California Travel Guide

Escape To Loews Coronado Bay Resort -

Savory Loews Coronado Bay Resort's Dinner Series, By Iris Dean

We all enjoy the freshest catch and produce, and the Loews Coronado Bay Resort shares our opinion. Once again they will present their " Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen," a seasonal dinner series that allows guests to dine with the folks who produce, harvest and catch the ingredients they enjoy on a regular basis. "We believe today's dining experience extends far beyond chefs and wineries," said Ellen Burke Van Slyke, Loews Hotels' corporate creative director of food and beverage. "It starts with the source the farmer and these dinners are designed to showcase them and their similar passion for sustainable practices."

Similar to a winemaker's dinner, Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen pairs Mistral's Chef Martin T. Batis with one local purveyor for an informative four-course dining experience. The first sold-out event took place in March with Brandt Beef . The next dinner takes place in June with David Sasuga, founder of Fresh Origins , a small family-owned farm renowned for pioneering small seedlings now known as micro-greens.

Working in conjunction with Chef Batis, David Sasuga will delve into the history of his family's operation, daily harvesting practices and importance of sustainable agriculture. As each course is presented, Chef Batis will offer insight on seasoning methods and protein selections that best enhance the tremendous flavor that exists in Fresh Origins' 200 varieties of greens. Fresh Origins is a small family farm that cares about the produce it grows. The farm was founded by David Sasuga after he grew flowering plants for 20 years. David always wanted to grow fresh produce and the opportunity came unexpectedly. Back in 1996, a local chef came to their greenhouse and got excited when he saw some basil seedlings growing there.

Situated on a private 15-acre peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Coronado Bay, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is just minutes from downtown Coronado, a charming resort village, and a short drive to San Diego's world-famous attractions. Resort amenities include direct access to the Silver Strand State Beach, three tennis courts, a private 80-slip marina, three acclaimed restaurants, 440 sea-inspired guest rooms and suites, and panoramic views of the San Diego-Coronado Bay.

A while ago my friend dragged me into a boutique in an airport while waiting for a connecting flight in New York and introduced me to L'Occitane En Provence.

Fresh Origins is a small family farm that cares about the produce it grows. The farm was founded by David Sasuga after he grew flowering plants for 20 years. David always wanted to grow fresh produce and the opportunity came unexpectedly. Back in 1996, a local chef came to their greenhouse and got excited when he saw some basil seedlings growing there. He explained that he could use them as a garnish and although it did not make a lot of sense at the time, it was then that David began producing these and other varieties destined for restaurants.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort's Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen dinners are just one part of Loews Hotels' new Adopt-A-Farmer program, an initiative that supports independent purveyors located in the surrounding areas of each of its hotels. With the launch, Loews Hotels became one of the first hospitality industry companies to issue a brand-wide mandate to support and enhance local farming communities. The locally grown ingredients can be found at all Loews Hotels' dining venues, from casual all-day settings to fine dining restaurants.

Since Mistral opened in October 2007, it has set the standard for responsible food and beverage policies. Chef Batis' Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine embraces organic fruits and vegetables from nearby farming communities, locally-caught seafood from the Baja coastal waters and a variety of herbs from the resort's own organic herb garden. Loews Coronado Bay Resort was recognized as one of the 10 great places to kick back while giving back by USA Today , largely because of Mistral's organic efforts.

Plan Your Trip

To plan your trip and book reservations call 619-424-4000, 800-81-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com.
For more information on Fresh Origins visit www.freshorigins.com.

Theses are only a sampling of the many events coming ahead this season, which are part of what makes San Diego is an ideal getaway destination any time of the year! To discover more on upcoming events, packages, valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site, www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212. 

To learn more about events and attractions throughout California, visit the California Travel and Tourism Commission for packages and to order a Free Vacation Guide.


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