FASHIONISTA NOW BOARDING | The Art of Travel & Style Where the Surf Meets the Turf by Christina Clay, CEO of Stylecliques.com

Last week friends and I attended Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack starting the day packing brunch and taking the train to the race tracks on the Surfliner from Santa Ana, Orange County to San Diego.

This trip was a victorious 90 minute coast line ride. And one cannot complain, we enjoyed a relaxing excursion,  just us girls, with no traffic in sight, we kick back, sip wine and enjoy the beautiful coast on a sweet ride to Del Mar.

Without a doubt, Opening Day at Del Mar Horse Races is by far one the busiest and most attended events in San Diego of the year, in fact some 40,000 get tickets annually. We attend, of course, to also observe one of the most fashionable sports in town as ladies showcase their finest and most proper hat attires and delicately dress to impress.  From Kentucky Derbys to Dress Hats to Soiree Headpieces and Birdcage Poppies, it is quite a head-turning show. How can anyone miss one of the most renown fashion landmarks of the year! … Continue Reading

CULINARY EXPLORATION | Javier’s Cantina & Grill in Crystal Cove – A Culinary Exploration to Mexico by Melissa Sherman Pearl

So there we were, relaxing on the main patio with margaritas in hand and ocean breezes ruffling our hair. The warm crunchy tortilla chips partnering with fresh guacamole and roasted salsa lent themselves perfectly to Kat and me chatting it up like a couple of college chicks whose IDs were no longer a lie. But how would we make it to pick up our kids by 3 if we’re all the way in Mexico? Oh, that’s right, we’re simply enjoying an afternoon lunch at Javier’s in Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. Pomegranate Margarita for me, Tamarind Margarita for Kat (really, only one for each of us – it was lunch time, ya know), and so the fresh, fanciful feast began. We started with a halibut and octopus ceviche, so light and flavorful, citrusy and dusted with finely cut cucumber, onions, cilantro. Yum. As for main dishes, Kat can afford the calories so she ordered Carne Tampiquena – a combination of grilled aged USDA Prime center cut 6 oz. New York steak topped with strips of chiles and onions … Continue Reading

OC AIR COMMUNITY FOCUS | Jazz-Age Inspired mid-century artwork to be featured at John Wayne Airport by Jenny Wedge for OCAir.com

A collection of paintings depicting the Jazz Age in a mid-century Geometric Abstract style are on display in John Wayne Airport (JWA) Terminal A Vi Smith Concourse Gallery across from Gates 11 – 14 now through September 20, 2010. This exhibition features art by 12 California artists who explored geometric and angular abstraction during the Post WWII era. All of these artists worked with water-based paints including transparent watercolor, casein, acrylic and gouache.  Monkey Cages by Wayne Carl La Com (1949) Courtesy: Jeff Olsen Collection

The Airport is pleased to welcome this exciting and introspective collection of artwork, said Airport Director Alan L. Murphy. We hope our passengers enjoy a look into this historic California artwork while visiting … Continue Reading

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE | Orange County’s Well-Traveled gather for another V-12 Powered Event “EAST MEETS WEST” by Valerie Valenzuela Marketing Director of Aston Martin Newport Beach

Aston Martin has been known to create dynamic sports cars built for performance and racing. So when they introduced The Rapide – The world’s most elegant four-door and the first ever sedan in their lineup, curious onlookers and brand loyalists paid attention.  Careful planning and outreach are essential to any new product launch. Not to mention creativity, especially when the vehicle is introduced to a local and highly discerning audience. As was the case for Aston Martin Newport Beach: our highly visible location granted access to the ideal profile of clients.

On May 7, 2010, Aston Martin Newport Beach held an exclusive reception to launch the Rapide. To add value for its VIP attendees, the dealership also announced a ride-and-drive weekend for those interested in experiencing the Rapide first-hand. The event hit capacity within hours of releasing the invitations. Support from local sponsors helped to elevate the evening : Tommy Bahama Island Grille provided delectable hors d’oeuvres while guests enjoyed hand-selected wines from OC Wine Mart. Luxury travel partners HAUTEOC TRAVELER, … Continue Reading

MEDITERRANEAN ESTATE | OC Equestrian Fans will be romanced by the old-world charm and modern luxury of The Grand Del Mar beginning Opening Day at the Races by Marguerite Munoz

Bing Crosby’s dream of building a horse racing track in the tranquil seaside community of Del Mar, just 20 miles north of San Diego, was fulfilled in 1937 when he partnered with Hollywood cronies Jimmy Duarte, Pat O’Brien, Oliver Hardy, and Charles S. Horward to erect the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Race Track. Crosby envisioned the track as a world-class attraction that would draw people from all over to enjoy the excitement of watching the nation’s best horses and horsemen in a comfortable setting of  summer sun and ocean breeze. Between 1938 and 1941, Hollywood luminaries like Ava Gardner, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz graced the Del Mar Race Track with their glamorous presence. The star studded legacy of the track deepened when the match up between Charles Howard’s Seabiscuit and the Binglin Stable’s Ligaroti was broadcasted coast to coast on the NBC radio network in 1938. Seabiscuit’s victory was coupled with the heightened fame of the Del Mar Race Track, known as the grandest race track in the country.

It would be difficult to imagine a more fitting complement to the beautiful splendor of the Del Mar Spanish Mission style race track than Del Mar’s exquisite retreat, The Grand Del Mar. The Grand Del Mar proves that it is not necessary to travel far to reach paradise.  … Continue Reading