Away From My Desk

Guess where I am today as I write today’s little intro? I’m in a California desert — Palm Springs. Nah, I’m not doing anything important here … just accompanying my wife who’s attending a business retreat.

Lots of people here wandering around in their shorts and sandals. Apparently, Thursday night is street market night — where one of the main streets is cordoned off and vendors sell their crafts and wares. Lots of people walking around — holding hands, chatting in restaurants, bands playing. Quite a lively festival.

Obviously, I’m not in a deep thinking mood here so no bolt of lightning message is forthcoming. I’m also away from my work desk so all my tech toys are back home … just typing on my dinky laptop with just enough time to greet you a happy TGI Friday.

Raoul

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Bob of Placentia, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Drake of Washington, DC

I found these:

Did you know about the rumor that a Star Trek
crew member wearing red meant that character was going to
die in that episode?
Neither did I.

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

SUBSCRIBE

The post Upsetting Words appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I recently visited Morongo for a wonderful day and night and I hit the jackpot for fun and relaxation.

My getaway began when a friend and I rounded a bend on the 10 Freeway just west of Palm Springs and saw the majestic, 27-story hotel / casino tower protruding from the desert floor. The next thing we knew, we were checking into a gorgeous Canyon View Suite overlooking the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountain ranges.

Located on 23rd floor, our suite came with a private bedroom with a comfy king bed and 55” TV; and a separate living areas with another 55” TV, fully-stocked mini bar, mini fridge, coffee maker, couch and chair, and office area. Both of these rooms were highlighted by giant windows overlooking the mountains.

Other suite amenities included a beautiful bathroom with a walk-in glass shower and oversized jetted whirlpool tubs; plush bath robes; and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Once acquainted with the room, we headed to the lobby for dinner. The resort is home to some of the best Palm Springs area restaurants. From the upscale, AAA Four Diamond Award-Winning Cielo, located on the 27th floor, to the Las Vegas-style buffet Potrero Canyon, Morongo offers tasty options for everyone.

Since it was Mariachi Monday at Potrero Canyon buffet we went there and dove into a sea of incredible Mexican and international food. My three plates were stacked with delicious chili verde, chile relleno, beans and rice, blackened cod, and Chinese mint chicken. My friend devoured coconut shrimp, roast beef with mashed potatoes, nachos and more. For dessert we had fresh cheese cake, tarts and cookies.

From the buffet we hit the South Pacific Islands-inspired Oasis Pool area, where we grabbed inner tubes and floated down the resort’s meandering lazy river like a couple of stuffed alligators. The outdoor area also features a giant adult pool, a kids pool, a sandy beach and two heated spa tubs, all surrounded by lush gardens, exclusive cabanas and plush chaise lounges.

Back inside the hotel, we tried our luck at the 150,000 sq-ft casino, which features over 2,600 slot machines, 74 table games, including a 13-table poker room and a bingo hall with 440 seats and 19-inch TV monitors. I played blackjack while my friend played quarter slots.

In the morning I found bliss at Sage – The Spa at Morongo, which takes its name from the fragrant white sage that has grown abundantly in the surrounding hills and canyons. Here I had a rejuvenating 50-minute Swedish massage with eucalyptus oils. Sage offers 14 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and cold plunge. The spa is also home to Radiance Salon, offering professional hair, manicure and pedicure treatments, as well as waxing services.

After my rubdown it was back to Oasis Pool for some more relaxing before my next culinary journey at Morongo. That night my friend and I experienced International Tuesdays at Potrero Canyon buffet, where we sampled a host of delightful dishes from around the globe. We had seafood cioppino soup, Mongolian beef, pizza, shrimp, nachos and a lot more.

Other food options at Morongo include a food court with a host of eateries; a poolside bar & grill; and two new venues: Good Times Cafe and Pink Coffee. The 24-hour Good Times Café is infused with a rustic brewhouse atmosphere and offers handcrafted burgers, salads, brick-oven pizza, fresh seafood, steaks and a myriad of pilsners, IPAs, stouts and fine whiskeys. Pink Coffee offers signature roast coffee, velvety sweet house-made gelatos and fine baked goods made by hand in Morongo’s own bakery.

