Chefs take Diners to New Heights in Puerto Vallarta

One of the world’s exhilarating dining experiences, Dinner in the Sky comes to Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta from January 28 – February 28, 2017. Groups of 22 adventurous guests will be lifted nearly 150 feet in the air by a crane, taking in breathtaking views of the property’s on-site golf course and beautifully polished grounds, Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Mountains.

Guests at Dinner in the Sky can mingle with fellow diners during a one-hour experience consisting of a three course gourmet dinner menu designed by top chefs, including Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza, disciples of Spanish superstar Juan Arzak and owners of Biko in Mexico City, regularly among the top 50 restaurants in the world on the San Pellegrino list. A complimentary cocktail hour precedes the dinner. When staying three nights at Casa Velas or its sister properties in Vallarta-Nayarit, guests enjoy special discounted rates for the experience.

A celebration of gastronomic innovation and excitement, Puerto Vallarta’s Dinner in the Sky costs $50 USD a seat when staying at Casa Velas or the nearby AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and $80 USD when staying at Velas Vallarta. An exciting happening in the Puerto Vallarta area, outside guests can enjoy the dinner for $242 USD on site or $170 pre-order, pending availability. Guests can reserve their space for two dinners Wednesday through Friday (beginning at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.); Saturday and Sunday features three dinners (beginning at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.). A vegetarian menu is also available on request.

www.hotelcasavelas.com.

New resort Grand Velas Los Cabos opens in Los Cabos, Mexico


The $150 million resort on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the Grand Velas Los Cabos, has officially opened its doors. The beachfront property features duplex wellness suites with juice bars, wine-based features inspired by the proximity to the region producing Mexico’s fine wines, and dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort. A gallery of contemporary art opening soon continues the company’s commitment to bringing the art, fashion and culture of Mexico to guests.

Grand Velas Los Cabos offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities including a selection of gourmet specialty restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte; oversize designer suites, some with plunge pools; a Leading Spa of the World; staff ratio of 3 to 1; exceptional meeting facilities, and a commitment to the environment.

 

Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Grand Velas Los Cabos features 304 ocean view suites, all over 1,180 sq. ft. with private terraces and some with personal plunge pools. In addition, five gourmet restaurants with an extensive beverage and wine program; a 16,370 sq. ft. convention center with the capability for 20 breakout rooms; 35,000 sq. ft. spa with 16 treatment rooms and a leading hydrotherapy facility; three pools; and pool and beach concierges are available.

Rounding out the list of amenities and services are a Life Fitness Center with personal trainers, exercise programs, yoga, Pilates and meditation; recreational activities program; separate teens’ and kids’ club facilities and activities program; 24-hour personalized butler concierge service; and 24-hour insuite service. The curved, half-moon design of the hotel catches eyes with an iconic grand entrance that’s open air, three stories high and over 300 ft. above sea level.

All of this beachfront is just 35 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport which directly services over 40 destinations in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Gourmet Culinary Program

Grand Velas Los Cabos’ variety of gourmet restaurants and foodie experiences allow guests to explore and savor a worldly fusion of flavors without leaving the comfort of the resort. Food, creativity and presentation comparable to that of top restaurants in world capitals is served in five fine-dining restaurants, including the resort’s signature restaurant, Cocina de Autor, which is helmed by two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte. Other on-property fine dining options include Frida, offering Mexican fine dining; Piaf, which serves gourmet French specialties; and Lucca, with a menu of traditional Italian cuisine. For guests seeking a casual dining experience, the all-day dining restaurant Azul offers panoramic beach vistas and a relaxing, open-air, yet air-conditioned, environment in which to indulge in international cuisine. Amat Café serves up coffee specialties, Velas 10 prepares seafood and steak and Cabrilla focuses on fresh ceviche. 24-hour In-Suite Dining is also offered.

Offering innovative libations and sensory ambiances for every mood, the resort features four diverse bars: Sky Bar, Miramar Bar, the bar at Cocina de Autor, and Koi. Highlights of the casually elegant space at Koi include a dramatic marble bar, state of the art sound and video equipment and comfortable seating groups. A DJ will spin the latest hits for guests’ listening and dancing pleasure with a dedicated dance floor.

