Monday, July 2, 2012
Happy Summer San Diego! With the warm and sunny days finally here, it’s time to get the barbeque out and hit the back yard and beaches. For this month’s blog I will be featuring the pairings of uniquely American Craft brews with summer picnics foods, perfect for your next gathering and 4th of July celebration!
There are a few unique beer styles which were developed in California and in the US. Many of these beers were developed out of circumstance—whether it was a lack of commercial refrigeration or low investment capital—early American brewers were able to carve out a path of their own. Four major styles were developed in the States: the Cream Ale, the Steam Beer, the Blonde Ale, and the American Amber Ale.
The Cream Ale
Give this a try: Hess Brewing Company’s Grazius
Suggested pairings: chicken, salmon, bratwurst, monterrey jack cheese
The Cream Ale was developed by American ale brewers who could not afford to invest in lager brewing equipment when the lager revolution swept America. The Cream Ale was developed to emulate the pilsner which was becoming very popular at that time. Enjoy a Cream Ale style beer with lighter fare—chicken, salmon or bratwurst. It also pairs nicely with a peppery cheese like Monterey Jack. Give Hess Brewing Company’s Grazius cream ale a shot.
The Steam Beer
Give this a try: Anchor Brewing’s Steam Beer
Suggested pairings: charbroiled steak, lamb chops, smoked salmon
The Steam Beer was developed by brewers in San Francisco who followed the gold rush of 1849 and before mechanical refrigeration was available in the area. The name ‘steam’ comes from the pressure that was released when the beer tapped. This hybrid beer is a lager brewed at ale temperatures—brewing lagers at warmer temperatures creates more carbonation in the beer The name ‘steam’ is copyrighted by Anchor Brewing in San Francisco and is very closely regulated. Other breweries use ‘California Common’ instead of Steam Beer. California Common style beer pairs well with barbecued food like charbroiled steak, lamb chops or even smoked salmon! You can pick up Anchor Brewing’s Steam beer in most grocery stores.
The Blonde Ale
Give this a try: Mission Brewery’s Blonde Ale
Suggested pairings: burgers, hot dogs, pizza
The Blonde Ale is a light American Ale developed by brewpubs to introduce American lager drinkers to a more full flavored beer—nicknamed the ‘Training Wheel’ beer. This easy drinking and approachable beer does very well on its own, however, this beer can be easily paired with any of your favorite back yard meals. Burgers, hot dogs and pizza are a great match for the Blonde Ale. Try Mission Brewery’s Blonde Ale the next time you’re grilling in the back yard!
American Amber Lager
Give this a try: North Coast Brewing Red Seal Ale
Suggested pairings: sundried tomato
The American Amber Lager started in the early 1980’s in California brew pubs that wanted an English bitter style but not called ‘bitter’. This style was also developed to fill the color gap between pale and dark beers. Pair this beer with a sun dried tomato reduction sauces—the balanced hopping complements food with flavors of basil and oregano. North Coast Brewing Red Seal Ale is an exemplary example of the American Amber Lager. The malt and hops are married beautifully and finishes long with notes of spice!
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the summer. Cheers!
- Tanya Schmidt, Resident Cicerone
In honor of this weekend’s holiday we held a Father’s Day Getaway Contest where participants provided a photo and short essay telling us about their amazing dads for the chance to win a night’s stay at La Valencia. From seasoned fathers to brand new fathers, we received touching tributes to great men on behalf of their children. Thank you all for sharing your stories with us.
As you read the entries below you can imagine that it was very difficult to select just one to win. So it is with great pleasure to announce that four entrants will be able to gift their fathers with the grand prize. Congratulations to Paul James, Scott Hauser, Jay La Suer and Bill Allen! We look forward to welcoming you to La Valencia and treating you to a much deserved getaway.
Wishing a wonderful weekend to everyone celebrating their fathers.
