Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles — Restaurant in Carson

This is one of the easiest and yet most difficult reviews to write... It is easy, because the Porsche Experience really is AMAZING! (but capitals and an exclamation mark just don't seem enough)... It is difficult, because they do so many things right, and I feel they ALL need to be mentioned - where to begin...

Not so easy; from the moment I got through on the phone with Jeffery, who most surprisingly found me a cancellation just a few days before my desired time to visit (I only had a one-day window), and he was patient in listening to my excitement, actually adding more of his, to make me even more excited - and I would be even more excited as my experience approached...

To the on-line communication when I did not realize my confirmation may have been processed by my e-mail as spam - and when following up, getting the most reassuring reply by e-mail from Simi - assuring me my ride is secure and my credit card accepted...

And the all smiling reception staff, and security member, when I may have just got there pretty well at opening - hoping to get a glimpse at some of the nicest Porsche vehicles, both in the reception hall, and the adjacent vehicle maintenance facility - the glass windows provide unrivaled views.

The initial contact with my professional driver, Ricky, was so genuine, so sincere, and so enthusiastic, I thought he was more anxious to go for a drive than was I - all my anxiety, fear and apprehension left in the "pits"... This was a driver, ready to share his wisdom, respect for the sport and obvious love for Porsche... I suddenly realized I was in for the time and drive of my life - and when we got to the Porsche 911T - the "basic" model in some ways, even being equipped with a 7-speed manual stick, Ricky's immediate tour, highlighting of the car's features, it's design to make it a driver's car - I suddenly realized why "there is no substitute"

An explanation of the gauges, seat adjustment and settings; and we were off, Ricky (grinning ear-to-ear) at the wheel to get me used to the track layout. Immediately he shared his extensive knowledge about the track's acceleration, braking, shifting and apex positions - so simply, so convincingly and so confidently; I was ready to take over with no fear (or just a little)... There was a lot to think about, but once I was behind the wheel, his calm yet deliberate voice made my speed keep climbing, my braking seem effortless, and my corner apex positions confident - and I have never been on a race track, and even though I do own two Porsche, and drive a lot - this is totally different, and legal... You CANNOT duplicate a track experience on a road - the short, precise motions of the car are unique to such a closed circuit - some may say, the "car is the star", and so, in that case, Ricky was its "soul"...

The 90 minutes flew by; besides the track (handling circuit), there are some 6 other driving experiences - all uniquely different, and all more fun than the last - my cheeks are still hurting from all the grinning, and I write this 6 hours later! The most amazing part is the confidence you develop; needless to say, the professional driver makes the experience one you will never forget. When the experience was over, the sheer joy of Ricky's enthusiasm as to how much fun we had was almost another highlight, and perhaps a further "experience" - I felt like we had just conquered Le Mans, and won... If there had been a podium there, I would have stepped on it! Ricky was that GOOD! Of course we would have shared it...

BUT it was not over - the professional drivers went for a quick break, prior to the next lot of "champions", and I went to take pictures - lucky enough to run into Dave, head of Experience bookings. I noted the missing email and its have going to spam, and he enthusiastically and understandingly explained the reason, but so delighted it had been worked out so well by Simi. He knew I had fun, my smiles and enthusiasm were now contagious, as were Peter's, head of the pro divers - so happy and sincere! - and I'm out of...

I hesitated a lot to write this review because the actual driving experience in itself was great. However the rest of the experience was not good. It was almost a year ago now and I didn't want to deal with it at the time but I think it's important to give feedback. A bit of background: I worked for Porsche as a Sponsor Relationship Manager with Chopard for their World Endurance Championships for several years then worked as a consultant for Formula 1 in Spa-Francorchamps. My boyfriend is German and is obsessed with Porsche so I went in to ask about options for him and his friends. I met with Jaycie who showed me around and I told her about my background with Porsche and F1 and asked if we could make a deal. I mentioned I have access to free F1 tickets and VIP experiences, and would love to work something out if possible. I also told her I am now a teacher living and working in Southern California and would appreciate any discount she could provide. She said she would get back to me then texted me later that day saying she could not provide any discount at all. I was surprised because I had just been on the website which was offering 20% off for all local residents. I immediately asked her about the discount in response to her text. I didn't get a response until 2 days later, saying that yes I could use that discount. I don't understand why she didn't just tell me that in the first place instead of stating that I couldn't get any discount at all...? Seemed somewhat misleading and unprofessional. The discount was also only available for 2 weeks and reservations were filling up quickly. Luckily I didn't wait for her text response to reserve the very last slots available for the desired car.

After booking the experience, I went in with the guys on the day of to make sure everything was set up. When we were at the front desk, Jaycie came over. I thought she came to say hello so I smiled but she completely blanked me when I said hi. It was so weird and rude that I remained speechless. I didn't want to ruin the guys' experience (they had a great time!) so I didn't say anything or make a big deal.

When I spoke to my former colleagues about it they mentioned that perhaps the Porsche company culture is different in the US. That it's more focused on making money than building and nurturing positive relationships. Perhaps that's the case, but either way, it was my least pleasant experience with someone at Porsche ever, and definitely left a bad taste...

My partner and I decided to take our 2022 Carrera GTS and pay a visit to the PECLA. However, our experience of the facility fell short of our expectations. First, the good... Five stars to the Speedster cafe and its barista; we both enjoyed an excellent hot chocolate and cafe mocha. After finishing our drinks we decided to pay a visit to Restaurant 917. The restaurant requires a reservation for table seating but it was slow enough to get a table, no problem. We ordered the hanger steak and the 917 burger and for the price, we got a decent portion with quality ingredients. I do have to say that it's one of the best steaks and burgers I've had in a while and I would come back for those dishes on a regular basis. Now the downside, being a German expatriate and fellow Porsche owner, I was expecting like-minded people who share the Porsche passion, not only on the track, but also inside the venue, but it was nowhere to be found during our walks throughout the venue. It is mostly a sterile environment where nobody approaches you (as in a public library) and you have to find the passion yourself by either purchasing an experience or simply find enjoyment by watching the track from the sideline either the upstairs balcony or patio. The only interaction during our almost 2 hour visit (other than check-in and while ordering at the café/restaurant) was when I was merely "pointing" at the spade on the roof carrier of the Dakar as I was explaining something to my guest and was immediately interrupted by an employee and asked not to touch the cars. All other times it is the employees who amongst themselves engage in small talk but are nowhere to be seen when you need assistance when trying to purchase merchandise or have any other questions. It is a shame that the upstairs restaurant experience does not match the experience on the...