CULINARY EXPLORATIONS | Liven your Culinary Senses, Splurge by Plate & by Palette, Ultimate Sensational Tastings Each Stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Are you a Culinary Explorer, thrive on passionate splurging by plate and by palette in the luxurious settings of seaside magnificence led by the talents of Amazing Chefs with a side of humor? Well, you are so not alone, HauteOC Travelers have a great year ahead at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel whose rock-star line up of Culinary Chefs  make this year’s food lover’s escape an ultimate sensation  year-round and culinary stay package you’ll want to book each month!

Join US for a monthly season of Culinary Bliss! Here’s the Line up – to Book Your Stay contact us directly BookTravel@Hauteoc.com for the Special Treatment |Chef’s Table Dinners Tantalize your taste buds and join Ritz‐Carlton, Laguna Niguel Executive Chef Andres Jimenez at his monthly Chef’s Table
Dinner. … Continue Reading

LOCAL LIBATIONS | Michelin-Rated Mayfair-Based Tamarind Lands in Newport Coast: Serious Naan-sense at Crystal Cove’s Tamarind of London by Culinary Explorer Melissa Sherman Pearl

My formerly hippified father likes to say that he and my mom left Chicago for England in 1969 because Nixon assumed office.  However, as London was then the quintessential hotspot for young filmmakers, and he fit the bill quite nicely, their US exodus may very well be accredited to latter.  I happened along midway through their UK adventure and grew up in SoCal.  But one British trait they imparted on me was a deep-seated love of Indian cuisine.   You can’t imagine the elation I felt upon hearing that a London-based Indian restaurant would be opening a sister restaurant in Orange County.  And then to further discover it was the Michelin-rated, Mayfair-based upscale Tamarind, well, can we all say yippee?

SUNSET AT SIX | Top 5 Most Popular Things to do In Cabo Los Cabos for 2012

With John Wayne Airport direct international flights to Mexico this Summer, Hauteoc Travelers can anticipate a most perfect escape to Los Cabos, the Mexico resort haven at the southern tip of Baja California that boasts one-of-a-kind Mexico hotels, abundant restaurants and dramatic scenery. Right at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the warm Sea of Cortés meets the cooler Pacific Ocean at El Arco, a natural granite arch on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Lively Cabo San Lucas and more refined San Jose del Cabo, the resort towns that comprise Los Cabos are just beyond. Dotted with lush golf courses, Los Cabos has over 200 challenging holes. This exciting resort destination boasts some of  finest luxury hotels.

TOP 5 Popular Things to Do in Los Cabos

• Snorkel or swim in Chileno Beach
• Explore history in San José del Cabo
• Take a cable ride above the Costa Azul canyon
• Tour the nearby architectual town of Todos Santos
• Learn to ride an ATV!

Life is Good at The Hotel Hanford | Experience a Stylish Retreat at this newly remodeled Luxury Boutique hotel in the heart of Orange County

Costa Mesa’s newest and most upscale boutique hotel, opens its doors to guests visiting Orange County, California for both business and pleasure. Conveniently located in the heart of Orange County, The Hotel Hanford indulges guests with an unexpected boutique experience that embodies the style, personality and luxury found only in a one-of-a-kind hotel. With its stunning décor, high tech touches and customized suites tailored to meet guests’ varying needs, The Hotel Hanford breaks the mold of the predictable chain hotel. Its sophisticated ambiance and thoughtful amenities unveil innumerable possibilities for both fun and relaxation.

“We envisioned a warm, intimate setting where sleek style would merge with comfort and convenience,” said Donald E. Sodaro, who, with his business partner William A. Caine, cofounded The Hotel Hanford. “We wanted to offer guests something special and unique, a feeling you just can’t find in a chain hotel. … Continue Reading

TRAVEL & FOOD | Four Seasons Maui indulge the Celebrity Palate at the Annual Maui Film Festival at Wailea with “A Taste of Chocolate”

Celebrating its 12th season on June 15-19, 2011, the Maui Film Festival at Wailea will once again be a celebration of compassionate cinematic vision and storytelling when it showcases nearly 50 of the best major and mini-major studios, independent and World Cinema feature releases alongside 25 of the best short films of the summer. Each year, guests have the opportunity to attend many special festival events including the Resort’s “A Taste of Chocolate,” a night on Friday, June 17th at 10pm following the films,  to indulge the palate while mingling with the festival celebrities and international film lovers along the lush oceanfront gardens at the Resort. Screenings take place at the open-air Celestial Cinema and at the Castle Theater.

The guiding principle of the festival, according to Barry Rivers, Founder and Producer, is to harness “the power of creativity to enlighten as well as entertain.” Rivers says this is the driving force that gives the Maui Film Festival its character, energy and soul. The feeling is evident from the moment filmgoers arrive at their first screening. Rivers and his festival organizers are in the process of selecting films for this year. For now, he is staying mum about what is going to be shown. One thing is certain, the festival never disappoints. … Continue Reading