New Year's Eve Fireworks Waterfront in Marina del Rey

Celebrate the New Year at midnight in Marina del Rey!
A spectacular fireworks display will be launched from the South Jetty near Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey.
The most popular viewing spots are Fisherman’s Village, Burton W. Chace Park and Marina Beach, and the fireworks can be seen throughout the marina, from restaurants, night clubs, charter companies and yacht clubs.

Marina businesses are planning special celebrations to ring in 2010. Please join us for an evening of fun, delicious dining and entertainment!
Cafe del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way
310-823-6395 www.cafedelreymarina.com
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the restaurant with two seatings, 5:30 p.m. (a la carte menu) and 8:30 p.m., (3-course pre fix menu, $79), with holiday music.


Glow Bar – Marina del Rey Marriott
4100 Admiralty Way
310-301-3000 www.glow-bar.com
Exciting New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Live entertainment, go-go dancers and house music. Complimentary masks and midnight champagne toast. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. $20 per person (valet $12).


Hornblower Cruises & Events
13755 Fiji Way, Fisherman’s Village
310-301-6000 www.hornblower.com
Hornblower’s popular New Year’s Eve Cocktail Cruise boards at 10 p.m., cruising from 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. at $99 per person. Includes appetizers, glass of champagne and live DJ & dancing. The New Year’s Eve Dinner Gala boards at 8:30 p.m., cruising from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m., at $170 per person. Includes a four-course prix fixe dinner, glass of champagne and live DJ & dancing.


Jer-ne Restaurant + Bar – The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
4375 Admiralty Way
310-823-1700 www.ritzcarlton.com
New Year’s Eve will have three seatings, beginning at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for an $85 three-course prix fixe. And the New Year will be brought in with a special 8:30 p.m. five-course meal for $115 per person.

Shanghai Red’s Restaurant
13813 Fiji Way
310-823-4522 www.shanghairedsrestaurant.com
New Year’s Eve Buffet begins at 7:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. with live DJ & dancing and midnight champagne toast. $55 per person in public seating area, $70 for private seating. Shanghai Red’s will also have a special New Year’s Day brunch buffet from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $26.95/adults, $9.95 kids (6-12).


The Waterfront Restaurant & Waterfront Concert Theater (formerly The Organic Panificio Restaurant )
4211 Admiralty Way
310-448-8900 www.thewfr.com
The Waterfront will host a New Year’s Eve Concert, featuring Cubensis and The Hollywood Stones. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $30 general admission without dinner includes party favors and midnight champagne. VIP tickets include buffet dinner at $50 per person. The main restaurant will also be serving a prix fixe menu with jazz singer Ariana Savalas at 6 p.m.


Tony P’s Dockside Grill
4445 Admiralty Way
310-823-4534 www.tonyps.com
Annual New Year’s Eve Party in the Tavern. Music, light snacks & beverages, party favors and midnight balloon drop. $10 per person with regular dinner purchase, $20 without.


Warehouse Restaurant
4499 Admiralty Way
310-823-5451 www.mdrwarehouse.com
On New Year’s Eve, the restaurant will have live entertainment and their regularly priced menu.


Waterfront Bar & Grill – Marina del Rey Hotel
13534 Bali Way
310-301-1000 www.marinadelreyhotel.com
Recover on Friday January 1 at the Marina del Rey Hotel's special New Year's Day Brunch from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. which includes quiche, eggs, bacon, pancakes, lox, chicken, muffins, danish,a mimosa and more for $21.95 adults, $10.95 kids (12 and under). For unlimited mimosas, add $10!

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.

A Local's Perspective

I usually do a once a week Marina del Rey jaunt because there’s a certain neighborhood serenity that I don’t quite get from other areas in LA. Because everything is centrally located, I can do all my errands and get some shopping done in a few hours. Best of all, parking is easy and free in the Marina.

I usually start my morning by parking at Waterside (located off Admiralty between Fiji & Mindanao) and pop in Starbucks (which has the most user-friendly public restrooms) and enjoy my coffee and snack sitting by the water fountain observing the people. I always see the same locals, I believe they’re boaters, hanging out and enjoying the peaceful morning. The post office is also located here, making it easy for me to take care of any outgoing mail. My first errand done. I might window shop at M. Federic, BCBG and pick up a few items at the beauty supply before I’m off to the banks for my second errand of the day. Bank of America, Chase and US Bank are all located within a block of each other.

On the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Mindanao is a semi-new area with one of my banks (US Bank) located in it as well as a Nail Spa where I take care of my third errand, a pedicure. This nail spa has great massage chairs and gives each client chilled bottled water while you get your mani-pedi. And again, parking is easy and free.

