Have you seen Ace of Cake lately?

Well, no, you haven’t, but that’s just because the new season is just about to begin on Food Network on January 24, 2008. Now, I’m not posting this just because I’m a huge reality TV fan (I am) or because I’m a huge fan of cakes (uh… yes!). No, I’m posting this because Chef Duff Goldman chose our hotel, the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, as the place to create his Season 4 premiere masterpiece.

If you don’t know Ace of Cakes, basically the idea is that Chef Duff travels the country, creating incredible cakes in wild locations. His designs range from a tilted Dr. Seuss-like-seven-tiered-wedding cake to an almost perfect replica of Wrigley Field. For his Hollywood episode, our hotel was host. They filmed in, around, and outside the hotel and I can’t wait to see how we look.

Now I can’t tell you what the cake looks like, I can’t tell you what went into it, and I can’t tell you how it tasted, because all that would be a major spoiler for the episode. But I can say, without a doubt, you will be in for a huge surprise.

So, to paraphrase the immortal words of Marie Antoinette (that she never said actually, but it’s a nice story anyway), go eat some cake and make sure to tune in for Ace of Cakes on Food Network, January 24 at 9 PM. Now, I’m hungry, and I’m off to the kitchen…

Signing off,

Bruce

Holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends, and there are great events, dining & shopping for all tastes right here in Hollywood!

For an awesome family event, this one is sure to please, and is only a five minute walk from the hotel! Walt Disney Pictures presents Enchanted and Disney’s Enchanted Experience at El Capitan Theatre. This event includes the movie, then following an Enchanted Experience will take place with several fun activities. Save your ticket stub, as you can receive discounts for many of the stores at Hollywood & Highland!

Have fun and Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I know the one thing I’m always thankful for around this time of year, the great Marriott employees, and on Sunday, November 18th, they showed just one more reason why.

A whole bunch of our employees showed their caring and compassionate spirits by biking, running, and walking in the 5th Annual Torch Relay for Children’s Miracle Network, raising money for this valuable charity that helps children’s hospitals nationwide. Employees from Marriott from all around the country participated in the coast-to-coast torch relay, beginning October 26th in Chicago, and ending right here in Los Angeles at the Hollywood & Highland Center.

To celebrate the occasion, we had on-hand the vibrant singer-violinist Antonio Pontarelli, who performed a few rousing rock ballads for an excited crowd before giving way to the speakers. We also met some of the kids who have benefited from the charity, putting a human face to what we’re all working for.

Unfortunately, Marie Osmond, whose family founded the charity with John Schneider, injured her ankle during dance practice and couldn’t attend. She sent in her stead her dance partner on Dancing With The Stars, Jonathan Roberts, who assured us all that Marie would be quite fine and gratefully accepted the check for $1 million on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network.

All in all, a lot of reasons to give thanks, and a great reminder of why it’s great to work with caring, good people.

Signing off, Bruce.

The Hollywood & Highland Center knows how to get you in the Holiday Spirit! On December 1st at 6pm, the official lighting of the Hollywood Christmas Tree will dazzle the young and the young at heart. This family event will feature children’s activities, holiday treats and Santa Clause! For those of you that want to give something back this season, you may sponsor one of the 30,000 Christmas Tree Lights on behalf of “Light of Hope” foundation benefiting L.A’s Foster Care System. On December 11th, come and join the Congregation Kol Ami for the lighting of Hollywood’s LIFE-SIZE ICE Menorah! This family celebration will also include interactive children’s arts and crafts and a live musical performances by local children’s choirs. Both of these events are FREE for the entire family!

Happy Holidays!

Halloween is only days away! Do you have your night of freaks and fun planned yet? If not, there are so many events right here in Hollywood that you don’t have to go far. On Saturday, October 27th, The Highlands Club is hosting the 5th Annual Costume Ball featuring Marilyn Manson. On October 31st, the streets of Hollywood become the LARGEST HALLOWEEN PARTY IN THE WORLD! On Santa Monica Blvd, from La Cienega down to Doheny, a transformation into the most shocking and outrages costume party ever will occur. The activities will include: 3 stages of live entertainment , bars and restaurants that will be open till 2am. After such a night, don’t fight the goblins and witches and stay at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel for a perfectly sinister night!