ESCAPESEEKER and a Very Special Group of Friends Gather at the Brand New RH Restaurant at ANdAZ West Hollywood

Paul Song, Mel Gee Henderson, Lisa Ling, Ann Song, Mark Roney, Stacy Earl, Sandie Tillotson, and Rick Bieber enjoy the pre-dinner offerings and signature cocktails of the RH Bar


Welcome to Hollywood!

On Saturday, January 10th, on the famed Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, I had the privilege of gathering with 15 very special friends to experience the brand new RH restaurant, featuring the talented Chef, SEBASTIEN ARCHAMBAULT! And, oh what a memorable night it turned out to be, as Sebastien presented us with one amazing dish after another, complemented with the finest California vintage wines.

Honestly, I couldn’t have scripted it any better. Even ‘Mother Nature’ enhanced the superb scenery as a full moon shown high above the Hollywood Hills as if to announce the arrival of a shining new star!

I have many fond memories of attending special events, when it was its former self–The Hyatt on Sunset–and our superb moonlit evening at RH promises that the tradition will only continue. I was so moved by the RH atmosphere and ambiance, the engaging conversations, joyful laughter amongst my special guests that upon my return to my new ANdAZ hotel suite, I was inspired to compose a poem–a tribute to my memorable first dining experience at RH. You know the food was exceptional when it inspires you to write in verse!!!

The talented culinary team of RH led by Chef Sebastien Archambault

Maybe it had something to do with all the finest, freshest ingredients that Chef Sebastien Archambault uses in his immaculate kitchen to prepare his pure culinary delights like seared diver scallops with orange braised endive and cilantro seeds; or how about the double pork chop with a touch of garlic confit, artichoke hearts and pancetta. If that didn’t do it, I’m sure the warm apple pie complete with fresh whipped cream, as well as the chocolate and roasted hazelnut cake, along side pure vanilla ice cream helped keep me alert into the wee morning hours so I could compose this little ‘tid bit’…my ode to the evening, entitled, “RH and Friends”…

Sandie Tillotson, Marc Raymond, and Mel Gee Henderson

RH and Friends


Friends, you and me,

you brought another
and then there were three.

Multiply that by five,
and there you have it–
our exclusive RH dinner party,
a unique group,
with just the perfect vibe.
Located at the brand new ANdAZ
on famed Sunset Boulevard
where in days past and present
Hollywood plays out an ecclectic life,
sometimes legendary,
often eccentric, but always,

with pure avant-garde.

No matter who you are
At ANdAZ,
you’re treated like a star,
No, even better,
its really extraordinaire,
as you quickly discover
this newfound lifestyle
of being a Hollywood VIP,
Please, please people,
just try not to stare!

At RH, understated tranquility
and simplicity is the design,
defying its history,
and its previous life
as the “Riot House”
where legendary Rock stars
like Zeppelin, Keith Richards
and the like abound.

What wild ‘riot’-like days
they produced,
atypical stories of TV’s and guitars,
flying out the window,
Did anyone capture it on video?

ANdAZ kept the name
although today,
it’s a totally different game.
Rock stars may still abound,
but RH’s Chef,
Sebastien Archambault,
and his talented team,
are the only ones featured
in this one-of-a-kind
Market-to-table show.

RH’s open view gives
diners a first-hand look
at all the Rockin’ in the kitchen
as the Chefs pump out the freshest
Cuisine you’ve ever seen.

One taste of his exquisite
roasted forest mushroom tart with hazelnuts,
or homemade foie gras terrine,
and oh, the tantalizing tuna tartar,
there’ simply no denying
our culinary star is French to a tee,
minus the famed attitude that is,
although with this Michelin credentialed Chef
we would be forgiving
if he was even slightly rude.
But no, Sebastien wouldn’t think of it,
as his flawless waiters assist
and execute,
Serving you with pleasure
and a smile
you continue to embrace
as everyone around you
accept it too,
Maybe you truly are a VIP
No doubt,
through and through.

For wine connoisseurs,
You’ll be thrilled to know,
That glass and immaculate steel
Help protect RH’s endless rows
of California’s finest wines,
beverages and brews.
You name it, they have it
from Sunny Napa Valley and beyond.

