Archives for February, 2009

The Langham Pasadena Announces Spring Packages and Specials

Posted on Feb 22, 2009 under Archives, Food and Travel News, Los Angeles | No Comment
Langham Hotel, Pasadena

Langham Hotel, Pasadena

The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa announced their Spectacular Spring Packages and Specials.  They feature the opportunity to indulge in the amenities of your choice at the hotel, offering guests the opportunity to experience culturally enriching activities in Pasadena; to partake in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea; and to enjoy a lavish Easter celebration. Offering luxury and added value, these packages are sure to enchant and delight guests this spring.

Spectacular Spring Packages:

Egg-Stravagant Easter Packageincludes overnight accommodations, a lavish Easter brunch for two adults and two children, Easter baskets filled with goodies for the kids and our legendary Easter egg hunting festivities in the Horseshoe Garden and petting zoo with chickens, goats and bunnies for the kids. Package starts at $499 and is valid April 11-12, 2009.

Omelet station at Sunday brunch

Omelet station at Sunday brunch

Invitation to Indulge Package – includes overnight accommodations and $100 per night to spend toward additional elegant amenities in the hotel. Savor an exquisite meal in The Dining Room, enjoy a lavish Sunday brunch in The Terrace or splurge with a relaxing treatment in the Huntington Spa.  Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed to indulge! Package starts at $299 per night and is valid through June 30, 2009.

Beauty Awakens in Pasadena Packageincludes overnight accommodations, a full American breakfast for two in The Terrace and a tour of the Huntington Library and Gardens, where you can view rare manuscripts, appreciate the vast art collection and wander through 120 acres of botanical gardens. Perfect for couples, families or girlfriend getaways! Package starts at $259 per night and is valid March 1 through June 30, 2009.

Tea in Wonderland Package – includes overnight accommodations and Langham’s Signature Afternoon Tea, which features a selection of tea sandwiches, scones, decadent desserts and a variety of the finest teas. Langham’s Signature Afternoon Tea dates back to 1865 when the Langham, London initiated the timeless tradition. We invite you to share this legendary experience with us! Package starts at $299 per night and is valid Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 30, 2009.

For more information or to make reservations, please call (626) 568-3900 or visit www.langhamhotels.com.

Denver’s Ritz Carlton offers spa, Elway’s dinner packages for only $52.80

Posted on Feb 22, 2009 under Archives, Everything Else, Food and Travel News | No Comment

During Denver’s Restaurant Week, February 21- 27 (A Seven Day Celebration of Denver’s Culinary Scene), The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver and ELWAY’S Downtown are joining in the “5280” fun! Valet parking is complimentary.

Spa-goers can choose from either a 25-minute Signature Massage, 25-Minute Express Facial or our Classic Pedicure for $52.80, AND the best part – guests will have full spa access included! (whirlpool, relaxation lounges etc…) Spa Reservations can be made at 303.312.3830

And, if hungry afterwards, ELWAY’S Downtown will offer a multi-course dinner for the “Mile High” price of $52.80 for two!  Reservations can be made at 303.312.3107.

Morongo Casino Resort and Spa Press Trip

Posted on Feb 22, 2009 under Archives, Palm Springs | No Comment
360 Ultra Lounge Bar at Morongo

360 Ultra Lounge Bar at Morongo

A few weeks ago, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and Braintrust Marketing (based in Las Vegas) hosted a press tour.  Approximately ten food and travel writers came to check out the new menu at the Cielo restaurant, attend a Willie Nelson concert (yes, he is still alive and sounds great!), get a spa treatment and enjoy the deluxe rooms.  The rooms feature views of the desert mountains and canyons in soothing brown hues and feature European linens and huge oversized showers (you can fit five people in the shower).  We also attended a cocktail reception at the 360 Lounge on the 27th floor.

Dance floor

Dance floor

The writers got a chance to sample the new menu at Cielo, Morongo’s upscale steak and seafood restaurant. Here are some pics:

Travel and food writers, getting ready to eat

Travel and food writers, getting ready to eat

Above is the group, getting ready to taste some of the great food at Cielo.

Cielo Assorted Seafood Platter

Cielo Assorted Seafood Platter

We all dug into this yummy assorted seafood platter which included shrimp, lobster, oysters, King crab and scallops.  Here is what I ended up with on my plate:

Next came a lovely Ceasar salad.

Ceasar Salad

Ceasar Salad

My friend Paul ordered the Heirloom Tomato Napoleon, which came with tomatores, buffalo mozzarella. basil and a balsamic vinaigrette.  It was tasty.

Heirloom Tomato Napoleon

Heirloom Tomato Napoleon

I started with the Morongo Salad – butter lettuce, apple, cranberries and feta cheese with a raspberry vinaigrette.  Also yummy.

Morongo Salad

Morongo Salad

Our host Spence Johnston raved about the Lobster Mac n Cheese, which everyone at the table tried and also determined as favorite of the night.

Lobster Mac n Cheese

Lobster Mac n Cheese

A true lobster lover, I got the filet and lobster which was a 6 ounce filet mignon and an Australian lobster tail.  Both were excellent.

Surf and turf, lobster and filet

Surf and turf, lobster and filet

Paul ordered the huge Rib Eye and we all sampled it – it came with roasted garlic and a nice herb goat cheese roasted tomato.

Rib Eye Steak

Rib Eye Steak

We were all stuffed but still sampled from this dessert tray.

Dessert

Dessert

After dinner, we all waddled back to our rooms.  For more info on the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, go to www.morongocasinoresort.com.

Interview with Morongo Casino Chef de Cuisine Victor Juarez

Posted on Feb 22, 2009 under Archives, Chefs, Interviews | 1 Comment
Chef de Cuisine Victor Juarez

Chef de Cuisine Victor Juarez

Morongo Casino Chef de Cuisine Victor Juarez developed a love of cooking as a child where he would help prepare meals for his family using ingredients his father would bring home from fishing trips and traveling.  Upon his arrival in the US as a teenager he began working in the hotel restaurant industry and rose through the ranks at the Hilton Hotel and La Verne University.  He served as Executive Chef at the Mission Inn in Riverside before becoming Chef de Cuisine at Morongo Casino in January 2009.  I sat down and spoke with Chef Juarez about his love of cooking and  the new menu at the Morongo’s Cielo restaurant during a press trip at Morongo a few weeks ago. 

-->