St. Regis - Dana Point, California
Posted by Ben | Under Great Burgers, Restaurants - Fun Times Thursday Aug 21, 2008
You have not lived until you have visited the this hotel!
Over the past five years, I have been blessed to be able to frequent one my favorite hotels in the world… the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California. The hotel propety is breathtaking as it is situated beachside along the pristine Pacific Ocean stands California’s only Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star Resort.
When the hotel is in full season and rates at their highest, I stay elsewhere. However, I do stop into the hotel and follow my usual routine… order a big juicy hamburger at “Motif“. This European-style cafe features eclectic dishes and international mineral waters. Scenic indoor and outdoor dining and weekend entertainment make it ideal for breakfast and lunch. 
The weather is always beautiful and I can sit for hours and enjoy a nice meal and bask in the nice cool California sun.
Being a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, I am forced to eat my fair share of French cuisine, but when at five star properties, I love to order a hamburger. Burgers at elite places use wonderful beef that is perfectly seasoned and served with fresh lettuce, tomato and onion. Biting into a gourmet burger is heavenly because the meat is juicy and when combined with mayo, ketchup, mustard and tomatoes, it can be a perfect mess that is evidence of one terrific meal.
Note: I cannot stand Grey Poupon or the other fancy mustards. Good ole’ yellow mustard is key to a burger or hot dog. Five star properties rarely serve this; but, I have found that yellow mustard is served in the hotel’s employee cafeteria. With a nice smile and friendly request, the server will retrieve the yellow mustard. At Ritz Carlton hotels… they will require the server to squeeze the mustard from the packets and into a saucer before presenting to the guest. So, order the yellow mustard when you order the burger.
If you are in the Southern California area, you MUST visit this hotel.
I’m tellin’ ya, we were separated at birth - no “poupon” mustard for me - just the good ole’ yellow kind!
Nothing like good ole’ French’s yellow mustard for me! Glad you think the same way.
In truth I am a Spicy Brown Mustard man, I always preferred that little kick though I will admit that yellow mustard is the only choice with a good hot dog. As for burgers, one of the best I ever had was years ago when my mother was the Banquet Manager of The William Penn Inn outside of Philadelphia. Outstanding beef, juicy and with a combination of sharp cheddar and swiss cheese. Mmmmmm-licious! Of course nothing ever compares to the burgers my grandmother used to make for me as a kid - cooked in an ancient cast iron skillet medium rare and served on rye bread. Ahhh, good times, good times…