Jun/110
Looking for Summer Fun? Look to Golden, Colorado!
Residents of the metro area and beyond looking for good weekend entertainment this summer should consider the options offered by our own cities. Summer is a time for local festivals and events. In particular, Golden offers multiple entertainment and recreational options.
Golden's largest summer event (and one of the largest in the area) is the five-day Buffalo Bill Days, occurring July 27 to 31. Thousands of attendees show up for activities as diverse as a golf tourney at Fossil Trace, live music, a kiddie train, and the man of the hour himself, Buffalo Bill Cody, roaming the midway. Perhaps the biggest event anchoring Buffalo Bill Days is the enormous parade, which takes place 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30. On Sunday kids can test their mettle astride a sheep in the popular Muttin Bustin' event. The festival features two car shows, on July 31 - one is pre-1971, while the "Orphan" show features cars whose manufacturers no longer exist, such as Studdebaker, Fraser, Kaiser, Hudson and DeLorean. These shows are free and open to registrants who have insurance.
If you're looking for the ever-popular arts festival this summer, Golden Fine Arts Festival (Aug. 21 and 22) is nationally recognized as one of the best. Set amid the scenic backdrop of Golden in the summer, up to 150 artists from different parts of the country (but mostly from Colorado) are displaying and selling their goods, which include all manner of paintings, glass, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture and photography. Kids are engaged by arts-and-crafts tents, and adults can be entertained by five stages of live music, featuring such different acts as Come August, Flywheel, Exit 02 and the Ayo Awosika Band. Whether to simply browse or purchase art for your home, the Golden Fine Arts Fest in an excellent investment of time.
Catering to the growing interest in classic cars and car shows, Golden presents the Wild West Auto Roundup on June 11 along Washington. There is much to take in as more than 200 autos are on display, from vintage to muscle cars to hot rods to street rods. The Roundup also features a contest in which cars are judged in 14 separate categories. Similar to all of Golden's major summer festivals, there is live music for the adults and entertainment activities for the children. Come spend the day and peruse the retailers along Washington!
For something lighter, consider Movies and Music in the Park. Thrice during August Golden presents a free evening at Parfet Park (10th and Washington) featuring live music and a feature-length film. On Aug. 5 the Clam Daddys will precede "How to Train Your Dragon." On Aug. 12, Jonny Barber vs. The Living Deads warms up the crowd for "Back to the Future," and on Aug. 19 The Resonatorz precede "Voyage of the Dawn Treader." Families are encouraged to bring and enjoy a picnic. Also, weekends this summer (May 28 to Sept. 4), bring the kids to Dino Days at Dinosaur Ridge (16831 W. Alameda Parkway) on Saturdays and Sundays. The free sessions educate the whole family about the vast prehistoric fossils that earned the area its name, and includes a puppet show and storytime.
Finding unique things to do in Colorado really isn't hard! Take a look at the great calendar of events this summer in Golden, CO. Located just outside of Denver, Golden offers unique dining and great events throughout the summer. Visit us soon!
Sep/100
Swans: Boutique Victoria BC Hotel
When looking for a perfect vacation spot, look no further than Swans, a Victoria BC hotel that is located in the heart of Victoria's famous waterfront shopping and entertainment district. Whether you are on a business trip or a family vacation, Swans-- Victoria's Boutique Art Hotel-- will make your stay an enjoyable one.
Built in 1913, this Victoria hotel still holds the charm of the original building. The high ceilings are accentuated by open beams and skylights, and guests can view the historic waterfront from balconies or terraces. Each suite contains a fully-equipped kitchen and is tastefully decorated-- blending together new and old-world styles. If you don't feel like cooking on your vacation, the Wild Saffron Bistro and Swans Brewpub, both located downstairs, can take care of that for you.
Swans is the Victoria BC hotel that is not only well known for its beautiful flowers, but for its expansive artwork collection as well. The interior is decorated with over 1600 paintings, sculptures, antiques and furniture. The unique appointments of each suite are not only lovely to look at, but also work to create an comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
Want to stay a little longer? With its great weekly or monthly rates, Swans is an easy Victoria hotel to call "home". There is complimentary local newspaper delivery straight to your door, a free movie/DVD library, coin-operated laundry and extended-stay housekeeping services. Extended-stay guests will enjoy each month a complimentary continental breakfast as well as a free three-course meal at the Wild Saffron Bistro.
For a luxurious Victoria hotel experience, try out Swans' Penthouse Suite, which was the winner of Canadian Event Perspective Magazine's 2005 award for "Best Intimate Space". It's the perfect space for cocktail parties, business conferences, or wedding receptions. The Penthouse possesses 3000 square feet of bliss, including six balconies and a large rooftop patio with amazing view of the city and beyond.
Whether you plan on staying for a night or twelve, Swans is the Victoria BC hotel that you will be delighted to call your "home away from home".
If you're looking for Victoria BC hotel accommodations, read this piece profiling a unique historic Victoria hotel, Swans.
