Mistaken Identity

Mistaken Identity Mel Haber, owner of Melvyn's Ingleside Inn, recalls the opening night of his restaurant when he inadvertently turned away Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw.
The following is an excerpt from Palm Springs à la Carte by Mel Haber with Marshall Terrill (Barricade Books, Inc.), to be published February 2009. Printed with permission By opening night the whole town was waiting for me to open my doors. Back then the doyens of Palm Springs society were a small-knit group, but an informed one. I happened to open my place at a time when there was absolutely nothing else going on and I got lucky. Very lucky. I also made a key hire — someone that could bring the stars to my hotel, bar, and restaurant, which I had renamed "Melvyn's" on the advice of a friend. "I can't name it Melvyn's," I protested initially. "You'd have to be an egomaniac to name a place after yourself." "Nobody has ever called you Melvyn," my friend said. He had a point. Nobody had ever called me "Melvyn," including my mother. Everyone simply called me Mel. But the trick was going to be trying to find a guy to be Melvyn — a suave, sophisticated front man who knew how to cater to powerful people. I knew I wasn't polished enough to pull it off. Advertisement As hard as this may be to believe, I'm basically pretty shy. I am not a very sociable person, but that doesn't preclude me from talking your ears off once I know you. It's never been my style to walk up to a stranger and strike up a conversation. I've always preferred my little space in the back office and pulling the strings. So the trick for me was to find someone who could be Melvyn and be a face that the public would associate with my establishment. Through a bit of good luck, I managed to lure Hank Van de Boer, who was the longtime maitre d' of the world famous Racquet Club. The historic hotel resort was founded by actors Charles Farrell and Ralph Bellamy in December 1934, and the opening and closing of the Racquet Club signaled the beginning and the end of each season in Palm Springs. Just about every major Hollywood star traipsed through the doors of the storied club, and now I had the maitre d' who'd befriended these stars. My timing couldn't have been better. The club had just been sold and was starting to lose some of its luster. The maitre d' saw it as the right time to make a move, and luckily for me, he did. He brought plenty of his former clientele to my new place, and for that I was very thankful. August was drawing to a close, and the site was looking pretty spiffy. We were not completely finished, but I had come to the realization that it would never be and there would always be something to fix. My beach boy chef, Charlie, much to my surprise and delight, had put together a very ambitious yet traditional Old World menu. We decided to open the doors on September 15. I chose to have a quiet opening so that I could iron out the kinks before the season went into full swing. I placed a small ad in the Desert Sun announcing that Melvyn's was now serving dinner. I had also made up a critique sheet that I was going to use for customer feedback. It was presented at every table with the check, and the waiter was instructed to buy a round of drinks for every table that filled it out. As I drove to Melvyn's on opening night, I honestly had no idea what to expect. Was it going to be a bust, or would my efforts be appreciated? I was stunned to find the bar full of people and every table in the dining room was taken. I mean, I couldn't believe my eyes. To say that I was nervous was a major understatement. The maitre d' informed me that we were sold out! Who knew? I thought maybe we might get some curiosity seekers, but to have a sold out crowd was beyond my wildest dreams. As I looked around the totally unfamiliar crowd, it appeared as if all the women were beautiful and all the men were handsome and dashing, and everybody was impeccably dressed. I had argued with myself that day as to whether or not to wear a tie, but luckily I made the right decision. Had I guessed wrong, I would have been totally out of place because all the men were wearing jackets and ties. The maitre d' pulled me into a corner in the dining room and gave me a run-down of the people in the room: actors Mary Martin and Tony Franciosa; Mousie Powell, wife of Dick Powell, who ran Four Star Studios; Mayor Frank Bogert; 21 Club owners Jerry and Molly Berns; retired studio mogul Darryl Zanuck and his wife; the Florsheims; and several other movers and shakers. As he related their names and who they were, I felt flush. It seemed as if I had the Who's Who of the country in my establishment. I circulated throughout the dining room and bar for about two hours, having no idea what to do with myself. As I walked around, several people stopped me to introduce themselves and wish me good luck. It seemed as if an angel had sprinkled some stardust on me because everything seemed to click. I had even hired a piano player for the lounge, and while he was tinkling the ivories in the back, that area began to fill up, too. I had a college student named Danny Click to thank for a lot of the patrons; Danny and I struck up an unlikely friendship over the course of the summer. He was a young, ambitious kid who parked cars at a well-known restaurant two blocks away. I immediately liked him. Perhaps I sensed in him the same work ethic and hustle that I had possessed at his age. His restaurant was closed over the summer, and he visited almost every day. Danny had assured me that when I opened he would recommend people to stop over and visit Melvyn's His word was good as gold, and several people dropped by Melvyn's on opening night, mentioning that Danny had sent them my way. At about ten o'clock, I walked outside to have a cigarette. Just at that very moment, a scruffy-looking guy dressed in dungarees and a T-shirt and sporting a heavy beard pulled up on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He had a very pretty lady on the back of the bike. He's certainly not the Ingleside Inn type, I thought, becoming a little full of myself. The guy said he had come to see the "new place." "Please buddy not tonight!" I begged him. "It's opening night and I don't want any trouble. Come back another night and I'll buy you a drink." He smiled at me, gunned the throttle on the motorcycle and drove off. I was pleased at how I handled a delicate situation so adeptly. About an hour later, Danny showed up and asked, "Mel, have you been getting all the people I've been sending over?" I told him I had and thanked him profusely He then asked how I enjoyed meeting Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw, Hollywood's new golden couple. Startled and disappointed that I had not, I said they never showed. Danny said he was surprised because they assured him they would come right over to have a nightcap. He said, "They were on a big, blue Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Steve McQueen was wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt." It turned out that I'd yanked the welcome mat from under the international box-office champion and his glamorous movie star wife. He never came back. Luckily for me, that was the only blunder of that night. However, it was the first of many faux pas that I eventually became famous for. For more information or to order Palm Springs a la Carte, visit www.inglesideinn.com or www.amazon.com.

