OpenTable, the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations, announces the 2013 Diners’ Choice Award winners for the Top 100 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in the United States. These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 15,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Given our year-round average of 70°F, it isn’t too surprising that San Diego County restaurants hold 7 of those 100 spots. Winning restaurants are located in 15 states and the nation’s capital. California restaurants swept close to half the spots on the list with 42 winning restaurants.

“At the winning restaurants, al fresco dining is a true celebration of time and place,” says Caroline Potter, OpenTable Chief Dining Officer. “With the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients that complement the vibrant outdoor ambiance at these eateries, diners feel as though they’ve got the best seat in the house to appreciate the season.”

The complete list may also be viewed here.

2013 Diners’ Choice Award Winners for Top 100 Outdoor Dining Restaurants in the U.S.

Auberge du Soleil – Rutherford, California
Beach Tree at the Hualalai – Kaupulehu, Hawaii
Beachcomber Café – Crystal Cove – Newport Coast, California
Bella Vista at Four Seasons Resort – The Biltmore – Santa Barbara, California
Belmont Brewing Company – Long Beach, California
Blue Agave Club – Pleasanton, California
Blue Dragon Restaurant – Kamuela, Hawaii
Blue Moon Fish Co. – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Boat House Waterfront Dining – Tiverton, Rhode Island
Brockton Villa – La Jolla, California
Brown’s Beach House -The Fairmont Orchid – Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Café Amelie – New Orleans, Louisiana
Café Jardin at Sherman Gardens – Corona Del Mar, California
Café Malaga – McKinney, Texas
Café Sambal-Mandarin Oriental – Miami, Florida
Café Secret – Del Mar, California
Caffe Riace – Palo Alto, California
Capische – Wailea, Hawaii
Carbon Beach Club Restaurant at Malibu Beach Inn – Malibu, California
Chart House Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Citron at the Viceroy Palm Springs – Palm Springs, California
Coliseum Pool & Grill – The Resort at Pelican Hill – Newport Coast, California
Corks at Russian River Vineyards – Forestville, California
Crazy About You – Miami, Florida
Dada – Delray Beach, Florida
Deck 84 – Delray Beach, Florida
Duke’s Beach House Maui – Lahaina, Hawaii
El Chorro – Paradise Valley, Arizona
Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante Maui – Lahaina, Hawaii
Fuego-Maya Hotel – Long Beach, California
Gannon’s – Wailea, Hawaii
Gaylord’s at Kilohana – Lihue, Hawaii
Geoffrey’s Restaurant – Malibu, California
George’s Ocean Terrace – La Jolla, California
Gram & Dun – Kansas City, Missouri
Hau Tree Lanai – Honolulu, Hawaii
Highland’s Garden Café – Denver, Colorado
House of Tricks – Tempe, Arizona
Hula Grill – Kaanapali – Lahaina, Hawaii
Island Lava Java Bistro – Kailua, Hawaii
The Ivy – West Hollywood, California
Jake’s – Palm Springs, California
Japengo – Maui – Lahaina, Hawaii
JB’s On The Beach – Deerfield Beach, Florida
JRDN Restaurant – San Diego, California
Kamuela Provision Co. – Waikoloa, Hawaii
L’Appart Resto – San Anselmo, California
Las Campanas – Riverside, California
Latitudes – Key West, Florida
L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek – Sedona, Arizona
Lavender Bistro – La Quinta, California
Le Diplomate – Washington, D.C.
Lon’s at The Hermosa – Paradise Valley, Arizona
Mantee Café – Studio City, California
Marche Bacchus – Las Vegas, Nevada
Michael’s Steak Chalet – Osage Beach, Missouri
Nine One Five – Key West, Florida
Novo Restaurant – San Luis Obispo, California
The Oar Steak and Seafood Grill – Patchogue, New York
Oasis – Kapaa, Hawaii
Oceans 234 – Deerfield Beach, Florida
Ola at Turtle Bay – Kahuku, Hawaii
Ophelia’s on the Bay – Sarasota, Florida
Pacific’O – Lahaina, Hawaii
Peacock Garden Café – Coconut Grove, Florida
Perch LA – Los Angeles, California
Pier 23 Café – San Francisco, California
Pier 45 – Rochester, New York
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant – Lodi, California
Plantation Gardens – Koloa, Hawaii
Plumeria Beach House – Kahala, Hawaii
Portico Restaurant – Richmond, Virginia
Poseidon – Del Mar, California
Red Fish Grill – Miami, Florida
Red Hat on the River – Irvington, New York
The Restaurant at Ponte – Temecula, California
RESTAURANT at Sunset Marquis – West Hollywood, California
Rita’s Kitchen at Camelback Inn – Scottsdale, Arizona
Rumours East – Nashville, Tennessee
Rustic, Francis’s Favorites – Geyserville, California
Safari Restaurant Room – Newport, Rhode Island
Sam Choy’s Ka Lanai – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Sheerwater Restaurant at the Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado, California
Sonoma Wine Garden – Santa Monica, California
Spencer’s Restaurant – Palm Springs, California
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido, California
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch – Santa Barbara, California
Sunnyside – Tahoe City, California
Sunset Terrace-Grove Park Inn – Asheville, North Carolina
Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar – Naples, Florida
‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge – Kaupulehu, Hawaii
Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant – San Diego, California
Villetta Brentwood – Santa Monica, California
West Shore Café – Homewood, California
Wilshire – Santa Monica, California
Woodshed Smokehouse – Fort Worth, Texas
Zin Bistro Americana – Westlake Village, California
Zoubi – New Hope, Pennsylvania

