Just take a peek outside your window…

If you look across the street, you’ll be drawn in to the constant activity of downtown Los Angeles’ LA Live, home to the Staples Center, as well as the Grammy Museum, the Nokia Theater, ESPN Zone and countless restaurants, clubs and other ideal spots to see and be seen.  Gazing further north from one of the deluxe top-floor suites, you’ll see a direct line to the world-famous Hollywood sign, nestled in the Hollywood Hills and representing all things glamorous about L.A.

These views are exclusive to the newly opened Luxe City Center Hotel, which boasts a coveted location in the heart Los Angeles, providing spectacular views regardless which direction you face.

To the west is Beverly Hills and looking to the south and east, you sense LA’s vibrant city culture that is the commercial hub for some of the world’s most prominent companies.  As a guest at the hotel, you can enjoy these views, while calling the hotel “home” during your stay.  With convenient access to various means of transport, as well as world-class dining, entertainment and spas arm’s length, you partake in the glamour of Los Angeles within the proximity of the Luxe City Center Hotel.  Indeed, it’s just outside the window…

Calling all chocolate lovers!  We are lucky that Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel’s culinary mastermind Chef James Jung is willing to share his recipe for the sinfully delectable truffles served at the hotel’s legendary Cafe Rodeo. Now you can try to make it yourself and compare the results with the one that you may have tasted already at the hotel paired with one of their “true-to-Italian-style” cappuccinos.

It’s up to you if you want to boast about it as you serve it to your guests at home as a “surprise” desert after a dinner party, or actually share the recipe with them.  You can always report that the recipe comes from the only hotel on the celebrated street that offers such “decadent” indulgences.

You will need:

8 ounces of chocolate, milk or dark to taste

½ cup of heavy cream

1 tablespoon of coconut rum

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Using a double boiler, slowly melt the chocolate over boiling water.  Bring the cream barely to a boil, and add to the melted chocolate.  Once the chocolate and cream are mixed well, add the coconut rum and vanilla extract.  Combine thoroughly.

Chill the mixture in the freezer.  Once the mixture has set, scoop truffles onto a tray using a small ice cream scoop.

Should you want to enjoy the truffles at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel instead of trying it yourself, why not pair it with a bottle of ’99 Dom Perignon?  Really, only a small added indulgence…

Extravagance on Rodeo Drive is not new.  The street has long been world famous for being a quintessential hub for indulgence.   Because of its prime location, set amongst couture fashion houses, world-class designer boutiques and the glamour of Beverly Hills, it is often the hotel of choice among both local residents and travelers when seeking a glamorous eatery or a backdrop for virtually any celebratory event.

Go ahead.  Pick up the challenge and see if your homemade truffles can rival that of the handmade truffles served daily at Luxe Hotels’ flagship property.