Sometimes I firmly believe that there are as many steak houses in this world as there are cows. Some of those steak houses are good. Some of them are great. Most of them are neither. But we're not here to talk about bad, good, or great. None of those options are worth writing about when it comes to steak.
When it comes to steak, I only like to talk about amazing! Now, amazing isn't something that just happens. It's not a mistake, it's not luck, it's not fate. Amazing is a perfect storm of ambiance, service, and cuisine. Amazing created memories that never die; memories that you take to the grave. Memories that are worth blogging about.
Insider Tip:Make a reservation on the weekends, as this spot is hot!
Strip House is the perfect storm of these three ingredients. Entering Strip House is like taking a time machine back to the 1940s. From the dimly lit, red leather booths, to the hundreds of framed and autographed headshots lining the walls, if you close your eyes, you'll swear Frank Sinatra is sitting somewhere in the room.
The service was impeccable. From the moment we entered the restaurant, to the moment we left, we were showered with indulgence. No stone was left unturned to create a dining experience worth sharing.
And finally, the food. We started with the Strip House Roasted Bacon appetizer with baby arugula and Russian dressing. Simply fantastic. Next was the 16oz New York Strip, the signature cut for the restaurant, and I am literally drooling as I type thinking back on this piece of meat. It was seasoned and cooked to perfection. Each slice was a new delicacy. I was actually sad when it was gone. I mean I actually experienced sadness. For sides, we went with the garlic sauteed green beans and the truffle mac and cheese. YUM! and Lastly, we partook in dessert. Regardless of how full I am, there always seems to be room for dessert. The cheesecake is rich and thick and very NY; the perfect blend of cheeses.
The wine I chose this fine evening was the Malbec, Finca `Los Maza', Mendoza, 2005. It paired perfectly with the seasoned beef and was highly recommended by our server.
Insider Tip: Make sure to ask for the specials as there are new additions to the menu daily!
Recommendation for Strip House, NYC? 100% must do when in New York!
Have you dined at Strip House? Leave a comment and let me know how your experience was.
Usually I go into a long litany of details on the restaurants in which I dine. This is the opportunity to delve into the decor, the menu, the wine, the service, location, etc. etc.
On occasion I am so shocked by the absolute perfection of a place, that there is very little to be said with the exception of one sentence. This is one of those times: Eddie V's served me the best steak I have ever eaten in my life!!!
Insider Tip:Order the 42oz Porterhouse and share it with a very close friend. You will have an experience that will last a lifetime...I promise.
My company managed an event at B.B. King in Times Square today and the Director of Sales, Jessica, was kind enough to extend an invitation for me and some friends to the show tonight. I'm going to do something I haven't done yet and that is to write this blog live from my amazing private V.I.P. booth during the show.
The band tonight is The Ventures. If you're not familiar with them, let me hit you up with a little school session. The Ventures started their musical careers in 1958 and had their first major hit in 1960 when "Walk, Don't Run" climbed the charts to #2. From this point, The Ventures became a 1960s staple instrumental band, and 50 years later, have 38 LPs, 14 chart topping hits, and over $100 million in record sales.
The Ventures consist of Don Wilson - Rhythm Guitar - (co-founder in 1958), Bob Bogle - Lead and Bass Guitar- (co-founder in 1958), Nokie Edwards - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1960), Gerry McGee - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1968), Bob Spalding - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1981), and Leon Taylor - Percussion - (joined in 1996 after the passing of his father, Mel Taylor.
In 2008, The Ventures reached official Rock God status by being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Insider Tip:The Ventures wrote the theme song to Stanley Kubrik's extremely controversial movie, Lolita in 1962.
If you've seen Pulp Fiction, you're familiar with their hit, "The Lively Ones" from the soundtrack. This song has also once again been resurrected by The Black Eyed Peas, as the back bone of their huge hit, "Pump It". They also wrote the incredible theme song to one of the best television cop shows ever: "Hawaii 5-O"!!! Book 'em Dano!
