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How to Enjoy A Luxury Vacation in Hawaii

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Hawaii is the ideal luxury travel destination with post-card perfect beaches, glorious sunshine, amazing food and world-class shopping. Luxury travel to Hawaii can easily be organized given the multitude of activities and amenities available to compliment the experience.

Luxury Vacation Hawaii
Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority / Dana Edmunds

Tips for a Luxurious Holiday to Hawaii

Below you’ll find some tips on how to make your next trip to Hawaii more comfortable, more enjoyable, and most importantly, unforgettable.  

Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority / Tor Johnson

1. Visit During Low Season

The peak tourism season in Hawaii is usually from mid-December to mid-April. You can find fewer crowds starting from mid-April to mid-June, and then from September to mid-December. July and August are typically busy due to summer holidays. As an added bonus, you’ll find that some of the rental accommodations will discount their prices during low season.

Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

2. Luxury Accommodations Ideas

Hawaii has a number of top-notch accommodations ranging from five-star hotels to all-inclusive resorts and private vacation rentals.

Luxury Villas

For a very private and exclusive accommodation, you might consider renting a luxury villa or vacation rental. These properties are typically in prime locations that are right along the beach with majestic ocean views and some might even come with butler service. www.luxuryretreats.com

Luxury Hotel Suites

Halekulani Suite at Halekulani (Oahu)

The elegant Vera Wang-designed Halekulani Suite is one of Halekulani’s premier suites overlooking Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. Guests of the Halekulani Suite will have dedicated butler service, French champagne and amuse bouches, ensuite afternoon tea service, a custom “For You, Everything” Fine Arts program, and more. The Royal Suite and Orchid Suite complete the Premier Suites of Halekulani.  www.halekulani.com 

The Maile Suite at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (Maui)

The expansive Maile Suite at the Four Seasons Resort Maui features three bedrooms, six connecting oceanfront lanais and 180-degree views of the ocean, neighboring islands and Wailea Beach. A 24-hour personal concierge, transfers to and from the airport, a full-size private dry sauna and a poolside cabana set up at your preferred location are included with a Maile Suite reservation. www.fourseasons.com/maui 

Royal Suite at St. Regis Princeville Resort (Kauai)

The 2,400 square foot Royal Suite at St. Regis Princeville features stunning Kauai artwork and custom furnishings that evoke a residential feeling of comfort and luxury. The Royal Suite features an entertainment room, guest powder room adjacent to the living salon, fully equipped kitchen with butler entrance, an eight-foot black marble wet bar, master bedroom suite, and a “Royal Spa,” which includes a custom-built marble whirlpool bathtub, expansive walk-in shower for two and spacious dressing area. www.stregisprinceville.com

3. Activities in Hawaii

Go Golfing

Hawaii is a golfer’s dream experience with more than 80 courses – many of which boast incredible ocean views. There are many golf schools and PGA instructors to help you shave a few strokes off your game.

Embark on a Helicopter Tour

A helicopter ride is a fantastic way to see some of the spectacular views that Hawaii has to offer.

Hawaii Helicopter Tours

Hawaii Helicopter Tours offers an array of tours for visitors to Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Hawaii Island. Options include a nighttime tour of downtown Honolulu and a volcano tour of Hawaii Island. www.hawaiihelicoptertours.com

Blue Hawaiian

Blue Hawaiian is Hawaii’s premiere helicopter tour company as named by National Geographic and also has won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. They offer tours for Kauai, Maui, Oaha and Hawaii Island. Options include a Kohala Coast Adventure and Craters & Coffee Tour. www.bluehawaiian.com

Pamper Yourself at a Spa

Hawaii has a few luxurious spas where you can indulge and pamper yourself in a stress-free environment:

Spa Without Walls – Fairmont Orchid (Hawaii Island)

The award-winning Spa Without Walls at the Fairmont Orchid lets you enjoy the splendor of Hawaii’s tropical climate with eight private outdoor waterfall hale (huts), six more oceanside and three indoor treatment rooms. Signature treatments include a Big Island Kona Coffee/Kau Orange/Vanilla exfoliation using locally blended products and the Awa Earth & Fire treatment blending Hawaiian lomilomi massage and a compress of specially-blended Hawaiian herbs applied to encourage physical and mental relaxation. www.fairmont.com/orchid

