1. Do not, I repeat do not get in the way of a baker and her spatula. I learned that the hard way when the Renaissance Hollywood hosted DrinkEatPlay’s annual Cupcake Challenge. They may bake sweets but I will tell you one thing-if they say you cannot lick the spatula, you drop that spatula.

2. Just because people say you look like Ryan Gosling’s older brother, does not mean you can joke that you two are related. If you do, there will be a stampede and near riot on the property.

3. Even though, the guys at Cirque de Soleil make it look easy, IRIS cannot be recreated-no matter how hard you practice.

4. Lions, like their domesticated cousins the house cat, enjoy a little cat nip here and there.

5. Sweet potato tator tots at Twist are extremely addictive. Try them with caution. I spent most of September in a spud haze because of the delicious, crispy, piping hot morsels. Kicking those babies was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to give up. Even worst than the time I went on an Almas Caviar binge. In fact, I think to reward myself for my hard work I will pop over and place a small order of them.

To commemorate this great year I encourage you to celebrate with style. Here are a few more tips from me to you for this NYE season:

Universal City Walk has a huge free, all ages, outdoor New Year’s Eve Countdown Bash available to the public. The event features live music and DJs beginning at 9 pm, and fireworks from 2 ends of the street at midnight.

When: 9 pm – 12:30 am

Where: Universal City Walk, at the top of Universal Studios Blvd. off the 101 Freeway.

Tickets: Free

Parking: Before 6 pm, $15 general/$20 preferred, after 6 pm $40 general, $45 valet.

Metro: Red Line to Universal City station

New Year’s Eve at Hermosa Beach Pier is a free community celebration with Lou Giovanetti and His Big Band performing and a replay of the New York Times Square ball drop. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to dine at the surrounding restaurants.

When: 8:30 pm – 1:30 am

Where: Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach

Tickets: Free

Parking: various lots

Info: www.hbchamber.net

Big Bang New Year’s Eve with Cobra Starship and Lupe Fiasco hosted by Mario Lopez and Extra TV at Hollywood & Highland also includes multiple parties. In addition to the one at Highlands nightclub, which is also included in several other multi-venue tickets, there will be festivities in the Kodak Theatre Ballroom, the Annex Special Event Center and a candle-lit pool area.Entertainment includes live bands, DJs, cirque performers, choreographed dancers and more. Cobra Starship concert is only available to VIP ticket holders.

When: 9 pm to 2 am

Where: Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90028

Tickets: $75 General Admission, $125-150 VIP with open bar, table packages available

Parking: $2 for 2 hours, $10 max at Hollywood & Highland (must be validated at Hollywood & Highland), limited street parking.

Age Limit: 21 and up
Info and Tickets

As always, the Metropolitan Transit Authority will offer free rides on Metro buses and trains New Year’s Eve. Take advantage of this free and safe ride. Service will be free between 9 pm and 2am starting on December 31. To plan your Metro trip, go to www.metro.net or call 1-800-COMMUTE.

Whatever you end up doing this New Year’s Eve have fun, be safe and stay classy.

This is Bruce, signing off.

Located just 5 miles away on the edge of Los Feliz and Atwater Village the young owners are making quite a name for themselves. Lucky for us, the Renaissance Hollywood will carry two of Golden Road Brewing’s beers on tap.

The Renaissance Hollywood will be serving up Golden Road Brewing’s “Point the Way IPA,” which will pair beautifully with the Butter Based Filet or Black Truffle Risotto. Or, try their Hefeweizen, with Blue Ribbon’s BBQ Pork Sliders or the Salmon Toast while you’re watching Luca Ellis in the Lobby Bar.

Stop in for a brew, we’ll have one waiting for you.

This is Bruce, signing off.

Although, I lost my shot at Broadway doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a great musical, which is why I couldn’t be happier about the Renaissance Hollywood’s partnership with cabaret concert producers The Coterie. On various nights throughout the week, Twist Restaurant will be transformed into a chic, luxurious supper club, showcasing the best and brightest talent from Broadway, Film, Television, Comedy and all genres of Music.

Starting the month off right, Emmy-winng composer/songwriter Lance Horne held his “First Things Last” songbook release party at Renaissance’s Twist during Coterie.  He was joined by comedienne Margaret Cho, Milena Govich, Kathryn Gallagher, Julie Garnye. Everyone was surprised when Ricki Lake  joined after her Dancing with the Stars performance.  It was a GLEEful crowd when Darren Criss joined in with his ode to girl power, “The Coolest Girl.”

