5th Avenue Flavor

Moulin Rouge 3 year anniversary party

2010-06-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

So if you go to Paris, there is a 99% chance you will end up visiting the Moulin Rouge. If you haven't been there yet or seen the movie, the Moulin Rouge is the place with the big red windmill on the roof. Besides being located in the red light district and surrounded by sex shops, the Moulin Rouge is also known for feathers, can-can dancers, sequins, and busty women. The Moulin Rouge Paris offers dinner, and several cabaret shows in the evening, featuring the cancan, over 1,000 costumes, and 60 female dancers. Picture Broadway meets Hooters meets Las Vegas.

When the Moulin Rouge first opened 100 years ago it had a reputation for being the place where men could view young Parisian girls whose unique and amazing dance moves were as flexible as their morals. In later years, the establishment cleaned up its act (so to speak), eventually lost its reputation as a brothel, and became a fashionable music hall known for its extravagant cabaret shows, attracting a high-class clientele. Today the Moulin Rouge still showcases the infamous high kicking can-can dancers.

In the spirit of this decadent Parisian cabaret, Sway is having a Moulin Rouge themed 3 year anniversary party/opening party for the new Bubble Lounge on FRIDAY JUNE 25th. . What better way to celebrate the night than with hot girls, burlesque dancers, live entertainment, a red carpet, DJ Fresh One, French Champagne, hors d'oeuvres and the glitz and glamour of the Moulin Rouge.

Doors open at 8 with hors d'oeuvres and champagne served until 10pm.

Get on the guest list. RSVP at RSVP@SWAYSD.COM

Time: 8pm

Date: FRIDAY, JUNE 25th

champagne--- the drink of choice

2010-06-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

When you are at a restaurant, choosing the right drink to accompany your entree can be an arduous task. Last night I went to a restaurant and it took me twice as long to pick out a drink than it did to pick out what I wanted to eat for dinner. I didn't know if I wanted wine or beer or if I wanted to try a new mixed drink or maybe play it safe with a glass of champagne. The waitress must have stopped at my table at least 5 times asking me "mam have you made a decision yet." Of course on the fifth time she asked me the question I was no where near closer to an answer than I was when she asked me the first time. I was thinking maybe I should get a beer because the Lakers' game is on and then I thought no I don't want to get bloated because it is the summer time and I have to be swim suit ready at all times. So then I thought to myself ok I will get a red wine, because it has antioxidants and red wine is good for your heart, but then I remembered I had just gotten my teeth whitened and I'm too vain to take a chance of the red wine staining my teeth. Finally I thought to myself what would Carrie Bradshaw do--- get a mixed drink. So the waitress brings out the menu of mixed drinks but I didn't have time to go through them all and analyze them so I asked her what she recommended. I could tell by this time she was sick of me so she pointed to the first drink on the list and said that the first one listed is popular. Ordered the drink and of course I hated it. Just like the second installment of Sex and the City the drink sucked. It was this mint grapefruit, ginger beer concoction and it was all wrong. The whole mint alcohol combination was horrific. Sucking on a mint, fine but drinking mint is not really my thing. When it comes to alcohol I am really picky. I don't like the drinks that taste too alcoholy or too sweet I like a combination.

Don't make the same mistake I did. 90% of the time when I go out I order champagne or sparkling wine but last night I decided to change it up and it didn't work out. No matter what champagne I order I never get that yuck taste in my mouth. You know champagne is has that refreshingly bubbly feel, and a bitter sweet taste that is not too strong. It is light and you look classy drinking it. Ok so I know what you are probably thinking, champagne is for mimosas or for the NBA championships, well not anymore. The Merk has this whole underground world of champagne. I mean pink champagne, ferrari champagne, sparkling wine with strawberries in it (Fresita), champagne cocktails (order the perSWAYsion) and a ton more. Check this out, the Sway just got this new luxury champagne called Beau Joie and it comes in a suit of copper armor.

If you are like me and think that the only difference between a 2003 bottle of Cabernet and a 2004 bottle of Cabernet is the year, can't tell the difference between Grey Goose vodka and Kettle 1 vodka, and want to go to a restaurant and order a drink that you can pronounce then order champagne or sparkling wine.

