George Hamilton Savors His Newest Role: Actor/Entrepreneur Opens Signature Restaurant Later This Month in Indian Wells.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1998--One of Hollywood's most famous bon vivants has found the perfect part.

Actor and entrepreneur George Hamilton will launch his signature restaurant, Hamiltons Indian Wells, later this month at Hyatt Grand Champions. The new location follows in the wake of successful Hamiltons openings in Miami, Pasadena and Las Vegas at New York, New York Hotel & Casino. The signature restaurants, lounges and nightclubs reflect the elegant and sophisticated lifestyle of their glamorous CEO, a responsibility Hamilton takes very seriously.

Hamiltons Indian Wells' signature decor was inspired by the legendary classic nightclubs of the '30s and '40s. The restaurant, which features a gourmet bill of fare with Mediterranean influences and a touch of Moroccan flavor and its own private pool for lounging and swimming. "We'll recreate the ambiance of the famed Racquet Club where people came to spend the day being pampered, relaxing, meeting friends and enjoying the finest dining," said Hamilton.

As for the menu, appetizers as varied as lobster and porcini steamed dumplings and roasted eggplant and pepper soup are followed by tempting entrees like Sicilian entrecote or pancetta-wrapped pork loin with sweet potato souffle. The location also maintains a full bar with vintage bottled wines, fine wines by the glass, an outstanding selection of domestic and imported champagnes, single-malt Scotches, ports, cordials and a host of specialty martinis. "The wine list will change every six months under Mr. Hamilton's direction to complement the menu," says Jurgen Branner, general manager. "We'll always carry the classics but will make room for the finest."

Hamiltons Indian Wells, which offers seating indoors and outdoors on a poolside terrace, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM for lunch and 6 PM to 10 PM for dinner. Starting in November, the location will be open seven days a week. Live entertainment each evening includes low-key classical piano, with a quartet and dancing after 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Appetizers range from $6 to $15 with an average of $10; entrees, which average $26, are priced from $18 to $32. Items from the bar menu are listed from $6 to $11; the pool menu ranges from $7 to $9.50. Guests are welcome to "make a day of it," says Hamilton. "Dinner and dancing are a wonderful conclusion to a relaxing day at Hamiltons Indian Wells.

"My goal is to introduce patrons to what I feel are timeless pleasures," Hamilton explains. "That includes fine food and spirits, stimulating conversation, sophisticated entertainment and dancing in an environment that's as relaxed as it is elegant. It's all part of the trend toward savoring the moment and living life in pursuit of quality. I want our guests to slow down and pamper themselves."

To that end, the actor/entrepreneur has involved himself in every aspect of the restaurant's operation, from design and decor to the wine list, menu and service quality. Branner sees Hamilton's active role as both welcome and complementary. "It's Mr. Hamilton's name and reputation that make this restaurant what it is, and he spends a great deal of time making sure it reflects his standards. He samples menus, meets with staff, mingles with the clientele and brings his suggestions to the chef."

Branner, who earned his culinary stripes in Europe, believes strongly in the Hamiltons philosophy. "Do you remember how it used to be? When everything was leisurely and elegant, when service and ambiance were paramount? That is the atmosphere we cultivate at Hamiltons. Everything today is rush, rush, rush, but here we offer everyone a chance to relax and enjoy a magical, discreet and sophisticated evening."

Hamilton says Hyatt Grand Champions and the surrounding area are a perfect fit for his restaurants and nightclubs. "This is a world-class resort that caters to very sophisticated resident and tourist markets," he explains. "The upscale demographics and cosmopolitan lifestyle of the area are consistent with our concept."

A resident of Los Angeles, Hamilton frequents the Indian Wells/Palm Springs area for weekend getaways. Corporate headquarters for Hamiltons International, the parent company under which the Hamiltons line operates, is located in Beverly Hills.