All restaurants and bars are designed to take full advantage of the stunning views and have indoor and open air seating.

Renowned for the best Mexican wines, Baja California furthers its appeal for wine aficionados at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Bringing a wealth of knowledge from decades of experience across many continents, Master Sommelier Don Pedro Poncelis Brambila is responsible for developing the wine list comprised of 50 included wines of sparkling, white, rose and red from the best regions of several grape varieties in addition to a supplemental list of over 200 wines of the world from the very best and most prestigious domaines. Furthermore, he will implement various wine offerings for resort guests, such as food & wine pairings, wine tastings and even a wine lovers over the top getaway for millionaires.

Unique dining events, foodie experiences, premium liquor brands, and custom cocktails in innovative ways are also planned for the resort.

Designer Suites

Stylish suites all feature ocean views and a private terrace with sitting area, separate living area with sofa, king or two queen beds, expansive bathroom with Jacuzzi and built-in shower. A private plunge pool also greets guests in Grand Class Suites, the multi-bedroom Presidential and Governor Suites, and the Imperial Suite.

Signature Spa

The two-level, 35,000 sq. ft. Spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos has 16 treatment rooms, some with a water view. Guests enjoy authentic and innovative treatments using the latest technology and products of the Earth, traditional in the Mexican culture. Signature treatments center around the Blue Agave plant native to Mexico and its pre-Columbian ancestral healing benefits.

Grand Velas Los Cabos

1-888-407-4869
http://loscabos.grandvelas.com/

Chocolate & Wine Cruise on the SF Bay – 3rd Edition

Because it was great fun both times, a grand adventure, and sold out, we will be going on a third Chocolate & Wine Cruise on the Bay on February 11th.

One Star House Party popup Travels the World

Popup restaurants are not just in North America and Europe. They are everywhere!

Look at One Star House Party, which creates pop up restaurants across the world, built of the ingredients, cultures and people that they discover along the way. Currently on an international tour through 2018 www.onestarhouseparty.com

Some of the cities: BEIJING, HO CHI MINH, BANGKOK, MUMBAI, NAIROBI, CAPE TOWN, FLORENCE, BERLIN, LONDON, SANTIAGO, NEW YORK, VANCOUVER, TASMANIA, and KYOTO.

Below is a video on how they cook their Sichuan Duck at the Beijing OSHP.

Norcal World Dog Surfing Championship awes San Francisco Bay Area

It was a great day for the first time Norcal Dog Surfing event (aka the World Dog Surfing Championships), and over 400 dog and surfing lovers came out to check out the stars, including local media outlets such as KQED, NBC, KPIX (CBS), the Bay Area News Group, and more. (see press coverage and some videos here)

Ratings were led by veteran solo dog surfers Abbie Surfs and Brandy the Pug, in close pursuit by tandem dog surfer Skyler, doing her first foray in solo surfing.

There were four heats in all: 2 for small/medium dogs, 1 for large dogs, 1 for the top dogs (trophies)

Top Dogs (trophies)
1. Abbie (Michael Uy, www.instagram.com/abbiesurfs/ )
2. Brandy (Jonny Dorman, www.instagram.com/brandy_the_pug/ )
3. Skyler (Homer Henard, www.instagram.com/skylerthesurfingdog/)

Small/Medium Dogs
1. Abbie (Michael Uy, www.instagram.com/abbiesurfs/ )
2. Brandy (Jonny Dorman, www.instagram.com/brandy_the_pug/ )
3. Wes (Christine Campopiano, www.instagram.com/westhesurfdog/)

Large Dogs
1. Skyler (Homer Henard, www.instagram.com/skylerthesurfingdog/)
2. Barb (Linda Lyman, Pawssage.com)

Cars You Want: The Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition has Style + Speed

In a celebration of style and lightweight performance, and helping mark the 50th anniversary of the company’s famous Hethel site, Lotus has revealed the latest addition to its collection: the exclusive Elise 250 Special Edition.