Category Archives: Hospitality

Knott’s Berry Farm Opens Boardwalk Pier and Refurbished Log Ride

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Is it strange that the highlight of any trip to Knott’s Berry Farm for me is lunch or dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant? Well, the rides and all the shows at the park are fun too, but there is something really comforting about the food served at Mrs. Knotts from the freshly baked rolls to the fried chicken (of course) to the mashed potatoes and the pie at the end. And of course, the thirst-quenching Boysenberry Punch. Visiting Knott’s Berry Farm and dining at Mrs. Knott’s gives this immigrant a taste of Americana. Let me say, it feels good.

On Saturday, we kicked off an epic Father’s Day weekend at Knott’s Berry Farm. Not only was it a perfect day weather-wise, but we also got to hang out with a lot of our social media friends and their families, who were all there to witness the launch of the Boardwalk Expansion and the reopening of the Timber Mountain Log Ride! Take a look at this Storify I created to get an idea of all the fun that Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer.


Pacific Edge Hotel Debuts Renovated Bungalows on The Beach

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One of my favorite places to take out of town guests to is Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach. It’s located right on the beach and has this low key, relaxed vibe, which to me, says to my guests – “You’re in SoCal now, babyyy!” Last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Surf Cabanas – it’s like having all the hotel amenities without actually having to stay overnight. It’s essentially a living room with a bathroom just steps from the sand, where you can spend the day with your family or a group of friends (up to 10 people, I believe).

Recently, the Surf Cabanas have been remodeled and renamed the Bungalows! And guess what? They rock even more now.  Basically, the Bungalows are five rooms, reserved for day use from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., allowing guests a base of operations for fun in the sun and letting them make the most of their time at the Pacific Edge Hotel. What’s interesting about the renovation is the involvement of the community and friends of the hotel. The five Bungalows were given to local companies and groups to sponsor, and then each of those sponsors was given free reign to completely redecorate their Bungalow in their company’s own sense of style.

Take a look:

Billabong Bungalow | Pacific EdgeI think, the Billabong Bungalow is surf shack chic.

Fox Head Bungalow | Pacific Edge Hotel

The Fox Head Bungalow feels like a sophisticated man cave.

Gorjana and Griffin

Gorjana and Griffin, an online accessories brand, adds the feminine touch, in my opinion.

Hobie and Tuvalu | Pacific Edge Hotel

 

See what happens when surf brand Hobie collaborates with Laguna Beach home furnishing store Tuvalu – a cozy beach retreat.

Sleepy Hollow Group | Pacific Edge Hotel

 

Last but not least, the Sleepy Hollow Group’s bungalow has a  fresh and clean feel.

To book a Bungalow, call 949.281.5720 or email cabanas@pacificedgehotel.com.

Celebrating Movies at Oscar Themed Party at Kimera

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I can count the number of times I went to a movie theater to watch a movie last year. Four. One was a girls’ night out (guess which movie?) and the other 3 times were all children’s films at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE WATCHING movies. But these days, taking the time out to actually “go to the movies,” is a bit challenging. So it comes as no surprise that I haven’t seen a single Oscar-nominated film.

I’m not totally out of the loop though, I will be attending the 5th Annual Red Carpet Oscar Viewing Party at Kimera Restaurant in Irvine. I went last year and it was fun. As far as red carpet party ideas go, Kimera knows its stuff. There was an actual red carpet and even a step and repeat banner where you could pose and have your picture taken. But what I really liked were the cocktails inspired by the nominated movies, and of course, the food was delicious.

Kimera_RedCarpet

Here are the details about the Party this year – you can still buy tickets!

“The Fifth Annual Red Carpet Gala Oscar party at Kimera will be held on February 24, from 4-10pm. The event starts with a lounge reception from 4-6pm followed by an elegant buffet dinner. There will be a silent auction and raffle ticket sales to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Entertainment will include red carpet interviews, Dance “Short Performances” and prizes for best-dressed and other categories awarded by a panel of fashion experts.

