World-Renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck Cooks First Thanksgiving at L.A. LIVE’s Ritz-Carlton Residences

Kicking off the holiday season, Chef Wolfgang Puck hosted “the first Thanksgiving” at the most exclusive address in Los Angeles, The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE. The critically-acclaimed chef and restaurateur performed a holiday cooking demonstration before a private audience of 50 in the professional Gaggenau kitchen, featured at the model vignette of L.A. LIVE’s distinctive residences.

Showcasing the five-star ambiance and services characteristic of residential living at L.A. LIVE, guests savored the culinary passion and innovation of Wolfgang Puck’s gourmet cuisine, sampling exclusive Thanksgiving recipes for two signature Puck dishes: butternut squash risotto with sauteed shrimp, along with potato galette with dill cream and a house-smoked salmon with caviar.

“Looking at L.A. LIVE, where we have our new restaurant opening, it’s really amazing what is happening now in downtown Los Angeles,” said Wolfgang Puck, as he began his holiday cooking demonstration at The Ritz-Carlton Residences. “Living at The Ritz at L.A. LIVE is the best of both worlds with first-class room service and world-class restaurants at your doorstep. You can eat my food at home or just go downstairs to my new restaurant — we’ll take care of you.”

Added Wolfgang at the end of his cooking demonstration, “L.A. LIVE is going to be such an exciting project, and we really can’t wait until we open here downtown. In fact, I know I might buy a Ritz condo, too, if I get a good deal today!”

“The overwhelming interest in the project proves the appetite for downtown living, especially for an exceptional residential retreat at the heart of L.A. LIVE,” said Timothy J. Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG, developer of L.A. LIVE. “The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE are complemented, not only by a world-class hotel property that answers a long-awaited need for Downtown L.A.’s millions of visitors, but a rich mix of prominent restaurants reflecting the uniqueness of Los Angeles and its passion for food.”

The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE will top a 54-story glass and steel structure also housing The Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE, all combined in a modern skyscraper that is set to dramatically reshape the city’s world-famous downtown skyline. Designed by California architecture firm Gensler, the hotel/residential tower will span 2 million square feet on two and a half acres of the 27-acre L.A. LIVE site.

Starting on the 27th floor, the 224 Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE will offer homeowners the ultimate in privacy and convenience via a separate entrance and private elevator, as well as private facilities, including a residential sky lobby with a landscaped terrace and an exclusive residential lounge with a private board room and media room. All the while, residents can enjoy special access to the five-star services of The Ritz-Carlton, such as a dedicated residential concierge/doorman, valet parking and VIP status with The Ritz-Carlton guest relations, as well as hotel amenities just an elevator ride away, including a full-service restaurant, private heated rooftop pool, and state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. From floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a picturesque landscape of mountain, ocean and city views, to the 24-hour, five-star concierge service, the Residences offer an everyday opportunity to indulge in luxury, while also experiencing the excitement of L.A. LIVE.

Location is everything, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE will be just steps from the city’s best in entertainment, sports, nightlife, live performances and fine dining offerings at L.A. LIVE. Hailed for its role in the renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles, the vibrant L.A. LIVE district is already home to the world-famous STAPLES Center, the Los Angeles Convention Center and the brand-new NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE. Set to complete its final phase in 2010 when the Residences will be available for occupancy, L.A. LIVE will include the equivalent of six city blocks of restaurants, cafes, cinemas, bowling lanes, music clubs, ESPN broadcast studios and the GRAMMY Museum, in addition to the hotel and residential facilities.

Residents also will experience exclusive entertainment perks through special advance invitations and VIP access to L.A. LIVE events and venues operated by Downtown Los Angeles-based developer AEG, hailed worldwide as one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters. In addition to STAPLES Center and NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE, AEG owns and operates some of the world’s finest and most successful arenas, theatres and stadiums.