Monterey County News Angles Spring 2015

News provided by

Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Apr 30, 2015, 04:42 ET

MONTEREY, Calif., April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Spring Editorial and Story Ideas:

LUXURIOUS TRANSFORMATIONS- 2015 marks the long-awaited debut of Bernardus Lodge & Spa following a four-month, multi-million dollar transformation. Set on 28 sweeping acres of lavender and vineyards, this Forbes Four Star 57-guestroom property will showcase a dramatic shift in architecture and design as it's poised to become one of the West Coast's most coveted escapes. At the helm of renowned Chef Cal Stamenov, a dramatic new restaurant concept has been unleashed where the former award-winning Marinus stood. Christened Lucia Restaurant & Bar, the anchor restaurant will now include an additional 2,300 sq., ft., alfresco terrace and striking new interior. Debuting a California country cuisine concept, the menu will reflect Chef Cal's enviable larder of farmers, foragers and fisherman spiked with sophisticated undertones. This summer, Carmel Valley Ranch will be adding 20 rooms and a brand new pool while nearby Quail Lodge & Golf Course just reopened their revamped links style golf course to the public that includes new tee boxes, bunkers, irrigation system and a completely redesigned layout.

VINO VACATION- Diversity defines this wine region which boasts 45,000 acres of vines, 175 unique vineyards, nine distinct AVAs and enough small lot, handcrafted juice to keep the country of Bhutan buzzed. Seek and secure some of the more obscure varietals (42 in all) on Monterey Guided Wine Tours with a day of trekking along the bucolic River Road Wine Trail, or board the more budget friendly Grapevine Express into Carmel Valley village. If you are on the peninsula, wander through Carmel-by-the-Sea with the Carmel Wine Walk By-the-Sea Passport; combining the pleasures of the Pacific with a tight combo of 14 wine tasting options laced within a few blocks. Rest up after your viticulture adventure at Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites, offering 18 suites decorated by 13 local wineries to create a unique guest experience celebrating the bounty of Monterey County's vineyards.

NEW HAUTE CHEFS FIRE UP THE STOVES- Chef Jason Franey, a three-time James Beard Award finalist, and a Relais & Châteaux "Grand Chef", brings over 20 years of experience and modern techniques to the new menu and revamped look of Restaurant 1833. The menu boasts spring ingredients with dishes that are both contemporary and approachable including "Buffalo Style" Sweetbreads with smoked mango and Pequillo pepper "hot sauce." Groups of six or more will be tempted to gorge on the Whole Beast selections of Whole Suckling Pig, Whole Roasted King Salmon and Wood Fired Baby Goat. New Executive Chef Evan Lit of the Beach House at Lovers Point is bringing his 20 years in the industry—and 13-plus as a chef—to this local favorite. Don't miss his Sunset Supper Menu (between 4-5:30 pm) with eight entrée choices for under $10. Looking for something more casual? Head over to Seaside's brand new Googie Grill, featuring 1950's futuristic architecture, American cuisine with a twist and wood-fired pizzas.

SURREAL WELLNESS- Whatever your age, gender or state of health, we are all driven to gain a connection with our body and achieve a sense of freedom, joy and liberation; which is the concept behind new owner Tong Kim's recently rejuvenated Carmel Valley Lodge. Achieve inner enlightenment while enjoying the new stone crafted fire pits, meditation tents and poolside gazebo. The complimentary breakfast he has created is a raw, vegan concoction known as Rainbow Ssambap. The meal (which Mr. Kim eats exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner) is full of over 20 different ingredients including beans, berries, nuts and fruit. Refuge in Carmel Valley has redefined relaxation as the country's first sanctuary solely dedicated to hydrothermal therapy. 10 mineral pools of various temperatures work to relieve stress; relaxation areas include zero gravity chairs and a Eucalyptus steam room. Just off Cannery Row, Wave Street Wellness offers daylong guided workshop experiences that feature wellness practitioners and special guest teachers. Workshop packages vary from learning about specialty foods and drink, massage, yoga and movement classes, sonic healing and social support to leave you feeling sublime.

MEDIA CONTACT
John David Van Kirk/Monterey County CVB
831-657-6413; [email protected]

VISITOR INFORMATION
Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345-miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 45,000 acres of premium vineyards, 26 golf courses and over 250 lodging properties. Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area's major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO).