wide respect from independent filmmakers. Prior to Chapa’s films “Blood In Blood Out,” where he starred as Meklo with Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Pratt and Enrique Castillo, and his film “Street Fighter,” with Raul Julia and Van Damme, Chapa decided early on in his acting career to control his destiny.

Chapa came from a broken household with immense suffering from the loss of a loved one and succeeded the restrictive powers ran throughout Hollywood. It wasn’t long before Chapa founded Amadeus Films where he produced, starred in and directed numbers of independent films. “Polanski Unauthorized,” (the story of Polish director and actor Roman Polanski), examines Polanski’s life in an empathetic way. Another includes “Bobby Fischer Live,” (which examines Bobby Fischer, the ‘world’s greatest chess player’ during his time), points out the family crisis Bobby faced during his childhood. Both films have garnered much attention from the media and movie goers throughout the world, but Chapa always knew he would become an actor.

One day, after school, while watching ”Last Tango,” starring Marlon Brando, Chapa decided he would devote himself to acting.

”After watching the Academy Award performance of Brando in Last Tango, I knew where my destiny was going,” Chapa said.

Dedicating many years to acting, producing and directing, Chapa lives his dream and is in production of the Marlon Brando story. “Brando Unauthorized” tells the story of a father who is torn between his busy life as an actor which leads him to neglect his son. It is a role few actors would choose. On the other hand, it fits Chapa’s character and very much relates to his life as someone who stands up for people’s rights.

Other films produced by Amadeus Films include: “Bad Cop” with David Carradine, “Shade of Pale” with Desislava Dimitrova and Gary Busey, “I.R.A.,” “Man Of Faith,” “V2-The Dark Hour,” “El Padrino,” “Mexican Gangster,” “Fuego” and “Death of Evil.”

For more information on Amadeus Films visit www.amadeuspictures.com

Bangkok Cuisine – Super Fabulous

  While visiting the Capitol in Carson City, and speaking to Brain Krolicki, the Lt Governor, I was recommended to visit Bangkok Cuisine. Located in Reno, at 5851 South Virginia Street this contemporary restaurant was established in 1998 with their first location at 55 Mt. Rose Street. Chris Lueamrung, the owner has family recipes created by his Mother Chinta Woodring, who is the executive chef for both restaurants.

My guest, Phil Nabors had never indulged in Thai cuisine, while I have partaken in their cuisine many times. However on this occasion I was thoroughly surprised at the design of the restaurant and it’s authentic Thai cuisine.

 Upon entering the restaurant, Kathleen Brand, our hostess greeted us and Reni Hira, the bar manager shared some information about the menu.

Let’s start with the appetizers. Spring rolls[Po Piah Tod] are stuffed with ground chicken and shrimp, bean thread noodles, assorted vegetables, served with homemade sweet plum sauce. Two more appetizers included Papaya salad with shredded green papaya, tossed with tomatoes, green beans, ground peanuts and cooked shrimp, served with ground beef beef strips and sticky rice. Then there’s the Thai stuffed chicken wings with ground pork and shrimp, bean thread noodles, dried mushrooms, served with homemade chili sauce. Now that’s a great way to start your culinary journey.

Of course, Thai ice tea is the preferred drink for those who don’t drink and Singha is one of the top beers of Thailand, which is what Phil preferred. Our main entrees consisted of Duck curry with Thai eggplant, pineapples, tomatoes, bell peppers, basil leaves and a mild curry sauce mixed with coconut milk. Phil ordered the Panong Curry and Tom Yum soup with chicken. Depending on how hot you want to order your dish, it’s all tantalizing to the palate. With every detailed taken care of by Joe Borvonrattansak our waiter and Reni, the bar manager, there was just one final conclusion to our dining adventure, desert. We were brought a trio of coconut ice cream topped with plum seeds, sweet garbanzo beans and roasted peanuts and cream. Bangkok Cuisine is opened for lunch, 11am-4pm, and dinner from 11am-10pm and on Sundays 4pm-10pm. Happy hours are from 4pm-7pm and on Friday-Saturday 4pm-10pm. For anniversaries, corporate meetings, or a small dinner party call 775-284-3802. Tell them Pete sent ya!

