The Travel Diva Does Brunch at the Belvedere at the Peninsula Beverly Hills

Brunch on the patio at the Belvedere Restaurant at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, it doesn't' get more civilized than this......

I
(The salmon was superb)

(Dessert Buffet)

(This chocolate cake was yummy)

(Breads were hard to resist)

(Superb salmon)

Your Travel Diva's been on the road and found some deals on meals, fun spots and more.

My husband and I discovered a fabulous priced fixed $36 menu at Sirocco at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells, California--not far from Pam Springs. We're talking five courses and a glass a wine. The food was about as good as it gets, no kidding. Not over the top gourmet but really tasty, had two starters each, Mahi Mahi entree, creamy dessert, but bought our own bottle of top notch Rombauer Chard ($60) hey we saved so much on dinner it was worth the splurge.

(That's the Pen's executive chef James Overbaugh and I).

Sunday Brunch at the Belvedere Restaurant at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. $69 for multi-course gourmet meal created by executive chef James Overbaugh (whom we've followed from northern California to New Orleans to Beverly Hills). The food's amazing, here's proof:

Lunch at Red Seven by Woldgang Puck at the Pacific Design Center, one of Wolfie's best auxiliary eateries. Moderately-priced, my crispy, spicy, Asian Chicken Salad was the just as good as the one at his Spago but a lot cheaper at $8.75. My friend Vicky and I had wine which added quite a bit to the tab at $12 a pop, but if you don't drink, it's a real deal. 700 N. San Vicente Blvd. at the Pacific Design Center, valet parking is validated. http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/

Monday nights at Michael Mina's XIV when any $100 bottle of wine is half price. The food's fantastic, too. Not a place to go for intimacy, it's quite the rowdy scene, but lots of fun. Expensive but worth it.

Dog day Tuesdays at the Hippest Hotel in San Diego

Holy canine what will they think up next? While your Diva on the Go isn't exactly a fan of hotels that allow dogs in their rooms, I must go with the flow. I still don't think no matter how well they scrub and clean it ever gets the scents out. Don't get me wrong I love dogs, but prefer cats, but both belong home. Those on the opposing side will love this...the new pet-friendly Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, downtown at 509 9th Ave.. is offering Canine Cocktails happy hour where guests, locals and their dogs can mix and mingle over cocktails.

Dog-friendly tippling Tuesdays begin on Sept. 8 through Dec. 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby adjacent to the Phi Bar and Bistro. It's free--no cover charge for man or dog--and there's even a doggie menu to bark for, including complimentary dog bones, snacks and bottled water. People can enjoy tasty gourmet tapas from Phi Bar and Bistro and specialty cocktails like the signature Blue Indigo “Phi” Martini. One dollar of every drink sold will support the San Diego Humane Society (your Diva likes this).

Hotel Indigo partnered with the San Diego Humane Society earlier this summer, adopting an adorable six-month-old Labrador mix puppy named Sandie – as in San Diego minus the “go.” As the hotel’s mascot and puppy ambassador, guests and locals will get to meet Sandie when Canine Cocktails debuts on Sept. 8. Canine Cocktails is part of Hotel Indigo San Diego's popular pet-friendly policy. The hotel understands that pets are family too, so there are no additional charges, deposits or size limits for four-legged friends traveling with guests. Since the hotel’s grand opening in July, dozens of guests have checked in with their pet pooches. Canine Cocktails began five years ago at sister property Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown. The pooch happy hour has been a big hit with guests and local dog owners, making headlines in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Similar to San Diego’s Canine Cocktails, the Atlanta property rolls out the puppy carpet every Tuesday during the summer – Memorial Day to Labor Day. Given San Diego’s temperate postcard-perfect climate, Hotel Indigo San Diego is picking up the weekly tradition after Labor Day and hosting Canine Cocktails through December. Please keep in mind socializing dogs must follow a few standard rules of conduct: Wear a leash, stay out of the bar area and keep paws off the tables and chairs. About Hotel Indigo San Diego Hotel Indigo San Diego is located at 509 9th Ave., just one block from PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres, and less than a mile from the San Diego Convention Center. The 12-story, 210-room property, including five suites, is San Diego’s first sustainably-built, LEED-certified hotel. It features a rooftop terrace bar with a reflection pool, fire pits, lounge seating and panoramic views of the San Diego skyline and baseball games at PETCO Park. Owned and managed by IHG, Hotel Indigo San Diego is a west coast flagship and marks the brand’s second property in California, along with the Hotel Indigo Ontario Rancho Cucamonga. For more information on Hotel Indigo San Diego, or to make reservations, visit www.hotelindigo.com/sandiego. About Hotel Indigo Meeting the desires of today’s business and leisure traveler, Hotel Indigo is an upscale boutique brand that delivers a refreshing and inviting guest experience that is truly reflective of the local community. There are currently 31 Hotel Indigo properties open worldwide and more than 60 hotels under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation. By the end of 2009, Hotel Indigo will almost double its footprint in the Americas with properties opening in New York City, Miami Beach, and Baltimore. For more information on Hotel Indigo, or to make reservations, please visit www.hotelindigo.com.

