#true blue spa raspberry

[y2kbeautyandother2000sstuff]

BBW True Blue Spa Nourishing Body Bar Soaps in Mango Butter, Raspberry, and Honeydew Kiwi

early-mid 2000s

Found on Mercari, user DeesB●utiiq

[piece-of-the-pie-if]

These for everyone?

🍄 What are your OCs favourite snacks? Their favourite comfort food which always cheers them up when they’re down? Favourite meal to make? Do they enjoy baking and cooking and are they any good in the kitchen?

🌳 What is your OC’s favourite way to relax after a stressful day? Do they have a favourite book to curl up with? A hobby? Or do they have a nice bubble bath and have an early night to bed?

from this ask list.

🍄──favourite snacks...

Dylan, Dyl can't cook to save their life, which goes for baking too. However! They're quite adept at the decorating phase, especially cakes and cupcakes with stiff icing!

In true British behaviour, Shay's favourite snack is Burton's Fish'n'Chips, the strong salt and vinegar fish (and chip) shaped mini baked biscuits. He's also partial to a tube of jaffa cakes!

Kinsley loves cookie dough──whether it be cookie dough ice cream, baked cookie dough, raw cookie dough or actual cookies (white chocolate chip and macadamia nut!)

J actually has quite the sweet tooth! They're usually seen with something in their mouth, and if it isn't a cigarette it's usually a lollypop! Their favourite flavour is either grape or blue bubblegum.

Theo has a penchant for sour sweets! Their go to is a bag of sour patch kids or tangy haribo fantastics. (Their favourite colour sour patch kid is blue raspberry and their favourite tangfastic is the cherries!)

🌳──ways to relax...

It comes as no surprise that Dylan's way to relax is to get stuck in to something creative. When they want to shake off stress or anger they start throwing clay to make pottery (or just play around with it) but usually to unwind at the end of a normal day they tend to just spend a couple hours sketching the events of their day. It's usually a couple of portraits and an event but lately they've been drawing a lot of a specific few people...

Shay throws some hours into a video game when he can. Most of the time it's a more relaxed game like Minecraft or mobile games like Brick Out. And if he doesn't feel particularly motivated to game he, and this might be the surprising part, loves a long bubble bath!

Kinsley usually goes running to unwind, but when that's not feasible (or she just doesn't want to get sweaty) she has a little self spa session──face masks/skin care and taking some time to file her nails or paint them. If she's feeling particularly tense she'll use her face mask time to meditate/do yoga to help relax her muscles as well as her mind!

Being the (unlikely) bookworm they are, J often does read in their relaxing/free time. Lately they've taken to reading out on their balcony, reclining in one of the deck chairs squashed out there, legs resting on top of the railing with a smoking cigarette between their fingers. They stay out there, reading and listening to the street bustle until it gets too cold to stay out. (unless someone were to join them with a blanket and a book of their own? or perhaps J could tuck you under their arm and softly read aloud until both your eyes are too heavy to keep going.)

Theo is a lover of music──they like creating it at just listening. After a stressful day they'd find one of their playlists and just lay down and listen to the music with closed eyes. Sometimes they'll turn all the lights off or wear an eye mask like a pseudo sensory deprivation tank and just feel the music. (Most times Theo falls asleep with their headphones one, the wires getting tangled or the bulky frames digging into the side of their face when they roll over, so they're grateful when you join them in slumber after making sure they're more comfortable. Perhaps, in the future they'd skip the headphones and play the music straight from their phones speakers from between your heads.)

[gmariam19]

Flufftober - Day 28

Rey and her droid family. Sorry, I just couldn't imagine it as a Finnpoe prompt! It's a follow up to Day 23 and Day 25, though - my own personal drabble trilogy, lol. Enjoy - three more to go!

Day 28 - Soothing Baths

Rey finds BB-8 in the back of the cave with D-O. They are usually inseparable, although there are also days when they fight like cats and dogs. It is both highly amusing and sad; she sometimes wonders if they picked it up from her and Poe.

Today they seem to be doing well. She’s pretty sure they’re asleep and almost hates waking them, but she had once made a promise to BB-8, and she’s finally able to make good on it. She touches his dome gently so she doesn’t startle him. It is D-O who rouses with a loud chirp.

