The Forster Mansion - Grand Re-Opening

Today we had the great pleasure to attend the grand re-opening of the

Forster Mansion, an exclusive 100 year old Spanish style estate in the heart of San

Juan Capistrano. This venue, which accommodates up to 175 guests, is beautifully intimate, elegant and holds endless possibilities in designing your special event. Whether you're planning your wedding, a corporate party, or a personal celebration, this perfect and private venue with fantastic food, elegant surroundings and impeccable service awaits you.

As you can see by my photos above, we were greeted with tasty treats and beautiful decor

at the open house. Jay's Catering, one of the largest and most established full service catering and special event company's did a phenomenal job with the cuisine.

Among the delicacies we enjoyed were Cranberry Mimosas, Crab Cake Sliders, and

Wasabi Mash Potato Martini's (see photo above). Along with tray passed hors d'oeuvres

and a champagne & juice spritzer bar, Jay's Catering served up a custom bruschetta bar

and yummy dessert buffet.

What an amazing afternoon!

Below are images of prior events at The Forster Mansion ~

just a little virtual tour inspire you!

The Parlor

The Copper Kitchen

The Porte-Cochere

The Wine Cellar

Credits: image (1) ~ Luxist; image (2) inspiration board ~ me; images (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) ~ Gabriel Ryan; images (8, 9) ~ Forstermansionevents.com; image (10) Luxist; image (11) ~ Forstermansionevents.com

Lunch @ RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Yesterday we were fortunate enough to enjoy a leisurely and delectable lunch at the newly renovated RAYA, (former Restaurant 162' at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel).

RAYA, a restaurant concept by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, showcases Coastal Californian seafood with a sophisticated blend of Latin-inspired styles and flavors, with ingredients from around the globe. RAYA's menu features a wide variety of local, sustainable and organic seafood and delicacies from Southern California.

RAYA reopens to the public tomorrow, May 24, 2010.

Please see the information page RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

to see their entire menu and specials, hours of operation, and additional details on the entire resort and all the wonderful amenities they offer.

Here is a sneak peek of my savory Lobster Salad (butter poached lobster, sweet

potato puree, baby spinach, yuzu-port reduction)

which was paired rather nicely with a savory glass of champagne!

{Venue Spotlight} The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast

If you are looking for an extraordinary destination in Southern California to host your wedding or special event, I would encourage you to consider The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast. With the simple philosophy that "if it can be done it will be done" your experience at The Pelican Hill Resort will be draped in pure luxury.

I was fortunate enough to be amongst an exclusive group of event planners what were

invited to a preview event of the wedding venues at The Resort at Pelican Hill prior to it's

re-opening in 2008. From the moment the hand-delivered invitation arrived, by a

courier dressed in a tuxedo, I was treated like royalty. At the designated time, my personal driver arrived to escort me to the Resort by limousine. We were greeted with cocktails

and hors d'oeuvres on the terrace, and then dined on a lavish custom designed lunch and

wine pairing menu in the Pelican Grill.

From there, lined golf carts waited to escort us through the Resort to the Mar Vista Ballroom where we enjoyed an exquisite Champagne Reception throughout the venue showcasing tablescape designs by Fiori Fresco Special Events, Square Root Designs, and Asiel Design.

The service was truly impeccable, and here is just a peek of the magnificent

ambience we experienced.

When you host your wedding at The Resort at Pelican Hill, here are a few of the exclusive amenities you will enjoy (adapted from The Resort at Pelican Hill):

COMPLIMENTARY TWO BEDROOM VILLA

An exquisite two-bedroom, ocean-view Villa will be offered to the bridal couple for the evening of the wedding with Pelican Hill's® compliments.

BRIDAL LOUNGE

Lounges are adjacent to each event venue to create a serene place for the bridal party to gather and relax before the ceremony.

THE EXCLUSIVITY OF MAR VISTA

Pelican Hill® will celebrate only one wedding per day at Mar Vista. It is the only way to ensure the wedding couple will have the experience that Pelican Hill® intends and that they desire.

WEDDING BUTLER

A dedicated Wedding Butler will be assigned to the couple and will make sure their Villa is stocked to their preference, reservations and appointments are made and transportation is arranged. The Butler will partner with the Wedding Concierge to ensure a perfect day.

CHOICE OF MENU TABLE-SIDE

A luxury experience should entitle guests to the luxury of choice. Menu selections will be handled at each table so the presentation is a fine dining experience.

SERVICE STANDARDS

Pelican Hill offers the highest standard in staff-to-guest ratio in the ultra-luxury hospitality industry. Pelican Hill® feels that the service received will define the experience.

For more information on hosting your special event at The Resort at Pelican Hill contact George Nickels, Director of Weddings at gnickels@pelicanhill.com or 949.720.3246