Golden Flickers Studio Cafe
Written by @DashHaber
Backstory:
Among his many business dealings, Franklin Keys understood the power of celebrity. He knew that he needed to remake himself with a new image as he climbed the social ladder, and a trip out to the West Coast brought him just the opportunity. Within the quickly growing world of “motion pictures”, Franklin became a major investor in the small-time Golden Flickers Studios. Since then, the studio has blossomed into a success, churning out plenty of exciting and entertaining fantasies on the silver screen. They even make newsreels, with some of them covering the exciting life of Franklin Keys, presenting him as a real man about town to the moviegoing public.
With the opening of his Grand American hotel, Franklin decided to shine the spotlight on his investment with a restaurant that could offer families the sort of hearty breakfast they could have at the studio, along with giving some newfound flavors for their dinner.
Restaurant architecture
Located in the Hollywood Wing of the hotel, guests will find a sleek doorway that resembles the entrance to a screening room. Above it reads “Golden Flickers Studio Café” in an art deco font. Inside is a lobby with a check-in desk for guests to check in, whether they are arriving for breakfast or dinner, along with nearby benches for them to wait. In the lobby is a lovely mural, painted to resemble the Hollywood hills with the iconic HOLLYWOODLAND sign. Rising up above the hills is a film reel with light radiating from it, as if it were the sun. Written above the mural is “Golden Flickers Studios”, while below it reads “Bringing golden dreams to the silver screen”. There is also a screening area tucked away in its own space off from the lobby, giving guests something to watch with a medley of silent movie clips.
Once their table is ready, guests enter the café proper. The interior has a modern sheen and colorful atmosphere, complete with a ceiling painting of the earlier “film reel as sun” image. Tables are arranged all throughout, with the buffet area set aside in a nicely lit alcove. The mood is warm and welcoming, but that is not all. The walls are adorned with posters for a variety of films from Golden Flickers Studios, such as a daring adventure movie called PIRATES AHOY! and a circus comedy called SEND IN THE CLOWNS. There are even some cases with props on display, such as a bowler hat and magnifying lens from a film called THE GENTLEMAN DETECTIVE. The result feels like a celebration of the silent movies in this 1920s era.
That feeling is even accentuated by the music, which features many of the tunes that one can hear with a silent movie.
Food and Beverage/Character Meals: Golden Flickers Studio Café generally has its doors open for two different meal periods: breakfast and dinner. That said, each meal period has its own special flavor, along with a unique character meal for the occasion.
For the mornings, the Back Lot Breakfast is the perfect way to get your day “rolling”. The buffet offers plenty of breakfast classics, such as scrambled eggs, sausages, and bacon. Of course, you can never go wrong with pancakes or waffles, whether as a stack of classic flapjacks or waffles made in the iconic Mickey Mouse shape. There is also plenty of fresh fruit to offer a healthy start to your day, along with an assortment of fruit juices to drink alongside the classic breakfast staple of milk. Of course, it’s not only the food that guests will enjoy. Greeting guests at the start of their day are Mickey Mouse and his friends Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, and Daisy Duck. All of them are dressed up for a day of film shooting (Mickey as a film director, Donald in a top hat and tuxedo coat, Goofy in a Charlie Chaplin-style suit, Minnie as a Hollywood starlet, and Daisy in a 1920s gown) and are happy to meet with guests as they dine before a busy and exciting day.
(Flapjacks)
(Mickey Mouse Waffles)
(Reference for look of movie director Mickey Mouse)
As for the evenings, Hollywood is known for its celebrities, so why not bring in a celebrity chef to help orchestrate the dinner? The Cajun on Camera Dinner offers this chance, though with someone from outside the Golden State. Coming straight from New Orleans, Tiana has arrived with Prince Naveen and Louis the Alligator to join guests in a delightful meal. She’s brought plenty of recipes over from Tiana’s Palace for the chefs in the café to recreate, such as jambalaya, gumbo, and of course those ever-delightful beignets as a dessert! Those tastes are sure to delight the little ones, but there will also be some familiar family staples like pizza, chicken fingers, and macaroni and cheese. Throughout the meal, Tiana, Prince Naveen, and Louis will mingle with the crowds, meeting excited families and chatting with guests as they enjoy their meal after a thrilling day at the park.
(Jambalaya)
(Beignets)
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