A quick recap of good drinks to order when you eat at the Merk or Sway

Fresita- blend of Chilean sparkling wine fused with strawberries from the south of Chile

Beau Joie- champagne in a really cool bottle that is made of a combination of pinot noir and chardonnay (coming next week June 25 to Sway at the Moulin Rouge party)

perSWAYsion- champagne cocktail that is a combination of Chardon Rose and Peach Schnapps

champagne- your drink looks good, you look good drinking it, and if you drink enough your date will look good

people watching and Mission Beach

2010-06-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ok so here is the deal, if you are looking for some good interactive people watching then Mission Beach is the place to be. Stop along any part of the two mile boardwalk lining the ocean and what you see resembles something like an ongoing circus. You have guys covered in tattoos, people with rims on their bicycles, guys skateboarding wearing thongs , I mean it is nothing less than a freak show but that's why I love it.

Rain or shine, the boardwalk is always packed with drama. I forgot to mention that I live in Mission Beach on the boardwalk so I get to see everything that goes on. People always ask me so what's it like to live on the beach, so let me give you a little taste of what goes on at the beach. So on Sunday, I was sitting out side on my porch listening to music and this girl walks by and stops by my house with these two guys. The girl and the guy are in their 20s. So the girl is in a bikini but she is clearly inebriated. So she stops and starts to pet my dogs and then I see the two guys continue to walk down the boardwalk without the girl. At that point it was obvious those guys were just along for the ride and had no intention of sticking around to make sure this girl got home safely. So the girl just keeps standing in front of my house and she clearly has no idea what is going on so I asked her where she is staying and if I could take her home. So of course she has no idea where she is staying. I go inside my house to get her a bottle of water and when I look out the window this girl collapses into the plants out front. She full on fell face forward without trying to brace herself. Then I get out my phone and ask her the number of her friends so they can come and pick her up, so of course she gives me about ten phone numbers that she has memorized and of course all of her friends that she had me call live in northern California. Finally I get a hold of one of her friends and I put the drunk girl on the phone to talk to her friend. So then I see a lifeguard pass by and stop the lifeguard and tell him that this girl is really intoxicated and when I turn around to point to her she runs around the corner with my phone still in her hand. Now I am pissed because she took not just my phone but my iphone with all my contacts and my Chanel screen. So then I start screaming she took my phone, and then the vacation renters up stairs tell my boyfriend that this girl took my phone. I then chase her around the corner, get my phone back and try to get her friend back on the phone to come pick this girl up. Meanwhile, the guy who lives behind me is leading this girl up to his apartment to clearly try to take advantage of her, what a scumbag. So then I had to grab the girl from inside his apartment and bring her downstairs away from my scumbag neighbor. By now there were about 15 people gathered outside. Finally this girl's friends came and found her and she got to safety. This is just a typical day at the beach, if you are not watching the drama then you are part of it, but at the very least it makes the day a little bit more exciting.

Summer Sailing

2010-05-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Summer gives opportunity to so many fun activities. There are several events that you can do on the water in San Diego. Have you ever been to the Sights & Sips Cocktail Cruise by Hornblower Cruises? You can take a 2 hour cruise filled with music, hors d'oeuvres and cocktail specials. This takes place from 6pm-8pm on Friday’s and Saturday’s. There are also several other Dining Cruise occasions, take a look!
(photo courtesy from Hornblower)

Or have you gone sailing on the Stars & Stripes USA-11 fleet? You can sit back and enjoy the scenery, or you have the opportunity to act as a crew member from helping raise the sails, the tack and jibe, to steering the boat. These are just two of the unique festivities to enjoy in San Diego on the water. (photo is a sail with some of our Keating crew)

Before you sail away, join us in celebrating the addition of Il Moro di Venezia to the Stars & Stripes USA-11 fleet at the MerK Bistro Italiano! This Friday, May 21. Stop up in the Mezzanine from 6pm to 9pm.

We will be featuring specialty cocktails:
THE CITRUS WAVE MARTINI
THE DARK & STORMY

$5 wines, Craft Beers and Well Cocktails
Discounted Happy Hour Food Menu
$10 event valet parking

This week's blog post comes from Nina Heck.

Pet Friendly San Diego

2010-05-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

It’s summer time! And it’s the perfect time of year to relax on the patio and enjoy a tasty beverage or treat with your best little friend. What are some of your favorite spots in San Diego to entertain your pooch?