Jul/100
Take Home A Taste Of Australia As A Holiday Souvenir
There are a lot of incredibly different experiences that span the entire coast of Australia and several of them are located in the wonderful Sunshine Coast. There are 2 elements that generally impress visitors the most when they visit for the first time and those things are the incredible selection of foods and fine dining experiences spread throughout the coast and obviously, the amazing variety of beaches.
If you intend on visiting this region, for the first, second, or even the third time you will probably still be astonished at all that you're yet to see and experience and a lot of travelers decide that they want to learn a little bit more regarding the tastes and culture that ties this unique region together. There are quite a few cooking classes of which vacationers can take in while visiting the Sunshine Coast that will make it possible for you to carry home not merely a bit of culture but the fine dining atmosphere as well.
The Spirit House delivers a spectacular Asian Cooking Class, the thought of which will make your mouth water. You will learn the tips to working with a mortar and pestle to whip up some spicy pastes or tangy sauces for the perfect addition to a lot of the outstanding rice and pasta dishes you prepare. You will learn not only to produce some extraordinary Thai dishes but will also find that you'll learn a little relating to fusion cooking along with the preparation of Middle Eastern spices. Wok cooking is as well something in which they teach and will teach you how to utilize your Wok appropriately when cooking up dishes for a fancy Asian get together. You are going to find that even if you're an excellent cook there is still a lot you can learn about international cooking at the Spirit House.
The Blue Angel is another place that presents a range of cooking classes to those who would like to learn how to cook like a professional. This exceptional waterfront restaurant creates the wonderful environment to come and learn all you can about the tastes and dishes of the region. Since Australia is such a melting pot you'll not just learn how to whip up some Aussie faves but will also learn about seafood meals and those with a bit more Asian and Parisian twist.
There's a whole lot to take in while you visit the Sunshine Coast, however you will definitely want to take a few hours out of your busy schedule to press in a cooking class while visiting. It is the finest souvenir that you are able to take home with you from your Sunshine Coast holiday......the capability to cook foreign delicacies like a professional.
There are many sunshine coast resorts for you to select from for your upcoming vacation. To find a complete list of Sunshine Coast Hotels log onto www.www.sunshinecoastinformation.com.au.
Oct/090
Deer Valley Resort has Fantastic Fine Dining Options
Ski holidays are no longer the rough and tumble experience common in the 1970s and 80s. Now ski resorts spanning Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado are in a competition to build the top ski vacation experience.
The last ten years have brought continual growth to the size of resort facilities, on mountain services, shopping, and dining. While there are many top quality ski destinations; Vail Resort in Vail, Colorado and Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT consistently earn the #1 and #2 spots as reviewed by Ski Magazine readers. Deer Valley Resort has earned the top position in 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
To continually hold the #1 position in the Ski Magazine survey, Deer Valley focuses on its restaurant experience, on mountain services, and well groomed ski trails. Deer Valley is widely known to have the best food in the ski business but it does not just stop with lunch. The resort converts its opulent ski lodges into upscale restaurants every night during the winter season. Every night the staff redecorates with such skill you can hardly notice that you are dining in the same lodge you had lunch earlier in the day.
Deer Valley Fireside Dining is held in the Empire Canyon Lodge and features a Swiss menu of alpine cuisine served fireside. The Seafood Buffet located in the Snow Park Lodge offers all types of fresh seafood including sushi, prawns, shrimp, crab legs, and even duck and prime rib. The flagship Mariposa Restaurant serves continental cuisine and is located in the Silver Lake Lodge at mid-mountain.
Park City has also added many fine dining establishments as well as hundreds of new top notch ski accommodations. The modern traveler demands a decidedly improved experience than the traditional ski holiday lodging options and restaurants were able to provide.
As a result of the shift to a more discerning traveler, area restaurants have responded by providing sophisticated dining experiences worthy of the most distinguished palate. There are several restaurants in close proximity to Deer Valley Resort that receive high ratings though distinguished rating agencies such as Mobile, Michelin, Zagat, and AAA.
Although there are many excellent Deer Valley dining options, my favorite choice is the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant which is tucked away in the Austrian inspired Goldener Hirsch Inn. The Stein Eriksen Lodge has arguably one of the best restaurants in the country with its Glitretind Restaurant. The Glitretind is also famous for its daily Skiers Lunch Buffet during the ski season.
Living up to its #1 ski resort reputation, Deer Valley Resort certainly will not disappoint. No matter what your personal preference you will definitely be able to find something to your liking both on and off the mountain. Deer Valley Resort is definitely worth a closer examination. Two thumbs up!
Robin Rutecki lives in Park City UT with her family and has been working as a professional travel writer for over 16 years. Robin recommends this website for information on Deer Valley dining and Deer Valley Resort.