$85 per person (tax and gratuity not included), VIP booths available starting at $100 per person. Space is limited, reservations required. Reservations at (949) 261 1222 and rsvp@kimerarestaurant.com.”

And on another note, Sunday’s event at Kimera will be extra special as it will be the restaurant’s last night at the location. The OC Business Journal reports that it has something to do with Google’s expansion at the Impac Center. I have many fond memories of Kimera and the awesome staff. Last year, I hosted my cousin J.A. Tan‘s Art Exhibit there. You can see the awesome photos from “Autism Night at Kimera” by photographer Albert Evangelista. Of course, I will always remember my bonding time with Team Kimera during the Alzheimer’s Walk at The District in Tustin. Three cheers for Kimera, give them some love on facebook.com/kimerarestaurant.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea – Carmel-by-the-Sea

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The six hour road trip, from Huntington Beach in Orange County to Carmel by the Sea in Monterey County, California takes you down a scenic route. And it can really be a relaxing drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, except when you are traveling with kids in tow. Driving for so many hours with no DVD to keep time can be challenging. Even with their Nintendo DS and iPhone devices, there was always that nagging question of:”Are we there yet?”
Travel to Monterey | PCH | Marcie Taylor

After taking in the breathtaking coastal views and stopping for lunch at San Luis Obispo, we finally enter Carmel. The first thing that hits you is the scent of pine. Trees tower overhead as you make your way down small streets. It is like discovering a secret town in the forest.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, streets are lined with art galleries and small Zagat-rated eateries. Everything is within walking distance, even the beach! There is a small town feel with added charm. Dutch doors and wooden signs give a distinctively Euro feel to this California town, that once had the actor Clint Eastwood as its mayor.

Travel to Carmel-by-the-Sea | Instagram | Marcie Taylor

We stayed at the Hofsas House Hotel, one of the larger inns in the area, with 38 spacious rooms. The independent family-owned boutique hotel made us feel right at home. From the hot apple cider that greeted us at the lobby to the wine and cheese platter in our bedroom. Owner Carrie Theis was a gracious host, with Cajun, the canine concierge by her side. Everyone on staff was excellent too.

The weekend we visited, the weather wasn’t as sunny but still there were plenty of things to do. Just being able to go on foot around the charming town was a treat! We stopped at galleries and grabbed treats at Carmel Bakery en route to Carmel Beach. We also visited the Carmel Mission for a step back in time.

Take a look at this little book I created with Britely entitled Weekend In Carmel.

If you’re looking for a chill weekend getaway, consider Carmel by the Sea.

Weekend Getaway Bliss at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

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I’m sitting on our balcony looking out to Dana Point Harbor. It is an especially quiet morning, not because the world is asleep, but because we’ve come here without our children. A rare weekend getaway thanks to the kindness of friends returning a favor, who watched our kids overnight. The ironic thing is, we are reminded of our children at every turn. Laguna Cliffs Marriott is very family friendly, so we vow to return with our kids next time.

But sometimes you just need time alone, time for two, unplugged and relaxed. Except for typing this article on my computer, we’ve been unplugged and off the grid. It is refreshing.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is nestled high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, not directly the Pacific Ocean but across the State Park and into Dana Point Harbor actually.

With 378 guest rooms and suites set amidst lush gardens and sweeping lawns of astroturf, it is remarkable, that despite its size, the hotel staff and the interiors still make the place feel cozy and intimate. It is also very laid back.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

For a chill weekend getaway, a couple can take in music and drinks at OverVue lounge; go whale watching, or engage in a water sport at the harbor; or do what we did — which was to bliss out at the Spa at Laguna Cliffs. The Spa, which by the way, is open to non-hotel guests, boasts a couples treatment room like no other. It is bright and spacious instead of dark and cavernous as most massage rooms for two are. And it opens up to a private courtyard, where one can chill, have a spa meal delivered and just decompress.

This year, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is turning 25. But there is no quarter life crisis for this hotel. Instead, she is blooming and remains one of the doyennes of hospitality in Southern California.