I'm sitting here listening to sound check and they just keep teasing me with hit after hit after hit. It's amazing; like being in a crash course, music history 101 class with a master instructor.
As they open up with Walk, Don't Run to a packed house, a really cool video is playing of famous musicians like Neil Young, Jimmy Page, and Joe Perry praising them, awesome, old school album covers and classic photos of the band from back in the day.
A note about the venue: B.B. King is one of the best live music venues in NYC, especially if you like intimate crowds and personal shows. Most of the musicians take the time to talk to the crowd, tell great stories, and really interact with you on a different level than can be awarded in larger arenas and clubs. They get amazing talent on their stage, so check the website often if you live in NY, or are planning a trip.
Insider Tip:Get there early for the band because it's first come first serve seating. Also, first in gets food and drink orders in asap, and the back of the line will be waiting a bit.
Well, it's been a great show so far...looking forward to the next set! I don't think they played one single song I haven't heard of...in fact they're playing "Sleepwalk" right now! One of my all time favorites!!! Awesome!!! Huge applause.
Hope you enjoyed. Do you have a favorite Ventures song? Let me know!
A big thank you goes out to B.B. King's for hooking this music loving blogger up BIG TIME!!!
Dominick's Italian Restaurant in West Hollywood is my favorite feel good spot in L.A. Anytime I'm feeling homesick for some good New York Italian fare, I head to Dominick's.
Located at 8715 Beverly Blvd, Dominick's has a classic old school New York vibe that I can't get enough of. White tile floors, solid marble bar, small intimate tables, wood trim, brick courtyards, and Birra Moretti on tap! There are plenty of places in L.A. to get Moretti in a bottle, but on tap? That's a winner in my book!
Dominick's is casual, but very elegant and you will feel right at home if you like to be surrounded by the fabulous L.A. elite.
Insiders Tip:There is valet parking, but street parking will save you a few dollars. Just be careful not to park in permit only spots, you will definitely get towed.
The menu is not overwhelming, which I love. Prices are between $30 and $50 per entree. There are nightly specials as well. Last night, I shared the squid ink pasta with lobster. It was amazing! I also ordered the calamari which was absolutely delicious, and the hanger steak over greens with shaved Parmesan cheese. Seriously incredible. The steak melted in my mouth. Executive Chef Brandon Boudet runs an amazing kitchen with an extremely talented staff.
There is a solid wine list, a great bar, and very professional and knowledgeable staff.
The dessert list is awesome as well. I highly recommend the chocolate panna cotta with a ten year Tawny Port. And of course a chilled limoncello!
Insider Tip:Dominick's has a $15, 3 course dinner special on Sundays.
Since 1948 Dominick's has been "the" spot in West Hollywood for a perfect Italian night out. If you've been there let me know your thoughts, and if you haven't, please treat yourself to a great night out!
Geisha House in Hollywood California is one of the brilliant restaurants behind the Dolce Group. Dolce Group owns a plethora of great eateries including two of my favorites, Johnny Smalls and Rare 120. I have eaten at all 9 of the restaurants on the Dolce menu and since Geisha House is in my back yard, I frequent this fine establishment as often as possible.
I recently had a few out of town friends stay with me and they wanted sushi for dinner. I was instantly elated at the opportunity to show off my ultimate hot spot by offering them an experience at Geisha House.
We found on street parking about 10 blocks west and walked the wonderfully eclectic and vivacious Hollywood Boulevard to our destination.
Insider Tip: They offer valet parking for $10, but there are metered spots all over the area that are free after 8pm. And walking to the restaurant is half the experience if you've never walked down Hollywood Boulevard. Just don't do it by yourself.
The decor is most impressive inside Geisha House incorporating futuristic warmth with contemporary colors, Japanese fabrics, and a club atmosphere. The two story center pillar with staggered fireplaces helps to fuse the feeling of warmth with the red overtones of the dining area. The main entrance opens to a gorgeous bar with a sensory explosion of video screens, well lit bottles, and beautiful art. Your dinner experience is heightened by local club DJs spinning perfect grooves to accompany your party.
