The Summer of Shangri-La

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The Summer of 2010 is off to an early start in Santa Monica, as the Hotel Shangri-La announces The Summer of Shangri-La, the triple threat debut of Suite 700, The Courtyard, and Ditch Day Fridays. The Summer of Shangri-La is an extension of owner Tamie Adaya’s vision for the Shangri-La “as the gathering place where Hollywood meets the ocean; a place where you can not only enjoy the ocean paradise, but also where you come to excite your imagination, become engrossed in stimulating conversation while you sip a cocktail poolside, and rejuvenate your soul both culturally and intellectually.”

Drinks with a view at Suite 700. | Photo: Shangri-La

Suite 700
Previously available exclusively to Shangri-La hotel guests and for private parties, Suite 700 is now open to the public. Outside, the rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the Pacific, lounge seating, and fire pits to set a warm, intimate mood. Inside, Suite 700 is decked out with flannel, etched mirrors and large port viewing windows in a style that designer Marc Smith calls Nautical Moderne, a take on the Streamline Moderne style of the 1930s. Smith, whose previous projects include The Edison and Golden Gopher, oversaw the Shangri-La’s $30 million renovation prior to its October 2008 re-opening.

Suite 700 features a cocktail list that includes a mix of classics and signature drinks, including the Ward 8, 700 Rum Punch, and Pimms After Dark. Small plates include Octopus Carpaccio (salted lemon air, smoked paprika), Drunken Watermelon (bay shrimp, avocado espuma), and Lamb Lion (medjool dates, piquillo liquid). Hungry night owls will be glad to know that food is served til 1am on weekends, and midnight weekdays.

The Courtyard
Set against the Shangri-La’s pool, terraces and cabanas, The Courtyard is a newly-opened outdoor extension of The Dining Room, the hotel’s restaurant. The Courtyard serves the So Cal Farm Fresh cuisine of Executive Chef Dakota Weiss. The menu features raw bar items (Market Fresh Oysters and Grilled Octopus Ceviche) small plates (Grilled Lamb Merguez Sausage, Truffled Egg Toast with Fontina), and entrées such as Crispy Orrata and Jidori Chicken.

Click to view.

Ditch Day Fridays
For alfresco shenanigans, Ditch Day Fridays takes place poolside every week from 1pm-7pm. Besides $5 drinks specials and live entertainment, guests can enjoy $5 noshes such as “Fancy Dogs” and sharable plates like the Deviled Eggs Platter, featuring 3 different kinds: Curry, Chipotle, Black Truffle. With drink specials and tasty bites amid the hotel’s sun-drenched, Art Deco surroundings, your Ditch Day Friday may very well turn into a Lost Weekend.

Hotel Shangri-La
1301 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-2791
www.shangri-lahotel.com

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