During our travels there are certain historic hotels, museums, and restaurants that have provided us with unforgettable experiences. The Biltmore Millennium is one of those marvelous places that provide exciting political and Hollywood experiences.
Jimmy Wu, the general manager of the Biltmore is one gentlemen that caters to dignitaries and families looking for quality, ambiance, and excellent service. It is here that this journalist takes you on a historical and culinary journey that will perhaps enlighten your senses to experience the Biltmore.
Built October 1,1923 by John McEntee Bowman and designed by the Schultze and Weaver architectural firm, the Biltmore escalated Los Angeles to global wonder. It was the first to have the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences presented there.
After a couple of years at the Roosevelt Hotel (1929) and the Ambassador (1930), the Academy Awards came to the Biltmore. The Oscars would then return in 1935-39 and 1941-42.
The Biltmore is truly part of history with the likes of Cecil De Mille, Jack Warner, Mary Pickford to such films as “Mad Men.”
Today it serves as the Grammy Awards Afterparties and view shoots for artists such as Taylor Swift. It’s no surprise that the who’s who of Hollywood have graced the floors of this iconic hotel.
Rendezvous Court
The original lobby of the Biltmore was the Rendezvous Court which serves English high tea. Included in the traditional service are assorted sandwiches, scones, and items such as Pistachio cake.
This area of the hotel has an Italian and Spanish Renaissance architecture, somewhat like a Spanish cathedral. There are travertine walls and arches that intersect with a vaulted ceiling.
Two bronze fixtures imported from Italy hang mid center, while elaborate carvings wherever you look are finished with paint that’s accented in 24 karat gold.
Culinary Journey
It was a perfect time to invite Tom Hallick, the former star of “The Young and Restless,” and his wife, Yin Jiang, a concert violinist to dinner. Yin traveled with Andrew Bocelli for many years and was surprised to experience Valentine’s Day at the Biltmore.
Daniel Fennessey, the Executive Chef provided quite the dining experience. Oysters, Jumbo shrimp, and an array of salads, along with some Scottish Salmon delighted our tastebuds.
“This is a special evening I will always remember,” Tom Hallick said. Tom is right about this experience not to mention that the oysters were some of the best we’ve tasted in a long time. But that’s not the complete food experience, there was an array of chocolates and pastries to complete our culinary journey.
Although this special occasion was a delight, there is always time for high tea at the Biltmore in the Rendezvous Court. High tea is something really special that’s not readily available in other restaurants and hotels.
The Biltmore Millennium Hotel is located in downtown Los Angeles, at 500 South Grand. Main number is (213) 624-1011
Celebrity Scene News awards 5 stars to the iconic Biltmore Millennium Hotel for it’s elegance, cuisine, and service.
