Tag Archives: Culture

Brunch at the Grant Grill in the US Grant San Diego Hotel

I am always in search of a scrumptious brunch in San Diego, and the experience at the Grant Grill is one of the best that I’ve encountered lately! This elegant restaurant is located within the historic US Grant San Diego Hotel, a national icon since 1910. If you’re interested in learning more about this downtown San Diego landmark, click here to read the complete, rich history of the US Grant.

     

If, however, you’re just interested in the brunch experience (no shame in the game) then read on! The very first thing you notice when you step foot inside this stunning hotel is the….air conditioning! While this may seem like a given, this summer has been one of the hottest in many years in San Diego, and many restaurants simply aren’t equipped to deal with these kind of Florida-esque temperatures. The Grant Grill, however, is way ahead of the curve and delightfully cooling. Another plus? While many restaurants are cramped on the weekends, the Grant Grill offers an alternative: a spacious and non-hectic dining experience.

    

    

           

     

    

From the marble floors in the lobby to the timeless chandeliers, this place whispers of class and elegance, bringing you back to a time when ladies donned their finest silk and gentlemen were just that; gentlemen. So as you settle into your cream-colored booth, take a minute to enjoy the culture behind the history.

    

The brunch menu features classic California cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood from the Pacific, sustainable poultry and meats, and delicious herbs and produce.

    

   Shown Above & Below: Citrus Brioche French Toast, Orange Blossom Honey

    

    

      If you’re seeking out a decadent brunch, I highly recommend Grant Grill.

                                                   Address: 326 Broadway, 32101

                                                                           usgrant.net

Euphoria Dining Event at the Fire Garden in Bonsall

      

Where do I begin? From the minute I received my invitation I knew the evening would be a fun one filled with exquisite cuisine and captivating entertainment but I did not honestly expect to be caught up in feelings of, well, EUPHORIA! However,  as soon as I set foot in the Fire Garden property, I sensed the night would be a special one, filled with whimsical surprises & adventures.

     

If you have a special event coming up, I highly recommend the Fire Garden as the locale. As we explored the grounds, we kept discovering more and more unique & incredible finds tucked away throughout the property. You should have seen my face as we stumbled upon serene meditation hide-outs, vintage pianos standing tall a midst the wildlife,  a free-standing canopy bed straight out of a fairy tale and fully lit chandeliers hanging from the tree tops! Amazing!

     

     

     

                          Pictured Above: Tony D’Aula, Owner, Fire Garden

     

    

    

     

                                                         As  daylight dimmed:

     

     

     

                                    Pictured Above: Mesmerizing DJ Frances

     

     

     

                           Pictured Above: Culinary Genius, Chef Evan Rumble

     

After much exploration, we settled into our seats for dinner and were in for  further happy treats. The menu, which was displayed on each table, promised much, much, enjoyment for the evening. As everyone got comfortable at their tables, we got the marvelous pleasure of hearing from Barbara Cole Gates, the founder and director of non-profit Lean and Green Kids, which proceeds benefited. Barbara spoke of the importance of sharing passion for plant-based eating with children for a happier and healthier future. I couldn’t agree more!

Next up? Fascinating performances from the Shimmy Sisters & Charmed Life Entertainment! I was pretty entranced throughout the performances. Words and photos really can’t do the experience justice, that is how remarkable is was: a mix of  fire and belly dancing with stunning hoop and snake work.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    

The dinner itself was everything I could have imagined and much, much, more. Evan Rumble and Sally Yu put together a gorgeous meal from organic, exotic & sustainable ingredients (many from local grocer Jimbo’s) that captivated all my senses and enthralled my palate. Go on, take a journey through all the courses:

                                                            Goddess Salad:

                              

Seaweed Salad, Sesame Oil, Onion, Fresh Ginger, Hiziki, Tamari, Cayenne,  Artichoke Heart, Crisped Flax Seeds, Bee Pollen, Summer Flower,Goddess Dressing,   LOVE.                          

                                                          Longevity Soup:

      

Grape-seed Oil, Shallot, Shitake Mushroom, Onion, Burdock Root, Dandelion Root, Lyceum Berries, Fo-ti, Fresh Ginger Root, Ginseng Root, Ginkgo Tincture, Miso Paste, Buddha Palm, Fresh Basil, Summer Flower, LOVE.

                                                           Beet Rav Mushub:

     

Beet Ravioli: Beets, Cashew Cheese, Pickled Figs, Mushroom Buerre Blanc: Earth Balance, Ox-Tongue Mushroom, Ginseng Root, Almond Cream, Lemon Zest, Fresh Ground Pepper, Summer Flower, Spirulina, LOVE.

                                                                    Pow Tow:

     

Portobello Mushroom, Home-Made Garlic Chicken, Fresh Garlic, Ginger Root, Chili Paste, Sea Salt, Crisped Rice Noodle, Onion, Lush Sprouts, Olive Oil, Zucchini, Lemon Balm Miso Dressing, Amazon Mustard, Summer Flower, Love.

                                                                             Figacio:

     

Bruleed Figs, Pistachio Ice Cream, Chocolate-Covered Kale, Summer Fruit, Raspberry Puree, Agave Nectar, LOVE.

As shown on the menu, the constant ingredient throughout each and every single one of the courses is love, which is so appropriate because I truly loved them all!

I cannot express enough what a great time I had at this event, everything from the cuisine & performances to the company & ambiance was pure beauty + magic.

                                 The evening was a portal to euphoria!

     

Parting Thought (imprinted on menu): “Everyone should consider their body as a priceless gift from one whom they love above, a marvelous work of art, of indescribable beauty, and mystery beyond human conception, and so delicate that a word,  a breath, a look, nay, a thought may injure it.” ~ Nikola Cesla