Mandara Spa – Hilton Hawaiian Village (Oahu)

The Exploration in Chocolate package at the Mandara Spa inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village is indulgence just for two featuring side-by-side massages in a deluxe twin spa suite. Couples then discover the many applications of chocolate and enjoy a pot full of rich chocolate scrub good enough to eat. The exploration concludes with a shower and a custom prepared aromatic bath.  www.mandaraspa.com

Go Shopping

Luxury Row (Oahu)

The Luxury Row shopping district represents the highest-end in Honolulu shopping. You’ll find some of the finest names in international fashion including Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Coach, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Tiffany & Co., Tod’s and Yves Saint Laurent. www.luxuryrow.com

Ala Moana Center (Oahu)

Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. There you will find more than 290 shops and 80 dining options. www.alamoanacenter.com

Book a Private Chef

Enlist the culinary skills of a private chef to create a truly memorable meal of a lifetime.

A Table Hawaii (Oahu)

If you’re renting a private villa or estate and prefer not to worry about the details of meal preparation, A Table Hawaii can help plan, create menu, shop and execute your meal in your accommodation. www.atablehawaii.com/private-chef-for-hawaii-visitors/

Charter a Private Boat

From private snorkel tours, whale watching, boat tours, to a romantic sunset cruise, chartering a private boat is a great way to see Hawaii.

New Las Vegas Restaurant: BLVD & MAIN at The STRAT

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Newly opened at The STRAT Hotel, Casino and SkyPod (formerly the Stratosphere, Casino, Hotel & Tower) in Las Vegas is BLVD & MAIN Taphouse and View Lounge on the main casino floor next to the new, state-of-the-art William Hill Sports Book. Located just steps from the main entrance, BLVD & MAIN and View Lounge are now open daily for lunch and dinner.

BLVD & MAIN Taphouse and View Lounge The STRAT Las Vegas Nevada
Credit: Golden Entertainment, Inc

BLVD & MAIN at The STRAT

The 6,000+-square-foot BLVD & MAIN combines craft beer and elevated pub cuisine with a lively scene, complete with comfortable seating to settle in and catch any game or sporting event.

BLVD & MAIN Taphouse and View Lounge The STRAT Las Vegas Nevada
Credit: Golden Entertainment, Inc

A few of the signature offerings at BLVD & MAIN include buffalo fried oysters, topped with bleu cheese crumbles; a BBQ short rib slider with dill pickles and chipotle BBQ sauce; stone-fired flatbreads, including the ‘carnivore,’ topped with pepperoni, ground beef, corned bison, bacon, mozzarella and TBG sauce; and brick-pressed organic chicken, beer brined and served with crushed fried potatoes, brocollini and natural jus.

BLVD & MAIN Taphouse and View Lounge The STRAT Las Vegas Nevada
Buffalo Fried Oysters / Credit: Golden Entertainment, Inc
BLVD & MAIN Taphouse and View Lounge The STRAT Las Vegas Nevada
Brick-Pressed Organic Chicken / Credit: Golden Entertainment, Inc

The dessert menu includes apple pie flautas, s’more cake, toffee cake and fondue for sharing.

BLVD & MAIN Taphouse and View Lounge The STRAT Las Vegas Nevada
Fondue / Credit: Golden Entertainment, Inc

Brewer, Dave Otto, has developed a signature beer to roll out for BLVD & MAIN’s opening: SkyJump Golden Ale, a mild golden ale (5.2% alcohol by volume) with a touch of malt sweetness, low bitterness and a hint of “old world” hop aroma.

Two of Otto’s other beers: Sean Patrick’s Irish Red and Hualapai IPA of Golden Entertainment’s PT’s taverns, will be among the two dozen beers on tap.

Other local and regional craft beers include: CraftHaus Evocation Saison, Tenaya Creek Bonanza brown ale and Banger Brewing Morning Joe from Las Vegas; Pizza Port Swami’s IPA and Belching Beaver Mexican chocolate PB stout from San Diego; Odell’s 90 Schilling ale from Fort Collins, Colo.; and Golden Road Mango Court from Los Angeles.

VIEW LOUNGE at The STRAT

Next door, the 3,000+-square-foot View Lounge offers craft cocktails and small bites, introducing a stylish new hotel bar offering at The STRAT.

