Scoup du Jour

3 Feb 2010

Valentine’s Day and more

BOSTON, MA. - (February 3, 2010) - Now through April 4, take advantage of Taj Boston's special 2010 winter rates to enjoy all that Boston offers. From just $149 per night on weekends or $175 per night during the week, you can make the landmark hotel at Arlington and Newbury streets overlooking the Public Garden your luxurious home base to conduct business or experience the city's many cultural and sporting events. Or simply indulge in an inviting winter retreat that can include a delicious prix fixe luncheon or dinner in The Café, a sumptuous weekend afternoon tea in The French Room, a bountiful Sunday Champagne Brunch buffet in The Dining Room or cocktails and small plates by the fire in The Bar.  For a very special stay, upgrade to the Taj Club level for an additional $100 per night and enjoy luxurious accommodations and access to the private Taj Club, with panoramic city views, complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day and dedicated butler service.  The Taj Boston 2010 Special Winter Rates offer is subject to availability, must be paid in full at the time of reservation, and is non-refundable. To reserve, please call Taj Boston Reservations toll-free at 1-877-482-5267 or direct at 1-617-536-5700; email your reservations request to reservations.boston@tajhotels.com or visit www.tajhotels.com/boston.

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. —The Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina and Kiawah Island Golf Resort will welcome celebrated chef Patrick O’Connell from the Forbes Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond Inn at Little Washington as the headliner of the second annual Gourmet and Grapes fine food and wine event April 30 - May 2, 2010, at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.    The event will raise money for the Hollings Cancer Center, South Carolina’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Renowned chef Todd Gray, Tickets may be purchased for the weekend or individual events. The resort is offering special rates at The Sanctuary Hotel and Resort Villas. For details call 800-654-2924 or visit www.gourmetandgrapes.com. of WashingtoFebruary 3, 2010, Myrtle Beach, S.C. –

Caravelle Resort today announced that the resort will offer two exclusive packages – the 50th Anniversary Free Night Special and the Early Bird Special – in honor of the resort’s 50th anniversary.  Available throughout the spring, the 50th Anniversary Free Night Special allows guests who stay two nights to receive a third night for just 50 cents. Also, with this package, guests who book five nights will get an additional two nights for just fifty cents per night.  Caravelle’s The Package room nights start at $69 and are based on double occupancy. For more information about the Caravelle, call (843) 918-8000 or visit TheCaravelle.com.  Early Bird Special is available through August 31 and allows guests to receive up to thirty percent off of their entire stay if they book before March 31.  DC’s Equinox will join the leading chefs of Charleston, SC, for this celebration of food and wine.  

The Pierre, the iconic US flagship of Taj Hotels on New York's Central Park at Fifth Avenue and 61st Street, now offers 189 redesigned residential-style guest rooms, including 49 suites, all featuring a quiet feeling of luxury and the most modern of comforts in designs by James Park Associates.
The 10 one-and two-bedroom Grand Suites are the hotel's most premier spaces. The Grand Suites are designed with custom furnishings, hand-crafted finishes and elegant details, such as rich silk and brocade fabrics, Murano glass chandeliers and hand-knotted carpets, and carefully integrated technology, including Bang & Olufsen audio and high speed internet connection.
Subtle couture touches reflect the Indian heritage of the Taj Hotels: Striking jewel tones and traditional decorative motifs pay homage to the royal Rajput dynasties that created the authentic palaces in India that now welcome Taj guests. Contemporary artwork hand-selected by fine arts consultant Mortimer Chatterjee showcases the mastery of noted and emerging Indian artists. In addition, many of the suites feature hand-colored wood engravings that depict various historic scenes of New York related to the suites' namesakes. 

To reserve a Grand Suite at The Pierre, please call 1-800-743-7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre/.

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF. - (February 4, 2010) - Montage Laguna Beach welcomes lovers throughout the month of February with a number of special offers crafted just for romantics. Enjoy delectable prix fixe chef's menus or a heartfelt spa retreat with Jenny Day, noted White Lotus-certified yoga instructor and sound therapist.

WHAT:
Celebrate your love whether you select a special evening out, a rejuvenating spa retreat or a romantic getaway in oceanfront accommodations in this vibrant Southern California artists' colony.

WHY:
Sharing relaxing and memorable moments with someone you love is one of life's true luxuries.

HOW:
Select your preferred romantic Montage experience: For Dining Reservations please call 949-715-6420. For Spa Montage, please call 949-715-6010. For accommodations, please call 949-715-6000, or toll-free 1-888-715-6700 or visit www.montagelagunabeach.com.

