La Terraza restaurant at the Hyatt Westlake...

La Terraza restaurant at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza has changed executive chefs.

New on the scene is Don Catlin, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, who most recently was executive chef at the Hyatt hotel in Cherry Hill, N. J. Catlin took over his new position when former head chef Randy Saito was transferred to the Hyatt at Los Angeles International Airport.

Joe Jackson, food and beverage director at Hyatt Westlake, said not to expect any menu changes to accompany the chef changes just yet. Don’t, however, be surprised to see a whole new restaurant format soon. The hotel is at 880 S. Westlake Blvd.

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For those who hadn’t noticed, Ventura’s Golden China Restaurant has moved, from 1105 S. Seaward Ave. to 760 S. Seaward Ave., where Charlie Brown’s used to be.

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Christmas party hosts who have grown tired of the old eggnog routine may want to consider what a couple of local schoolteachers have to offer.

Elena Lattarulo, a Spanish instructor at Hueneme High School and Ventura College, and her colleague Miguel Gutierrez, who teaches science and math at Rio Mesa High School, have recently begun carting around their a Rent-A-Rita machine.

That’s Rita as in marga-rita. With the push of a handle the bartender-in-a-box dispenses the drinks in the manner of a soft-serve ice cream machine. All the host need supply is the alcohol.

“I was always the token margarita person at all the parties I went too,” Lattarulo said. “I have a reputation for making killer margaritas, but I always ended up stuck in the kitchen with the blender.” So she found an alternative for herself and others with the same high-demand skill.

Lattarulo said the machines are popular in Texas, but California has been slow to catch on.

“The machines are really easy to operate. We just deliver them, make sure everything’s OK, and then we leave.” She said the machine is suitable for large or small gatherings. “We did a party for between 300 and 400 people, and we’ve done one as small as 25.” The Rita has been invited to a few upcoming Christmas parties, and already has been reserved for the Fourth of July. Information: 647-7200.