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Executive Chef Michael Hung and his celebrity chef friends Annc The Colony Palms Hotel Club Guest Chef Series

The Colony Palms Hotel is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated “Join The Club Guest Chef Series” at The Colony Club, featuring renowned Executive Chef Michael Hung and his esteemed celebrity chef friends.

Taking place throughout the month of June 2023, this exclusive culinary event promises an extraordinary dining experience for guests seeking exquisite flavors and a touch of glamour!

Colony Club's The Club Guest Chef Series

Colony Club’s The Club Guest Chef Series

The Colony Club, The Colony Palms Hotel’s signature restaurant, is renowned for its innovative California Fare served throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs, guests have the option to dine in the main dining room, where they can indulge in Steve Hermann’s modern take on Art Deco glamour or choose the al fresco poolside dining patio with breathtaking views of the mountains.

The “Join The Club Guest Chef Series,” hosted by Executive Chef Michael Hung, will bring together a curated collection of celebrity chefs for four special evenings of culinary excellence. Each event will feature a delectable Five-Course Prix-Fixe Menu, Optional Wine Pairing, and selection of Specialty Handcrafted Cocktails created by The Colony ClubSO.PA, and Hermann’s Bungalows Bar Manager, Kelly David.

Chef Brittany Cassidy

Chef Brittany Cassidy

The series kicks-off on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, with Chef Brittany Cassidy, Head Chef at Violet Bistro in Westwood. Born and raised in San Diego, Cassidy’s culinary journey spans from Le Cordon Bleu in Hollywood to some of LA’s top kitchens, including Rustic Canyon and Birdie G’s. She will showcase her affinity for crave-worthy comfort food and transportive French Bistro fare in a menu that includes dishes such as her Roasted Beet Salad, and Confit Duck Leg, along with Hung’s Local Halibut Carpaccio and Sauteed Petrale Sole, finished with Cassidy’s Vegan Chocolate Mousse ($89 per person, does not include tax and gratuity).

 

Chef Isaias Peña

Chef Isaias Peña

On Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, Chef Isaias Peña, Caruso Regional Executive Chef of Hank’s and Qué Padre in the Pacific Palisades at Palisades Village, will take the stage. With a deep appreciation for Mexican cuisine and fusion, Chef Peña’s culinary creations at Hank’s and Qué Padre captivate diners with their extraordinary flavors and striking presentation.

Chef Walter Nunez

Chef Walter Nunez

The Guest Chef Series continues Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, with Chef Walter Nunez, Executive Chef of The Rex – Seaside Steakhouse in Redondo Beach. Chef Nunez’s refined approach to cuisine has elevated The Rex’s dining experience, showcasing his expertise in traditional and contemporary culinary techniques.

Chef Chris Oh

The final event of the series will be held on Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, featuring the multi-talented Chef Chris Oh (Seoul Sausage, Escala K-Town,Um.Ma SF, Kamu Ultra Karaoke) and Executive Chef Michael Hung presenting an evening of Traditional Korean Barbeque spotlighting Prime Beef and Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef served on The Colony Club’s poolside dining patio. Chef Chris Oh is known as the founder of Seoul Sausage Co and a winner of multiple TV competition shows, Chef Oh’s innovative culinary creations bridge cultural traditions and redefine the boundaries of gastronomy.

For more information on The Colony Club’s “Join The Club Guest Chef Series” coming up on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, and Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, please call 760.969.1800 or to make your reservations now, please visitOpenTable.com.

 

The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel is open for Dinner every Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Lunch is server every Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Breakfast is offered every Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, and Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information about The Colony Club restaurant at The Colony Palms Hotel or to make reservations, please call 760.969.1800 or visit www.ColonyPalmsHotels.com.

 

 

ABOUT THE COLONY CLUB AT THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL

The Colony Club is The Colony Palm Hotel’s signature restaurant where Executive Chef Michael Hung showcases his innovative California Fare for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Guests of The Colony Club can dine inside the main dining room while enjoying Hermann’s modern take on Art Deco glamour or enjoy the warm breezes while dining al fresco poolside with a stunning view of the mountains.