Mayweather Defends WBC Title Slick and Easy

 Floyd ”Money” Mayweather 44-0-0,[26 KO’s] had no trouble whatsoever proving he’s still the best fighter on the boxing circuit, beating out Robert ”The Ghost” Guerrero, 32- 2-, [18ko’S] by a unanimous decision. He proved by defending his World Boxing Council Title in a 12 round Championship fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden on May 4TH, that his one year lay off didn’t slow his reflexes down at all.From the time Jimmy Lemon announced the fight, Mayweather looked the part and performed the part of a great champion. Every round showedMayweather as an elusive, yet quick fighter who could easily score with his lightning fast right and connect while he bobbed and weaved out of Guerrero’s punches. Robert Byrd, the referee during the course of this fight had no problem breaking up both fighters in the tie ups. Mayweather also showed that he could trade punches with Guerrero and also used his left jab effectively during the course of the fight.60% of the power punches were landed by Mayweather compared to Guerrero’s 19%.When asked about his training, Mayweather gave the credit to his Dad, Floyd Mayweather Sr. and his team. The Eight-Time, Five-Division World Champion is almost the highest paid athlete with his six fight deal with Showtime. Altogether with Pay per view revenues, he could go over 250 million dollars on this deal. That’s if the marketing is promoted right and he keeps his WBC Title.

The WBC Featherweight World Championship had Daniel DE Leon 45-5[35KO’s]lose his title to two division world champion Abner Mares 26-0-1[14KO’s] who is now the WBC Welterweight Champion of the World. Mares performed exceptionally well, and was clearly delivered the more accurate punches to Ponce de Leon, knocking him down twice with a right, then a left in round 2, continuing to score, until the 9Th round where he finished off DE Leon by way of technical knockout in 2:20 of round 10.
Former Bantamweight Champion, Leo Santo Cruz, 24-0-1 [14KO’s] scored consecutively against WBA super flyweight champion Alexander Munoz 36-5 [28KO’s] throughout the first 4 rounds, then knocking out Munoz with a right in 1:05 of the 5th round.

J’Leon Love 16-0 [18KO’s] almost lost his IBF title to Robert Rosodo 21-7[13KO’s] for the vacancy NABF Middleweight Title.Rosado, the stronger punch
er, caught Love with a right at the end of round 6 and also knocked him down in 9th.Al Bernstein, one of the commentators for Showtime and his associates all thought Rosado won the fight, but the judges saw it differently.

Pete AIIman as President Trump defends his star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Pete Allman, who just happens to look like President Donald Trump, defended his star that was damaged by haters. Allman who was on Hollywood Blvd. said he was not a racist and said no one should deface or damage any property through the city, state, or government.

A French Experience At Sofitel’s Cattle & Claw

Some of the most enjoyable moments in traveling to France are the people and the cuisine.

Visiting vineyards and quaint restaurants gives one a different experience on how to enjoy life.

Recently, I invited Theresa Lin, “the Julia Child of Chinese Cooking,” to dinner at “The Cattle & Claw,” located within the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The Cattle & Claw is unique, in that it is attached to a cocktail area, which serves as a club.

The restaurant however is an open area where guests can watch chefs prepare their food dishes. In addition there is a herb garden in the patio, which gives a feeling of being in the countryside of Italy.

The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

According to Audrey Claudin, the F and B Outlet Manager, the creation of Cattle & Claw is to provide a fun dining experience in a country type setting.

The patio, with the herb garden provides that experience. Cecile Sandral Lasborders, the Marketing and public relations manager, originally from Italy, mentioned that rather than creating a high-end French experience, the company wanted something different. They wanted everyone to have a fun dining experience, which is what Cattle & Claw is all about

Cecile Sandral Lasborders with Theresa Lin and Pete Allman

Culinary Journey

We first ordered a Lobster Bloody Mary, for Theresa, and I ordered a creative lemonade tropical drink.

Theresa ordered a Lobster Salad, which consisted of a spring mix, tomato, and champagne vinaigrette and I ordered tomato soup, with was prepared fresh. Quite a soothing taste.

Cattle and Claw Lobster

Theresa ordered the main entree, consisting of a 5 oz Angus burger, half lobster, truffle fries, and a salad. I ordered Salmon with vegetables. Just the right touch.

There are other types of fries which include sweet potato fries, and Truffle fries, along with a Chickpea buright rger, and lobster tacos.

Dessert

The Rum Baba, a sponge-cake flavored with rum was just enough to please our sweet tooth. The Tiramisu, prepared with mascarpone cream, cocoa powder served in a glass was also delightful.

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Location

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is located across from the Beverly Center at 8555 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles. Reserve your dining experience by calling 310-3583944.

Celebrity Scene News awards 4 stars for a fun, yet beautiful dining experience.

Cattle & Claw herb garden

Sofitel outside patio at the Cattle & Claw

 

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.

Book Pete Allman as Donald Trump

 Book Pete Allman as Donald Trump for trade shows, parties, autograph signings, and feature films, videos.by calling 702-265-9099. Have fun with the trumpster, also singing, dancing, and comedy.