Cathy Valentine discovers

The Magazine for Metro Birmingham Living

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Living in or visiting Birmingham Alabama - a must is this New Publication -
< bmetro the Magazine for Metro Birmingham
This new magazine has attracted the attention of locals - as well as the national media.

To quote them " Fergus Media is a publisher of print, custom, and digital media. Its
focus is on creating high-quality products that tell great stories.
The company also publishes a monthly city magazine in Birmingham that
reflects the best of the city through fascinating stories about the
region’s most interesting people.

b-metro is a new media vehicle in Birmingham. It combines the best of
upscale print magazines and online media by creating a symbiotic
relationship between the magazine and the online community, utilizing
the web to involve the reader in the magazine’s content."

Spring Fling in Texas Hill Country

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Hill Country Newsletter - April 2009

Texas in Bloom

Spring in the Texas Hill Country is alive with the colorful beauty of native Texas wildflowers and the heavenly scent of the many lavender fields. Perched atop a hill with magnificent views, it is easy to see why Marriott selected this site for its newest resort, slated to open in February 2010. As construction of the property continues, Hill Country residents are busy too preparing for the many spring celebrations of the area.

The Texas Hill Country region more resembles the hills of Provence than the tumbleweed-strewn deserts of familiar western iconography. The sunny, mild climate of the Texas Hill Country and its topography provide ideal conditions for growing lavender. There are many lavender farms throughout the area providing organic lavender and lavender products to visitors and residents. May and June are peak blooming months, and visitors travel annually to walk through the fields, pick their own bouquets and even sample the unique flavoring of the plant in delicious recipes brought over from France.

Adding more beauty to the Texas landscape each spring are nearly 5,000 species of wildflowers. Black-eyed Susans, Red Poppies and Indian Paintbrushes flood the countryside with bold colors and textures visible across the state. Most prominent this time of year is the Bluebonnet – a flower so beautiful and abundant during the spring that in 1901 the Texas Legislature chose it as the state floral emblem.

The Texas landscape plays an important role in the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Not only will native wildflowers be present in the intricate landscape of the property, but their rich colors are also being used throughout the interior of the resort. The deep reds and golds will be seen in the fabrics, and images of wildflower fields will be a part of the resort’s collection of art, which includes many works from local artisans. In the spa, both the colorful blooms and the lavender essence will play an important role not only in the décor but in the unique treatments offered.

Spring Flings

A visit to the Texas Hill Country each spring offers many lavender and wildflower celebrations, all within a 30-45 minute scenic drive from the new JW Marriott resort.

Wildseed Farms’ Annual Wildflower Celebration, Fredericksburg, TX, April Walk through fields of beautiful wildflowers and select your own bouquet in the “You Pick ‘Em” section as you enjoy live music and food from the Chuck Wagon Gang.

Becker Vineyards 11th Annual Lavender Festival, Stonewall, TX, May 16 & 17 Becker’s three acres of lavender will be the setting for a festival that will feature speakers and vendors promoting lavender education as well as gardening tips, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and luncheons.

Fifth Annual Blanco Lavender Festival, Blanco, TX, June 12-14. The entire town of Blanco will be bathed in lavender during the festival as the town square hosts a lavender market and local restaurants will serve lavender dishes. Surrounding lavender farms will also be hosting tours, lectures and other entertainment.

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa opens in February of 2010. Located north of San Antonio yet convenient to the airport, the resort provides easy access to all the attractions of the Hill Country region.

Guests who thought they had “been there, done that” in San Antonio will have a whole new destination to experience, and they can do so in the style of luxury guests have come to expect from the world-renowned JW Marriott brand.

