Get into the Spirit of the Royal Wedding

Whether you are DVR'ing the ceremony or getting up at 2 a.m. to watch Kate Middleton walk down the aisle to marry Prince William on April 29, 2011 (which by the way is a 4-minute walk before she reaches the altar at Westminster Abbey!), here are some fun ways to get into the spirit of the royal wedding festivities. You don’t have to be in London to take part but you can certainly enjoy the magic of it all on your own:

1. Start off the day by enjoying house eggs benedict with homemade biscuits and black forest ham at Vū Restaurant located at the Jamaica Bay Inn.
   
2. Wear a stylish feather or fedora-style hat a-la Kate Middleton. Or better yet, wear a replica of Princess Di’s engagement ring (cubic zirconium of course) to truly embrace Kate’s style. Check out Charla’s Place to pick up the costume hats and jewelry!
3. Tea time can be enjoyed at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey. Sit in the lobby lounge with a view of the marina and enjoy a little English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea.
4. Relive the original concept of Prince William’s stag party (aka bachelor party) -- according to reports, it was supposed to be a water-sports themed day on the English Channel. Rent jet-skis or a power boat at Marina Boat Rentals.
5. Finish off the historic day by sitting inside the large tavern at Tony P’s Dockside Grill where you can toast the newlyweds with a pint of hand-crafted beers such as Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (crafted by Wells & Young’s Brewery, Bedford, UK) or Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout (crafted by Samuel Smith Old Brewery, Tadcaster, UK).

Send us some pics if you are having a viewing party! And of course, happy Wedding Day! 

 

Photo credit: Mario Testino. Telegraph UK.

Christmas Day in Marina del Rey California

Marina del Rey Visitors Center is getting lots of phone calls asking what restaurants in the Marina are open on Christmas Day! Well, we have lots! If your family feels like celebrating, but not cooking on Friday, December 25, here are some great suggestions of wonderful places to dine and cruise:

Cafe del Rey - spectacular views from this sophisticated restaurant serving a fixed price Christmas Day meals for $46 pp from 4 - 9 p.m. (310-823-6395)

Hornblower Cruises & Events - Christmas Day Buffet Cruise - experience a spectacular holiday buffet complete with all the trimmings aboard a luxurious Hornblower yacht for $85 pp, boarding at 3 p.m. (310-301-6000)

Jer-ne Restaurant + Bar (inside The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey) - the Ritz's beautiful dining room will host two Christmas buffet seatings for $95 pp; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 -9 p.m. (310-823-1700)

Shanghai Red's - a favorite for family celebrations, this waterfront jewel is offering a Christmas Day traditional holiday buffet and complimentary champage for $35.95 adults/$14.95 kids (6-12) from 9:30 a.m - 8 p.m. Discounts before 10:30 a.m. (310-823-4522)

Warehouse Restaurant - famous Trader Vic's style harborfront watering hole has a Christmas Day buffet from 12 noon - 8 p.m. for $29.95 adults/$14.95 kids (12 and under). (310-823-5451)

Waterfront Bar & Grill (inside Marina del Rey Hotel) - Traditional three-course fixed price Christmas Day feast for $24-27 adults/$13 kids (12 and under). (310-301-1000)

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For more information about Marina del Rey visit the Visitors Bureau's website or email info@VisitMarinaDelRey.com. Marina del Rey Visitors Center is located at 4701 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey CA 90292 tel. 310-305-9545. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day.