Diners can also read more about the Diners’ Choice Awards for the Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in the U.S. by visiting the OpenTable “Dining Check” blog.

About OpenTable Reviews

Originally launched in November 2008, the OpenTable Reviews program helps diners find restaurants that best fit their dining occasions.  Diners who recently honored an OpenTable reservation are invited via email to submit restaurant feedback using an online form. Visitors to OpenTable can access reviews for thousands of OpenTable restaurant partners across the United States, Canada and the UK.  The OpenTable Reviews program has generated more than 15 million reviews by verified diners, establishing OpenTable as one of the largest and most trusted sources for restaurant reviews.

What is your favorite restaurant on this list? Or, is your favorite missing?

*Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado

With summer travel season on the horizon, perhaps you’re considering a sun-soaked Caribbean beach holiday. I can hardly blame you. To find out where the best Caribbean beaches are and get answers to questions regarding travel to the area, join CheapCaribbean.com’s Best Beaches Twitter party on Tuesday, May 21 from 11:00am – 12:00pm PST (1:oopm – 2:oopm CST). I’ll be there as a compensated panelist, along with other travel enthusiasts.

Here’s How To Participate:

• During the party, log into Twitter and make sure to follow @CheapCaribbean.
• Join the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #CheapCaribbean. You can pop #CheapCaribbean into Twitter search and follow the tweets that way or add a #CheapCaribbean column to your Twitter client (Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, etc.)
• Three random party participants will win a beach bum package valued at over $300! To be eligible, participants must follow @CheapCaribbean on Twitter and tweet using the #CheapCaribbean hashtag at least one time during the party.

The prize package includes Ray Bans, iPod Shuffle, beach bag, oversized beach towel and other beach accessories.

What Is CheapCaribbean.com?

CheapCaribbean.com is a booking agent that provides luxury vacation packages and resort accommodations with unparalleled customer service that is open 7 days per week. If you find a better price on another US-based travel website, they’ll beat it and offer you $150 toward your next CheapCaribbean.com holiday.

Their product team has actually stayed at each resort listed (including the likes of Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont and Regent Hotels) in order to provide an accurate assessment of each property based on their knowledge of what else is available in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Other Reasons To Join

American Airlines just added a new route from San Diego to Miami (among others) which provides another layover option for Caribbean-bound oneworld Alliance members, like me. I’m eyeing both Nevis and Turks and Caicos in the near term, but perhaps after Tuesday I’ll have more islands to add to the bucket list.