LagunaCliffs_collage_Marcie_Taylor

Hyatt Hotels Introduce New Healthy Organic Kids Menu

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Forget the typical fried chicken nuggets and high fat mac n’ cheese, and French fries that dominate most children’s menus. This summer, the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts introduced a new, innovative and responsible children’s menu called “For Kids By Kids” in all of its full service hotels in North America.  The menu is designed to make the healthier choice, the easier choice by providing more nutritious and healthy offerings for their youngest guests.  Hyatt’s food and beverage philosophy, after all, is  “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.”

Recently, my sons and I were invited to attend a preview of the kids menu at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. Executive Chef Chris Savage did a cooking demo with the children. Together they prepared a healthy salad and waffles. The tasting buffet featured whole grain pastas with a choice of 2 sauces: tomato and cheese; a build your own taco bar, and waffle dipping sticks. All the items are part of the “For Kids by Kids” flavor journey menu tasted, tested and approved by a team of children led by 11 year old cooking enthusiast Haile Thomas.

Taste the Hyatt Kids Menu | Hotels | FoodKids Can Cook| Hyatt HotelsOne of the best things about the new menu is that it appeals to both kids and parents. The ingredients are fresh not frozen. But perhaps the biggest draw for kids is that they have a hand in making their food – sort of – because it all starts with making good choices. They can build their own whole wheat sub sandwich, for example, and create their own pasta by choosing the pasta (penne, spaghetti, gluten-free), sauce (tomato or cheese), protein (turkey meatballs, chicken breast), vegetable (peas, broccoli, carrots, spinach, zucchini).

Another wonderful aspect of this new menu is that world renowned food revolution pioneer and edible educator Alice Waters is a part of it. She has lent her inspiration and support to the new kids menu. According to Waters, “All children deserve to eat real food – fresh, seasonal, organic, and delicious.” She adds: “I wanted to do a small, three course meal, within the context of Hyatt’s initiative, that could be sourced exclusively from organic farms across the country. Of course it’s about taste and ripeness and seasonality-but it’s bigger than that, too: it’s about supporting the people who are taking care of the land for our future generations.”

Now that’s definitely something to chew on.

For more inspiration, watch Haile Thomas TEDx Kids talk. And here’s a video of Alice Waters talking about the new Hyatt Kids Menu. View more photos from the event via my Flickr stream.

 

Endless Summer at the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach

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Staycation is not my favorite word but it is definitely one of my favorite things to do. Fortunately we live in a place that’s conducive to “staycation-ing.” Living in Huntington Beach, one would think I’d opt for a non-beach getaway but I don’t. Instead, I jump at the chance to experience a beach town apart from my own in Orange County, California. You see, each beach city has its own vibe.

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach is the perfect weekend escape. The Joie De Vivre hotel group have done an excellent job transforming what used to be Vacationville into a chic boutique hotel.

My family and I were greeted with such warmth as if we’d traveled further than 30 minutes down the road. There were personalized goody bags that awaited us in our rooms – how thoughtful! My bag, pictured in the collage above, was a vintage hemp bag from the Sawdust Art Festival, which was filled with goodies from Laguna Beach.  It was the perfect welcome present.  Marketing Manager Bree Vetere later told me that they try as much as they can to personalize each guest’s experience.

Our retro-chic decorated room with a view of the ocean was amazing. With the hotel being right on the beach, it was not hard to enjoy a truly Endless Summer (and yes, it was the middle of winter!)

I truly had fun at the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the Deck. In fact, more than fun, it was almost spiritual — not just because of the Gospel music but because there was something about being so close to the ocean, hearing each wave crash onto the beach, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun in my eyes … all the while eating a delicious repast of blueberry pancakes. It certainly took brunch up a notch.

And speaking of taking things up a notch.  One MUST experience the Pacific Edge Hotel Surf Cabanas, which are basically like hotel rooms for the day. They are air-conditioned rooms with flat screen TVs and private baths and showers – kinda like a home base for a day of fun in the sun. You can also order food and drink from The Deck.

With places like Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach, staycation might just become my new favorite word.