BLVD & MAIN Taphouse and View Lounge The STRAT Las Vegas Nevada
Credit: Golden Entertainment, Inc

Signature cocktails include the Especial Spritz, made with Absolut grapefruit vodka, strawberry puree and Aperol topped with Modelo Especial; and What She Said, made with Crown Royal vanilla, raspberries, lime sour, Pernod and Goslings ginger beer.

Complementing the cocktails is a menu of bites, including smoked salmon flatbread made with crème fraiche, tobiko, chive and chili-garlic oil and chilled Maine crab rolls made with crisp pear, celery and lemon served in homemade herb focaccia.

For more information on BLVD & Main and View Lounge, please visit
http://www.stratrising.com/

National Crunchy Taco Day 2019: March 21, 2019

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It’s #NationalCrunchyTacoDay! Throwback to these delicious Latin and Asian fusion tacos at Dos Chinos in Santa Ana, California. These are the most creative, interesting and tasty crunchy tacos that I have ever had. A must-try when visiting the OC.

  • Hollywood Chicken: Thai coconut curry chicken, red cabbage, crispy yams, & tamarind sauce, sour cream, onions & cilantro
  • Dos Chinos Asada: Vietnamese chimichurri angus beef, avocream, onions & cilantro
  • Bolsa Roasted Pork: Vietnamese roasted pork belly, red cabbage, pickled carrot and daikon, avo cream, onions & cilantro
  • Irvine Shrimp: Fried shrimp, dulche de leche, chili & lime, roasted walnuts, red cabbage, onions & cilantro  

Do you prefer a soft or hard taco shell? Let me know in the comments below.

What to Eat at T-Mobile Park Seattle 2019: Food & Beverage

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Here’s a look at what to eat and drink at T-Mobile Park Seattle while you enjoy a game for the 2019 Seattle Mariners season.

What to Eat at T-Mobile Park Seattle 2019: Food & Beverage

New this year to the food and beverage lineup are Paseo Caribbean flavors at Edgar’s Cantina; Li’l Woody’s flame-grilled burgers; and Fat’s Southern style chicken and sides.

There is also a new signature cocktail, the Magenta Mojo, inspired by the Mariners new partnership with T-Mobile.

Paseo (Edgar’s Cantina & Edgar’s Home Run Porch)

Paseo, recently voted Best Sandwich Shop in Washington, and one of the best in the nation, by Thrillist, brings their mouthwatering Caribbean flavors to the ballpark.

  • Caribbean Roast Sandwich: Slow roasted pork shoulder in Paseo signature marinade served with garlic aioli, caramelized onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeño and romaine lettuce on a toasted baguette
  • Smokin’ Thighs Sandwich: Roasted skin-on chicken thighs with garlic aioli, caramelized onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeño and romaine lettuce on a toasted baguette
  • Tofu Delight Sandwich: Sautéed organic tofu with garlic aioli, caramelized onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeño and romaine lettuce on a toasted baguette
  • West Caribbean Bowl:Succulent, slow-roasted pork or chicken thighs atop jasmine rice with black beans, warm salsa, cheddar cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapeño and cilantro with tortilla chips
  • Roasted corn on the cob slathered in aioli, topped with parmesan cheese, cilantro and Paseo spices
  • Sides include black beans and rice; Caribbean fries with aioli, cilantro and Paseo spices; and nachos topped with cheddar cheese sauce, sour cream, caramelized onions, cilantro and pineapple chunks.
What to Eat at T-Mobile Park Seattle 2019: Food & Beverage
Caribbean Roast Sandwich

Li’l Woody’s Burgers & Shakes (The ‘Pen)

With fresh, quality ingredients (including Painted Hills grass fed beef) in “creative and savory combinations,” Li’l Woody’s consistently rates as one of the best burgers in Seattle.