Sep/090
Fine Dining with Children – What You Need To Know
Dining at a luxury restaurant is a wonderful way to relax and have great wine and food. Many parents have concerns about taking their children to a fine dining restaurant. Below are a number of tips to help make your fine dining experience with children pleasurable and not embarrassing.
1. If you have made a reservation several days or a week before, you can practice good behavior and manners with your children at home. Help them learn to say thank you, and please. Use positive reinforcement techniques. As well, if they are old enough, you will have to teach them to use cutlery and drink a beverage without spilling it. As well, if they are old enough, you can teach them how to properly order food. When you reserve a table, ask for a corner table for privacy.
2. When you arrive and park at the restaurant, it is time to have one more gentle and positive talk about how the children are to behave. Explain that they cannot yell, scream, and run around at the restaurant. Remind them that they have to consider the other people dining.
3. It can be a real hassle and distraction taking children to the restroom at a fine dining restaurant. Before you arrive, make sure the children have gone to the restroom.
4. When most people attend a fine dining restaurant, for example, a restaurant in Ottawa, it tends to be between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This can be very late for children who may get hungry and cranky. Bring some snacks such as carrots or apple pieces for them to munch on while waiting for the main meal. While you are waiting for your meal, have some activity books such as crossword puzzles or coloring books to keep them occupied. Include the children in the table conversation. You can also ask your server for some bread or crackers for the children. To make ordering faster and easier, make sure you know what your children like and don't have them experiment with new or spicy foods.
5. Children are curious and love to pick things up and put them in their mouths. Keep candles, sugar packets, cutlery such as knives and forks, and flower displays out of their reach. For very young children, take along a bib, bottles or a child's special sippy cup for drinking. Use high chairs safely.
6. When the meal arrives, look after the children first. Cut the meal up in small pieces for better eating. Make sure you have ordered the beverage to come with the meal. When the children are finished, ask the server to take their plates out of the way. If your children are anxious, skip dessert.
7. Very young children do not like to sit for a long period of time. Once everyone has finished eating, it may be a good time to leave. Older children will be able to sit for a certain period of time before they start getting fidgety and want to leave.
8. Be patient and try not to let small incidents bother you. Children can pick up on frustration.
Fine dining is a wonderful way to spend the evening. When taking children to an elegant restaurant, you greatly improve the chances of having a successful meal without any unpleasant incidents by planning ahead.
Aug/090
Chicago’s Pump Room Restaurant Jumping Once Again
Long a hangout of A-list celebrities, the Pump Room Restaurant in Chicago is still 'hopping' in the 21st century. The restaurant, memorialized in Frank Sinatra's classic "Chicago", was one of the first high level restaurants to open in Chicago after the Prohibition era. The eatery has seen countless celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan, John Barrymore and countless others. For a while, it's luster faded somewhat as the dining scene in Chicago led by Charlie Trotter passed it by.
Ernie Blyfield opened the Pump Room in the Ambassador East Hotel in late 1938. He took the name from an 18th century London pub favored by celebrities and nobility, including Queen Anne. The original pub got its name from the hot drinks pumped into the cocktails of its stylish clientele.
Blyfied's Chicago Pump Room took off immediately, and its most sought after table--'Booth 1' may have been the most desired spot of any dining establishment in the country for a time. Booth 1 was occupied by Sinatra and cronies like Jilly Rizzo, Judy Garland and daughter Liza Minnelli, Clark Gable, John Barrymore as well as Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
After Blyfield's death in 1950, the Pump Room lived on as a Chicago hot spot and welcomed a new era of big names including Mel Brooks, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Eddie Murphy. One of the most famous stories surrounding the club involves former Genesis drummer Phil Collins, who was refused entry for not wearing a jacket. This inspired the title of his next album 'No Jacket Required' which has sold over 14 million copies worldwide and established Collins as a solo superstar. Following its release, the Pump Room sent Collins an apology--and an appropriate jacket for him to wear on his next visit.
Since being purchased by the Dallas Restaurant Group in the late 1990s, things are hopping again, however. With the extremely talented chef Martial Noguier at the helm (who has worked in the kitchen of a number of Frances most renown chefs), and a $2 million dollar restoration of the facilities, the Pump Room is back among the rarefied heights of Chicagos best restaurants. Though the flaming food served on a sword that was the Pump Room trademark during its golden era is sadly absent (due to city fire codes), the menu is now up to snuff serving Noguiers sophisticated interpretation of classic American cuisine. In addition to the revamped cuisine, the Pump Room upgraded its wine offering and expanded the bar area.
Current Executive Chef Nick Sutton has continued the restaurant's tradition of excellence. The big draw of the Pump Room, however, remains the amazing sense of history that the dining room offers. The realization that a who's who of civilized American culture from Bogart and Clark Gable to Sinatra and Jackie Gleason broke bread in the room is a pretty amazing vibe. The good news is that the Pump Room again offers the quality of food and service worthy of such icons, and is a victory for culinary excellence amid the national infestation of mediocre chain restaurants.