By Armella Stepan
Picture yourself surrounded by your closest friends or family. You are all lounging on a sandy beach, steps away from an azure sea with nothing except blue horizon beyond. The sun is shining, it’s a warm day, but the cool breeze makes it the perfect temperature. You are gathered around a low chic table that contains a feast for the senses. A veritable cornucopia of your culinary favorites from land and sea awaits your first taste.
You are not dreaming…you are picnicking at Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica.
Al Fresco everything is the rage these days, so the hotels’ culinary teams, inspired by Shutters Executive Chef Vittorio Lucariello, decided to make it their quest to create the pinnacle of picnics for their guests. With miles of expansive shoreline literally outside their backdoors, the possibilities for fun and flavor are endless.
Chef Vittorio’s picnic is not predictable fare. Expect an international selection on the menu including Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Mediterranean Platters and Charcuterie with Cheese. Of course, you’ll find some classic American favorites as well…did someone say Mini Lobster Rolls?
The upscale picnic’s coastal décor is a stylish collaboration between Fragments Identity, an interior design firm in Malibu, Santa Monica Picnic Company, and ETC Hotels.
“We really enjoyed working closely with the team at ETC,” says Tammy Price, owner of Fragments Identity. “Our goal was to bring the casual elegance of these gorgeous luxury destinations out onto the beach. I think we have created the quintessential Southern California beach picnic!”
Picnics for two start at $500* for two people and each requires minimum 72-hour advance notice. Reservations may be made for any times between sunrise to sunset seven days a week, based on availability. Parties over six people require at least one-week advance notice. Must be a registered hotel guest to book a picnic.
“Our new picnics are the perfect complement to the services we offer. Our guests love to be outside, and our picnics are going to be very popular this year,” predicts Charlie Lopez-Quintana, General Manager of Shutters on the Beach. “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate being together again with friends and family in 2021, than with a stay at one of our hotels and a leisurely brunch on the beach. It is the perfect way to reconnect.”
*Pricing varies based on food and beverage selection and a wide variety of add-ons that are available ranging from floral bouquets to specialty cakes to DJs. For more information, contact the concierge.
MENU
Farmer’s Market Mini Sandwiches
Mediterranean Platter: Marinated Cerignola Olives, Hummus, Feta Cheese, Grilled Curry Pita
Charcuterie and Local Cheese Selection, Pickled Vegetable
Additional add-ons can be requested.