  • The Big Woody: 1/4 lb. flame-broiled Painted Hills beef patty, bacon, Tillamook cheddar cheese, chopped onion, diced pickle, tomato, lettuce, ketchup & mayo
  • Li’l Woody: 1/4 lb. patty with Tillamook cheddar, chopped onion, diced pickle, ketchup & mayo
  • Impossible™ Veggie Burger: Impossible veggie patty, chopped onion, diced pickle, tomato, lettuce, ketchup & mayo
  • Chicken Tenders with hand-cut French fries
  • ’95 Slide: Sometimes called “Crack,” a savory/sweet combo of hand-cut fries with a side of Full Tilt ice cream shake for dipping

Fat’s Chicken (The ‘Pen)

The Central District’s Fat’s Chicken & Waffles brings a taste of Southern cuisine to the ballpark.

  • Five Spice Fried Chicken Thigh Sandwich with garlic aioli, tomato, pickle, mixed greens and house-made pimento cheese on a toasted bun
  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken Strips with fries
  • Fat’s Wings: Lemon Pepper, Buffalo style or Naked
  • Poutine:French fries topped with house-made Andouille sausage gravy and pimento cheese
  • Sides include creamy mac & cheese, and rice topped with Andouille sausage gravy.

Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream (Section 152, Main Level and The ‘Pen)

Shug’s brings a bit of nostalgia for the old-fashioned soda parlor to T-Mobile Park with two of their colorful portable carts hand scooping Lopez Island Creamery small-batch super premium ice cream.

For a special treat, try a prosecco float:a 4oz scoop of Lopez Island Creamery ice cream topped with San Martino Doc Extra Dry.

Hit It Here Café

  • Ballard Pizza: Personal sized pizzas including Arugula & Guanciale; Staple & Fancy (with pecorino, mozzarella, Zoe’s pepperoni, jalapeños and pineapple); Zoe’s Pepperoni; Cheese (with mozzarella and pecorino).
  • KuKu Fries: French fries topped with togarashie Japanese seasoning, red tobiko (flying fish roe), chili sauce, horseradish crema and chives.
  • Crowd Cow Hempler’s Bacon Burger: 8oz Crowd Cow beef patty with sweet and spicy Hempler’s bacon, Tillamook cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce.
  • Crowd Cow Spicy Burger: 8oz Crowd Cow beef patty with habanero cheese, Mama Lil’s peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce.
  • Beyond™ Burger: Beyond Meat plant-based patty with lettuce, tomato, onion and Just Mayo (vegan).
What to Eat at T-Mobile Park Seattle 2019: Food & Beverage
KuKu Fries

Sultan of Sandwich (Section 105)

Grand Salami Sandwich: Tribute to beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Niehaus. ½ lb. of local salami, smoked provolone cheese and grainy mustard on a marbled rye baguette.

The Natural

Gluten-friendly, vegetarian and vegan menu items. New offerings include:

  • Beyond Meat™ gluten-free, vegan Italian sausage (both sweet and spicy)
  • Avocado toast with fresh scooped avocado on Franz Bakery organic high-protein, gluten-free bread and choice of up to two toppings
  • Build Your Own Salad with fresh, local, organic ingredients
  • Fresh organic fruit

Frozen Rope (Section 132)

Metropolitan Market “Cookie” – The classic recipe has been perfected with two kinds of Belgian chocolate, toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of fleur de sel.

Orange County Restaurant Week 2019 Returns March 3 – 9, 2019

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The 2019 Orange County Restaurant Week makes its return Sunday, March 3 through Saturday, March 9 with more than 150 restaurants participating in the weeklong event. Restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus within the following price categories: lunch for $10, $15 or $20, and dinner for $20, $30, $40 or $50. Participants involved are listed online at www.OCRestaurantWeek.com.

Credit: Orange County Restaurant Week

With the number of participating restaurants, there’s something for everyone from casual and family-friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining. The restaurants will be offering a special three-course menu, many with a cocktail or signature item at no additional charge.

Credit: Orange County Restaurant Week

This year, the Cocktails of Restaurant Week will be highlighted to complete dining experiences. Many participating restaurants will be showcasing a special OC Restaurant Week cocktail for $11 (in honor of 11 years of OC Restaurant Week), featuring Chambord, Ketel One, Maker’s Mark and Hornitos.

