Archive for April, 2012

Big Sur International Marathon

Monday, April 30th, 2012
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26.2 miles of grueling terrain coupled with strong winds and a stretch of road they call Hurricane Point. Beautiful pain, some runners call it. Others call it one of the most beautiful runs in the world. Everyone calls it the Big Sur International Marathon. Each year thousands of people, from elite Olympic runners and people looking to prove themselves to Team In Training groups and those just wanting to be part of the action join the fun. They all descend onto the Monterey Peninsula April 27-29, 2012 to take part in one of the most famous races in the world. The Portola Hotel & Spa is the perfect spot to set up camp to enjoy the best the Monterey Bay has to offer, while preparing for the Big Sur. Race headquarters and the Race Expo is located at the Monterey Conference Center directly adjacent to the Portola Hotel & Spa so guests are in a convenient location to partake in all the festivities. Let’s not forget the award winning Spa on the Plaza located next to the hotel to relax you before the race or to cure your aches and pains after the race. Relaxing in one of the Portola’s newly appointed guestrooms and savoring a meal at Jacks Restaurant before the big day or enjoying a cold pint at Peter B’s Brewpub post race are just a couple of the added perks of booking your stay.

While 2012 BSIM may have come and gone – the 2013 registration will be up and fill up faster than you can run!

Buzztime – Interactive Gaming in Peter B’s Brewpub

Friday, April 27th, 2012
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With great tasting locally brewed beer, 15 HD Televisions and a revamped food and beverage menu, there is an even cooler vibe at Peter B’s Brewpub behind the Portola Hotel & Spa. It’s not often that a good time gets better, but with the addition of the wildly popular interactive entertainment system Buzztime, things are definitely getting Buzzy at B’s!

Buzztime is a restaurant and bar based game system that allows you to test your trivia prowess, sports savvy or card skills through the Buzztime Playmaker. Up to 40 people can play any number of different games and with multiple TV’s dedicated to the fun you are sure to be able to experience everything Buzztime has to offer.

With Portola’s commitment to family fun through their Portola Pirates Program, Buzztime is a great time for everyone with various categories and two children’s trivia channels that are fun for kids six and up. The game is available most anytime you are in Peter B’s Brewpub, although if there is a big sports event on you might have to wait. There are different games at different times of the day so please ask your server for a schedule. There’s even a badge system that allows players to earn badges with different achievements. As Buzztime’s popularity at Peter B’s Brewpub, tournaments can be set up pitting players and teams against each other in friendly competition.

For more information, ask any of Peter B’s Brewpub’s knowledgeable staff or check out www.buzztime.com Come on in, and catch the buzz!

 

 

 

Sea Otter Classic 2012

Friday, April 20th, 2012
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2012 Sea Otter Classic ©Photograph Julie Braunstein

One of the best things about the Monterey Peninsula is the bevy of fantastic and exciting events that happen almost every weekend.  Look on a calendar and you are sure to find something that peaks your interest. Why, just in the past month, the Peninsula has hosted the school-age talents of Monterey Jazz Fest’s Next Generation Jazz Festival and the gastronomic indulgence of the Pebble Beach Food & Wine. So what if you tend to gravitate toward things at a faster speed? Then look no further than this weekend’s 22nd Annual Sea Otter Classic held at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area in Monterey.

This “Celebration of Cycling” features nearly 10,000 athletes and 50,000 spectators enjoying racing from a variety of cycling disciplines. Not only are professional riders competing at the Sea Otter, including national and world champions, but a host of amateur riders are also part of the festivities competing in their own categories.  The festival takes place April 19-22, 2012 and also hosts the largest consumer bike exposition in North America.

In addition to the racing and expo areas, the Sea Otter Classic also includes free, family-friendly activities including bike demos, stunt shows and special children’s events. Its spring and the weather will be wonderful, so check out the Sea Otter Classic and catch the excitement!

Expansion in Peter B’s Brewpub!

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
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As the old adage goes, “Good things come to those who wait,” and in the case of Peter B’s Brewpub, the wait is almost over! Brewmaster, Kevin Clark has been creating some of the best locally brewed beers and ales on the Central Coast, but fans of his offerings have been enjoying the product almost as fast as he could make it. Consequently, Kevin has had to juggle production just to keep up. Luckily, the fine folks at the Portola Hotel & Spa, where Peter B’s is located, had just the answer and by the end of this month, Kevin and fans of his delicious brews will be reaping the benefits in their new state-of-the-art beer cellar.

The new cellar space, which will also house a cooler, will hold four new serving vessels or brite tanks which will allow Kevin and his team to drastically increase production of Peter B’s award-winning brews. Now, most of the general public remembers kegs from the days of their youth, but these new vessels are 450 gallons (about 29 kegs) and will allow Peter B’s to double their yearly output. Along with the new tanks comes all new taps at the bar and that only lends to a better overall taste.

“I am so excited to have this project near completion.” said Clark on a recent tour of the facilities. “I will be able to keep up with the demand of our loyal customers and free up our other brewing equipment to continue to create and explore new taste combinations.”