Taking a break from errands, I drive over to Villa Marina Marketplace (off Maxella) and park in front of DSW. DSW is a huge store of discounted shoes and handbags (fyi, they also have a clean restroom). Love the selection and prices here. Across the street I like to pop into Petals-N-Wax for cool cards and gifts. This place has very unique and quirky items, great for occasions throughout the year. After Petals-N-Wax, I’ll walk down Maxella towards Lincoln and take a right on Glencoe to stop into Fedex to send a package off. Fourth errand accomplished. This is a main branch of Fedex which makes it convenient for those who don’t have an account from home or office.

All my encounters with people are very relaxed and conversational. The vibe and tone of the Marina is pleasant which is probably why I prefer to take a day to come here and enjoy the city while getting errands done.

Back in my car, I take Bali Way to Admiralty Way heading North. Just a few yards on the left is the library with a small parking lot. I like to pick up all the free local papers for the week there. They have them lying out in front. Errand number five off my list. Now that I’ve worked up my hunger, I’m craving either the tuna sashimi at Sugarfish, the Jer-Ne salad 
with green apple, crisp prosciutto, walnut brittle, point reyes bleu cheese mousse or a bowl of chowder soup and fried clams from Organic Panificio. I opt for Panificio because they have a great view of the harbor. Once again, parking is easy here too.

My last errand before heading back home is grocery shopping. Of course I save this for last because I want to get my food in the fridge as quickly as possible. There are two Ralphs markets within a half-mile of each other and a Gelson’s which is great for the more gourmet/exotic items.

I love how easily accessible many things are in Marina del Rey. I can get around without fighting traffic or worrying about parking. It’s convenient, quick, laid-back and fun.

By a local westside resident

SEPTEMBER: Cocktail Recipe

Now this is a drink! This recipe was graciously provided by Erica Cerles, a server/bartender at the Crystal Fountain Restaurant located in the Marina International Hotel.




TROPICAL HEAT WAVE
1 oz. Malibu Rum
1 oz. Cremé de Banana
1 tbsp. Tabasco Sauce
2 oz. Pineapple Juice

Combine Rum and Cremé de Banana over ice. Add Tabasco sauce and pineapple juice. Shake vigorously and garnish with pineapple and chilé pepper.

Insider Info: On-the-Water Experiences

Many visitors and new residents love Marina del Rey for its waterside tranquility and most of all…its On-the-Water experiences. But how does one get in touch with the right people and places? We’ll help guide you with these tidbits below.

Connect with fellow enthusiasts; learn the ropes about what is current. Marina del Rey offers a welcoming community for boaters of all kinds and experience levels. There are many different boating clubs and associations that cater to the novice sailor/boater to help promote and encourage the development of sailing. Single Mariners of Marina del Rey is a non-profit club that only asks for donations to participate, while Marina Sunday Sailors offers your first two visits free and then if you want to join, it’s a small cost. Both clubs bring together adults who share a love of sailing and provide sailing activities in a friendly environment.

More MDR boat clubs

At the Marina's many yacht clubs, local and visiting boat owners can find access and a full array of services. The clubs also serve as a social hub for the boating community, and often offer facilities perfect for staging a memorable waterside event.

Yacht owners who plan on visiting our lovely harbor for a few days can rent guest docks through Pacific Mariners Yacht Club at a nominal fee per night based upon availability. For those who plan on docking in Marina del Rey for an extended length of time, yacht clubs such as Marina Venice Yacht Club (MVYC) might be of interest. On Sundays from 4:00-7:00pm they have an Open House for guests to check out the club. MVYC is a non-profit organization of people who just like the Pirates of the Caribbean, like to hit the Island for a great time, in the Corinthian Spirit.

More MDR yacht clubs

For an On-the-Water experience that's everything you envision – a range of sail and power yachts are available for private, skippered charter or bare boat rental. Marina Boat Rentals is your best source for daily rentals of these types of boats and kayaks. They even have two Duffy Electric Boats available equipped with a stereo and dining table – great for families and friends as it seats up to 12 people. If you’re looking to be more of an observer on the water, Blue Pacific Boating offers sailing to Malibu and Redondo beach, up close viewing of racing sailboats in Santa Monica Bay, and whale watching at sea level expedition style.

Insider Wrap Up: You don’t need to be affiliated with UCLA to participate in lessons and rentals through UCLA Marina Aquatic Center. It’s available to everyone for a modest affiliate membership fee. They offer lessons for kayaking, rowing, sailing, surfing and windsurfing.

AUGUST: CHEF'S RECIPE

In the spirit of the summer, Chef Jason of Cafe del Rey in Marina del Rey is pleased to share with you the secrets to his famous heirloom tomato salad with yellow watermelon and micro basil recipe!

