Employee Spotlight: Mike Farrell, Sommelier

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For our first Employee Spotlight post, I chose someone with the most challenging title to say and spell correctly, La Costa’s very own Sommelier, Mike Farrell!  Mike has been at La Costa Resort and Spa for over seven years, starting as a bartender at Legends Bistro and the Lobby Bar, and quickly moving into the banquets beverage department on property.

Mike grew up in a family that included wine with dinner on a nightly basis on the weekends, and with a father that was an avid wine collector.  With the familial influence, and food and beverage work background, Mike was propelled into school and is studying to become a Master Sommelier, having completed two out of the four level advanced program that ends in proper certification.

Here at La Costa, Mike runs the banquet beverage department, assists the Director of Food and Beverage with updating the wine lists, and also works with Executive Chef Hans Weigand on pairings for big events on property.

I asked Mike what his personal favorite type of wine was at the resort, and it’s not from California…. this monsieur prefers the Pinot Noir from Burgandy, France.  I guess the french title, Sommelier is only appropriate!

To taste some of Mike’s pairings for yourself, call 800.854.5000 to make a reservation for BlueFire Grill or Legends here at the resort – bon appetit!

New Reflexology Path at Spa La Costa

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Reflexology paths are very common in the Eastern part of the world, especially in China, where reflexology trails are seen in parks, at resorts, in private gardens, and at the bottom of mountain trails so people can relieve their feet and legs after a long hike.  The Spa at La Costa is proud to be one of two facilities in the western U.S. to have created such a pathway for our guests!

Spa Director Michelle Frye explains the new addition to the Spa: “The Spa at La Costa is very excited to announce that we have further enhanced our spa courtyard facility by adding a Reflexology Pathway. The theory is that by walking on the uneven stones you’ll stimulate the acupressure points in your feet, thus improving circulation, balance and overall health. We encourage all of our spa guests to enjoy the path as a regular part of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

The video below showcases the story behind the development of the path here at La Costa Resort and Spa:

Benefits of a Reflexology Path

  • Walking on the stones provides gentle, yet deep-working therapy.
  • Stimulates reflexology areas and pressure points in your feet that correspond to all major body organs and areas.
  • Stimulates vital energy and blood flow throughout your body.
  • Relieves stress, improves balance, enhances physical and mental well-being.
  • Allows you to control the length and amount of stimulation, e.g. short, light walks on smooth stones, or longer walks on thinner, sharper-edged stones.

So, I of course wanted to go check it out for myself (work clothes and all!).  And I have to say, it was unlike any experience I have ever had.  At first it felt abnormal to be walking barefoot on sharp and round stones, but after a few steps I was able to sense where my pressure points were and slowly roll my feet over the stones.  I instantly felt rejuvenated and more awake after sitting at my desk all afternoon!

I highly recommend that you try this new addition to our spa courtyard during your next visit – you won’t be disappointed!

Talk soon-

Carrie :)

Pro Skateboarder Andy MacDonald Hosts Sliders Cup

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Professional Skateboarder Andy MacDonald is no stranger to competition.  Holding the record for winning the most X Games Medals made him a great candidate to emcee our annual Sliders Cup water slide races last weekend.

Andy is a local San Diegan and as you can tell from the video below, is also an enthusiast for water slide races.  He talks about the technique of how to go down the slide in order to get the fastest speed and lots more – enjoy!


Hope to see you next year for the Sliders Cup water slide races every Thursday and Saturday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  THANKS ANDY!!

-Carrie

Brad Rambur CD Release Party

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BlueFire Grill was packed for the second night in a row for a special CD Release Party.  One of our weekly favorites at BlueFire Grill is Brad Rambur, saxophonist extraordinaire.  After 32 years of playing the sax, Grammy winner and friend, Eric Marienthal convinced Brad to create an album.  Eric, co-writer and producer of Brad’s first CD “Can’t Put it Down” also performed a few songs last night at the release party.

