Another Dream Team Doubles in the Books
Posted on August 20, 2022 by Ching under Community, Pickleball.
These are some highlights from the last Dream Team Doubles event at Riverside Tennis Center last month. Many amazing players from both genders came to participate but there was only one team champ. Congratulations to Jen Tiano, Jenny Cole, Antwome Topps, and Nathan Peters!
This is a fun format that the players seem to really enjoy. I can’t wait for us do this again and to be able to play next time. Until then, GNG.
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Dining by the Alphabet – Part G
Posted on August 19, 2022 by Ching under Food and Drink.
I know it’s already August and we are only at G. We are such slackers! Here’s all the ones we’ve done in the past.
For the letter G, I randomly picked Grace Market because I had been reading about how good the food is and I thought it was a restaurant. Surprise, surprise.
It turns out, it’s an Asian supermarket. But it was too late. I was already committed to going there and eating their food. I was hopeful that somewhere in there they had table and chairs that you could sit at and enjoy the delicious food they make but no cigar. You can’t even eat there! Booo.
These were the options when we went.
I got a beef bibimbap (rice bowl with beef and veggies) and a kimbap (kind of like a sushi roll thing). Brian didn’t really care for either but I thought they were both good. Wasn’t expecting to eat “to go” food but that’s what I get for not doing my research before picking the place. I’m going with a regular restaurant next time.
Until then, GNG.
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The Burger Stand Topeka
Posted on August 17, 2022 by Ching under Food and Drink.
I hadn’t been to the Burger Stand in Topeka for a few years and I had no idea that they relocated. The new location is actually tons better. They have lots more room both inside the restaurant and outside. Parking was always kind of an issue at the old location. The location has plenty of parking.
Here are some pics from my recent Burger Stand visit.
We had a big group for dinner – mostly pickleball players who were in town for the Sunflower State Game – plus my friend Selena Feiden who graciously let me stay at her place that weekend.
I turned in early that night but there was live music on the Burger Stand patio and so several in our group stayed for it. The food was fabulous, as always, and the company even better. I didn’t have great results from this tournament but it was wonderful trip over all.
I got to have dinner with Selena and Tom (Grace) and Jackie (Crader) the night before at the Wheel Barrel which is Tom’s favorite hangout spot. It was great to see and visit with everyone, specially Selena and Jackie who both left the company about a year ago. And, I also really like the Wheel Barrel so it’s not just Tom’s favorite. In fact, I took Brian to eat there during the Sunflower State games last year. Tom, who lives close by, joined us then too.
Until next year, GNG.
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Resort Food
Posted on August 16, 2022 by Ching under Food and Drink, Travel.
We were super impressed with the coffee shop/bar at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. It’s a coffee shop in the morning and turns into a bar that serves actually pretty good food at night. Look at this transformation!
Here are some pictures of food we got from the bar.
Flatbread Pizza
Truffle Fries
Creme Brulee
The resort also has a nice seafood restaurant onsite called Shor. We had a delicious, leisurely breakfast there one morning.
I was feeling fancy and ordered the crab cakes benedict. It is a seafood restaurant after all. When in Rome, right?
Brian got bacon, eggs, and potatoes, which he used to make a breakfast sandwich.
Food was not cheap but it was pretty good. We enjoyed our stay at this resort overall. The experience lived up to the Hyatt Regency brand. I wouldn’t mind staying here again if I play in the USAP Newport Beach pickleball tournament next year. Until next time, GNG.
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Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Posted on August 8, 2022 by Ching under Travel.
We stayed at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for the Newport Beach tournament. It was a 5 minute walk to the beach and a 20 minute walk to the tournament venue. This place was a lot nicer than the place I booked for us in Naples for the US Open so I am hoping that I am forgiven.
The property is pretty huge and reminds me of the resorts we’ve stayed at in the Caribbean. They have multiple building structures (hotel rooms, villas, conference areas/meeting rooms), event spaces (amphitheater for weddings and parties), and 3 swimming pools spread throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds.
We walk by the villas to go to the beach.
This is the beautiful amphitheater that they use for weddings.
This is the vine-covered walkway that leads to it.
The landscaping is an interesting combination of tropical and dessert. It’s different than anything I have seen but it is well-maintained and lovely.
The beautiful grounds are not only appealing to hotel guests. They are equally appealing to bunnies, squirrels, and other critters.
There are activity areas throughout the property for guests to enjoy. This sand volleyball court is right by our building. We actually took this picture from our balcony. We saw people playing down there a couple of times but we never went.
This is the main restaurant at the resort. Brian and I had a nice, leisurely breakfast there one day.
We never used the fitness center but it was roomy with lots of equipment and space to do your own thing. What I liked most is this poster they had on the wall for runners. It shows you a map of some runs that you can do based on the how far you want to go. It made me wish I was a runner.
Anyway, I realized not all of my pictures made to Flickr which is kind of a bummer. I guess you’ll just have to go and experience this resort for yourself. Here’s a link to book your stay. Until next time, GNG.
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