Retro and romantic music is one of my specialties, so I was thrilled when Audrey and Vivian Heredia phoned to tell me that their fabulous McCharles House was reopening as a wedding and events venue and invited me to be their exclusive music provider.

I’ve known Audrey and Vivian, who are mother and daughter, for 23 years. They encouraged and applauded my career as a restaurant critic, Op Ed, features and society columnist for The Orange Coast Daily Pilot, The L.A. Times and The Daily Breeze, sent handmade wreaths to my house at holiday time and calmed my nerves with homemade chocolate cake when I was learning how not to look like an idiot on-camera for the “Savoire Fare” restaurant segments The Orange County News Channel recruited me to write, produce and appear in for the better part of the 1990’s.

I have always been one of their biggest fans, and welcomed opportunities to feature them often in my signature “Best of Orange County” lists. Many a lovely afternoon was spent at McCharles House in the company of colleagues and friends at book-signing events and soirees. …and our family dined often at McCharles House after church on Sundays. My husband, an avid gardener, loves McCharles House’s abundant “curb appeal.”

McCharles House has a heart. In exchange for asking guests to respect the buildings and grounds of this gorgeous private setting, the venue offers reasonably-priced rental and catering fees along with an experience that is all about style, luxury, glamour and romance.

Anchored by an 1885 Queen Anne Victorian house that has been featured in dozens of publications like Victoria, Cottages and Bungalows, Bon Apetit and Romantic Homes. the internationally-acclaimed McCharles House now features two additional wedding settings, the Craftsman Era Spequoia Lodge and an outdoor Summerhouse. All are surrounded by formal, yet wild and natural organic gardens. Ralph Lauren would be right at home shooting his ads here.

The vintage, nostalgic music I’ve researched for many years and especially enjoy performing is perfect for the look and “feel” of this venue! In an old fashioned garden….

In this garden - and everywhere on the McCharles property, artistic and culinary skills, sensible simplicity, gracious hospitality and uncompromising standards are alive and well.

It’s all too, too delightful, delicious and de-lovely. Call Vivian!

The McCharles House and Gardens, 335 South C Street Tustin, California 92780
Telephone: 714.731.4063

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 1:44 am. You can follow any updates to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.