Balboa Bay Resort Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Renovation

Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach’s only waterfront resort and a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Diamond destination, has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its guestrooms and public spaces. The project covers 159 guestrooms and suites, the grand lobby and arrival area, and a reimagined lobby bar now called Bar nineteen48, a nod to the year Balboa Bay Club was founded.

The club opened in 1948 as a private haven for boaters and Newport Beach’s social set. The resort welcomed the public in 2004 and has since hosted Hollywood stars, dignitaries and generations of members. International design studio DesignAgency led the new look, which blends Hollywood’s Golden Age glamour, Newport Beach history and the laid-back spirit of Balboa Island.

Inside the rooms, 159 guestrooms and 10 suites now feature white oak, walnut and burlwood furnishings, refined finishes, better lighting and integrated technology. Amenities include Frette linens, Nespresso coffee makers and L’Occitane bath products. Suites also come with Dyson hairdryers.

The lobby now works as a social living room, with warm woods, bronze accents, aged metals and oxidized finishes that echo the harbor. Rich neutrals mix with rust, coral, sage, turquoise and soft blue for a look that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Vintage black-and-white photography from Archiv-e hangs in the guestrooms, corridors, lobby and Bar nineteen48, tying the past to the present.

At the center of the lobby, Bar nineteen48 takes its cue from the amber glow of mid-century Southern California, with plush seating, rich textures and soft lighting. The cocktail program leans on the classics. Executive Chef Diego Bernal’s bar bites include baked brie on baguette, crispy chicken and caviar, Kobe beef mini burgers, tuna crispy rice and a Kaviari caviar experience.

Live music plays every Thursday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Starting Friday, Nov. 6, high tea with light bites will be served every Friday and Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. by advance reservation.

Earlier this year, the resort also unveiled updated meeting and event spaces totaling 30,000 square feet with harbor views. Venues range from the intimate Library to the Grand Ballroom, which holds receptions for up to 1,000.

For more information, visit balboabayresort.com and balboabayclub.com.

Bacchus Hosts Dresser Winery Dinner

Wine lovers in Irvine have a date to circle. Bacchus Bar & Bistro is hosting an exclusive Winemaker’s Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m., pairing a four-course menu from Chef Leo Moran with wines from Dresser Winery in Paso Robles.

Dresser’s Kory Burke will join Moran for the evening, which promises exceptional wines alongside inspired cuisine. Tickets are $125 per person.

Here’s a look at the menu:

First course: Pan-seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, apple relish and caviar, paired with a 2024 Pinot Gris.

Second course: Muscovy duck breast with parsnip purée, caramelized heirloom carrots and Zinfandel blackberry sauce, paired with a 2024 Zinfandel.

Third course: Oven-roasted lamb chops with soft polenta, Provençal vegetables and Cabernet reduction, paired with a 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Dessert: Chocolate mousse cake with cherry sauce, paired with a 2024 SFR.

Reservations are required. Call Bacchus Bar & Bistro at (949) 502-4600 to reserve a spot, or fill out this form. 

Bacchus Bar & Bistro is located at the Quail Hill Shopping Center at 6735 Quail Hill Parkway in Irvine. 

Pendry Newport Beach Serves Up Thanksgiving Events

Pendry Newport Beach is rolling out a full lineup of Thanksgiving dining and events, from a chef-driven benefit for a local food bank to Friendsgiving festivities and Thanksgiving Day meals at its signature restaurants and bar.

Chefsgiving
Nov. 13 | 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Orange County chefs come together for a one-night Thanksgiving celebration benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Guests can sample signature Thanksgiving dishes at chef-attended action stations, along with wine and live entertainment. Elwood VIP access runs from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by general admission from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person, and 100% of proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Reserve here. 

Friendsgiving at SET Steak & Sushi
Nov. 25 | 5 to 10 p.m.
Kick off the holiday weekend with a DJ spinning from 6 to 10 p.m. The night centers on JT’s Korean Style Fried Turkey, served all evening with shareable sides made for a table of friends. The turkey is $55 per person, exclusive of tax. Service charge is included. Reservations are recommended here, and walk-ins are welcome.

Thanksgiving at SET Steak & Sushi
Nov. 26 | 4 to 9 p.m.
Gather on Thanksgiving Day for seasonal specials alongside the restaurant’s signature steak and sushi pairing. The relaxed, open-all-afternoon setup makes it easy to build the holiday around your own schedule. Reservations are recommended here, and walk-ins are welcome.

Thanksgiving at Bar Pendry
Nov. 26 | 3 to 10 p.m.
Bar Pendry keeps its regular menu going on Thanksgiving Day and adds an à la carte turkey plate starting at 3 p.m. It’s an easy option for anyone wanting a taste of the holiday without a formal sit-down meal, set in the bar’s cocktail-forward atmosphere. Come for the turkey, stay for the evening. No reservations required, and walk-ins are welcome.

690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach.