Pre-Coordination Activities For The Avalon Ball 2014
Off to make final reservations....
We departed Long Beach at 10:30 and the sea was like glass. It was very grey out and difficult to see the horizon so we were happy the ship had radar!
When we arrived we tried to coordinate with the hotel but it was loaded with people checking in so we decided to scout the Friday evening dinner potentials. We went to the Bluewater Grille, a new upscale eating establishment.
Friday Evening Dining
After a great meal and walking the property, we made arrangements for 32 to join them for dinner on Friday at about 5:30.
The shrimp and chicken gumbo was outstanding
Okra was prepared exactly right.... Plenty of sausage!
Sue had the pasta with vegetables and the chef did a special sauce for her
We walked outside and found this area.... The can set it up
with six tables of six (So we can all talk) There are plenty of heaters
We are protected from the breeze and the
rest rooms are right near by and quite nice
The restaurant is south of the dining area
and away from the bar area so it will be quiet
Looked great to us.... Something new to try!
Great unobstructed view
Hotel Reservations Were Easy!
Off to the hotel and we had success... We were the only ones inside! They were happy to see us again! We have one room available that we will turn back in on April 15th unless someone else decides to join us.
Villa Portofino Hotel
To The Golf Course...
We hoofed it to the Golf Course and made reservation for eight (Donna & Bob, Bill & Holly, Hans & Ed, and Paul & Sue).
We checked out the source of wine and Vons was still there...
Walking down the street from the Golf Course revealed pretty flowers
Joe's Is Now Defunct! We Will Find A Replacement For Breakfast
We looked for Joe's to make sure we had a place to go to breakfast
Bad news.... Joe's is closed and is becoming a clothing store!
We Made Arrangements For 35 For 4:30 Saturday Evening Pre-Ball Dinner
Widely considered Avalon's best restaurant for its innovative cuisine, gracious service and warm Tuscan décor, the Ristorante Villa Portofino has been offering fine dining to Catalina Island's visitors and residents since 2003. It is downstairs from out hotel so it is a short walk.
Located opposite the waterfront with a dramatic view of Avalon Harbor, Ristorante Villa Portofino offers its guests a choice of dining on the harbor view patio or in the warm ambiance of our Italian-inspired dining room. The continental cuisine is complimented by an inspired wine list of Italian and Californian vintages and a full bar as well as hand-crafted desserts and one of the island's only espresso bars.
Time To Relax Before Getting On The Boat
The old bank building now containing the wine bar was out last stop
"Here's to an excellent anniversary and Avalon Ball Coordination effort
Sue selected the shirt so Paul is always "in-style"
Walking to the boat we saw the last of the shuttles between the
cruise ship and the Avalon pier
Our ship awaits us
NOTE: 5/17/2014 Is The 27th (Saturday) Annual Silent Film Benefit
Once a year moviegoers make a pilgrimage to Catalina Island and transport themselves back to the silent film era of the 1920's. The Catalina Island Museum will present Charlie Chaplin's acclaimed silent masterpiece City Lights during its 27th Silent Film Benefit.
The film will be presented in the famed Avalon Casino Theater, one of the grandest movie palaces of the 1920s. For the first time in the Silent Film Benefit's history, the film will be accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.
Grammy Award-winning conductor Richard Kaufman will conduct a 39-piece orchestra performing the original score composed by Charlie Chaplin himself. 1pm to 3:30pm. Tickets are available now! Catalina Island Museum. 310-510-2414, www.catalinamuseum.org