Haber's new book offers delicious second helping

Mel Haber has written yet ANOTHER book, this time he enlisted the help of author Marshall Terrill. Mel's first book Bedtime Stories was well read and a huge success about the guests of his Palm Springs hotel the Ingleside Inn and the on-site restaurant Melvyn's. Bedtime Stories was an entertaining peek into the colorful world of stars and royalty at their famous Palm Springs hideaway!

His second book is Palm Springs a la Carte: The Colorful World of the Caviar Crowd at Their Favorite Desert Hideaway. The book starts where he was born, Brooklyn, New York and continues through his career as a former automotive accessory manufacturer to his 1975 move to Palm Springs.

Mel then tells the story of how he came to buy the hotel property with no knowledge of running a hotel or a restaurant. The rest of the story complete with personal and sometimes intimate detail is indeed a look behind the scenes and behind a few doors of the Ingleside Inn and Melvyn's restaurant.

Visitors have included Golden Era celebrities Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, John Wayne, Howard Hughes, Spencer Tracey and Katherine Hepburn, along with contemporary celebrities Madonna, Cher, Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver and Lance Bass.

Keep in mind with all of these celebrity name droppings that Mel Haber treats all of his guests like a star. Purchase this fabulous new book and read the charming and often hilarious book by going to his web site http://www.inglesideinn.com/ Once you read it you will find yourself inexplicably dialing 800-772-6655 for reservations for dinner at Melvyn's or a weekend at the Ingleside Inn.

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 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.

"My Life in the Movies" out in hardback

My Life in the Movies features still photographer's best Hollywood-era camera work

The still photographer behind some of the greatest images in cinema has just released his first book on his life in the movies.

Dave Friedman, the first and only still photographer to be voted into the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences and the man who took the last cinematic images of Steve McQueen and Bruce Lee, has just published My Life in the Movies (Dalton Watson Fine Books, 2008).

My Life in the Movies showcases the best of Friedman’s Hollywood-era camera work. It is also a trip back in time, with the photographer sharing his memories of what it was like to be in close quarters with some of Hollywood’s greatest, making films – and imagery – that will truly last forever.

After an apprenticeship as an assistant cameraman, Friedman went on to become one of the most in-demand still photographers in Hollywood from the late 1960s until the late 1980s. While shooting on location for dozens of Hollywood’s classic films of that era, he befriended stars such as Steve McQueen, Bruce Lee, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Travolta, Michael Caine, James Caan, Goldie Hawn, Cissy Spacek, Omar Shariff, Olivia Newton-John, Jack Nicholson, Richard Dreyfuss and Jaqueline Bissett. Some of his movie credits include Enter the Dragon, Grease, Brian’s Song, Summer of ’42, Carrie, Superman, Tom Horn, Rambo II, The Falcon and the Snowman, Rocky IV and The Running Man.

This 301-page hardback book is priced at $49. A special limited run of 2,500, which includes a slipcase and is signed by Friedman, was released earlier this year at $69.

To order a copy of My Life in the Movies, visit www.daltonwatson.com or call (847) 945-9603.

Dave Friedman signing at Book Soup

Book Soup hosts cinema's greatest still photographers at Oct. 18 signing

Dave Friedman, a still photographer behind some of the greatest images in cinema, will appear at a world famous book store on the Sunset Strip this week to promote his new book.

The signing will take place 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18 at Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Friedman will sign copies of his new photo book My Life in the Movies (Dalton Watson Fine Books, 2008) .

My Life in the Movies showcases the best of Friedman’s Hollywood-era camera work. It is also a trip back in time, with the photographer sharing his memories of what it was like to be in close quarters with some of Hollywood’s greatest, making films – and imagery – that will truly last forever.

After an apprenticeship as an assistant cameraman, Friedman went on to become one of the most in-demand still photographers in Hollywood from the late 1960s until the late 1980s. While shooting on location for dozens of Hollywood’s classic films of that era, he befriended stars such as Steve McQueen, Bruce Lee, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Travolta, Michael Caine, James Caan, Goldie Hawn, Cissy Spacek, Omar Shariff, Olivia Newton-John, Jack Nicholson, Richard Dreyfuss and Jaqueline Bissett. Some of his movie credits include Brian’s Song, Summer of ’42, Little Fauss and Big Halsey, Enter the Dragon, Carrie, Grease, Superman, Rambo II, The Falcon and the Snowman, Rocky IV and The Running Man.