Also, if spas are up your alley, have a look at this post I wrote for CheapCaribbean.com about 5 Caribbean Spas to Add to Your Bucket List. Gorgeous beaches and world-class spas? Sign me up.

See you there!

Robatayaki, sometimes shortened to robata, literally translates to fireside cooking. And, similar to a traditional campfire, this Japanese food is a social experience that even kids enjoy. While hard to find, at least in San Diego, seek it out in Japan as a healthy alternative to sushi or ramen — though, don’t get me wrong, you can really fill yourself with robata without effort. If you’re visiting Tokyo with kids and don’t mind the cost, all ages love the theatrics and the food.

What is Robata?

Robata actually refers to the method of slow-grilling seafood, vegetables and other delectable eats on flat grill above charcoal. A menu really isn’t necessary as the raw food is artfully presented on the table or bar in front of you. Just point to what you’d like. Used to my flaming deluxe barbecue, I was wondering why it took certain foods so long to cook. Now, I know why–robata is like art and no flames touch the food.

The charcoal used isn’t what you’d toss into a Weber, but rather, it’s compressed aromatic hardwood like oak that is heated up until it’s just about to flame.

Portioned on small sticks, the chef scoops the raw food up with a long paddle to bring it to his work station. With a shout of Japanese words I didn’t understand, the food was returned to us on a paddle after if was grilled. My daughter enjoyed grabbing the plate off the long paddle as well as selecting her own food.

History of Robata

Centuries old, robata originated in Hokkaido, an island in the northernmost part of Japan. Local fisherman there used flat irons as a heat source as well as to grill food. Some say that pre-heated wooden charcoal was placed in boxes as a way to keep food warm while others say robata was a method used to cook the catch of the day on land. I’m sure it’s a combination of both. And, the paddles? Using those in a robata restaurant is a tribute to the fisherman who are credited with developing this cooking style.

A government campaign advertising Hokkaido as a rustic destination (today it is popular for skiing), resulted in this style of Japanese food spreading across the country.

About Robataya in Roppongi, Tokyo

The pouring rain outside amplified the cozy atmosphere inside this tiny restaurant. Reservations are certainly recommended, but on a rainy weekday at 5:00pm, we were alone inside with the staff–a fact my shy 5-year-old found intimidating, at first. I, on the other hand, look back on it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience because were the beneficiaries of their undivided attention.

I am grateful that she eventually warmed up to the animated chefs and servers. I mean, they were creating origami napkins in the shape of E.T.

And, that’s when I learned my then 5-year-old had expensive taste in meat. While I was fiddling with my camera, she pointed to the Kobe beef and before I knew it, the chef was working his magic on the most expensive delicious two cubes of melt-in-your-mouth steak I’ve ever tasted.

Thank goodness she enjoyed much less expensive, equally good fare, too.

Of course, sashimi is available for those who want their food to stay raw.

And, this oyster was talked up by the server so I couldn’t resist pairing it with cold, unfiltered sake.

I am not sure how I managed to not photograph our grilled robata dishes. We ordered plenty. My daughter and I shared chicken, corn on the cob, asparagus, fish, and much more.

In fact, I thought ordering a live tiger shrimp right out of the tank would scar her, but she said ok so I added it to our long list of food.

Kids will love the theatrics associated with robata. From hand gesture jokes to the enthusiastic grunting each time a dish was ready, this isn’t your average dinner experience.

Yes, it’s expensive. It was a great recommendation from the concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi (click to see why the hotel is perfect for visiting Tokyo with kids).

We don’t cut corners when we dine out. I had some sake and a glass of wine addition to the accidental Kobe beef order. It was about ¥25,000 for the two of us which at the time of this writing, is $250. Was it worth it? Yep, mostly because it’s nothing we can repeat any time soon. Not like that — in Roppongi, Tokyo with the restaurant all to ourselves.