Regarding the menu, Geisha House doesn't stray too far from the norm as far as sushi is concerned, but there is a quality to the ingredients that separates them from their competition. From the edamame to the White Samurai roll, my personal favorite, the presentation and taste are far superior to other restaurants in L.A. The fish is off the boat fresh, the chefs are world class, and the company is often of the celebrity status.
Insider Tip: If you don't have a reservation, you can usually get a table after 9pm without a reservation, but this is highly doubtful on the weekends.
Sensual...ethereal...mysterious...
I strongly recommend Geisha House for your next sushi experience in Hollywood. Definitely check it out and let me know what you think.
Check out the website here: http://www.dolcegroup.com
Geisha House: 6633 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 323-460-6300 for reservations Open 7 days a week from 6pm on.
The selection of hotels in Manhattan is staggering at the four star range, and when I am traveling for business I get the pleasure of staying at one of these fine establishments. My recent trip to New York allowed me to stay at one of the newest of these hotels for 16 full nights.
The Eventi Hotel at 851 Avenue of the Americas is fairly new to the Big Apple, but that didn’t stop them from being at capacity for the entire time I stayed there. The Eventi is a Kimpton property, and with that legacy comes an instant following of boutique patrons that expect nothing but perfection when staying on property.
As this property is less than six months old, it is still under construction on some of its outer areas, and there were a few minor detours I was asked to take to circumvent the crews of workers as they labored to finish the exterior before the upcoming holiday season. For instance, to access the restaurant, I was asked to leave the front entrance and enter via 6th Avenue as the interior entrance has yet to be completed. This was not much of an inconvenience all things considered.
I was extremely impressed with the employees of the hotel. They were very attentive to all of my requests, which when I am working out of a hotel suite can be quite numerous. No matter how odd or inconvenient my request, someone on property was able to help me, or find a solution to my need. As I have stated in the past, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished on the island of Manhattan in 24 hours or less if you know the right person to call. If I didn’t know who to call, they did.
Insider Tip: Become a Kimpton member on the website to receive multiple benefits like free Internet in your room. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a room upgrade if one is available, but don’t ask unless you’re a member…that won’t look very good. Membership is free.
The Hotel itself is gorgeous. The interior decor is whimsical and elegant, with a sense of the modern renaissance. Dark woods, marble, grand artwork, and leather adorn the lobby with a feeling of comfort when returning from a long day in the concrete jungle.
I have stayed at this property three times now, and I have had a different room each time. I like that because it keeps the cookie cutter feeling out of the equation. This hotel has at least five different footprints for the same size room and that allows for a new and unique experience every stay. My first stay I had a large open King suite with a wide entrance displaying some fine art. The baths are all relatively similar, but the layout will vary. Marble, glass, and tile make up the very spacious room and the rain room showers are wonderful.
My second and third stay allowed me to sample the corner suites with a breathtaking view of the Empire State Building via the wall of windows. Viewing the lights of 6th Avenue from the 25th floor is a New York experience you will keep with you forever.
Insider Tip: The Eventi is pet friendly and caters to your four legged family members like no other hotel I have ever frequented.
Foodies will be very impressed with the cuisine on property, but I suggest room service over the restaurant for a few reasons. I always dine in the restaurant at the hotels I frequent to check on certain key aspects of a great dining experience and unfortunately, the Eventi came up lacking in some of those key areas. Firstly, bring a sweater because the air conditioner is set at 62 degrees and you will have a hard time using a fork when sitting on your hands. Secondly, your food has a very hard time staying warm when the room temperature is so cold, so you are forced to eat fast. I hate to eat fast…especially when I am with good company, and paying a lot for a meal. Thirdly, as this is a new business, the staff is still working out the kinks, so I will be gentle on them, but the service was not nearly as attentive as the hotel staff.
