Coast to Coast Highlights: From Fiji to Vegas and Beyond Episode #42

Fiji Adventure

Marco Gutierrez journeyed to Fiji, describing it as an island paradise with turquoise waters and glittering sands. Despite a shortened trip, he experienced:

• A warm welcome at Nuka Resort with a traditional greeting, coconut drink, and flower.
• Exploration of Fiji’s natural beauty, including mangroves, cava farms, and the Navua River.
• A trek to the Waba waterfalls in the Serua Highlands.
• A visit to a Fijian market for fresh produce.
• A traditional Fijian meal cooked in an underground pit, known as Lovo style.
• A visit to Nuku Island, a private island with white sandy beaches and clear waters for swimming.

Grammy Camp Insights

Ava Lyn shared her experiences at Grammy Camp, noting that Marin Morris’s speech inspired her to attend. Even though it was virtual, she found it valuable for networking and learning about various aspects of the music industry. Key takeaways included:

• Advice from artists like Bryce Vine on navigating the music industry.
• Learning about music journalism from Andy Herman.
• Discovering the collaborative nature of songwriting and the many people involved in creating a song.

Grilling Tips from the Pros

Chef Gabby Dalan and Tillamook dairy expert Steven Hallstone shared grilling tips:

• Gabby’s formula for grilling success is heat, time, and incredible food.
• Essential grilling tools include a thermometer, tongs, and a grill scraper.
• Steven emphasizes using high-quality ingredients, like Tillamook cheese, for the best flavor.

The Mirage in Las Vegas

Jason Ridlo reported on the changes at The Mirage in Las Vegas:

• Hard Rock International took over operations in December 2022 and plans to rebrand it as Hard Rock Las Vegas.
• The property will undergo a complete renovation, including a guitar-shaped hotel tower.
• The Mirage closed on July 17th, 2024, and is expected to reopen as Hard Rock Las Vegas by May 2027.