-The La Valencia Staff
Paul James
-submitted by Grayson James-
My name is Grayson James and I’m 12 weeks old today! My dad deserves a night away because he hasn’t had a decent nights sleep since I was born. Yes, its true – I like to keep he and mom up all night just to make me happy. Selfish, I know, so I’d like to give them a well deserved break! Mom and dad got married at your facility on July 8, 2010 and I would love nothing more than for my two most favorite people to enjoy a romantic evening alone at a hotel that holds a special place in their heart. I hope you consider my dad for this sweepstakes!
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Scott Hauser
-Submitted by Alayne Hauser -
My dad, Scott Hauser, deserves a getaway because he lives each day thinking only of others and he greatly deserves a day of indulgence for himself. My father is a retired North County San Diego teacher of 30 years. From his time in the Peace Corp in Liberia (which we will never hear the end of… : ) to his hospitable volunteer work bringing religion to San Diego’s Donovan Correctional Facility, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Growing up, La Jolla has always been a place of great joy and relaxation for my dad and family. I will never forget the first time my dad took me snorkeling in the cove. I remember the clear water, swarms of Garibaldi fish, and, most importantly, spending special quality time with my dad. This would be a great surprise and gift to my dad…and maybe he’ll let his kids and grand kids come visit him at La Valencia if he gets the room!
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Jay La Suer
-Submitted by Lori La Suer Briggs -
As my husband and I walked through beautiful downtown La Jolla a couple of days ago, we came upon the La Valencia and all her splendor. We wandered our many special memories we had shared there. My best friend was married at the La Valencia, another friends engagement party, romantic cocktails with that incredible view…we both smiled while we remembered. Both our families have has been in San Diego since the 1940’s and watched the scenery change over the years; sometimes for the better, sometimes not. La Valencia has remained through the years, absolutely fabulous. Absolutely fabulous, just like my Dad, Jay La Suer.
He grew up in San Diego’s east county, raised a steer in FFA at El Cajon High School, served on the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, La Mesa City Councilman and retired (termed out) from the California State Assembly in 2006. He is as devoted to his community almost as much as he is to his family. He has worked in leadership in the La Mesa Bobby Sox Association as President when my sister played softball, drove in the carpool while I competed in gymnastics with my friends, built carnival booths for our back yard carnivals we held as kids to raise money for the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.
He helped fill water balloons for our neighborhood water balloon fights, taught me how to fish; ride a bike and a skate board. He was my biggest supporter as I grew up. He taught me how to “long jump” so when I competed in our elementary school’s track meet, I did great! My Dad was always the coolest Dad on the block. He could fix anything, put together and installed the coolest swing set on the block, trained all our dogs who doubled as his patrol dogs, to love everyone in the neighborhood but be a fierce protector whenever a stranger was lurking around us kids as we played outside. My Dad bandaged all our dogs that got into fights with the coyotes that roamed our neighborhood on occasion. He performed all the “burial at sea” ceremonies whenever the goldfish I won at the local fair would die.
My Dad has been married to my beautiful Mom for 49 ½ years. They are each other’s best friends. My Dad taught me what it truly meant to be a husband and a father. Because of his example, I married a man 22 years ago who is an incredible husband and most excellent father to our two sons. My Dad taught me what is important in life and what is not. He is a great friend and mentor to my two sons and spends every moment possible with them working on their cars, helping them to both become Eagle Scouts, working on their cars with them or by simply hanging out at Costco having lunch together.
My Dad so much deserves a stay at the La Valencia. He is an excellent man, wonderful husband, fantastic father and awesome grandpa, who has given so much of himself and could really use some time at La Jolla’s Jewel, the La Valencia!