Robataya
Postal Code : 106-0032
1F 4-4-3 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo, JAPAN
+81-3-3408-9674 (From Overseas)
03-3408-9674 (Local)
roppongi-robataya.com

There are branches in New York City and Seoul.

(See also our reviews of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.)

Did you know that tiramisu actually means “pick me up” because of its two caffeine-containing ingredients: chocolate and coffee? Maybe you have an awesome Italian dinner planned but are looking for a more forgiving recipe than an actual tiramisu. Your alternative? tiramisu brownies. I was sent a gorgeous basket of ingredients  for this recipe by Barista Prima, who happens to make my favorite Keurig coffee  flavors. The basket would make an excellent DIY hostess gift and I thought the cake pan at the bottom in lieu of an actual basket was extra clever.

Now, tiramisu by nature isn’t going to be as sweet as say a banana cake, so these brownies are no different. They do pair nicely with a cup of Barista Prima Italian Roast coffee, naturally. Here are the unwrapped ingredients.

We started by melting the chocolate chips and mixing them with butter, sugar, flour, eggs and egg whites.

I poured the chocolate mixture into the pan.

Next, almost two packs of lady fingers (see bag for detail) were laid on top. I brewed a cup of Barista Prima Italian Roast, mixed it with rum from my trip to Jamaica and brushed it over the lady fingers.

Then, I mixed the marscarpone cheese, cream cheese, more sugar, egg whites and vanilla extract which was spread over the lady fingers. I could have eaten this raw.

I (sloppily) swirled 1 cup of the chocolate mixture into the cheese. Here, I couldn’t decide whether to also swirl in the provided Italian raspberry preserves. It was more like a liquid than a jam. I opted to swirl it into half, and must say it’s good if you like the combination of fruit and chocolate.

Baked for 30 minutes and called it a day. Here’s the recipe for your reference.

Discount On Barista Prima And Other Coffee Flavors

Use code BARISTA8133 for 15% off storewide at GreenMountainCoffee.com, and free shipping on orders containing at least one K-Cup® pack of Barista Prima Coffeehouse®. The code is valid now through May 31^st and cannot be combined with any other keycode discount.

Enjoy!

*I am an ambassador for Green Mountain Coffee.

I drastically underestimated the degree to which the Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM handbag would change my life (insert my husband rolling his eyes here). I’m writing this post is because this handbag entered my radar about a year ago and I delayed buying it because I couldn’t decide which print to go with and I (wrongfully) thought I didn’t need another Louis Vuitton handbag. I don’t want you to make the same mistake. There is a reason why the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is currently their best-selling handbag.

5 Reasons Why The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Works For Me

The Neverfull comes in three sizes with GM as the largest. The drawback? The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM model is $980, but that is much, much less than the majority of Louis Vuitton handbags.

1. It can hold up to 200lbs. Now, I can’t carry 200lbs, but at least I know I can load up the bag without worry. I spoke with an executive from Louis Vuitton at their San Diego store opening a few months ago and he explained that they did put the bag through serious stress testing to come up with this number.

2. It holds my clunky laptop, DSLR camera, iPad and other random items with room to spare and without showing signs of stress. From the exterior, it still looks classy despite the heap of awkwardness lurking inside.

3. Despite the open top, things don’t spill out of it as I had imagined. Of course, if you up-end it your belongings will fly everywhere.

4. It fits underneath an airplane seat or in the overhead compartment. Close the gold buckle, tighten the sides and shove it in bottom first to prevent stuff from falling out.

5. I’m already sold on the durability of Louis Vuitton canvas. The oldest and most-loved member of my LV collection is a backpack that’s 12 years old. It’s carried a ridiculous amount of junk, been shoved and dropped in random places, and has lived on three continents with me. It still looks great.

The bottom line is that I can carry all of my stuff, feel less awkward about it, and still look good doing it.

