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ranchandcoast.com 56 MAY 2023 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Terranea's History The Palos Verdes Peninsula takes its name from Canada de Palos Verdes, "canyon of green trees" in Spanish. Explorer Juan Cabrillo discovered the area in 1542, but prior to then, the native Gabrielino-Tongva tribe made their living from the sea as fishermen, sailors, and traders. In the 1900s, Japanese farming communities sprouted up. In 1913, New York investors, led by Frank A. Vanderlip, considered the peninsula's founder, bought up 16,000 acres for homes and fine estates on the terraced hillsides. But perhaps Rancho Pales Verdes is best known as the site of Marineland of the Pacific, which opened in 1954 — just a year before Disneyland. Marineland, known for its orca "killer whale" performances, was the largest oceanarium in the world. SeaWorld in San Diego bought the property in 1964 and closed the theme park. It changed ownership several times before Jim York bought the land in 1995 for a hotel and residences, where Terranea Resort has wowed its guests for more than 20 years since its 2009 debut. detour destinations Mar'sel — Spanish for "sea" and French for "salt" — offers fine dining and signature cocktails inside or on the ocean view terrace at sunset. Chef Fabio Ugoletti and his team offer exquisite fare showcasing the bounty of the area including fresh fish (nearby San Pedro is a fishing port) as well as organic vegetables, meats, cheeses, and even salt produced at the resort's Sea Salt Conservatory right on property. Order the chef 's special tasting menus for an unforgettable culinary experience. e Catalina Kitchen, overlooking the pool and coast, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a lovely dining room or outside on the patio shaded with umbrellas. Choose from starters, salads, pizzas, pastas, and entrees. We especially liked the deviled, deep-fried eggs as an appetizer, and top choices for the mains were the short ribs and pan seared salmon with creamed corn and tarragon aioli. Our family's favorite spot was the casual, convivial Bashi, where we feasted on Pan-Asian cuisine: sizzling "Shaking Beef," a house specialty; platters of sushi and sashimi; miso-glazed salmon with bok choy; and Shanghai-style garlic noodles with chicken. First-rate service was both friendly and efficient. e restaurant also hosts karaoke later in the evening. When the kids were tucked away, the older "kids" hit the wood- paneled Lobby Bar & Lounge for beer, cocktails, and live music. is is a great place for casual bar bites and burgers, either in the lounge, the adjoining living room, or outside on the lovely terrace with views of Catalina Island. On my husband's birthday, we hosted a buffet lunch in the lovely Santa Rosa Room with drinks on the ocean view terrace. Entertainment included a slide show of family photos and a video about my husband's career as a U.S. Air Force pilot, his service in Vietnam, and his years as a Delta Airlines captain. ere were toasts (rather than roasts), music, and lots of dancing (yes, even a conga line), capping off a perfect weekend. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a relaxing vacation, or a family celebration, Terranea takes the (birthday) cake. COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY The elegant Lobby Lounge & Bar opens onto an ocean view terrace Explorer Juan Cabrillo discovered the Palos Verdes Peninsula, "Canyon of Green Trees," in 1542, but long before that, Native Americans made their living here from the sea <<