Stay tuned for more news from the Texas Hill Country brought to you by the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

First Annual Wine and Cheese Festival -April 18, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:43:00 +0000

We visited this winery in Dec and loved their special wines.
Come out on Saturday
First Annual Wine and Cheese Festival - Tehuacana Creek Vineyards and Winery
On Saturday April 18th we team up with Texas Cheese House from Lorena for our First Annual Wine and Cheese Festival. Scott Simon, the owner and cheese maker at Texas Cheese House will be in our tasting room for you to sample and purchase the cheeses of your choice. Texas Cheese House is dedicated to the principle that excellent cheese is manufactured in Texas. They carry Texas Artisan cheese from a number of Texas producers. Texas Cheese House also makes their own cheddar cheese.
Please visit us on April 18th from 10 AM to 6 PM. You can taste all our wines and Scott's cheeses for free in the tasting room. Our porch is open for you to enjoy cheese, wine, and home baked bread.

for additional info about the Cheese Shop in Lorena Tx visit
http://texascheesehouse.com/index.html

Ulf Westblom
Tehuacana Creek Vineyards and Winery

March 29 - Waco - McLennan Public Library - 2-4 Green Energy & Green Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:14:00 +0000

GrreeeN Eneerrgyy//Grreeen Jobs Caampaiign tto Ressccue our Ecconomy
MoveOn is launching a massive grassroots campaign for Green Energy and Green Jobs.
By working with environmentalists and community members across the country, we can
build the huge groundswell of public pressure that it will take to transform our economy.

SIGN UP HERE: http://www.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=92622

This Campaign is based, in part, on Van Jones’ call (www.GreenforAll.org) to solve two
crises, global warming and poverty, through the creation of:
1. 5 million green jobs – ALL of them LIVING WAGE JOBS that cannot be exported
and that include training and career ladders
2. 100% clean electricity within 10 years
Through this campaign we are committed to creating many of those job opportunities in
Texas and to partnering with groups who have legislative initiatives at the State level - as
well as at the national level.
AGENDA:
Video Introduction
Panel of Local Experts followed by Q&A
Break out Groups to work on:
Events
Outreach
Grassroots Media
Shadowing Representatives/Senators
Local Research
Waco Environmental Groups may contact Bruce Allen at allenbw2@sbcglobal.net or
Debbie McMahon at astrodeb@hot.rr.com about participation. SIGN UP TODAY:

http://www.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=92622 COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER

Easter Festivities-The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:40:00 +0000

For all of you near San Francisco - this looks like the place to be on Easter Sunday. Received this and thought you might be interested in attending:

Easter Sunday, April 12, is set to be a memorable day at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, with holiday highlights to include annual Easter Brunch in The Terrace Restaurant, the hotel’s popular children’s Easter Egg hunt and petting zoo, and Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge.

Sunday, April 12, 2009 – HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Easter Brunch Buffet in The Terrace Restaurant

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adults $98, children five to 12 years of age $49, plus tax and gratuity

Chef Jacob Anaya presents a spectacular buffet brunch featuring a selection of seafood, salads, hand-carved meats, a build-your-own omelet station, cheeses, seasonal fruits, selection of European-inspired desserts, and more. A jazz trio entertains.

Children’s Petting Zoo

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Young guests can visit with long-eared bunnies, baby chicks and ducklings or participate in complimentary Easter Egg Hunts at noon and 2 p.m. Reserved for guests dining or staying at the hotel.

Afternoon Tea in The Lobby Lounge

1 to 4:30 p.m.

The hotel offers an afternoon of elegance with a cup of fine imported tea and savory tea fare. A jazz-to-classics harpist entertains.

Reservations are required for holiday dining events and are available at 415-773-6198 or 415-296-7465 (cancellation policy applies). For room and package reservations, please call (800) 241-3333, visit www.ritzcarlton.com or contact a travel professional.

Celebrate Ireland on St. Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:58:00 +0000

received this in an email and thought you might enjoy learning about this -

70 million people worldwide claim Irish heritage and the St. Patrick's Festival is their opportunity to celebrate Ireland. Streets of cities across the world are filled with those out to enjoy the special day. Yet, in the homeland of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t just last one day, the celebration goes on for five!

Those in Ireland enjoy a five day feast of street theatre, music, dance, carnivals, fireworks, food, treasure hunts, film and a parade through the city center of Dublin for hundreds of thousands. Featuring newly commissioned, original and inventive street theater troupes, artists, puppetry, dancers and marching bands from all over the world, this parade is just one of the highlights of the celebration.

