Posts Tagged ‘Monterey’

Kids on the Peninsula

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

When most people think of the Monterey Peninsula they think of beautiful golf courses, million dollar homes and some of the world’s most famous events. Others think of miles of pristine coastline, romantic walks along the water and shopping and dining. But some do not realize the amount of kid-friendly activities available. With as many family friendly activities as there are par fours, Mom, Dad and the little ones can have the time of their lives. Oh, and if the “little ones” are actually teenagers…there is plenty for them to do as well.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium on Historic Cannery Row is one of the world’s premiere displays of aquatic marvels. The Splash Zone is entirely devoted to kids and kids of all ages and the aquarium as a whole can keep the family interested for hours, but what about the next day?

How about Dennis the Menace Park located by Lake El Estero in Monterey? Hank Ketchum, the legendary creator of the cartoon icon Dennis the Menace made Carmel his home and this park brings the same smile to all who come. Free and open seven days a week, the park is perfect for families and offers a multitude of play structures, tunnels, bridges and a maze. The cornerstone of the park is an actual Steam Engine that can be climbed and played upon, if you’re looking for something indoors, try the interactive, hands-on Monterey County (MY) Museum.

If you are traveling with kids a little older, check out the paddle boats available for rent on Lake El Estero directly behind the park. It’s a great time and you can get up close and personal with the ducks, Canadian Geese and swans that make the lake their home (don’t forget the breadcrumbs!) Or, for a more radical departure, make a visit to the free skate park also adjacent to Dennis the Menace. With exciting elements to challenge the skills of skateboarders and in-line skaters, this park was created with input from community skaters resulting in a fantastic design overlooking the lake. Between glow-in-the-dark mini golf on Cannery Row, hiking at Point Lobos to kayaking on the Bay, an activity for every member of the family awaits!

Most all of these activities are within walking distance of the Portola Hotel & Spa making a trip to the Peninsula one of ease and most importantly fun! With green grass, picnic benches and the beach just across the street, why not order a delicious lunch to go from Peter B’s Brewpub and enjoy a wonderful day!

Tags: Aquarium, kids, Monterey, Peter B's Brewpub, Portola Hotel
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Top 10 Picnic Spots

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

It’s summertime, and with all the vacations, camps, games and other activities, we sometimes forget that this time of the year is supposed to be relaxing. Even mealtime seems hurried as we try to fit one last thing into the longer summer days. So why not downshift and spend a little quality time with the family (and don’t forget to bring the dog) while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Monterey Peninsula? Food, family and fun are always a recipe for relaxation so here is our unofficial Top 10 (in random order) picnic spots on the Peninsula and a little beyond.

1. The nearest park or open-space or enchanted garden. Keep it simple and enjoy each other’s company, explore the Custom House Plaza and nearby Memory Garden/Pacific House or Old Whaling Station Garden.

2. Lovers Point Beach: What’s better than a lush park right next to a beach, with a view of Monterey Bay?

3. Dennis the Menace Park: Picnic tables and grills behind the park overlook Lake El Estero and a skate park. Perfect for kids of all ages (dogs not allowed in the park gates).

4. Marina State Beach: Miles of beach are perfect for flying kites and the occasional hang glider make for great entertainment; make sure to bring a windbreaker, as that’s why this is the best place for kite flying!

5. Colton Hall: Revel in the beauty downtown Monterey and sit among shady trees, beautiful architecture and a lush lawn.

6. Garland Ranch: Work up an appetite with a hike before sitting down to drink in the beauty of Carmel Valley.

7. 17-mile Drive: Beach, forest, golf or all of the above are offered along this famous stretch of road. The views aren’t half bad either!

8. Asilomar State Beach: Catch one of the area’s great sunset spots and white sand beaches, build a small bonfire, go tide-pooling and a walk amongst the dunes.

9. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: By bike, foot or surrey rental you can take-in the views and stop at any of the numerous benches and open spaces along the route for a meal.

10. Pfeiffer Beach State Park: This State Park offers it all and is a wonderful way to explore nature with your family and enjoy the majestic views and tranquility of Big Sur.

If you are looking for the perfect culinary compliment to this family fun, why not stop off at Peter B’s Brewpub or Jacks Restaurant at the Portola Hotel & Spa and pick up a delicious lunch for your group. With choices galore, your family and your taste buds will thank you!