“Rey, Rey!” he squeaks, and Rey smiles, because something about the tiny droid always sounds excited, like he’s glad to see her. Most people don’t believe droids have such feelings, but Rey knows better. Her and Poe have talked about it at length, one of the few things they agree on.

“Hi D-O,” she says, and gives him a rub. BB-8 wakes up and trills a greeting, asks what she’s doing there.

“I’m looking for you,” she says, kneeling down next to him. “It’s time for our spa day.”

D-O’s head swivels back and forth between them. “Spa day? Today? For D-O too?”

BB-8 whistles shrilly in protest, but Rey laughs and shakes her head at him. “Of course, D-O. You can come too.” BB-8’s dome droops a little, and Rey gently chastises him. “Everyone can use an oil bath, BB. I finally tracked down a portable unit, so let’s share.” She leans closer. “Maybe Poe can touch up your color later.”

BB-8 beeps happily, and Rey holds back a snicker. She’ll have to tell Poe before BB-8 does. The two droids follow her outside, rolling along and chattering as they go. They pass R2-D2 and C3-PO, and the latter calls after them.

“Mistress Rey! Is it true?”

“Is what true?” she asks, instinctively looking at the smaller droids.

“BB-8 says you have found a portable oil bath. May we join you? My joints are still full of sand from Pasaana!”

R2 beeps something about sand, and BB-8 whistles in amusement, his round body spinning around. D-O swivels about in confusion.

“How rude,” Threepio replies, and the blue astromech blows a raspberry at him. Rey shakes her head. She’s going to have her hands full now.

“Of course you can,” she tells them. “But you’ll have to wait your turn. I promised BB-8 a bath a long time ago. And then D-O, since he was on Pasaana even longer than you.”

"Thank you, MIstress Rey,” Threepio says with a nod. “This will be wonderful!” Following her toward the Falcon, they pass Finn and Poe, inspecting a shipment of supplies. Both men grin at her.

“Have fun at the spa!” Poe calls. BB-8 chirps out that Rey said Poe would paint him afterward. Poe groans while Finn laughs. Rey waves and ushers her droid party up the ramp, ready to spend the afternoon getting dirty while her droid friends get clean.

[tripstations]

Bath holidays: Where are the best hotels in Bath? Top accommodation revealed | Short & City breaks | Travel

Bath is the World Heritage Site mainly built from gorgeous local, golden-coloured Bath Stone (Image: Getty Images/The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa/ The Queensbury)

Bath is a city where I have decided I could quite easily live. For starters, it’s beautiful. Not only is the World Heritage Site mainly built from gorgeous local, golden-coloured Bath Stone, it’s also surrounded by rolling green hills which are visible from the town as you look up. It’s also easily walkable yet crammed with culture and, importantly for me, easy to get to from neighbouring Bristol, London, and Birmingham. This makes it an ideal choice for a weekend break. If you’re after an indulgent UK holiday and looking to treat yourself, these are three of the top hotels to stay in – The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, The Queensbury and No.15 Great Pulteney.

Bath holidays: Where are the best hotels in Bath? Top accommodation revealed

Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

The problem with staying at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is that you may never want to actually leave it. A wall of elegance practically smashes into you as you walk in and there’s an instant feeling you’ll get looked after.

Located in the middle of the famous and iconic Royal Crescent, the hotel actually stretches far beyond the buildings you see on entrance. An acre of stunning gardens lies behind, offering an oasis of tranquillity after a day of sightseeing. Further accommodation and the restaurant as well as the spa are found at the other end of the garden making for a very quiet night’s sleep indeed.

Our room is the Lord Nelson Suite – the famous military figure once stayed in Bath – and busts and paintings of the great man adorn the room as a nod to the theme amid the grey neutral tones. Ornate lamps and colourful cushions add a pop of colour.

In the spacious living room area – separated off from the bedroom with a curtain – is a fireplace and a bookcase filled with a variety of interesting tomes, creating a homely touch amid the luxury. French windows open out onto a spacious balcony which looks over the garden and the odd guest below. One can feel very regal from such a position – although no Romeo (or Knightley, Darcy or Tilney for that matter) came a-calling, alas (remember, there’s always the Jane Austen Centre…)

When we are first shown to our room there’s a brief moment when we think we’re told there’s complimentary cheese which would make it officially the world’s best establishment, but it transpires the lady actually said complimentary teas which, for a Briton, is still pretty exciting. We order one immediately. It’s only a few moments we realise one explanation for our sense of peace – Classic FM is playing from bedside speakers and it’s the addition I never realised I needed – my life finally has a soundtrack.

