Bandera

I have the best boss! Last weekend, I was talking to my boss about Valentines Day plans, and I told my boss that her and her husband should go try Bandera's in Corona Del Mar. My boss took my advice and went their for a post V-day dinner on Sunday. They loved it! In fact, she loved it so much that she thanked me for the recommendation by sending Jerome and I a gift card to go their ourselves. How awesome and completely generous, yet totally unnecessary, is that??? One more reason my boss is the best!

The gift card happened to come at a perfect time! Last night, Jerome and I had dinner plans with our newlywed friends, David and Dana Fiori. We had been trying to get together for what feels like months but between their wedding, the holiday season, and a variety of other engagements, it was never possible, until last night! David and Dana live in Newport Coast, and we decided to hit up Bandera's in CDM, since we had a gift card and it is right by their place. Jerome and I love Bandera's. It is hands down, probably my favorite restaurant for a casual, yet upscale outing. Once again, everything about the meal last night was amazing, so I have taken it upon myself to blog about why it is I love this place SO MUCH!

I consider Bandera a little hidden secret. Although it is a "chain" restaurant (same owners as Houston's, Gulf Stream Cafe R&D, and a few others), their locations are very far and few between. The location in CDM is always packed. It's kind of a "cougar den", but that makes it even more entertaining for Jerome and I, whom love to people watch. Each time we go to Bandera were are impressed. The ambiance is very inviting and the service is unmatched. The menu is limited, but I have decided it is because they simply wanted to perfect every delectable item! The menu is a mix American fare, with a Spanish twist. Last night we started with their jalapeno queso dip and tortilla chips, and their skillet cornbread, which is made with jalapenos, so it has a good kick to it. For dinner, Jerome had the glazed pork tenderloin (his usual favorite). I had the Macho Salad- which, in my opinion was one of the best salads I have ever had!!! It is a mix of rotisserie chicken (they are known for the chicken), finely chopped greens, avocado, goat cheese, almonds and dates, served with a citrus vinaigrette. I was in salad heaven! David had chicken and spinach enchiladas (yum!) and Dana had the chicken caesar (one of my favorites!). If you're into cocktails, they have a great wine list (my personal drink of choice) but you have to try their greyhound. Our friend Tom Bakman turned us on to them, and they have quickly become Jerome's favorite. Bandera freshly squeezes the grapefruit juice for these drinks. Believe me, it is amazing, but then again, everything is so good! We didn't save room for dessert last night, but they have a banana cream pie that  is to die for!

If you plan on going, make a reservation. I have been to both the CDM location and the Santa Monica one, and both are always packed. Check out their website for locations and more info on the menu.

 

I hope that by reading this you will try Bandera's for yourself! You can always call Jerome and I, and we'd be happy to join you!

Happy Anniversary!

Today is my parent's 43rd wedding anniversary! 

Isn't that amazing?

I can't wait till the day Jerome and I hit that milestone!!!

The Four Seasons Westlake Village

So, have I told you how amazing my husband is? Well, he is. After almost 5 years of marriage and 10 years together, he still manages to knock my socks off, and this past weekend was no exception. We are not normally big on celebrating Valentines Day, and with George and Vanessa's engagement party that day, I had no major plans to go out. On Friday morning, Jerome surprised me by telling me that on Sunday he was taking me on a little getaway. It wasn't until late Saturday that I found it it was the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. As you know, I love hotels- especially the Four Seasons. I have been dying to stay at the Westlake resort for awhile now (I heard it was a great local celeb spot to getaway). I was super excited!

On Sunday afternoon we made the short drive on the 101 (just over an hour) to Westlake Village. First off, I have to say that I love that whole area. I have always wanted to live up there because it is still L.A, yet it feels like a world away! Everything is manicured and quiet. Too bad the commute would be hell! Anyhow, we checked in to the hotel and perused the grounds. The hotel is very elegant, with long corridors with classic paintings, luxe furnishings, and amazing floral arrangements. Our room was just as elegant. The bathroom, as always, was the best part. I just have a soft spot for marble floors and spa tubs! Outside there is a beautiful grass lawn and an incredible rock waterfall. It's truly gorgeous! 

As if staying at one of my favorite hotels wasn't enough, Jerome continued the surprise by taking me to eat at Mastro's in Thousand Oaks. I have been wanting to try Mastro's for years, per my friend Janelle's recommendations. Boy, was it delicious! Between the pretzel bread, sea bass, grilled asparagus, and twice baked potato, it was one of the most decadent meals I have ever eaten. The night did have some comical moments- our waiter, whom I will refer to as "Garcon" because of his thick foreign accent, spilled my glass of white wine all over the table, on to my purse and across the way on to the woman at the next table. Luckily my purse

 survived and I got another full glass of wine. The lady next to us and her husband were there celebrating their 20 year anniversary. We got to talking and they were so cool! At one point, the woman made Jerome try a slice of her cake- which was amazing, and resulted in getting our own piece as well. The cake I am referring to is their famous Butter Cake. It reminds me of Pineapple Upside Down Cake, but with strawberries instead of pineapple. It was to die for!

Mastro's Warm Butter Cake

On Monday morning we awoke to a major downpour of rain. We decided to have breakfast in the hotel's lobby lounge, which is truly beautiful. It is a huge circular room just off of the main lobby. Rather than traditional dining tables and chairs, it has cushy couches and arm chairs and cute little coffee tables to sit at. We had a fabulous breakfast of French Toast (some of the best I've ever had) and an egg-white omelet.  I was personally looking forward to the orange juice. I am not a big juice drinker, but the orange juice at the Four Seasons is so good! The best part of our meal was the view- the lounge is completely encircled in huge glass windows that overlook the lawn. We sat and watched the rainstorm for quite awhile, enjoying our breakfast and wishing we didn't have to go back to reality.

The Lobby Lounge

I have to say overall it was a wonderful time at the Four Seasons Westlake. Although we didn't see any stars (Oprah and Kim Kardsashian are regulars), we did enjoy every moment! There is something to be said about the customer service at the Four Seasons. Everyone is so polite and helpful. Even the guy working the valet was super friendly and nice. I cannot wait to go back! Hopefully we will make a trip again when it is warm and we can indulge in some pool time!

 Jerome, thank you again for an amazing surprise! 

Here are a few more pics from our stay-

The outdoor lawn

The view from our room

Sipping on my chocolate martini dessert at Maestros.

Us!

George and Vanessa's Engagement Party!

In case you haven't heard, our fabulous friends George and Vanessa are finally getting married! The big day is November 21, 2009. On Valentines Day, Jerome and I opened our home to her family for an engagement party in their honor. Although we can't really take much credit for the party- we merely lent our house; Vanessa's amazing family took care of all of the food and decor- I must say it turned out to be a wonderful afternoon. The rain subsided (thank goodness!!), and we were able to gather close to 30 people for food, drinks and lots of fun. Now the real countdown is on- 9 months 'till the big day!

I don't have many pics from the party, but I have just a few of the besties as well as some of the bridal party who was in attendance! 

 

The bride and a few of her maids!

(from left: Me, Melissa, Vanessa, Elise, Dana and Alexis)

The groom and his men!

(Jim, Jerome, George, Mike, Ryan, Adam and David)

Yay George and Vanessa!