Luxury Travel Nightlife Restaurant Chef

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

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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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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Santa Monica is an unforgettable, seaside city in Southern California. Conveniently located a few miles from LAX, Santa Monica is a beach city full of culture, events and sights. It’s where all the celebs come to escape.

While you’re in Santa Monica journeyPod recommends you have dinner at Ocean and Vine at the Loews Santa Monica, The Dining Room at the new Shangri-La, or the new Blue Plate Oysterette.

journeyPod caught up with Loews Santa Monica Ocean Spa’s Director Christine Johnson and Shangri-La’s GM, Troy Pade for some inside scoop. And then check out the upbeat notes of Eli Smith from the Santa Monica record label So Sweet.

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Just twenty miles from downtown Los Angeles and seven miles south of LAX, Redondo Beach is a hot spot! Located in an area of LA referred to as the South Bay....along with Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach lies right on the Pacific and embodies the quintessential Southern California lifestyle!

journeyPod scoped out some great dining in Redondo Beach. It’s no surprise seafood was a top choice! ChartHouse Restaurant, Captain Kidd’s Fish Market, Bluewater Grill, and Baleen. Be sure to check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Daniel from Baleen.

And when it comes time for an overnight, your best bet is The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. It's part of the Noble House & Resorts collection and has recently undergone a $11M renovation. It's waterfront luxury at its best! journeyPod sat down and spoke with Jeannene Glenn, General Manager at The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, and got some inside scoop on this amazing property.

Get away to Redondo Beach, and enjoy the relaxing sounds of Sasha Evans--an up and coming artist from nearby Laguna Beach. You are sure to hear this young talent lady making waves soon! And you heard her first here on journeyPod.com.

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journeypod was court side today in Hermosa Beach as Olympic gold medalists Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers won their unprecedented fourth consecutive AVP Hermosa Beach Open.

Top-seeded Dalhausser and Rogers beat second-seeded John Hyden and Sean Scott, 18-21, 21-15, 15-9, in the final. 

After capturing the win in Hermosa Beach, Rogers is playing with Shaquille O’Neal against two-time gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Sunday for a taping of “Shaq Vs.” If Shaq loses the match he promises to run down the beach in a pink Speedo!

journeyPod chatted with Todd and Phil and also with April Ross, who just returned from Norway where she won the World Championships.

Check out the biggest band in South Africa, Just Jinjer and their hit song, What He Means. You can expect to see big things from these guys in the States very soon! A very special shout out to Denholm Harding, bass player of Just Jinjer.

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