I recently went to the Grand Opening Party for Ramsey's At The Club, a five-star dining experience set at a luxurious Country Club setting in Toluca Lake. Since 1972, this beautiful traditional Mediterranean architectural building, located adjacent to Warner Bros. studios on Forest Lawn Drive, has remained a relative secret amongst the local neighborhood and business community. As a tennis club and fitness center, it has maintained the elegant demeanor of a private country club, but inside its walls is housed a newly remodeled public restaurant, bar and outside Patio.

The evening began with an assortment of delicious tray passed gourmet Hors D' oeuvres delivered with a smile from the hip, young, attractive staff. There was an interesting serving board containing silver tablespoons filled with various appetizers, including tuna and shrimp crevice. There was an exquisite sampling of gourmet pizzas served from heated stone palates and exotic assorted cheeses from around the world garnished with a delicious assortment of fruit.

The Executive Chef, Jesse Genovese, creates the gourmet cuisine. Mr. Genovese attended the esteemed La Cordon Bleu, London Culinary Arts Institute where he graduated the Master program at the top of his class. Chef Genovese discovered his love of cooking at an early age. His travels have led him through the kitchens of Spain, England and Asia and have enhanced his appreciation for the diversity of cuisine and wine and how they accent each other. While in Spain, he had the opportunity to work with award winning Chef Marc Fosh at Read’s Hotel and Restaurant, a Michelin Star award holder and member of Relais & Chateaux.

Chef Jesse Genovese was mentored by Kurt Kircher, the Executive Chef at the Santo Ponsa Country Club in Mallorca Spain. Upon his return to the U.S., he was hired in New York City where he worked at the enormously popular Suba, a modern Spanish Restaurant. There he achieved his first Sous Chef position working for the rising celebrity Chef Chris Santos. I talked with Chef Jesse Genovese who was excited about creating the diverse menu for Ramsey’s hip and upscale clientele in addition to The Clubs regular Fitness and Tennis Club members.

The elegant wood-paneled Bar at Ramsey’s was kept busy as guests were ordering Sangria, beer and mixed cocktails. I myself opted for something more tropical since it was a beautiful and unusually warm fall evening. My Mai Tai’s were prepared with expertise and enthusiasm by the very attractive female bartenders who eagerly mixed, stirred and shook the various libations for the evenings thirsty patrons. If your drinking tastes were more sophisticated, there was also a wine tasting on the Patio showcasing the wines of The Brander Vineyard.

The Brander Vineyard is one of the original vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley and the producer of world-class Sauvignon Blanc wines in a variety of styles, as well as small quantities of handcrafted Bordeaux-style red wines. A few of the excellent Brander Vineyard wines that were sampled included, a 2007 Uno Mas, "Rhone-style" Sauvignon Blanc. A 2006 Au Naturel a classic Loire Valley style: 100% Sauvignon Blanc, a 2007 Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley flavored with black currant and blackberry and the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve which is matured in French oak barrels for 12 months and then aged in neutral tanks for 8 months prior to bottling.

Ramsey’s wood-paneled bar and conference room, wood-beamed dining room, fireplace, covered patio and beautifully appointed chandeliers and furnishings evoke the elegance, class and exclusivity of an old Hollywood Supper Club. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dinner with some friends or business clientele or a more casual luncheon or dinner on the outdoor Patio, Ramsey’s foots the bill. The main Dining Room is open and available 7 days a week for private parties and receptions and can accommodate from 25-250 guests. Also watch for special events, live music, and other gatherings hosted by Ramsey's At The Club.

The BAR at Ramsey’s is open Monday through from 11:00am serving cocktails, lunch and a dinner bar menu.

The PATIO is open Monday through Friday from 11:00am serving cocktails, lunch and dinner bar menu as well.

The Private Screening Room is available 7 days a week for private parties and business conferences.

For Parties, Private or Corporate functions, contact the General Manager Tiffany Bosch: tiffany@ramseysattheclub.com or info@ramseysattheclub.com or visit the website at www.RamseysAtTheClub.com

Ramsey's at The Club
6711 Forest Lawn Drive, Toluca Lake, CA 90068 Tel. 323.512.4170

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