The Wide Angle Volume 2, Issue 2 February/March 1997

At The Plate

Restaurant Review by Kimberly Moore and Hans Hornstein 

Planet Hollywood

Horton Plaza, Downtown,
And other various locations

Five, four, three, two, one…Blast off!!! Time to take off for Planet Hollywood. We visited this bustling museum/eatery expecting all flash and little else and we were pleasantly surprised. Sure, you get all the razzle-dazzle that is Hollywood, but you also get some memorable food.

The interior is a virtual treasure of movie memorabilia. You can wander through gazing at the props and costumes of many of your favorite movies. Big screen televisions blast out film clips and star-laden Planet history. The seating is varied, booth and table seating is available. The chairs are arm-less, although a bit small, they are sturdy. A super-sized person may feel more comfortable sliding out a table in one of the booths. The restaurant is somewhat cramped, and the soundtrack is very LOUD.

The menu has traditional California favorites, hamburgers and hot sandwiches, but they are not the stars of this menu. The house specialties and salads are what give the taste buds the most action. We sampled the delectable appetizers which, when you order more than one, can be a meal in themselves.

Every one is a treat. The entrees are attractively served and they are ample servings. We fell in love with the Thai Shrimp Pasta. It was hot and spicy with a touch of sweetness. We will gladly brave the lines to get a taste of this wonderful dish.

Save some room for one of the calorie-packed deserts. They offer a small but awesome desert menu and will gladly let you share one, which is what we did. The marbled cheesecake is a favorite of ours, but I can’t wait to go back and sample the mudslide.

The menu also features some very interesting cocktails both with and without alcohol. All are served in a souvenir glass which they will box for you to take home. In fact, Planet Hollywood sells it’s popular souvenir merchandise in a separate gift shop at the entrance of the restaurant.

So bring your camera, your appetite and your earplugs and take the next shuttle for Planet Hollywood.

Rating: ***  

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