 

ABOUT EXECUTIVE CHEF MICHAEL HUNG:

Chef Michael Hung, a culinary virtuoso, brings his innovative vision and wealth of experience to The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel and SO.PA at L’Horizon Resort and Hermann Bungalows as their newly appointed Executive Chef.

With an impressive career spanning from apprenticeships at Daniel and Aquavit in New York City to working alongside renowned chefs in San Francisco, including Chef Traci Des Jardins at Jardiniere and Chef Roland Passot at La Folie, Chef Hung has solidified his reputation as a rising star.

Notable achievements include his acclaimed restaurant Faith & Flower in Los Angeles, which garnered numerous accolades, and the highly praised Viviane at the Avalon Hotel, recognized by food critics and publications alike.

Now in Palm Springs, Chef Michael Hung is poised to elevate dining experiences, fusing vibrant flavors, local ingredients, and his own creative flair to create unforgettable culinary journeys at these esteemed establishments.

 

ABOUT THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL

Opened in the 1930s, The Colony Palms has a colorful history involving mobsters, athletes, politicians, and Hollywood stars. This Spanish colonial gem, updated by celebrated designer Steve Hermann, blends Hollywood glamour with an art-

deco aesthetic. Located in the heart of Palm Springs, it provides a lush escape just steps from the city’s design district, complete with boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. With fire pits and intimate alcoves dotted throughout the property, the exclusive and elevated setting features 57 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, unrivaled poolside dining, and a wellness spa with all the latest offerings.

This upscale adults-only boutique hotel and its inviting palm tree-lined pool are set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. The perfect place to savor the ultimate Palm Springs experience, The Colony Palms is a laid-back yet upbeat retreat that brings a dash of Hollywood glamour to the desert.

ABOUT STEVE HERMANN:

Steve Hermann is a celebrated designer of high-end homes and hotels. As one of the most prolific designers within California, he is known as the design guru for the Hollywood elite, captains of industry, and foreign royalty.

His innovative and imaginative homes are owned by A-list celebrities, entertainment executives and members of the Forbes top ten wealthiest list. His designs have been featured on Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel and Leisure, E!, MTV, ABC, as well as in hundreds of magazines and websites worldwide.

One of his projects, called The Glass Pavilion, was published in over a hundred magazines and newspapers and was the third most Googled house in the world. Steve has established a world recognized luxury hospitality company, Steve Hermann Luxury Hotels, of which L’Horizon Palm Springs served as the initial flagship property. L’Horizon has won dozens of awards including the #1 Resort in the world by the readers of Conde Naste Traveler.

Steve has followed up his success by adding The Colony Palms Hotel to his portfolio, which he has transformed into another spectacular luxury resort. When Steve is not designing residences and opening hotels, he spends his time collecting post war, European sports cars, which he enjoys driving with his wife and two young daughters. After 15 years of living in Los Angeles, Steve currently calls Montecito, California home.

Social Media: 

Follow @colonyclubps on Instagram and @colonypalmshotel on Facebook

Follow Executive Chef Michael Hung @chefmikeh on Instagram

The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel

572 N. Indian Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262

T: 760.969.1800

www.ColonyPalmsHotel.com

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Thanksgiving in Los Angeles: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe Inside]

This Thanksgiving, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche.  As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.

Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.

St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

By @BrandiMilloy

Ingredients

1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

3/4 cup carrots, diced

1 cup mushrooms, diced

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves

1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped

1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced

Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.

  2. Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes.  Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer.  Remove from heat and set aside.

  3. Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.

  4. Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!

As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.

Holidays in Los Angeles: Dining in Beverly Hills: Mastro’s, FYC Bar + Kitchen AND Holiday Tamales from Tito’s

The Holidays in Los Angeles have never been more festive (or delicious) with holiday Dining at Mastro’s Beverly Hills, FYC Bar + Kitchen AND Holiday Tamales from Tito’s

The Holidays in Los Angeles at Hotel Amarano in Burbank

On Christmas Day from 3-10 p.m., FYC Bar + Kitchen at the luxury boutique Hotel Amarano in Burbank will be serving a special 3-course menu for just $70 per person (not including wine or cocktails).

