TRAVEL+FOOD

LA Times, 360 MAGAZINE

LA Times The Taste – Costa Mesa Lineup

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The Los Angeles Times announced the lineup for its Costa Mesa edition of The Taste. Following its 10th anniversary on the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot, one of the most popular food and drink festivals is returning to Orange County for its second year to spotlight the vibrant cuisine and award-winning restaurants in the heart of Southern California.

Hosted by The Times’ Food staff, The Taste in Costa Mesa will take place at The MET over three sessions: one on Friday, Oct. 18 and two on Saturday, Oct. 19. Admission to each event includes unlimited samplings from dozens of local restaurants, premium cocktail tastings, plus demonstrations from renowned chefs and wine experts.

Friday, Oct. 18, 7 to 10 p.m.

L.A. Times Cooking Editor Genevieve Ko will host the opening event featuring Syrian pastry chef Maher Nakhal (Le Mirage Pastry) as he reveals the handcrafted artistry behind his authentic Middle Eastern desserts and French pastries. Critically acclaimed chef Ross Pangilinan (Terrace by Mix Mix) will showcase his eclectic style and Euro-Filipino flavors through a demo of one of his signature dishes, hosted by Times Features Writer Gustavo Arellano. Restaurants include: Filomena’s Italian Kitchen, Outpost Kitchen, Puesto, Tackle Box, The Ranch at Laguna Beach and WAVE Gourmet Burgers.

Saturday, Oct. 19, noon to 3 p.m.

Chef Carlos Salgado of Michelin-starred Taco María, will provide a glimpse into his contemporary, Mexican-influenced cooking with L.A. Times Cooking Columnist Ben Mims. Taking the crowd on a wine tour through Monterey County, Rob Baker (Southern Glazer’s) will lead a presentation on Bordeaux-style wine from Carmel Valley’s Bernardus Winery. Restaurants include: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Mayors Table Pacific Pub & Kitchen, Mesa and Roba Noodle.

 Saturday, Oct. 19, 7 to 10 p.m.

The Taste festivities continue on Saturday night as chef Wing Lam (Wahoo’s Fish Tacos) will cook up his legendary Baja-style fish tacos, while Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault (Knife Pleat) will demonstrate modern, seasonal interpretations of classic French techniques with Times Senior Food Writer Jenn Harris. Restaurants include: Bluegold, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, CUCINA enoteca, Georgia’s Restaurant, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar and Toast Kitchen + Bakery.

Travel Costa Mesa has partnered with nearby hotels to offer special packages that include a pair of tickets to The Taste with each night’s stay for a weekend “Eatcation” to explore more of the area’s diverse food and cultural scene.

Photo Courtesy of LA Times The Taste

Travelers Are Looking for Adventure

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When it comes to adventure travelers, China is an untapped market totaling USD $8.2B per year, according to new research from Bannikin Travel and Tourism, a leading travel consultancy based in Toronto and Hong Kong. The China Adventure Tourism Market Study, which surveyed more than 300 Chinese travelers over the age of 18 who had taken a trip in the past year, determined that 16.3% of respondents ­­— 23.49 million people — chose an adventure trip for their last holiday. For a market with outbound tourism numbers continuing to see double digit growth, this means there are considerable opportunities for adventure travel brands looking to expand their product offerings for Chinese adventurers.

“This report delves deep into who Chinese adventure travelers are—their planning habits, income, spending habits and dream destinations,” said Natasha Martin, managing director of Bannikin Asia. “We’ve never had better insight into how to market towards the Asian travel market and break into one of the largest tourism spends out there.” The 2019 study found that 2.7% of departures could be categorized as ‘hard adventure,’ while 13.6% pursued ‘soft adventure’ experiences. Though Chinese consumers do not necessarily associate adventure travel with risk-taking activities, such as rafting or mountain biking, they do associate it with remote destinations that can be perceived as exotic and potentially dangerous.

The survey was sent with the objective of discovering how many Chinese travelers actively seek-out adventure while on vacation. Here are the report’s main findings: The total adventure market size for China (based on accommodation spending only) is USD $8.2B per year. Adventure travel spend from China represents 0.64% of total international tourism spend. The top destinations for adventure travelers were United States, Thailand, Australia and Japan.Time in nature, camping and backpacking are some of the most popular activities for Chinese adventure tourists. 72% of Chinese adventure travelers spend between 4-10 days abroad, lower than Western adventure travelers. Bannikin Travel & Tourism runs a leading travel trade development satellite office in Hong Kong, with a team of Asia market experts to assist destinations and tour operators on how to tap into the burgeoning Asia adventure marketplace.

New Spa and Health Club

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Recognized as one of the finest luxury hotels in Dublin, The Merrion has unveiled its latest offering, The Merrion Spa and Health Club. Replacing the hotel’s smaller original spa, the brand-new spa spreads across the hotel’s lower ground floor. It features six treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, gym and the original 60-foot infinity pool with its iconic hand-painted mural backdrop. Additionally, the club houses a new salon operated by award-winning hairdresser, Ciaran Nevin, and physiotherapy services from Milltown Physiotherapy and Personal Training.

Designed by Georgian interiors expert, Alice Roden – whose work is evident throughout the Merrion – this is a tranquil sanctuary where the highest standard of wellness and elegant design create a private retreat amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Neutral colors, soft Irish fabrics and delicate lighting create a calming space for hotel guests.With some of the world’s leading brands and Ireland’s key professionals as partners, The Merrion Spa and Health Club offers an all-encompassing service, including a new partnership with the globally renowned French skincare brand Biologique Recherche. Signature treatments will also be available from luxurious skincare brand ESPA.  

The Vitality Club Bar area is the ideal space for relaxing after a treatment and sampling a ‘Mean Greens’ juice or herbal tea. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine in the relaxation room, wrap up in an Urban Aran blanket and admire the artwork.

Hours of Opening:
The Merrion Spa and Health Club:
6:30am – 9:00pm Monday through Friday
8:00am – 9:00pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday MondaysTreatment Times:
9:30am – 8:30pm Monday through Friday
10:00am – 7:30pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays

ABOUT THE MERRION:
The union of four restored Georgian townhouses, joined with a contemporary Garden Wing, The Merrion’s 123 guest rooms and 19 suites include a two-floor Penthouse Suite and private rooftop terrace. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Merrion houses the largest collection of private art in Ireland outside of the National Gallery. The hotel features two bars: the Cellar Bar, located in the original 18th-century vaults, and an intimate cocktail bar called No. 23. The Merrion houses The Garden Room restaurant, located in the hotel’s private gardens, as well as Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant. In 2019, the Merrion unveiled a new Spa and Health Club, offering a range of treatments, as well as a steam room, sauna, gym and an in-house pool.