Orange County

Gardenwalk: Now Abloom in Anaheim!  Gardenwalk is the OC's new hot spot for fashion, food and fun! An oasis of outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment, it is located just steps away from Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center in the heart of Anaheim.

The entertainment and lifestyle development encompasses approximately 440,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment areas amidst an environment of beautifully manicured and unique gardens which range from a peaceful Zen-style garden to colorful entertainment pavilions incorporating waterfalls, as well as distinctive landscaping features.

Many eateries are now open including Roy's, P. F. Chang's, McCormick & Schmick's Grille and Pop the Cork, a unique wine bar offering wine lovers 40 to 50 wines by the taste, flight and glass, plus 150 wines by the bottle. On the fashion scene, popular favorites at Gardenwalk include Ann Taylor Loft, Chico's and Tommy Bahama. Soon to be added are Brooks Brothers, Georgiou and more.

For entertainment, 300 Anaheim Bowling & Entertainment Center makes for a great event or teambuilding session. This upscale bowling lounge is a "strikingly" different entertainment venue with upscale decor and amenities including a concierge who, upon proper fitting, delivers guests' bowling balls to their lanes. Additionally guests may enjoy personal lane-side service while dining on menu items created by the executive chef. Another highlight of the center is a 14-screen movie complex, including IMAX.

For your night owls, new to Gardenwalk is Heat Ultra Lounge - 10,000 square feet of sleek Las Vegas inspired nightclub and special event venue. Two distinctly different and luxurious areas are available for entertainment including VIP sections.

Allow the ACCESS  sales team to turn your destination management "wish list" into a perfectly crafted program of events at this multi-use venue. Our knowledge of Gardenwalk, what works where, for how many, and for what budget, will yield masterful matching for your next meeting, conference or incentive travel program.

So, turn up the Heat and come on over to the OC where the ACCESS  team will show you what's new and exciting in this Southern California paradise! Contact the team at ACCESS  Orange County today.

San Diego

Viva Italiano - Little Italy!   San Diego's Little Italy, larger than the Little Italy neighborhoods in San Francisco, St. Louis or New York, is a great place to shop, dine and visit. The revitalization movement of recent years has made Little Italy one of the most popular hangouts in the city.

Unlike San Diego's Seaport Village and Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy is "organically grown", with a true neighborhood feel. Interspersed among cafes and art galleries are dry cleaners and little markets with fresh pasta and bakeries featuring a host of Italian favorites. Colorful murals depicting the history of Little Italy adorn the sides of buildings while the streets are be-decked with vibrantly hued lamppost banners. Sipping cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe, you will hear the "neighborhood sounds" of the train whistle, chimes from Our Lady of Rosary Church, the clanging bell of the trolley and snippets of Italian spoken by restaurateurs, shopkeepers and residents.

While delightful Italian eateries abound with their checkered tablecloths and chianti bottles, the area does offer a cultural culinary mix along the India Street main drag, including the acclaimed Indigo Grill, specializing in tastes from the Pacific Northwest.

Shopping in Little Italy is a browser's dream. The vividly painted Fir Street Cottages, former homes now converted into charming shops, feature a variety of clothing, jewelry, accessories and home decor. Amidst boutiques and galleries, one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities can be found including Architectural Salvage, featuring collectibles from old houses such as doorknobs and hard-to-find garden gates. In contrast, an Italian specialty shop carries sleek, stainless-steel Italian kitchen appliances and furnishings.

Tour opportunities abound. Historical adventures highlight the tale of local Italians and the history of Little Italy. Visit the Farmers Market and enjoy live chef demonstrations and tastings. Perhaps sampling chocolates at Little Italy's neighborhood chocolate boutique is more your style; or, maybe an area artwalk or a lecture on the history of the olive with an olive oil tasting would be of interest to your guests.

Then...when the stars come out at night, a nearby special event venue comes alive. Opened in 2007, this venue comes to life in the spirit of the classic '30s and '40s supper clubs with a modern spin. Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner party setting or space for large gatherings, the American cuisine created by renowned chefs will please all palates. The sophisticated architectural design encompasses two levels plus a mezzanine and features 30-foot high ceilings, natural wood finishes and a modern coastal California architectural style blending wood, glass and concrete. Additional features include indoor/outdoor lounges, a private dining room, an 18' fireplace and much more. Allow our team to design the flow of a perfect event tailored to match your group size and your desires.

With all of the vibrant options in Little Italy, you are sure to find that there is something for everyone here in this charming enclave of San Diego history. Contact the team at ACCESS  Destination services for your destination management needs in the San Diego area.

Spice it up with ACCESS

Chicken Enchiladas!   Enjoy this favorite from Bill and Hillary Clinton for your next large gathering as featured in The Sinatra Celebrity Cookbook.

Ingredients:

2 (4 ounce) cans green chiles, drained and chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
Vegetable oil
1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes
2 cups chopped onion
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon oregano
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
3 cups sour cream
2 cups (8 ounces) grated Cheddar cheese
15 corn or flour tortillas

Directions:
- Saute chiles and garlic in oil in large skillet until garlic is tender.
- Drain tomatoes, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Break up tomatoes and add with reserved juice, onion, 1 teaspoon salt and oregano to chiles and garlic. Simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until thickened.
- Combine chicken, sour cream, cheese and remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
- Heat 1/3 cup oil in skillet. Dip tortillas in oil to soften and drain well on paper towel.
- Spoon chicken filling into tortillas, roll and arrange, seam side down, in 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over tortilla rolls.
- Bake at 250 degrees for about 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Enjoy!