The little touches don’t stop there, pillow spray is provided with the turndown service, newspapers are offered and there’s an umbrella in the wardrobe complete with a tag letting you know what you can do in Bath in the rain. Furthermore, there’s also a car parking spot for every room should you need it.

Bath holidays: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is in in the middle of the iconic Royal Crescent (Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the stylish bathroom provides his n’ her sinks, sumptuous products by British perfumer Floris plus a bath and shower – the controls for which are conveniently placed the opposite side from the water flow which means never getting wet until you’ve got in, which is a surprising bonus.

We dine in the hotel’s Dower House Restaurant and our table benefits from a view of the secluded garden as the spring evening draws in. The friendly and knowledgeable waiters prove invaluable in helping me decide on my order (it all looks so good) and the sommelier suggests a delightful Sauvignon Blanc.

Turmeric and black pepper bread sets a promising tone for the meal before I tuck into my starter of slow cooked duck egg. It’s huge, rich and creamy and pairs well with the salty Morteau sausage, and crunchy leeks and chicken crisp – all in all, superb.

This is followed by roasted seabass, served with two perky scallops prettily presented with beetroot, tasty morsels of smoked eel, hay baked potato, smoked roe cream and horseradish. The portions may seem small at first but I soon have “elegant sufficiency” as my grandmother used to say and decide on a brief hiatus ahead of dessert.

This is wise and dessert is, unsurprisingly, also delicious. I opt for rhubarb and orange tart with ginger ice cream, the tangy favours of which all perfectly complement each other. My friend goes for the cheese board – well there had to be cheese somewhere didn’t there? This is presented by a rather handsome waiter who informs us he is responsible for buying the cheeses in, and his enthusiasm is palpable as he explains each one to us. One nugget we learn is that the ash in the rind of goat’s cheese is supposed to aid digestion – but after the feast we’ve had I’m not sure there’s much hope for us.

We heave ourselves up and take a turn around the garden before retiring for the night, thoroughly pampered and satisfied.

The next morning we make the most of The Spa & Bath House. I do a few lengths in the 12m heated pool (where the glistening blue tiles shimmer like a mermaid’s tail), try out the Vitality Pool and sauna before heading for a massage.

The spa’s primary partner brand is Elemental Herbology whose products are based around the Five Element theory from traditional Chinese medicine. My therapist considers my skin type, lifestyle, environment and season and opts for Earth for balance. I have chosen a Deep Muscle Melt full-body massage which uses the oils as well as hot stones – although the spa menu offers so many other wonderful-looking options it is hard to decide. My therapist’s small hands dig deep into my muscles and work through knots on my back in what makes for a very stress-relieving and relaxing hour before I return to my room, take tea on the balcony and prepare to leave this haven of luxury.

Double Deluxe rooms at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa start from £330 on a B&B basis. To book, please email info@royalcrescent.co.uk or call Spa Reception on 01225 823333

Bath holidays: An acre of stunning gardens lies behind the facade of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa (Image: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa)

The Queensbury

The Queensberry Hotel may not have the grand scale decadence of The Royal Crescent but this boutique hotel is every bit as lovely and is right the heart of the city, making it perfect for exploring Bath on your doorstep.

The hotel is both chic and trendy but not in a threatening way; the interior design is particularly exciting. The bathroom in our room boasts a wall decorated entirely with goldfish-covered wallpaper, the orange and blue tones of which inject a quirky edge into the accommodation as does the gold grouting between the white tiles. There’s also a free standing bath in there and fabulous White Company products. It’s all rather like staying at the house of a particularly fashionable friend.

One little touch I particularly like is the little, dim bathroom lights that automatically come on into dark should you need to make your way to the toilet in the night. All hotels please take heed of this! A marvellous concept and a rousing thumbs up to whoever’s idea it was. What’s more, Classic FM is also playing when we enter here, too which is proving a charming theme of my stay so far.

