Luxury Travel Nightlife Restaurant Chef

journeyPod.com was on hand for the opening of the newest 5-star luxury hotel in  Hollywood....but unfortunately we couldn't stay. It's for dogs only.  That's right, Pooch Hotel, opened it's Hollywood location on May 5. Pooch Hotel is a hotel and daycare exclusively for dogs that places a premium on convenience, extraordinary customer care, superior facilities, and outstanding services.  The hotel features custom-made suites, exercise pool, and the SPAW. Yes, your dogs can receive aromatherapy bathing and paw-dicures and Pooch berry facials. And for guests that need that little extra exercise, there is a doggie treadmill.

Robin Tomb, founder of Pooch Hotel, spoke with journeyPod.com for more inside scoop. Let's take a listen...

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Photo and Podcast by Andrea Cannistraci

The city of Newport Beach recently hosted the 13th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival and journeyPod.com was on the Red Carpet Opening Night for the fifth year in a row to rub elbows with celebs such as Tom Arnold, Michael Damian, and Jamie Lynn Sigler. The opening night film and world-premiere of Jewtopia, starring Jennifer Love-Hewitt was sold out.

We spoke in depth with I Am Eleven filmmaker Gen Bailey. We chatted with the world’s youngest animator, Perry Chen. We also had a chance to speak with the Judd Ehrlich, director of Magic Camp, and one of the young magicians, Zach Ivins, from that film. Then we found out where we could relax from the films a bit and sip prosecco in the world's largest circular pool from Guiseppe Lama, Managing Director at The Resort at Pelican Hill.

If you missed this year, be sure to mark your calendar to jet-set over to Newport Beach, California next April to see some great films, meet amazing filmmakers and talent, and partake in fantastic parties!  And be sure to check out our upcoming Chef's Corner with Chef Man from Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

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Photo By: Andrea Cannistraci

journeyPod was again front and center at the 8^th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. This international showcase of the world’s premier wines, spirits, chefs, culinary personalities, and gourmet foods did not disappoint!

We called Hotel Solamar home for the weekend, and chatted with GM, Mark Dibella for some inside scoop on this amazing property located in the heart of the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.

Our weekend of gluttony included a Belgian Beer Tasting & Pairing with Chef Daniel Joly (Mirabelle at Beaver Creek). And at the Reserve and Limited Tasting Event,  it was more than just wine... There was scotch! SipSmokeSavor was pairing scotches with chocolates.

It was a sunny San Diego Saturday for The Grand Tasting Event down at the Embarcadero where we ran into a number of unique luxury brands such as Chuao Chocolate, DelGrosso Sauce, Wild Hibiscus, and Ca’momi Wines.

Take a listen as we give you inside scoop on everything from crazy wine owners, to edible flowers, to how to live like a local.

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Photo by: Andrea Cannistraci

Following a highly successful Fall 2010 line-up, La Quinta Resort & Club’s “Grooves in the Grove” jazz series was back this Spring by popular demand, and journeyPod.com was front and center for the 2011 Spring finale performance on May 6 featuring saxophonist Michael Paulo and trumpeter Rick Braun.

La Quinta’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Jim Pedone, gave us some inside scoop on this al fresco series produced by Apaulo Music Productions.

Be sure to check La Quinta Resort & Club for information and forthcoming schedule for the Fall 2011 “Grooves in the Grove” jazz series. Until then, sit back and enjoy the smooth jazz sounds of Rick Braun and Michael Paulo.

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PHOTO BY: ANDREA CANNISTRACI

The city of Newport Beach is hosting the 12th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival and journeyPod.com was on the Red Carpet last Thursday night for the fourth year in a row to rub elbows with celebs such as Peter Fonda and Michael C. Hall. The opening night film and world-premiere of EAST FIFTH BLISS, starring Michael C. Hall and Peter Fonda was sold out. We chatted with Michael C; Hall at the Gala after-party, and then spoke in depth with the director, Michael Knowles for some inside scoop of films, festivals, and life. The festival runs through May 5, so there is still lots of time to jet-set over to Newport Beach and see some great films! And be sure to book a room at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort!

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Journeypod.com was in pit lane and the paddocks for the 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. We rubbed shoulders with Danica and Dario, and even chatted up racing legend Bobby Rahal, who was in the pits helping his son, Graham. Then we got up close up with the Grand Marshall for this year’s event—Chef Gordon Ramsey! journeyPod.com attended Chef’s press conference and got some inside scoop on Hell’s Kitchen and also a food few tips from Chef Gordon. Take a listen from this exclusive press conference!

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Welcome to Paradise! No, really. journeyPod recently returned from Paradise--a Southern California luxury tropical island resort, where blue skies, towering palm trees and a colorful landscape met our every glance. Paradise Point Resort & Spa’s lush 44-acre vacation isle is in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Bay.

While you're there, endulge your taste buds at Baleen San Diego (check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Megan) and the famous Barefoot Bar & Grill—rumored to have been built originally as a bomb shelter by Hollywood producer Jack Skirball.

Let's take a listen as Geoff Young gives us inside scoop on Paradise. Then be sure to stick around and hear local San Diego band, Entice, and their song This City. If you're gonna be in the LA area this coming week, you can see Entice live at The Shore in Hermosa Beach on June 2.

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Los Cabos is where the warm calm Sea of Cortez meets the cold angry Pacific Ocean. They come together at the famous “El Arco.” Be sure take a glass bottom boat ride out to the arch. You won’t need to pack much either. The temperature year round is 78 degrees. journeyPod was just there in mid-April and it was nearly 90! A bikini/swimsuit, flip flops, and shorts is all you’ll need.

Stay at the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar or the Westin Resort & Spa. You won't go wrong either way! For more information on Los Cabos be sure to check out our upcoming Destination Guide this week. For now, take a listen as Jose from the Westin gives journeyPod inside scoop on this amazing destination!

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Welcome to Surf City USA! With eight-and-a-half miles of golden sand beaches, and a sunny Mediterranean climate, Huntington Beach is located along the Southern California coast in Orange County, 35 miles south of Los Angeles and 95 miles north of San Diego.

Be sure to check out the AAA Four Diamond award-winning Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort —right across the street from the beach! It’s pet-friendly and green! So bring Fido and feel like you are doing good by the environment!

journeyPod had a chance to check out the property and enjoyed dinner and Sunday Champagne Brunch at Shades Restaurant and Bar. Sunday Brunch was made all the better by local magician Jeff Black. For more information on Shades, please sure to check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Jeff.

Check out the sounds of the hottest band in South Africa (with local connections in the OC) Just Jinjer and their song "Like You Madly."

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Known to be “the most romantic spot on the California coast,” Dana Point is located half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego.

From shopping, to dining, to fishing and whale-watching, there is tons to do in Dana Point. Of course water sports are a big hit year-round with mild temps even in the winter!

As for accommodations, journeyPod highly recommends the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. You can delight your tastebuds at Eno, give back to the community while sport fishing via Second Harvest, or learn to surf with a pro Billabong surf instructor!

For more information on this amazing property check them out on Face Book and on Twitter, and listen to our exclusive podcast here! Then sit back and enjoy local Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song, "Achin' For You."

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