All posts filed under: Orange County

THE MONTAGE RESORT & SPA, LAGUNA BEACH

One of my favorite places in the world is the Montage Laguna Beach. This five star luxury hotel is just a drive away from Los Angeles, but it feels like you are light years away from all the crazy LA streets and traffic. I call it a “staycation” at its finest.  It is so peaceful and relaxing there. The hotel itself is gorgeous. I love the decor- it’s contemporary beach chic, but feels elegant and luxurious. I’ve stayed in 2 bedroom & 1 bedroom ocean view suites, as well as a standard room, and all are very nice. The Montage is definitely on the pricey side, but it’s worth the splurge if you have the money to spend. I wanted to share some of my favorite parts about the Montage. Below are bits and pieces of my experiences  at different times. MORNINGS AT THE MONTAGE THE FRESH ASSORTED MORNING PASTRY BASKET I look forward to this for breakfast every time I go. The montage has a bakery on the grounds, and all their breads & …

CASA LAGUNA INN & SPA, LAGUNA BEACH

       I stayed at Casa Laguna Inn & Spa in Laguna Beach this Christmas Eve, and not to sound corny or anything lol, but it was truly magical. The weather was clear and sunny, in the 70’s. Gotta love California in December. We really lucked out with the weather because we got to see the most beautiful sunset. But regardless of the weather, Casa Laguna is truly heaven. Staying there takes you to another world. It’s quaint, and it has the charm and coziness of a Spanish style mission, lots of greenery and fountains, but it also has a beachy feel with spectacular ocean views.      Casa Laguna is definitely on the pricey side, but I think it’s worth to splurge on the good things in life occasionally. I did the Sea and Spa package. It came with a Deluxe Ocean view room and a soak and massage for two. The 45 minute champagne sunset soak is in a secluded private tub elevated on a bluff to see the ocean. We had it perfectly in time …

PIZZA LOUNGE, LAGUNA BEACH

      I went on an incredible quick little getaway this Christmas to Laguna Beach. 75 degrees, sunny and crystal clear, it was a beautiful Christmas Eve day on the beach.  A friend of mine recommended I go to this amazing pizza place in downtown Laguna on the main road (South Coast Highway) which lies right along the ocean. It’s called the Pizza Lounge. She specifically told me to try this “special peach pizza” that is not on the menu- you have to ask for it. So she being a Laguna veteran, I took her word for it. TOOK A WALK ON THE BOARDWALK IN DOWNTOWN LAGUNA ON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY BEFORE HEADING TO THE PIZZA LOUNGE FOR LUNCH- GOTTA LOVE SO-CAL!      Right upon arrival, we were quickly greeted by the friendly owner of the Pizza Lounge, who asked to take our order. You can order by the slice out of the options of pizzas already made on the trays shown in the glass window below, or you can custom order different size pizzas or choose from their specialty pizzas on the …

SLATER’S 50/50, ANAHEIM HILLS, CA

This posting is very dear to me, because the restaurant I am about to blog about is owned by my first cousin, Scott Slater. Located in Anaheim Hills, Slater’s 50/50 is a goldmine. Featured on the Travel Channel’s show “Bacon Paradise”, and voted top best burgers in Orange County by Urbanspoon, this place is up and coming and about to TAKE OVER the burger competition everywhere. Slater’s 50/50 is a fun, casual & contemporary “sports bar”, but also great and very popular with families. It’s a neighborhood hang out spot that is PACKED from morning to night offering a fully stocked bar of liquor, beer and wine, gourmet burgers and comfort food at its best. The service is great- the entire staff is young, super friendly, very attentive and on top of it. Slater’s 50/50 has become so popular at it’s Anaheim Hills location, my cousin Scott is now opening up a location in Huntington Beach, and a third location is in the works as well. WELCOMING STAFF. HOW CUTE ARE THEY!? JAM PACKED WITH A LINE OUT THE …