It’s the Michelin-starred restaurant in this delightful townhouse which is the true gem of the establishment, however. If you’re after an excellent meal, the 3 AA Rosette Olive Tree restaurant is the ideal spot – it’s certainly the best one I’ve had in a long time.

I go all out and order the larger of the two tasting menus, otherwise known as the ‘Chris Cleghorn Seven’, with paired wines. Things start exceedingly well with a cheese-filled profiterole appetiser – an ingenious morsel of pleasure – before a raw Orkney scallop is presented in its pretty shell for a starter. It’s succulent and juicy thanks to the tangy pink grapefruit granita along with a kick from the horseradish. This is paired with a Galician Rías Baixas white wine before I’m served a Lebanese rosé with my second course of burrata – not that this is the Italian cheese as I’ve ever known it. This is burrata ice cream, churned and frozen but still creamy with the saltiness of green olives with tomatoes and a basil sauce.

Bath holidays: The Queensberry Hotel is both chic and trendy but not in a threatening way (Image: The Queensberry )

Onto the first of the mains – Turbot on the bone which is like consuming a cloud it’s so soft and tender, pairing perfectly with the crunch of asparagus and buttery sauce, along with shrimp, salted lemon and sherry. To go with this is is the best Chardonnay I’ve ever tasted – an Astrolabe Province Marlborough Chardonnay 2015 which knocked my socks off; both nutty and creamy it went hand in hand with the turbot perfectly.

We move onto the second main of oh-so-succulent Woolley Park Farm duck served with duck liver on a tiny sliver of toast along with barbecued beetroot, sea beet, hazelnut and blackcurrant – all paired with a rich South African merlot.

The first dessert is a soft Tor cheese with soaked golden raisins and chicory with a Jurançon 2016 rosé before moving onto a (highly unusual but incredibly delicious) tobacco-flavoured ice cream which comes with chunks of aero-style chocolate and a chocolate parfait – rounded off with a divine Graham’s 2013 port.

By this point, I’m frankly sozzled and stuffed. I squeeze in a yummy raspberry and ice cream concoction before I throw in the towel. No way can I face the proffered coffee and petit fours although I have no doubt they’re just as delectable as everything else in the feast. We began our meal at 8.15pm and it is now 12.30pm. It’s definitely time to leave. Any plans we have of going out are shattered – as are we.

Our waiter throughout the evening has been the charming Jake who we find out is a mere 22. This appears to be a theme of the restaurant – most of the servers look as though they could be about to sit their A-Levels – but this doesn’t seem to affect the running of the place. Jake himself is incredibly knowledgeable and seems to know all there is to know about the wines he studiously explains to us. I also overhear him taking care to find out the needs and desires of the couple next to us so he can advise them suitably.

The restaurant appears to be doing a roaring trade and is filled with customers, creating a buzzy atmosphere for the Saturday night. This is particularly impressive given how unassuming The Olive Tree is from the outside – but it really is a true gem worth checking out. Not to be missed!

Hotel prices start from £145 for a classic double room. To book go to https://ift.tt/1pEhACZ

Bath holidays: The Michelin-starred Olive Tree is a true gem worth checking out. Not to be missed! (Image: The Queensbury)

No 15 Great Pulteney

Great Pulteney Street is the widest and grandest in the city of Bath so it stands to reason that No 15 Great Pulteney is also rather grand. It is also, however, completely bonkers.

This eccentric hotel –  self-proclaimedly “luxury for the curious” – is packed full of character which one might never guess judging from its chic Georgian townhouse exterior in complete uniformity with the entire street. Inside, the decor is so quirky it leaves your scratching your head. There’s a collection of kaleidoscopes in the hallway, a bizarre selection of dog figurines on one stairway and military memorabilia crowding the bottom of a staircase. The latter even features a soldier mannequin which, when first I spot it out of the corner of my eye, nearly makes me jump out of my skin. You have been warned!

In fact, no staircase in the same here: one has models of anthropomorphised pigs, another old cameras and a third huge perfume bottles. The thought that must have gone into the design is mind-boggling.

Our room on the top floor is lovely and while not so ostensibly idiosyncratic as the communal areas, there’s still something undeniably Bohemian. Our lamp shade drips in beads, mirrors with weaved frames sit above the bed’s headboard and a large, black sheep serves as a chair. These quirks don’t stop the hotel form providing all the mod cons, however, judging by the Dyson hairdryer and fan plus enormous TV with Sky.

