For an evening of fine dining and prestidigitation, a visit to the Magic Castle is unbeatable.

Opened as a private residence in 1909, the building went through many transitions and, in the 1950s, became quite run-down.

But a major refurbishment took place to restore it to its full Victorian-style splendor and the doors to the Magic Castle opened to the public for the first time in January 1963.

Since then, the castle's reputation and popularity as a center for the art of magic and fine-dining has increased out of all expectation.

The castle does have a serious mission as it is the club headquarters of the world-wide fraternity of magicians and acts as a museum for the art of magic so the quality of the entertainment is assured.

Visitors are requested to make a reservation well in advance and they will be treated to top class cuisine in one of the sumptuous dining areas before adjourning to one of the performance rooms depending on the size of your party.

Close-up slight-of-hand will keep you entertained during your meal and resident ghost, Invisible Irma may even play your request at the piano.

The Magic Castle and Academy of Magical Arts is at 7001 Franklin Avenue Hollywood, California.