News Releases
Southern California Gets a Taste of the Good Life
Experience eight new eateries and one constant dining companion -- The Pacific Ocean
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - June 16, 2009 - Whether an ardent foodie or culinary neophyte, the recently-opened Terranea Resort, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts in Rancho Palos Verdes, has just introduced eight new dining destinations sure to please any palate. With locations ranging from a luxurious hilltop cottage to a trailside noshing spot for hikers, Terranea is primed to become the destination of choice for culinary adventurists.
Just 20 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport and situated atop an expansive 102 acres, Terranea serves up spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean as well as some of the best new dining destinations in Southern California. With an attentive eye towards locally sourced ingredients, sustainable practices and renewable and recyclable materials, Terranea is taking big steps to maintain a small ecological footprint.
The signature restaurant at Terranea is mar'sel, an elegant yet inviting abode with stunning panoramic ocean views and a classic Southern California residential feel. The warm chocolate browns and natural woods play off the vivid coral accents to create a luxurious "shabby-chic" aesthetic that complements the menu. The name mar'sel is derived from the Spanish term for sea, mar, and French term for salt, sel, and is certainly an indicator of Chef de Cuisine Michael Fiorelli's modern interpretations of a classic California-inspired menu. Utilizing local, seasonal ingredients (some drawn from the herb and produce gardens on property,) Fiorelli's bright flavors and attention to detail dovetail harmoniously on the plate and the palate. In addition to the intimate dining room, mar'sel also offers outdoor seating and a stone fire pit, taking full advantage of its location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as well an intimate Private Dining Room perfect for special occasions.
For those in the mood for something a bit more casual with equally stunning views, Nelson's overlooks the coves made famous almost 50 years ago by the hit television series Sea Hunt and sits so close to the sea that eating any closer to the water would require a wetsuit. Named after Sea Hunt's main character Mike Nelson, played by Lloyd Bridges, Nelson's is a 21st century homage to the modern surf shack as well as Bridges' lifetime efforts to protect the environment and the ocean. From the furnishings all made of recycled materials to the centerpiece bar countertop made completely of recycled wine bottles, Nelson's allows diners to enjoy the ocean while preserving it. The convivial ocean side setting make Nelson's a natural destination to enjoy approachable yet refined pub fare with the laid-back atmosphere further accentuated by an outdoor fireplace and the incredible natural beauty of the coastline.
The culinary adventures continue throughout the day at Catalina Kitchen, where the focus is on Mediterranean-meets-So Cal inspired fare at any time -- with kids, friends or colleagues. Settle into the comfortably chic dining room or outside on the expansive patio set beside the aqua blue waters of the main resort pool and enjoy views of the ocean beyond. Chef Alessandro Serni has created breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with something for even the most discerning diner. Breakfast offerings range from lighter, healthier options to hearty dishes ideal for fueling up before a round of golf or ocean front hike. Throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy light meals, cocktails and appetizers, while evening fare moves to heartier options featuring delectable meats, pastas and locally caught fish. In addition, the weekend brunch is sure to be a hit with Terranea's pint sized guests thanks to the special children's brunch buffet overflowing with seasonal sweets and savory treats.
For those who can't tear themselves away from the cool pool waters, The Terranea Grill offers poolside service throughout the day and also serves as the Resort's lively pool bar. The menu of reinterpreted bar fare favorites is sure to make The Terranea Grill an active daytime destination, while the Moroccan inspired hanging star lights, dark wood bar and open-air feel will make for an even more popular apres-surf scene.
If searching for something a bit more sophisticated, the Lobby Bar, Living Room & Terrace offer some of the most breathtaking views of the coast. Relaxing in the club chairs beside the massive fireplace in the Lobby Bar, catching up with friends on the inviting sofas in the Living Room or stepping outside on the Terrace for a nightcap, guests will enjoy classic or signature seasonal cocktails, a glass of wine from the carefully crafted wine list by wine aficionado Peter Neptune that emphasizes sustainable, biodynamic California wines, or one of several micro brewed and organic regional and international beer varieties. These tranquil settings are ideal for a pre-dinner meeting, a social gathering spot, a place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon or to relax after a long day.
For those looking for a little pick-me-up on their way to and from Terranea, or just in search of a little morning buzz, Terranea offers sea beans, an on-site coffee bar and cafe located right off the courtyard entrance. sea beans features gourmet coffees with a full array of espresso drinks, organic teas, pastries, muffins and Danish -- all made in-house. Throughout the day sea beans serves pressed sandwiches, salads, homemade gelato, and an assortment of beverages and snacks available for purchase to go.
A more peaceful and serene setting at Terranea is the Spa Cafe. Open for breakfast and lunch, the Spa Cafe is the perfect place to relax and enjoy lighter fare by the private spa pool or a glass of biodynamic wine with a signature spa treatment. The agricultural bounty of California serves as the foundation for the menu, with the land and the sea offering an abundance of foods, which are simply prepared to allow the ingredients to shine.
No end to sun-drenched offerings at Terranea, the casual eatery at Cielo Point is adjacent to the exclusive adults-only pool at the head of the Beach Trail, making it an ideal spot for a little quiet time, sans the kids, to enjoy a leisurely bite while lounging in the sun or before exploring the adjacent hiking areas surrounding the Resort. For an afternoon nibble or a refreshing beverage, resort guests along with anyone enjoying the exquisite ocean-front hiking trails are able to stop by Discovery Trail Refreshments on the trail side of Cielo Point. Even canine friends are welcome as doggie resting places are located on the trail side.
About Terranea Resort
Just 20 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, Terranea is magnificently poised above the Pacific Ocean on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the property boasts a 582-room resort including a 360-room hotel with 32 suites, plus 20 bungalows. Also available are 50 oceanfront casitas and 32 ocean view villas tailored specifically to individuals looking for a more residential setting.
Resort amenities include The Spa at Terranea, a 50,000 square foot spa experience, The Links at Terranea, a 9-hole par3 golf course, and three unique swimming pools, one with children's play area and a 140-foot waterslide. Designed to reveal the Resort's dramatic outdoor vistas, Terranea's conference and meeting facilities include 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Other amenities include a children's center with interactive programs and several miles of scenic bluff-top trails that connect miles of off-property coastal trails. A secluded beach cove also adds to the unique experiences at Terranea Resort. For more information visit www.terranea.com or call 866-802-8000.
About Destination Hotels & Resorts
Destination Hotels & Resorts is the fourth largest independent hospitality management company in the country with more than 30 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers. To protect and preserve the unique communities in which the company operates, Destination launched Destination Earth, an environmental sustainability program in 2008. New for 2009 is the 582-room Terranea Resort situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern California. In addition to Terranea in the greater Los Angeles area, Destination operates properties in key metropolitan areas and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Denver, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Palm Springs, Houston and Lake Tahoe. Destination is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.
