Learn the Art of Baking Delicious Bread in Newport Beach at Le Pain Quotidien!

Have you longed to share bread made with your own hands with family and friends, to smell the aroma of freshly baked loaves in your own kitchen? If you replied yes to either of these questions, you need to join the expert bakers at Le Pain Quotidien in Newport Beach for a hands-on class in the basics of bread baking!

Every Saturday in February, from 1-4pm, Le Pain Quotidien- a Belgian bakery and café known for its simple, elegant boulangerie fare – will offer a class focusing on the 10-step process of baking your own delicious bread. The best part is that you will get to participate in each step, from selecting ingredients, to kneading dough by hand, to shaping, scoring, baking, and, of course, tasting. In this three-hour class, your seasoned instructor will show you how to create one basic dough that can be made into many delicious products, including baguettes, fruit and nut loaves, soft buttery rolls, and pizza. The $75 class at Le Pain Quotidien is limited to less than 10 students, to ensure you get the very best hands-on instruction. If you want to refine your baking skills or simply want to play with dough for a few hours on a weekend, then the Basics of Bread Baking is perfect for you. Le Pain Quotidien is located in Fashion Island near Macy’s. To reserve your spot in class call (949) 287-5592. www.lepainquotidien.com.

Posted in Culinary, Foodie, Newport Beach, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Roger’s Gardens Hosts First-Ever “Day of Art”

Explore the worlds of watercolor and plants in this garden paradise

Roger’s Gardens is proud to announce their first-ever “Day of Art” event, set for February 2, 2013 from 9:30am- 4:30pm. Fifty artists working in different mediums will be painting and drawing all day in the gardens, including featured artists Joli Beal, Hal Briscoe, Stephanie Godbey, John Keesey, and Vera Spies.This fun and family-friendly event also will include art workshops in watercolor and pastels. In addition, experts from the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California will be on hand to offer an interactive table full of unique plants that can go from the garden to your plate. Admission to this one-of-a-kind event is free.  For more information click here or call (949) 640-5800.

Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Newport Beach, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Workout for a Great Cause!

The Marine Beach Challenge includes live entertainment, giveaways, and endurance activities.

Newport Dunes is proud to host the Third Annual 1st Battalion, 1st Marines Foundation Beach Challenge on Saturday, January 19 at 8 am. The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines is one of the most decorated and distinguished units in the Marine Corps. Participants of all ages are invited to test their physical skills in endurance activities used by real Marines to prepare for combat!

Form a team with your friends and family to compete in activities while being cheered on by the Marines. Participate in the low crawl wearing real combat gear, dummy drag, sand bag carry, cone zigzag, grenade toss, tire flip, and a beach run or walk. The event will feature live entertainment, fantastic prizes, and giveaways. All participants will receive complimentary medals (dog tags), as well as a commemorative T-shirt. All fitness levels are welcome; teams must register by January 17 in order to participate. Marines train and fight for our freedom no matter what the weather is, so the Beach Challenge is on rain or shine! Proceeds from this event will benefit the Newport Beach 1st Battalion, 1st Marines Foundation. Register online at oneonemarines.com or call 949-385-1110 for more information.

Posted in Benefits, Events, Newport Beach, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Mark Your Culinary Calendars for Newport Beach Restaurant Week!

Savor the Flavor of California’s New Foodie Capital January 18-27

Just when you were missing the holiday season and all of the fun dining out opportunities that it brings, along comes Newport Beach Restaurant Week! Mark your calendars today for January 18-27, 2012 and plan on several delicious lunches and delectable dinners out that week.

As many of you know, Newport Beach Restaurant Week gathers Newport Beach’s finest eateries to participate in a full ten days and two weekends of culinary celebration, with each restaurant serving up a special 3-course prix-fixe gourmet menu at tiered price points of $10, $15, or $20 for lunch and $20, $30, or $40 for dinner.  It’s your opportunity to experience our city’s acclaimed chefs and famed restaurants at value prices!

Check out the impressive list of restaurants participating in Newport Beach Restaurant Week – and check back often, because the roster is growing every day!

And, while we could never pick favorites when it comes to Newport Beach’s fabulous restaurants, here are some mouth-watering menu highlights to whet your appetite for Newport Beach Restaurant Week!

Sol Mexican Cocina
Coliseum Restaurant at Pelican Hill Resort
And, a sneak preview of SHOR American Seafood Grill at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Hungry yet? We thought so! See you all at Newport Beach Restaurant Week!

Posted in Chef Demos, Culinary, Dining, Foodie, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Lighting up the Holidays at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina

Plan to attend the annual Lighting of the Bay this Friday, December 7!
Newport Beach continues to light up the holidays with wonderful celebrations and traditions for everyone. This Friday, plan to attend the annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.  Starting at 6pm, you’ll enjoy special musical performances by the Orange County Song and Dance Company and the Corona Del Mar High School Choir, as well as food and drink by the award-winning Back Bay Bistro available for purchase. Kids of all ages will love the moment when Santa flips the switch to illuminate 50 electric “trees” that dot the Dunes bayfront!

Haven’t had a chance to get your Christmas Tree yet? No problem!  At the event, you can enter to win a tree in the raffle benefitting the Blind Children’s Learning Center, or take advantage of the onsite Christmas tree lot to select that just-right tree. Admission for this spectacular event is free; you can purchase a single raffle ticket for $1 or purchase 10 raffle tickets for $5.  Happy Holidays! For more information visit www.newportdunes.com.