Chef says, "One of my previous chefs and I came up with the combination of tomato and watermelon while on a guest chef event in Hawaii several years ago. We actually did it as a canapé with king crablegs. It was a wonderfully refreshing and beautiful marriage of flavors, perfect for a summer day in Hawaii. The dish evolved into a salad after we realized that the crab didn't really add anything to the dish... sometimes less is more. As heirloom tomatoes and yellow watermelon share the same growing season, this dish is always one I look forward to enjoying in the summer, and I hope you will too! We love to get our watermelon from the farmer's market, and our heirloom tomatoes from scarborough farms, which is a local small family owned farm."

Try it at home, and let us know how it turns out!

Heirloom Tomato and Yellow Watermelon Salad
Ingredients:
Serves 1
1 ea. Heirloom tomato (baseball size)
4 oz. Yellow seedless watermelon
1 tsp. Micro basil
2 oz. Aged sherry vinegar
1 oz. Extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. Toasted coriander
2 tsp. Minced tarragon
2 tsp. Honey
2 tsp. Whole grain mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Slice the watermelon and tomato into 2 inch slices. Combine all other ingredients except the micro basil in a mixing bowl, and whisk until incorporated. Add tomato and watermelon, and toss until evenly dressed. Assemble salad by stacking the watermelon and tomato, alternating them. Garnish with micro basil. Enjoy!

More information visit: http://www.cafedelreymarina.com/executive_chef.htm

Workout Walk in the Marina

Excerpt by David Peevers on behalf of MDRCVB

Marina Beach, also known as Mother's Beach, is a lovely sand crescent of about 250 meters where the protected, shallow waters are absolutely warm and tranquil. Let's explore a real marina and work up a sweat!

Head left from Marina Beach along the paved biking and walking path. In just two minutes you'll turn right on Palawan Way and enter the world of ships. First up is a beached fleet of enormous outrigger racing canoes (marinaoutrigger.org) and as you continue along Palawan, you're on the designated Waterfront Walk. Soon you'll be surrounded by the forest of masts and rigging of the wind-jammers who ply the waters of California - and beyond.

After about 400 meters - passing a fleet of enormous power yachts - you'll come to the exclusive Del Rey Yacht Club. You continue on toward the left and head for the really huge, gleaming vessels of the FantaSea Yacht Club. Congratulations! You've just circumnambulated the entire Palawan Way jetty that symbolizes California's reverential history with the sea.

Now turn right and head towards the large white building with the bell tower and continue on Waterfront Walk past yet another armada of the fleet. After a good half mile you come to the end of the Walkway. You can turn left her on Admiralty Way to enter the home stretch or go right to prolong your hike through the pleasing greenery of Admiralty Park. Take a beverage break or continue and cross over Admiralty and head left along the narrow strip of greenery here. This is where you can take a stab at the Parcourse Fitness Circuit where signs challenge you to perform a series of intricate exercises over the next few hundred meters.

After your workout (like you needed it?) you'll pick up the adjoining waling and biking path and head for home. You'll soon be walking beneath a canopy of old pines and past nesting egreats who make their home here in a narrow lagoon. You'll then walk the last third of a kilometer along Washington Blvd. And then finally, you'll walk left on Via Marina and arrive sae and sound back at Mothers Beach. And we're willing to bet that the idea of a quick dip in the ocean never looked quite so good...

July 4th Fireworks in Marina del Rey

The traditional fireworks extravaganza over Marina del Rey takes place on Saturday, July 4th, 2009 at 9 p.m., and lasts approximately 20 minutes. Music coordinated with the fireworks display can be heard on KXLU FM radio, 88.9. The music will also be relayed over loudspeakers in Burton Chace Park.

Presented by the famed Zambelli Pyrotechnics, which originated more than 100 years ago in Italy, the display will follow the Italian tradition of huge finales. The event is sponsored by Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors.

Where to Watch the Fireworks
Fireworks are launched from a floating barge located in the waters of the main channel between Fisherman’s Village and the Breakwater (the ocean entrance to the harbor). 
Depending upon weather and cloud cover on the night of the show, the fireworks can usually be seen throughout the marina, and from the waterfront side of most hotels, restaurants, beaches, apartments and anchorages. You may be able to glimpse the fireworks from afar from Playa del Rey and Venice Beach Pier. Popular locations include:

•   Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way (2 blocks west of Lincoln Blvd.)
•   Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way (1 block west of Admiralty Way)
•   Marina Beach (Mother’s Beach), 4101 Admiralty Way (1 block south of Washington Blvd.)

Click here for further details!