Jetsettersblog

Dining Though the Andes

The guide, cook and horsemen trek with the group, rather than having staff at the lodges. At the end of the day guests enjoy wine in a common area as the chef and kitchen crew prepare that night’s incredible meal.

The lodges are well-appointed, so the trip, while challenging, is done in high style.

The Inka Villas Urubamba are upscale villas in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Each comes with a Quechua woman from the local village trained to cater to up market travelers.

After determining the guests’ choice for dinner from among Peruvian specialties, she visits the market and then shows how to prepare the dishes.

Those not interested in cooking can sip Chilean red wine and enjoy the appetizers, such as a variety of fresh Peruvian potatoes with yellow pepper and olive dipping sauces.

www.wildland.com

 

Avalon Waterways Christens Avalon Scenery

Avalon Waterways unveiled its third new ship in Europe in two years. The Avalon Scenery, the newest ship on French waters, accommodates 138 passengers.

The Scenery boasts floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks, a “fun pool” on the sky deck, elevator and Club Lounge. The ship also showcases Avalon’s signature 172-square-foot staterooms with standard amenities that include hotel-style beds with duvets, Egyptian cotton linens, flat-screen satellite televisions, mini-bars, safes, modern bathrooms and large wardrobes.

In 2008, the Avalon Scenery will sail exclusively on the new “Flavors of Burgundy & Provence” journey with 32 departure dates until November.

And, as part of the Globus family of brand’s new Food & Wine vacation series, Avalon is featuring a Food & Wine cruise on the Avalon Scenery designed with Burt Wolf. Avalon also offers a holiday trip that combines the cruise in the South of France with two days of holiday shopping in Paris. Travelers who book an Avalon Waterways vacation in Europe between now and May 31 will receive $100 off per person or $200 off per couple.

Bookings must be made, under deposit and discount applied until May 31 for travel commencing until Oct. 31. A non-refundable $400 deposit, plus applicable travel protection fees, must be made to receive the discount. It is not applicable with any other discounts except Journeys Club, and applies to new 2008 air-inclusive Europe bookings only.

The new 11-day “Flavors of Burgundy & Provence” trip begins with a stay in Paris. From Paris, guests will drive south into Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area, and continuing to Chalon-sur-Saône to board Avalon Scenery. After a port stop in Tournus, travelers will sail to Mâcon for a guided walking tour. From there, they will cruise down the Rhône to Lyon, France’s second largest city and its gastronomic capital.

Then, it’s off to the twin cities of Tournon and Tain L’Hermitage, located among vineyards between the River Rhône and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Avignon — also called the “City of Popes” — is the next stop. Then, the boat heads to Arles for more exploration, including venturing into the Roman Amphitheater. This journey ends with a stay in Nice and optional excursion to Monte Carlo in Monaco. The trip is priced from $2,059 cruise- and land-only.

The “Food & Wine Series: Flavors of Burgundy & Provence” also begins in Paris with a drive south to Chalon-sur-Saône to board the Avalon Scenery. On the seven-night cruise to Arles, they will have opportunities to cultivate their wine knowledge. As part of this cruise, travelers will visit several wineries and explore the folklore collection of the Burgundy museum, located in an old family mansion. The cruise also visits Avignon and concludes in Nice.

This trip departs Nov. 1 and is priced from $2,059 cruise- and land-only. Special food and wine features include wine tastings and instruction on how to differentiate between a truly great, an average and an everyday table wine. The cruise also will visit the Chardonnay area and learn about the tradition of the Beaujolais Nouveau.

A French dinner will also teach travelers the rules of food and wine pairing. The 11-day “Festive France” holiday cruise begins with a stay in Nice before boarding the Avalon Scenery in Arles. Other features include Christmas markets in Avignon and Lyon and wine-tastings on the ship en route to Tournon and Tournus. Travelers end their journey in Paris. The trip is priced from $2,059 cruise- and land only. Departure date is Dec. 1.

For more information, call 800-221-0090 or visit www.globusfamilypartner.com

Portland’s Hotel Vintage Plaza Foodie Package

The Hotel Vintage Plaza, one of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ 40 boutique properties in the United States, has a “Growing Up Gourmet” package that lets visiting families of all ages enjoy fun-filled gourmet focused activities in the heart of the Portland dining scene.

The welcome begins at check-in with an in-room bottle of Vintage Plaza private label wine – for the adults – and First Blush varietals Merlot and Chardonnay grape juice for the kids. After settling into the room, the whole family can sit back with a beverage, sipping and swirling while relaxing in the leopard print robes provided in both adult and kid sizes. The Growing Up Gourmet package provides a family vacation with a sophisticated twist for families of all sizes.

The package includes a three-course dinner from Chef John Eisenhart at award winning restaurant Pazzo Ristorante, located adjacent to the Hotel Vintage Plaza, with preferred seating on the cook’s line where kids get a behind-the-scenes look at the action. Pazzo features worldly Italian dishes the whole family can enjoy together. Kids will also take home a gourmet goodie bag filled with dried Italian pasta and a kids’ recipe provided by Chef Eisenhart.

Designed for flexibility depending on the family size, the one-night package starts for two people, a grown up and a child, at $299.00 and is an additional $55 per person per evening. The standard room for families of two to four is a deluxe guest room with a pull out sofa or rollaway, and can be upgraded for larger groups. Forty-eight hour advance booking is required for the package.

For more information, call 503-228-1212 or visit www.vintageplaza.com

Hotel Vintage Plaza Gourmet Package

The Hotel Vintage Plaza, a Kimpton property in Portland, Ore., is offering a Growing Up Gourmet package for families. Included are a bottle of Vintage Plaza private label wine for the adults and First Blush varietals Merlot and Chardonnay grape juice for the kids.

Also included is a three-course dinner from Chef John Eisenhart at Pazzo Ristorante with preferred seating on the cook’s line. The package is priced from $299 per night for one adult and one child and $55 for each additional person. Accommodations are in a standard guestroom with a pull-out sofa or rollaway. A 48-hour advance booking is required.

Call 800-263-2305 or visit www.vintageplaza.com

2008 TASTES OF GOLD COAST Australia

Tastes of Gold Coast is now in its fifth year and has become a much anticipated festival on the Queensland events calendar.

From 22 August to 7 September 2008, visitors can indulge in over 30 events with lavish banquets, progressive dinners, gourmet delicacies, outdoor celebrations and much more. There are events in the program to cater to a wide variety of tastes and budgets.

Great food and wine, new taste sensations and idyllic settings – there is no better way to explore a city’s cuisine!

Feast your senses at Tastes of Gold Coast, the Gold Coast’s annual showcase of local seasonal produce from the Gold Coast and the hinterland region in a two week showcase of wine and food events.

Diversified events on this year’s Tastes of Gold Coast calendar will also see new features and highlights including hands-on cooking classes with an Italian Pasta Master Class on Saturday 30 August, organically grown local produce will be teamed with local olive oil from Rathlogan Olive Oil farm, expertly matched with local wines from Barney Creek Vineyard or head to the hills as the Tamborine Mountain Slow Food Group presents a symphony of textures and tastes for sampling of this popular international food movement.

The highly acclaimed Absynthe Restaurant in Surfers Paradise will be showcasing an intimate luncheon with ‘Jewels on a Plate’ on Friday 22 August. Renowned for his passion and flair for food, Michelin rated Executive Chef and owner Meyjitte Boughenout will take only 65 bookings for this must-do event.

Visitors to the Tastes of Gold Coast festival will enjoy annual favourites including the 2008/2009 Teppanyaki Championships at three locations including Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Crowne Plaza Royal Pines Resort and Gold Coast International Hotel, the family favourite A La Carte on the Beach and 3 Chefs Do Lunch at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

Tastes of Gold Coast is a highlight in Gold Coast’s event calendar and the perfect excuse to indulge in 17 days of fun, food and wine.

To research and start planning your visit to the 2008 Tastes of Gold Coast visit www.tastesofgoldcoast.com.au

Tastes of Gold Coast is presented by Gold Coast City Council and proudly supported by Gold Coast Tourism.

Argentina Promotes its Wine Route

The Argentina Tourism Secretariat is promoting Argentina’s reputation as a wine producer to attract visitors to experience the Wine Route circuit where they will visit new and old wineries and learn from experts the secrets of wine production which some sources date back to the 1500s. The route covers 2,000 kilometers through nine Argentine provinces.

