Our always debonair “Man About Orange County,” Kedric Francis, is the Executive Editor of both The Orange County Register Magazine and Coast Magazine.
If you’re under 50 don’t be fooled. There is plenty to do (and thoroughly enjoy) on a luxury cruise ship as a relaxing vacation option. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam last week on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. Over the next few weeks we’ll be giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard.
A key manager aboard the ms Zaandam is the Hotel Director. He’s basically responsible for everything other than moving, navigating, and maintaining the ship. He actually supervises more of the 615 crew members aboard than the Captain!
Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach debuted with a splash about a year ago. It’s been a really great inaugural year. At the recent Golden Foodie Awards Selanne was the recipient of “Best New Restaurant” (an award decided by peers) and the people’s choice award (decided by popular vote)for “Best Steak.”
Everyone remembers Vince Ferragamo as the popular former quarterback of the L.A. Rams. What you probably don’t know is that Vince is a gentleman wine-maker in Orange County and a certified sommelier. He grows Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes on property in Orange Park Acres.
We’re continuing our report on the recent Hawaii Food & Wine Festival based on Oahu. Food, wine and travel writer Michelle Winner encores with Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguci of Lunchbox in Oahu.
Chef Holly Jivin of The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills has just been promoted to Chef de Cuisine. She has been part of The Bazaar’s culinary team since the restaurant’s opening. Chef Holly also oversees SAAM, the intimate (and very exclusive) chef’s tasting room located within The Bazaar.
Fine wine as an accompaniment is a big part of enjoying a superb meal at one of the many dining choices aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam. Cellar Master Rod is the gracious public face of the extensive wine and spirits program on the ship. He also provides entertaining wine education programs for the passengers including an interactive Blind Wine Tasting event. His motto is that good wine doesn’t need to be expensive.
The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents “Cocktails for Peat’s Sake! Scotching the Single-Malt Taboo,”” the next edition of Touring the Cocktail:MOTAC Los Angeles. The seminar takes place on Monday, Oct. 20th at 6:30 p.m. at The Three Clubs in Hollywood. The evening is hosted by cocktail expert Michael J. Neff.
All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!
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