Credit: Orange County Restaurant Week

Take a look at the varied options being offered this year:

Breakfast-For-Dinner Option: http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/breakfast-for-dinner.html

Cocktails of Restaurant Week:  http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/cocktails-of-restaurant-week.html

Family Friendly Dining:
http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/family-friendly.html

Vegetarian Dining:
http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/vegetarian-dining.html

Date Night:
http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/date-night.html

Gluten-Free Dining: 
http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/gluten-free.html

Girls Night Out: 
http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com/girls-night-out-.html

Tulalip Resort Event 2019: “Chocolate Exposed”

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The third annual “Chocolate Exposed” dining experience at Tulalip Resort is taking place February 4 through March 31, 2019. The chefs at Tulalip have created a seductive selection of savory and sweet chocolate dishes to captivate the most discriminating chocolate connoisseur. Here’s a look at what each restaurant at Tulalip will be offering.

tulalip resort casino

Chef Jeremy Taisey at Tula Bene Pastaria + Chophouse is whipping up a Chocolate-Citrus Tea Smoked Duck Breast with foie gras mousse, pickled cranberries, chocolate ravioli and fresh truffle with a puff pastry crisp. For dessert, diners can enjoy a 72% Chocolate Panna Cotta dessert, topped with a cacao nib crunch, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and candied hazelnuts.

At Cedars Café, it’s all about Chef Brent Clarkson’s S’ Mores Chocolate Waffles filled with chocolate chips and topped with marshmallow cheesecake and graham cracker crumble. Pastry Chef Nikol Nakamura’s sweet kitchen has added a special Chocolate Ganache Cream Pie layered with chocolate and banana to Cedars Cafe’s dessert menu during February and March.

Chef David Buchanan’s Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill and Bar will feature a sinful Chocolate BBQ Chicken made with a 10-ounce Jidori Chicken Breast, house-made chocolate BBQ sauce, wild boar sausage, fingerling potatoes, wilted greens and pickled mushrooms. For dessert, there is the Baked Chocolate Mousse with coffee caramel and raspberries. 

At Blazing Paddles, there is the Triple Chocolate Dessert Pie made with Theo’s raspberry chocolate, mixed with white and dark chocolate chips, raspberry jam and marshmallows, then baked in their stone-fired pizza oven and topped with fresh strawberry slices.

Eagles Buffet is featuring Chef Lil Miller’s Decadent Orchid Chocolate Raspberry Sorbet Sundae. Guests can revel in the orchid chocolate shell enrobing a sweet and tart Raspberry Sorbet, placed inside a house-made waffle cone.

For a quick bite and respite from the gaming fun, visit the Resort’s Carvery and Hotel Espresso locations for the Spring Roasted Chicken Salad with crisp mixed greens, sliced oranges, cranberries, candied walnuts, goat cheese and a cacao balsamic vinaigrette.

At The Draft Sports Bar and Grill, Chef Susan Jenson will be featuring a sports snack filled with Assorted Nuts that will be tossed in lightly spiced Ibarra Mexican cocoa.

For more information about Tulalip Casino Resort, or to reserve a spot at one of the “Chocolate Exposed” restaurants, visit tulalipresort.com.

Related Posts:

Tulalip Resort Event: Lunar New Year 2019
Deluxe King Room Stay at Tulalip Resort Casino
Tulalip Resort Casino: Destinations Lounge
Entertainment at Tulalip Resort Casino
Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blazing Paddles
Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blackfish
Tulalip Resort Casino: T-Spa
Tulalip Resort Casino: Breakfast at Cedars Cafe
8 Ways to Enjoy a Visit to Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Event: Lunar New Year 2019

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Lunar New Year is happening on Tuesday, February 5 this year and Tulalip Resort Casino is holding numerous events on-site at including the festive Orca Ballroom entertainment, Casino promotions and culinary specials in Journeys East.

tulalip resort casino

Journeys East

Journeys East will feature two special dishes: a Traditional Drunken Chicken made with wine poached whole chicken served in the authentic Hong Kong style ($18) and a BBQ Pork Belly dish served with thinly sliced roasted BBQ pork belly, sesame seeds and spicy mustard ($18).

Guests can also order from the full menu that artfully combines the best culinary traditions of Japan, Thailand, China, Korea and Vietnam. 

The Journeys East Lunar specials will be available from February 3 through February 9, starting at noon each day. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Orca Ballroom

A live show in the Orca Ballroom will feature Dragon Dancers and Night of the Stars Asian entertainment. The doors will open at 7 PM with the show beginning at 8 PM.

