Luxury Travel Nightlife Restaurant Chef

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.

Listen Now:

 Enhanced Podcast [9:02m]: Download | Hits (Loading)

Coronado is home to about 26,000 people. It is connected to San Diego by the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, with its distinctive curved span. Coronado is surrounded by water -- the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta and San Diego Bay. Located about 20 minutes from San Diego International Airport, Coronado Bay is a must-see location!  And....contrary to popular myth, Coronado Bay is NOT part of San Diego. It is it’s own city.

Swim, surf, sail, fish, bike, skate, golf, or play tennis - Coronado is definitely the place to be if you love the outdoors. The city's Central, North and Silver Strand beaches are ideal for whatever water-related activity you can think of -- there's even Dog Beach, where your pet can frolic with you.

And if you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to stay while visiting beautiful Coronado Bay, Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa is just the place! As part of its commitment to the environment, Loews Hotels encourages even its furriest guests to do their part in promoting responsible, sustainable consumption (literally).

journeyPod recently visited Coronado Bay (without our pets) and had the opportunity to experience the the wonderful cuisine (check out our Chef’s Corner with Chef Patrick) and the relaxing Sea Spa.  After our pampering at the spa--it was like tapas at the spa--a taste of everything-- we sat and chatted with Spa Director, Krystal Mason, for some inside scoop!

For more luxury travel tips, follow us on twitter - twitter.com/journeyPod. Join the afterparty on our facebook and myspace pages. For your celebrity gossip fill for the week check out the coolest social network on the web at journeyPod.ning.com. Now let’s take a listen to relaxing podsafe song called The Bay by Karl Stephen Brunig.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

San Diego, California. The name conjures up complete bliss: pristine beaches, sunny year round weather, the Zoo, shopping, and of course fine dining and luxurious hotels and resorts. journeyPod has had the opportunity over the past few yeas to cover a few select San Diego area properties such as the Ivy,

The Rancho Bernardo Inn, La Costa, Estancia, L’Auberge, and a few select others. (Be sure to check out our archives for these great podcast shows!) Well, my fellow jet-setters, it’s time to add a new favorite to the list: The Grand Del Mar. As the name suggests, it’s grand. Located in Northern San Diego, this property will make you think you’ve been magically transported to the Tuscan countryside. Really.

Add to the opulent atmosphere of this new destination resort the fact that it’s signature fine dining restaurant, Addison, has earned one of the most coveted awards of all: a Five Diamond rating from the Automobile Association of America (AAA). journeyPod definitely agrees. We had a private tasting with Chef William Bradley and Jesse Rodriguez, Sommelier, gave us the pleasure of a fabulous wine pairing. Let’s take a listen as Tom Voss, president of Manchester Grand Resorts, chats with journeyPod.

And I will leave you with the electronic sounds of amb26 and their song, “The Grand Prize.”

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

The most difficult decision to make regarding a vacation to San Diego is determining what to do and see among the region's vast and diverse offerings. If you want access to the GasLamp, Little Italy, and fabulous restaurants, spas and shopping within a 100 yards of your hotel room....we suggest the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Afterall, it’s the only waterfront hotel and the views are amazing. The hotel boasts shopping, a spa, and a nightclub. Kin nightclub is not to be missed. If you want to see beautiful people and girls dancing in a giant bubble...stop by this one -of -a-kind nightclub, located on the 3rd floor of the hotel. San Diego County promises a truly remarkable vacation experience for everyone, just as Manchester Hyatt’s Director of Marketing Kelly Commerford, told journeyPod during a recent stay.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

Located about 35 miles north of San Diego, Carlsbad is one of Southern California's most popular vacation destinations. The moment you arrive in Carlsbad you magically feel the rest of the world fading away. Whether you're on a family vacation, a weekend getaway with the girls or guys, or reconnecting with the one you love, Carlsbad has something for everyone, as journeyPod experienced firsthand one delightful weekend in June.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [8:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

journeyPod was on the guest list for the re-opening of the L’Auberge Del Mar this past June. This magnificent property is everything but a “hotel”--it’s more like a high-end private estate!