Celebrate Valentine's Day With a Special Dinner at The Loft
• Enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu created by Chef de Cuisine Brian Black and Executive Pastry Chef Louise Chien and presented in the resort's comfortably elegant restaurant only on Valentine's Day, February 14
• Selections include: White Asparagus and Lemongrass Soup or Local Carlsbad Oysters with muddled cinnamon and almond milk granite, Blackened Scottish Salmon or Mushroom-Crusted Wagyu Beef, an artisanal cheese bite and Valhrona Dark Chocolate Coral Cake or Yogurt Vanilla Sponge Cake with cabernet reduction and caramelized fig fritters
• $95 per person, $135 with wine pairings.

BOSTON, MASS. - (February 2, 2010) - Treat your valentine to a romantic getaway at Taj Boston, the landmark hotel at Arlington and Newbury streets overlooking the Public Garden, where your choice of luxurious accommodations includes an elegantly appointed suite complete with park view, an inviting wood-burning fireplace and the services of a fireplace butler.
Book the "Sweetheart Package" for February 13 and enjoy an array of delectable welcome gifts as well as the hotel's celebrated Sunday brunch for two and a late checkout; the rest of the memorable moments are up to you. For reservations, call 617-536-5700 or 877-482-5267 (877-4-TAJ BOS) toll-free or visit www.tajhotels.com/boston.

Jan 2009

Valentine’s Day and more

NYC, NY….If sailing in a gondola down the streams of Venice isn't in the cards this Valentine's Day, Fabio Piccolo Fiore is offering the next best thing: a menu dell'amore. With pampering service for you and your date and three succulent courses designed to arouse your senses, it's guaranteed to be a night to remember. And, at just $55 per person, it won't break the bank.  Owner Nick Nubile always dreamt about opening a restaurant to show off the wonderful cuisine that his home region of Abruzzi, Italy so abundantly offers. It was only when he met Chef Fabio Hakill that he realized his dream could finally come to fruition. The two have come together to create Fabio Piccolo Fiore, a unique midtown gem that focuses on the light and fresh fares of central Italy.  Located at 230 East 44th St. Call (212) 922-0581 for reservations

PALM BEACH COUNTY 2009 CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Palm Beach COUNTY, Fla., January 9, 2008 – Palm Beach County offers an exciting array of attractions and events year-round, and visitors continue to enjoy a variety of activities. Below is a sampling of events and festivals taking place in Palm Beach County for 2009. A comprehensive list of activities throughout the year can be found at palmbeachfl.com.

Winter Equestrian and Polo Season - Jan-March, 2009 - Wellington: Each winter, top riders and their horses descend on Wellington, the epicenter of the equestrian community in Palm Beach County.

South Florida Fair - Jan. 16-February 1, 2009 - West Palm Beach: Florida's top-rated fair and Palm Beach County's oldest and largest outdoor event. Fun for all ages, fair goers enjoy playing games, tons of rides, a large variety of carnival food, livestock, live entertainment and so much more.

FOTOfusion - Jan. 27-31, 2009 - Delray Beach: Held at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre, the 14th annual International Festival of Photography & Digital Imaging showcases leading photographers and cutting-edge technology methods for collectors and novice photographers.

American International Fine Art Fair - Feb. 4-8, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The Palm Beach County Convention Center will host the premier art, antique and jewelry fair. The fair features 100 international dealers representing all disciplines of fine art from classical antiquity to contemporary, as well as an extraordinary collection of haute and period jewelry.

Lake O Survivor Series – February 8, 2009 - Lake Okeechobee Area: Designed to showcase the “Lake Region” of Palm Beach County, adventure racers from across the country assemble to compete in running, biking and other physical tasks all while encountering natural and manmade obstacles. Three additional races in the series will take place April 18, June 27 and October 11.

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show - Feb. 13-17, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The largest vetted art and antique show in the U.S. takes place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Featuring over 200 top-tier international exhibitors; the show brings together fine art, jewelry, sculpture, porcelain, ceramics, and more for art lovers and collectors.

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival - Feb. 14-16, 2009 - Jupiter: ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival has grown from a small, local art show to a nationally recognized fine arts festival attracting more than 150,000 art lovers and collectors.

The Honda Classic - March 2-8, 2009 - Palm Beach Gardens: Golf's top players from around the world compete on the legendary PGA National course, The Champion.

Palm Beach Boat Show - March 26-29, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The Palm Beach Boat Show is one of the top 10 boat shows in the country featuring more than $300 million worth of boats, super yachts and accessories from every major marine manufacturer worldwide. More than 900 boats of every size and type will be on display, in addition to a variety of free fishing clinics and family friendly entertainment.

Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Event - April 9-11, 2009 - West Palm Beach: Hosted at the South Florida Fairgrounds, the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction is one of the premier events for antique and classic car owners, collectors and automotive enthusiasts from around the world.