Morongo is also home to world-class entertainment as it welcomes performers such as Michael Buble, Enrique Iglesias and Natalie Cole to name a few. For upcoming shows, visit their website.

The resort is currently undergoing a 65,000-sq-ft expansion that when complete in 2020 will increase its existing gaming floor by more than 30 percent, add new restaurants, and a free valet parking structure with 750 spaces.

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is located at 49500 Seminole Dr. Cabazon, 92230. For more info and reservations, visit the Morongo Casino Resort website or call (800) 252-4499.

The post Summer Paradise at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Located in the small resort community of La Quinta, The Chateau is a chic boutique hotel with 24 guest rooms, including two private bungalows, a gourmet restaurant with full bar, and a pool and Jacuzzi. Set on beautiful Lake La Quinta, the resort is designed like a European manor and features rolling lawns with lush gardens and numerous outdoor nooks to sit and relax beside the water and take in the beauty.

My recent rendezvous at The Chateau began when a friend and I checked into a gorgeous suite overlooking the lake. Like all Chateau rooms, ours boasted complimentary Wi-Fi, designer furnishings, a comfy king bed, fireplace, giant flat screen TV, mini-fridge and coffee pot. It also came with a luxurious bathroom with upscale tiling, a two-sink vanity, and a huge soaking tub with a separate walk-in shower.

The highlight of the 425 sq-ft of room was the patio, overlooking the lawn and the 25-acre man-made lake. From here, we sipped wine and watched small boats sail past and enjoyed the warm desert wind. When we wanted a closer look at the water, we climbed in one of the mini-cabanas lining the lake’s edge and got great views of swimming turtles and fish such as blue-gill, catfish and bass.

Beyond the room, one of our favorite spots at the resort was the pool area. Tucked in the corner of the property, with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the pool is heated and has lots of deck chairs for sunbathing and a couple large cabanas for relaxing in the shade.

When it came time for dinner, we experienced Melange, the Chateau’s signature restaurant. Led by Chef Nestor Ruiz, Mélange showcases California family farm-sourced ingredients and offers a menu of classic and contemporary dishes, all with a side of lake-front charm.

Our meal at Melange began with a fresh crab cake appetizer, with Maryland-styled jumbo lump crab, served with dijon mustard burre blanc sauce. While eating, we had a couple Bloody Mary’s from the bar and absorbed the classy, modern décor of the restaurant.

For the main course I devoured the Ahi Tuna Crab Stack, with cajun-spiced Ahi tuna, lump crab, garlic risotto and sautéed spinach. My friend enjoyed a succulent Newport farm-raised pork chop, served with sweet corn, red and green peppers, mashed potatoes and fresh apple brandy demi-glace. For dessert, we split a decadent and delicious cheesecake.

Back at the room, we watched the last rays of the sun reflect off the water and concluded the evening on the patio with a glass of wine and a warm desert breeze.

In the morning, we had breakfast on the outdoor patio at Melange. Against the ever-present backdrop of the shimmering lake, I had a Mélange Frittata with eggs, veggies, mozzarella cheese, and breakfast potatoes, while my friend had Huevos Rancheros with eggs over blue corn tortillas, topped with tomato-chili sauce, refried beans and sliced avocado.

Summer is great time to visit The Chateau. Though it can be a little hot outside, the surrounding mountains, palm trees and resorts, have a way of putting one in a rest and relaxation mode. And The Chateau, with its lakefront location, is the epitome of this. If you want to get away from the crowds and relax in air-conditioned luxury or by a pool with great views and cold margaritas, this is the place.

The resort is currently offering a Desert Nights Package which includes a daily $50 Chateau Food and Beverage credit and no resort fee. Rates start from $149.

The Chateau at Lake La Quinta is located at 78120 Caleo Bay, La Quinta, CA 92253. For more information or current specials and reservations, call (888) 226-4546 or visit: www.thechateaulakelaquinta.com

The post Summer Charm: The Chateau at Lake La Quinta appeared first on Traveling Archive.