As Pasadena begins to emerge from the dark shadow of the pandemic, perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel is tinged with pink. That’s definitely the case at the Langham Huntington Hotel.
The five-star landmark luxury hotel is currently in the middle of its annual “Pink-Tober” recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Langham Huntington Marketing Director Leslie Marks told us recently, “This is an opportunity for us to give back, and of course, pink is the signature color of the Langham. So it’s a great tie-in for us.”
To that end, the Langham Huntington is offering special room packages for the month, with a special pink lemonade amenity upon arrival. Even sweeter is that 10% of the proceeds from the bookings will benefit the hotel’s charity, the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.
The Foundation, it says on its website, “challenges the status quo to end breast cancer and improve the lives of people impacted by it now through education and advocacy. The Foundation drives collaborative, cutting-edge research with nontraditional partners, brings to light the collateral damage of treatment and seeks ways to diminish it, and interprets science to empower patients.”
The Langham, like everyone else in the universe over the past eighteen months, has dealt with the pandemic in a host of creative ways. Last year’s Foundation fundraiser was a virtual afternoon tea event, for example.
But, said Marks, “It was great.”
Marks also noted that, “In 2021, and 2022, there’s a bit more appetite for some in-person things. So we’re looking to do more next year, with something simple this year.”
The hotel’s legendary Tap Room is launching a revamped cocktail menu later in the month, and of course, the hotel’s new “Pink” cocktail will assume its rightful place on the list.
The new signature cocktail consists of sshhhh, some Hendricks gin, some grenadine, and lemon juice, among other ingredients. Oh, and something called aquafaba, a savory ingredient, which is actually the liquid in a can of chickpeas.
The secret starchy liquid actually whips up and creates a foam. So, along with the ability to trap some lovely air for some height and structure, it also delivers a fluffy crumbly-ness to the drink. Top it with a strawberry, and the overall first taste is somewhat akin to drinking Neapolitan ice cream. And then you’re on your own. What could be Pinker?
And because November will be here before you know it, Langham is featuring a special children’s afternoon tea next month, starring “Peppa Pig.” For the uninitiated, Peppa Pig is a long-running British children’s series following the adventures of Peppa Pig, her brother George, their parents, and the other animal families who make up their little animal town.
Those special room packages are available now through the end of November, said Marks.
“It’s kind of like a glamping package for kids,” she said. “They get a pop up pink tent, and a mat and a little chair, and then they get all kinds of Peppa Pig goodies to take home with them.”
The children’s afternoon teas are scheduled for November 6, 7, and 14 at 1 p.m. on the Langham’s terrace, with a special character-themed menu.
More holiday events are also in the offing as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, but we will drive that sled when it arrives.
More information on Langham Huntington events is available here.