November the Renaissance Hollywood welcomes Boubliland Schonberg’s Les Miserables: Unplugged produced by Jordan Beck. The show will play on November 3. 4. 12 & 13 at 8:30 pm in the Renaissance Hollywood’s Twist Restaurant. For more information visit www.thecoterieLA.com.

You’re not going to want to miss anything. Our new RLife LIVE Calendar will be coming out this week, a great resource to be in the know for our upcoming shows.  The Coterie has transformed the old Twist into an incredible RLife LIVE venue.

Oh and if you’re wondering how my encounter ended with that vile gentleman that made such harsh accusations. I simply smiled politely and answered, “I guess you’ll never know.”

This is Bruce, signing off.

Things took a turn for the worst when not one of us could come to an agreement over which city had the best collection of art. “Think about the Met” cried Giuliani. “What about the Louvre?” proclaimed Delanoë. The argument went on and on until we arrived at the agreement to just disagree. The three of us left the restaurant on an unfriendly note. Perhaps calling the Mona Lisa fat was in poor taste. But seriously, how could these two elitists overlook MOCA, LACMA and the Getty?! I eventually moved passed the argument. That was until the Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA. 1945-1980. Check and mate boys.

What is Pacific Standard Time you ask? Not just a time zone my friends, the Pacific Standard Time is collaboration between 60 cultural institutions across Southern California celebrating the birth of the L.A. art scene and the iconic artists who shaped many of today’s trends both nationally and internationally. This first time collaboration is monumental! Never before has any metropolitan area ever mobilized all its cultural institutions this way (take that NYC!). The project’s mission is to uncover the largely hidden historical record of Southern California art and present its richness and diversity.

Because the Renaissance Hollywood knows a good thing when we see it, we are offering a deluxe guest room, valet parking, breakfast for two and passes for participating Pacific Standard Time museums. Rate program for this package is ECEO, internet code is CUE.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some gloating to do. This is Bruce, signing off

I can go on explaining how fantastic the costumes are, how skilled their performers and how the music evoked every human emotion out of me. But I won’t, instead I will let you be the judge with this clip.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”349″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/MFU1yR3-X4M?rel=0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

See, what I’m talking about?! My excitement level was raised even further when I found out Cirque du Soleil’s IRIS – A Journey Through the World of Cinema is the new resident show in my very own ‘hood, at the Kodak Theatre. It all starts on July 21^st. To celebrate IRIS coming to town the Renaissance Hollywood is offering a Cirque du Soleil package.

We are throwing in:

- Deluxe room accommodations*

- Breakfast for 2 adults in Twist

- Complimentary Valet Parking per night

- 25 percent off regular performance ticket price

- 25th Anniversary Cirque Du Soleil complimentary iTunes CD (exclusive to the Renaissance Hollywood)

Need more info? Visit http://www.renaissancehollywood.com/, or http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/iris/default.aspx OR follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates.

*Because there is always fine print:

*Booking dates are July 21-September 24, 2011

*Rate is based on availability and is subject to blackout dates.

*Offer cannot be used with any other discount or promotion, and

cannot be used for 10 or more rooms.

Make sure to come see the new Cirque du Soleil IRIS – A Journey Through the World of Cinema at the Kodak Theatre.  I have gotten a few sneak peaks when they asked me to give pointers to the acrobats.  The show looks absolutely fantastic.  I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.  Or come stay with us and make night of it.  You even get to eat our fabulous breakfast buffet or have some lemon soufflé pancakes (my personal favorite) the next morning.  And the best part of it all. . . . . . you don’t have to travel to Rome to check it out.

This is Bruce signing off.

Summer is also infamous for that yearly voyage that both delights and frights; the family summer vacation. Of course we all love quality time with the family but the process of figuring out how to please each individual member is something I personally could do without.

I remember a summer from my youth when my parents took the Gorelick clan on a classified mission to Russia. Sure it is fun to see your parents outsmart Leonid Brezhnev, but the Soviet Union as a kid is just a tad boring.