Posted in Attractions, holiday | Leave a comment

Sunday: 16th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour

While Thanksgiving may officially usher in the holidays here in Newport Beach, another festive hint that it truly “tis the season” is the annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour.  The 16th installment of this beloved event is set for this Sunday, December 9th from 11:00 am- 4:00 pm and you won’t want to miss it! On the tour, guests get the opportunity to walk through nine of the most beautifully decorated homes on Balboa Island – and you’ve never seen halls decked as lavishly as these! As a special bonus this year, the Balboa Island Museum also will be open during the event for a daytime tour. In addition to marveling at the exquisite residences – including those already bedecked for the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade’s “Ring of Lights” contest, you’ll also enjoy refreshments and the chance to get some holiday shopping done on Marine Avenue. Tickets are $25 and are available at Even Sisters, Island Home, Martha’s Bookstore, Persimmon Tree, and The Gift Box – all on Balboa Island. For more information, please call (949) 533-1114. Happy holidays!

Posted in holiday | Leave a comment

Black Friday is Coming!!

With Black Friday just around the corner, many of you are already on the hunt for the best deals. Well look no further, starting on Friday November 23rd, the luxury coastal Island Hotel Newport Beach has teamed with Fashion Island for a special “Shop ‘Till You Drop, Then Spa” package. The package will include a $50 Fashion Island gift card, a $100 credit at The Spa at Island Hotel, a VIP discount card from Fashion Island shops, and a complimentary gift-wrapping and transportation to and from Fashion Island. Fashion Island is home to nearly 200 stores, unique boutiques and restaurants, plenty of which will have special savings on Black Friday. After shopping the day away you can retreat back to your room at Island Hotel which offers many breathtaking city and ocean views. This wonderful package starts at $295 a night. The “Shop ‘Till You Drop, Then Spa” package will start the day after Thanksgiving and will last throughout the holiday season. To make your reservation or get more details call (866) 554-4630.

Posted in holiday | Leave a comment

A Delicious, Relaxing Thanksgiving in Newport Beach!

Award-winning Newport Beach Restaurants Take the Mess – and Stress – Out of the Holiday!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many are starting to plan their holiday meals. One of the perks of visiting – or living in – Newport Beach is that you have access to countless delicious restaurants. Many of these acclaimed eateries are offering gourmet Thanksgiving dinners, allowing you and your loved ones to dine out or cater in on Thanksgiving.  Think about it – doesn’t it make sense to hand over the cooking duties to a chef this year so that you can relax and enjoy your family and friends in a stress-free environment? Of course it does!

As one of America’s newest culinary capitols, Newport Beach restaurants offer too many Thanksgiving specials and options to list here, so we encourage you to visit
www.visitnewportbeach.com for all the delicious details.  That said, a few mouth-watering Thanksgiving dinner highlights include everything from a
traditional three-course feast at 21 Oceanfront to a rustic Tuscan holiday menu accompanied by a classical guitarist at Andrea at the Pelican Hill Resort. Or, you may choose to “cruise” this Thanksgiving aboard a luxury vessel from Hornblower Cruises while dining on a Thanksgiving buffet with live entertainment.  Other options range from succulent carved turkey at Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge at The Island Hotel, and a full dinner followed by a delicious dessert menu at Sol Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Whatever your food fantasies this Thanksgiving – from luxurious hotel restaurants to a feast at sea -Newport Beach and its wonderful hotels and restaurants have the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for every family. We hope you’ll celebrate the season with us.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted in Culinary, Dining, holiday | Leave a comment

The best of Burgundy in Corona del Mar

Vin Goat, a specialty cheese shop in Corona del Mar, will be hosting a cheese and wine tasting featuring the best of Burgundy, France on November 1st from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Considered by many to be the heartland of France, the Burgundy region is a mecca for food lovers. Many believe the wines are some of the best ever produced while the cheese is often the most beloved on the cheeseboard. From the beautifully pungent washed rinds like Epoisses, l’Ami du Chambertin, and Soumaintrain, to the earthy, fudgy Chaource, the choices are endless- yet they all remain uniquely Burgundian. The tasting is sure to be entertaining, as the Vin Goat Cheesemonger guides you through nine diverse cheeses and five wines from Burgundy. The tasting also will include bread, crackers and other pairings such as fresh and dried fruit, nuts, preserves and confit. Admission to this delectable event is $50 per person; to make reservations please call (949) 673- 2200.

Posted in Attractions, Corona del Mar, Taste of Newport | Leave a comment

Celebrate Fall with your Family at Pelican Hill this Weekend!

Family Pumpkin Harvest Celebration includes pumpkin picking, kids activities, and cooking classes

One of the best parts of the fall season is getting the chance to gather with your loved ones – and The Resort at Pelican Hill has some wonderful family fun planned on October 27th and 28th at The Resort at Pelican Hill. The resort will be hosting a Family Pumpkin Harvest that will include experts from Irvine Ranch who will be there to offer guidance when picking the perfect pumpkins for dining or decorating. Camp Pelican will also feature an afternoon of fun and learning for children ages 4-12. The fun includes supervised pumpkin decorating, crafts, lunch, and harvest-themed games. While the kids are off celebrating the fall season, Pelican Hill chefs invite parents and teens (ages 13 and older) to participate in a cooking class that will feature delicious pumpkin dishes and the best local ingredients from Irvine Ranch. Admission to this wonderful event is $150 per adult/teen and $75 for children ages 4-12. There is a limit of 14 adults/teens and 14 children per day. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity- make your reservations today at (800) 820- 6800. For more information, please visit www.pelicanhill.com.

Posted in Articles, Attractions, Events, holiday | Leave a comment