summer glutton

In August, I was fortunate enough to escape the humdrum life and spend a full day at the Parker Hotel. Kelley, my officemate and friend, brought to my attention the most awesome deal that I’ve ever heard. It was called the Glutton’s Delight. For $200, I could spend a night in a Jonathan Adler designed room and pretend that it was my very own bedroom. At the Parker, the details are eclectic, the pieces have so much character, and it’s chic without being snooty. Enter Glutton : in addition to staying at the hotel, you get $200 worth of food credit towards any of their restaurants, which included room service as well.

Kendra wasn’t able to make the trip with us (next time!) but Kelley and I decided to go anyway. Business first though, we did a site viewing at the Arroyo Vista Inn, a fairly new b&b nestled in the “hills” of South Pasadena. The Craftsman house was completely revamped – Pat (the owner) had an additional 3-4 bathrooms installed, redecorated all 10 bedrooms, remodeled the kitchen, and created a beautiful and relaxing venue for a weekend getaway – or even a small, intimate wedding. She gave us a tour of the space and was so hospitable. As for the "b"reakfast part, we didn’t get to try her cooking, but I spied a plate of golden waffles and fresh fruit on the dining room table. Definitely check it out if you want to get away from your children, from work, or even from your significant other!

After the site viewing, we ‘jetted off’ to Palm Springs. The ride wasn’t long at all – this was probably due to two girls gabbing and gossiping and talking about shopping.

It was around lunchtime when we got there, so we took advantage of our food creds and lunched at Norma’s. I ordered the “artychoked benedict” – roasted artichokes atop poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and a medley of vegetables. It was all topped with a truffle porcini sauce = rich = buttery = delicious. Not a very pretty picture though!

(this was taken by my trusty blackberry camera!)

Kelley and I split a side of donut holes. That came with a lemon curd and blueberry jam . It was excellent on its own, dusted with cinnamon sugar.

We split up for the afternoon activities. I guess rest is an activity right? On the way to our rooms, we saw the croquet lawn and dreamed up a wedding with details that included parasols, a tea party, and hats. When I got to my room, I was greeted by a plate of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes and a card sent from my dearest. So sweet!

I explored a bit during the afternoon and finally decided on swimming and lounging at their indoor pool. I went into the sauna just to say I went into the sauna…but in reality, I always feel like I’m going to be smothered in there. So I bounced real quick. Then I took a nap on a hammock. When I got back to my room, I found more culinary delights sent from David - drinks and later on chocolate covered strawberries and gooseberries. I’ve never had a gooseberry before, but it tastes like a tomato – yum.

Later that night, Kelley and I met up for dinner at Mister Parker’s, their swanky, clubhouse vibe restaurant. As I said before, the environment seems sophisticated but the people there aren’t pretentious. They joke with you and stay open ‘til they get bored. I ordered an 18oz. bone-in rib eye with baby vegetables and foie gras jus. I was a bad dinner date for Kelley though – I think I got heatstroke from being outside too long. I felt nauseous all throughout dinner. But here’s a picture of my untouched ribeye (that david got to enjoy when I took home all my leftovers later). Sorry for a bad first date Kelley!

(lol it's in there somewhere!)

I decided to make up for dinner by waking up super early and enjoying breakfast at Norma’s for round 3. I love to eat by myself – I don’t know why, but I enjoy people watching and just being at my own pace. I ordered up a storm without the judging eyes of Kelley and got the Waz-Za. It was a crisp waffle topped with yogurt, fresh fruit, and a sugary bruleed top. I followed that with an order of Colombian corn cakes, eggs, and chorizo. Then I chilled with my own personal carafe of French pressed coffee. It was a good morning.

I Shortly after, i went for a morning swim as an attempt to get darker. By 9am it’s pretty blistering hot in Palm Springs. The sun and I don't really get along (i.e. heat stroke). I also find that whatever color I acquire usually ends up washing off in the shower. I don’t know why…it’s not like I’m rolling around in dirt or anything.
(pool #1...didn't swim at the other pool but it was definitely cuter!)

I met up with Kelley for brunch. She got a continental breakfast as well as coffee – something we both share a passion for. I was still stuffed from breakfast, but the Chinese in me wanted to get my money’s worth. My sensible side got the better of me and I ended my stay at the Parker with French fries and an espresso brownie coffee ice cream sundae.

The cool thing about norma’s is that everyday they feature a different smoothie flavor. They drop off shot glasses for you to sample before your meal – if you like it, you get it. If not, you get a nice treat before you start your meal. I don't have a picture, but here are some cute salt shakers for your viewing pleasure!

We only used half of our food creds, which was truly disappointing. But all in all, it was great bonding with Kelley and just an all around relaxing time. I’ll be back to try again though - the deal is still going on (i think!) so go visit the Parker! In the meantime, I'm going to develop my eating strategy.