From our window, we can see the roofs of all the stunning Georgian houses on the streets, the famous rugby grounds and even the abbey if I crane my head – all backed by the glorious Somerset countryside.

Bath holidays: No 15 Great Pulteney is an eccentric hotel – “luxury for the curious” (Image: No 15 Great Pulteney)

Bath holidays: The Dispensary comes complete with extensive wooden drawers labelled for herbs (Image: No 15 Great Pulteney)

An inventive addition to the hotel’s set-up is The Larder which peckish guests can raid whenever they want. While I am there it stocks help-yourself supplies of milk, ice cream, yoghurts, water, cans of fizzy drinks, old fashioned sweets plus flapjacks and brownies. It’s gloriously like a tuck shop and my inner schoolgirl lights up with the glee at the idea of plundering it for free (before my adult self remembers my straining jeans).

Before dinner, we head for a drink at the hotel’s Bar 15 which promises ‘creative liquid libations.’ I opt for a classic No 15 Champagne cocktail and settle back to see what eccentric delights reside in the bar. I am not disappointed. Our table is utterly bedecked with blue beads and jewellery and topped with glass, the huge paintings on the wall come to life with bizarre protrusions and little 3D editions of classic novels such as The Water Babies feature enchanting cut-outs of characters on the front covers.

I’m more taken with the restaurant, however. Aptly named The Dispensary, the room goes the whole hog with the theme, complete with extensive wooden drawers labelled for herbs, antiquated glass bottles of all colours lined again the wall and even old talcum powder containers.

There’s a nod to the actual function of the restaurant as well thanks to such features as a stove, complete with cast iron pots and a wall boasting every type of whisk you could possibly imagine.

The food is tasty too. I enjoy a starter of hake goujons – which are fresh and delicious – before a crispy duck salad washed down with a South African Cabernet Sauvignon. I finish with an utterly indulgent sticky toffee pudding (with top-notch fudge sauce) and a paired dessert wine.

Prices from £115 for a Cosy Double room. 01225 807015; https://ift.tt/32Cc7ce

The post Bath holidays: Where are the best hotels in Bath? Top accommodation revealed | Short & City breaks | Travel appeared first on Tripstations.

from Tripstations https://ift.tt/2llTuId via IFTTT

[disneygeekcom]

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Stirs in the Key Ingredient of Storytelling to Create a Uniquely Disney Experience, from Feb. 28 to April 21, 2020

Disney Shared Images taken by Disneyland Resort photographer David Nguyen of some of the food offerings for 2020:

#gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Brisket slider – shredded, smoked BBQ brisket piled on slider buns with apple slaw and pickle, served with french fries.

French onion grilled beef tenderloin slider topped with Gruyère cheese sauce and caramelized onions, on an onion roll.

Black garlic soy-braised pork belly banh mi on a mini French roll with banh mi mayonnaise, garnished with pickled carrots and daikon, sliced jalapeño and cilantro sprig.

Brunch fried chicken & waffle sandwich with mimosa-inspired slaw & orange juice bubbles.

Seared Verlasso® salmon with lemon pear purée, black rice and Meyer lemon relish.

Oikos® greek yogurt banoffee tart – graham cracker tart shell filled with layers of fresh banana and dulce de leche, topped with Oikos® greek yogurt whipped cream, pecan brittle and chocolate crunch.

Carbonara garlic mac & cheese with Nueske’s® bacon with white cheddar cheese sauce, topped with Nueske’s® bacon, parmesan and red pepper panko crumbs.

Pabana cream puff with exotic mousse blend of mango, passion fruit and banana, on a bed of vanilla bean-pineapple compote.

Fiscalini white cheddar lager soup in a mini Boudin® sourdough bowl. (

Petite Impossible™ burger with guac and pepper jack cheese topped with melted pepper jack cheese, fresh guacamole and tomato, on a toasted mini brioche bun.

Impossible™ Cheeseburger mac & cheese with Impossible™ meat made from plants topped with special burger sauce.

Berry mule with vodka, strawberry, Simply Watermelon®, house-made rhubarb juice and ginger beer.

