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Cast Away at Balboa Bay
By Patricia Bradford Rambo II
Home to the O.C. elite, the privileged, the rich and the famous, Newport Beach seems to be virtually impervious to the economic strains of mainstream America. Lined with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche dealerships and the like, it reminds us all that fantasy is reality in some parts of the country. After all, the rich and famous never show their wears even in the worst of times. The Newport Beach area provides all of the home cooking for visitors on any budget who seek a thrill in this elite Mecca, seemingly exclusive to the incumbents.
Families can enjoy a stroll through Balboa Island, grab an ice cream cone, window shop, roller skate, ride a bike, or sip a margarita at a local cantina without mortgaging the house. Balboa Park, just a ferry ride away has for many years been an amusement destination for carnival rides, arcades, or just a pleasant beach day to get away from the everyday grind. The Balboa Beach Pier is surrounded by public beaches, parking and shops to entertain visitors for a full day of fun in the sun. Fly a kite, munch on a chilidog from Johnny Rockets, (located at the end of the pier), or toss a fishing line from the side of the pier and take your chances on a big catch.
The alter ego of this sunny paradise is the high-end attraction that has appealed to the wealthy and privileged since the early 1940's. The Newport, Laguna and Laguna Beach area is well known for its' bouquet of extravagant restaurants, shops and resorts. Fashion Island, just off of Coast Highway provides a shoppers haven and landing point for those with the appetite for top quality fashion surfing. The vast array of quality establishments offers not only exquisite couture, but also unique gifts, home furnishings and dining.
Nestled in the heart of the Newport Beach resort district is the Host of the Coast: The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, by far the most renowned yacht club hotel resort of its class in the area. The stunning resort boasts 160 spacious guest rooms and suites, some of which have private patios with bay views. The amenities are seemingly endless in this waterfront paradise. The guest room beds are adorned with down duvets and overstuffed plush pillows, the marble and granite bathrooms are customized with deep soak tubs combined with imported bath linens to give the feeling of royal relaxation. Slip into one of the fluffy bathrobes and slippers provided and stroll down to The Spa to indulge in a peaceful sanctuary with one of their many personalized treatments. Or just relax in the privacy of your abode and enjoy the fabulous cuisine via the 24-hour a day room service with your significant other.
If you wish to enjoy outdoor activities, the hotel offers an Olympic style lap pool adjacent to a large separate whirlpool surrounded by lush rose gardens and sun tanning areas for their guests. There is also a children's wading pool for those with little ones in tow. This is a great way to relax and spend your day having lunch and cocktails in a tropical like paradise. This is also perfect for corporate gatherings, weddings and other special occasions with so many spacious and inviting areas to fulfill even the most creative imaginations. The accommodating and attentive staff is ready for your every whim.
Yacht clubs have always been privy to the elite. However, the Balboa Bay Club & Resort has one distinct difference, the club is not just for yacht owners, but also for those non-members who were and still are the resounding echo of the Newport Beach era.
The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is located at 1221 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach, CA 92663. For reservations: 1.949.645.5000 ~ In the U.S. 1.888.445.7153 ~ www.balboabayclub.com
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When exploring a new destination, the first thing that comes to mind is where to find the perfect cocktail and the quintessential dining experience to start off the perfect holiday. In this case, the funnel seems to lead immediately to the highly touted Las Brisas Restaurant in Laguna Beach. The spectacular coastal view creates a setting that immediately relaxes the soul and prepares the patrons for an exciting culinary experience. The South of the Border format deceives those looking for a chip and salsa redo, and transforms into a delightful array of seafood selections, delectable entrees and challenging fresh fish creations that blow away any critic looking for a whipping post. The bar area greets guests with a friendly staff ready to shake up your favorite martini or a shot of premium tequila. Then, you are escorted into the dining area which overlooks the bay while the sun sets. The server comes promptly to the table with the exquisite selections of the evening while serving an array of savory breads and spreads. We were surprised by a unique appetizer blend of shrimp, scallops, crab and mussels drenched in a savory tomato based sauce, accompanied by dipping breads that complimented the complex sauce with hints of cilantro, lemon and paprika. The main courses were sea bass and lobster prepared with seasonal root vegetables and rice pilaf. The finish was a brilliantly prepared flan and amaretto. No doubt, a charm with a sparkling flash. Great Place.
For reservations and info:
361 Cliff Dr..
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-5434
Sushi lovers, your dream has come true. At least if you have been to the Blue Fin Restaurant in Newport Beach. OK Valley residents, you think you're the know it all when it comes to sushi, but to be sure, there is a higher ground in the raw fish community. The Blue Fin Restaurant, a quick turn off of Coast Highway, offers a tempting and unique Tapas style dining for fish lovers abound. The interesting and complex menu has the traditional sushi list and hand rolls, but also has an array of non-traditional delicacies such as foie gras, Prime Filet Mignon Steak, Chilean Sea Bass truffle oil ponzu sauce Just to name a few. A very pleasant ambiance with a full cocktail bar and professional wait staff makes this a must do in Newport.
Open 7 days a week, located at7952 East PCH, Newport Beach, CA.
Reservations: (949) 715-7373.
The Newport Beach area sums up a fun getaway where you feel exactly where you want to be…somewhere else!