The amount of pet friendly places in San Diego is impressive. There are several dog beaches, parks, pet friendly restaurants, and hotels that you can visit. A good way to check out other festivities involving pets is to go online or just by word of mouth. Check out events like Dog Days of Summer at the Padres Petco Park, the Walk for Animals by ASPCA, or even Pet Day on the Bay hosted by Hornblower Cruises. Mixed with the perfect temperatures, this city gives plenty of opportunity to keep you and your little friend happy and active. There are even a few websites to make being a pet owner more enjoyable with tips on traveling, care, and ideas for pets! Check out the website San Diego Pet.

Did you know that The Keating Hotel is pet friendly? We even have our own package dedicated to them.

Sit, Stay, Sleep

What's a getaway without your best friend? The Keating understands the importance of your four-legged companion and welcomes them!

• We Love Dogs!
Keating pet bed & dishes, Complimentary walking services, The Honest Kitchen organic pet food, Pet friendly turn down treats, Keating Keepsake, and Tail-Wagging Fun!

*Smudge needs some friends to play with. This weekend at the Keating Hotel pets stay free when you mention Smudge to your Personal Concierge at the time of booking (619.814.5700).

This week's blog post comes from Nina Heck

Pamper Your Mother!

2010-05-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Mother’s Day Sunday May 9, 2010

Ahh, Mother’s Day. Always the second Sunday in May and such the perfect opportunity to pamper one of the biggest supporters in your upbringing. In the United States, Mother's Day remains one of the biggest days for sales of flowers, greeting cards, spa treatments, and dining out. And why not? I have yet to experience motherhood myself, but I will always mark this day as a special time to show my appreciation for my mom.
(photo courtesy of www.thedailygreen.com)

What are some good Mother’s Day gifts this year? Here are my top 5 picks:

1. Hallmark Mother’s Day card with a heartfelt personal message on the inside. Always a classic.

(photo courtesy of www.hallmark.com)

2. Spa certificate for a Swedish Massage or Facial.

(photo courtesy of www.gifts.com)

3. Jewelry by April Star Davis collection.

(photo courtesy of www.aprilstardavis.com)

4. Edible Arrangements: Bloom’s of Love Mother’s Day feature.

(photo courtesy of www.ediblearrangements.com)

5. Sunday brunch or dinner to her favorite place (or try a new spot!) with all the family…

(photo is of actual entrées featured from The MerK's menu)

If you are looking for somewhere to go for Mother’s Day, stop in The MerK! We will be featuring a Mother’s Day $47 Prix Fixe Menu. The 3 course menu features several choices of favorite menu selections including Calamari & Zucchini Fritti, Pesto crusted Salmon, and Espresso Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
For families of 3 or more, mom gets a free entrée.
There is also unlimited Champagne for couples!

Ciao!

This week's Mother's Day blog post comes from Nina Heck.

Mama's Day 2010 by Mama's Kitchen

2010-05-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Mama’s Day Event 2010: An Extraordinary Culinary Evening

Mama’s Day 2010 by Mama’s Kitchen is tonight! Friday May 7, 2010 at The Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine.

Feast on fabulous food, including The MerK’s specialty dish Linguine Romano. We are one among many of San Diego’s top restaurants and chefs participating for this 19th annual tasting benefiting Mama’s Kitchen. Come listen to music and mingle with an eclectic mix of people! There are also four drawing prizes which includes The Keating’s very own:

An Evening Out: The Keating Way

Entertain eight of your coolest friends in the chic Keating Hotel’s VIP room at MerK Bistro Italiano with a multi-course Wine Tasting with Food Pairings, followed by complimentary entrance into SWAY Boutique Nightclub.

Have you heard of Mama’s Kitchen before? They are a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers food to men, women and children who are affected by AIDS or cancer.

Here is the link for information for the event and where to get tickets.
http://mamasday2010.eventbrite.com/

Check out our video of The MerK’s Executive Chef, Brian Rutherford making tableside Linguine Romano with pecorino romano.

Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Salud!

Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow! A celebration of the victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Not to be confused with Mexico’s Independence Day which is on September 16. Cinco de Mayo is also recognized as a holiday of celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. And it is enthusiastically celebrated in San Diego by all cultures, not just people of Hispanic and Mexican descent. And I say it’s the best reason after work to dance to some salsa music, eat Mexican food, and try a tasty Margarita or even a Mexican beer.