“It is  very important to me to have completed this [CD] for several reasons, mostly that my kids see evidence of setting out to accomplish something, and accomplishing it”, said Brad.

Well, Brad, congratulations on an incredible CD and accomplishment!

Enjoy!

-Carrie

“Delta Spirit” Live at BlueFire

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Last night we had the wonderful opportunity to host San Diego’s very own “Delta Spirit” for a free concert event at La Costa’s BlueFire Grill.  In conjunction with KPRI Radio, the band performed for one hour on the lively plaza to a packed house during a perfect summer Carlsbad night.  Check out a video of the event below, and some pictures that are posted on our Facebook page - Enjoy!

Tonight we are hosting another Live at BlueFire concert series with saxophonist Brad Rambur, come on out if you’re in the Carlsbad, CA area and are looking for a great music event – it’s free! ;)

Golfing with a Lady Pro

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There’s never a dull moment here at La Costa.  Two days ago I got news that LPGA Champion Christina Kim was here for a round of golf with the Porsche Test Drive Sweepstakes winner and two of his friends.  The winner was entered into the sweepstakes when he test drove the new Porsche Panamera, and was automatically entered to win the golf trip to play with Kim.  Lucky for him, his name was the one drawn, so he gathered up two friends and made the trek down from Washington for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a round of golf with one of the great LPGA champions.

After meeting Christina and the rest of the group at the driving range, I watched as she gave the guys some pointers to prepare for tee time.  With a few minutes to spare, the group headed up to the putting green for some last minute putts.

Watch this video of the event – hope those guys were able to keep up with Christina out on the course!

Until next time!

-Carrie

The Spa La Costa Experience

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Everyone has their go-to Happy Place when things aren’t going their way or they need a mental retreat.  Well, I’ve just discovered my real-life Happy Place.  Take a deep breath, and join me as I revisit my experience at the Spa at La Costa.

Since my hiring date at La Costa almost three months ago, the single thing I’ve been looking most forward to is my first day at the beautiful, award winning SPA. :)   And I am happy to say, my experience definitely lived up to all the hype.

Accompanied by my co-worker Dyan and my childhood best friend, we were greeted by a perfect sunny Carlsbad day.  We walked into the Spa with beach bags in tow, and right into the tour of the facilities.  Through our tour of the spa, we saw everything from a beautiful herb garden, gorgeous bright orange marigolds, crisp apples and refreshments to fresh plush robes and sandals – I knew right away that the day was going to be memorable.

After staking our claim out at the pool before our treatments, it was time to relax in the cosy waiting area before we were beckoned by our therapists.  Promptly at noon, I was greeted by my friendly masseuse, Carter.  We walked through the colorful courtyard and into the treatment room, where I got to select my oil for the massage.  My choices were to choose an oil that would Indulge (lavender), Invigorate (bergamot and lime), or Inspire (orange and geranium) .  I figured, I’m at a luxurious spa, I’m going to indulge myself!  So, lavender it was.  Those fifty minutes went by way too quickly, as I completely escaped the outside world and transcended into a complete state of relaxation… and it was fabulous.

After the massage, it was time to hit the pool.  Bathing suit, check… sunscreen, check… good book, check… great friends, check.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with lunch at the Spa Cafe (I highly recommend the Thai Lettuce Wraps and the Chicken Salad) and lounging by the private pool on the nicely padded lounges.  I was told that a trip to the Spa at La Costa is not complete without an experience at the Roman Waterfall, which also happens to be pictured as our Spa Facebook profile image.  You can sit or lay directly underneath the fall as warm water pounds away the stress and tension over your head and shoulders – absolutely wonderful.