Palm Springs a la Carte served up Feb. 1, 2009

Palm Springs a la Carte gets served up February 1, 2009

Mel Haber still doesn't know how to cook a steak, make a Bloody Mary or open a cash register.

That's not an astounding statement to make unless you have been a very successful restaurateur and have been in business for more than three decades. Haber, who was the operator of six different restaurants, including the legendary Melvyn's Restaurant and the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, made every mistake in the book and succeed in spite of himself.

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact how the former automotive novelty manufacturer from Coney Island, Brooklyn, stumbled into the desert in 1975 and made a name for himself in a business he knew nothing about – the hospitality industry.

Palm Springs a la Carte: The Colorful World of the Caviar Crowd at Their Favorite Desert Hideaway (Barricade Books, 2009) is a charming, often hilarious book describing the adventures of novice restaurateur and hotelier, Melvyn Haber, an automotive accessory manufacturer from the bowels of New York City who is a legend in the sugar-frosted society of Palm Springs.

Haber admits he made every mistake in the book, which didn't preclude him from running one of the most successful restaurant's and hotels of all time. His establishments have attracted a guest list that reads like a Who's Who of the world. Visitors have included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Marlon Brando, Liberace, Liza Minnelli, President Gerald Ford, Steve Allen, Lucille Ball, Dinah Shore, Rita Hayworth, Jerry Lewis and June Allyson.

Haber restored the historic inn and grounds, and built his own restaurant, Melvyn's. He learned the business the hard way and lived through a comedy of errors that would have bankrupted most investors in today's ultra-competitive hotel and restaurant markets. He managed not only to survive, but flourish, and became an example of the American dream in its fullest flower.

The book is filled with entertaining stories that offer a peek into the colorful world of celebrities, Hollywood elite, royalty, diplomats, mafioso and lovable con artists at their favorite desert hideaway. As a raconteur, Haber has few equals. With this book, he finally lifts the velvet rope to give readers the best seat in the house, and enthralls them with witty stories about his black-tie clientèle.

These days you're likely to see Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, David Hasselhoff, Barry Manilow, Lance Bass, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, Donald Trump and John Travolta enjoying themselves at the site. It remains one of the world's top dream resorts.

Haber feels his story should be an inspiration to everybody, because in his own words, “If I can make it, anybody can.”

Mel Haber is currently the owner of the Ingleside Inn and Melvyn's restaurant. He is also the president of the Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation and has served on its board for twenty-five years, the last fifteen as president. He resides in Rancho Mirage, California.

Palm Springs a la Carte (ISBN 1-56980-353-6; 978-1-56980-353-0) is published by Barricade Books and will be distributed through the National Book Network.

To pre-order Palm Springs a la Carte, visit www.amazon.com or www.inglesideinn.com.

All You Need Is Love

Former Beatles girlfriends May Pang and Nancy Lee Andrews experienced what millions of girls only dreamed.

Pang, former Yoko Ono-endorsed companion to John Lennon, is the author of the new book, "Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon," featuring rare photos of her time with the music legend.

Former international model Andrews shared a seven-year relationship with Ringo Starr, and is the author of the photographic memoir, "A Dose of Rock and Roll."

Both will be featured at the Melvyn's at the Ingleside Inn Dinner Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

Melvyn's at the Ingleside Inn Dinner with May Pang, including champagne reception with hors d'oeuvres and photo exhibition, 6-6:30 p.m.; dinner followed by talk, and Q&A session, 6:30 p.m. Melvyn's at the Ingleside Inn, 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs. (760) 325-2323

Pang and Andrews invade the Desert

Melvyn's hosts April 13 exhibit and book signing with May Pang and Nancy Lee Andrews

Authors May Pang and Nancy Lee Andrews, both long time companions of John Lennon and Ringo Starr, will hold an exhibition and book signing at Melvyn’s Restaurant in the heart of Palm Springs, California.

