The Great Pumpkin Has Arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Located in the heart of the ‘Pumpkin Capital of the World,’ The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay celebrates the great gourd during the Annual Pumpkin Celebration. The fall spirit comes alive with an array of seasonal offerings from themed dishes in the resort’s restaurants and pumpkin cooking classes – to pumpkin-infused facial and body treatments in The Ritz-Carlton Spa. 

“Fall is the most popular season at the resort,” said General Manager George Munz. “Locals and visitors from around the world come to our coastal resort to enjoy all of the pumpkin-themed events and activities, as well as attend the Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival,” he added.

Guests are invited to enjoy the delights of this celebrated season through a variety of events, activities and offerings. 

Sip & Savor before Summer Is Over At The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is one of those spots, that exudes old school charm mixed with nothing less than the latest and most innovative ways to relax, eat and enjoy yourself. That being said, when it comes time take a trip this month why do the same old run to the beach to get sun burned, harassed by parking lot officials or even worse, stuck in a crowded environment with nothing but screaming kids?? Instead do the right thing, The Supreme Plate type of thing and head to Lake Tahoe to be pampered, fed and refuel the spirit at The Ritz-Carlton where beautiful landscapes mingle with elegant cuisines and top notch cocktails like it was a party at the Playboy Mansion.

Take our word for it, you will enjoy yourself to now end at any Ritz-Carlton location, especially in Lake Tahoe, while these daily amazing events are taking place.

The Art of the Cocktail |The Living Room |Friday evenings |4:00 pm to 5:30 pm | $40 per person.

Join us in The Living Room to discover the art of creating the perfect cocktail, where you will be treated to an experience designed to educate and entertain.  Advance reservations are required.  

Includes a flight of three cocktails and canapés.

Merryvale Vineyards Wine Dinner |Manzanita |Thursday, August 30 |5:30 pm to 10:00 pm (Last seating at 8:30 pm)  |$120 per person  

Spend an unforgettable evening enjoying exquisite cuisine and a selection of award‐winning wines from Merryvale Vineyards. This exceptional four‐course dinner will be specially prepared under the hand of the chef de cuisine. Various elements come together in a  wonderful symphony of wine, food, pairing and impeccable service.    

Master Cooking Class |Manzanita |Saturday, August 11 |5:00 pm  |$70 per person

Experience the taste of style and share your passion for cooking in this informative cooking class presented by the chef de cuisine of Manzanita designed to indulge your senses and tempt your palate while increasing your culinary knowledge. Work alongside a professional chef in the open kitchen in Manzanita to learn cooking techniques that will make you a “star chef” in your own kitchen. Reservations required. Space is limited.

Price includes a three‐course dinner

Special Occasion with the Chef de Cuisine |Manzanita |Offered nightly  |  From $165 per person ($800 F&B minimum applies)

Celebrate a special occasion for up to eight guests with the chef de cuisine in Manzanita. Your evening begins with a private pick up from your home or hotel (within a 15‐mile radius of the hotel). Upon arrival to the resort, you and your guests will be seated at the private Chef's Table adjacent to the exposition kitchen in Manzanita.   

The chef de cuisine will then prepare a seven‐course tasting menu reflecting the innovative offerings of Manzanita, personally introducing each course.  

Advance reservations are required and are based upon availability.  

Pints & Pies |Manzanita |  Offered daily  |  11:00 am to 2:00 pm  |  $24 per person

Enjoy any brick oven pizza and a pitcher of the featured beer on tap in Manzanita.  

Happy Hour | The Living Room  |  Sunday through Thursday |  4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Join us for food and drink specials in The Living Room.

“Yappy” Hour | MountainBlue Terrace |  Friday evenings  |  5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Enjoy two‐for‐one cocktails on the MountainBlue Terrace together with the company of your favorite four‐legged companion.

Beer & a Burger |  MountainBlue  |  Offered daily  |  11:00 am to 2:00 pm  |  $22 per person

Select any “burger” to include: 8 oz of Ground Beef with Bacon Onion Relish and Cheddar Cheese; Mayan‐Spiced Portobello Mushroom with Piquillo Peppers and Manchego Cheese; Double Turkey with Mango Jicama Slaw; or an Herb Marinated Grouper with Roasted Poblano and Cabbage Slaw. Accompanied by any domestic or import beer of your choice.   

Picnic Lunch|  MountainBlue  |  Offered daily  |  $28 per person

Planning a day at the beach or the mountain?    Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with choice of sandwich, chips and a soda in a keepsake Ritz‐Carlton cooler bag. Orders must be placed by 3:00 pm one day prior and may be picked up in MountainBlue between 8:00 and 11:00 am.

“Big Day Out” Pool Party & Barbecue  |  Sunday, August 12 |  11:00 am to 4:00 pm  |  Hotel Guests $28 Adults, $14 Children (12 & Under)

Grab your swim suits and bring your appetite for a delicious barbecue at the resort pool featuring live music and food and drink specials.   

Libations Fit For A King and Queen (directly from The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)

You should by now know that we have an affinity for strong libations, made with ingredients of an abnormal nature. True we love the traditional standbyes such as our Rum & Pepsi or Remy Martin on the rocks, but what about when the events of the evening call for something that goes far beyond the usual?

Have no fear my friends, because these amazing drink recipes from the exceptionally creative minds of the Kitchen & Bar staff at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples are something that should be in everyone’s arsenal.

Enjoy!!!

Smoked Bloody Mary

House-made bacon-infused vodka mixed with a blend of smoked vegetables. Big, smoky BBQ taste; could be considered a pre-meal appetizer, as it's hearty and thick. The smoky bacon and spicy finish is like no other Bloody Mary. Trimmings include an apple-wood smoked pork belly bacon cube and cherry tomato.

Recipe: Bacon-infused vodka, smoked tomatillos, celery, tomatoes, jalapeños and blend. Strain and add V8 juice, garlic, onions, horseradish, cracked pepper and lemon juice.

Bacon-infused vodka: First off make sure you use the right piece of bacon (usually apple-wood smoked pork belly), and fry it properly before adding to the vodka. Place it in the freezer for 48 hours, then thaw, filter and freeze again until all solids are removed. It usually takes 3 days to make.

The Grilled Pineapple

A sweet drink, reminiscent of a tropical island. A pineapple is grilled and marinated with brown sugar and vanilla, then added into a vacuum-sealed bag and sous vided in water for 4 hours. The ingredients are removed from the pouch, chilled and added into a martini glass straight up, with Mount Gay Extra Old premium rum and a splash of brandied Marasca cherry juice and garnished with a cherry.

Grilled Pear Margaritas

A superb mixture of Anejo Tequila, fresh grilled pears, agave nectar, lime juice and pear nectar. Chilled and served straight up. The sweet, smoke, and salted rim create the perfect balance for all of the senses to take in.

A fresh pear is grilled and sous vided for a few hours with agave nectar. Pear and nectar substance is pureed and combined with fresh lime juice, more agave nectar and Sauza Anejo Tequila.