May, 2009

By Kevin Leap and Steven Persitza
Dining Critics at The Carmel Valley Leader

Having previously worked smack dab in the middle of the Gaslamp, finding great places to eat was always more of a “Which one?” verses a “Where the heck to go?” Now snuggly nestled in Carmel Valley, finding a place to lunch or dine is more of a challenge.

There are a few places like Arterra, or Ruth Chris’, but not without peeling off a few high denomination bills. Enter Bistro 39 in the Hilton Garden Inn just off the Carmel Valley Road exit. Gone are the days of wearing a pinball machine sized pager waiting for a table at Chili’s. Bistro 39 is kind of a cool little place with a comfortable attitude, great menu and killer prices.
Read More About Dishing it Up: Bistro 39 pulls off the hotel restaurant concept

“We must live with the consequences of our rate strategies for a long time because when the market turns, and it will, those who sold value will win... Gaining market share and differentiating yourself from your peers is paramount to winning in the long run.”

By Robert A. Rauch, CHA

Economic uncertainty, slowing travel demand, shorter length of stays, shorter booking window, increased distribution channels, shift in buying behavior, low average rates, new supply; take a deep breath…it’s not so bad. That’s right. We have hit bottom.  And while we may stay at the bottom for awhile, it will not get worse. The housing market is showing signs that it may have hit bottom and the Dow Jones Industrial average is back up to October, 2008 levels. The biggest challenge that we need to overcome is that revenues, profits and values have been “reset.”

Read More About We Have Hit Bottom

http://twitter.com/hiltonsd             http://twitter.com/serenityspa               http://twitter.com/rauchr

     More than 100 friends and guests attended “A Taste of Ramona Valley,” an evening of wine tasting presented by the Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/ Del Mar and five Ramona Valley Boutique Wineries.
     Scaredy Cat Ranch, Chuparosa Vineyards, Edwards Vienyard and Cellars, Kohill Winery and Woof ‘n Rose Winery each brought their estate grown, produced and bottled wines, that have yet to be commercially released. It was an opportunity for all to sample local wines from a region experiencing an exciting renaissance of an old tradition. Bob Rauch, Owner of the Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/ Del Mar, said the evening was a “home run,” and is looking for more opportunities to partner with local businesses to bring hotel guests and locals quality food and wines at a great price.
     Take a look at some snap-shots of the evening.

Scaredy Cat Ranch Winemakers, Becky and Joe Cullen, show off their Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.

(from left) Laura Meuleman, Jan Meuleman, Aurora Kopp-Kohill, and Lindsey Meuleman had an enchanting evening.

Stanley Moskowitz and Bob Rauch, the ring leaders of the event, enjoy a glass together.

from Left: Pat Welty, Laura Meuleman, Jan Meuleman, Lindsey Meuleman and Joe Murray - Friends of Kohill Winery enjoy the fine wine, great company, and tasty appetizers.

Steve Kahle, wine maker/CEO of Woof 'n Rose Winery; Bob Rauch, Owner- GM of the Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/ Del Mar; and Joe Cullen, wine maker and CEO of Scaredy Cat Ranch Winery, were thrilled with the turn out.