Ranch & Coast Magazine

And even though we didn't see any whales on this day, we're surprised to find elephants all throughout e Lantern District. Here's why: e Elephant Parade, a social-awareness organization, stages exhibitions of decorated elephant statues at locations all over the world. e intent is to raise awareness for the plight of Asian elephants. We learn there are 50 colorfully painted elephants herded to various outdoor spots here in e Lantern District. We find nine. Beat that, Laura Lopez! e Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Whale watching and elephant hunting gives a traveler an appetite. After a day in the wilds of Dana Point, back at the Ritz there are culinary temptations that make you question why you'd ever consider setting foot off property. e Ritz's renovation was completed in March 2021 and showcases an airy, state-of-the-art, coastal-inspired aesthetic. Everything pays homage to the Pacific Ocean. e on-property Raya restaurant is no exception. e eatery's windows overlook that mesmerizing ocean view, while chef Richard Sandoval's menu showcases a Pan-Latin cuisine starring sustainable seafood. A marvelous aspect of Sandoval's seasonal dinner menu is that it's both concise (one page) and varied (meat to fish to seafood). Standouts include a Piloncillo Shrimp appetizer candied with sweet, nutty flavored pepita. And, the Mariscos a lo Macho main course — the light stew with halibut, prawns, and clams — is seasoned "a lo macho," that is to say, spicy in a "manly" way. I'm not making that up. e hotel's exclusive Club Level Lounge has a huge culinary impact on our stay. e recent renovation doubled capacity to 47, adding cozy nooks and banquet seating. At the center of the updated lounge sits a large-scale, white marble island for house-made food presentations. Having access to the Club Lounge is like owning a VIP ticket to Foodie Disneyland. Continental breakfast is a smorgasbord of eggs, sausage, bacon, bagels with salmon and capers, fruit bowls, cheese plates, hard- boiled eggs, pastries, yogurt, oatmeal, three kinds of milk, and six different fruit juices. e light lunch includes four different platters of sandwiches and some vegan options. For light hors d'oeuvres there's sushi, shrimp alfredo, and a full bar. For dessert time, the bar stays open and options such as pumpkin cheesecake and budino appear on the marble island. What am I forgetting to mention about the Club Lounge? Oh yes, the all-day glass jars filled with cookies, energy bars, and candy (taffy, Smarties, Tootsie Rolls, Nerds, Cow Tails…). From top to bottom, the revitalized Ritz dazzles, as expected. My three unexpected trip highlights: Dancing dolphins. Parading elephants. All-day access to caramel-cream Cow Tails. 949.240.2000, ritzcarlton.com Detour destinations << 76 MARCH 2022 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE The Ritz-Carlton's Club Level Lounge

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