LUXURY ESCAPES – MY FAVORITE PLACES
A recent mini escape to visit dear friends in the vv interesting and oddly captivating beach village of Venice led me to a new gem of a hotel. Zip from SFO to LAX in an hour, rent a convertible and head top down to a blissful retreat in 15 minutes. We are all familiar with the wonderful Shutters on the Beach, which exudes luxury, but sometimes we overlook the obvious. Just a few steps away from Shutters and on the beach, I discovered the Casa Del Mar Hotel, a little gem of an Inn. If you must take the children, there are several suites with bedrooms – your teenagers would love, love, love the Venice boardwalk, younger children would revel in the amusement rides on the pier. Sensational ocean views, great spa and miles of beach strolling and if inclined, surfing or visit the famous vintage Santa Monica Pier that houses an old fashioned amusement park. The ferris wheel and the roller coaster perch near the very end of the pier, above the ocean swells, be carried away by an undeniably wondrous location for a ride.
The Library Bar, comfy and cozy still exudes the original luxurious feel of noted early 20th Century Los Angeles architect Charles Plummer. The Casa del Mar bar and restaurant within the hotel offer panoramic views of the ocean, sitting at the bar at dusk sipping champagne, the lights of the carousel reflecting in the beveled glass windows entranced me. This is truly a place to slow down, recharge and rejuvenate!
In Venice, my favorite restaurant is Piccolo Ristorante – truly a yummy slice of Venice, Italy! The Chef has infused the flavors of Italy at Piccolo with aplomb; the delicious authentic meals and its extensive wine selection fill this trattoria every evening. The close tables, charming and handsome Italian waiters remind me of meals in Italy or small Italian restaurants in New York, I was transported by the ambience and the yummy menu. Fagiano alle Pere e Miele Baked pheasant breast, rolled in speck, roasted pears with truffled-honey. Rosto di Coniglio roasted boneless rabbit, rolled with caramelized radicchio di Treviso Oh, and did I mention the hand-crafted pasta? Garganelli di Zucca ai Porcini pumpkin-garganelli, with fresh Porcini, and leeks, Parmesan.
Buon Appetito!