HAUTE CHILD N THE CITY | Meetup.com’s OC Social Superfly KALIDA Rocks the House NYC-Style at the Crowne Plaza in Irvine

If you haven’t already met one of the most charismatic social butterflies here in Orange County, you may be meeting her really soon. Meet Kalida Verdi, a saavy European international traveler with a vivacious spirit and love for people that is contagious. Kalida is one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet in the OC. As founder of the Active European American Club on Meetup.com in Orange County, Kalida leads a party that draws on one of the largest, leading upbeat social meetup groups in town and is this month’s HAUTE CHILD N THE CITY.

HAUTEOC: For those of you unfamiliar with meetups,  Meetup.com is an amazing social network tool that specializes in one thing, it  allows folks to form groups based on like-minded special interests. On the online meetup platform you choose a selection or category of interests, city location, specify your interests and voilà an array of meetup groups customized by your own personal preference complete with calendar dates, open comment forums, post event reviews, and of course, all new friends. … Continue Reading

FASHIONISTA NOW BOARDING | The Art of Travel & Style Where the Surf Meets the Turf by Christina Clay, CEO of Stylecliques.com

Last week friends and I attended Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack starting the day packing brunch and taking the train to the race tracks on the Surfliner from Santa Ana, Orange County to San Diego.

This trip was a victorious 90 minute coast line ride. And one cannot complain, we enjoyed a relaxing excursion,  just us girls, with no traffic in sight, we kick back, sip wine and enjoy the beautiful coast on a sweet ride to Del Mar.

Without a doubt, Opening Day at Del Mar Horse Races is by far one the busiest and most attended events in San Diego of the year, in fact some 40,000 get tickets annually. We attend, of course, to also observe one of the most fashionable sports in town as ladies showcase their finest and most proper hat attires and delicately dress to impress.  From Kentucky Derbys to Dress Hats to Soiree Headpieces and Birdcage Poppies, it is quite a head-turning show. How can anyone miss one of the most renown fashion landmarks of the year! … Continue Reading

HAUTE OFF THE GRILLE | Javier’s Cantina & Grill in Crystal Cove – A Culinary Exploration to Mexico by Melissa Sherman Pearl

So there we were, relaxing on the main patio with margaritas in hand and ocean breezes ruffling our hair. The warm crunchy tortilla chips partnering with fresh guacamole and roasted salsa lent themselves perfectly to Kat and me chatting it up like a couple of college chicks whose IDs were no longer a lie. But how would we make it to pick up our kids by 3 if we’re all the way in Mexico? Oh, that’s right, we’re simply enjoying an afternoon lunch at Javier’s in Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. Pomegranate Margarita for me, Tamarind Margarita for Kat (really, only one for each of us – it was lunch time, ya know), and so the fresh, fanciful feast began. We started with a halibut and octopus ceviche, so light and flavorful, citrusy and dusted with finely cut cucumber, onions, cilantro. Yum. As for main dishes, Kat can afford the calories so she ordered Carne Tampiquena – a combination of grilled aged USDA Prime center cut 6 oz. New York steak topped with strips of chiles and onions … Continue Reading

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE | Orange County’s Well-Traveled gather for another V-12 Powered Event “EAST MEETS WEST” by Valerie Valenzuela Marketing Director of Aston Martin Newport Beach

Aston Martin has been known to create dynamic sports cars built for performance and racing. So when they introduced The Rapide – The world’s most elegant four-door and the first ever sedan in their lineup, curious onlookers and brand loyalists paid attention.  Careful planning and outreach are essential to any new product launch. Not to mention creativity, especially when the vehicle is introduced to a local and highly discerning audience. As was the case for Aston Martin Newport Beach: our highly visible location granted access to the ideal profile of clients.

On May 7, 2010, Aston Martin Newport Beach held an exclusive reception to launch the Rapide. To add value for its VIP attendees, the dealership also announced a ride-and-drive weekend for those interested in experiencing the Rapide first-hand. The event hit capacity within hours of releasing the invitations. Support from local sponsors helped to elevate the evening : Tommy Bahama Island Grille provided delectable hors d’oeuvres while guests enjoyed hand-selected wines from OC Wine Mart. Luxury travel partners HAUTEOC TRAVELER, … Continue Reading

Evolution of the MODERN GYPSY | Exploration of The Man, the Music and the Journeys of Spanish Flamenco Guitarist Emilio At-A-Glance with Director Producer Bernardo Peña

What do you get when you take a multicultural kid, expose him, through travel, to various styles of music and traditions, which he eventually as a man, incorporates not only into his everyday life, but also into his livelihood?  Well, in this case, you get a Modern Gypsy.  Emilio by definition is just that.  Of German and French decent, having spent time growing up in Italy, Spain and Mexico and traveling the globe with his father, a concert pianist, Emilio’s formative years were anything but dull.  Eventually, after electing to pick up the guitar, Emilio became the Flamenco master he is today.  Having found home and laid down roots in Laguna Beach, Emilio continues to live, as he puts it, as “A Gypsy at Heart”.

I met Emilio very recently, not more than three months ago.  Right away, his infectious energy and adventurous nature led me to begin developing, with him, a new travel series, which will document his musical journeys.  Fancying myself an “Explorer at heart”, I decided I’d have to join him on his travels.  Both Emilio and I, being residents of Orange County, will set off on our expedition from here.  Our first stop will be Spain and from there we will embark on an odyssey where we’ll follow the musical trail forged by the Gypsies … Continue Reading

SUNSET AT SIX | Friends, Conversation & The Jewels of Spain at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel an ENO-Versity Experience

In the late 16th Century, Spain was through its colonialism, monarchy and trade influenced Europe as the leading power in history.  Spanish Kings and Queens were celebrated through proclamations of royal rankings before the Church, and through Commemorative Crowns that symbolize the seal of this royal establishment to date. (photo of Monarstery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial by R Barraez d’Lucca)

On Friday, June 25th, Friends gathered  to celebrate the Jewels of Spain, their royal historical influences, and enjoyed the beautiful ambiance of the popular Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel ENO.  Eno-Versity classes continue for 2010 at ENO, Southern California’s premiere wine, cheese and chocolate tasting room located at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Through informative classes, guests develop an understanding a wine’s history, type of grape, and region of origin. ENO-Versity offers guests the opportunity to become wine connoisseurs in a fun, communal and comfortable environment. … Continue Reading

DRESSED2THE9′S | “Traveling to Greece in the summer? Temperatures will be hot .. ” by Zeena Abidi Fashion Stylist, STYLE 2020

Traveling to Greece in the summer? Lucky you. Greece is a feast for the mind, stomach and eyes and you should indulge in it all. Temperatures will be hot, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t look as chic on vacation as you do in your everyday life. Dress in Greece tends to be casual but neat, so here are some quick tips to keep in mind as you pack for your trip.
1. You NEVER want to look like a tourist. EVER. So, avoid wearing fanny packs and/or capris w/sneakers. Heck….. just avoid wearing sneakers with your outfit all together!
2. Stick to breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen or a blend of the two. Jersey is also a great option as it breathes and travels very well.
3. Shorts are another good option, unless you will be visiting a church or monastery. Make sure the shorts are comfortable, simple and not too short – you don’t want to be noticed for the wrong reasons!
4. Dresses are a favorite piece as they travel well and can take you from day to evening with a change of accessories, shoes and the addition of a wrap or sweater for cool evenings. … Continue Reading

CULINARY EXPLORATION | Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen – All the Rum without All Those Pesky Pirates by Melissa Sherman Pearl

There’s a reason why Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen in Laguna Beach  has been one of my favorite restaurants for many, many moons. As Eva warmly welcomes you into in her colorful kitchen, your senses are instantly enraptured by the vast array of delicious spicy, sweet scents, vibrant colors, and jubilant music. But as the libations and apps are served, all of the aforementioned simply becomes fluff because the mouth just gets so darned happy.

On this rare girls’ night out, my friends and I started out with Brown Suga (12 year old rum, sweet & sour, squeeze of lime), Pomegranate Martini, a traditional rum-infused Cuban Mojito, and a glass of Estancia Pinot Noir which we knocked back with the savory Aubergine Choka, a Trinidadian dish featuring flame roasted garlic-stuffed eggplant stuffed sautéed with shallots, chilies, onions and seasonings, and served with toasted pita. Such a treat, this dish, and not a whole lot of guilt to accompany it.

Daryl said her Cornmeal Louisiana Catfish fillet seasoned with garlic, shallots, thyme, scallions, chilies, Bacardi Limon … Continue Reading