Raspberry-Lychee-Rose Custard – tapioca pudding topped with mixed berry compote and freeze-dried strawberry crumbles.

Road Trip Mimosa Trio: Pacific mimosa – sparkling wine, coconut, blue curaçao and pineapple juice; Mojave mimosa – sparkling wine, Simply Peach® and raspberry syrup; Sierra mimosa – sparkling wine, lavender and fresh lemon juice.

Blue angeleno cocktail with white rum, blue curacao, orgeat, sweetened coconut cream, pineapple juice and Simply Orange® juice.

      Guests will delight in new and innovative food and beverages, culinary experiences and entertainment during this fan-favorite, limited-time festival at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2020) –The highly anticipated Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland Resort for a limited time* Feb. 28 to April 21, 2020, with innovative food, beverages and pairings created with a magical Disney twist. Culinary novices and true foodies alike will enjoy unforgettable California-inspired cuisine and specialty beverages, along with cooking demonstrations, seminars, music, hands-on entertainment and more. This year, storytelling is at the heart of the festival, as Disney chefs share their personal stories through their palate of offerings. Guests will see the magic of Disney storytelling come to life through a variety of festival experiences.

The Festival Marketplaces at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will serve up delicious dishes inspired by key California ingredients, plus refreshing beverages from across the region. Avocado Time, Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo, Nuts About Cheese and California Craft Brews are among the returning favorite marketplaces. With many unique dishes and drinks to choose from, a few highlights include avocado toast, the brunch fried chicken and waffle sandwich, pepperoni pizza egg rolls, poke-style watermelon with cucumber, a fig and lavender cold brew, the ruby-citrus sparkler and even a Mickey-shaped caramel-peanut milk chocolate macaron.

Guests 21 and over will have the opportunity to discover locally brewed craft beers, wine and spirits from all over California. To get the best value, guests may choose to purchase the popular Sip and Savor Pass,** which includes eight tastings to quench their appetite for trying new things, available at participating locations throughout the festival.

On the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land, guests will enjoy even more foodie fun with culinary experiences such as Family Time with Chef Daniella Malfitano, Discover California seminars and chef demonstrations by Disney chefs and celebrity chefs. The celebrity chefs include visiting and local guests, such as David Burtka, Richard Blais, Jamie Gwen, Jet Tila and Wing Lam.

Young chefs-in-training can join the tasty fun at the guest favorite Junior Chef experience with Chef Goofy, as well as a new character encounter, available on select days. Children ages 3 to 11 will work with Chef Goofy to follow a recipe and mix ingredients to create a tasty treat that ends with a magical surprise. In addition, guests will discover family-friendly entertainment, from lively performances with the Jammin’ Chefs to craft stations for kids who want to get creative.

The Disney magic continues with music, entertainment and special activities that add to the fun atmosphere each day of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.

Guests may choose to enhance their festival experience with special signature events designed to expand their palate and culinary knowledge. Some of the signature events at this year’s Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival include:

New Disney Culinary Adventure Tour– On Wednesdays and Thursdays during the festival, “epicurious” guests may take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the many kitchens in Disney California Adventure Park. Festival goers learn from guest chefs as they prepare menus and see how the festival comes to life.

Winemaker Reception with Fess Parker Winery at Carthay Circle Restaurant (March 27)

Winemaker Reception with Silverado Vineyards at Carthay Circle Restaurant (April 10)

Wine, Beer & Spirits Seminars– On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the festival, guests will visit Sonoma Terrace to partake in seminars led by winemakers, brewmasters and distillers and learn what goes into making their favorite beverages. Guests will meet sommeliers and mixologists from various Disneyland Resort outlets such as Trader Sam’s and Lamplight Lounge, as well as local and regional participants such as Mahalat Spirits, Strong Water Anaheim, Bottle Logic, Karl Strauss Brewing Co., MacMurray Ranch, Hill Family Estate and Peltzer Vineyards among others.

Many of the Disney California Food & Wine Festival events are included with admission to Disney California Adventure park. Signature events and beverage seminars require a separate fee. Guests may check for the latest details and schedules and also make reservations for the select signature events and seminars at Disneyland.com.

In addition, guests will find a new line of festival merchandise in 2020, including festival-themed headwear and apparel, kitchen gadgets and décor.