Tickets are available for $25 at www.ticketmaster.com or service charge free at the Tulalip Box Office. All attendees must be 21 and over. 

Casino Promotions

The Resort will also feature a special Casino promotion featuring Lunar New Year Free Play from 10 AM to 10 PM. Players can win up to $200 in Free Play. Visit the ONE club for more details and how to join the ONE club at www.OneClubForAll.com.

Stay at the Resort

As a AAA Four-Diamond-rated luxury resort casino, Tulalip offers some of the the most spacious hotel rooms in the Pacific Northwest. All hotel guest rooms feature complimentary tea and slippers (there are also red slippers and tea kettles available upon request). Check out my post on staying at Tulalip.

Related posts:

8 Ways to Enjoy a Visit to Tulalip Resort Casino
Tulalip Resort Casino: Breakfast at Cedars Cafe
Tulalip Resort Casino: T-Spa
Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blackfish
Tulalip Resort Casino Dining: Blazing Paddles
Entertainment at Tulalip Resort Casino
Tulalip Resort Casino: Destinations Lounge
Deluxe King Room Stay at Tulalip Resort Casino

Hotel Hayden in NYC offers “handy” guest amenity

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Chelsea’s Hotel Hayden has just introduced a handy, luxurious and complimentary in-room amenity to improve their guests’ stay in New York. Known for being “guest-focused,” Hotel Hayden is one of the first hotels in New York to implement handy to enhance their travelers’ stay with a personalized smartphone and concierge service that offers real-time engagement with their hotel staff.

Housed inside a smartphone, handy provides guests with free texting and long-distance calling, unlimited Wi-Fi, a customized city guide, exclusive hotel promotions and constant connection to the hotel for any need.

Each handy is found in a guest room and is personalized upon the guests’ arrival with their own customized phone number. Upon departure all the personalized information- searches, calls, text messages and more are all deleted to preserve safety.

The handy technology extends the room phone to the entire city and because they are customized specifically to the guests’ likes and preferences. Guests are able to take handy anywhere in New York City, dial zero to reach the hotel operator and the front desk agents will know which guest is calling and their room number.

handy can helps navigate the conveniences and challenges when making reservations, booking shows and theatre tickets, visiting museums or simply needing information. Through handy, guests can be notified that happy hour is beginning, live music is happening, special events are taking place and so forth. handy also supports being green as it eliminates the clutter of in-room guest guides, printing less and providing information.

handy has already been implemented in other cities like Paris, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Hotel Hayden is excited to be a new handy partner offering a chapter of guest experiencein the city that never sleeps and where everything is possible.

California Restaurant Month: Newport Beach Restaurant Week 2019

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January is California’s Restaurant Month, a celebration of American farm-to-table cuisine, and Newport Beach shares its region’s top highlights.  Newport Beach Restaurant Week returns for its 13th year from January 14-27 for two weeks filled with the best cuisine!

This 14-day dining event showcases Newport Beach as Orange County’s premier dining destination, offering a wide variety of culinary experiences. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus with lunches available for just $10 – $25, and dinners for $20 – $50.

Top restaurants participating in this year’s acclaimed event include local favourites like Moulin, Olea, Farmhouse, Nobu, and more. Read more about these palate pleasers below!

Moulin

Committed to delivering an authentic French experience, Moulin is filled with the smell of fresh-baked pastries, the taste of rich wine, and the sound of people speaking French throughout the bistro.

This celebrated restaurant, owned by French chef Laurent Vrignaud, has two locations in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, with a third location slated to open in 2019 in San Clemente. The innovative Chef Vrignaud also plans to open an antique store adjacent to the Newport restaurant.

Olea

Newly opened in 2018 and the talk of the town in Newport Beach, this restaurant continues to receive only rave reviews from locals.

Named for a genus of trees that flourish in tropical regions, Olea offers a European twist on Napa-inspired spirits and cuisine, with dishes like crispy Jidori chicken schnitzel with wild mushrooms. Restauranteur Russ Bendel has plans to expand his collection of restaurants in 2019.

Farmhouse

Farm to fork comes to life in this iconic Newport Beach setting at Roger’s Gardens. The gorgeous, scenic background is paired with incredible cuisine, like the grilled Dijon soy glazed pork tenderloin and the house cured salmon with grilled pumpernickel bread.