Tags: 17-Mile Drive, kids, Monterey, Summer
Posted in Explore Monterey, Family Fun | No Comments »

Chef’s Summer Recipe

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Summer food can mean many things for many people. For some, it’s a simple sandwich thrown into a backpack before rushing off to the beach. For others, it’s a taste-a-pallooza of barbecued meats and other seasonal traditional treats. And then there are those that enjoy something light and cool to beat the heat. The trick, however, for a great summer meal is combining all those tastes into one incredible dish that can be enjoyed by all.

Sounds daunting, but when the Portola Hotel & Spa’s Executive Chef Jason Giles has got your back, you are only a few simple steps away from wowing guests, friends and family alike. Luckily, the man behind the great tastes at Jacks Restaurant & Lounge and Peter B’s Brewpub is sharing some of his summertime secrets with all of us.

Take it away Chef!

This is a great summer salad that is easy to prepare and doesn’t heat up the kitchen. I would serve this with a nice crusty sour French bread and sit out on the patio enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Begin by marinating the Flank steak. Place the Flank steak in a container that can hold the meat and ½ cup of the balsamic vinaigrette (see recipe below). Pour the vinaigrette over the steak, being sure to coat both sides and then let it marinate for about 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Combine all of the ingredients except the oil in a blender. Mix until well blended. Add two pinches of black pepper. Slowly add oil until well blended. Taste and season with salt if needed.

When you are ready to eat…

Heat the grill on high and lightly oil the grilling surface. To prepare the steak for grilling, lift out of the marinade and let most of the dressing drip off (otherwise the grill will flare up when you put the meat on). Then season with salt and black pepper. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Remove from the grill and let the steak rest lightly covered with foil on a plate on the kitchen counter.

While the grill is still hot, lightly oil again. To prepare the peaches, lightly season with the salt and black pepper and then grill for 3 minutes or until some nice charring happens. Remove and let rest until service.

To assemble the salad….

Peel and dice the avocado, slice the peaches (each half in to 5 pieces), chop and rinse the red leaf lettuce. Make sure the arugula and spinach are clean as well. In a large salad or serving bowl combine the three lettuces and toss with the remaining ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette. Arrange the sliced peaches and avocado on the top of the lettuce and sprinkle with the toasted almonds.

For the meat I would recommend slicing it very thin as Flank tastes better that way. Then you can either put it over the salad in the bowl or serve it on the side and let your family and friends dish it up themselves.

Enjoy life, savor great food and embrace good company!

Cheers,

Chef Jason

Tags: Chef Jason Giles, Monterey, Recipe, Summer
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Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Photo Courtesy Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca ©

Although the Monterey Peninsula is home to some of the country’s most widely known auto events including the Concourse d’ Elegance and the American Le Mans, fans of the four wheels take a back seat to the supped-up cycles that descend on the Peninsula during the Red Bull U.S Grand Prix, July 27-29, 2012. Featuring the MotoGP World Championship and a Full Slate of American Motorcycle Association (AMA) races, this weekend is one of the sport’s most popular and draws huge crowds to watch and be watched.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 27^th with the opening of the Strider Cup Adventure and Kid’s Fun Zones. Biking, bounce houses, soccer and more are available for kids of all ages throughout the weekend and give a little reprieve to the full slate of AMA qualifying races and live music events scheduled throughout the day. Saturday brings more live entertainment, fan friendly activities and the second round of qualifying races.

In addition to festivities out at the track, Peter B’s Brewpub behind the Portola Hotel & Spa will be hosting their very own Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix Kick-Off Party! The event will begin Thursday, July 26^th at 4pm, featuring Happy Hour ALL night long! From a raffle, to Patron specials, an appearance by the Patron Promo Girls and Peter B’s very own Legend of Laguna Cask, this free event is the perfect activity for racing enthusiasts looking to start the weekend off right!

Sunday is 10 hours of superbike heaven with no less than four championship races including the RACE FIM E-Power & TTX, RACE AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike the RACE AMA Pro National Guard Superbike and the MotoGP World Championship.

While the official schedule of events can be found on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca website, there are plenty of unofficial events all over the Peninsula. Most of the bars and restaurants welcome the fans with specials and promotions and the professional riders pop up all over town at charity and fundraising events. Cannery Row and Downtown Monterey serve as the de facto gathering spots for the fans and their bikes on display.

It’s a RPM filled weekend not to be missed and sure to quench the thirst of any Superbike or AMA fan.

