Yes, just like last year and the year before, Valentine’s Day sneaks up on us, hiding in the bushes, just waiting for us to relax from the hectic holiday months, and then it pounces! Caught off guard, we flounder, casting our nets wildly in hopes of collaring some vagrant boxes of chocolate or a dozen forgotten roses. But to no avail!

Does this sound remotely familiar? If not, go away; you’re clearly a robot. If yes, then maybe consider an easy alternative to the upcoming scramble this February 14th: a romantic evening at Twist, our hotel’s humble yet obviously fantastic top restaurant, with a special Valentine’s Day menu for you and that special someone.

Okay, enough with the foreplay. Start with a glass of champagne and a duo of appetizers – Seared Scallop with mango relish and lotus root chip, and Braised Boneless Shortrib Beef with potato puree and cocoa sauce – followed by a choice of entrees: Grilled Skin on Wild Salmon with a cocunut curry broth, a Petite Filet with mashed pancetta taro root, or a Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with sundried tomato cous cous. And then something about a chocolate cake dessert – I hear it’s popular with the kids these days – Raspberry Chocolate Ganache Tart… Does sound good? Is it a good alternative to a broken heart? Histrionic or no, I say yes, yes, yes!

So, I hope to see you there, even if you plan ahead and already bought the flowers and chocolates. Heck, even robots need romance in their lives.

This is Bruce, signing off.

After an exciting week of “democracy at work,” it’s time to focus back on the true center of the universe: the Entertainment Industry. A lot of big changes are happening right now, with the WGA strike and electronic media changing the Hollywood landscape, although neither compare even remotely to the media monster that is Hannah Montana (or Miley Cyrus - I’m not sure which is the real one). I hear, at least.

To help keep everyone abreast with all this entertainment news, mediabistro.com is launching Morning Call Time, a daily five-minute podcast summarizing the day’s biggest news, aggregated from the Hollywood’s biggest trades like Variety and Hollywood Reporter. Posted before 6 AM PST (6 AM ET), Morning Call Time is hosted by insider Chad Gervich, a veteran TV producer and reporter, and will be available on iTunes and www.fishbowlLA.com.

Now, while we love the industry as much as anyone, possibly a little more – we do host the official Oscar party each year (PLUG FOR THE HOTEL!), you might ask why am I letting you know all about this handy little podcast?

Well, mediabistro.com is throwing a little bash in Twist Restaurant at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. And this is mediabistro.com, so it’s a bunch of writers, editors, and journalists, so you know there will be drinks, good food, and a bunch of hobnobbing.

The fun starts at 7 PM, so if you’re interested in the entertainment industry, come on by. Maybe you, Dear Reader, and I will finally meet.

This is Bruce, signing off.

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!

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!