Nancy Lee Andrews met Ringo through Lennon who introduced them in May of 1974. The photographs, taken over a decade starting in 1970, are a personal journey through her life at the peak of pop culture history. May Pang was requested to become John Lennon’s companion in June of 1973. Pang’s memoir recounts stories of her former lover in vivid detail.

Pang and Andrews are exhibiting never before seen photos of John Lennon and Ringo Starr on Sunday, April 13, 2008 6-9 p.m. Pang and Andrews will also hold a champagne reception, book signing and story hour. The photos and books will be for sale at Melvyn’s Restaurant tucked inside The Ingleside Inn, 200 Ramon Road.

Andrews’ book A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll ($69.99, Dalton Watson Fine Books) a photographic essay about her life with Ringo Starr while Pang is promoting Instamatic Karma ($29.99, St. Martin's Press), chronicling her 18-month relationship with John Lennon.

Melvyn’s Restaurant at The Ingleside Inn was built as a private residence in 1925, and was converted to an inn in 1935. The inn, which features a classic, old world style, is a Palm Springs Historic Landmark.

Call (760) 325-2323 or visit http://www.inglesideinn.com/ for tickets or more information.


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Marshall Terrill appears in Palm Springs Feb. 13

Author to talk about Steve McQueen

Saturday, February 2, 2008
By MONIQUE H. HENDERSON
Special to The Press-Enterprise

A journalist and author who has written a best-selling biography on actor Steve McQueen is set to discuss his work during an appearance at the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs.

Marshall Terrill will speak at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13at Melvyn's inside the inn.

The inn is at 200 W. Ramon Road in Palm Springs. Tickets are $35 and reservations are required. The event is part of the inn's "Dinner With ..." series.

Terrill is the author of more than 10 books, including the biography, "Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel."

In 2006, he published a biography of basketball legend "Pistol" Pete Maravich.

He also is the author of "Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business," which was published in 2007, and "Skywalker: The David Thompson Story."

Terrill also edited several books on subjects including history, baseball and the film and music industry.

He teaches a college course title How to Get Your Book Published.

Terrill, who lives in Tempe, Ariz., with his wife, Zoe, also is a reporter for Tribune Newspapers and does public relations consulting.

His books have been reviewed in publications including People, Cosmopolitan, Playboy, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Hollywood Reporter and Readers Digest.

The Ingleside Inn was built as a private residence in 1925, and was converted to an inn in 1935. The inn, which features a classic, old world style, is a Palm Springs Historic Landmark.

Call (760) 325-2323 for tickets or more information.

Marshall Terrill launches new Web venture

Best-selling author launches new Web venture

Celebrity biographer and best-selling author Marshall Terrill recently launched a new Web venture, www.marshallterrill.com, offering writing and editing services for full-length book manuscripts, proposals, review and manuscript editing.

Best-selling author Marshall Terrill, along with editor Cheryl Hosmer, offer a one-two literary punch with their combined talents, experience and enthusiasm. Those who have a unique or original concept for a non-fiction book or novel can now take the first step towards getting published. Or if you need help editing or proofreading a manuscript, proposal, synopsis, query letter or how to approach a publisher, they can lend a hand as well.

“For years I've been quite successful helping friends and associates get published either through my editing services and critiques,” Terrill said. “Now I'd like to offer those same services to those who are sincere in becoming published authors.”

Terrill is a veteran reporter, author, editor and public relations consultant. Of his dozen books, three are best-selling biographies on the lives of Steve McQueen, Elvis Presley and “Pistol” Pete Maravich. His books have been reviewed in USA Today, People, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, US Weekly, The London Times, The Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle and OK Magazine.

His list of books include Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel (1994); Edd Byrnes: Kookie No More (1996); Flight of the Hawk: The Aaron Pryor Story (1997); Ken Norton: Going the Distance (2000); Earnie Shavers: Welcome to the Big Time (2002); Sergeant Presley (2002); The King, McQueen and the Love Machine (2002); Skywalker: The David Thompson Story (2003); Maravich (2006); Steve McQueen: The Last Mile (2007) and Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business (2007). His next book, a collaboration with businessman Mel Haber, who owns the world famous Ingleside Inn and Melvyns in Palm Springs, will be issued in the fall of 2008.

Terrill has also edited five books on several subjects: history, baseball and the film and music industry. Terrill also teaches a very successful college course, “How To Get Your Book Published” and has had remarkable success getting his students published.

Hosmer is the editor of the 2005 version of Steve McQueen: Portrait of An American Rebel; Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business; Maravich and Steve McQueen: The Last Mile. Hosmer is a former journalist specializing in community journalism and issues of poverty in the United States. She specializes in developmental editing, research, business consulting, marketing and website usability issues.

“There's nothing like taking an author's raw idea and working through it, watching it come to life," Hosmer said. "It doesn't matter if it's ghosting or editing fiction or nonfiction, creating business plans or a training and development module. Once you get that momentum and creativity up and running, it's exciting.”

Marshall Terrill.com will also host monthly seminars, live Internet chats and offer updated tips on writing and editing.

For more information, go to www.marshallterrill.com.