Learn from my family’s mistake and head to Hollywood this year where there is something for everybody. For example track down a celebrity’s star at the Walk of Fame.  Take a picture with a wax replica of your favorite star at Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood, the figures are so realistic you may be able to fool your friends into thinking it is the real deal. Enjoy a family friendly Disney movie in the historical movie palace of El Capitan Theatre. And my personal Hollywood must-do this summer is catching a preview performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Iris at the Kodak Theatre. The best part (I know you’re thinking how could this possibly get better) is that all of this is conveniently located within walking distance of our fabulous hotel and the Hollywood and Highland Center.

No matter what your family’s interests may be, everyone can agree that you need to eat. Take the family to one of the many eateries in the Hollywood and Highland Center. New to the block is LA Boho, Hollywood’s first gastro pub, Rolling Stone LA, the first venture into the restaurant club scene from my personal favorite rock magazine and the latest star of America’s Next Top Restaurant fame- Soul Daddy.

Hollywood is a one stop-spot to make all sorts of family memories.  Put down the charcoal, leave the swimsuits in the drawer for a weekend and have a fun, Hollywood hip, urban, family vacation.  Our cast members will be waiting to treat you like a celebrity.

This is Bruce signing off, wishing you and your loved ones a terrific summer.

The all you can eat brunch will feature your classic breakfast foods.  A waffle station with berry and whipped cream topping, an omelet station, cold smoked Norwegian salmon, various breakfast meats and cheeses, traditional eggs benedict, herbed seasoned potatoes and enough fruit to keep the doctor away for life.

We’ll also be carving up prime rib with au jus sauce and roast rack of lamb with blackberry sage reduction.

The hot station will include herb roasted chicken, pistachio crusted sea-bass, caramelized onion smashed potatoes, rice pilaf, medley of grilled vegetables and potato & leek soup.

I am only getting started. At the cold station there will be a full salad bar, taco shimi crisp, buttery poached shrimp, spicy Italian panzanella salad with grilled chicken, fresh Caprese salad and a Waldorf salad.

I hope you didn’t think we forgot about the kiddies. Their taste buds will be tantalized with the kids’ pancake making station, allowing them to create their own masterpiece. Who knows maybe we will help create the next Wolfgang Puck or Rachael Ray.

RenHollywood will also dish up desserts almost as sweet as momma herself. Better save room for our pecan tarts, mixed fruit tarts, passion fruit cake, tiramisu, Zucotto (an Italian chocolate cake) and assorted mini pastries. 

To wet your pallet we will be serving coffee, tea, juice, soda, milk, water and of course mimosas.

For yours and mom’s musical enjoyment Judy Wexler will perform. Deemed by JazzTimes “as one of the most focused, unpretentious, no-nonsense, bop oriented jazz singers around,”

The brunch will be this Sunday, May 8, from 10 am to 2 pm (music will start at 11). $44.95 for adults, $21.95 for kids 12 and under, free for children 6 and under. Reservations can be made by calling 323-491-1000 or visiting www.jazzandblue.org

                While traveling through Ireland I popped into a bar in Dublin. Had I known that my thirst for a Guinness would have possibly derailed my ambitions of becoming a hotel GM I would have promptly turned around. But after throwing back a few rounds with a local band, I had become their drummer’s replacement while his broken hand healed. As we traveled from country to country and played show after show I grew tired of touring. We stayed in some ghastly hotels and in my opinion you should never settle on hotel accommodations. It pains me to think about the sub par thread count linens I slept on. It was fun times, but all the fans, attention and glamour was not enough for me. Despite the desperate pleas from my band mates, I turned in my sticks over to their original drummer so he could resume his spot behind the base drum and cymbals. To save the drummer some embarrassment I do not want to reveal the band name, but can give you a hint . . . . ..two symbols, one vowel and one number.

