THE LATEST HAPPENINGS
AT BALLANTINES PR

Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, located inside the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, has officially launched its new Summer Taste Series. This trio of intimate, outdoor cooking demonstrations gives guests a chance to take culinary lessons with the chefs responsible for the day-to-day operations at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’ award-winning restaurant. Guests can participate in one of the three demonstrations offered, each focusing on a different seasonal ingredient.

The live demonstrations include Executive Pastry Chef Deden Putra preparing an avocado soufflé and Chef de Cuisine Joseph Castro creating eggplant caviar. To end the experience, a complementary summer cocktail crafted by Sommelier Jordan Nova will follow the lesson. The series runs from June 23rd to August 25th, and reservations can be made by emailing beverlyhills.rsvp@waldorfastoria.com. 

For more information, please contact kendal@ballantinespr.com.

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills recently announced the arrival of Cattle & Claw on the L.A. culinary scene. This pop-up eatery has a single purpose: to give in-the-know omnivores a place to enjoy two of the world's favorite foods – lobsters and burgers. 

Cattle & Claw is an easy-to-love restaurant located in the heart of Los Angeles' best-known foodie destination where Beverly Hills and WeHo meet, along La Cienega's Restaurant Row. But there are no velvet ropes, no stuffy vibe, and no reservation necessary here; instead, at Cattle & Claw, all you need is a laid-back attitude, a love of beef and lobster served using the best ingredients possible, and a touch of SoCal casual cool – and a bib, of course, to keep that tarragon cream (or garlic mayonnaise) off your shirtfront.

When it comes to enjoying locally-sourced, farm-fresh beef and the best lobster from across the seas in an easygoing atmosphere, Cattle & Claw is certain to soon be the hottest spot in town. The pop-up is open through the end of August, but due to its recent success, Cattle & Claw is anticipated to remain for years to come.

For more information, please contact
trisha@ballantinespr.com.

Trisara, Phuket, Thailand’s stunning luxury beachfront resort, is offering two new spa packages perfect for families looking to relax and rejuvenate in their own personal paradise.

The packages – one for Mothers & Daughters, and one for Fathers & Sons – are designed to create memorable moments together while enjoying an authentic and relaxing Thailand experience. Each package allows for quality time spent together and soothing spa activities, all while taking in the serene beauty of Phuket.

The new packages include:

• Mother & Daughter: 90 Minutes/THB 10,000+++
  Indulge in total relaxation together with a luxurious full body massage, followed by manicure and pedicure pampering for an unforgettable rejuvenating experience.


• Father & Son: 120 Minutes/THB 10,000+++
  Choose your favorite activity (Muay Thai, Tennis, Yoga, Snorkeling, or Fishing) to experience together for a fun start to the day. Later, unwind with a soothing full body massage to calm and refresh the body and mind.

Hilton Santa Barbara Resort welcomes guests to its recently renovated property with a new selection of one-of-a-kind, authentic local experiences. Known for its sweeping views of California’s central coastline, serene ambiance, and beachfront locale, the iconic hotel’s new package lineup has something for everyone to enjoy.

The new offerings include (but are not limited to):

• Bikes, Bites + Brews – Santa Barbara is home to miles of scenic coastal bike trails. Suited for all ability levels, Bikes, Bites + Brews will take visitors on a map-led ride through Santa Barbara, finishing at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort’s dining outpost, The Set, for bites and brews.  


• Santa Barbara Winery Tour Package – Relax and enjoy an all-inclusive day in Santa Barbara Wine Country, home to some of the most influential wineries of our time. Guests will embark on a five-hour journey led by Grapeline Wine Tours to four distinct wineries complete with a behind-the-scenes Vintners tour, wine tasting and gourmet picnic lunch.


• Santa Barbara by Horseback – Explore Santa Barbara’s terrain and natural habitat by horseback on beaches and trails of Montecito. Led by a local guide, the two-hour trail ride includes a picnic lunch for two and the opportunity for guests to take-in stunning views of the California coastline.

For more information on the new Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, please visit
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-santa-barbara-beachfront-resort-SBAFPHH/index.html.

For more information, please contact
kendal@ballantinespr.com

The second season of HBO’s hit series Big Little Lies is airing soon and guests at Portola Hotel & Spa now have the opportunity to live like the leading ladies of Monterey. Book a Big Little Getaway at Portola Hotel & Spa and experience all the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. Located in downtown Monterey and steps away from Fisherman’s Wharf (home to the Big Little Lies café, more commonly known as Paluca Trattoria) and walking distance from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore the coastline and take a scenic drive over Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge or relax on the beach of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Two-night stay in a Harbor View Room
• Warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival
• Area Map including driving directions to scenic 17-mile drive
• Breakfast for two with bottomless mimosas each morning in The Club Room
• Bottle of 10Span Pinot Noir delivered to your guest room
• Complimentary Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets for two, 2-day admission
• Big Little Lies season one DVD

Set to launch on June 26, Nurture: Notes and Recipes From Daylesford Farm tells a fascinating story of Lady Carole Bamford’s determination to change the way we think about our food and our environment, while reminding her readers that mindfulness is the key to a happy, well-lived existence. Lady Bamford’s new release can be purchased on Amazon here, and has already received rave reviews from the likes of the Los Angeles Times.

For more information, please contact
trisha@ballantinespr.com.

Following an exclusive Media Preview, the City of West Hollywood hosted a public launch celebration for the Sunset Trip on June 2, 2018, to kick off the city’s newest transportation service.

The Sunset Trip is a convenient hop-on/hop-off trolley for getting around Sunset Strip venues and connecting to hot spots on Melrose Avenue, Santa Monica Boulevard, and other West Hollywood locations. The Sunset Trip’s bold black trolleys, marked by a giant circular ‘T’ and accented with an acoustic-wave color-splash, operates on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

To view a route map or for additional details, visit www.wehosunsettrip.com.

For more information, please email
emily@ballantinespr.com.

Riviera 31’s Monday night Jazz Eclectic is “where the unexpected happens,” not only with the presence of celebrities – who often make unannounced appearances at the laid-back venue – but for the open mic format where celebs can show up and take the stage to sing covers or their own songs, or for hidden talent to be discovered amongst audience members.

Riviera 31’s French-inspired decor is the epitome of chic. From the digital French photos in the lounge to the beautiful wall coverings and luxurious seating at its entrance, you can’t help but feeling like you’ve stumbled upon something special.

Riviera 31’s Jazz Eclectic Nights are held every Monday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring Ryan Cross and his band playing classics and new tunes alike, and where the jazz is the real STAR. You never know who is going to drop by -- previous star sightings have included Stevie Wonder, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, NBA Hall-of-Famer Scottie Pippen, Jesse Metcalfe, Jodie Sweetin, Guiliana Rancic, and many more.

For more information, please email
trisha@ballantinespr.com.

Valpak, North America's trusted leading direct marketing company, announced its partnership with Susan G. Komen throughout this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The iconic Valpak Blue Envelope plans to go pink in support of the 1 in 8 women who will develop breast cancer at some point in her life, and the countless loved ones affected by the disease. A mailer is scheduled to arrive in Valpak customers’ homes between October 1 and 29, 2018.

The collaboration marks the first time Valpak has created a "Cause Month" envelope as "Valpak Goes Pink" and joins Komen in taking action and being "More Than Pink". Valpak will donate at least $50,000 to Susan G. Komen this year, in addition to activating its local salesforce of over 600 reps to encourage donations and participation from its network of over 40,000 advertisers. For more information on the partnership, visit www.valpak.com/komen. 

For more information, please contact
trisha@ballantinespr.com