Off the Menu - The Last Days of Chasen's (1997)

One last morsel of past pleasures gone forever

When I moved to Beverly Hills in 1977 after leaving University, one of the first 'Hollywood moments' I had was walking around the neighborhood a couple days after moving in. As I walked down Beverly Boulevard I saw uber-producer Robert Evans walking towards me flanked by a two gorgeous women--a blonde and a brunette. It was a warm night but he was wearing a scarf. Drunk with opportunity I caught his eye and nervously gushed out "Mister Evans I'm A Huge Fan Of Yours And I Know You Don't Want To Be Bothered But Please Tell Me One Thing That Will Help My Career I Will Be In Your Debt Forever!!!"

He stopped in his tracks, reining in the girls. Looked at me, and turned around and pointed down Beverly Boulevard and said "Eat at Chasen's.." As he resumed walking he yelled back at me "...and leave a big tip!"

I managed to make it there a number of times over the years, and although it lost the allure for some it was the closest you could get to finding the last glimpses of the old Hollywood I had grown up reading about.

OFF THE MENU captures that magic for those lucky enough to have experienced the magic, and brings it to life for those who can only wonder. Whilst not as seamless as it could be, and lacking a few more celebrity reminiscences that would have added value, It leaves you satisfied, but still wanting one more taste for dessert. August 2, 2008

I knew the Matre D

This movie was very interesting because my daughter's grandfather-in-law was the matre d at Chasens for years. His son has pictures of him with all the Hollywood stars of the 40s and 50s. July 16, 2007

Off the Menu - The Last Days of Chasen's

This is an excellent movie, it's being used in the classroom to teach beginning Restaurant/Hospitality students. January 4, 2007

Great documentary!

"Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's" is the best documentary I've seen in a long time. The documentary catches the audience and in a fascinating and human way describes the atmosphere, the staff who dedicated their lives serving the stars, but also deals with the evolution in the restaurant business that played a role in the closing of this famous Hollywood restaurant. It's a great documentary! Buy it! March 11, 2004

** "IT'S OVER 20 YEARS OLD...TEAR IT DOWN !" ***

THAT'S HOW JAY LENO JOKES WHEN INTERVIEWED IN THIS DOCUMENTARY ABOUT A LOS ANGELES LEGEND CALLED CHASEN'S. THE HEARSE IN THE OPENING SEQUENCE MAY AS WELL BE CARRYING THE SOUL OF ALL THE FAMOUS PATRONS WHO EVER VISITED THE FAMED RESTUARANT. TORN DOWN TO MAKE WAY FOR A MORE PROFITABLE MALL, CHASEN'S NOW LIVES ON ONLY IN THIS DOCUMENTARY. OVER THE YEARS, THE CLIENTELLE INCLUDED THE BIGGEST STARS IN HOLLYWOOD, BUT THE REAL STAR OF THIS FILM IS CHASEN'S.****RENT OR BUY IT ! ******* December 9, 2003

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