Tags: Concourse d'Elegance, Legend of Laguna, Monterey, Peter B's Brewpub
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Monterey Museum of Art

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Photo by Craig Lovell, Eagle Visions Photography©

One of the best things about a visit to the Monterey Peninsula is the variety of things to do and see. Even if you pick just one type of experience, the choices within that experience are extraordinary. Take art for instance. The natural beauty of the area is without question, drawing (no pun intended) artists and photographers of all levels, from the world over. Perpetuating the legacy of the Monterey Peninsula Art Colony that began in the 19^th Century, there are traditional galleries with art for purchase as well as artist’s studios where visitors can get a more intimate look at the creative process. There is even a growing modern art scene mixing youth and culture together in a powerful presence.

One of the best places to experience all types of art is the Monterey Museum of Art (MMA). Boasting two locations in Monterey, the MMA presents world-class traveling exhibitions of works by masters such as Rodin Matisse, and Ansel Adams, alongside exhibitions of works by exciting emerging artists of today. The MMA also celebrates local artists and photographers, and features special exhibitions of California art of the 19^th and 20^th Centuries from its rich permanent collection.

Just blocks from the Portola Hotel & Spa is the MMA La Mirada location, which showcases modern galleries and lush gardens on an historic estate that once hosted Hollywood celebrities. Both locations have recently debuted new exhibits, with MMA La Mirada featuring, In Sharp Focus: The Legacy of Monterey Photography, including works by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and other members of Group f/64, now through September 30, 2012, while at MMA Pacific Street, Rodin: Light & Shadow, is an interactive, intimate experience of the world’s greatest sculpture set in the character of Rodin’s Parisian studio, which wraps up on October 21, 2012. Both locations also feature in-gallery activities for the kids.

The Monterey Museum of Art is also active in the community, hosting a number of events and educational classes designed to inspire the community and the next generation of local artists. So, for a break from the outdoor beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, take some time to immerse yourself in another type of local beauty, at the Monterey Museum of Art!

Tags: Art, kids, Monterey
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Portola Pirates Program

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

For today’s traveler, there is such a wide variety of lodging options that at times, it might seem overwhelming. There are resorts of all shapes and sizes, hotels that are located around a certain attraction and those specialized options that cater to a specific type of guest. It’s not often though, that a destination hotel will go out of its way to provide a specialized program for families while still keeping a mainstream aesthetic. The Portola Hotel & Spa has done just that with the introduction of its completely unique Portola Pirates Program. Family-friendly fun begins immediately upon check-in as each child between the ages of 3 and 12 is greeted with a treasure chest full of activities and toys. With Monterey’s rich maritime history as the backdrop, kids and parents will be able to learn and interact while viewing the hotel’s collection of antique model ships displayed throughout the hotel and experience the historic memorabilia and photography from days gone by! The Portola’s two award winning restaurants, Jacks and Peter B’s Brewpub, also get in on the action offering a customized kids menu featuring meals like the Portola Pirate Pizza and Black Beard’s Pasta. The staff at Portola is keen on keeping the fun fresh so participants have a new voyage with each visit.

This seaworthy program is offered year round and is not only for guests of the hotel. The fine folks at Portola invite local residents, educators and groups to join in the fun for birthday parties, special events and field trips. Each return visit to the Portola Hotel & Spa young crewmembers will earn additional benefits and surprises when they continue take part in our Portola Pirates Program!

So raise the anchor and set sail for fun with the Portola Pirates Program!

Tags: Monterey, Portola Pirates Program
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Portola Burger; the best burger in town

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Burger & Beer @ Peter B’s Brewpub

Since the 18th century, the humble hamburger has graced the plates of commoners and kings throughout Europe and the United States. Originally a “food fit for a king” (literally as it was only the wealthy aristocracy that could afford it) it was brought to America by German immigrants who had adapted the dish to fit their station, shredding low-grade beef and mixing it with regional spices and serving it both cooked and raw. As the dish caught on, it began to be served on bread during the late 1800′s and soon made its way onto the menus of restaurants across the country. As its popularity grew, so did the styles of burger as well as the types of establishments serving it. Synonymous with fast food, the hamburger stood pat for many years and different chains competed to see who could serve the most, not the best.

That trend began to change in the late 1980′s as chefs in high end restaurants began to experiment with prime cuts of beef and expensive condiments. From Kobe to Angus and everything in between, the hamburger now is served alongside the most extravagant dishes in the most exclusive restaurants in America.

That is why Portola Hotel & Spa’s Executive Chef extraordinaire Jason Giles is proud to introduce The Portola Burger, quickly becoming known as “The Best Burger In Town”. The burger features 1/2 pound of hand formed certified Angus ground chuck grilled to perfection and served on a toasted Brioche bun. It comes with locally grown red leaf lettuce, shaved white onion and the Chef Giles’ very own special B&B sauce. As an extra treat the dish is also served with homemade pickles!

