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Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News The Lodge at Torry Pines Reintroduces Itself
06-04-2002
The Lodge at Torry Pines
Photos By: John Durant |
| The Lodge at Torrey Pines, one of the historic landmarks of San Diego is truly a work of art. William Evans of the Evans Hotel chain refurbished the property practically to its original state. The purpose of this article is to take you on a journey to their restaurant, A.R. Valentine. |
 Early California craftsmen designed the restaurant, which was named after the turn-of the century artist A.R. Valentine. Overlooking the Torrey Pines golf course, a championship course, one captures the ocean breeze and is given a chance to go back into time. Steve Pelzer, the Vice President of Marketing for Evans Hotels says it is just a matter of time before the property receives a five-star rating. Currently it has a four-star rating with five-star amenities. But enough of the superlative factors, let's take a culinary journey. Michael Shigemoto, the General Manager and Jeff Jackson, the Executive Chef has provided dining guest with a large selection of California wines and market driven California cuisine.Without being indecisive, my guest William Mincey also a hotel
Manager started our journey by ordering Tuna Corpecci which is raw-ahi tuna, in a horse radish cream base with capers.
Photos By: John Durant |
 I ordered watercress soup, which is scallops served in a soup dish; then pouring a creamy base mixed with spices over the scallops. Here are two delicious appetizers. Our main entrée included Veal baby braised chunks with spices amd red lettuce. The hook and line, which is salmon served with some wonderful ingredients, including black truffle and spices is sumptuous. A.R. Valentine is a world class restaurant, which combines elegance in a comfortable setting, with old world charm. It is without hesitation one of the top restaurants in the U.S. which explains there excellent service and there quality of cuisine. For this reason, I would highly recommend a two-hour culinary journey. In closing I would be remiss if I didn't mention the desert menu, which is prepared on premises. My I suggest Boca Negra, a flowerless Mexican chocolate, and a lemon tart with raspberries.
A.R. valentine is opened for breakfast lunch and dinner.
For reservations call
The Lodge at Torrey Pines at: 858.453.4420
Photos By: John Durant |
 He's quick, witty and always comes off the wall with something unique to talk about. He's the man behind Legends in Concert, and is the creator and producer of Legends. He's Mr. John Stuart. Johnny, as his friends call him, had the vision of
creating the greatest tribute to celebrity legends over twenty years ago, which is a now a proven success. Sitting in his office surrounded by antiques, an Oakwooden desk, and such, I spoke to "Johnny" about entertainment. "Entertainment goes in a cycle” He said. “First there were headliners, and then came the production shows. Now, we're seeing raw talent, such as Danny Gans as a new star on the strip. In my show, we capitalize on nostalgia.
John Stuart Remarries Wife Alex
last December |
| The heart rendering entertainment, a show like Legends in Concert, brings that into place," said Stuart. Stuart feels there will be interactive productions shows, with shows like Ripley's Believe it or Not Live, and Country Tonight, the world's largest country variety show, based in Branson Missouri. Both of these shows are owned by On-Stage Entertainment, Stuart's company. "So, is that complete answer," I asked Johnny. "No," he replied, "For years folks have enjoyed a time tunnel of memories. We will never forget those memories of the stars we grew up with. But the special effects and the fantasy type productions have their place in Las Vegas. But when you get to see live creation tributes of Elvis Presley, Liberace, and the Temptations, along with Nat King Cole, Tom Jones, and John Lennon, these shows will never take a back seat. Stuart certainly has validity with his statement. His Legends in Concert is celebrating over 18 years at the Imperial Palace, and his Country Tonight show in Branson was voted into the Country's Hall of Fame. |
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