Hotel Indigo participates in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. With 44 million members worldwide, Priority Club Rewards is the industry's first and largest guest loyalty program.

Guests can enroll for free by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG's more than 4,300 hotels worldwide.

The Diva Goes to a Party in the Poconos

Scenes from Linda's Pocono Mountain Home

That's Linda in the kitchen prepping to feed her house guests----
And that's her Uncle Richie grilling yummy steaks compliments of cousin Johnny.

The Travel Diva's Trip to New York

The view from our suite at the New York Palace Hotel

Gavin Couper, manager of the Executive Lounge--an amiable Brit imported from the Dorchester, Gavin gave a pleasant, sophisticated touch to the room.

The extravagant entrance to Gilt.

It was an eventful week away. All came up roses until our Avis rental car was stolen. But let’s start with the good stuff first.
We flew Virgin America to JFK–our first time on this carrier. It was okay. Seats a bit cramped in main cabin (really coach) but didn’t look much better in “main cabin select” or “first class”. Had to buy food–opted for chicken wraps which were pretty good for $9 each. Anyhow it got us there on time.
First stop the New York Palace–now operated by the prestigious Dorchester Collection, the handsome hotel sports one of the most accommodating staff’s in town (at least they treated us well), gorgeous appointments and public areas. We had a massive suite on the 41st floor in the “Towers” which offers private check-in and privileges. We also opted for the executive lounge add on and were thrilled we did.
The suite life: huge living room WiFi, views, two baths, one big one with tub, shower, two sinks, lushes Acqua di Parma toiletries, comfy bed covered in divine, upscale linens; flat screen tvs, robes, slippers and of course hair dryer etc. . There’s a fully equipped fitness center that’s free for all and has it all including a locker room with steam bath and showers, workout clothes to borrow, toiletries and best of all it’s free for hotel guests.
We needed the gym to counteract all the tasty food. But of course we got plenty of exercise walking around the city. We even did museums. We were actually in town during restaurant week and had a price fixed three course lunch at Alto, nearby for $24 each, unheard of here. We did the museums, took out Mexican one night from Chipotle nearby and even watched a Yankee game on the flat screen.

We made good use of the Executive Club Lounge--a tres elegant spot for breakfast, lunch and evening drinks and snacks. The morning spread is a real feast with everything from fresh raspberries to scrambled eggs and bacon, breads, cheeses and a whole lot more. Our yeah, I discovered I could actually order an espresso or cappuccino, so I did 'causee I could. Lunch is slightly less generous but enough with great sandwiches and salads. Evening is just a few nibbles served with wine, beer and soft drinks.
And a glorious dinner at Gilt……..the piece de resistance
Where we had a romantic table with a view of the knock down gorgeous room. Richard (my mate) sipped a Martini while I started on a bottle of mighty fine Talbot
Chardonnay. We dined on a truly amazing English pea ravioli–delicate and delicious, perfectly prepared halibut with poached oysters and baby veggies, Tangy Ono ceviche, moist and deliciousblack cod, authentic NY cheesecake (man it was good) and Strawberry short cake. Since we just flew in from the west coast and were guarding against jet lag we skipped coffee but I sure was jonesing for a cup.
Some Gilt-toids: two Michelin star rating, housed in Landmark Villard Mansion. New American cuisine created by executive chef Justin Bogle. Gorgeous appointmentsAn 8,000 bottle wine cellar, artisanal breads, real 14 K Gold bar.

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The Diva Does Dodger Stadium

Patti & Richard in the Stadium Club....

TheDiva at Dodger Stadium

The Diva Got Taken Out to the Ballpark
July 19, 2009
The Diva and husband Richard in the Stadium Club enjoying a sumptuous buffet--no hot dogs or cracker jacks for this Diva-- and mighty fine Chard.
Our friend Tom invited us out for a Dodger-Astro game. LA won.