That’s great news for everyone, because the cooler also comes with an expanded storage area that will allow Kevin to create aged beer and seasonal selections. “I’m looking forward to brewing a Barley Wine, which is an aged beer,” continued Clark. “Seasonal flavors can be created like something light and refreshing for summer or perhaps an even a more robust flavor for the fall. The possibilities are endless”

One thing is certain though, fans of fine crafted beer and ale are going to truly enjoy what Kevin Clark and his crews at Peter B’s Brewpub are creating.

5th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine

Thursday, April 12th, 2012
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Not since the days of Bacchus, has a feast so sumptuous and splendid been laid out as will be gracing the grounds of Pebble Beach this week for the 5th Annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine (PBF&W), April 12-15, 2012. Each year, the event seems to top the previous year’s offering and this year will be no different. Take over 50 of the world’s top chefs, mix in world class food and wine, a liberal dash of glitz and glamour and you’ve got the PBF&W.  Check out their website for this year’s incredible line-up of celebrity chefs, sommeliers and talent including: Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence, Masaharu Morimoto and Daniel Boulud, just to name a few!

The Monterey Peninsula is quickly becoming recognized as one of the foremost destinations for the finest in food and wine.  From the boutique wineries lining Carmel Valley to the finest craft beer; fresh, sustainable seafood of the Monterey Bay and  numerous innovative award-winning restaurants,  foodies from all over the globe are adding Monterey as a must visit destination during their travels. So pack those bags and set forth on a culinary adventure that will not disappoint.

Jellies in Monterey

Friday, April 6th, 2012
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People travel for many different reasons. Some travel to relax, others travel to escape, and there are those that travel for adventure. It’s easy to relax, escape or get the heart pumping when you are traveling by yourself, with your significant other or with friends, but finding something exciting to do with your family that keeps your interest can become an adventure in and of itself.  You can find all that and more at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Not only is it located right on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, on historic Cannery Row, but it is chalk full of amazing and educational exhibits and interactive activities for kids and adults alike.

In the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s newest special exhibition, “The Jellies Experience”, the magical world of jellies comes alive in all its psychedelic glory. Plunge into a sensory extravaganza of experiences highlighting the intriguing lives of these unlikely animals with their graceful movements, beautiful symmetry, deceptive fragility and surprising survival skills. After experiencing the magical jellies, journey over to the popular Splash Zone which allows kids of all ages to engage with ocean inhabitants and feedings at each of the exhibits in addition to films, talks and interactive activities. If you are going to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Portola Hotel & Spa is within walking distance and offers fantastic packages.

With the Portola’s Aquarium for Two Package, you get a newly renovated, comfortably appointed guest room of your choice, two adult Aquarium tickets good for two consecutive days, express check-in at the Aquarium and the Portola’s famous warm homemade chocolate chip cookie.

You can also purchase additional tickets right at the front desk and the Portola’s friendly and knowledgeable staff has a host of other activities and family friendly things to do. It’s important to remember that the Monterey Bay Aquarium is more than just a place to look at the creatures of the ocean. They are one of the foremost research facilities in the world and are the stewards of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program.

So the next time you are looking for a fun-filled getaway that gives back, look no further that the Portola Hotel & Spa’s Aquarium for Two Package. You’ll be glad that you did, and so will the fish!

Looking to book a Monterey Bay Aquarium Package for the entire family?  Not to worry, they’ve got you covered – click here to view the Portola’s Monterey Bay Aquarium Family Package!

Easter Brunch

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
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The Easter Bunny, egg hunts, jellybeans, spring flowers, and a delicious brunch with friends and family, nothing says Easter like great traditions.  If you want to start a new tradition or continue with an old favorite, choose Jacks Restaurant for your Easter Brunch.

 Perfect for the entire family, the famous Easter Brunch at Jacks, boasts a gourmet selection of traditional and specialty dishes.  Chef Jason Giles has created the ultimate brunch menu featuring: a made-to-order omelet station, traditional Eggs Benedict, Ricotta cheese blintzes, seasonal sliced fruit, artisan breads and pastries, assorted salads, imported and domestic cheeses, poached prawns and so much more. Make sure to visit the carving station featuring ginger and honey glazed ham, baked salmon with a tropical fruit relish and grilled chicken with a Pinot Blanc sauce. Last but not least…leave room for the heavenly dessert bar featuring assorted pies, cakes and European pastries! 

 And not to worry…the culinary team at Jacks Restaurant have thought of everything. This year, Chef Giles will be preparing popular, child-friendly options too!  The hungriest (and pickiest) of Easter Bunnies will be able to help themselves to creamy mac n’ cheese, classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, yummy chicken nuggets, and one of our favorites, Jell-O!   Plus, this children’s brunch menu includes a soft drink, milk or juice.

The Jacks Restaurant Easter Brunch is Sunday, April 8th, 11:30am-4pm, children age five and under eat free and complimentary valet parking is being offered to all Jacks Restaurant customers enjoying brunch. To learn more, call (831)649-2698 or book your reservation today through Open Table.