Newport Beach’s Pelican Hill Resort: Season of Gin-Tea, Opera, & Princess Tea

As the holiday season approaches, those who adore sweater weather and tea can find warmth and festive experiences at Newport Beach's luxurious five-star coastal retreat, The Resort at Pelican Hill. From gin-infused tea services to opera and enchanting princess tea moments for the little ones, these delightful experiences are available now through December.

Giardino del Tè Recently introduced as part of the Resort's "Bask in Summer's Afterglow" series, Giardino del Tè (Gin & Tea Tipple) is a unique offering in partnership with the award-winning No.3 Gin. Nestled in the heart of the Resort's main estate lobby at the Great Room Terrace, guests can immerse themselves in this Italian-inspired tea garden with a twist – gin cocktails infused with tea.

This daily experience from 3 pm to 7 pm, as daylight transitions into the evening, features the Gin & Tea Tipple paired with a special menu of savory and sweet bites ($99 per person). Menu highlights include bruschetta, blackberry sage shortbread, autumn spiced cake, and more, along with the option to choose from the following Gin & Teas:

• No.3 gin & hibiscus tea (bergamot rosolio, lime)
• No.3 gin & peppermint tea (basil, lemon)
• No.3 gin & earl grey tea (bitter, sage, Mediterranean soda)
• No.3 gin & vanilla rooibos tea (limoncello, lemon, honey)

Traditional Afternoon Tea For those seeking the classic and quintessential holiday tea service, friends and family can gather indoors to enjoy the resort's Traditional Afternoon Tea, offered at 2 pm from December 27 to 29. This experience includes a lavish presentation of sweet and savory items paired with a selection of artisanal teas ($192 per person). Reservations can be made on OpenTable 

Holiday High Tea & Songs of the Season In the Andrea restaurant space, tea enthusiasts and music lovers alike can indulge in Holiday High Tea & Songs of the Season, taking place through December 17, 2023, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. This three-course high tea is accompanied by prestige champagne and features a performance of holiday classics by some of the brightest stars in American opera. A virtuoso pianist provides elegant musical accompaniment ($299 per person). Reservations can be made on OpenTable 

Princess Tea For the holiday season, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers a Princess Tea for both young ones and parents to enjoy. This magical experience takes place at 2 pm on December 30, 2023, and includes an array of tea, bubbles, and delectable sweet and savory treats. Two princesses join the event for an enchanting afternoon of songs and stories ($164 per person). Every young royal-in-training leaves with a special gift to cherish the day's memories! Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

Image by The Resort at Pelican Hill

sweetgreen’s Huntington Beach Debut: Fresh Flavors, Innovative Tech, and Community Engagement Await!

sweetgreen is expanding its presence in Orange County, following successful openings at two other locations earlier this year. The newest addition to the sweetgreen family will be in Huntington Beach, welcoming guests with grand opening festivities on Tuesday, December 12. The restaurant will offer locally sourced, freshly prepared meals for dine-in, pickup, or delivery.

Known for its commitment to quality ingredients and a chef-crafted menu featuring core and seasonal salads, bowls, plates, and sides, Sweetgreen has established strong partnerships with local farms in Southern California. When visiting the Huntington Beach location, customers can anticipate a wide selection of fresh produce sourced from nearby farms, with many situated within a 90-mile radius. Each restaurant proudly displays an updated Source Board, showcasing the transparent supply chain behind that particular sweetgreen store. Local California suppliers for the Orange County locations include Drake Family Farms Artisan Farmstead goat cheese, Coastal Fresh romaine and cilantro, and bread from Santa Ana-based bakery, Bread Artisan.

The opening of sweetgreen in Huntington Beach coincides with the introduction of a new entrée category to their menu, marking the first significant expansion in three years. This includes enticing, chef-crafted protein plates such as Miso Glazed Salmon, Southwest Chicken Fajita, and Hot Honey Chicken. These protein plates offer generous portions, boasting over 30 grams of protein, cooked in extra virgin olive oil, and served with a double scoop of grains.

sweetgreen's Huntington Beach location introduces the innovative Infinite Kitchen technology, which streamlines the meal assembly process. While automation technology plays a significant role, Sweetgreen Team Members continue to be the heart and soul of the operation. The Infinite Kitchen enhances efficiency from fresh prep in the open kitchen to order processing, ensuring the final touches on each customer's plate or bowl. This allows both Team Members and guests to focus on more meaningful interactions at the front of the house, while automated technology handles tasks in the back of the house.

To celebrate its presence in Huntington Beach, sweetgreen is supporting local small businesses on opening day with an engaging grand opening activation. Guests can create their own floral bouquet hosted by Huntington Beach's Peaches Floral, enjoy complimentary coffee and cocoa from Coffee Dose Cafe, and groove to live music from The Heart Band in the afternoon. Kids can participate in a holiday cookie decorating activity hosted by The Shugar Shack from 5-7 p.m. Giveaways will also be available while supplies last.

sweetgreen has committed to further engaging with the Huntington Beach community by supporting local groups, including Huntington Beach Friday Night Lights, HB High School Basketball, Ocean View Little League, and Pacific Sands Swim Team. The restaurant will also participate as an exhibitor in the 2024 Run Surf City Marathon, a prestigious Boston marathon-qualifying race course.

For those new to sweetgreen, there's a special offer: Download their app and use code "HB50OFF" to get 50% off one salad, bowl, or plate. This offer is valid exclusively at the Huntington Beach location for new customers and can be redeemed in-store or online through the sweetgreen app.

Located at 18681 Main Street in Huntington Beach, the new restaurant will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. It features a spacious outdoor patio with seating for 36 diners. For pick-up or delivery, guests can visit order.sweetgreen.com or download the Sweetgreen app, which also provides access to Sweetpass, the brand's new loyalty program.

CURATEUR x Pendry Newport Beach Holiday Market

Get Ready for a Spectacular Evening! Experience the Elegance at CURATEUR's Winter Market (by Rachel Zoe), on Friday, December 9 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Pendry Newport Beach. Bring along your friends for a night of exclusive shopping, delightful festive cocktails and snacks, and vibrant live music.

Event details can be found HERE and while attendance is free, they ask that guests sign up via the Eventbrite link

Pendry Newport Beach is at 690 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach.