Mother’s Day Brunch at The Westgate Hotel

Mother's Day Brunch at The Westgate Hotel

I have a confession to make. I love brunch. Like absolutely love it. From the amazing food to the day drinking to the ambiance, brunch was made for me. And I may or may not have shared that love with my five year old daughter. Sans the day drinking, of course! So when I was invited to come out to The Westgate Hotel and indulge a little in an amazing meal I couldn’t say no! And what better time than right before Mother’s Day?

I don’t know about you, but the only thing I ask for on Mother’s Day is for my family to take me out to brunch and to have a clean house that day. Simple things. But this brunch? Wow. I invited my mother-in-law and my daughter (of course) and it knocked our socks off. I would truly feel honored if my family took me here to treat me on Mother’s Day.

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - cold cuts

As soon as you walk into the hotel you’re greeted by smiling faces helping you find exactly where you need to go. And once the elevator doors open into the beautiful Fontainebleau and Versailles Salons and you walk into the gorgeous setting where they host brunch, you’re immediately relaxed and ready for a wonderful meal.

We were seated at our table and immediately greeted by our amazing server, Juan. He took care of us the whole morning and made sure that my mimosa glass was full and my mother-in-law and daughter had everything they needed. I knew we were in for a great time when he told my daughter that she was definitely old enough for a glass to drink her orange juice out of. Her little chest puffed up and she drank her OJ like a pro.

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - crepe station

The Food

Now I’ve been to many brunches in my 32 years however none have stacked up to the selection that The Westgate Hotel has. The choices you’ll have to make when you first walk through can be quite hard.

We had to take a lap around to view the selection first and then my daughter stopped at the crepe and waffle station. We watched with amazement as they made a delicious crepe for me and then flambeed some berries to nestle inside the crepe. Then they made my daughter a delicious belgian waffle with warm syrup.

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - house made crepes

We then enjoyed some delicious seafood and meats from their vast array of choices. One of my favorites? The shrimp empanandas and crab cakes. Wow! The oysters rockafeller were also outstanding. And while we didn’t make it over to the sushi bar this time, I cannot wait to try it out when we visit next!

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - shellfishMother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - seafoodMother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - sushi bar

As soon as my daughter walked to the desserts, her eyes got real big and she turned to me as if asking if she could really try whatever she chose. That childish joy that she experienced was exactly what I felt as an adult walking up to the dessert selection. From an amazing lavender panna cotta, to a chocolate hazelnut pyramid cake to many more scrumptious selections, our sweet tooth was fully satisfied.

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - desserts

The Details

The Westgate will be offering a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 8! Served in the hotel’s beautiful Fontainebleau and Versailles Salons, brunch will feature made to-order-omelets, fresh seafood, gourmet plates, carving and crepe stations, baked breads, pastries and a variety of gourmet desserts.

In addition to the delightful unlimited feast, the Imperial Bar will serve freshly squeezed juices and endless champagne, mimosas, Bloody Marys and margaritas. The price is $79 for adults and $39.50 for children under 12 (plus tax and gratuity).

Tickets for Mother & Daughter Teas can be purchased here. Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch reservations can be made by calling 619-557-3655.

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - chocolate fountain

Looking for a place to stay in San Diego?

The Westgate Hotel is an iconic property in the heart of downtown San Diego designed to rival the mythical palaces of Europe. From its 223 elegantly appointed guest rooms to the contemporary cuisine of the award-winning Westgate Room, guests truly experience a memorable difference while enjoying European décor, attentive service, exquisite cuisine and artistic cocktails.

To reserve an overnight stay at TheWestgate Hotel, visit www.westgatehotel.com or call 800-522-1564.

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westgate Hotel - Molly and Ann

What are your plans for Mother’s Day?

Thank you to the Westgate Hotel for hosting us.

Date Night at Vessel Restaurant San Diego

Vessel Restaurant San Diego - Bar

My husband and I have always been adament about enjoying date night regularly. It’s good for our relationship. Our marriage. And it’s always a fun event. Whether we’re enjoying a bite before the theater, grabbing something quick before a movie, or are invited out to a private tasting at a local restaurant like we were this past week at Vessel Restaurant at the Kona Kai resort. Something about being able to reconnect with out the kids in tow is good for us. And we enjoy the time we spend together.

We’ve visited Vessel before and love the food that Chef Roy Hendrickson prepares. He likes to create New American cuisine featuring seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients and always seems to hit the nail on the head with his flavor combinations.

Kona Kai Resort San Diego

Kona Kai Marina

Vessel features a stunning outdoor patio set against the colorful backdrop of the picturesque marina, a 360-degree bar at its center and a video wall showcasing local landscapes.

Dinner with a view. Only the best here in San Diego.

Vessel Restaurant at Kona Kai Tasting Menu

Before enjoying our meal, we perused the cocktail menu. I decided to indulge in a blood & sand. It was refreshingly smooth with a citrus twist and definitely hit the right spot after a long day od working and taking care of the kids.

Vessel Restaurant Cocktails

After cocktails we sat down to taste the dishes Chef had prepared. Starting with an amazingly decadent 48 Hour Pork Belly that literally melted in my mouth. And theMaui Coconut Porter he paired it with was equally enjoyable. The 48 hour pork belly was served with plantain powder, sweet potato spaetzle, anise, bitter chocolate.

Next up we enjoyed a simple roasted pear with borage flower, blue cheese, fine herb medley, caramelized black pepper vinaigrette paired with an Alesmith .394 Pale Ale. I could definitely taste summer through this sweet and savory dish.

Vessel Restaurant Summer tasting menu

Before we had to leave the tasting a little short (parenthood doesn’t always get put on hold during date night), we were able to savour a delicate corn dusted albacore with Serrano custard, bacon powder, and onion jam paired with a Refuge Blood Orange Belgian. Yes, you read that right. Bacon. Powder. Seriously amazing.

