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Culinary Connection
The Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel's Patio Cafe
By Crystal A. Johnson and Patricia Bradford Rambo II
The patio café restaurant at the Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel is a hidden jewel in the Valley. The eatery as well as the hotel has been known as a landmark from it's origin for the elite socialites in the heyday of Hollywood. However, new changes are afoot. The new staff has added a fresh face in order to transform the venue into an unrivaled Mecca in the valley. Eileen Huth has taken the helm as the new and innovative Food and Beverage Manager and Michael Spencer has overtaken the spectrum of the operations that mold the property.
Huth's new stint as Food & Beverage manager is just one of the fresh modifications in the restaurant. There are also new menu items. The patio cafe has a completely modern feel with a neo-retro ambiance, all the while keeping with the "sportsmen's" theme for which it has been known. The comfortable white leather seating areas give a nuance of modernism, but at the same time offer a relaxing atmosphere for those looking for a place to meet friends or business associates and enjoy a delectable breakfast or lunch.
The Patio Café offers a breakfast menu that includes everything from the traditional Eggs Benedict and Belgian Waffles to the exquisite Smoked Salmon Scramble, a mixture of Norwegian style smoked salmon and diced onion with scrambled eggs, accompanied by country potatoes and toast. The lunch menu too offers a large variety of choices. The Valley Tuna Salad is a longtime favorite, loaded with Albacore tuna salad with crisp romaine, cucumber, asparagus, avocado, deviled egg, and herb vinaigrette. For the heartier diner, the Croquet Monsieur/Madame is a must. You can choose either Black Forest Ham or Freshly Roasted Turkey with melted Gruyere cheese on grilled bread topped with rich cheese sauce served hot and bubbly.
The bar and lounge area have also been revamped to form a cozy atmosphere. The intimate space combines a modern art deco fireplace and soothing white leather lounge couches with a champion size billiard table and antler chandeliers hanging from above. What goes better with a crackling fire than cocktails and hors d'oeuvres? Chef David Bonfiglio's new cocktail menu. The "Small Bites" menu includes unique items such as short rib sliders, a grilled blue cheese sandwich, and crispy wonton wrapped shrimp served with a dipping sauce kicking with spicy flavor. These can be ordered in the café, outside the cafe, poolside or in the bar and lounge area.
The Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel is a rustic and fun spot in the valley to enjoy time dining in the patio café or relaxing in the lounge. But the hotel is also a wonderful place for a weekend respite or for visiting family to stay or of course as a suggestion to business travelers as it is in such a central location in the Valley, close to Hollywood and only a short distance from downtown Los Angeles. The Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel has a lot of attributes to enjoy. Don't miss taking a walk around the beautiful outdoor grounds on the property during your visit. With new lunch menu items, the "Small Bites" menu, and renovations, make no mistake that the Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel and Patio Cafe are a delightful restaurant, lodging, and lounge experience.
Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel is located at 12825 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, CA 91604 - (818) 769-4700 - www.SLHotel.com