Why I Chose Damier Ebene

Maybe it’s me, but I see luxury handbags trending toward minimal logos. Even though it’s heavier, I would have preferred this bag to come in the understated Epi leather. It doesn’t. Your choices are Monogram Idylle Canvas, Monogram Canvas and Damier Azure or Ebene. Temporarily, the gorgeous She’s So… collection features the Neverfull in Monogram with blue or pink handles. It’s so cute, but priced almost 50% higher. Anyway, I thought Damier Ebene was as understated as I could get, plus its the only one with a contrasting red interior.

Interestingly enough, I asked a few sales associates if I should choose the Daimier Azure (white) and they all, basically, said no. It’s lovely, but hard to keep clean if I was going to be shoving it in overhead compartments on airplanes.

After I purchased this bag, someone alerted me to problems other LV enthusiasts have with the leather splitting on the handles of Damier Ebene Neverfull bags. I haven’t experienced this but am pretty sure I could take the bag back in the event of disaster.

About Louis Vuitton’s Damier Print

Louis Vuitton says it best:

Don’t forget that Louis Vuitton offers complimentary hot-stamping to your authentic new and pre-owned items. And, I know some of you have a Louis Vuitton Neverfull. Do you love it?

I’m working with Central Garden and Pet on a sponsored campaign (full disclosure below) about gardening products that I already use. About 3 years ago, I started regularly applying Alaska Fish Fertilizer to my yard on the advice of Barrels and Branches, a fantastic nursery in Encinitas. My plants were looking sluggish to the point where I was considering a pricey yard overhaul. After one application of fish fertilizer, my ginger plants started flowering again and things started perking up drastically.

9 Reasons To Use Fish Emulsion, Like Alaska Fish Fertilizer

1. It’s an organic, liquid fertilizer that is safe to use around pets and kids.
2. Fish emulsion is derived from unused fish parts that would otherwise be wasted, therefore, it’s eco-friendly.
3. Fish emulsion can stink but deodorized versions, like Alaska, are available.
4. It’s an all-purpose fertilizer that can be used on both outdoor and indoor house plants.
5. Fish emulsion is mild and tends not to burn plants.
6. An essential building block for healthy soil, naturally occurring soil microbes thrive and work their best in soil rich in organic matter.
7. It’s easy to spray on your yard using a hose attachment.
8. It works. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and you can check the reviews and ratings at online retailers like Home Depot.
9. A gallon is only $12.88 at Home Depot.

How To Use Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1

It’s very easy. All you need is either a watering can or a hose with a dial and spray attachment. The amount of fish fertilizer to measure per gallon or quart of water is on the back of the Alaska Fish Fertilizer jug.  I have the Alaska dial and spray attachment so follow the directions on it. Apply to the area you would like to cover.

In my experience, it’s hard to overdose on this product so I do just “guess” on occasion. When I’m using the hose, I make sure the soil is sufficiently moist, but avoid puddling.

In a perfect world, I’d apply it once a month but realistically it’s once a quarter at the very most. Due to being extraordinarily busy over the last year, it has been 6 months between applications and things aren’t looking nearly as good as they should around here.

Plants That Always Improve

Everything does seem to perk up a few weeks to a month after an application but these are the plants that seem to benefit the most:

• Lady Palms (the fan palm above)
• Orchids
• Ginger
• Canna
• Ornamental Grasses

Give Alaska Fish Fertilizer a try!

$100 American Express Gift Card Giveaway

Summer is right around the corner which means it’s time to get your outdoor living space in order. To help spread the word about Alaska products, Central Garden and Pet is going to give one La Jolla Mom reader a $100 American Express gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entrants must be residents of the USA and 18+ years old to enter. This giveaway ends on May 22 at 9:00pm PST. Good luck and happy gardening! When you’re done here, one reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card (opens in a new tab so you don’t loose your place here) for having a look at a new photo sharing site (good odds here).

Disclosure Statement
Central Garden & Pet partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their products. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. Central Garden & Pet believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Central Garden & Pet’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and gift card fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

One of my most popular (and plagiarized) posts is about 10 reasons to drink hot lemon water in the morning. The post discusses why you should drink it (antioxidant rich, etc.) but as it grew in popularity, people started leaving hundreds of helpful comments about regarding how lemon water has actually improved their quality of life by helping to heal certain health conditions.