While we weren’t able to enjoy the last two dishes and the dessert course, we will still be back to try them out at another time. Date night at Vessel Restaurant was perfect. With fabulous dishes, the perfect ambiance, and tasty beer pairings, summer at Vessel is going to amazing.

When was your last date night?

Enjoying a Seaside Wellness Weekend Getaway in Del Mar

This seaside wellness weekend getaway in Del Mar was sponsored by the Del Mar Tourism Business Improvement District.

Enjoying a Seaside Wellness Weekend Getaway in Del Mar

As a couple my husband and I try to reconnect with one another quite often through date nights. But sometimes a couple really needs to get out. So when we were asked to enjoy a couples weekend getaway in Del Mar, I knew it would be a great way for my husband and I to enjoy each other’s company without the kids in tow.

A staycation so close to home is not only convenient, but is close enough that if we needed to we could have come home to the kids at any moment. However this staycation we were able to enjoy all of it alone. And it was awesome.

We were invited to stay at the quaint, unique Secret Garden Inn owned by Sulana Sae-onge and John Halper. John has hand-built the rooms and Sulana designed the interiors to match their names beautifully. The Secret Garden Inn’s secluded Tuscany, Oriental and Balinese decorated rooms cater to any romantic setting. The Penthouse suite is a honeymooner’s paradise with an expansive patio and outdoor fireplace.

[Read more…]

Anniversary Staycation {@HiltonSanDiego Resort and Spa}

We just celebrated our 5 year anniversary at the end of June.

5 years. 

How does that happen? Time just wooshing by like it was nothing. All of a sudden we’re 5 years into our marriage and two kids deep. I just am in awe of how lucky we were to find each other and create this amazing family.

In celebration of this awesome milestone we knew we wanted to do something special.

So I thought long and hard and decided that an anniversary staycation would be the best solution to celebrating in style! And what better place to do that than the place we spent our wedding night at?

The Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa is the perfect place to experience all of San Diego’s beauty in one place. From beautiful bayfront views to relaxing paths that wind through the resort, this resort has all of the amenities you are looking for when searching for the perfect place to stay.

When we first arrived at the resort we were pleasantly surprised to find a relaxing lounge area right outside the registration desk.

So while I was taking care of securing the room keys and confirming our dinner reservation, my husband was sipping some cool, cucumber water and relaxing on one of these awesomely padded wicker chairs. He was ::this close:: to asking where he could buy some for our patio!

We walked around a bit after getting our room keys and checked out the pool area. We weren’t going to be doing any swimming that night but planned on coming by in the morning with our kids.

We were also able to check out the Olive Bar and the hotel’s restaurant, Acqua, as well as scout out other dining options.

Once we opened our hotel room door we knew we were going to enjoy our evening. The view alone was breathtaking! And the cool breeze that enveloped the room as soon as we opened our sliding glass doors to the balcony were heavenly.

We loved the size of the room. It could easily accommodate a roll away bed or crib if we were traveling with more family.

I have a thing for hotel toiletries. Although as of late I’ve been quite picky about what hotel’s toiletries I use. The Hilton San Diego did not disappoint. As soon as I opened up the lotion and smoothed it on my arms I knew I’d love the other products offered!

The size of the bathroom was perfect! More than enough room for 2 people to move around comfortably to get ready for a night out.

And I found out later that night that the water pressure in the shower was perfect. I was able to take a hot shower with great pressure after we returned from our dinner out. I also didn’t feel claustrophobic either, which can happen at some hotels. 

Once we were dressed up and ready to go out we headed to the resort’s restaurant, Acqua, for a special Anniversary meal.

Stay tuned for my post on our dinner experience on Date Night 411 coming soon!

After we wrapped up dinner we heading back to our hotel room to meet our daughter. Along the way we enjoyed the sunset and the gorgeous waterfront surrounding us.

A few moments after our daughter arrived, the fireworks show at Sea World San Diego started. We were amazed at how bright and clear the fireworks were from our balcony and enjoyed the whole show without interruption. We might have to book a room next year just for the 4th of July celebration!

After a very restful sleep on our large king bed we woke up and put on our bathing suits to take advantage of the quiet, sunny morning.

We arrived at the pool and were greeted by a family of ducks coming out of the water. My daughter immediately wanted to get in the pool and be just like the baby ducks. We splashed and played in the gradual entry side of the pool before heading over to the kiddie pool.

My daughter happily ran to the balls and pool noodles that filled the kiddie pool. What kid wouldn’t want to play in such a fun area? I absolutely loved the surrounding views of the pool. We were able to see the beach, the bay, and the boardwalk easily from the pool while laying out and drying off. And the sound of the waterfall in the background made everything perfectly serene.

We worked up quite an appetite swimming so as soon as we were (mostly) dried off we headed to the restaurant again for breakfast.

The Hilton San Diego also has a great cafe, Aroma, that’s perfect for the coffee and pastry on the go while you head out to check the San Diego sites around you. I highly recommend trying one of their delicious lattes. Perfect for that morning pick-me-up!

All in all we had a wonderful stay at the San Diego Hilton Resort and Spa. The laid back, relaxed atmosphere added to our celebration and the fabulous kid-friendly service made us want to come back with the whole family soon!

Next time we’ll definitely be planning a whole weekend away so that we can truly enjoy all of the resort’s amenities.

Interested in booking a few nights away?

And don’t forget to like the San Diego Hilton on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to get the latest in deals, discounts, and events!

Have you stayed at a Hilton? What was your experience like?

Disclaimer: I received a discounted rate on our room and complimentary dinner for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.
 



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