Sunday, February 26, 2006
FEB.26 MATTEO'S RESTAURANT SCREENING OF “MATTEO’S: A RETROSPECTIVE”
NEW OWNERS OF MATTEO’S RESTAURANT PROUD TO HOST PUBLIC
SCREENING OF “MATTEO’S: A RETROSPECTIVE”
Old and New Friends of the Restaurant Invited to Enjoy Film and
Complimentary Cocktails and Hors D’Oeuvres Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
(Los Angeles, CA) February 13, 2006 – The new owners of Matteo’s Restaurant
are proud to announce the debut screening of “Matteo’s: A Retrospective” on
the evening of Sunday, February 26, 2006. This special event will be held
at the restaurant, located at 2321 Westwood Boulevard in Los Angeles, in
Matteo’s Townhouse, formerly known as the upstairs banquet room.
Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served beginning at 6:00
p.m. and the film, 25 minutes in length, is scheduled to screen at 7:00 p.m.
Founded in 1963 by Matty Jordan, a colorful and charming Italian-American
from Hoboken, New Jersey, Matteo’s is an authentic, upscale Italian
restaurant that quickly attracted a loyal and star-studded following.
Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and, of course, Ol’
Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, made Matteo’s a favorite haunt, as did
many others, some of whom were honored with menu items in their name.
Today, the fine art, black-and-white photos and memorabilia of more than
four decades of patrons decorate the restaurant’s deep red walls.
When Matty Jordan died in 1999 after 35 years as the face and spirit of
Matteo’s, his widow, Jackie Jordan, took up the reins. Then, in November
2005, she turned Matteo’s over to several members of the Heron family who
are active locally in real estate and community development.
“Matteo’s is one of the truly special restaurants in Los Angeles — the kind
of place that radiates history in a landscape where so much is changing,”
said Claire Heron, who recently purchased Matteo’s along with her husband,
three of her children, and her daughter-in-law. “We hope this retrospective
preserves fond memories for Jackie Jordan, and that it shows how fortunate
and honored we feel to be the new owners of Matteo’s entrusted with carrying
on its traditions.”
An Escape Velocity production, “Matteo’s: A Retrospective” celebrates more
than 40 years of the restaurant’s inimitable history. The film features
fond remembrances of Matteo’s founder Matty Jordan and cameo appearances by Jackie Jordan, former maître d Larry Cullen and many loyal patrons—both
world- and locally famous—including Phyllis Diller, Sidney Beckerman, and
Army Archerd.
The screening event is free and open to the public, however attendance is
limited and reservations are advised. To join in the festivities, please
call (310) 475-4521. Matteo’s is also accepting regular dinner reservations
for the evening.
About Matteo’s Restaurant
For more than 40 years, Matteo’s of Los Angeles has been the Italian
restaurant of choice for people from all walks of life — from local
residents and businesspeople to celebrities and U.S. presidents. In
November 2005, several members of the local Heron family purchased Matteo’s,
enlisted the talents of acclaimed chef David Slay, and made it their mission
to preserve and update the restaurant for the enjoyment of future
generations. Today, as always, Matteo’s serves unforgettable upscale
Southern Italian dishes in an intimate and glamorous setting. To make a
reservation, or for more information, call (310) 475-4521 or visit www.matteosla.com.