PrideFest of the Palm Beaches - March 28-29, 2009 - Lake Worth: Among the largest gay and lesbian festivals in Florida, PrideFest features a Grand Parade, musical entertainment, and local businesses showcasing everything from jewelry and art to non-profit organizations.

SunFest - April 29 - May 3, 2009 - West Palm Beach: SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. Held annually along the Intracoastal Waterway in downtown West Palm Beach SunFest attracts more than 280,000 visitors.

Marathon of the Palm Beaches – December 6, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches welcomes runners to a course that is one of the world’s most scenic locations for runners and a qualifier for the 2010 Boston Marathon.

For more information about these events and festivals, call the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 561.233.3000, or visit palmbeachfl.com.

NYC, NY…Sushi Zen--Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you know what they say about roses and chocolate—it’s all been done. For a unique and equally romantic Valentine’s day experience, Sushi Zen’s omakase is the perfect choice. Have chef Toshio Suzuki custom-create a meal according to your taste and budget—he’ll serve you personally at the gorgeously designed sushi bar where you can feel luxuriously pampered by one of America’s best Japanese chefs. In fact, Suzuki likens the experience of his omakase to a day at the spa—it’s good for your body, relaxes you, stimulates your senses, and re-energizes you—but it’s a lot less girly. And you know what they say about oysters…Sushi Zen (www.sushizen-ny.com) is located at 108 West 44th Street between Broadway and Sixth Ave. Monday-Friday, lunch from 12 noon – 2:45pm; dinner from 5:30pm-10:00pm. Saturday dinner from 5:00pm-10pm. Closed Sunday.
For reservations call 212-302-0707. www.sushizen-ny.com

ORLANDO (Jan. 12, 2009) - February 14 is for lovers. Lovers of fine wines and cuisine, that is. This Valentine's Day, Orlando's award-winning Rosen Centre hotel kicks off its 2009 "Vine and Dine" Series with a very special event entitled "Decadent Pairings," a six-course feast of aphrodisiac-infused items paired to perfection with a selection of wines from the Trinchero Winery in Napa Valley, California.  The dinner begins in Rosen Centre's Quiet Bar at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.  Guests will sample the first wine selection from the Trinchero collection, then continue to the Everglades Restaurant dining room for their romantic Valentine's Day feast. Making the evening even more memorable, a representative from the Trinchero Winery will provide a special introduction of each wine served throughout the evening.  Space is limited.  For reservations, call 407 996-9840, ext. 3602.   For more information, visit www.evergladesrestaurant.com or www.rosencentre.com.

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands (Jan. 8, 2009) - Don't spend Valentine's Day with the cliché celebration of flowers and chocolate.  Give your significant other the gift of travel this February with a romantic getaway at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (http://www.bolongobay.com), located in St. Thomas, with the resort's five-night Valentine's Day Package, priced at $1,748per couple.  For additional information about Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, call 1-800-524-4746 / 340-775-1800, or send e-mail: reservations@bolongobay.com.  Visit Bolongo in cyberspace at www.bolongobay.com.

Nantucket Island, MA (December 29, 2008) – The new Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum will open its doors on May 15, 2009 for its first full season and showcase its collection of over 5,000 objects – including period surfboats, beach carts, vintage photographs, and more.  This year, the museum will debut a historical retrospective exhibit on “Madaket Millie,” a colorful local character, who personally took over Coast Guard patrols of Madaket Harbor.  In addition, the museum will host three Family Fun Days throughout the summer, including a book signing with Whitney Stewart, author of Coffin’s Ghost, a new treasure hunt book for children. Stewart also authored Marshall, A Nantucket Sea Rescue, inspired by the real-life tale of a Newfoundland dog that was rescued by life-savers at the island’s Surfside Life-Saving Station in 1877, and this fall will release a new edition of Marshall  for older children.  In collaboration with The Trustees of Reservations, the museum will add guided Sunday tours to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Great Point Lighthouse.  For more information call (508) 228-1885, or visit online at www.nantucketshipwreck.org.

 BRANSON, MO (January 2009) – The AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, which stands on a beautiful Ozark mountaintop overlooking Branson, Missouri’s scenic Table Rock Lake, is offering a special “Valentine Package” for those wishing to enjoy a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day.   The “Valentine Package” includes:  a one-night stay in a beautifully-appointed guestroom; bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your room; a four-course dinner-for-two in the award-winning Chateau Grille (which overlooks Table Rock Lake); a specially-selected Spa Chateau amenity; and complimentary valet parking. Based on double occupancy, the package starts at $320 per couple, and is available February 12-15, 2009. The price includes tax and service charges, and the package is based on availability.  For reservations, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com .

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