I was a reluctant participant at first seeing that I’m a major NY Yankee/American League fan. But the Diva on the Go is up for anything and this proved much better than expected. Largely due to the company. It was my first outing to this ballpark and I must say I was impressed.

It was Tom’s annual Georgetown U get together and began with a dinner buffet at the Stadium Club buffet followed by the game. We had nifty right field seats in section 46. Didn’t catch any balls but one did fly close and was caught by a fan. I assume he was a fan as he was cheering a lot for the home team.
Got to see Manny,who’s pictured here out in the field huddled with other players. He struck out but also got a double.
FYI: the team moved to LA in 1958 but the stadium wasn’t fully operative until 1962. It has seen many changes like a $20 million renovation in 2005 which added 1600 seats and improved dining venues as well as Martini Barnear the Dugout Club–which we didn’t get to sample. http://www.dodgers.com/.

The Travel Diva Preens at Three6Nine and Goes for the Bling

She rises late, like 8 ish, stretches out on a mat in her home office, does some body toning work with weights and resistance bands and head out for a hike up Runyan Canyon–a popular spot for local denizens, celebs, industry-types and dog lovers. Back home, quick laps in the pool before breakfast of fresh melon and raspberries topped with almonds.

Off to her see her hair stylist, Tammy Kranzo, owner/operator of three6Nine, a charming Valley salon–with a Big Sur meets Provence ambiance– where the super talented Tammy Kranzo works mane magic on clients from far and near. She’s been snipping, coloring and doing her hair for more than a decade and is hands down one of the best stylist in Los Angeles. Which is why a loyal coterie drive over the hill from Beverly Hills, take the freeways from Palm Springs and even fly in from New York to have her do their hair. Her allure is an eagle eye for creating personalized hair styles that fit each customers’ personality. The charming shop has none of that Beverly Hills attitude or for that matter prices and what’s more, each styling comes with a heavening shampoo and head and neck massage.
Three6Nine, 21132 Costanso St., Woodland Hills, CA, 818-347-1900, fax: 818-347-2182
Coiffed and feeling fine the Diva does the usual grocery shopping with a sidetrip to the mall and ends up at her favorite jewelers, Valley Discount Jewelers, a family-owned business and neighborhood favorite where ordinary people, celebrities and movie set directors head when they need bling cleaned, repaired, or specially created for themselves or film and TV sets. A jeweler you can really trust, Greg Kalajian, creates exquisite pieces out of anything. I brought him two diamond rings and a broken diamond pendant which he transformed into two exquisite necklace pieces for me. He extracted the diamonds from my rings and made this beautiful pendant….He has also restrung my pearls, repaired broken rings, bracelets and earrings for me, and is my main squeeze for watch batteries. I have lots of watches and he charges the least of anyone in town, $4.50. They also carry a large assortment of jewelry, clocks and collectibles. Greg behind the window where he designs, creates and repairs bling.
Valley Discount Jewelers, 12119 Magnolia Blvd.m Studio City, 818-761-8832.
The Diva was happy with her new bro0ches. Then a little more shopping and home to feed Elmo, the cat, work on my blogs, do laps in the pool, join hubby for cocktail hour, followed by a cozy dinner (he made) and TV. It’s all good.
Categories: Diamonds · Hairstylists · Jewelers Tagged: Great place to have jewlery made or repaired, Three6Nine salon in Woodland Hills, Valley Discount Jewelers

Evolution of a Travel Diva

Thank you for following the Travel Diva. If you're wondering where I got the "Diva" here goes: during my now decades long career as a travel writer I developed a severe penchant for luxury. I was fortunate to bed down in presidential suites, penthouse suites on ships, super upscale resorts,and private villas. I learned to fly First Class, did the Concorde and even experienced a Lear Jet or two. I really, really liked this way of travel. So I eschewed coach, economy and budget to specialize in the world of the rich and famous.
I have trotted around the globe and covered spots such as French Polynesia, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Asia and the US by air, land and sea. Everyone also asks for the Diva's favorite spots. Here they are:
French Polynesia (Bora Bora), Hawaii (Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai), St. Barths (French West Indies), French Riviera, Italy (Italian Riviera, Portofino, Florence, Venice (sooooo romantic), Milan, Rome), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona).

Alas even though the economy nose dived, I still opt for the best, or at least as good or a lot better than I have at home. So now I simply travel less without giving up comfort.
The Diva's motto: Go First Class or not a all