The discussion in the comment sections is now almost 500 deep and covers lemon water, but also everything from skin care recommendations to diet soda risks and more. It’s incredibly interesting if you have the time to read through it, but I’ve pulled out the most interesting points to mention here with the comment numbers, in case you want to look. These are first-hand accounts that I hope are helpful to you.

Interesting Lemon Water Health Benefits

1. Helps Heal Acne

Rub the juiced lemons on your face to cure acne, though it took one reader a few weeks to notice the difference. Others report that just adding lemon water into their diet has helped drastically clear their skin. Comment 268, 293, 298, 367

2. Appetite Suppression and Weight Loss

Some readers believe that drinking lemon water has suppressed their appetites enough to result in moderate weight loss. The vitamins and enzymes help regulate blood sugar in order to maintain normal weight levels. Comments 15, 17, 34, 88, 165

3. Flushes Out Kidney Stones

A variety of people have reported flushing out troublesome kidney stones that have been bothering them for year. Comments 20, 46, 218, 230

4. Drink Lemon Water, Then Re-Purpose Rinds…On Your Skin

Some rub the rinds on their face and claim it acts like a natural face lift and eliminates scars, stretch marks, dark spots under eyes, enlarged pores and more. I have been afraid to try this, please share if you do. Comments 22, 199, 233, 386, 489

5. Gall Bladder Pain

Drinking lemon water while eating has helped some deal with painful gall bladder stones. Comments 30, 31

6. Cold and Flu Remedy

We know lemon water has antioxidants, however, one reader uses this mixture of a full lemon and a spoonful of manuka honey to ward off minor illness when he feels it coming on. Comment 33

7. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

One reader used to go through TUMS like candy and since drinking lemon water, two weeks later, she hasn’t needed them. Comment 76

8. Harder Finger Nails

Several people mention they feel lemon water has increased the hardness of nails and cleared up white spots seen on them. Comment 84

9. Fights Off Food-Borne Illnesses

This might be handy while traveling. Drink lemon water to avoid food poisoning. Comment 111

10. Helps Fight Back Spasm Pain

One reader started juicing lemons, including the rind, and claims that it helps manage her back pain. She doesn’t say how many she juices per day, but it is a lot. Definitely, ask your doctor about this one. However, another reader suffered a compressed vertebrae and the doctors were surprised that she was in less pain than is normal–she credits drinking lemon water. Comments 122, 124, 487

11. Helps Deal With Fibromyalgia

A combination of lemon water and yoga stretches helps a reader deal with exhaustion due to fibromyalgia. Comments 125, 422

12. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is a condition where one might experience red bumps on the back of the arm. One reader was advised to drink lemon water along with oil-pulling, dry brushing and a raw, vegan diet to help combat this. Comment 143

13. Relieves sore muscles after exercise

Have a hard workout? Squeeze a lemon into a glass of water and feel the pain ease. Comment 291

14. Reduces Joint Swelling And Pain

One reader reports that adding lemon water into his routine allows him greater mobility due to the reduction of swelling in his ankles and knees while another feels good enough to go jogging. Comment 321, 322, 462, 485

15. Reduces Alcohol Cravings

Whether you’re in recovery or just cutting back, one reader reports success by drinking lemon water at parties to help kick a craving for alcohol. Comment 411

16. Helps With Colitis

Colitis is an imbalance of acid/alkaline levels in the body so it’s no wonder that lemons can help with this. One reader juices one entire lemon into water first thing in the morning and is experiencing normal digestion, finally. Comment 429

General Lemon Water Tips

1. Do not make it in advance because the beneficial enzymes will disappear with time. Comments 44, 52

2. Need a time-saver? Cut up lemons and freeze them for future use. Comment 54, 448

3. Don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking lemon water. The reason is because the acid is still sitting on the enamel of your teeth. Rinse it off, if you have to brush. Readers cite a Dr. Oz show. Comments 100, 101, 127

4. After adding lemon water into a daily routine, bumps may appear on your skin which may be your body detoxifying. Comments 334, 335

Have  look at the original lemon water thread. Remember, this is the feedback of readers–always check with your health provider. If you’d like to leave a comment, doing so on the original post would help me track new tips, but here is ok, too!