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Bill Allen
- Submitted by Stia Allen Coffman -
On September 24, 1983, my parents, Bill and Jean Allen, had their wedding reception in the Verandah Room at La Valencia. Nearly 30 years later, on April 21, 2012, my husband and I were married at the Garden Terrace and had our reception in the Verandah Room! Being from San Diego, my parents did not have to travel far for their reception, but I was born and raised in Texas. Still I knew all along that La Valencia was the place I wanted to have my ceremony. I was determined to make the La Valencia wedding a family tradition after hearing my parents’ great stories, seeing their beautiful wedding pictures, and hearing the memories associated with the hotel on that special day.
My dad has loved, supported and guided me my entire life. He is the best Dad a girl could ask for. He made my dream wedding at La Valencia come true. It really was a fairytale wedding! He deserves a getaway to relax and celebrate Father’s Day at La Valencia – it holds such a special place in his heart. This picture is of me and my Dad right before we walked down the aisle at my wedding.
How about a beer to go with your dessert? You bet! Surprisingly beer and sweets are a delicious combination. There are an endless number of combinations which can satisfy any palate! Pairing beers and sweets is easy and you can experiment at home.
A few of my favorite at home beer and dessert pairs are Oreo Cookies and a Stout (Guinness is great for this one). I literally dunk the cookies in the Guinness as if it were milk—so delicious! The light, slight bitterness of the Stout is offsets the super sweet Oreo Cookie. I’ve also tried cookies and ice cream floats made with Guinness.
Another fun and simple pair is a Belgian Blonde Ale (a Leffe Blonde works well) paired with a dark chocolate bar,70% cocoa should do it. Since fruit and chocolate are perfect mates this pairing works naturally. The fruity esters of the Belgian Style Blonde Ale are brought to the surface by the rich sweetness of the chocolate. You can even try this pair with your favorite German Style Hefewizen like Lightening Brewery’s Thunderweizen Ale.
Chocolate is extremely fun to pair with beer since there are so many different flavors, styles and varieties of chocolate. A Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and an Oatmeal Stout sounds pretty tasty too.There are no right or wrong pairs, just keep tasting until you find something that tickles your palate! Enjoy!
- Tanya Schmidt
The Craft of Pairing:
Tuesday, May 29th
Reservations available from 7-8:30pm
Expand your palate and delight the senses with an unexpected combination- beer and dessert. Discover the flavorful rewards of pairing sweets with beer at our monthly tasting course hosted by La Valencia’s Resident Cicerone, Tanya Schmidt, in the Whaling Bar & Grill.
$20 per person
plus tax and gratuity
Reservations: 858.551.3761
“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother”
– Abraham Lincoln
Make sure to show your Mom how much you appreciate her by taking the time to send her a card, flowers, and maybe even treat her to a day of beauty or a fabulous brunch. At La Valencia Hotel we are making it a weekend of celebrations!
Beauty and the Beach- Saturday, May 12th
Make it a mother-daughter day or a girlfriend’s getaway and celebrate with an afternoon of beauty and relaxation poolside at La Valencia. Enjoy your choice of two spa treatments and join us for a complimentary Vinyasa Flow Yoga class in our ocean view garden.
$50 per person, 16 years and up
Mother’s Day Brunch- Sunday, May 13th
Seating Times 10:30am-1:30pm
The only thing Mom should be making on her special day is reservations. Treat her to a sumptuous Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch with divine delights such as omelettes and Belgian waffles to order, smoked salmon benedicts, king crab legs, seafood étouffée, clams, mussels, pasta and carving stations, and sweet endings of assorted spring desserts.
Price: $85 per person │ $38 per child (12 years old and under)
plus tax and 18% gratuity
Still need a few ideas for what to get your Mom?
Get a variety six pack of delicious cupcakes at
Cups on Girard Ave.
Buy her a new favorite dress or accessory at one of the many
shops in the village
Hopefully this list helps you find the perfect gift for Mom. Remember to have fun with it and if you still find yourself in need of a great idea, feel free to stop by the concierge desk at La Valencia Hotel. I would be more than happy to suggest a thoughtful gift for the lovely lady that made us all who we are.
Happy Mother’s Day!
