Tag Archives: Hotel

Show 485, July 30, 2022: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part One

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Lincoln Carson of Mes Amis

“Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson takes a break from the kitchen and is our guest.

“Rooted in French style and technique and brought to life through local ingredients and purveyors from around the world, Carson’s broad menu is an invitation for any occasion. Carson’s contemporary take on classic brasserie fare encourages guests to convene for a casual weeknight bite, while large format entrees inspire group gatherings. Pristine offerings from an expansive raw bar include East and West Coast Oysters and Maine Scallop Crudo, with plates such as Chicory Salad with fourme d’ambert, citrus, walnut, and Steak Tartare with “everything lavash” showcasing California interpretations of traditional French dishes.”

“Entrees include Steak Frites, French Onion Burger with raclette and caramelized onions, Smoked Liberty Duck, and Niman Ranch Country Pork Chop with crispy brussels sprouts. Large format presentations such as 45-Day Dry Aged Prime Ribeye with potato-onion rolls and Whole Roasted Pasture Chicken further nod to everyday French favorites. Carson’s pastry expertise is revealed in whimsical renditions of classic French desserts including Chocolate Soufflé with chartreuse verte; Pavlova with rose geranium and Harry’s Berries strawberries; and Gateaux St. Honoré with pecan mousseline, puff pastry and caramel.”

“Designed to complement Carson’s menu, the beverage program features a comprehensive wine list of predominantly French and Californian producers, along with thoughtfully selected wines by the glass. Cocktail offerings named in honor of Mes Amis’ photography collection of Old Hollywood scenes and icons include the Safari Party with London dry gin, Lillet Blanc, Gran Classico Bitter, bubbles, lemon and thyme, as well as Happy Birthday No. 35 with rye whiskey, Dubonnet Rouge, herbs de Provence and bitters. An extensive range of classic and eclectic champagne offerings lends further levity to the Mes Amis experience with nightly selections presented tableside on a roving champagne cart.”

“Mes Amis is open for dinner service with plans to debut brunch in the months ahead. Being open 7 nights is also in the future plans. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with reservations available 7 days in advance on Resy.”

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Show 485, July 30, 2022: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part Two

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Lincoln Carson of Mes Amis

“Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson continues as our guest.

“Rooted in French style and technique and brought to life through local ingredients and purveyors from around the world, Carson’s broad menu is an invitation for any occasion. Carson’s contemporary take on classic brasserie fare encourages guests to convene for a casual weeknight bite, while large format entrees inspire group gatherings. Pristine offerings from an expansive raw bar include East and West Coast Oysters and Maine Scallop Crudo, with plates such as Chicory Salad with fourme d’ambert, citrus, walnut, and Steak Tartare with “everything lavash” showcasing California interpretations of traditional French dishes.”

“Entrees include Steak Frites, French Onion Burger with raclette and caramelized onions, Smoked Liberty Duck, and Niman Ranch Country Pork Chop with crispy brussels sprouts. Large format presentations such as 45-Day Dry Aged Prime Ribeye with potato-onion rolls and Whole Roasted Pasture Chicken further nod to everyday French favorites. Carson’s pastry expertise is revealed in whimsical renditions of classic French desserts including Chocolate Soufflé with chartreuse verte; Pavlova with rose geranium and Harry’s Berries strawberries; and Gateaux St. Honoré with pecan mousseline, puff pastry and caramel.”

“Mes Amis is open for dinner service with plans to debut brunch in the months ahead. The eventual goal of 7 nights for dinner is also in the plans. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with reservations available 7 days in advance on Resy.”

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Show 376, June 6, 2020: Santa Fe’s La Fonda On the Plaza with Ed Pulsifer and Chef de Cuisine Randy Tapia Part One

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Ed Pulsifer of La Fonda on the PlazaSince 2012 Edward (Ed) T. Pulsifer has been Santa Fe’s La Fonda On the Plaza’s high-profile Director of Sales. He also enthusiastically functions as the unofficial resident historian of the storied Hotel established in 1922. It’s one of the key leadership positions for the property. In 2016 the New Mexico Hospitality Association recognized Ed as the Hospitality Professional of the Year. Pulsifer joined La Fonda from Heritage Hotels and Resorts, where he oversaw sales and marketing for seven boutique hotels in the Southwest. La Fonda continued to safely welcome guests during the COVID 19 crisis and all their popular restaurants have now reopened for dine-in.