My first stay had me rising early so I sampled the breakfast buffet in the restaurant and was shocked that there were no plate warmers. The plates were ice cold, which of course instantly made my food ice cold and before I could get back to my seat, I had to ask the waiter for a warm plate. This request was not easy to fulfill. Neither was my request for a warm coffee cup, as the 62 degree mug instantly chilled my hot coffee. Another interesting fact is that I noticed the prices for the menu items had been significantly reduced from my first stay to my third stay, which is good because the buffet was extremely overpriced. Still, at any price, your food should stay warm for the duration of your meal. These issues do not factor in when ordering room service. Your meal is delivered in a timely fashion and at a perfect temperature.
Insider Tip: The roasted chicken with green beans and garlic-mashed potatoes is out of this world! Trust me!
Most hotel gyms are small on both space and equipment. The Eventi gym is larger than most boutique hotel gyms and I won’t really complain about it. My needs were met sufficiently considering I was working 12 to 16 hour days which left me very small windows of time to work out anyway.
Sometimes I wonder if the architects ever actually enter the buildings they design. There are some issues that I noticed that are worth mentioning that I find almost humorous in their lack of detail. The main elevator bank in the hotel lobby has about a four foot standing area while waiting for one of the three elevator doors to open. The issue is that each of these three doors is adorned with a large wooden frame that only allows you to see the elevator door you are standing in front of. And to make matters worse, the light that goes off when an elevator reached the lobby is inside the wooden frame, and the bell that goes off is masked by the music playing throughout the lobby, so unless you are standing in front of the elevator that opens, you could easily miss it. That’s pretty annoying when all you want to do is get to your room and enjoy that view and some fantastic room service!
The Eventi offers plenty of space for events, meetings, private parties, weddings, and even private screenings in their luxurious private theater.
The Eventi also has a top notch spa on the property and if you have the time and the extra money, you will be whisked off into another world for the duration of your experience. I promise it is worth every penny.
I highly recommend the Eventi for your next stay in Manhattan. You will be most impressed with your choice. If you have stayed there, feel free to add a comment. I'm always interested in opinions!
I had the opportunity to check out Silversun Pickups last weekend at The Greek Theater, in Hollywood, CA. http://www.silversunpickups.com/
First of all, let me just say that I was a huge fan of theirs prior to seeing them live. They are embedded in the alt rock L.A. up and comers scene and have been working their way up the ladder for years! I respect that, but seeing them live has taken them to an entirely new level in my mind. They are absolutely fantastic!!! I have not seen a level of humility and thankfulness from a band that has finally made it in many many years and it was refreshing to witness it.
SSPU are Brian Aubert on guitar and vocals, Nikki Monninger on bass and backup vocals, Joe Lester on Keys, and Christopher Guanlao on drums.
The energy output from this band is staggering. I think Chris Guanlao could power a small town from his drumming alone! I couldn't get enough of them from this show and as the set went on, I realized that almost every song they played was bigger and better than the last. They were actually improving on their game as the night went on. A lot of live shows stay flat, or start out big and waver up and down, but not these guys! They killed it from start to finish!
Insider Story: Brian Aubert told a story to the crowd of how he used to hike in behind the Greek Theater and climb the trees to watch bands as a kid.
They played all of my favorites; The Royal We, Sci-Fi Lullaby, Common Reactor, Panic Switch, Substitution...the list goes on and on.
Insider story: Nikki told a joke that had the audience rolling: She asked the audience if there was a snake doctor in the house and then proceeded to show her biceps and said, "Cause these pythons are sick!" Chick bass players rock!
Overall, a very impressive live show from a group of extremely dedicated, talented, and hard working musicians. See them!
Have you seen Silversun Pickups? Join in on the conversation!
Sometimes I firmly believe that there are as many steak houses in this world as there are cows. Some of those steak houses are good. Some of them are great. Most of them are neither. But we're not here to talk about bad, good, or great. None of those options are worth writing about when it comes to steak.