Our party of beautiful friends
soon find themselves
in what can only be described
as pure culinary bliss.
How can the evening
not be a success?
With Michel Morauw
at the helm of ANdAZ,
Absolutely nothing is amiss.

ANdAZ GM, Michel Morauw with Farland Chang, WorldBizWatch Founder, and CEO


The hotel prides itself
on relaxed simplicity,
yet in step
with the culture,
it’s rhythm, art and style,
Its classicality is sure to beguile.

Michel and Tess bring with them
their unique hospitality and warmth,
their seasoned savoire faire
is clearly evident.
As you explore, you’ll find,
it’s reflected everywhere.

The clock chimes midnight,
five hours from when
the party first began,
Fifteen newfound friends
truly found it bittersweet
to say good-bye,
to this newly reincarnated
ANdAZ hotel and RH restaurant.

We climbed to the dramatic rooftop terrace
Where a panaroma of Hollywood dreams caress
Its skyline of bright city lights,
stretched far and wide
and further magnified,
by a giant January moon,
And soon…
it was just to tough to resist
The music got us movin’
We all felt like groovin,
Oh what a sight!

The West Hollywood address may be the same
But beyond that, I promise you
You’ll be reminded by the old adage
“Nothing ever stays the same”
And, at this brand new hotel on Sunset
You’ll gladly say,
“This is undeniably true!”

What a memorable night to recall,
Great food,
Plus friendships, further enriched,
a gift for us all.

We had a fantastic time
Honestly, we’re spreading the word,
However sublime.
News of RH will quickly be heard,
As everyone throughout the land
discovers,
RH is categorically,
in a league of its own,
Less you wonder
Yes, we’re definite fans.

There’s no doubt about it,
Michel and Tess,
Sebastien, et al,
Thank you so much
We had an absolute ball!

Our very best to ANdAZ and RH— Thanks to you, 2009 finds Hollywood glowing brighter, and its dining options even HEALTHIER!

With sincere thanks to Michel and Tess Morauw and the superb staff of RH and the entire ANdAZ ‘family’…

From Mel, aka Escapeseeker,
and her VIP’s–
Sandie Tillotson, Mark Roney, Marc Raymond
Katrina Drabkin Parks, Michael Parks
Rick Bieber, Stacy Earl
Dr. Paul Song, Lisa Ling
Ann Song, David Lee, and Farland Chang

Katrina Drabkin Parks, Michael Parks, and Tess Morauw

Congratulations to ANdAZ‘ GM, Michel Morauw! His reputation for transforming ‘aging’ properties and infusing them with new life is legendary. His latest challenge of taking the former HYATT West Hollywood and converting it into ANdAZ West Hollywood (the first in North America) is just another example of how Michel has perfected “the art of hotel metamorphosis”–kid you not. Other than the same Sunset location, everything about ANdAZ, as the new hotel is now officially known, is brand new! Although they did choose to name their restaurant “RH” to pay homage to the Hyatt Sunset nickname, “Riot House” where legends of Rock and Roll would literally create a riot-like atmosphere with their rock star antics!

ANdAZ West Hollywood, originally opened in 1963 as Gene Autry’s Hotel Continental, the first high-rise hotel on the Sunset Strip. Leased to Hyatt in 1976 and renamed the Continental Hyatt House, it became the preferred accommodation in Los Angeles for traveling rock bands, due largely to its close proximity to popular clubs such as Whisky a Go Go and The House of Blues. Over time, the hotel became affectionately referred to as The Riot House, due to the wild antics carried out by band members of such rock groups as Led Zeppelin, The Who and the Rolling Stones. Renamed Hyatt West Hollywood in February 1997, the property hosted hundreds of high profile press events, wrap parties and impromptu soirees for other musicians such as David Bowie, John Mayer, Widespread Panic, Ray Charles and John Lennon throughout the years. One Rock and Roll legend loved it so much that he made it his official residence.

To begin creating your own unforgettable memories…and experience the special VIP treatment first hand, call:

ANdAZ at (1) 323 785 6070
or go to: www.westhollywood.andaz.com

The seating area in my ANDAZ suite afforded me a spectacular view of Los Angeles…
I could even see Catalina Island in the distance!

For writers and cyber surfers like me, ANdAZ‘ free wifi and well-lit work spaces is welcome news!

After a Hollywood rockin’ good time,
sink yourself into this sumptious, comfortable bed

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