Sheraton Universal Re-launches 'Californias' and 'In The Mix' Lounge
There's no shortage of star power on "the hill" atop Universal City.
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA, March 9, 2009 - At 40-years-old, one of Hollywood's most iconic stars proves it's not "over the hill" as it celebrates with a fresh new look. Sheraton Universal, Hotel of the StarsTM, recently completed renovation of Californias Restaurant, elevating it to a casual-chic spot for California-inspired cuisine, and In the Mix, an art deco-inspired vodka bar, just as the hotel marks its 40th anniversary in 2009. The new look and menus are complemented by the hotel's long-standing reputation as a celebrity haven and its warm, friendly service by seasoned staff, many of whom have served the hotel for more than 20 years.
"Californias and In the Mix are regularly frequented by Hollywood A-listers from the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger," says Peter Walterspiel, General Manager. "No matter who the guest is dining with us, we pride ourselves on stellar service, delicious food and creative cocktails."
Since many do not have the deep pockets of a celebrity, In the Mix offers one of the most economy-minded Happy Hour deals in the city: 50 percent off ALL food and beverages. Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Plus, In the Mix offers special discounted nights to nearby workers. Currently, "HIP Nights" are for Universal Studios Hollywood employees on Sundays and "Shampoo Nights" are for local salon employees on Mondays. In 2009, the hotel will be arranging various entertainment industry nights featuring discounts and a reserved semi-private cabana.
The Hollywood Regency-styled lobby lounge, designed by Marina del Rey, Calif.-based hospitality design shop Intra-Spec, allows guests to connect and enjoy a selection of more than 58 vodkas. Guests can relax in semi-private cabanas draped in sheer fabric, Old-Hollywood-inspired chaise lounges or along the retro, elliptical bar that glows in the center of the lobby.
A major focus of the vodka menu is infused and macerated vodkas, which are natural, fresh spirits with no artificial perfumes or dyes so as to best enhance the infused fruit. Signature hand-crafted vodka cocktails include California Dreamin', made with Absolut Citron, limoncello and fresh squeezed lemon juice and the Dean Martini. Inspired by Dean Martin, this martini uses Roberto Cavalli vodka, an olive and comes with a lucky cigarette and book of matches.
For beer and wine drinkers, the bar serves 53 varieties of domestic and imported wines and eight hand-crafted California draft beers. Guests can also choose from a strong selection of 100 percent agave tequilas, single malt scotches, specialty bourbons, cognacs and dessert wines.
In the Mix's appetizers include Prosciutto Pizza, Lobster Pot Stickers and Lettuce Wraps ranging from $9 to $12. Plus, no vodka bar fit for Hollywood executives would be complete without selections of domestic and imported caviar and "L.A.'s most expensive popcorn" menu selection. "The Ultimate Popcorn" is gourmet popcorn enhanced by the delicate, earthy flavor of truffle oil along with a sprinkling of truffle salt and served with a bottle of Dom Perignon. At a price of $350, this offering is ideal for an over-the-top luxurious experience. The bar is open daily from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
James Beard award-winning Executive Chef Urs Balmer designed the new menus at Californias with an emphasis on using locally-grown, fresh produce. The delicious menus accompany the restaurant's sophisticated new look. The indoor space features semi-private dining rooms, cozy booths and stylish banquettes overlooking the pool. The color palette creates a sun drenched quality by day and warm glow in the evenings with crisp neutral tones, gleaming, retro-style leather chairs and bright accents of lime green and banana yellow. Larger parties are seated in the semi-private dining rooms, separated by adjustable, mesh drapery that offers a hint of both mystery and privacy. Guests can also choose to sit poolside.
For breakfast, guests can indulge in any of three options: the traditional California Breakfast menu featuring dishes such as Banana Stuffed French Toast and Huevos Rancheros ranging from $14 to $16; the Healthy Start light breakfast menu including cream of wheat and sliced seasonal fruit plates ranging from $6 to $15; or the Buffet, which includes hearty hot selections such as an omelet station, bakery selections, seasonal fruit, yogurt, Starbucks coffee and assorted teas for $21.
For lunch, in a city known for its burgers, Californias recently debuted the Ultimate Star Burger menu. The unique menu allows guests to create an individual, "star" burger by selecting the meat, bread and toppings of their choice. Six types of burgers are offered including Black Angus Beef, American Kobe Beef, Colorado lamb, free-range turkey, veggie and surf and turf. Guests can then choose from four types of buns: sesame, whole wheat, ciabatta and brioche. While each burger comes with the standard toppings, guests can add on unique selections from the dairy, garden, farm, ocean and pantry ranging from gruyere to fried egg to curried cucumber yogurt. Burger prices range from $10 to $30. Extra toppings range from 50 cents to $6.
Beyond burgers, the lunch menu features scrumptious appetizers, entr'ees, entr'ee salads and sandwiches. Among the chef's favorites are the Saut'eed Nantucket Jumbo Sea Scallops appetizer, Black Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad and Lobster Club Sandwich. Lunch prices range from $8 to $27.
At dinner, the restaurant transforms to elegant dining with plated service settings and white tablecloths. Chef Balmer's signature dishes - which range from $22 to $38 - include Dijon Crusted Australian Rack of Lamb, Pan Fried Chilean Sea Bass and Porcini Mushroom Ravioli. Those with a sweet tooth will be satisfied with Californias' delectable desserts including Warm Chocolate Molton cake served with raspberry and chocolate sauces or Traditional Tiramisu served with vanilla sauce and caramelized bananas.
Californias is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
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