April 8, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Celebrate the Holidays in Style at Regent Santa Monica Beach At Chef Michael Mina’s Orla

Enjoy Brunch With Santa and a Mediterranean-inspired Christmas Dinner at Orla

Celebrate the 2024 holiday season at the Regent Santa Monica Beach with a lineup of festive dining and family-friendly activities by the ocean. From brunch with Santa to Mediterranean-inspired Christmas and New Year’s dinners, the luxury resort offers memorable ways to mark the season.

Brunch with Santa – Sundays, December 8, 15, and 22 | 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join Santa Claus at Orla, Regent Santa Monica Beach’s premier dining venue, for a family-style brunch with breathtaking ocean views. Guests will be welcomed with a champagne cocktail before enjoying a two-course brunch featuring shared starters and à la carte main courses. Caviar and shellfish upgrades are available for an extra indulgence. Main offerings include Crab Cake Benedict made with jumbo lump crab and black lime hollandaise, Farm Egg Shakshuka made with spicy tomato and pepper stew and crunchy shallot (GF), and Roasted Lemon Chicken with lemon potatoes, chilies, feta, and mint (GF). 

You can view the full menu and make a reservation here.

Children will take home festive reindeer antlers and a keepsake photo with Santa, while families can enjoy a special performance by the Rockettes, including an interactive dance routine.

  • Cost: $95 for adults, $55 for children ages 3-10
  • Parking: 3-hour valet validation for $18

Christmas Day Dinner – Wednesday, December 25 | 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Orla will host a Christmas Day prix fixe dinner designed by renowned Chef Michael Mina. The menu relies on seasonal produce to create a sophisticated holiday meal while you can view the hotel’s sweeping ocean views. Each meal comes with Orla’s signature bread service and diners can choose between seafood, soup, or salad starters. 

The dinner has six main course selections including a prime 8oz filet mignon with crispy onion ring and black garlic vinaigrette, tomato-ginger salmon with saffron couscous, dill yogurt, and blistered cherry tomatoes or a chateau of butternut squash cippolini with onion labneh, and a pistachio sour orange vinaigrette. The dinner has the deluxe option of royal caviar fateer (petrossian daurenki caviar, ashta cream, and chives and dill)  or black truffle Hilopitas with kefalograviera cheese, chives, and garlic breadcrumbs.

When you are ready for dessert, select Buche de Noel or The Lemon, an olive oil lemon cake. You can view the full menu here and reserve your meal at Seven Rooms

  • Cost: $125 for adults, $45 for children ages 3-10
  • Parking: 3-hour valet validation for $18

Chef Michael Mina, originally from Cairo, Egypt, and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, embarked on his culinary journey at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. During his studies, he honed his skills in Chef Charlie Palmer’s kitchen at Aureole in New York City. His career ascended quickly when he partnered with Chef George Morrone to conceptualize and launch the renowned seafood restaurant AQUA in San Francisco in 1991. Despite a challenging start due to a major earthquake, Chef Mina thrived as AQUA’s executive chef from 1993 to 2002, earning accolades such as Rising Star Chef of the Year (1997) and Best Chef: California (2002) by the James Beard Foundation.

Related Posts

New Santa Monica Place Management Aims to Restore Mall as “Heart and Soul” of Community

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

The firm plans to attract new retailers and restaurants in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics Commercial real estate firm Prism...

Asbestos Being Stored at Temescal Gateway Park by USACE

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

The park, a well-trafficked entrance to the Topanga State Park system, has been closed to the public since the cleanup...

(Video) Makeshift Memorial Created at Dog Park for Venice Shooting Victim

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Zachary Melton, Known by Locals as “Turtle”, Was Protecting a Woman in an Altercation with the Suspected Gunman Zachary Melton,...

Venice Man With Alzheimer’s Reported Missing; Police Seek Public’s Help

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Richard Hunter, 79, Disappeared After Leaving His Home Saturday Morning Authorities and family members are seeking the public’s help in...

Community Rally Planned to Save Santa Monica’s Fairview Library

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Supporters Urge Santa Monica City Council to Keep the Library Open By Judith Meister, Chair, Santa Monica Library Board A...

Petition Urges City to Waive Rebuild Permit Fees After January Fires

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

The petition argues that survivors of the fires are being unfairly burdened with permitting fees—often amounting to tens of thousands...

BuildStrong is Leading the Effort to Rebuild the Pacific Palisades

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

The recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades caused extensive property damage, leaving many residents unsure about how to move forward....

Marina del Rey Beachfront Building Blends Residential, Commercial Space for $12M

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

The listing highlights a 270-degree view spanning the Pacific Ocean, Venice Pier, and the Los Angeles skyline A four-story mixed-use...

Caltrans Explores Bus Lane Expansion on Lincoln Boulevard; Public Meeting Set for April

April 6, 2025

April 6, 2025

The corridor serves key destinations including Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, and Los Angeles International Airport Caltrans is conducting a...

(Video) Adorn Your Home With Plants and Pottery from Urban Jungle

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

Go To Urbanjungleplantsandpottery.com For More Info Go To https://t.co/wwFel8ysgG For More Info pic.twitter.com/6zwObF87bB — Yo! Venice! (@YoVenice) April 4, 2025

Former MTV Star Says Parents Forced to Sell Palisades Home Due to High Reconstruction Cost

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

The home had been a “cherished” family residence for 37 years  Former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt said his parents...

Three Teens Arrested in Santa Monica Armed Robbery

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

The group threatened to shoot if the victim didn’t hand over his phone Three teenagers were arrested after allegedly robbing...

Join UCLA’s Innovative Memory Research Study!

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

Are you ready to contribute to groundbreaking research and help shape the future of memory treatments? Do you sometimes find...

Coming Soon: Easter Extravaganza at Regent Santa Monica Beach

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

Book your Delectable Brunch, Easter Festivities This Easter, step into a world of celebration and refined delight at Regent Santa Monica Beach....

Suspect Still Outstanding in Westminster Dog Park Shooting

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

The Victim Has Been Described as a “Protector” Who “Got Shot Defending a Homegirl” Police continue to look for the...