Wednesday, May 22, 2013

5 Romantic Places in Laguna Beach; Five for 5



Our Five for Five blog series focuses on what to see and do while you’re in Laguna Beach. This first story will cover “5 Romantic Places” you can take your special someone to in Laguna Beach.


ROAST MARSHMALLOWS AT ALISO BEACH PARK


After dinner in town, surprise your sweetheart with dessert on the beach. Aliso Creek Beach is the only beach in Laguna that has fire pits to keep you warm, while watching the sun set over the Pacific. Grab a bundle of wood, skewers and marshmallows and pull up a spot on the sand to enjoy a memorable dessert with your one and only.


Aliso Beach Park
31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Open 6am to 10pm
Parking: $1 per an hour
Fire pits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

STROLL ON THE MAIN BEACH BOARDWALK


Main Beach is located in the heart of Laguna, where Broadway and Ocean Avenue intersect at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Here you can see the historic Lifeguard Tower (built in 1929 and originally located across the street at a gas station), pick up a game of basketball or volleyball, or relax in the warm sand.  But, when you come with your sweetheart, grab their hand and take a stroll down the boardwalk, which runs the length of the beach. On the second Sunday of most months you can meander through the LagunaCraft Fair on the Main Beach cobblestones. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll enjoy it because you’re with your sweetheart.

Main Beach
Open 5am to 1am year round
Metered parking on surrounding streets


PICNIC IN HEISLER PARK


Heisler Park sits above the Laguna shoreline between Cliff Dr. and Myrtle St. providing vistas out over Bird Rock, Rockpile Beach, Picnic Beach and Divers Cove. Watch paddle boarders and surfers ride the waves alongside dolphins from one of the many vista points. The ample grass areas under the shade of the trees or in the warmth of the sun make it the perfect spot for a picnic. Order a picnic basket lunchto-go from Laguna Culinary Arts or Sapphire Laguna Pantry, or bring your own and  enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. After, stroll through the park and view several public art pieces on display, including one piece remembering 9/11, ‘Semper Memento,’ made from the beams of New York’s Twin Towers.  Watch the sunset from the gazebo, or take the stairs down and dip your toes in the ocean.

Heisler Park
Metered parking along Cliff Drive


CATCH THE VIEW AT TOP OF THE WORLD


As one of the highest points in Laguna Beach, Top of the World will give you a panoramic view of Laguna’s hills and canyon areas as they sweep down to meet the coastline.  Imagine standing there and breathing deep as the ocean air blows through your hair on its way into the valley of Orange County. Across the street at Alta Laguna Park, you can see unobstructed views of Orange County out towards Saddleback Mountain. This is one of the most fantastic and romantic views in all of Laguna Beach. Hint: If you’re feeling adventurous, pack your hiking shoes and take one of the trails to explore the wild side of Laguna.

Top of the World Vista Point and Alta Laguna Park
3325 Alta Laguna Blvd. (at the top of Park Ave.)
Parking is free along the street and at Alta Laguna Park

TAKE A SUNSET WALK ON THE BEACH


With seven miles of pristine coastline and more than 20 unique beaches and coves, the hardest part of coming to Laguna Beach with your sweetheart is deciding which beach you’re going to explore. Main Beach is a popular choice, but if you’re looking for something a little more secluded, try Treasure Island in South Laguna or Sleepy Hollow Beach, which is just south of the downtown area, off of Sleepy Hollow Lane. It doesn’t get more romantic than a walk on the sand while taking in a sunset, so kick off those shoes and grab the hand of the one you love and make a run for the shore.


Do you have a special romantic spot that you like to go to in Laguna Beach? Let us know.



By Anne-Marie S.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Steel Magnolias




Most of us know the story of Steel Magnolias from the beloved 1989 film starring Dolly Parton, Daryl Hanna, Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis. It’s one of those films that brilliantly peels back the complicated layers of friendship
to reveal a core of what a lasting friendship is all about…love. At Laguna Playhouse, the stage version of Steel Magnolias stays true to the themes of both the original short story and film.

In the opening scene we are introduced to Tuvy, a deeply caring and flashy beauty salon owner whose chair becomes the place where women share their dreams. Isn’t that usually the case, ladies? Somehow by sitting in a chair and having our hair primped and primed we feel compelled to share our life stories to our hairdressers. Maybe it’s because our stylist sees those things we try to cover…the grey, the natural color and the imperfections that we don’t want the rest of the world to see? Or could it be that it is a place that we feel comfortable enough to literally let our hair down? No matter what the reason is, the fact is, that the beauty salon is somewhere friends can gather and find a place to express the sorrow and happiness that life throws their way. The journey that these six friends travel over two years will both bring a smile and a tear to your face. By the end of the play, you’re bound to end up calling up your dearest friend just to hear their voice and say how much they mean to you. That’s what makes this story one that stands the test of time and medium, whether pen to paper, the silver screen, or the stage, Steel Magnolias is a story that is about the importance of friendship.

