Show 154, January 9, 2016: Executive Chef Michael Hung, Viviane Restaurant, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills

Michael Hung“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine.

Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.”

“We love classic American and European cuisine. Dishes as simple as a properly roasted chicken or decadent as lobster cloaked in cognac and cream speak to us. At Viviane, we revive these flavors with a sense of California freshness. We present them to you with care. We hope a conversation begins with you.”

Chef Hung and Viviane Restaurant go out of their way to create special menus (with a sense of humor) for the Holidays. Christmas Day was a tribute to the feature film, “A Christmas Story,” and highlighted Chef Michael’s take on dinner at Chop Suey Palace. Check into their upcoming Valentine’s Day menu for added inspiration.

Tucked in a secluded residential neighborhood adjacent to Los Angeles’ most famous restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills was originally built in 1949 as the Beverly Carlton. Once a home-away-from-home for mid-century celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the hotel got a second life and its current name when it was revamped by The Kor Group and Kelly Wearstler Interior Designs in 1999. Today, the property comprises three unique structures – the Olympic Building, Beverly Tower and Cañon Building – and offers 84 guestrooms, a full-service wellness studio, an hourglass pool and patio with outdoor dining.

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.

Show 152, December 26, 2015: Dining on Christmas – Executive Producer & Co-host Andy Harris

Baby Kale, Snow Pea and Winter Citrus Salad with Ginger Ranch Dressing and Puffed RiceChristmas Day is a difficult day to dine-out. For the most part the restaurants that are open are Chinese restaurants or restaurants located in Hotels.

Executive Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) of Viviane Restaurant at the Avalon Beverly Hills really went the extra mile for his Christmas Day Dinner Menu. Executive Producer Andy was there and talks about the upbeat experience.

In that Christmas movie classic, “A Christmas Story” (1983) the Parker Family’s Christmas meal is spoiled by the neighbor’s hounds making off with their beautiful golden brown turkey. They end up at Chop Suey Palace for neighborhood Chinese instead.

5-Spiced Scented Beignets with Black Sesame Anglaise for dessertChef Hung’s special menu on Christmas was a thoughtful tribute to the meal at Chop Suey Palace. It was four courses and two desserts served family-style. The entire staff from the host to the bartenders was energized and seemed to be fine with having to work on Christmas. That’s a sign of a well-managed restaurant…Chef Michael Hung was right there, too, in the kitchen.

The first course was a refreshing Baby Kale, Snow Pea and Winter Citrus Salad with Ginger Ranch Dressing and Puffed Wild Rice. Producer Andy’s standout of the two desserts was the 5-Spiced Scented Beignets with Black Sesame Anglaise.

For New Year’s Day Chef Hung is featuring a special Hangover Brunch menu from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Specials include Fried Egg & Porchetta Ham Hoagie with Jack Cheese, House-made Hot Sauce and served on a Puff Pastry Roll.