Calendar of Events

November 22 through December 31, 2009
More than a dozen unique surfboards will be on display in the lobby at as part of the resort’s Second Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction to benefit Surfers Healing. The boards will be on display from Sunday, November 22 through December 31 with the bidding closing at noon on December 31, 2009 and available to take home on January 2, 2009.  Surfboards for auction include boards signed by surf legends Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton, Garrett McNamarra, and celebrities such as Benjamin Bratt and Robert Hays.  View the boards

The Holiday Surfboard Auction is part of the resort's Community Footprints program. Community Footprints was created to encourage leadership in volunteers, fundraising, product donations and mentoring programs at a local level. No project is considered too large or too small. Dedicated Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen provide a wide range of support and services to their community, including fund-raising for local charities, reading to the blind, preparing and serving lunches at homeless shelters, donating books to schools and volunteering at food banks. The Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints stresses that the most important resource is not always money, but time.

Proceeds from the Holiday Surfboard Auction benefit Surfers Healing, which was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz. Their son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three. Like many autistic children, he often suffered from sensory overload-- simple sensations could overwhelm him. The ocean was the one place where he seemed to find respite.  A former competitive surfer, Israel hit upon an idea--with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and Izzy steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together. Surfing had a profound impact on Isaiah. Israel and Danielle decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children. They began to host day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing.

Thursday, November 26, 2009; served 3 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy a four-course Thanksgiving menu presented by Executive Chef Rob Wilson in Restaurant 162'.  The four-course menu is $110 per adult and $55 per child 3 to 12.

Amuse Bouche

First Course
Pumpkin Spiced Soup, Green Apple Crème

Second Course
Watercress and Endive Salad, Rabbit Leg Confit, Bing Cherry Vinaigrette

Third Course
Choice of
Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Crispy Potato Blintz, Pear – Jalapeno Puree
~or~
Roasted Turkey, Sweet Potato Gratin, Chicken-Basil Sausage Stuffing, Marsala Gravy
~or~
Black Bass, Spiced Corn Silk, Winter Bean Salad, Carrot Vinaigrette

Dessert
Chocolate Pumpkin Pecan Pie, Sour Cream Sauce

A limited a la carte menu is also available. Children 3 and under are complimentary.

Every Sunday in Restaurant 162’
A tempting a la carte brunch and flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in Restaurant 162'.  Start with a fresh fruit martini and selection of pastries then enjoy a three-course a la carte menu.

Sunday, November 22, 2009; 4 p.m.
The holiday season officially begins when the switch is flipped and the resort’s 350,000 twinkling lights and the 50-foot holiday tree come to light. The Noble Fir is decorated with sparkling basketball-sized ornaments, more than 35,000 white lights and a beautiful gold star at its tip. The event features festive music and, of course, a visit by Santa.

Complimentary, reservations are not required.

Thursday, November 26; noon to 6 p.m. in The Pavilions; $110 per adult/$55 per child
Celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving over a bountiful buffet of seasonal, culinary delights. The buffet features a selection of soups and salads, as well as sushi, caviar and a variety of cold seafood.  Entrees include carved roasted turkey, roasted pork loin, rosemary garlic marinated Prime Rib and seared Shetland salmon. Highlights for dessert include blueberry, apple and pumpkin pie.

Every Friday in Restaurant 162’; 6 to 9:30 p.m.; $65 per person
Delicacies from the sea can be found every Friday night in Restaurant 162'.  Delight in a four-course seafood tasting menu presented by Chef de Cuisine John Garcia.  The menu changes weekly.