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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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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Indian Wells, CA is about a two hour drive from Los Angeles and is a quiet, lavish hideaway. It’s a place to rejuvenate and relax. Chill by a shimmering pool, or be pampered at a spa. journeyPod suggests you try out THE WELL spa for the ultimate spa experience. If golf is your thing—there is plenty of that as well. The Indian Wells Golf Resort will fit the bill for sure. El Paseo—a unique shopping experience—is often compared to Rodeo Drive, but if you’ve been to Rodeo Drive you will see no similarity today. Lunch at the new IW Club offers great views and dinner at Grove Artisan Kitchen is a treat! (Check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Robert from Grove Artisan Kitchen) And when it’s time to find a place to call home away from home, head over to the Miramonte Resort & Spa. journeyPod spoke with Chris Kandziora, Director of Sales & Marketing, for more inside scoop on this amazing luxury resort. Be sure to check out Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song "Take A Walk."

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While Big Sur is located only about 2 hours from San Francisco, it feels a million miles away. Whether you are camping, hiking, sight-seeing, visiting art galleries, or relaxing there is something for everyone.

Even if you are just driving through, you can be sure to find a table with a view. Nepenthe is probably one of the more popular spots. Big Sur Bakery and Big Sur Roadhouse are two other great spots.

Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn provides luxury treehouses as accommodations.  Across the street from Post Ranch Inn is the amazing 60 room Ventana Inn & Spa where you can relax at the Japanese Baths on property.

So pick your poison as you listen to both GMs talk about their properties and decide for yourself. Then pack your hiking boots and bikini and head north as you listen to the song "Tigertron" by Le Castle Vania (So Sweet Records).

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Welcome to Awards Central, West Hollywood, California! It’s Sunday, February 22nd, night of the Academy Awards and West Hollywood is rolling out the red carpet.  Located at the base of the Hollywood Hills between Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, West Hollywood is the hip and trendsetting center of Southern California where the stars live, work and play!

As the calendar turns to a new year, the attention of the entertainment community and fans around the world turns to Awards season. Hundreds of millions of movie-lovers tune in to watch the glamorous ceremonies and learn who will receive the highest honors in show business.

journeyPod was there. Listen up for our exclusive interviews with celebs like Candis Cayne, Jodi Lynn OKeefe, Tila Tequila, and Yuvall David.

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Santa Barbara lies on the West Coast of the United States, 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco. The area is famous for its beautiful beaches, most of which lie along a unique south-facing stretch of coastline that affords beach visitors sun all day long and greater shelter from winds and surf. But there's far more here than beaches.

Be sure to check out: State Street, the Santa Barbara County Historic Courthouse, and the Santa Barbara Mission.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable city. You can get everywhere you need to go via foot, the trolley, or public transportation! journeyPod actually took the train—gotta love Amtrak—from Los Angeles. After two hours sipping a nice bottle of Pinot we brought along, the train stopped in the center of downtown Santa Barbara. We walked about seven minutes to our hotel—Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara. (If the name sounds familiar, it’s because journeyPod produced a show on the sister property—Hotel Oceana Santa Monica--last summer. Be sure to check out that podcast as well.)

journeyPod met up with Melissa Treue, the new General manager of this newly renovated beachfront property. Listen up to what she had to say, and then stay tuned for the unique sounds of The Front Street Project and their song, “Nighty Night.”

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journeyPod has teamed with InMotion Entertainment to offer great travel tips and ideas on fun things to do in top destinations around the globe.

Los Angeles is a city of glitz, glamour, limos and lights. Follow along with us as we explore the perfect beach and hotel pool to spend the day bronzing. Favorite ones include Laguna, Venice, Zuma, Manhattan, Hermosa, Santa Monica and Matador. In case you're inquiring about those lovely swim-up bars... we highly suggest the ones located at the Standard, Beverly Hills Hotel, Mondrian, Peninsula and Chamberlain Hotel pools.

What they say is true "all the stars come out at night" - so get in your finest gear and get ready for these great nightspots! For a true culinary experience we suggest: Mr. Chows, Koi, Katana, Angelini Osteria and The Ivy. Then get ready to party at Sky Bar, The Whisky, LAX, Formosa and The Rooftop Bar at the Standard.

For a full list of our journeyPod picks visit out Los Angeles Destination Guide!

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