December Getaway

Dave had a chance to go and talk to some lawyers at a conference about his specialties, which included a night at the Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey.  I found time in the schedule to go with him, lugging along a set of research papers I had to grade.  We drove in Wednesday night, found this build-a-burger place (but we both had grilled chicken) and shared a plate of skinny fries and skinny onion rings.  Unbelievably, we sat next to a former next-door neighbor, Gordy Freeman.  What are the chances?

You could choose toppings to go with your burger, and the type of bread.  I had a "pretzel" bun, but could only eat part of this enormous helping.  It was tasty, though. That blob on top is grilled onions.

At the hotel check-in, we asked for a late check-out so I could grade my research papers.  "How about 6 p.m.?" she said.  Big grin on my face, that's for sure.  If you have to grade research papers, what better place than esconced in the Ritz Carleton?

We walked around and looked at their Christmas decorations after checking in.  We should do this every Christmas, I thought.  So festive and beautiful.

Dave went off to his meetings, coming up to the room around lunchtime.  I walked him downstairs, and the waitstaff thought I was part of his luncheon group.  They had me sit down near the pool area at one of the tables, and served me this delicious salad. I didn't protest.

   It was sliced poached pear, along with a cucumber-wrapped bundle of greens, which exploded into a plate of salad when it was cut into.  All this was garnished with sugared walnuts and the most amazing blue cheese.  I hate blue cheese and I liked this.

I thought that was all I scored, but no, they brought out the next course: a chicken leg, glazed with fig and tomato sauce, next to a wedge of potatoes Anna.  Or, at least that's what I thought it looked like.  

 My view of the Marina, as I ate.

I went and found the dessert, as I had moved into the shade: creme brulee with a moon cookie.

 After lunch, I walked around the hotel for a while, as I'd been sitting sitting grading grading all morning long.

View of the Marina from our room.  The first night, some of the boats had their Christmas lights turned on.  Very festive.  A great break for us.