Greer's OC

Dining

WINE DINNER AT THE LOFT!

06.21.11

By Sheryll Alexander

The Loft at The Montage Laguna Beach is hosting an intimate winemaker dinner on Wednesday, June 22, with Robert Foley of Napa Valley’s Robert Foley Vineyards wines. Limited to only 30 persons, this dinner in The Loft’s sophisticated and scenic dining room features a seven-course dinner prepared by Chef Casey Overton and paired with limited wines from “Bob’s big red wines.” The dinner starts at 7 p.m. and costs $149 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Reservations are required by calling 949-715-6420.

About Robert Foley

Robert Foley began his wine making career in the Napa Valley in 1977, working at a number of highly regarded Napa Valley wineries including the famous Pride Mountain Vineyards, where he spent 15 years as founding wine maker. During this period he also created the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, School House, and Engel Family wines. In 1998, Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret (a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend), and has since expanded and diversified its production to offer more of the big reds Bob is famous for – Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, the limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet, and Bob's latest creation, The Griffin (a blend of the best in the red cellar).

POOL PARTY AT THE ISLAND!

06.15.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Can you imagine enjoying a lazy pool party and barbecue on Sunday afternoons where you don’t have to do the shopping, cooking or cleaning? Then head over to The Island Hotel Newport Beach on Sunday afternoons where families swim from 3-5 pm. and then enjoy a posh and delicious barbecue buffet from 5-9 p.m.

Last summer, my family lounged at the Island Hotel’s tropical pool area (with loungers, towels, jacuzzi and poolside service) for a long and relaxing swim. While the adults ordered refreshing cocktails, the kids were in summertime heaven splashing in the water. After two hours of fun and sun, we all sat down in the hotel’s lavish garden dining area with palm tree fronds dripping and the smell of grilled meats in the air.

Chefs in white coats stood at attention in front of their stations while servers hovered close to deliver drinks, bread and anything else you desire. It is then that we totally relaxed and happily noshed on crisp Caesar salad, slow-braised and grilled beef short ribs, garlic-and-herbed grilled chicken skewers, harissa-marinated grilled swordfish, cold salads, corn on the cob and so much more.

For dessert, the kids were wowed by the decadent summertime treat buffet with such delicacies as berry shortcake, chocolate fudge cake and freshly-baked pies.

Sound like a cool Sunday outing, especially for Father’s Day? The cost is only $34 per person (includes a glass of summer punch for adults and children), $12 for kids (12 and under) and free for children under five. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.

And if you can’t make it on Sundays, The Island Hotel hosts a happy hour on Friday evenings around the pool’s Palapa Bar. Held from 5-7 p.m. from June 10-Sept. 2, this poolside happy hour is the perfect spot to start off the weekend with half-price cocktails and select wines by the glass. Appetizers are also 50 percent less and include such delicious dishes as peel-and-eat shrimp (with chipotle bloody Mary cocktail sauce), jumbo Alaskcan crab claws and legs (with wasabi tobiko aioli) and Hawaiian ahi poke (with crackers and chips).

Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Beach Dr. Newport Beach, 949-759-0800, www.IslandHotel.com.

Dining

WINE DINNER AT THE LOFT!

06.21.11

POOL PARTY AT THE ISLAND!

06.15.11

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