Show 52, December 14, 2013: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor of Coast Magazine and The Orange County Register Magazine Continues…

Ritz Restaurant and GardenKedric was recently at The Ritz Restaurant & Garden’s long-running annual holiday party fund-raiser (“Christmas at the Ritz”) in Newport Center benefiting Chapman University which was a bit bittersweet. Their lease is up and this is the last “Christmas at The Ritz” at the original location dating to 1977. The Ritz was established by the late Hans Prager, the former executive chef at both Lawry’s The Prime Rib and the fabled Scandia on The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

There was some good news. It’s not final yet but it looks like The Ritz has found a new location in the area to relocate when they need to vacate their current home early next year. Their long-time landlord has already granted them a couple of extensions. The only glitch is that The Ritz will disappear for at least a year while the new space is remodeled. Most of the long-time employees will need to find work and perhaps move on permanently. Stay tuned…

Hard Rock Hotel Palm SpringsThe Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs is newly opened and Kedric had a chance to see the property a few weeks ago. It’s located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs near the Indian Casino. Kedric observed there in now lots to do for twentysomethings and thirtysomethings in Palm Springs these days, including a vibrant nightlife.

Kedric also previewed some luxury resorts opening next year in French Polynesia, Bali and the Maldives. That’s the life…