La Plazuela is La Fonda’s signature restaurant serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with a New Mexico flair. New is The Terrace Rooftop Garden Patio serving daily from 3 to 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting.) The Bell Tower Bar (seasonal) has reopened known for their signature Bell Ringer Margaritas and unrivaled Sunset views.

We’ll revisit 35-year Hospitality veteran, Ed Pulsifer and meet new Chef de Cuisine Randy Tapia.

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Show 334, July 27, 2019: John (J.T.) Thompson, Managing Director, The Westin Long Beach

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John Thompson of the Westin Long BeachThe Westin Long Beach is celebrating the completion of an ambitious $23 million renovation which includes the launch of their destination restaurant, Navy Proof Food & Spirits. The refreshing includes a spacious lobby and revitalized guest rooms. The refurbished spaces reflect a modern, sophisticated style reflecting the property’s vibrant California coastline setting.

“This is such an exciting time to be in Long Beach. There is an abundance of growth as well as an overall elevation of our city, and we are thrilled to be able to contribute by offering Long Beach a chic and welcoming revamped destination in the heart of downtown,” said John Thompson, Westin Long Beach Managing Director. “Transformations like the one we are currently going through bring a new, fresh dynamic to the overall cityscape of Long Beach but also instill a sense of pride for our loyal team members who have been with us from the beginning. For the community and guests alike, the Westin’s new spaces will set the tone for an innovative way to gather, interact and connect.”

Managing Director John Thompson is our hospitable guide.

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Show 145, November 7, 2015: Hofsas House (Carmel) Proprietress Carrie Theis Part One

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Carrie TheisCarmel–by-the-Sea offers the small town charm of a forested European village with an ocean view. You can actually walk to a variety of appealing ethnic restaurants, premium wine tasting rooms, and one-of-a-kind shops and galleries.

For over 60 years the place to stay has been the Hofsas House Hotel. It’s Old World hospitality at its best. The magic of Germany is showcased in the 38 one-of-a-kind, spacious European rooms, many with ocean views, overlooking the pines in the quaint village of Carme-by-the-Sea. Modern touches like decent Wi-Fi strength are part of the included amenities.

Our guest is Carrie Theis, who represents the 3rd generation of proud Family ownership. She is also on the City Council in Carmel.

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Show 145, November 7, 2015: Hofsas House (Carmel) Proprietress Carrie Theis Part Two

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Carrie TheisFor over 60 years the place to stay in Carmel has been the Hofsas House Hotel. It’s Old World hospitality at its best. The magic of Germany is showcased in the 38 one-of-a-kind, spacious European rooms, many with ocean views, overlooking the pines in the quaint village.

One of the charms of Carmel is the ability to park and then walk to the wide sandy beach, ethnic restaurants with character, one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, and wine tasting rooms.

Not to be missed is the Carmel Wine Walk, a wine aficionados dream. The ongoing tour is a self-paced, self guided visit to the 14 tasting rooms in the 1×1 square mile of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Wine Tasting Passport provides a “Wine Walk Flight” of up to 4, 1-oz. pours at the guest’s choice of any 9 of the 14 tasting rooms. Some of the area winemakers actually spend time in their Tasting Rooms. Wine Walk Passports are available at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

Next to one of the Wine Walk Tasting Rooms in Carmel Plaza (Wrath) is one of the most renown cheese shops in California, The Cheese Shop. Their selection and high level of customer service surely impress! How about a distinctive Wedding Cake that’s actually layers of artisan cheese?

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Show 86, August 30, 2014: Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Taco

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Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish TacosIt’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco housed in a historical building that was Orange’s first Hotel. Co-founder Wing Lam joined us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

Raymond Martin is the new executive chef for Wahoo’s. New on the menu are Street Tacos, a Kale Kai Salad, and Wahoo’s Wings.

Opening soon is a long-in-the-works Wahoo’s location at Honda Center. It’s where the original Team Store (now relocated) was.

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