As I reflect on my day yesterday at the Spa, I can’t help but think of the next time I will be able to visit my Happy Place.  Until next time… and perhaps I’ll mix it up with a facial, what do you think? :)

-Carrie

Professional Women’s Tennis Back at La Costa

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I am what you call, a sports fanatic.  I absolutely love baseball and football, and enjoy all forms of athleticism and competition.  I count down the start of the MLB and NFL season openers and amply prepare for my life to be consumed with team analysis, fantasy sports, jerseys, and plenty of time on the couch in front of the TV broadcasts.  That being said, I have yet to experience a professional tennis match before last night.

As a native San Diegian, I am well aware of the Women’s Tennis Association’s presence at La Costa Resort, as it has been in Carlsbad for many years.  However, I have yet to attend any of the matches.

Although I had seen tennis on television, I was sure that this experience would be much different live.  As soon as I entered center court, I was amazed at how quiet everybody was.  Being used to foam fingers, face paint and hoots and hollers at professional sporting events, I couldn’t help but be shocked at the silence.  The silence was quickly broken when Alisa Kleybanova, the Russian underdog tossed the ball up and with all her heart and belted out a competitive grunt that sailed that ball clear over the net for her only ace on Serbian opponent, Jelena Jankovic.  I was quickly captivated by the intensity and focus of these women as they left everything on the court that night.  Unseeded Kleybanova defeated top seed and 2nd ranked player in the world, Jankovic, moving her into the quarterfinals.

In addition to watching a truly incredible singles match, I was also treated to an All-American foursome battle it out in doubles play.  Lindsay Davenport and Liezel Huber defeated Jill Craybas and Shenay Perry to advance to the second round.

If you’re in the Carlsbad, CA area and are looking for something fun to do this weekend, come to the Mercury Insurance Open for some sure-to-be exciting displays of female athleticism on the court.  I’ll be there (but promise to leave my foam finger and face paint at home!).

-Carrie

Team Building at La Costa

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One fun and fascinating aspect of our Meeting business is the opportunity for planners to create Team Building events for conference attendees.  During one of my first weeks on the new job, I was invited to see a group re-create the popular cooking show, “Chopped” as part of a Team Building exercise.  For those of you that aren’t familiar with the show, chefs compete to turn everyday pre-selected ingredients into extraordinary three course meals to beat their competition.

This group below thoroughly enjoyed the “Chopped” activity, with the guidance from Executive Chef Hans Wiegand.  I love this video of Hans talking about the competition – enjoy!

I found some other options for Team Building at La Costa as well, and they are outlined here.

“See Hans at La Costa for CHOPPED!”…  (And any other Team Building needs!)

-Carrie

Junior Tennis Camp at La Costa

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Tennis was never a sport I played while growing up, so when I got invited to observe a Junior Tennis Camp at our tennis courts, I wasn’t sure what to expect with these little ones.

The camp is for 4-11 year-old boys and girls and consisted of hotel guest children as well as some locals that come each day for the week.  I was amazed at the skill level of the campers, especially of those in the “Big Kid Group”.  The coaches train these kids with fun and engaging drills to keep them on their toes, but having fun in the process.

Now, seeing the little kids ages 4-7 with mini tennis racquets and large foam tennis balls is just about the cutest thing imaginable.  Picture these little ones lined up in front of a miniature net scaled down to size and perpendicular to the normal tennis layout, racquet in hand, ready for action.  They are in the ready position, when one of the large foam tennis balls is tossed from an instructor and bounces perfectly off the racquet, over the mini-net.  They smile the biggest grin, so proud of their accomplishment.  Mike Casey, Tennis Pro at La Costa shares my enthusiasm, “I am very happy to see the growth of tennis starting with our future stars ages 4, 5 and 6 year olds playing with miniature nets and racquets that make the kids feel grown up. This is the future of tennis and we’re doing it very well!”.

Check out this great video I got while observing the camp:

These youngsters encouraged me to get my own tennis lesson in the works.  Stay tuned as I embark on learning a new sport, and here’s hoping I don’t need the small racquet and kid-friendly foam tennis balls. :)

See you on the courts!

-Carrie