Greer's Blog

hotelmay50

Hotel Maya Celebrates 50 Years as a Long Beach Icon

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By Greer Wylder
July 27, 2025

This summer marks a major milestone for one of Long Beach’s most beloved waterfront landmarks. Hotel Maya, now newly independent, is celebrating its 50th anniversary—a half-century of hospitality that blends coastal California charm with Latin American influence.Since opening in 1975 as the Queensbay Hilton, the 199-room resort has become much more than a hotel. Nestled on 14 lush acres with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the downtown Long Beach skyline, and the Queen Mary, Hotel Maya has welcomed generations of travelers and locals alike. Over the years, it has been the setting for weekend getaways, business retreats, and unforgettable…

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darkroomspanish

darkroom Pop-Up: Spanish AF

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By Greer Wylder
July 24, 2025

darkroom Pop-Up: Spanish AFWednesday, Aug. 13, 2025 | 6 p.m.Click here to reserve your seatsThis August, darkroom presents a culinary tribute to Spain—one of the most influential cuisines of the past 20 years. From Ferran Adrià’s groundbreaking work at El Bulli to beloved regional classics, Spanish food has left an undeniable mark on chefs and diners alike.What makes it so special? It’s the directness. The purity. The simplicity. Spanish cuisine celebrates exceptional ingredients and precise technique—exactly what this dinner is all about.Chefs Drew and his team are channeling their culinary chops into a one-night-only experience designed to transport guests straight…

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ABT’s ‘Giselle’ Returns to Segerstrom Center This Summer

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By Greer Wylder
July 16, 2025

Segerstrom Center for the Arts welcomes the return of American Ballet Theatre’s Giselle this summer, marking the company’s first Orange County summer engagement in more than 15 years. The beloved classic will be performed five times July 24–27, 2025. Tickets are available now at scfta.org.Staged by Kevin McKenzie with choreography after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot and Marius Petipa, and set to music by Adolphe Adam, Giselle is a two-act ballet that explores themes of unrequited love, heartbreak, and redemption. The timeless story follows a young peasant girl who falls for a nobleman disguised as a villager. When his betrayal is…

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hoteldelrenov

Hotel del Coronado Unveils Restored Victorian Building

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By Greer Wylder
July 16, 2025

The iconic Hotel del Coronado has completed the restoration of its legendary Victorian building, marking the final chapter in a $550 million revitalization led by Blackstone Real Estate.The transformation includes refreshed Victorian guest rooms, updated event spaces—including the historic Crown Room—and the return of the hotel’s original garden courtyard, complete with the recreated Naiad Queen Fountain.Two new dining destinations also debuted: Veranda, a coastal California concept inspired by the hotel’s original wraparound porch, and Nobu Del Coronado, blending Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature cuisine with oceanfront views and modern elegance.This milestone caps off years of enhancements across the property, from new…

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Bardega to Open in Laguna Hills with Bodega-Style Market and Custom Cocktails

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By Greer Wylder
July 07, 2025

Bardega, a new neighborhood bar and market, is set to open in Laguna Hills in late summer 2025. The concept, created by longtime friends and local entrepreneurs Cory Danger and Matt Sharp, blends a laid-back lounge with a chef-driven kitchen, bottle shop, and bodega-style market.Guests can expect a customizable cocktail experience featuring non-alcoholic, low-ABV, and full-spirit options, alongside local beer and standout wines. Bardega’s menu will highlight elevated comfort food with modern twists, available for dine-in or takeaway.Cory Danger, known for co-producing MUSINK and founding Golden Crown Barber Shop, and Matt Sharp, a hospitality consultant and owner of multiple beverage-focused…

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