Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 2, 2010

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

8

Mountain Views News Saturday, October 2, 2010

Morton’s The Steak House

 If I were to ask fifty people, what is your favorite steakhouse? I know that I 
would receive a range of restaurants in response, but I am just as certain that 
Morton’s Steakhouse would be mentioned frequently. Morton’s Steak House 
is one of the best experiences that I have had in the Los Angeles area in the 
past ten years. If you want to get the movie star experience, spend a night at 
Morton’s and be pampered like the privileged.

 For a restaurant that is known for its enticing steaks, you may be surprised 
to discover that the inspiration for Morton’s was spawned from a commonest 
of food items.

How it all began...

 Morton’s actually exists today because of ... hamburgers! Years ago, before co-founders Arnie 
Morton and Klaus Fritsch really knew one other, they both worked at the Playboy Club in 
Montreal. The club was changing the menu, and Klaus cooked a hamburger that was sent out for 
Arnie to try. Arnie burst into the kitchen, demanding to know “Who cooked that hamburger?” 
When Klaus stepped forward, he wasn’t sure if Arnie was going to be pleased or not but was 
relieved to hear him say that it was the best he’d ever had. In fact, Arnie called it a Million Dollar 
Burger and the rest, as they say, is history. There are over 60 Morton Steakhouses in the World. Lucky 
for you and me there are two very close by – downtown LA and Burbank.

 The Downtown LA restaurant had a club vibe, a little old school nostalgia with a trendy grown up 
flair. Morton’s showcases its open kitchen with Chef Fernando Ubarho entertaining the guests. The 
air is scented with the sultry perfumes of meats cooking in double broiler ovens. This method seals in 
the flavors as both sides of the beef are cooked at the same time. The bar is open as well, and known 
to have a star or two. Ask Keith Gertler, the bartender, to make you his famous Ol’ Fashioned with 
Maker’s Mark. If you are a sophisticated wine drinker, Morton’s has bottles ranging from ($28) all the 
way up to ($5000). I would love to know what a five thousand dollar bottle of wine tastes like. If you 
do find something you really like, they can store it for you in one 
of their lockers (this is by invite only). For some reason, I didn’t 
get an offer for a locker. They must have known my budget.

 They do have fantastic seafood, but of course I cannot resist 
the Steaks. The meats selected are the very finest, in the 1% to 2% 
of top quality prime. It does not get any better than that! I always 
select a cut of beef with the bone in. On this night, Morton’s 
delivered to me a spectacular bone in Rib Eye Steak. If I ever 
need a request for a last meal, they’re the call. If you have been 
following this column, you know I have a passion for Crab Cakes, 
and I always order them if the are on the menu. In a word, these 
are Spectacular! And at ($42) for the entrée, your palate may sue if 
you don’t experience these creative delights. For dessert I shared 
a Carrot Cake which, I have been told, was created especially for 
by Morton’s by Marianne Artinian. Who is that? Her son Chris, is 
CEO of Morton’s. A meal fit for a Hollywood Star!!!

Morton’s The Steak House

735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 213-553-4566

3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA (818) 238-0424

Join me Friday, October 15th for a special Meet and greet at Ethan Allen Design Center, 

445 N. Rosemead, Pasadena, at 6 P.M. Let’s share some bubbles and talk about restaurants.


Cafe322 - 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. - Sierra Madre, CA 91024 
- Phone (626) 836-5414 Fax: (626) 836-5787 


••••••••••••
••••••••••••
••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••
YoGamaDreNew students only.
Limited time offer.
Fun Stuff you 
can Expect at the 
Festival: 

•Stroll the grounds 
of the beautiful 
Arboretum and 
Botanical Garden

•Tram Tours of the 
entire 127 Acres

•Experience wines from California and 
around the world

•Learn about and taste cheeses from 
California and beyond

•Dine at communal tables while enjoying 
your wine or scope an area underneath 
one of the umbrellas

•Challenge your friends for a game of 
Bocci Ball, Horse Shoes, Ultimate golf 
challenge or just throw around the Frisbee

•Most of all RELAX with friends on the 
Arboretum's grass while enjoying some 
vino and listening to some of the area 
most renowned musical artist—from jazz 
to funk, to blues and salsa

•Bring blankets or beach chairs and enjoy 
the experience under the stars

The Pasadena 
Wine Festival

Los Angeles Arboretum 

Saturday October 9, 2010 

2:00 pm to 10 pm.