Now playing through May 26th



By Anne-Marie S.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Laguna Beach a la Carte – A Food & Wine Experience, March 7-10, 2013



The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau will embark on the 3rd annual Laguna Beach a la Carte – A Food & Wine Experience, March 7-10, 2013. Guests will experience world-class cuisine, prix-fixe menus, food & wine pairings, daily events and special offers by local restaurateurs…taking place at various restaurants over four special days.

As part of Laguna Beach a la Carte, the Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau will host a signature event, Laguna Beach Uncorked! – An International Wine & Food Fest, on Saturday, March 9, 2013, on the Festival of Arts grounds from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy tastings from 20 Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 wineries from around the world. A portion of the ticket sales benefits CHOC Children’s Hospital. General admission and VIP tickets for this event can be purchased at http://lagunabeachuncorked.eventbrite.com/.

“It’s exciting to showcase our culinary offerings with a four-day celebration, by bringing people together to enjoy inventive cuisine paired with superb wine offerings," said Karyn Philippsen, event Committee Co-Chair.

In its third year, Laguna Beach a la Carte has expanded its offerings and new partners have stepped up in support of this year’s culinary happening. “Events such as Laguna Beach a la Carte would not be possible without the partnership of companies like Fiat, Waste Management, American Express, Smart Water and Rohl,” said Judith Bijlani, President & CEO of the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau. Media sponsors include Laguna Beach Magazine, Laguna Beach Independent, Coastline Pilot, Dining Out, KOST 103.5 and KX 93.5.

A Sampling of the Daily Events:
Visit www.LagunaBeachAlaCarte.com to view all of the events happening over the four days.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Winemaker Dinner at Las Brisas
6:30 p.m.
Price: $75 (an additional 20% service charge and 8% sales tax will be added)
Call (949) 497-5434 for reservations.
Featuring wines from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Wine Dinner at TheLoft at Montage
Reception at 6:00 p.m.; Dinner at 7 p.m.
Price: $125 per person (plus 22% service charge and tax, or $165.00 inclusive)
Reservations are required; call (949) 715-6420 (indicate “Laguna Beach a la Carte Winemaker Dinner”)
Guests will enjoy a 3 course prix fixe dinner and wine pairings. This will be a dining experience for 30 guests.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Etude Wine Dinner at Hotel Laguna
Reception at 6:30 p.m.; Dinner at 7 p.m.
Price: $125 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Call (949) 494-1151 for reservations.
Five-course matched dinner featuring the fine wines of Etude with Certified Sommelier Margaux Pierog.

A Celebration of Burgundy at Laguna Culinary Arts
Price: 6:30 p.m.
$85 per person, plus tax & tip
Reservations required; call (949) 494-0745

Sunset & Savor: Beer vs. Wine at Surf & Sand Resort’s Pool Deck
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Price: $65
Call (949) 376-2761 to make a reservation or email veng@jcresorts.com
Mix and mingle poolside at five stations with specially paired wines and beers from our partners.

Saturday, March 9, 2013


Laguna BeachUncorked! An International Wine & Food Fest*
Enjoy tastings from 20 Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 wineries from around the world.
The event takes place on the Festival of Arts grounds from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A VIP ticket includes a 9:30 a.m. wine seminar with Michael A. Jordan, Master Sommelier, and an early 11:30 a.m. entrance to the Laguna Beach Uncorked tastings. General admission ticketholders will gain entry from 12:30-3:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefits CHOC Children's Hospital. Ticket Information: General Admission: $90; VIP Admission (limited to 250 tickets): $145 through March 8). 

Visit http://lagunabeachuncorked.eventbrite.com/ to purchase tickets. For event information, call (949) 497-9229/(800) 877-1115.
*All event attendees must be at least 21 years of age. ID will be checked at the door.

Participating Laguna Beach restaurants include: 230 Forest Avenue, The Beach House, Broadway by Amar Santana, The Deck at Pacific Edge Hotel, Dizz’s As Is, House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, K’ya Bistro Bar, Las Brisas, Mosaic Bar & Grille at Montage Laguna Beach, Mozambique Steakhouse, Nirvana Grille, OceanView Bar & Grill, ReMark’s, Sapphire Restaurant & Pantry, Splashes Restaurant, Starfish Laguna, Sundried Tomato, Tabu Grill, Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink, Tommy Bahama and Watermarc Restaurant

