We had missed sunset, but tomorrow there would be another opportunity to watch sun sink below horizon. So, it was back to Le Merigot, a JW Marriott property with a unique twist — dogs are welcome with guests. And not only are they allowed in rooms with their masters, hotel owns a charming yard next door that serves as an exercise and bathroom area for pets. As we got out of car a young couple with a Golden Retriever puppy pulling them down driveway towards yard, smiled and said hello. They were one happy trio.

Club Meg, luxury pet program is named in honor of Le Merigot’s resident canine, Meg Ortloff, General Manager Sig Ortloff's yellow Labrador Retriever. There are no restrictions according to a dog’s size or weight, only manners. The hotel offers a variety of leading brand dog foods as well as Barkley’s Beef and Rice Bowl with long-grain rice, roast beef, carrots and brown gravy. Pets receive an amenity care package with a water bottle, bowl and a Frisbee in a carrying case. Mobile grooming is offered as well as pet sitting and pet walking. An on-call veterinarian is also available.

Cezanne, Le Merigot’s fine dining restaurant was our choice for dinner. It had been voted Best L.A. Hotel Restaurant by Angeleno Magazine which was a tremendous honor considering competition. Dave and I ventured downstairs to dining room over which evening supervisor Hoss Hapezi graciously presides.

He welcomed us to Cezanne with Turkish Blood, a drink made with champagne and 30-year-old Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port (not on menu). The taste of Port deliciously dominates champagne, a combination Hapezi credits Hungarian chef George Skorka with creating.

Seated at a grand banquette, sipping Turkish Blood while listening to pianist Robert Carpenter’s beautiful, energetic version of Anything Goes on a baby grand piano by window assured a romantic evening. From our vantage point as well as many tables in intimate dining room neon lights from Santa Monica pier against dark, glistening water added to our reverie.

I started with Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare ($12) and a Chardonnay from Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley ($95 a bottle, $27 per glass). The tuna tasted exceptionally fresh and light with capers, sitting atop slices of ripe avocado. Four crisp crackers added an artistic flair. Dave started with Crispy Shrimp with Jalapeño Pepper Jelly ($13) and Chardonnay. Two dipping sauces accompanied appetizer. A basket of homemade sourdough French bread with triangles of sweet butter tempted us, but we reminded each other that our main course was going to be formidable.

Also listed among hors d’oeuvres were Lobster Bisque ($11), Terrine of Foie Gras with Brioche ($15), and Oysters on Half Shell ($12). Salads included a Mesclun salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and St. Maure Goat cheese ($10), a Caesar with baby romaine ($9), and a Radicchio, fennel and arugula with Dijon vinaigrette ($9).

Open since 2000 Cezanne has gone through three chefs. Executive Chef Desi Szonntagh is currently accepting well-founded accolades for a savory California cuisine with French accents. The restaurant boasts a large international wine selection. And, for travelers wishing to order in, food service is available 24 hours a day.

Robert Carpenter, a classically trained pianist who likes to add a touch of jazz began playing Time After Time. Dave’s Special of Day — Surf and Turf, an Australian lobster tail with, as he said, a melt in your mouth filet mignon accompanied by tender asparagus, carrots, and green beans arrived. For our main course Hoss Hapezi recommended Grgich Hills, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley that proved perfect compliment for both of us.

Read this entire feature FREE at: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/calif/santamonica/lemarigot/lemarigot.html

By Linda Lane, Jetsetters Magazine Las Vegas Correspondent – visit www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Biking Garden District.

On our pedal powered excursion, we were soon to experience everything varied city of New Orleans had to offer up close and personal. We saw historic Creole plantations and heard their history. While under majestic oak trees, we learned what shotgun shacks are and why. Everywhere we rode, it seemed that sweet scent of many blooming magnolia trees followed us. Veda led us on a personal tour through and explained mysteries of St. Louis Cemetery.

We meandered like Mississippi River through outdoor hub of city, massive City Park, and learned of its many treasures. Of course, we cruised through crowded French Quarter, as we were bound for two separate ferry rides across mighty and murky Mississippi River. To end a gorgeous day, we rode down side streets and neutral ground in grandiose Garden District and took note of numerous porches and patios for outdoor relaxing and entertaining. Foodies need not worry, as we also had an outstanding lunch fit for a Mardi Gras king.

Of course, when in N’awlins, it is almost mandatory that you eat, and eat, and then eat some more. With this in mind, for this adventurous biking trip we were taking a pre-emptive strike at burning off calories that we were bound to eat or drink at some time during our week long visit to this charming Creole city that one of our lifestyle mentors, Jimmy Buffett, affectionately calls, “the northernmost city in Caribbean.”

Read this entire feature FREE with photos at: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/bike/bigeasy/bigeasy.html

By Kim and Don Tatera, Southern California Jetsetters Magazine Correspondents at www.jetsettersmagazine.com