                Although I abruptly ended my music career, I never lost my love for music. Lucky for me, ASCAP will once again bring their “I Create Music” EXPO to the Renaissance Hollywood in 2011. From April 27^th through April 30^th the hotel will be filled with musicians, songwriters, producers and people involved in every aspect of the music industry networking with each other and listening to panel discussions from some of the best in the business.  As always, ASCAP will have in attendance and be honoring a who’s-who of the music biz.  This year, the list of panelists includes Lindsey Buckingham interviewed by Sara Bareilles, Pharrell Williams, Fergie, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic), John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, Desmond Child, Rodney Crowell, Jermaine Dupri, Wes Craven and Rufus Wainwright to name a few.  Rod Stewart is also being honored With the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award at the 28^th Annual Pop Music Awards on the evening of the 27^th.  Past recipients include Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Heart’s Ann & Nancy Wilson, Billy Joel, Annie Lennox, Sir Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Smokey Robinson, Patti Smith, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

                And if that wasn’t enough excitement, the RenHollywood’s Lobby Bar will be jamming each night from Wednesday through Saturday during the Expo with 3-4 live independent artist performances starting at 8:30pm.  These performances are open to the public and FREE to attend with no cover charge.  Try and say you’re not interested in that. For updates on the artists performing check our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.  

Til next time my babies. This is Bruce, signing off.

Now take that energy and multiply it by 3, then take that to the fifth power and you have a fraction of the excitement that we folks at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel  & Spa experience. With our lovely neighbors, the Kodak Theatre, hosting the annual event, we get front rows seats to the hustle and bustle that goes along with this spectacular event.

However this year it is a little hard for me to watch the Oscars. I think about what could have been if I had not let Mark Wahlberg have The Fighter. Originally, David O. Russell or O’Russ as I prefer to call him, approached me for the lead role since my body is already in pristine boxing condition. After preparing Muhammad Ali for the Rumble in the Jungle, I have never lost my boxing prowess or fabulous physique. Following his Fight of the Century, The Great One was having a hard time finding sparring partners. That was until he heard of an up and coming, recreational boxer, that boxer was me. We would train for hours upon hours. Let me tell you something, Ali may float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, but both of those things could be stopped with some BRUCE force. This one time…Wait a minute, I was telling another story. 

Oh yeah, The Fighter role. Well, I had to really consider my options. Which is more important to me, my potential acting career or maintaining the greatness of the Renaissance Hollywood? Ren Hollywood always K.O.s competitors in my heart. 

Despite my miss at Oscar greatness I am generally excited about all the nominees this year. We’re seeing some fresh new faces light up the silver screen and old favorites remind us why they still command that star power. With an Oscar nod to street artist Banksy, our little Hollywood is finding that its street walls are now elevated to galleries. It is a great time of year to live or visit Hollywood. I wouldn’t trade it for all the Best Actor nominations in the world.

Now if you don’t mind, I will be strolling across the street to the Kodak Theatre to see them prep for the Oscars.

This is Bruce, signing off.

However, there is one tigress that I fear more and that that is the wrath of Mrs. Gorelick when I have not prepared the perfect Valentine’s Day. In years past I have surprised her with trips to the most romantic cities in the world. Venice, Paris, Monte Carlo, Vienna, just to name a few. While there I wine and dine her with the best the cities have to offer. In the romance department, I have that schmuk from The Notebook beat. This year I have decided to remain stateside and romance my darling at the Renaissance Hollywood’s Valentines Day Jazz Dinner.

To me the only acceptable third wheel to a Valentine’s Day dinner is a live jazz band. This year
Charmaine Clamor will romance the dinner crowd. Hailed as “a gifted vocalist” by the New York Times and deemed “one of the important and original new jazz singers of the decade,” Clamor is sure to set the perfect mood for the evening.

Dinner will start at 6pm on Valentine’s Day. First course will include tuna belly tartare, foraged
mushroom and avocado, American caviar, truffle wafer followed by an oxtail and fennel soup with Absinthe. To clear the palette an intermediary course of lavender sorbet will be served.
If your taste buds aren’t in a blissful sensory coma yet the main course will push them there. Each guest will have the choice between three different entrée course options.

•Pan Fried Grouper, Wilted Rocket Arugula, Crispy Yucca, Fried Green Tomatoes, Market
Crustacean Sauce.

•Center Cut Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Artichoke, Rosemary Potato Gratin, Beef Jus

•Braised Lamb Shank, Puree of Celeriac Root and Potato Reduced Pan Demi Jus

The meal will conclude with the sweetness of grilled fig and bitter chocolate tart with almonds, wild honey and exotic fruit panacota.

At $99 per couple, this offer is a real deal. To make reservations or find more information call
323.491.1000 or visit www.jazzblues.org.

Now I am off to find the perfect diamond ring that sparkles as brightly as my lady’s smile.

This is Bruce, signing off.