Do you recognize this skyline? If it wasn’t for the fact that my daughter is in school while he’s floating around in Victoria Harbour, we would have flown out to see him (her?). You see, this duck has been a media sensation in Hong Kong over the last few days and I have enjoyed reading the media coverage as well as commentary from my friends over there (Hong Kong was our home for 5 years). After all, it is the world’s largest rubber duck!

Who Made The Duck And Why Hong Kong?

The inflatable duck is the creation of a Dutch artist named Florentijn Hofman, who clearly got it right by allowing the duck to float around Victoria Harbour. You see, it doesn’t matter how old you are in Hong Kong–adults are probably getting just as big of a kick out of the duck as the children. People there are much more young at heart than we are, and it’s totally endearing.

The duck inflated during what appears to be quite the media event over at Ocean Terminal, near Harbour City, one of our favorite shopping malls. The duck is meant to spread a message of peace and happiness. And, at least in Hong Kong, it has certainly succeeded.

If you happen to be visiting Hong Kong with kids prior to the duck leaving, I would highly recommend seeing it. I know it’s coming to the U.S. but I wonder if the fanfare will be the same.

Guests of Four Seasons  Hotel Hong Kong will have a perfect view of the duck from the pool terrace and Harbour View rooms.  You’ll also be able to see it from Harbour View rooms at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. It’s free to view up close, too.

Rubber Duck Exhibition
May 2 to June 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Ocean Terminal, Harbour City (near where the Star Ferry from Central lets you off in Kowloon)

What Is The Duck Made Of?

The duck is an amazing six stories tall and is built of PVC material by a New Zealand company specializing in large sails.

Where Has The Duck Been?

It’s already well-traveled,  having taken up temporary residence in Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paolo and Amsterdam since 2007.  Victoria Harbour is its home until June 9. The duck’s next stop is in the United States, but the exact location is a secret until a week prior.

Any guesses as to where the duck be in the U.S.?

*Go like the Discover Hong Kong Facebook page for everything Hong Kong. I thank them for allowing me to use this photo! We love the duck and it’s been a huge topic of conversation in our house.

Though I’ve driven by the San Diego Marriott Del Mar more times than I can count, I hadn’t visited the property until my daughter and I were hosted by the hotel in advance of their May celebration of moms. Four lucky moms will win a one-night stay and a $50 credit to Arterra, the hotel’s signature restaurant.  Before I give you the contest details, let me tell you more about all the property has to offer.

San Diego Marriott Del Mar Location

The San Diego Marriott Del Mar is conveniently located on El Camino Real right where Carmel Valley Road, the 56 freeway and I-5 meet.  For example, guests can take Carmel Valley Road straight to the beach or hop on I-5 and at SeaWorld in 15 minutes or so. It’s also near quite a few office buildings which is why many people think of it as a business hotel, which it can be during the week.

I recommend it to families needing a centrally-located San Diego hotel a reasonable price. I’ve seen the rates as low as $99 on weekends, though during the summer and racing season, plan on higher (similar to the rest of the area).

The Rooms

We enjoyed a premium corner guest room that had a large entryway, comfortable bed, desk area and small seating area. Complimentary in-room coffee is always a hit as were the Bath and Body Works amenities. The large window let in plenty of natural light, which the black-out shades prohibited nicely in the morning. An empty mini fridge allowed for storage of snacks, drinks (there were two small, complimentary bottled waters in there) and other family necessities. Speaking of storage, a large closet provided plenty of hanging space along with a spacious dresser. All in all it was a very comfortable place to be.

