INDULGENCES eating out by tony reverditto
A ROMANTIC EVENING TO REMEMBER
hen Brad and Jay at Rage proposed a wonderful assignment for February’s issue of the Eating Out column, I was ecstatic. They requested that I write about my very own ideal romantic evening that would fit in with a Valentine’s Day theme. I wanted to present an idea tailored for that holiday or any other special night for lovers, daters or even best friends. The following interlude unfolded as a result of my conceptualization.
Our twilight excursion began in O.C. with a 5:30 p.m. pick up scheduled with Sheba Limousine Service (the name inspired by the 38 Special song: “Little Sheba”). Arriv- ing ten minutes early, our calm and professional driver, Audrey, was standing in front of a BMW 525i Sedan ready to roll. John (my handsome partner of five years) and I were en route to Beverly Hills. Riding into the sunset, sipping away on champagne, I felt at ease because Audrey’s driving style was much like a magic carpet ride. She and her business- and life-partner, Pamela, have been in the industry since 1989. Pamela and Audrey met 18 years ago when Audrey worked for Hughes Aircraft and Pamela worked for McDonnell Douglas. Both worked in electronic parts for their engineering departments, thus sparking the energy between the two. Audrey began moonlight- ing as a valet at the Anaheim Marriott and asked the limo drivers lots of questions about the
limousines...and the rest, as they say, is history. She met Pamela through a mutual friend and they began to work together, becoming one of a select few gay- owned limo companies serving Southern California. As we cruised down Wilshire Boulevard toward my ultimate dreamy romantic din- ing destination, Villa Blanca—on the corner of Brighton Way and Camden, in the heart of Beverly Hills—my anticipation was peaking. You may be wondering why
out of all of Southern California’s incredible eateries I was drawn to Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills. The decision stemmed from a personal guilty pleasure: watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I have been dying to experience the cuisine of the culinary oasis owned by Lisa Vanderpump. She is one America’s latest and greatest sweethearts; a wonderful presence, beautiful, compassionate, magnificent humani- tarian—and hands down, my favorite housewife. The year-old restaurant is the latest creation of restaurateurs Lisa and husband Ken
Todd. Besides owning SUR in West Hollywood, they have also honed their skills as proprietors of many well-known London establishments, including but not limited to Jewel and Shadow Lounge. The thoughtful, contemporary menu at Villa Blanca makes it the perfect venue for a romantic candlelit dinner. And just think—it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from Rodeo Drive! Since it was an idyllic California evening, we opted to sit outside. Soon thereafter
we were greeted by our good-looking waiter Jason, who just happened to have been dating Lisa’s daughter Pandora, for six years. At this, I ordered a Silver Margarita and John had Chardonnay, the Chalk Hill, 2007 from the Russian River. We really enjoyed both over appetizers: Baked King Crab Rolls—moist king crab wrapped in soy paper on risotto warmed with a touch of creamy, spicy Aioli. It’s very much an aphrodisiac, as was the Tuna Tartare—raw Ahi mixed with avocado, green onion, minced ginger, sesame oil and garnished with truffle chips. Not long after that, the energetic and humorous General Manager Michael
Govia came over to say hello. He has been in this position for only seven months, but handles it all proficiently—probably because he came primed from a five-year run at Teddy’s Lounge in the legendary Roosevelt Hotel. Michael suggested that he
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RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2011
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