Served at Jacks Restaurant & Lounge for lunch and at Peter B’s Brewpub, The Portola Burger a “must-indulge” on your burger bucket list!

Tags: Jacks, Monterey, Peter B's Brewpub
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Nature Valley First Tee Open

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

As everyone knows, the Monterey Peninsula is home to some of the best golf courses in the world hosting the most prestigious of tournaments including the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and U.S. Open. While the U.S. Open is one of the most brutal and exacting tests in the game and the AT&T is the PGA tour’s annual celebrity fun fest, one of the most compelling and socially relevant professional events in the country is also played on the Peninsula.

The Nature Valley First Tee Open is a Champions Tour event, July 5 – 8, 2012, like any other, but what makes this tournament special is the 81 junior golfers aged 15-18 that make up the field. Alongside 162 amateur players, the juniors partner with their Champions Tour Pro in a team competition that concludes on the final day at the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

What’s unique is that the junior players are all members of the national First Tee Program. This program, founded by the World Golf Federation, allows young people to learn and develop life-enhancing skills and values through golf and character education. The participants come from all walks of life, but most are kids that otherwise might not have been exposed to the game of golf. Through a series of local qualifiers, the junior players earn their way to the First Tee Open, but don’t let their age fool you, these kids have game.

If you love the game of golf, or simply good competition, some of the most recognizable professionals will be playing. Since it is a Champion’s Tour Event, the competitors will be much more accessible and the tournament is a great opportunity to introduce your kids to the game; especially since anyone under 18 is FREE! So check out one of the most interesting and inviting Champion’s Tour stops there is – you and the kids will have a ball!

Tags: Golf, Monterey, U.S. Open
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4th of July in Monterey

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012

Nothing says American like the Fourth of July. Whether you are joining a hundred thousand people at Boston Pops with cannons and a gigantic fireworks display over the Charles River or a family BBQ with a few sparklers, celebrating America’s independence is quintessentially… American!

The Monterey Peninsula is no different with a myriad of great events. Pacific Grove, known as America’s Last Hometown is presenting an old fashioned community BBQ at kid-friendly, Caledonia Park. The celebration, Wednesday, July 4^th from 11am to 3pm will feature renowned San Francisco jam band Moonalice, a delicious BBQ, games, bounce houses and free goodies for the kids. In the tradition of the National Archives there will also be a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also ringing in Independence Day in style with a Fourth of July celebration on Wednesday July 4^th from 12pm to 4pm. Held in Devendorf Park, the event features a concert, food and games.

Of course, the Fourth would not be complete without a patriotic parade bringing spirit and patriotism to the streets of downtown Monterey. The parade steps off at 10am and winds down Alvarado Street and turns up Del Monte Avenue past the Portola Hotel & Spa before turning onto Calle Principal. This year, a parachute team made up of former Navy SEALS begins the festivities with a jump onto the route and after the parade; attendees are invited to come by the City’s annual lawn party at Colton Hall from 11am to 4pm. The fun continues on into the evening with a special light and laser show at Jack’s Ballpark at 8pm with a special concert by the Monterey Bay Symphony.

As the Fourth of July’s go, this year is jam packed with something for everyone; just like our country!

Tags: Monterey
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Wine Trolley Package for Two

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Wine is the most ancient of libations and one that through the ages has been enjoyed by princes and paupers alike. There are many ways to experience wine. It could be over a fine dinner or at home with friends, but nothing beats experiencing wine at the source; the tasting room. And nothing complements the tasting room like an expertly guided tour of several of the region’s best aboard an open air Wine Trolley. According to the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, more grapes are grown in the Monterey County region than in any other area in California and Monterey County wines are quickly becoming some of the most sought after varietals in the country.

Experience a five hour guided wine tour with the Portola’s Wine Trolley Package for Two. Each Wine Trolley tour stops at five of the area’s finest boutique wineries while taking in the sites along the way. The package also includes a stay in one of the Portola Hotel & Spa’s newly renovated, elegantly appointed guest rooms, a warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival and breakfast buffet for two at Jacks Restaurant. In addition you’ll also receive complimentary corkage fees at Jacks Restaurant & Lounge and access to the outdoor heated pool, relaxing cabanas, Jacuzzi and state of the art fitness center.

Fine wine, a journey of discovery that awakens the pallet, comfortable lodging and more. Salud!

Tags: Monterey, Packages, Wine
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