Head to Laguna Niguel in South Orange County for an incredible spread of modern Indian food, dancing, yoga, and more.
We have officially entered the season of solemnization , a non - stop sprint of holiday , parties , festivals , and eat on from Halloween andDía de los Muertosthrough the new year . And if you happen to be work in Hollywood , good luck getting anyone on the speech sound between now and the calendar week after Sundance . Diwali is the next holiday up , falling on Sunday , November 12 this year , but if you want to broadcast your jubilation out there ’s a huge political party bechance this weekend , too — The Ritz - Carlton Laguna NiguelandChef Sanjay Rawatare throwing their 2d annualDiwali festival , which includes a massiveDiwali Melaon Saturday , November 4 .
Last twelvemonth was the first Diwali fete at the Ritz , but it was not their first raid into Indian cultural issue . In March of last year , Chef Sanjay Rawat took the helm as chef de cuisine for a culinary program specifically dedicated to Indian marriage . incite by the success of those weddings — and spur by the New Delhi native Rawat ’s awing cooking — leading at the Ritz settle to throw a Diwali Mela banquet and celebration . It was a hit , and this yr they ’ve gone even bigger .
They ’re offering a whole holiday package project around their Diwali celebration , a two nighttime delay from Friday to Sunday . The computer software admit a tasting menu dinner with wine pairing at Kahani , Rawat ’s fresh restaurant within the resort . It also gets you two tickets to their Bollywood Burn physical exertion class , two days of yoga and speculation classes , and two tickets to the culminating celebration at the refuge , their Diwali Mela .
Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
That Mela is the weekend ’s stretcher case , which they ’re calling the bombastic and most luxurious Diwali festivity in the nation . There will be some 300 guests for a banquet - manner dinner from Rawat and his team , and a full even of medicine , traditional dance , and a radical dance tutorial . The place setting is stunning , on a grassy bluff overlooking the Pacific and the gorgeous South OC coastline , and the food setup is extravagant .
Rawat has create a massive card with multiple stations serve more than a dozen different bag . There ’s a buffet mesa with his yield on classic like Aloo Puri , Chana Masala , and Butter Chicken . There will also be action station set up for a further hardening of looker like Bhel Puri , Hakka Noodles , and New Delhi - vogue Gol Gappa . Of naturally there will be whole section for drinks like Mango Lassi and Masala Chai , and a dessert table with Jalebi , Gulab Jamun , and more .
The food is a centerpiece of the outcome thanks to Rawat , who has win serious recognition for those wedding feast . They ’ve become so popular that he ’s opened a New Native American restaurant within the resort , the newKahani . Kahani is designed to showcase Rawat ’s full journey from his childhood in India through high - end global kitchen and on into life-time in a California beach town . That means familiar Amerind classics with a New perspective , infused with SoCal ’s secure garden truck ; dishes unravel from Rogan Josh Short Rib served with scald potatoes to a Saag Lobster Risotto , and there is of course a Curry Sampler to show guests the breadth of Rawat ’s view .
Kahani has been classified as a pa - up for now , with a provisional run date through mid - December , so if you ca n’t make this weekend ’s Diwali Mela you still have a few months to make it down to Laguna Niguel for Rawat ’s standout Indian cookery .
Drive Time:
1 minute from San Diego1 hour 30 minute from LA
More Things to Do in South Orange County and Laguna Niguel:
South Orange County is n’t exactly a hotspot for activities or nightlife , but it ready up for a deficiency of bombilation with some of the most beautiful and approachable outdoor adventures in Southern California . TheLaguna Ridge Trailis an easy stroll that take you through Badlands Park and Seaview Park , winding through a neighbourhood and across the rachis of the local bluffs . The views of the ocean and the coastline are gorgeous . For a slightly more taxing unretentive and steep hike that reward you with similar view , theValido Trailis a fun alternative .
If you want a little more social organization and a footling less exercise in your pelagic enjoyment , considerwhale observation . trip leave from nearby Dana Point Harbor all the time , and they ’re damn lofty of it — the city has a register hallmark as “ The Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World , ” and is also the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas , which is an honour awarded the city for its committal to sustainable and ethical giant keep an eye on trip . You might see dolphin , grey giant , Fin hulk , Minke whales , or even gloomy whales , and it ’s a great way to get a prospect of the lovely coastline , too .
For a peaceful elbow room to appreciate the bounty of Southern California , head to theNiguel Botanical Preserve . The 18 - acre garden has some 2000 species of plants , with a focus on drouth - tolerant , climate - appropriate stock . mile of lead meander through the garden , which features beautiful views of the surrounding hills and a meditative labyrinth .
Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
There are classic SoCal beach nearby , with long stretch of Baroness Dudevant and solid surf break likeSalt CreekorDoheny . And if you ’re looking to search a little bit , there are also fantastic tide pools to be found . Try the the Frederick North side of Salt Creek , or the south end ofDana Strand Beach — and if you are experiencing any mobility challenges , Dana Strand also has a cool if dense funicular to get down to the beach .
Where to Stay in Laguna Niguel:
If you ’re head up down for Diwali Mela , the obvious result is to bide at the venue itself , the lovely , luxurious , and expensiveRitz - Carlton Laguna Niguel . But if a repair hitch is n’t your bagful , there are plenty of other options in the arena .
Nearby Dana Point has the whole range of major hotel brands , aMarriot , aDoubleTree , twoBest western , and more . you’re able to also lead up towards Laguna Beach , a 15 min sail up PCH that ’s whole draw with hotels at every budget level . There are tons of option , butLaguna Beach Househas a squeamish blend of commodious location , fashionable accommodations , and a fair Leontyne Price detail .
Where to Eat and Drink in South Orange County and Laguna Niguel:
Do n’t miss a dinner party atKahani , of course , but there are plenty of other restaurants in the greater South OC area that are deserving a sojourn outside of the hotel grounds , too . Head into San Juan Capistrano for some of the best barbeque in the state atHeritage Barbecue , where the Texas - style classics are undischarged but the modern inventions may be even expert . Snag some Smoked Pastrami , Pork Belly Char Sui , a Brisket Taco , and House - Made Sausages — but you should probably order in advance , or be prepared for a long wait .
If you ’re front a little lighter or vegetarian - friendly , the smart and fun California - Levantine restaurantMayfieldis another great choice in San Juan Capistrano . The restaurant has all the ingredients for a adorable evening — a stylish blank , a cheery disposal , and a very good innate wine list .
Dana Point Ale Houseis properly nearby , and has a expectant taplist with a encompassing range of beers from some ofOrange County ’s near brewery . If you require to go straight to the seed , though , GameCraft Brewingis just a short 20 - minute drive inland .
Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
For nearby coffee , any of the small local chainBear Coast Coffee‘s three locations is a great choice . The South OC locals have been around for about a ten , roast their own beans and hit all their own sirup and sauce . But if former shoal coffee house ambiance is a anteriority , pop intoJC Beans , order up a cup of Gallic roast , and settle into an armchair near an overstuff bookcase like it ’s Seattle in the ‘ 90s .
Photo by Ron De Angelis, courtesy of Heritage Barbecue