Del Mar is located about 20 miles north of San Diego and about 90 miles south of Los Angeles. Del Mar itself is the cutest little coastal village! A great place to get away for a relaxing beach weekend. The city is comprised of two square miles of coastal land and has a population around 4,500.

Check out the sounds of Jerry Fee and his song, “Another Day at the Beach.”

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [6:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.  journeyPod certainly experienced âindulgence served gracefully? during our stay at The Ivy Hotel, located in the heart of the GasLamp Quarter of San Diego.

The Ivy Hotel is upscale luxury all the way...I mean what other hotel are you greeted at the front desk, escorted to your room, offered to have your garments pressed and unpacked for you, then brought a complimentary glass of champagne by your personal butler?  Yes, I did just say âpersonal butlerâ?....a butler who is happy to draw you a Molten brand bubble bath, complete with music, candles, and a beverage.

If relaxation isn't what you had in mind, have no fears. The Ivy is home to THREE clubs...Club Eden, Ultra Lounge, and Club Envy.  All the staff wear costumes? (do not even whisper the word âuniformsâ?!) created by Chinese designer, Tadashi.

What are you waiting for?!  Book your room at The Ivy Hotel today and get ready for some serious pampering!

Be sure to listen for the upcoming podcast show with Chef Damon Gordon of The Ivy Hotel's restaurant, The Quarter Kitchen.

Check out the sounds of The Funktrainer and their funky song, The Secrets of Princess Ivy.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

journeyPod caught up with Evan Goldstein, Master Sommelier, at the 4th Annual San Diego Wine and Food Festival.  We had a sheer blast interviewing Evan and learned the "proper" way to taste chocolate with wine.  Weâll never taste chocolate the same way again, that's for sure!

Evan Goldstein is one of the nation's most prolific food and wine industry veterans. Evan provided festival-goers a Top Ten Wine and Chocolate Pointers for Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate, a new line of gourmet dark chocolate with sophisticated ingredients. Evan shared his pairing tips in person with journeyPod. Who knew sipping port and melting chocolate in your mouth could be such a, well, mind-blowing experience! Take a listen now.

Then check out the unique sounds of Roadtrip and their song, The Chocolate Song.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

journeyPod headed to sunny Southern California for the The 4th Annual San Diego Wine and Food Festival. journeyPod was there for lip smacking, glass clinking, celebrity watching, swishing, swirling, mouth watering kinds of fun! Held at venues along the stunning San Diego waterfront, the Festival was a sizzling five-day festa that offered attendees everything from cooking classes with celebrity chefs, to wine tastings with Master Sommeliers, to a Reserve Tasting aboard the Hornblowerâs Inspiration, and the Final Grand Event --where over 800 wines were poured.

journeyPod caught up with some of the movers and shakers at the festival. We spoke with Kathleen Inman from Inman Family Wines. We also chatted with Executive Chef Jeff Grossman from Terra Restaurant right here in San Diego.

Let's take a listen to what Inman and Grossman had to say about this year's San Diego Wine and Food Festival. And mark your calendarâs for next yearâs event -- November 12-16, 2008.  And for an in-depth lesson on pairing chocolates with wines, check our upcoming exclusive podcast with Evan Goldstein.

Check out the cool sounds of Johnny O and his song "The Waterfront".

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)

journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.  Come along for San Diego nightlife and restaurant suggestions.  Explore San Diego lounges, bars, and spots to grab some local cuisine. From burritos to fresh seafood, San Diego has lots of dining options.

Head downtown to the Gaslamp Quarter for high energy clubs and plenty of bars.

Listen to the waves with us from Tower 23 Hotel on the beach in Pacific Beach. Enjoy local San Diego music from the band - bill.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (Loading)