The Green Street wing of Castle Green contains a HUD housing facility on the upper floors, and businesses on the first floor. When you enter off Green and turn left, you see this.
The hallway ends at the corner of Green and Raymond, in a residents-only lobby. I got to see it but didn't take pictures, because it is private and I am nice. It's an updated lounge with comfy seating, a big-screen TV and large windows overlooking the Castle gardens. A covered opening in the south wall reminds you that it once opened to the hallway leading to the dining room of Castle Green. Next to that, a grand staircase leads upstairs. Had we stayed at the Hotel Green a hundred years ago, we might have come down those stairs to go to dinner in the ballroom, now known as the Romanesque Room, which is run by Castle Catering.
Ron Hobbs of Castle Catering gave me a tour of the first floor environs. In the photo below, which I took from the rear of the building (facing northeast toward the intersection of Green and Raymond), you can see the difference between the two wings. (HUD housing on your left, Castle Green condominiums on your right.)
The hallway ends at the corner of Green and Raymond, in a residents-only lobby. I got to see it but didn't take pictures, because it is private and I am nice. It's an updated lounge with comfy seating, a big-screen TV and large windows overlooking the Castle gardens. A covered opening in the south wall reminds you that it once opened to the hallway leading to the dining room of Castle Green. Next to that, a grand staircase leads upstairs. Had we stayed at the Hotel Green a hundred years ago, we might have come down those stairs to go to dinner in the ballroom, now known as the Romanesque Room, which is run by Castle Catering.
Ron Hobbs of Castle Catering gave me a tour of the first floor environs. In the photo below, which I took from the rear of the building (facing northeast toward the intersection of Green and Raymond), you can see the difference between the two wings. (HUD housing on your left, Castle Green condominiums on your right.)
A few more fun facts about Castle Catering:
Castle Catering offers sit-down service,
buffets, station service or family style. Event hosts can bring in their own
alcohol, while Castle Catering provides complete Bar Service. In favorable weather, lounge furniture is
placed on the outside patio north of the building (Dayton Street side). Screens are set up to make the area private.
Despite the lovely old facility, about half of Castle Catering's business is off
the premises at private homes, businesses or other event venues. They offer their own complete California Cuisine, plus Ron told me about their new concept in
catering, which I think makes a lot of sense. It's called the "Restaurant Partners Program." 25 different restaurant partners provide a wide range of options, right there in the Romanesque Room. For a room so-named, perhaps you'd like Italian. Or maybe you want Dim Sum. Of course you may have it.
They've even had In 'n Out Burgers on their fancy china. I'll have my diet cola in a champagne flute, please.
They've even had In 'n Out Burgers on their fancy china. I'll have my diet cola in a champagne flute, please.
14 comments:
Beautiful hallway!
Somehow, In-n-Out on china seems wrong yet diet cola in a champagne flute does not. Shrug
Thanks for the visit!
I agree, it is a beautiful hallway! I love the chandeliers and the shiny hardwood floors. It must be fascinating to live there, in either wing. And I like how Castle Catering, well, caters to all tastes.
What a fantastic hallway, so atmospheric and grand!
I love that beautiful hallway, I'd love to have a bite or two at Castle Catering. Burgers on china and diet coke in a champagne flute - you're giving me weekend meal ideas! (Sadly, no In-n-Out here...)
Were they responsible for the food at the Lit Fest fundraiser? The mashed potatoes sundaes were brilliant.
Isn't the building romantic? It's old and imperfect, which I love. I don't know if the upper floors are as interesting, but it would be fun to know. I hope they didn't just carpet everything and cover all the detail.
I don't know if they catered the Litfest fundraiser, but Ron showed me a photo of something white in martini glasses and I thought he said potato. Now I can't remember for sure and my notes are sketchy. You can download their menus here:
http://castlecatering.net/our-menu/
In-N-Out in a ballroom! What could be more elegant?
Both photos are super. I had a chance to go to a high school reunion there years ago. Wish I did. I know I have been inside in the 50's but have no recollection of anything so grand. Thanks for sharing, Petrea.
Gosh, that hallway is beautiful ~ the lighting really sets it off. I'm a bit distracted by Hiker's mention of a mashed potato sundae, though... sounds very good!
I'd love to hear personal stories of the Castle Green from the 1950's! Let us know if you think of details, LOL. It could be you were in the other wing, which has an elegant lobby and staircase, plus a lovely porch/ bar area and small dining/ballroom with tall windows. I think all of it's been renovated since the 50's.
I'll have a potato sundae with my In 'n Out Burger, please.
I have always wondered why the Open House tours of Castle Green never let us into that side wing. Now I know, except not quite - what's HUD? Your photo of the back area with the tall old chimneys and outside stairs is a view I've never seen before. Did Ron mention the new tall building proposed for the Dayton/Fair Oaks patch of land? Would it block the sun from their patio area?
I agree with everyone that the hallway is gorgeous; very fitting for a castle! Interesting that part of the building is a HUD residence. I love the idea of serving In 'n Out burgers on nice china. And I'll have a chocolate milkshake in my champagne flute please!
Very interesting! Love the hallway photo; what a gorgeous space!
Bellis, I linked to the California HUD site, but in short, it's Housing and Urban Development, a national program that includes government-subsidized housing.
Ron and I didn't talk about the building proposal.
You've got to have the In 'n Out shake, Katie. Next time.
What a grand entrance, eh, Ms. M?
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