The Food

Arterra adds tremendous value to the hotel. It is one of the best restaurants in town with a hip outdoor lounge (fire pits and heat lamps are available for warmth), living room-like seating in the indoor lounge area, a traditional dining room and a sustainable, seasonal menu. My daughter also enjoyed the interactive placemat, complete with crayons and stickers, immensely.

I ordered a scallop dish with roasted brussels sprouts and loads of bacon that was to die for. My daughter’s meal was mac and cheese off the kids menu (note: it’s more like pasta with white sauce–she didn’t care though). I appreciated that it included two sides so we opted for carrots and fruit. For dessert, she ordered a kids sundae and, based on our server’s recommendation, I devoured the cobbler. Happy hour wine is the way to go, but I missed the memo on that with a 9oz pour at $20. Worth it, in my book.

We’ll make an effort to return, now that Arterra is on our radar. Sundays in the lounge are great for families because it’s not crowded. A sushi chef is on site Monday-Saturday, too.

We ordered room service a few times. I thought the breakfast prices were particularly reasonable and the portions for kids meals large, as seen below (that’s my Diet Pepsi, not to worry).

Other Amenities

The fitness center offers a nice pool view and is open 24-hours a day. I can’t say I exercised during our stay, but it’s there if you need it.

The pool area is quite nice with fancy lounge chairs and cabanas. There is no lifeguard on duty.

Within a quick walk is an AM/PM for snacks, though a refrigerator full of smoothies and drinks available for purchase is next to the front desk.

A cute lounge area next to Arterra and the front desk has a TV and even some kids books.

I had zero trouble using the WiFi ($12.95 per day), which didn’t drop once during our stay.

Valet parking is available though overnight self parking is just as easy.

Things To Know

The dining room of Arterra is closed on Sundays, however, the lounge area is open. Families will likely find the lounge area preferable as my daughter was able to stand up and move around our little coffee table with ease, versus being confined to a chair.

There is no spa, though plenty of nice day spa options in Del Mar.

Room service operates only during breakfast and dinner, but Arterra (either the lounge or restaurant) is open and, trust me, you’ll want to eat there anyway.

From check-in to check-out service at the hotel was excellent–nice, nice people everywhere.

Our Takeaway

Even though Del Mar isn’t that far from La Jolla, a weekend out of the house without a nagging to-do list is refreshing, to say the least. I wasn’t expecting so many families to be checked-in to the hotel, but I get it now. They can head north to LEGOLAND, south to Balboa Park or west to the beach with relative ease. We had a great time and you will, too.

San Diego Marriott Moms May Getaway

Bring your kids, your husband or go it alone but use the opportunity to splurge a little at Arterra and enjoy a vacation or staycation in gorgeous San Diego.

Visit the San Diego Marriott Del Mar Facebook page and drop your email into the little box. That’s all you need to do to enter the giveaway.

Good luck!

And, who would you take if you won?

Hotel La Jolla is ‘Rolling out the Mat,’ a new program making custom-designed Gaiam yoga mats and roll-out service available in every room. To celebrate the launch of this program, the hotel has brought to life Mat, a fun-loving, charismatic and stylish yoga mat who is hiding around the property for the next two weeks. Seriously, this is the best hotel promo video I’ve EVER seen.

Hotel, lounge and restaurant visitors who spot Mat around the property (in the lobby, lounging with a cocktail, relaxing poolside, enjoying views of the Pacific, etc.) and post a photo with him to the hotel’s Facebook page, will receive a complimentary appetizer from either Cusp Dining and Drinks or Hiatus Bar and Lounge (no purchase necessary).

The new program is designed to support Kimpton’s mission to improve and maintain the health and wellness of their guests and visitors. Along with placing a yoga mat in each room, the hotel is also offering a “Roll-Out Service.”  As part of the service, a yoga concierge will come to the guestroom with flavored ice-water, fresh fruit or trail mix, extra towels and roll out the yoga mat.

Along with Mat hiding around the property, the hotel is offering complimentary yoga classes this week, healthy snacks and yoga trivia during nightly wine hour.

Meet the Mat behind the 120,000+ and counting YouTube views published last week:

Clever, right?