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Archive for April, 2010
« Older Entries |Ojai Valley: far from the madding crowds
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
A world apart, minutes away from LA
Perhaps Los Angeles is too everything – too glitzy, too smoggy, too Rodeo Drive, too Hollywood – for the average over fifty traveller. Or maybe when you’ve seen it once, the gilded city loses its gloss.
Don’t get me wrong, LA is fabulous. But seasoned travellers tend to go off the beaten track, take the road less travelled … which is exactly how you might find yourself in the Ojai Valley, California, about 90 minutes north west of the City of Angels. 
A small town nestled in a productive viticultural and agricultural valley with the best type of Olde Mexican flavour, and a tight-knit community to go with it. But what a welcoming place.
It’s a day visit; a special one. And if you choose the slower ‘over the top’ route, you’ll be repaid by stunning views and exhilarating scenery of the Los Padres National Forest. It has a micro-climate all of its own. Feel the fresh, arid mountain valley air – a far cry from the acrid humidity and blasting heat that is LA. It’s hot, but comfortable.
The charming town of Ojai is an eclectic blend of browser shopping, art galleries, jewellers, spiritual centres, parks, spas, gift shops, wineries and theatre. If you like antiquing and gallery hopping this is the place for you to spend a relaxed day ambling and appreciating. You may well find an al fresco musical festival going on in the shady Arcade Plaza complete with its unique Matilija Poppy sculpture and a Farmers’ Market on Sundays. The art scene in Ojai is legendary, with a breathtaking annual Ojai Studio Artists Tour each October. Ojai Historical Walking Tour, Chamber Music Concerts, Artisans Fair, native plant sales, certified farmer’s market days, and concerts are all on offer on a regular basis.
Go, and have a great day out next time you visit California. You’ll fall in love with Ojai.
Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce
Tags: baby boomers travelling, travel over 50, women over 50
Posted in Globetrotting | 1 Comment »
Brassaii – oh, Brassaii
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
Brassaii on King West: new direction, new chef, new look
Brassaii on King West was always good. Very good in fact. Now with its redesigned menu and a stunning renovation, this revamped resto-lounge is a crowd pleaser all over again. The heritage architecture is preserved and the entrance is still a little way along the gated cobblestone courtyard on the south side of King West, which gives it more of a secluded/exclusive feel than tourist destination – the affliction of a few locations in this neighbourhood.
Among the impressive new offerings at Brassaii is the culinary expertise of Executive Chef, Bruce Woods. Woods has created a menu to reflect his 18 years of experience across Canada and his time mastering the art of cuisine in Sardinia Italy. Brassaii’s redesigned menu is an innovative take on Mediterranean classics: the taste and presentation are sublime. The extensive wine, scotch and martini selection is created by award-winning mixologist Jordan Bushell, who is also a member of Brassaii’s management team.
The ambience is King West Stunning since the Design Agency changed the layout and uncovered architectural details and brought in oversized antique wood doors from Egypt. There’s a completely fabulous new limestone, glass and steel bar that cleverly separates the cafe area and the diners. It’s an open kitchen concept so you can see ex-Centro and Mark Thuet-trained Chef Bruce Woods directing his staff to create a new menu that reflects the reinvention of Brassaii.
The food is great. The crowd is a cosmopolitan mix of ages and cultures – mostly chic foodies - and having a lounge and cafe area with upscale private dining too extends the functionality of this perfect downtown location.
Brassaii 461 King Street West 416 598 4730 www.brassaii.comTags: brassaii toronto, restaurant review, toronto restaurant reviews
Posted in Restaurant | 3 Comments »