Holiday Dining in Beverly Hills

The menu will include Butternut Squash Soup OR Radicchio Cup Mushroom Salad with avocado, chives & balsamic vinaigrette;

Apple Wood Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with jumbo prawns, mashed potatoes, baby carrots & Brussels sprouts OR Pistachio-Crusted Roasted Sea Bass with citrus sauce, mashed potatoes, baby carrots & Brussels sprouts – and desserts such as Chocolate Lava Cake, New York Cheesecake, Apple Tarte Tatin or Crème Brûlée – along with coffee or tea.

Holiday Dining in Beverly Hills

The Holidays in Los Angeles at Mastro’s Beverly Hills

For classic Beverly Hills luxury, Mastro’s Beverly Hills will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving their fresh oysters, caviar, decadent seafood towers, steaks and sides galore, along with luscious desserts and handcrafted cocktails – even a  succulent Rabbi’s Daughter Kosher Bone-In Ribeye 16oz Steak for anyone celebrating Hanukkah (or who just likes great steaks).

For the month of December, Mastro’s is offering a special holiday cocktail – Under The Mistletoe.

For those who want their holiday meal from the comfort of their own home, Mastro’s Beverly Hills will have their famously decadent side dishes to go this year!

The following sides will serve up to 4 people, and cost $62 each:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans with Sliced Almonds

Creamed Corn

Creamed Spinach

For a sweet limited time finish, Mastro’s will have a gorgeous Pecan Pie as well as a special Cinnamon + Pecan Butter Cake – a twist on their famed Butter Cake – both available now through December 30.

To order Mastro’s Sides, guests just need to call the restaurant to order from December 1-22  they can pick them up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Mastro’s will be open Christmas Eve from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Christmas Day from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, New Year’s Eve from 5:00 PM to Midnight and New Year’s Day from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. 

You can find their full menu here & as you likely know, the ambiance at Mastro’s every evening is like a party, with live music and white glove service.

They also have 2 private dining rooms for large parties of 40-50.

 

The Holidays in Los Angeles at Tito’s Tacos

Lastly – we love the tradition of Christmas Eve tamales, but they take hours to make.

The beloved, family-owned since 1959 Tito’s Tacos offers both a succulent Chicken Tamale – cilantro grilled chicken and Anaheim green chiles wrapped in homemade corn masa & steamed in a corn husk OR a Veggie Tamale, fresh veggies and pinto beans, wrapped in homemade corn masa and steamed in a corn husk.

You can buy them individually or by the dozen and the best part is that you can get them delivered straight to your door.

For more info, go to www.TitosTacos.com

Orders can be placed online for delivery or pickup on or before December 23.

About Mastro’s Steakhouse Beverly Hills

Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills is a premier dining destination combining world class service with an elegant yet energetic ambiance, making it a popular choice for celebrities, locals and visitors.

Located at 246 North Canon Drive, Mastro’s features live music nightly, with signature menu highlights such as bone-in filet mignon, USDA Prime, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and True A5 Kobe steaks; lavish seafood towers featuring fresh oysters, shrimp, crab and lobster served in a swirl of dry ice mist, decadent lobster mashed potatoes, and Mastro’s famed Butter Cake, to name a few.

Open for dinner from 5:00 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more info, visit www.mastrosrestaurants.com

Palm Springs: Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of the Desert

Palm Springs: Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of the Desert Play Ground

Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of Palm Springs

The Palm Springs Surf Club announces the opening of their flagship restaurant, Navigator, on Friday, November 15th, 2024!

Photo Credit: Oscar Flink

This innovative new dining destination bridges the worlds of desert living, hospitality, and surfing.

Guests will experience dramatic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, explore the expansive 13-acre property complete with resort amenities, and marvel at the sights and sounds of surfing in the state-of-the-art wave pool.

Photo Credit: Oscar Flink

Leading the Navigator team is acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Hung. As the Executive Chef of Navigator and Director of Food & Beverage for the Palm Springs Surf Club, Chef Hung brings his culinary artistry to this highly anticipated opening.