Participating Wineries include: Archery Summit, Oregon - Willamette Valley; Bichi Borghesi, Italy - Tuscany; Camparo, Italy - Piedmont; Canoe Ridge, Washington - Columbia Valley; Clos Pegas, California - Napa Valley; Cono Sur, Chile - Casablanca Valley; Domaine Carneros, California - Carneros; Domaine des Baumard, France - Loire Valley; Domaine Prieur-Brunet, France - Burgundy; Domaine Rene Mure, France - Alsace; Domaine Santa Duc, France - Rhone Valley; Ernesto Catena, Argentina - Mendoza; Etude, California - Carneros; Foley, California - Central Coast; Giol, Italy - Veneto; Mahua, New Zealand - Marlborough; Mas d'en Compte, Spain - Priorat; Nickle & Nickle, California - Napa Valley; Nisia, Spain - Rueda; O. Fournier, Spain - Ribera del Duero; Peregrine, New Zealand - Central Otago; Ponzi, Oregon - Willamette Valley; Purple Hands, Oregon - Willamette Valley; Ridge, California - Santa Cruz; Tablas Creek Vineyards, California - Paso Robles; TintaNegra, Argentina - Mendoza; Townley, California - various; and Warres - Duoro Valley, Portugal.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Gospel & Champagne Brunch at Tivoli Too!
Brunch: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Gospel Show begins at 11:30 a.m.
Price: $45 per person
For more information, call (949) 715-9713. Guests can purchase tickets at http://lagunabeachlive.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=528404
Headlining the event is the versatile Yve Evans who brings her very talented quartet and three amazing singers. A two-time winner of the Monterey Jazz Festival's Musicians of the Year Award, Yve is equally at home performing Gospel, having started performing at age three in church in front of 1,500 people. Tivoli Too! is dishing up a delicious brunch of hot and cold dishes, a carving station, fruits, and pastries and free flowing champagne, plus a fun champagne tasting to start off the morning.

Snack, Sip, and Surf at Pacific Edge Hotel
2:00-5:00 p.m.
Price: $45
Please call (949) 281-5711 for more information.
Enjoy a cocktail competition with some of our favorite local bartenders. Snack on beach fare with a neighborhood chef challenge and appetizers from The Deck. All this while feasting your eyes on a friendly paddle competition. Proceeds will benefit charity.

Sustain Local Art & Cuisine by Sawdust Art Festival
3:00-7:00 p.m.
Price: $195 per person (space is limited to 50 seats)
Call (949) 494-3030 or visit www.sawdustartfestival.org/fundraiser to reserve your spot today.
Don't miss out on this very unique artful dining experience on the magical Sawdust Art Festival grounds. Executive Chef and owner of Three Seventy Common, Ryan Adams, will create and cater a three-course sustainable meal, which will be served on handcrafted dining sets individually made by a team of talented Sawdust artists. These local Laguna Beach artists will attend this whimsical dining occasion to "meet and greet" and share their creative processes during this exciting event. Twenty Sawdust artists will create the stemware, dinnerware, serving-ware and centerpieces especially for this one-time event. Three one-of-a-kind art pieces will be yours to take home! Additional art pieces will be available for sale prior to and during the March 10 event. A portion of the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Sawdust's art educational video project. The Sawdust Art Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting art created in Laguna Beach.

Tablas Creek Vineyard Wine Dinner at Studio at Montage
Reception: 6:00 p.m.; Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $175.00 per person (plus 22% service charge and tax, or $230.00 inclusive)
Reservations Required. Call (949) 715-6420 (indicate “Laguna Beach a la Carte Winemaker Dinner”)
At Studio, guests will start the evening with a champagne reception and Chef Strong's signature hors d'oeuvres prior to enjoying a four course menu complete with wine pairings from Tablas Creek. This will be a dining experience for up to 50 guests.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Montage Laguna Beach Celebrates 10 Years With A Five-Star Award


It’s a big year for Montage Laguna Beach. Not only does 2013 mark its 10th anniversary, but Montage Laguna Beach is now part of an exclusive group of properties: those that received Five-Star ratings for their hotels, spas and restaurants.
What makes this newly minted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel stand out is its location—it sits on 30 lush acres atop a 50-foot bluff in Laguna Beach (between Los Angeles and San Diego). It evokes the days when the seaside town was an artists’ colony. The Craftsman-style building features classic wood and stone architecture, crown moldings, copper gutters and a shingle-style roof.

Each of Montage Laguna Beach’s 248 rooms—60 suites and 37 beach bungalow-style rooms—includes floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Pacific, early California plein air landscapes and neutral color palettes. During a stay here, you could spend all of your time soaking up the sun on the beach or in a private cabana by the striking Mosaic Pool, but then you’d miss Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa Montage Laguna Beach. The oceanfront spa features 21 treatment rooms, indoor/outdoor relaxation areas and a menu full of ocean-inspired therapies to help you rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

And you must top off your stay at Montage Laguna Beach with dinner at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Studio, where Chef Craig Strong serves up modern French cuisine with California flair. The restaurant boasts a stellar wine list and impressive views of the Pacific Ocean and the seaside cliffs, and has maintained is Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating since 2009.
By:
Hayley Bosch, Contributor
Link to article here