One of the first stops is the Calchaquies Valleys, an area of reddish landscapes where the pre-Columbian influence can still be felt, and where the world’s highest vineyards can be found. You may continue on to Salta, where the exceptional Torrontes wine is produced, a grape that runs second among favorite Argentine varieties and to Neuquen, a new wine frontier driven by the Patagonian winds whose productive power is being unlocked thanks to the latest technology.

The route will make a stop in the classic winegrowing region of Mendoza where 70 percent of Argentinean wine is produced, cradle of some of the best examples of the famous Argentine Malbec the emblematic grape par excellence of Argentina. In addition to learning about the art of wine visitors can get hands on experience by having harvesting and pruning the grapevines with their own hands, take Argentine cooking classes and tour the vineyards on foot, on horseback, by sulky or bicycle.

Future visitors also will be able to ride through Mendoza province on the Wine Train. Those who prefer peace and quiet will find amazing “wine spas,” with wine therapy treatments that include cleansing and hydration of the skin with creams derived from grapes, immersion baths (in tanks of wine!) and massage sessions with products that capitalize on the anti-oxidant properties of grapes. the possibility of making a quick getaway for a day of fishing, gold or rafting.

The Argentine Wine Route truly offers a taste of the good life.

For more information, see Argentina Tourism Secretariat at www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery Canada concert series

Westbank, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia - Mission Hill Family Estate is pleased to announce a new series of cultural and culinary activities, which commences with the opening of the internationally acclaimed Terrace restaurant on May 1. At the winery — beginning in June — is a Concert Series and several evening Cinema screenings. They afford a unique opportunity to enjoy a live performance and see a wine or food themed film in an unrivalled natural setting. The grass outdoor amphitheatre provides a stunning view of the Monashee Mountains and Lake Okanagan, sure to enchant audiences on a fine summer evening. These additions crown a stellar start to the year, with prestigious awards won to date for Wine Access Magazine’s Winery of the Year and Travel + Leisure’s Top Five Winery Restaurants globally.

Concerts planned for the summer include numerous Juno award-winning artists such as jazz guitarist Jesse Cook and the soulful singer and songwriter Greg Sczebel. Later in July and August, Canadian bassist Alexander “A-Train” Boynton and the female jazz and blues quartet Mother of Pearl perform. The outdoor movie series includes: Chocolat, No Reservations, A Walk in the Clouds, and A Good Year. Special dinner packages to celebrate the occasion are available as well as a concession area gourmet picnic meals and Mission Hill Family Estate award-winning wines available for purchase.

Also starting later this week, with the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival, are the first of a number of special-guest epicurean dinners at the winery, prepared under the guidance of renowned winery chef Michael Allemeier. The epicurean events will be in keeping with his culinary philosophy of Cuisine de Terroir, a seasonal and regional approach to dining that is meticulously crafted around the wines and local artisanal ingredients. They will be held over the spring, summer and fall with guests such as: culinary author Anita Stewart, famed restaurateur John Bishop, and Pacific Northwest wine and food author Braiden Rex Johnson.

“The new culinary and entertainment offerings at the winery are a natural extension to the incredible wine country experience that guests can enjoy all in one of the most spectacular settings in the Okanagan,” said Dan Zepponi, President, Mission Hill Family Estate. “They are the perfect addition to all the accolades we’ve received since the beginning of the year.”

Described by Travel + Leisure Magazine earlier this spring as “the centerpiece of the Canadian wine tourism industry” with “understated wines which rank among the country’s best and the Terrace restaurant (open for lunch May-October and dinner June-August) on the estate’s front lawn is one of the most glorious dining experiences around,” Mission Hill Family Estate was voted by the magazine as one of its global Top Five Winery Restaurants. Reservations for the Terrace and special events at the winery can be made online at www.missionhillwinery.com or through the general information line at 250-768-6448.

