The Vacation Next Door
N
O MATTER WHERE ONE CALLS HOME, the dream of a summer escape is nearly universal. What a pleasant surprise it would be to discover that mere minutes from home there is a place that can airlift you, at least mentally, out of the bustle of everyday life and into a world of tranquillity and surrender.
For residents of Orange County, Coliseum Pool & Grill at The Resort at Pelican Hill® is that happy place. Oozing casual comfort, this neighborhood gem offers dawn-to-dusk R&R in a setting second to none.
“I may be biased, but we’ve got the best views, period,” says Amanda Crammer, general manager of Coliseum. Truth. From its perch atop the bluffs of Newport Coast, one can’t look away from the mesmerizing ocean views, the manicured fairways, the Renaissance-inspired architecture and, mere feet from the restaurant, the circular swimming pool studded with more than a million hand-laid glass mosaic tiles.
“We embrace that ‘TGIF’ feeling regardless of where we are in the week,” says Crammer. “Show up for drinks on Monday and you’ll feel like it’s Friday. We just love that our locals appreciate Coliseum’s amazing location and relaxed service.”
Sink into a cushioned, rattan-style chair on the shaded terrace or, if catching a game or socializing is on the menu, head for the congenial bar with its roomy, comfortable booths, a 9-foot high-definition television and upbeat popular music selections.
Vacation or staycation, the experience wouldn’t be the same without rave-worthy food and beverage. Chef Oscar Fonseca recently introduced new breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour menus that highlight Coliseum’s tastiest favorites.
“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback from our regulars,” says Chef Oscar. “We constantly sell out of the sea bass, and the poke bowl is very popular. On the happy hour menu people go crazy for the mole-rubbed chicken wings, which pair really well with a nice cold beer, and the tempura shishito peppers and shrimp basket.”
Breakfast at Coliseum is also a must. For those with a sweet tooth, the pecan-raisin French toast will be their undoing. Protein lovers rev up with organic eggs cooked to order and served alongside farm-fresh breakfast meats and potatoes. Hair-of-the-dog? Take the Pelican Bellini (Prosecco, Cointreau and white peach) for a test drive.
Even if a stay isn’t in the cards, locals enjoy, along with guests, complimentary valet parking, half-off appetizers and wine, beer and cocktail specials during Coliseum’s happy hour Monday through Thursday.
“We want to invite everybody from the neighborhood to see what a cool place this is to hang out,” says Chef Oscar. “Bring your friends, enjoy the sunset and take advantage of our happy hour. It’s the same great food at a price point that can’t be beat.”
Drop in or, for reservations, call 877.624.6035.
