Over the past few weeks, Bleu has had the opportunity to do some truly exciting things “in the city”.  We’ve been out and about quite a bit…from one end of town to the other.  All of this moving around has reminded us of what, as residents of this great place, we sometimes fail to remember…we’ve definitely got game! 

Included in our most recent activities was the fabulous “Sips & Salsa” event at Hotel Contessa (www.thehotelcontessa.com).  The second Thursday of every month, the hotel hosts this soiree filled with professional ballroom dancers, delicious tapas, and specialty drinks.  It’s a great time!  For additional information regarding the next “Sips & Salsa” event, be sure to visit the hotel’s website.  For more fun facts about the hotel, as well as a recipe for their original and unique Mango Basil Salsa from the executive chef, check out their featured partner article under “What is Bleu” on the Bleu Print site.  (Thanks again, Elise!)

Also on our list of exciting experiences over the past month was “Cigars, Cognacs, and Cufflinks” at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk(www.hotelvalencia.com).  We were fortunate enough to be a co-sponsor of this event, and what an amazing one it was!   As a new and innovative happy hour catered directly towards the “fashion conscious man”, the evening offered attendees the opportunity to view the latest and greatest in men’s fashion while also enjoying the finest in hand-rolled cigars and cognac.  The event will resume in the autumn months of this year.  In the meantime, be sure to check out the hotel’s website for updates on their other fabulous events.  Included are “Party for a Cure” on March 26th and “Fashiontini Thursday” on April 2nd.  (You ROCK, Amy!) 

Additionally, and also on the map of “must visits” in downtown, is Biga on the Banks (www.biga.com).  A longtime favorite of locals and visitors alike, this amazing restaurant has a reputation for innovation and has played a major role in redefining the city’s cuisine.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting, private dining, or meeting space, it is the perfect place to get away and enjoy a different kind of fine dining cuisine.   (We just LOVE it, Perny!)

And, outside of downtown and just a bit further North of the city, we’ve also had the pleasure of visiting Coco Chocolate Lounge & Bistro (www.sa-coco.com).  It is quickly becoming one of our favorites; and, over the past month or so, we’ve been there on quite a few occassions!  In fact, we’ve been seen there on “official business”, as well as drinks with the girls, and even a so called “meeting of the minds”.  Regardless of the purpose of the visit, we’ve enjoyed every last drop of the “French Accent” and every scrumptious bite of “The Flirt” and “The Love Affair”.  Don’t be mistaken, however, because the restaurant does actually offer more than cocktails and desserts…we’ve just never gotten past the two to actually partake of the rest of the menu!  We’ve heard, of course, that every single item is just as delicious.  (You’re the BEST, Phillipe!)

So, whether you’re a longtime resident of this amazing city, or a one-time or repeat visitor, be sure to strike out a bit and embark upon the places that might be a little “off the beaten path” or perhaps even right in your very own backyard.  You might be surprised at the adventure that awaits you.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 20th, 2009 at 3:01 pm and is filed under Bleu Life, Social Event. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.