- Joe Enge, Concierge
Welcome! My name is Tanya Schmidt and I am the
Cicerone for La Valencia. I am originally from Denver, CO however; I grew up all over the US. I recently landed here in San Diego after graduating from University of Central Florida in May 2011. In college I took a special interest in fermented beverages which quickly developed into a passion.
After taking all the wine tasting and oenology courses, I decided to try the beer culture and quality brewing course. I could not have made a better decision. I fell in love with beer, beer culture and beer history—I joined a local brewers club and began brewing. My 3rd batch of “Intentionally Witty” a Belgian Wit style beer is currently fermenting and will be ready to bottle soon!
It’s exciting to live in a city where Craft Brewing has become a part of the culture, and I am honored to be a apart of bringing these treasures of local breweries to the to the taps of La Valencia. I look forward to sharing the passion and knowledge of craft beer through our brand new beer and artisan cheese tasting program in the Whaling Bar & Grill debuting next Tuesday, April 24th. Hope to see you there!
- Tanya Schmidt
The Craft of Pairing:
Tuesday, April 24th @ 6:30pm
Expand your palate and delight the senses. Discover the flavorful rewards of pairing artisanal cheeses with locally crafted beer at our monthly tasting course hosted in the Whaling Bar & Grill.
$20 per person
plus tax and gratuity
Limted Space Available
Reservations: 858.551.3761
With the 1st quarter of 2012 in the books, April has arrived and with it comes the smells of spring, a few showers and of course all the flowers. Here in La Jolla the weather seems as we are in eternal spring. With the start of the new season we find ourselves rejuvenated, and what better way to celebrate the season then at our famous Easter Brunch this Sunday, April 8th.
La Valencia Easter Brunch Buffet
Seating Times: 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
Price: $85 per person, $38 per child under 12 years old and under
Kids can enjoy arts & crafts in the Verandah Room and Easter Egg Hunt in our Garden all starting at 11:30 am. And of course there will also be an appearance from the Easter Bunny.
To view the fine selection of celebratory foods on the Easter buffet table
click here.
To join us please call 858.551.3761
And something for the brave and adventurous….
The San Diego Dive Club is hosting their Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast at La Jolla Shores Beach from 8:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday, April 7th.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend with your friends and family.
- Joe Enge, Concierge
With the official arrival of the new season, I have selected a recipe to share with that will be new to our spring menu. Tortilla Española makes for great snack or to share at fun gatherings, and I often make this in my own home for family and friends.
The dish is traditionally composed of only potato, egg, onion, and seasoning, but with our version I’ve chosen to kick up the flavor by incorporating chorizo and cured ham.You can adjust the recipe to use other vegetables and omit the meats to make it vegetarian as well.
I hope you enjoy my twist on a this classic Spanish tapa.
- Lance Repp, Executive Chef
Tortilla Española
Ingredients:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for skillet if needed
3 Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2lbs.) peeled and cut into 1/8 inch slices
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 cup red, yellow, and green bell peppers, diced small
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
6 ounces dried chorizo, cut into 1/4-inch dice(or loose out of casing)
1 cup Serrano ham
10 large eggs, beaten
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a heavy 8-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add potatoes and onion, and season with salt. Cover, and cook, stirring often, until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer potatoes and onion to a bowl. Add chorizo, peppers and ham to skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Transfer chorizo and pan drippings to potato-onion mixture. Reserve skillet.
2. Add eggs to potato-onion mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat skillet with more oil if needed, and heat over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture; stir to combine and press to flatten. Cook, running a flexible spatula around the edges occasionally, until edges set and center is slightly runny, 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Place a plate, upside down, over skillet, and invert tortilla onto plate. Slide tortilla, cooked side up, back into skillet.Cook over low heat until completely set in the center, 3 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, and let cool slightly before cutting into squares or wedges.
Join Chef Lance next Wednesday, March 28th at 6:00pm for the La Valencia Cooking Class featuring Paella Valencia and homemade Sangria.
