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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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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Located in Morningside, just outside of Virginia Highlands, Rosebud is a favorite among locals who are looking for fresh, local fare at a really great price with impeccable service. Named after Jerry Garcia’s famed guitar, Rosebud serves a creative fare of American cuisine with a definite touch of Southern inspiration and offers guests a wide selection of reinvented classics.  Chef Ron Eyester readily embraces the creative aspects of cooking and takes pride in being labeled the “Innovator of the Year” by the Georgia Restaurant Association. Ron Eyester shares his ideas, menus and thoughts on his weekly blog and has a very active following on Twitter, where he is known as the “Angry Chef”. We look forward to his latest venture The Family Dog (named after one of the first venues the Grateful Dead performed at) set to open in March/April 2011 which will serve as everyone's ” local watering hole”.

Enjoy podsafe artist Buddahead & their hit "When I Fall".

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Just an hour flight from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, be prepared for the trip of a lifetime to Eleuthera and Harbour Island! Eleuthera, home to Lenny Kravitz, is considered one of Bahamas 'Out Islands' but is definitely the place for the "in crowd" looking for seclusion and romance! Other famous faces spotted in Eleuthera include Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, John Mayer and many more!

journeyPod enjoyed making fresh Conch Salad at Queen Conch, snorkeling around the coast and taking an overnight trip to Harbour Island. In Harbour Island we stayed at the luxurious Romora Bay Club & Resort and enjoyed an amazing cuisine by Chef Matthew Ona at VUE (make sure to check out our Chef's Corner article).

In Eleuthera, we fell in love with The Cove Eleuthera - what a fantastic property! Described by guests as "a calming flow of island elegant living & world class service," the Cove boasts 22 newly renovated rooms and deluxe suites, a wonderful chef by the name of Manuel Perez and a warm and welcoming staff! Listen in on our interview with Managing Director, Kirk Aulin.

Enjoy podcafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit "How can I be sure".

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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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On Saturday, for the first time ever, the Sunset Strip was closed down for the Sunset Strip Music Festival. The line-up featured The Donnas, Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Pepper, and Shiny Toy Guns (seen in photo).

In addition to the two stages at opposite ends of the Strip, the clubs along the blocks, including the Key Club, the Roxy, the Cat Club, the Whisky A-Go-Go and the Viper Room, hosted bands throughout the day. People jumped from club to stage and back all day.

One of the many after parties of the evening was at the host hotel, the Andaz. Formerly the, “Riot Hyatt”, the new Andaz played host to many of the rockers, groupies, and fans. Ozzy even dined at RH, the hotel’s restaurant, immediately following his performance. (Be on the look out for journeyPod’s exclusive interview with RH’s Chef Sebastien Archambault.)

journeyPod chatted with Torry Castellano the drummer from the popular girl band, The Donnas --who kicked off the SSMF. Torry gave us some inside scoop on what clubs artists prefer to play on the Sunset Strip and why! We listened to a rare acoustic set from Shiny Toy Guns at the Viper Room and then we got some inside scoop from Michel Morauw on what makes the new Andaz hotel so unique.

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Come along as we explore the island of Singapore.  Singapore is known for its shopping! And Orchard Road is lined with mega shopping malls. After shopping we tried the local durian fruit--even when the locals cautioned us against it!  We sampled the local cuisine: chili crab, chicken & rice, nasi lemak (coconut rice), satay, ba kut teh (pork ribs), and fried hokkien mee (fried noodle with prawn). And my absolute favorite food--Kaya Toast. 
Be sure to experience Singaporean culture first hand by visiting the villages: China Town, Malay Village, and India Town.  
journeyPod even got a glimpse into Singaporean fashion. The latest craze...stylish, colorful footwear made by Braziliano Praia.  A shout out to Kelly Tan and Michelin Star Chef Marco Pedrelli at Mandarin Oriental Singapore. And a huge thank you to Capella Singapore for their kind hospitality! This amazing six-star property open this past Spring and is breathtaking. Let’s take a listen as Michael Luible, General Manager of Capella Singapore, talks to journeyPod.com.

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Who says chocolate has to be a guilty pleasure? journeyPod had a chance to chat with the Master of Chocolate, Jacques Torres, aka Mr. Chocolate, at the 2009 Saborea Food Festival in Puerto Rico. At the festival we tasted his chocolate and rum concoction and became, almost immediately, his greatest fan!

Listen in as Jacques Torres describes his love for the Puerto Rican culinary scene as well as what it was like to cook for the Pope!

Make sure to visit www.MrChocolate.com to order your next chocolate delight! (We love the Hot Hot Chocolate and the Chocolate Covered Cherios!)

Enjoy podsafe artist Roadtrip and their hit "The Chocolate Song".

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Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard took home a journeyPod-sponsored trip to Barcelona during one of the challenges on the show. journeyPod had a chance to chat with this culinary diva about her adventure in the Catalan city, her new restaurant Drunken Goat and her video podcast "The Tasty Life".

For more celebrity chef interviews like this make sure to check out our podcasts in iTunes - keyword "journeyPod". Follow us on twitter for all the latest gourmet gossip, travel tips and celebrity sightings!

To keep up with Stephanie Izard & check out her weekly pod show visit http://stephanieIzard.com

Enjoy podsafe artist Bill with his hit "Sound Scientist".

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