For more on St. Patrick’s Day festival in Ireland, please visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie. You can also find a video highlighting the festival at
http://inr.mediaseed.tv/Ireland 36373/ please copy and paste into your browser

free event today, Monday, March 16, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Be on the lookout for the Sargento Smart Snack Squad today at Pier 39 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate National Nutrition Month, they will be passing out free samples of Sargento cheese snacks like String Cheese and Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Sticks.
San Francisco California

Celebrate Spring with Chocolate from The Lisa Ekus Group

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:11:00 +0000

With the arrival of spring bringing Easter, Mothers’ Day, and a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, the season is ripe for creating and sharing sweet moments with family and friends. And what would a celebration be without chocolate? Chocolate for Breakfast by Barbara Passino (The Gerald & Marc Hoberman Collection; February 2009; hardcover/$40.00; ISBN: 978-1-919939-55-1) allows us to indulge our chocolate fantasies with rich, creative recipes and menus, perfect for an Easter brunch, Mother’s Day breakfast, or just because.

“Chocolate has always been my passion, ever since I was a baby and my mother gave me a chocolate brownie as a bribe,” says Passino. “When I would visit my Aunt Johnny , she and I would share a secret ritual, tiptoeing down to the kitchen in the morning for a secret breakfast of brownies from the night before. That’s where I got the idea of having chocolate for breakfast.”

It was these loving memories that prompted Barbara to create the signature menus and recipes that she serves daily at her famous Oak Knoll Inn in California’s Napa Valley. Chocolate for Breakfast is a collection of Barbara’s passion-filled creations, techniques, philosophies and anecdotes, all presented in more than 100 easy-to-follow recipes that allow home cooks everywhere to start new breakfast rituals with their families. Menus with a chocolate twist showcase culinary influences from around the world, creating unique meals for family gatherings or to make any day special.

Barbara has organized recipes into chapters such as North of Southwest, Asian Persuasion, The French Connection, Moroccan Excursion, Valentine’s Day Decadence, Recipe for a Perfect Night’s Sleep, and All-American, making it simple to find a recipe or menu to fit any mood or occasion.

Recipes that use wonderful and fresh spring ingredients include:

· Lacey Singapore Omelet made with spring vegetables

· Triple Threat Chocolate Muffins baked in flower pots

· Spring Frittata

· Herbed Scrambled Eggs over Roasted Portabello Mushrooms

· Chocolate-filled Gazelle Horns served with Tajine of Eggs Baked with Summer Vegetables

· Chocolate Truffle Fritters with Cherry Sauce

· Chocolate Omelet with Blueberries in a Pinot Noir Sauce

· Chocolate Strawberry Dumpling

Barbara says to enjoy the season's fresh strawberries for Easter, followed by an Easter basket for grown-ups, both recipes from her book:

· Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake, followed by

· Eggs in a nest

For Mother's Day she suggests recipes that are so easy that the children can help with the cooking and so tasty that they will gladly eat:

· Baked Eggs with

· Triple Chocolate Muffins baked in a flowerpot

Barbara has also provided a list of Resources so even those who live in produce-deprived areas can find all of the items needed to create her recipes.

Start creating your own family traditions this spring with Chocolate for Breakfast!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara Passino is the proprietor/chef of Oak Knoll Inn, a luxurious, intimate inn nestled amidst rows of grapevines in Napa Valley, California’s Wine Country. Her decadent breakfasts have become California legend and attract visitors from all over the world. In the midst of her 15 years in the world of finance, Barbara took time to study with master chef Marcella Hazan in Venice. Eager to learn about other cultures through the role of food in daily life, Barbara combined travel with the study of cooking and was inspired to turn her passion into a full-time dream-come-true: Barbara and her husband John bought the Oak Knoll Inn in 1992. All of this culminates in the greatest breakfasts imaginable.

ABOUT OAK KNOLL INN

Surrounded by 600 acres of vineyards, slowly drifting hot-air balloons and magnificent sunrises, Oak Knoll Inn is the perfect setting for a slow-paced, life-changing feast that Barbara likes to call breakfast. Guests from around the world return year-after-year to dine on Barbara’s latest culinary creations. Critics have delighted in the Oak Knoll experience, frequently describing it as Napa’s most romantic and luxurious bed and breakfast. Mornings at Oak Knoll start with breakfast that can be enjoyed in front of a crackling fire or out on the sunny deck. Every evening, Oak Knoll hosts a wine and cheese party, often with a visiting winemaker. A refreshing splash in the swimming pool in the morning and a soothing dip in the Jacuzzi at night are the perfect way to start and end the day. And, the secluded setting of Oak Knoll Inn belies the wonderful fact that some of Napa's best known wineries and renowned restaurants are just minutes away.

More information on Barbara Passino and Oak Knoll Inn is available at www.OakKnollInn.com www.OakKnollInn.com

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Must be on a chocolate bing -

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE 4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 large coffee mug
1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) A small splash of vanilla extract
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes. (1000 watt microwave)
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous)
This is the most dangerous recipe in the world!
Because now you are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Choclatique/San Francisco Chocolate Salon

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:42:00 +0000

We can not wait to attend this event - Who does not love Chocolate -

We received this press release from Choclatique and thought you might enjoy learning more about the company and their products:

Choclatique, the award-winning, gourmet chocolatier of the year will be featured at the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon on March 21, 2009. The salon is designed to showcase a selection of the finest gourmet and premium and artisan chocolates in the country and this will mark Choclatique’s first year at the Northern California event.
Choclatique will be sampling and selling their all-new Elephant chocolate, a seriously strong chocolate, 76% high in cacao mass. The company will also be sampling and selling their Hot, Hot Cocoa; Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie and Root Beer Float chocolates. Guests of the show will be able to meet Ed Engoron and Joan Vieweger, co-founders of Choclatique, ask questions, and purchase an array of wonderful chocolate selections.
“The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon will give visitors the opportunity to sample some of our Authentically American chocolates,” says Ed Engoron, co-founder of Choclatique. “We are proud to be a part of the show and share our unforgettable creations with chocolate lovers.”
Besides experiencing and indulging in the Choclatique samples, visitors will be able to purchase their award-winning Decadent Desserts Assortment (All-American dessert favorites) and Spring Assortment (the flavors of spring all dressed up in 24 karat gold), as well as their amazing Crunchy Chocolate Double-Drizzled Almonds & Nibs.
Choclatique chocolates are available for purchase online and in upscale retail locations. For more information, please visit www.choclatique.com. For more information on the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon and to buy tickets please visit: www.sfchocolatesalon.com.

###
About Choclatique:
Choclatique is a privately owned, super-premium chocolate company founded in 2003 by Ed Engoron and Joan Vieweger. Hand-crafted in their Southern California Chocolate Studios by professional artists and chocolatier, Choclatique provides over 150 *Authentically American premium chocolate confections, from traditional to whimsical, to secretly savor or share with those you love. Choclatique assortments are available high-end boutiques, 5-star hotels and clubs and online at www.choclatique.com.

*Authentically American means great American chocolate flavor thrills made by Americans in their Southern California Chocolate Studios; their premium cacao beans are roasted, processed and refined in Northern California; they use Hawaiian-grown cacao beans in selected items; their proprietary all-natural flavors are made in Southern, California; their packaging is made and printed in Texas; their specialty molds and equipment come from New York. They’re proud to be American and support the US economy.

Review: Sampled a Champagne Truffle - It was fantastic - after consuming the sample I googled the internet for information about how to eat dark chocolate. I found the following that gave very definite instructions:

Find a location free from background noise and smell , such as television, music, a crying baby, road traffic noise, talkative friends etc. Being able to concentrate as intently as possible will facilitate flavor detection.
Clear your palate. This means that your mouth should not contain residual flavors from a previous meal. Eat a wedge of apple or piece of bread if necessary. This is crucial in order to taste the subtleties of chocolate's complex flavor.
Make sure that the piece of chocolate is large enough to accommodate full evolution of the flavor profile. A piece too small may not allow you to detect every subtle nuance as the chocolate slowly melts. The important thing to remember is that flavor notes gradually evolve and unfold on the tongue rather than open up in one large package. So remember, don't think small here. 10g should be a minimum starting point.
Allow the chocolate to rest at room temperature before tasting. Cold temperatures will hinder your ability to detect the flavors. Some even advise that you rub the chocolate briefly between your fingers to coax the flavor. This procedure is optional.
Look at the chocolate. The surface should be free of blemishes such as white marks (called bloom). Observe the color and manufacturer's job at molding and tempering. Does the chocolate appear to have been crafted carefully or slovenly? The bar should have a radiant sheen. Chocolate comes in a multifarious brown rainbow with various tints, such as pinks, purples, reds, and oranges. What do you see?
Break the piece in half. It should resonate with a resounding "SNAP!" and exhibit a fine gradient along the broken edge. This is quality stuff!
Smell the chocolate, especially at the break point. The aroma is an important component of flavor. Inhaling will prime the tongue for the incoming chocolate. It also gives you a chance to pick up the various nuances of the aroma.
Place the chocolate on the tongue and allow it to arrive at body temperature. Let it melt. Chew it only to break it into small enough pieces that it begins to melt on its own. After all, we're tasting and not eating! This step is crucial, for it allows the cocoa butter to distribute evenly in the mouth, which mutes any astringencies or bitterness in the chocolate.
Observe the taste and texture. As the chocolate melts, concentrate on the flavors that are enveloping your tongue. Melting will release more volatile compounds for you to smell. Close your eyes, take notes, enjoy this moment of bliss, and bask in contentment. Texture can be the most obvious clue about the quality of a chocolate. Low quality chocolates will have a grainy almost cement-like texture.
Now the chocolate is nearing its finish. How has the flavor evolved? Is the chocolate bitter? Heavy? Light? Was the texture smooth or grainy? Do any changes in texture and flavor occur? Take note of how the chocolate leaves the palate. Is there a strong reminder lingering in your mouth, or does it quickly vanish? Note any metallic or unpleasant flavors in the finish. This is a sign of stale or lower quality chocolate.
Repeat the process with a different chocolate. The comparison will highlight the subtle flavor notes in each chocolate. Be sure to cleanse your palate thoroughly before tasting each different chocolate.
In a nutshell, find your "happy place," listen to it break, stare at it, smell it, and then eat the chocolate very slowly instead of eating the bar quickly.

Recommend that you visit www.choclatique.com ( copy and paste into your browser) www.choclatique.com

SAN FRANCISCO DEBUTS PREMIERE; INTERACTIVE URBAN FOOD AND WINE WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:12:00 +0000

Celebrating Chefs, Wine and Spirits Over Four Days and Nights
Extraordinary Culinary, Wine and Spirits Classes, Tastings and Events
August 6 To 9, 2009 On Union Square
March 6th 2009 – San Francisco, CA: SF Chefs. Food. Wine. announces the debut of the annual premiere interactive urban food and wine weekend experience planned for August 6 to 9th, 2009 in San Francisco. Set in the epicenter of culinary innovation, SF Chefs will highlight the local talent, regional ingredients and Northern Californian flair of this city by the Bay during four days of tastings, classes, dinners, and events. During the weekend, a tented tasting pavilion will be housed on the historic Union Square, with culinary, wine and cocktail classes and events held at The Westin St. Francis Hotel.
“San Francisco is an international destination for food and wine, and with SF Chefs we will showcase our breed of innovative creators, from chefs to artisan producers, in a series of interactive tastings and events,” stated Kevin Westlye of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association the founder of the event. The Bay area’s proximity to the wine country, farms and Pacific Ocean, “Continues to inspire me and those who cook here,” said James Beard Award winning Delfina chef Craig Stoll. The four-day schedule of speakers, programs and events will be announced in March, and they will including numerous James Beard award winners and the nation’s top wine producers. The programs planned include morning and afternoon demonstrations, chats and sips; mid-day tastings and demonstrations in the pavilion; evening galas and dinners; and several free community classes on Sunday. Tickets will be released in April and will include weekend packages, event tickets and day passes.
For 16 years in a row, Conde Nast Traveler, due to San Francisco’s high restaurant score, has awarded the city “The best city to visit in US.”
Dates: Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9th, 2009. [Possible extension through Monday, August 10th for wine country getaways or tours.]
Website: http://www.sfchefsfoodwine.com/
Founder: Golden Gate Restaurant Association, 70 year old organization with over 900 independently owned and operated restaurants.
Attendees: 3,600 over the weekend
Tickets and travel packages: Will be released in April
Location: On Union Square, San Francisco plus locations off of Union Square including restaurants and hotels.
Presenting sponsor: Visa Signature is the presenting sponsor.
Hotel Sponsor: The Westin St. Francis Hotel
Media sponsors: Gourmet, Epicurious and San Francisco Magazine/Modern Luxury and San Francisco Magazine. Sponsors: Macy’s is a retail partner, OpenTable.com is the restaurant reservations partner and PG&E is the green energy partner.
Community Supporters: San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom , San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, Union Square Association, The Hotel Council of San Francisco, Sonoma Valley Vintners, California Tourism and Travel Commission.
Charity partners: to be announced
Chefs, Wine & Spirits Advisory Council: Joey Altman, Chris Cosentino, Gary Danko, David Gingrass, Traci Des Jardins, Elizabeth Falkner, Tyler Florence, Robert Helstrom, Bruce Hill, Adrian Hoffman, Hubert Keller, Emily Luchetti, Michael Mina, Roland Passot, Daniel Patterson, Charles Phan, Leslie Sbrocco, Annie Somerville, Craig Stoll, Joanne Weir, Laura Werlin, Emily Wines, Arnold Eric Wong and Martin Yan.
Visa Signature® is the presenting sponsor. From benefits that save time to benefits that help to safeguard purchases, Visa Signature helps cardholders get the most out of life. In addition to a choice of numerous airline, hotel and other premium reward partners, cardholders enjoy access to around-the-clock complimentary concierge services; epicurean events and reservations at the hottest restaurants; premium merchant offers; and access to exclusive events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl and the Tony Awards, as well as preferred access and seating at local sporting events, concerts and movie screenings. Visa Signature cardholders receive special perks and savings at SF Chefs.Food.Wine.
ABOUT SF CHEFS. FOOD. WINE.
SF CHEFS. FOOD. WINE is the premiere interactive urban food and wine weekend experience set in the epicenter of culinary innovation – celebrating local talent, regional ingredients and Northern Californian flair. More information can be found at http://www.sfchefsfoodwine.com/.

The Betsy Hotel Grand Opening in South Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:31:00 +0000

Received this info and thought you might want to know about this one:

wanted to let you know about a distinguished landmark hotel in South Beach set for a grand opening! The address is 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Betsy, is scheduled to open its doors this March on famed Ocean Drive in South Beach, and will set a new benchmark in understated luxury. The total renovation retains the elegant Florida Georgian façade while showcasing a new and refreshing interior. Its imposing floor to ceiling windows, stretching across the hotel’s expansive façade, allow for natural light to flow through the lobby, while revealing a tropical colonial décor obtained with wooden antique shutters, potted palms and Ivory colored Fortuny Sheherazade chandeliers. Through the vision of Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro, who respectively count Ralph Lauren’s private residence and Bulgari retail stores as some of their crowing achievements, The Betsy Hotel comes alive.

Each Betsy Hotel’s 64 rooms and suites offer an airy sanctuary achieved with crisp white rooms accentuated by one of four different nature-inspired color schemes: fields of lavender in Provence, sunbathed Tuscan ochre, vibrant red coral, and fresh Spring green. For additional texture, Raffia covered ceilings, headboards and chairs lend an additional air of refinement and grace to every room. RATES: Room rates range from $400 to $750 nightly. Suites range from $1,110 to $4,000 nightly.

I’ve included additional materials and special offers available at The Betsy for your consideration. But should you have any questions, please visit http://www.thebetsyhotel.com/

Betsy Special Offers
Grand Opening Promotion
4/01/09-04/30/09 Book 2 nights and enjoy one complimentary evening, 7 days advance reservation is required and full deposit will be taken upon booking.