Plus, Soarin’ Over California is returning to Disney California Adventure for a limited time beginning Feb. 28. This epic, aerial adventure takes guests gliding over the Golden State’s natural and man-made wonders from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the crashing waves of Malibu. Its immersive, 80-foot projection dome simulates the graceful motion of flight and teases the senses with iconic scents found throughout California.

Also joining the fun this year, select Downtown Disney District locations offer special festival-inspired menu items at Ballast Point Brewing Co., Catal Restaurant, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Salt & Straw.

During the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, the Disneyland Resort is offering special, limited-time ticket and hotel offers, which make this an ideal time for guests to visit the park. Kids everywhere*** along with Southern California residents**** may visit the theme parks for as low as $67 per person, per day with 3-day, 1-park per day tickets.

Guests who stay and play in the heart of the magic can enjoy special savings with room offers at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Hotel guests can save up to 25 percent off select rooms, Sunday-Thursday nights, based upon availability through April 16, 2020. Guests can save up to 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa; up to 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disneyland Hotel, and up to 10 percent on standard and premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. These room offers may be reserved for stays now through April 16, 2020 when booked by March 16, 2020.Ϯ

Guests may find more information at Disneyland.com/offers.

*Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required. Additional fees for select events, demonstrations and seminars may be required. Space is limited for all such ticketed events; advance reservations are recommended. Full payment may be due at time of booking, and cancellation fees may apply.  No refunds, credit or date or time changes. Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol and to participate in some events; valid photo ID required. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

**Sip and Savor Pass entitlements may only be redeemed during regular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival operating hours, and the Pass expires on April 21, 2020. A Pass has eight (8) coupons and each coupon may be redeemed for one (1) food or non-alcoholic beverage item at a participating Festival location. Sip and Savor offerings at participating restaurants are tasting-size portions, not full entrees. Excludes novelties including souvenir tumblers. Discounts are only applicable to Sip and Savor Passes purchased by and for Annual Passholders. Nonrefundable, nontransferable, may not be redeemed for cash (in whole or in part), no substitutions and no change given. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required.

***Offer valid for children ages 3-9. Tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or on May 21, 2020, whichever occurs first.  Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Tickets are nonrefundable, may not be sold or transferred for commercial use and exclude activities/events separately priced.  Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.

**** Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of eligible residency, including valid government-issued photo ID, is required for purchase and admission. Tickets expire May 21, 2020.  Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. May purchase up to 5 tickets per eligible person per day with valid ID. Tickets are nonrefundable, may not be sold or transferred for commercial use and exclude activities/events separately priced. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.

Ϯ Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel. Travel must be completed by April 17, 2020.  Premium room types included in offer are Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and only Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites.  Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes.  Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.  Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks. 

#DisneyCaliforniaAdventure #FoodandWineFestival starts Friday through April 21 (Disney Release & Food Images) #Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Stirs in the Key Ingredient of Storytelling to Create a Uniquely Disney Experience, from Feb.

[tripstations]

Short stay: Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, Belgravia, London, UK

By Paul Johnson on Jun 22, 2019 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious and innovative hotel brands in the world. With more than 20 hotels in key locations across the globe, the brand’s five star Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is perhaps atypical of many in the group. Hidden away in a discrete but central location and housed in a Belgravia mews house, it is worlds apart from the likes of the Jumierah’s famous Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai and has little in common with many other hotels within the brand, but for the group’s consistently keen eye for quality and careful attention to detail.

The welcome

From the moment I arrived and the doorman greeted me and offered to take my case, I was welcomed with smiles and instantly felt at home. This positive first impression continued as I was offered a hot towel and made to feel a valued guest by Neil on reception who dealt with the check-in process in a swift and efficient manner.

The room

My superior room was relaxing and uncluttered. The bed was very comfortable and the room had everything you would need for a true home-from-home experience.

The room looked out over a small square to the rear of the hotel, close to a number of eateries.

A turn-down service was offered each evening, with a sleep spray left on the bed and slippers laid out nearby. In-room reading material included a Jumeirah-curated magazine titled ‘The Beauty Issue’, Business Traveller, Belgravia and The English Home magazines. Complimentary newspapers were available at breakfast and a digital newspaper could be read on the in-room tablet (which also has info on concierge services, in-room dining and an A-Z of guest services).