Chef and owner Rich Mead has been developing relationships for more than 20 years with local farmers markets to source the freshest ingredients.

Beachcomber

After nearly two decades, Crystal Cove renovations are set to begin again this month, restoring the historic Crystal Cove State Park cottages where the Beachcomber Café is located.

This quaint, beachy space boasts oceanside views and a perfect outdoor space, accompanied by delectable dishes like blue crab stuffed salmon and handcrafted cocktails like the “luscious lemonade.”

Nobu

This famous global sushi bar opened its Newport Beach location in 2017 under the direction of Executive Chef Frank Gorriceta, who spent 14 years cooking under the guidance of famed chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa and has since been at Nobu for 11 years.

With items like squid pasta and prime filet with pomegranate teriyaki on the menu, it’s no wonder why this chain is so popular.

Taco Rose

The talented chefs at Taco Rosa use natural ingredients, spices, and flavours passed down through generations to create delicious dishes. Fused with contemporary techniques and innovations, these foods come from a variety of regions throughout Mexico.

All of the menu items are prepared using non-GMO corn, responsibly sourced seafood, greens from local organic farmers, and humanely-raised meats.

Other 2019 Newport Beach foodie events:

  • August 17-18 2019: Pacific Wine & Food Classic offering guests the chance to taste vibrant summer-inspired cuisine and cocktails from the best local chefs.
  • August 2019: 11th annual Lobsterfest where diners can fill up on food and fun while also raising funds for charity.
  • October 2019: Newport Beach Wine & Food is one of the most exclusive epicurean events featuring dinners with celebrity chefs and tastings from 40 top restaurants.

Top Seattle Japanese-French Bakery: Fuji Bakery

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One popular artisan bakery in Seattle is Fuji Bakery which specializes in pastries and desserts with French and Japanese influences.  For sweets, you’ll find items like Matcha Chocolate Croissant and Matcha Green Tea Danish.  Notable savouries include Smoked Salmon Brioche and Beef Curry Bun.

Fuji Bakery has been around since 2009 and fine pastry Chef Taka Hirai (who had worked for three years at Joel Robuchon’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo) helped start the bakery. Chef Hirai had left the Fuji Bakery several years back but his influence still remains in the bakery’s offerings.

International District Location

Fuji Bakery has three locations (Queen Anne/Interbay, International District and Bellevue). I visited the International District location last week.

When I walked in the door, I was met with their tantalizing displays of pastries and desserts. The location is small with some seating by the window. They also serve espresso-based drinks and tea.

What I Tried

I picked up a few pastries to go including the Poire, Fraise, Ham & Cheese Croissant, Beef Curry Bun and Almond Stick.

The Beef Curry Bun ($3.25) is Fuji Bakery’s signature bread featuring a deep-fried breaded bun filled with house-made curry made with 100% Angus beef. It’s basically a savoury donut which is fluffy and chewy at the same time.

Both the croissants ($3) were very good with very light, delicate and fluffy pastry. Apparently, they use European cultured butter. The Poire (a pear croissant) featured brûléed vanilla and lime flavored pears and Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla custard. The Fraise was a croissant bard with custard and milk cream topped by a fresh sliced strawberry.

The Almond Stick ($1.25) is Fuji’s version of a bostock – somewhere between a baguette and an almond croissant. It was definitely a harder and chewier type of treat with a flavour of sweet milk. The stick had a caramelized frangipane, toasted almond slices and almond cream. Unfortunately, it was just not my thing as it was too chewy.

The Ham & Cheese Croissant ($3.75)features ham, egg white omelette, and roasted bell peppers, and pepper Jack Cheese. A nice savoury alternative to a regular croissant.

Overall Impression of Fuji Bakery

I really liked the croissants (both sweet and savoury) that I tried along with the Beef Curry Bun. The sweets looked more home-style and didn’t appeal to me very much (sorry, I’m superficial and like pretty desserts). I felt that some of their offerings were unique and I be interested in trying more of their pastries again. Rating: 3.5/5

Fuji Bakery
2834, 526 S King St, Seattle, WA
www.fujibakeryinc.com

Fuji Bakery Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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