Spring Awakening
4/01/09-6/20/09 Enjoy a one night stay midweek with a continental breakfast for two, 7 days advance reservation is required and full deposit will be taken upon booking.

Cool Breaks in South Beach
6/1/09-9/30/09 Book three nights and enjoy a complimentary night, 7 days advance reservation is required and full deposit will be taken upon booking.

A TRIP OF A LAUGHTIME IN MONTREAL!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:25:00 +0000

Every summer, Montreal comes alive when Just For Laughs - The Montreal International Comedy Festival takes the city by storm. Taking place from July 16 to 26, 2009 the festival is the place for the funniest most hilarious, most entertaining and most original comedy the world has to offer.

The Festival consists of 1,700 of comedy's most talented artists, with 1,250 of them participating in FREE outdoor activities suitable for the entire family!

Our exclusive indoor shows feature side-splitting comedy performed by the most talented comics from around the world, while our one-of-a-kind Gala series showcases Hollywood's superstars. Previous performers include Tina Fey, Russel Brand, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, Craig Ferguson, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Chis Rock, Kelly Ripa, Howie Mandel, Joan Rivers and the legendary John Cleese - to name a few!

SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGES

Just For Laughs is offering some unbeatable ticket deals ranging from one day to full week ticket packages. Prices range from $ 199 CAD to $859 CAD per person. For full details visit: www.hahaha.com/packages

All packages include:
- A personalized greeting and superior assistance throughout your stay
- Privileged access to tickets - get the best seats in each category, as well as our personal guarantee that you have reserved seats even if the show is sold out!
- A three-course dinner including a complimentary cocktail and a half bottle of wine.
- An access pass to our exclusive the Club Charlot lounge (for comedians and VIP only)
- An official Just For Laughs souvenir t-shirt

SPECIAL HOTEL DEALS AVAILABLE TO FESTIVAL VISITORS

Prices are based on double occupancy
Canadian taxes, continental breakfast and a Festival souvenir is included

Hotel Price
Hotel Lord Berri (3 Stars) Starting at $132 CAD per night
Hotel Suites Labelle (3 Stars) Starting at $139 CAD per night
Hotel Le Dauphin (3 Stars) Starting at $172 CAD per night
Auberge Le Pomerol (4 Stars) Starting at $166 CAD per night
Marriott Springhill Suites (4 Stars) Starting at $242 CAD per night

For more information on Just for Laughs Festival shows and travel packages, please contact the tourism department by email at tourism@hahaha.com or by phone at 1 888 244-3155 ext. 2.

Full Festival programming will be available soon…STAY TUNED

What: V-Day’s “Turning Pain to Power Tour’ featuring Dr. Denis Mukwege of the DRC in Conversation with Eve Ensler

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Valentine) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:24:00 +0000

This is just too important to ignore. I received this in an email and was asked to post it:

V-DAY BREAKS SILENCE ON CONGO’S BRUTAL RAPE CRISIS WITH FIVE-CITY ‘TURNING PAIN TO POWER TOUR’ FEATURING EVE ENSLER AND DR. DENIS MUKWEGE
The Vagina Monologues Playwright and V-Day Founder Eve Ensler Joins UN Human Rights Award-Winning Doctor in NYC, LA, SF, Atlanta and DC to Raise Awareness
New York, NY (January 14, 2009) – To combat rampant rape and mutilation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has affected hundreds of thousands of women, V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls, announced today a tour to raise urgent new awareness of the DRC crisis. The five-city ‘Turning Pain to Power Tour’ will take place this February, making stops in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Washington, DC.
Events on the tour will feature Dr. Denis Mukwege, founder of the DRC’s PANZI Hospital in Bukavu, and playwright/V-Day founder Eve Ensler. Honored by the UN in December 2008 for his humanitarian work, and winner of the “African of the Year Award,” Mukwege joins Ensler, the founder/artistic director of V-Day, and the award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues, in exposing femicide and the sexual torture of women in the DRC, and relaying the stories of women survivors on the ground who are coming together and breaking the silence.
During public conversations with Ensler, Dr. Mukwege will describe his experiences treating and performing life-saving fistula surgery on thousands of Congolese women and girls destroyed by unspeakable rape and mutilation. Their conversations will also explore the causes of the brutality, ways to stop the ongoing femicide, and Congo’s growing movement of women leaders.
The tour is in support of V-Day’s joint campaign with UNICEF – STOP RAPING OUR GREATEST RESOURCE: POWER TO WOMEN AND GIRLS OF THE DRC - which is exposing the devastating impact of rape on Congolese women’s health, their families and their communities; calling for specific measures to end impunity for perpetrators; economically and socially empowering women and girls to lead in the prevention of sexual violence and in the rebuilding of a country devastated by conflict; building and opening the City of Joy in conjunction with PANZI Hospital and Dr. Mukwege, a center where survivors will be provided with support to heal and training to further develop their leadership and life skills.
“What we’re seeing in the DRC is a war being enacted on the bodies of women that is conscious and intentional - it is the systematic destruction of the female population of the Congo,” said Ensler. “But after three trips to the Congo in the last eighteen months, I have seen the spirit and strength of the Congolese women translated into a burgeoning movement which is turning pain to power.”
The ‘Turning Pain to Power Tour’ has been made possible by generous support from Open Square Foundation, which is putting a strategic focus on ending violence against women in the DRC.
‘Turning Pain to Power Tour’ featuring Dr. Denis Mukwege In Conversation with Eve Ensler - Itinerary is as follows:
Wednesday, February 11, 8PM – New York, NY
Dr. Denis Mukwege In Conversation with Eve Ensler, introduced by Anne Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF
Location: 92nd Street Y - Kaufmann Concert Hall – Lexington at 92nd Street, NYC
Tickets: $27, on sale now
For tickets and more info, call 212.415.5500 or visit
http://www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T%2DLC5WL10
Saturday, February 14, 8PM – Los Angeles, CA
V-Day USC Performance of “The Vagina Monologues” with special guest speakers Eve Ensler and Dr. Denis Mukwege
Location: USC Campus, Bovard Auditorium, 3601 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles
Tickets: $18 general admission, $12 students – on sale now
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~vday/Vagina_Monologues.html
(Student tickets must be bought with an ID either from the Student Union Building 100, 9 a.m. - 5
p.m. Mon-Fri, or email: solters@usc.edu)

Wednesday, February 18, 6:30PM – Redwood City, CAThe World Affairs Council and Global Philanthropy Forum host Dr. Denis Mukwege interviewed by Eve EnslerLocation: Hotel Sofitel, Redwood CityTickets: $25 Members and Non-Members, $15 Students – on sale now
http://www.itsyourworld.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2418
Thursday, February 19, 8PM – San Francisco, CACity Arts & Lectures “Art & Politics” features Dr. Denis Mukwege interviewed by Eve EnslerLocation: Herbst Theater, San FranciscoTickets: $20, on sale nowFor tickets and more info, visit http://www.cityarts.net/n.mukwege.html Monday, February 23, 8PM – Atlanta, GADr. Denis Mukwege In Conversation with Eve EnslerLocation: The Carter CenterTickets: to be announced Wednesday, February 25 – Washington, DCDr. Denis Mukwege In Conversation with Eve Ensler Location: Howard UniversityTickets: to be announcedEvents are subject to changeFor more information about the tour and V-Day’s campaign on Democratic Republic of Congo, visit vday.org. To receive the latest tour information, sign up for V-Mail at vday.org/vmail. To read the recent The New York Times article - “Rape Victims’ Words Help Jolt Congo Into Change” October 19, 2008, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/world/africa/18congo.html?hp About V-DayV-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works. In 2008, over 4000 V-Day benefit events took place produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls. To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $60 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 10,000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses in Democratic Republic Of Congo, Haiti, Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq. V-Day was named one of Worth magazine's "100 Best Charities" in 2001 and Marie Claire’s “Top Ten Charities” in 2006. The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. http://www.vday.org