I took my husband and parents to the high tea at the La Valencia/Mediterranean Room for their 49th wedding anniversary on Friday. We had such a great, relaxing afternoon. The food was amazing, something about a holiday tea is extra special. The sandwiches were tasty, the cucumber mint was surprisingly light and refreshing and my mom loved the chicken salad. The cranberry orange scones were light and paired perfectly with the Devonshire cream and jam. We had four teas to choose from (green or black) all complimented the sweets and savories quite well. I must say though my favorite tier was the sweets tier. The egg nog cream puffs were light and airy and the perfect hint of egg nog. There were also mini gingerbread cupcakes, cardamom butter spritz cookies , and the amazing chocolate mint macaroons. We also enjoyed bubbly with our tea. The staff was so wonderful, everyone was so nice and very attentive. Mario was great and was always checking in on us to make sure we had everything we needed. Michelle was awesome too (not our table but always super nice as well) and Ryan came by and chatted and asked us how everything was an see we talked about the teas and other things. Everyone was so wonderful. We also appreciated that he mentioned gratuity was included which isn't always told at other teas we've been to. Everything from the view, the food and the staff at the Mediterranean were simply perfect and amazing. Plus a portion of proceeds from the tea are donated to local Rady Children's Hospital. High tea at the La Valencia/Mediterranean Room is $95/pp and is a must whether you are in the area or traveling from out of town.

Magical Christmas Day Brunch! Choosing a place to dine on Christmas Day was a really big deal this year as we were visiting our daughter and had our 2 other kids with us and wanted to have a great experience. I felt like the place was special from the moment we walked from the sidewalk into the hotel. There was live music and the sky was so blue you could see it shine through from the windows that overlooked the ocean. We were seated in the dining room when you first walk in on the left in front of a beautiful fireplace and even more beautiful picture windows framing up an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean. We started with the Cinnamon Roll which I had very high expectations for as it is pretty hard to make a bad cinnamon roll but was frankly disappointed in taste, texture and size (for the money). Around the table we had Chorizo Benedict, Steak & Eggs, Gem Salad and Crab Cake Sandwich. All were excellent and so was the coffee. The drink was beautiful but on the strong side. We were not rushed at all and service was excellent. We finished the meal with Pot De Creme which was AMAZING! Would surely eat here again.