On my first night, I did arrive quite late – and had work to do – so opted for the comfort and convenience of dining in my room. Executive Chef Martin Gabler has especially designed an in-room dining menu that offers an enticing selection of dishes. The menu highlights healthy and hearty options, as well as a number of signature dishes. The curries and beef burgers are firm favourites, but freshly made stone-baked crispy pizzas are also a speciality.

I had the prawn and avocado salad – sautéed king prawns with sliced avocado, mixed leaves and cherry tomatoes, finished with a sesame soy dressing that was full of flavour.

For my main I chose from the ‘Flavours from the East’ section of the menu and opted for the signature dish of chicken tikka masala with basmati rice, cucumber raita and warn naan bread.

The bathroom

The bathroom offered ample space with a bath with a shower over it, a single basin and WC. Thick, white bathrobes were supplied as well Temple Spa toiletries.

The facilities

Breakfast is served each morning in the Lowndes Bar & Kitchen between the hours of 7am and 11am, with a choice of Continental and cooked options that included the full English or lighter alternatives such as poached eggs and avocado on toast.

Dinner is also served in this brasserie-style restaurant, with the focus of the menu being on modern British cuisine.

When dining there I had the crispy duck and watermelon salad with cucumber, minted leaves, mint, coriander, toasted cashew nuts, sesame seeds and Hoisin sauce. New to the menu, this is a very refreshing salad, light but full of flavour, and with the duck still warm.

For my main, I had the grilled sea bass fillet, which had a wonderfully crisp skin, and was served with green asparagus and an orange hollandaise. Additional sides such as tender stem broccoli, buttered green beans and rocket Parmesan salad are available as optional extras. As well as the mains on the menu, there is a changing menu of weekly specials available from Monday to Friday.

I didn’t have space for dessert but diners could choose from temptations such as strawberry and pistachio nut pavlova with whipped cream and a raspberry coulis, warm chocolate fondant with Madagascan vanilla bean ice cream and apricot and almond Frangipane tart with a passion fruit coulis and crème Chantilly.

Guests staying at the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel also have unlimited access to The Peak Health Club and Spa at the nearby sister property, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, which is just a two-minute walk away. It’s open 7 days a week (24 hours a day to guests) and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 20-metre indoor swimming pool which is something of a rarity for hotels in London. There’s also a spa offering a range of luxurious and exclusive treatments ton ensure you are feeling renewed and rejuvenated, as well as osteopathy and physiotherapy services available. However, please note that this facility will be closed for renovations from 1st September until the Summer of 2020.

Location

The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Knightsbridge Underground station on the Piccadilly line. This is a busy and fashionable shopping area, close to the likes of Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

I was in area for a work event being held at Chelsea Football Club which was easy to reach by taking the Piccadilly line to Earl’s Court, and then the District line to Fulham Broadway.

Tourists exploring London will find themselves centrally located for exploring the city’s many attractions and museums, with Hyde Park and the West End within easy walking distance, and Buckingham Palace and the Victoria and Albert Museum both less than a mile away.

Other nice touches

In my room was a personalised welcome letter from General Manager Ian Richardson, along with some practical ‘need to know’ information. Complimentary water, chocolate-coated dates – perhaps a small nod to Jumeirah’s Middle Eastern routes – and a plate of fruit were all provided.

Finally, another nice touch is that they even have bespoke red, white and blue Belgravia bicycles that you can borrow during your stay.

Cost

Superior rooms start from £186 and suites from £314 when purchased in advance.

Guests staying at any Jumeirah property can join Jumeirah’s SIRIUS loyalty programme where you can collect points and redeem them against a variety of products and services.

The best bit

For me the location was both central and beautifully quiet; rarely do you find both at the same time and this suited me perfectly, particularly for a business trip.

The final verdict

With 88 luxurious rooms including 12 suites, this chic, contemporary hotel still feels intimate and personal, and retains the individual touch that is often lost by much larger hotels. High standards are carefully and consistently maintained throughout the hotel

Disclosure: Our stay was courtesy of the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel.

The post Short stay: Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, Belgravia, London, UK appeared first on Tripstations.

from Tripstations http://bit.ly/2WYmyCC via IFTTT