Happy Friday Everyone! My name is Kali McDonald, I am a concierge here at La Valencia and have had the pleasure of being with our property for about two years now. I am originally from Santa Cruz, CA and moved to San Diego five years ago. There are so many exciting things happening in our city, and although I’ve been here some time, I’m still working on discovering them all myself. As I find more hot spots and take on new adventures I look forward to sharing them with all of you on this special section of our La Valencia Blog.
Joe Enge is a native San Diegan who has worked at La Valencia for the last eight years, and has recently joined me as a fellow concierge. If anyone ‘knows the ropes,’ it is definitely Joe! Together our role at La Valencia is to provide our each of our guests with memorable experiences by giving them insight to the best our property and city has to offer.
With ‘La Jolla like a Local’ we will be sharing these insights with you by featuring exciting activities, hotel news, upcoming events, and local treasures. To get us started this week here are few events in our picturesque village that are not to be missed!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, March 17th:
St. Patrick’s Day
If you want to celebrate “
Party Like You’re Irish”, enjoy a night of entertainment at a local La Jolla hot spot, Barfly, located at 909 Prospect Street. The American Ireland Fund is hosting a very special St Patrick’s Day event with live music by the world’s greatest U2 tribute band: Desire.
Tickets start at $65 ($100 for a pair) which includes a hosted reception.
(Tip: Tickets are only $20 at the door if you join them after 10pm).
Prefer something more low key? Our Whaling Bar & Grill is the perfect local hideaway for those looking to celebrate with their Guinness or favorite whiskey!
Wednesday, March 28th: La Valencia Cooking Class: Paella Valencia & Sangria
Join us for interactive cooking class with our very own Executive Chef Lance Repp where you will learn how to create our signature dish, Paella Valencia, and the art of making the perfect Sangria.
Time: 6:00pm Price: $35 per person Reservations: 858.551.3761
View Event
Sunday, April 1st: La Jolla Concours D’Elegance
The
8th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance presented by the La Jolla Historical Society will be held on Sunday, April 1st, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.The 2012 Concours overlooks the beautiful La Jolla Cove in Scripps Park and features over 150 exquisite automobiles judged in 30 specialty car classes.
Tickets : $35 in advance, $40 at the door (children under 14 have free admission) VIP Tickets:$100
In need of accomodations? Enjoy a room category of your choice, breakfast for two, and complimentary tickets to the the car show with our special
La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Package.
Who would have thought that La Valencia would have a blog spot back in 1926 when we first opened? We here at La Valencia understand that we have a responsibility to the past, but the world does move forward and so shall we. When electricity was run to the Cabrillo Hotel, which is now the south wing of the hotel, people thought it would ruin the quaintness of gas lamps. Well how views have changed.
If I haven’t yet had the pleasure of introducing myself and serving you a drink in the Whaling Bar & Grill, my name is Scotty Moises- La Valencia Hotel’s Resident Mixologist and Lead Bartender. With this blog I look forward to sharing with you both classic and new cocktails, spirits, and bartending techniques for you to try at home.
‘The Sazerac’
My first Drink of the Week for you today is the Sazerac- a cocktail introduced in 1890 in New Orleans which is currently featured on our
Specialty Cocktails Menu in the Whaling Bar. If you like Manhattans or Old Fashions this a instant favorite for you! If not, you should give it try just to take a step back in time.
What you will need:
2 oz Bulleit Rye whiskey
¼ oz House Made Simple Syrup
3 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
And a splash of Herbsaint to wash the glass
Combine the Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Simple Syrup and Peychaud’s Bitters in a Boston Shaker. Chill and strain into a martini glass that has been washed with Herbsaint. Then garnish with a lemon twist.
You can come by the Whaling Bar & Grill Monday through Friday from 4-7pm to enjoy the Sazerac and other 2-for- 1 Specialty Cocktails at our
La V Happy Hour.