Friedman was also the still photographer for Steve McQueen’s last two motion pictures – Tom Horn and The Hunter – in which a chapter is devoted to each film and Enter the Dragon, which was Bruce Lee’s last film before his untimely death.

This 301-page book, priced at $69, is a special limited run of 2,500 and includes a slipcase and is signed by Friedman. Hardback books are also available at $49.

The cost to attend the signing is free, but an RSVP is required to guarantee admittance. Contact Tyson Cornell at (310) 659-3684 or e-mail him at tyson@booksoup.com to RSVP.

Publisher Dalton Watson will also take orders from buyers around the world who want to purchase a special limited edition with an inscription from Friedman. For more information, go to www.daltonwatson.com

Grease is the word! 30th anniversary planned

Grease 30^th anniversary reunion July 11-12, 2008

Contact: Brad Waisbren

(818)506-3000

(818)472-4647

waisbren@earthlink.net

LOS ANGELES, Ca.: Poof up your poodles and polish your leather jackets because the class of Rydell High is preparing for a 30^th anniversary Grease reunion.

Cast members of the Paramount hit film and one of the most successful and adored movie musicals of all-time are still “goin' together.” The celebration reunion will take place July 11-12, 2008 at the Hollywood Collector's & Celebrities Show, Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Burbank.

Grease alumni in attendance will include director Randal Kleiser, Annette 'Cha Cha Di Gregorio' Charles, Jeff 'Kenickie' Conaway, Eddie 'Eugene Felnic' Deezen, Edd 'Vince Fontaine' Byrnes, Jamie 'Jan' Donnelly, Barry 'Doody' Pearl and a few surprise guests who are “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”

Grease still photographer Dave Friedman will also be on hand to sign copies of his new book, My Life in the Movies and sell prints of the smash musical. Attendees will be able to purchase signed photos of the cast and crew for a fee.

The film, based on Jim Jacobs' and Warren Casey's Broadway musical, was originally released on June 16, 1978. The $6 million picture was a worldwide smash and grossed more than $400 million at the box-office at the time of its release. It also garnered five Golden Globe Awards.

The movie's soundtrack played a large part of the film's cultural phenomenon and was a No. 1 album around the world. Memorable songs from the movie include “Grease” by Frankie Valli; “You're the One that I Want” and “Summer Nights” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton John; “Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton John and “Beauty School Dropout” by Frankie Avalon.

For more information on the Grease 30^th anniversary or to set up an interview with a cast member, please contact Brad Waisbren at (818)506-3000 or by email at waisbren@earthlink.net.

Steve McQueen featured on IconicPhotos.com

Rare art prints of Steve McQueen available on IconicPhotos.com

IconicPhotos.com, a new Web site, has signed photographers Barbara McQueen and Dave Friedman, to an exclusive deal that offers limited edition prints of Steve McQueen to the public.

These images offer a privileged insight into a previously unseen side of one of the 20th Century's most charismatic and admired stars, and a rare treat for collectors and fans.

“For the past two years, the only way someone could purchase my limited edition prints were if you attended one of my photo exhibitions,” said Barbara McQueen. “Now they’re available to everyone online by going to www.iconicphotos.com.”

Barbara McQueen had carved a very successful career for herself as a fashion model when she met actor Steve McQueen in 1977. At a time when she was stepping back from the modeling industry, McQueen was equally beginning to turn his back on the trappings of Hollywood stardom. They were to spend the next three years together, marrying in 1980 the year of Steve's death. During that time, she captured wonderful and unique images that the very private McQueen allowed to no one else.

Barbara's photographs, approximately 400 in all, record a behind the scenes life of personal pleasures and enthusiasms — hitting the road in Steve's pickup truck, visiting collectors' shows and swap-meets, driving 700 miles for a rare World War I motorcycle, flying a vintage mail plane, and generally ducking out of Hollywood. About 150 of those photos were featured in her 2006 book, Steve McQueen: The Last Mile. (Dalton Watson Fine Books)

Dave Friedman is a world renowned photographer and motion picture Still Photographer known for his pictures of celebrities and cinema, racing and ballet. His collection also included photos of Bruce Lee, John Travolta, Robert Redford, Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson.

As the still photographer on Tom Horn and The Hunter, Friedman collection includes approximately 40 photos of the iconic superstar at work and play on the set of his last two pictures.
Friedman, who resides in southern California and is working on a photo book regarding his Hollywood years, called My Life In The Movies. (Dalton Watson Fine Books). The book is expected to have a May 2008 release date.

For more information, logon to www.IconicPhotos.com.