Because in some circles I am considered an “influencer” in this day and age of influencer marketing, I sometimes get the opportunity to attend and participate in some really cool events. Two that stand out in the past two weeks are the delicious Hello Kitty Dinner I attended at Antonello Ristorante in Costa Mesa and the Pacific Spa Open House at the Hyatt in Huntington Beach.
Welcome to this new section on the blog that I call (insert music fanfare here) “Out and About” – part paparazzi, part society page, this is where I plan to share my activities and shenanigans weekly.
Hello Kitty Wine Pairing at Antonello Ristorante
Food, wine and my childhood favorite Hello Kitty? Who can resist? Across the posh South Coast Plaza, there are equally posh restaurants that are veritable institutions, like Italian restaurant Antonello, which has been around since 1979. I made my way there on a warm Wednesday evening to preview the 4-course Hello Kitty Dinner menu showcasing the new Hello Kitty wine collection.
Representatives from Sanrio, makers of Hello Kitty (and my favorite and sadly not as popular Little Twin Stars and My Melody characters), Torti Wines, makers of the Hello Kitty wine, and of course Antonello’s Chef/Owner Antonio Cagnolo were on hand for the event. Chef Antonio and Patrizia Torti shared the story behind the wine, and also shared stories about Italy.
And then the food and wine came out. Each course was inspired by her royal Hello Kitty-ness, with elements made to look like her trademark bow. The Hello Kitty wine collection includes a sparkling brut, sparkling rose and a limited edition “Pink Sweet,” also a sparkling rose,and a chardonnay. The wine was sweet and refreshing, as one would imagine, a Hello Kitty wine would be. The food was delicious.
The special menu started with a watermelon salad featuring Hello Kitty-shaped slices complete with a white chocolate bow followed by a beet-infused bowtie pasta in an Alfredo sauce. We then enjoyed the entrée of short ribs on a bed of risotto. But my favorite had to be dessert – a flourless Hello Kitty chocolate cake topped with dark chocolate semifreddo. Yum!
The Hello Kitty Wine collection produced in partnership with Torti Wines has had limited distribution in the United States since 2010. It is currently available at specialty wine and grocery channels and served exclusively at Antonello Ristorante.
By the way, the special Hello Kitty Dinner Menu will be available until November 12th. The wine will be available for purchase a la carte.
Pacific Waters Spa Open House
Once a year, the private sanctuary called Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach opens its doors to spa customers, special guests and members of the community. If you haven’t been to Pacific Waters, you are absolutely missing out. It is an oasis of tranquility! The event was packed with friendly faces and spa vendors including European Spa Source, HydraFacial and more.
Guests were treated to sumptuous fare from the Hyatt’s Watertable Restaurant and samples of various treatments from the spa. To give you examples, I tried out some lip treatments from Phyto and the new Perk – the world’s first hybrid skin system from the makers of Hydra-facial. But best of all was the 7 minute massage from Ms. Beverly!
Learn more about Pacific Waters Spa at pacificwaterspa.com or visit Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
