Sheraton Universal Re-Launches Restaurant and Bar

Sheraton Universal Re-Launches Restaurant and Bar

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ICONIC HOLLYWOOD HOTEL, SHERATON UNIVERSAL, RE-LAUNCHESCALIFORNIAS RESTAURANTAND IN THE MIX LOUNGE

Elegant Dining, Signature Cocktails, and Glimpses of Celebrities Epitomize Hollywood’s

Two Newest Entertainment Industry Havens

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (Mar. 6, 2009) −One of Hollywood’s most iconic stars proves it’s not “over the hill” as it celebratesits 40th anniversary with a fresh new look. Sheraton Universal, Hotel of the Stars™, recently completed renovation of CaliforniasRestaurant, elevating it to a casual-chic spot for California-inspired cuisine, andIn the Mix, an artdeco-inspired vodkabar. The new look and menus arecomplemented by the hotel’s long-standing reputation as a celebrity haven and warm, friendly service by seasoned staff.

“Californias and In the Mix are regularly frequented by Hollywood A-listers from the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey and Gov. ArnoldSchwarzenegger,”says Peter Walterspiel, General Manager. ”No matter who the guest is dining with us, we pride ourselves on stellar service, delicious food and creative cocktails.”

Since many do not have the deep pockets of a celebrity, In the Mix offers one of the most economy-minded Happy Hour deals in Los Angeles: 50 percent off ALL food and beverages. Happy Hour is availableMonday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Plus, In the Mix offers special discounted nights to nearby workers. Currently, “HIP Nights” are for Universal Studios Hollywood employees and “Shampoo Nights” are for local salon employees.

Designed by Marina del Rey, Calif.-based hospitality design shop Intra-Spec, this Hollywood Regency-styled lobby loungeallowsguests to enjoy more than 58 vodkas while relaxing in semi-private cabanas draped in sheer fabric, Old-Hollywood-inspired chaise lounges and along the retro, elliptical bar that glows in the center of the lobby.

A major focus of the menu is infused and macerated vodkas, which are natural, fresh spirits with no artificial perfumes or dyes. Signature hand-crafted vodka cocktails include California Dreamin’and the Dean Martini. Inspired by James Dean, this martini uses Roberto Cavalli vodka, an olive and comes with a lucky cigarette and book of matches.

For beer and wine drinkers, the bar serves 53 varieties of domestic and imported wines and eight hand-crafted California draft beers. Additionally, the menu has selections of 100 percent agave tequilas, single malt scotches, bourbons, cognacs and dessert wines.

No vodka bar fit for Hollywood executives would be complete without tasty appetizers, selections of caviar and “L.A.’s most expensive popcorn”. “The Ultimate Popcorn” menu selection is gourmet popcorn enhanced by truffle oil andserved with a bottle of Dom Perignon for a price of $350. The bar is open daily from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.

James Beard award-winning Executive Chef Urs Balmer designed the new menus at Californiaswith an emphasis on using locally-grown, fresh produce.The menus accompany the restaurant’ssophisticated new look. The space features semi-private dining rooms, cozy booths and stylish banquettes overlooking the pool. The color palette creates a sun drenched quality by day and warm glow in the evenings with crisp neutral tones, gleaming, retro-style leather chairs and bright accents of lime green and banana yellow.

For breakfast, guests can indulge in any of three options: the traditional California Breakfast menu,the Healthy Start light breakfast menuor the Buffet. Prices range from $6 to $21.

For lunch, in a city known for its burgers, Californias recently debuted the Ultimate Star Burger menu. The unique menu allows guests to create an individual burger by selecting the meat, bread and toppings of their choice. Six types of burgers are offered including Black Angus Beef, American Kobe Beef, Colorado lamb, free-range turkey, veggie and surf and turf. Guests then choose from four types of bunsandtoppings from the dairy, garden, farm, ocean and pantry including fried egg and curried cucumber yogurt. Beyond burgers, the lunch menu features scrumptious appetizers, entrées, entrée salads and sandwiches ranging from $8 to $30.

At dinner, the restaurant transforms to elegant dining with plated service settings and white tablecloths. Chef Balmer’ssignature dishes – which range from $22 to $38– include Dijon Crusted Australian Rack of Lamb andPan Fried Chilean Sea Bass. Those with a sweet tooth will be satisfied withdelectable desserts including Warm Chocolate Molton Cakeand Traditional Tiramisu served with caramelized bananas.

Californiasis open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

About Sheraton Universal

The Sheraton Universal is owned and managed by Destination Hotels &Resorts, a leader in the management and repositioning of upscale and luxury hotels and resorts. Its $25million renovation artfully blends Sheraton's four-star service with the history of an iconic Hollywood hotel.The Sheraton Universal is located at 333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For more information, please visit or call 1-800-325-3535.

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