The picture is an example of traditional dress while dancing to The Jarabe Tapatío, known in English as the Mexican Hat Dance. The dance was choreographed by Felipa Lopez in the early twentieth century to celebrate a government-sponsored fiesta that commemorated the successful end of the Mexican Revolution. Since then, it has become the dance that symbols national pride and honor of the Mexican people.
(Photo courtesy of www.mexicovacationtravels.com)

Here is a video of and authentic El Jarabe Tapatio to get you in the mood for tomorrow! The MerK is also featuring a specialty Margarita in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

Hasta Mañana!

This weeks blog post comes from Nina Heck.

Roses are Red, Ferraris are too!

2010-04-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

This week's blog post comes again from Nina Heck.

What is the color Red to you? Red in colorology is a very expressively intense color. It grabs attention to the eye and is passion, life, energy, and power. It signifies richness and luxury, and beauty. Italian designers like Valentino and Pininfarina love the color Red and use it to define their brand.

When you think of Valentino, almost immediately the signature crimson red color comes to mind. His legendary crimson gowns are the brand's trademark and his collections are worn by the world's wealthiest and most glamorous women including stars like Gisele Bundchen, Anne Hathaway, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

(Valentino crimson collection image courtesy of RedHotBrides.com)

To Italian engineer, designer and businessman, Paolo Pininfarina, red is what defines power, luxury, and an experience of a lifetime. What color comes to mind when you picture a Pininfarina-designed Ferrari? Most likely the famed Ferrari red which has become the signature of the brand. Did you know there is even a “Red-Travel” site which is an exclusive Ferrari tour trip journey of Italy? With Pininfarina behind the scenes, the color red is symbolic to his work.

(Pininfarina Ferrari image courtesy of Pininfarina Ferrari P4-5 Wallpapers)

The characteristic red theme even extends to The Keating Hotel, the only hotel in the world to be designed by Pininfarina.. Stop in and see if it grabs your attention.

Mambo Italiano!

2010-04-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

This week's blog post comes from The Keating's newest addition to the marketing department, Nina Heck!

Two words: Swing and Italian, it’s music to my ears. Hearing the melody of any jazz or standard can make you want to burst out in song or maybe even get up and start dancing.. Just putting on a familiar jazz or swing album of the 1930’s and 40’s can take you back to a childhood memory or maybe a romantic evening with a significant other. This historical era of popular music and style is still prominent today and has influenced artists like Michael Bublé with his music and even Gwen Stefani with her iconic style.

Considering my Italian-American heritage, I remember family gatherings playing any song sung by the great Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, or Dean Martin paired with lots of Italian food and my relatives shouting, “Mangia! Mangia!.”

Just hearing the opening bars of a great song puts you in a better mood and sets the tone for a great evening after work. With that being said, how does real Italian food paired with famous jazz music sound now? You don't have to time travel or go very far to enjoy a tribute and get a little culture. If you want to check out some real jazzy swing, stop by The MerK tonight! We will be featuring live Swingin' Standards by Lady Luck. And to get you in the mood, check out my favorite song, Sway, by Dean Martin.

Ciao!

Aperitivo Time!

2010-04-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Who doesn’t love a great happy hour? Everywhere you go in San Diego has something to offer for these couple of golden hours when people can go to a restaurant and socialize without maxing out their credit cards. And it isn’t just an American past-time.

In Italy, in almost every public square you will find a café that has an Aperitivo time, or what we would hall happy hour. It's the time when Italians meet before dinner for drinks. But rather than it being held early in the evening like at 5:00, the usual American time, it’s held around 7pm and the drinks aren't discounted. As most people are leaving work, they will stop by one of these cafés, suits still on with briefcases and Blackberries in hand, just to be part of the scene.

The most common drink to order at an Italian happy hour is a Spritz, a wine based cocktail prepared with sparkling white wine, here a Prosecco, and a base of one of two famous bitter liqueurs, Aperol or Campari. The rule for the Spritz is that it has to be red. Aperol cocktails are refreshing, palate pleasing light drinks, while the Campari cocktails are a little bitterer for those who want a slightly stronger tasting drink. And now for the best part, to sit back, relax and enjoy the cocktail as you unwind from a stressful day at work.

As summer is right around the corner, and patios fill up, why not try something a little different for happy hour? Order a Spritz and feel like you’re in an Italian piazza enjoying the good life.

Welcome!

2010-01-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by the MerK Bistro Italiano blog.