Executive Chef Michael Hung

Executive Chef Michael Hung

Chef Hung’s impressive career spans from renowned New York kitchens Daniel and Aquavit, through San Francisco’s celebrated establishments, including the James Beard Award-winning team at Jardiniere, led by the renowned Chef Traci Des Jardins and Michelin-starred La Folie with Chef Roland Passot.

His culinary path has included Faith & Flower in Los Angeles which earned accolades from EsquireLos Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure.

Hung’s talent continued to shine with Viviane at the Avalon Hotel, praised by Los Angeles Times esteemed food critic Jonathan Gold and renowned San Francisco Chronicle food critic, Michael Bauer.

Chef Hung brought his expertise to the luxury hotel and hospitality scene in Palm Springs as the Executive Chef for Steve Hermann Hotels, where he revamped menus at The Colony Club at The Colony Palms and SO.PA at L’Horizon Resort and Hermann Bungalows, earning a Michelin Guide listing for The Colony Club.

Photo Credit: Oscar Flink

Now, at the Palm Springs Surf Club, he applies his expertise to both Navigator and the larger resort’s food and beverage offerings, promising an elevated dining experience rooted in a global culinary perspective.

Photo Credit: Oscar Flink

Navigator’s Menu will highlight modern American cuisine infused with influences from renowned surf locales, including flavors inspired by Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, Indonesia, and Hawaii. Each dish is crafted with the finest local ingredients, blending global flavors with a California sensibility.

Signature offerings include Olive & Herb Dinner Rolls with Tomato Jam, Crispy Wagyu Beef Cigars, Hawaiian-style Garlic Shrimp, and large-format dishes such as a Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout or the 20-oz Ribeye with Bone Marrow Gremolata. Chef Hung’s thoughtfully curated Vegan options,Sides, and inventive Desserts like the Crème Catalan Parfait and Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse promise an array of flavors for every palate.

Photo Credit: Oscar Flink

The Wine List, curated by Beverage Director Anthony Dougherty emphasizes California’s finest labels, while Dougherty’s Bar Menufeatures a refreshing selection of Handcrafted Cocktails and a robust Tap Beer program highlighting local producers.

Photo Credit: Oscar Flink

Service will be led by renowned restaurateur, Cameron Hirigoyen, who for 30 years owned and operated San Francisco’s classic Basque restaurant, Piperade. Cameron brings her graceful poise and deep knowledge to Navigator’s dining room.

Navigator’s design pays homage to the oceanic heritage of South Pacific navigators—surfers who traversed seas by the stars, currents, and wildlife. The restaurant’s décor reflects this maritime inspiration, with custom teakwood furniture, woven textile ceiling treatments, and a hand-carved outrigger canoe serving as a focal point for the dining room. The ambiance combines nautical aesthetics with a luxurious, natural warmth, creating an upscale, intimate setting for guests to relax and dine in style.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Hung to the Palm Springs Surf Club family,”

Colin O’Byrne

managing partner

“His creativity and expertise are an ideal match for Navigator and our overall vision at the Palm Springs Surf Club, which is to offer guests an elevated dining experience and amenities alongside the world’s premier surf pool.”

Navigator at the Palm Springs Surf Club officially opens for Dinner on Friday, November 15th, 2024, and will be open every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Navigator serves Weekend Brunchevery Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Happy Hour menu is available from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or reservations at Navigator, please visit www.NavigatorPS.com or call Navigator directly at 760.205.3634.

 

Navigator

Palm Springs Surf Club

1500 S. Gene Autry Trail

Palm Springs, CA 92264

T: 760.205.3634

www.NavigatorPS.com

About Palm Springs Surf Club: The Palm Springs Surf Club is an unparalleled destination, blending state-of-the-art wave technology with luxurious resort-style amenities. Guests can enjoy various attractions, from a winding lazy river to private cabanas by the wave pool, creating a perfect oasis in the heart of Palm Springs. With three bars, two restaurants, and dynamic event spaces, the Palm Springs Surf Club offers distinctive culinary and beverage programs, designed to cater to every taste and every occasion.

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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