About Mission Hill Family Estate

Mission Hill Family Estate, Canada’s Winery of the Year, is world renowned for its award-winning wines, stunning setting and architecture, and its Cuisine de Terroir-based Terrace restaurant. The family estate owns more than 1000 acres of land in five distinct growing regions of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Reflective of the origin and unique character of the Valley and of the careful ‘pruning to bottle’ program, Oculus, its signature Bordeaux-inspired wine, represents the pinnacle in premium winemaking. Proprietor Anthony von Mandl and winemaker John Simes produce elegant internationally acclaimed wines with New World flavours and Old World refinement from this incomparable lakeside mountaintop winery. Visit www.missionhillwinery.com  for more information.

Teen Chef Finals in Vegas

Culinary-savvy high school seniors from throughout North America are heading to Las Vegas, preparing to out dice, out slice and out chiffonade the competition to win the Best Teen Chef 2008 Final Round Competition.

This year’s Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition will be held on Saturday, May 17 at The Art Institute of Las Vegas.

Top prize winners in the Competition can win a full-tuition scholarship toward an associate’s degree, certificate or diploma program to study Culinary Arts at one of the more than 30 participating Art Institutes locations.

In addition to a full-tuition scholarship and the title of Best Teen Chef 2008, the first place winner in the national competition, in partnership with Food Network, will be an “Intern for a Day” at the Food Network Kitchens in New York City. The winner will also receive a tour of the Food Network Studios, dinner for two at a Food Network chef’s restaurant and a library of Food Network Kitchens cookbooks.

“We are gratified that in the nine years we have sponsored Best Teen Chef, the quantity and quality of the students entering increases,” says Chef Michael Nenes, Assistant Vice President of Culinary Arts for The Art Institutes. Hundreds of students from the U.S. and Canada enter the competition each year in hopes of snagging the grand prize, and more importantly, an opportunity to launch their culinary arts education.

The Best Teen Chef event is a timed-competition. The internationally-inspired menu will include Braciole Calabresi - Stuffed Pork Bundles; Peperonata - Peppers Saut ed with Olive Oil; and Capers and Orechietti con Carciofl - Orechietti Pasta with Artichokes.

Student competitors are provided the same ingredients and recipes, and prepare their entries using identical equipment.

The esteemed judging panel for this year’s event includes chef faculty from The Art Institutes schools and the first-ever Best Teen Chef winner, Brent Lewis of Loveland, Colorado.

For more information about The Best Teen Chef Competition, visit this link.

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu)  is a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades Summer deals

Visitors to the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades can pick up a VIP - Values in Paradise - card and start saving immediately at area hotels, attractions, restaurants and more.Naples, Fla. – You don’t have to be a VIP to be treated like one when you visit Naples, Marco Island, or the Everglades, known as Florida’s Paradise Coast. The Paradise Coast VIP card promotion, www.paradisecoast.com/vip  runs through October 15 and offers visitors more than $3,000 dollars in savings at 77 participating hotels, restaurants, attractions, and activities. 

The Paradise Coast Values in Paradise VIP card provides travelers looking to stretch their dollars with discounts and added values during their stay in the Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades area. Some of the savings include discounted room rates, free admission to select attractions, free bottles of wine, appetizers and desserts at participating restaurants, as well as several buy-one-get-one-half-off offers.

The VIP card is free to all visitors, can be used immediately, and is easily found at four convenient visitor center locations: the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Naples Association Visitors Center, Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce.

Travelers interested in directions to the nearest VIP card location can find them by clicking on the following link: 

The Paradise Coast VIP card provides a great opportunity for our visitors to save money while they enjoy a relaxing getaway on the Paradise Coast,” said Jack Wert, executive director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The card is so easy to use – you just walk into one of the visitor centers, pick up the card, and start saving.”

For more information on visiting Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – The Paradise Coast, call 1-800-688-3600 to request a copy of the free Official Visitors Guide magazine, Welcome to Florida’s Last Paradise, or start planning your visit at www.ParadiseCoast.com

2008 Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

May 27-June 8, 2008

The Sarasota Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (SCVB) announces the third annual “Savor Sarasota” Restaurant Week, now extended to run nearly two full weeks, from May 27-June 8, 2008, culminating in the new “Forks & Corks” culinary festival as the grand finale. Sarasota is recognized nationally for our beaches, culture and circus heritage

Sarasota, FL - The Sarasota Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (SCVB) announces the third annual “Savor Sarasota” Restaurant Week, now extended to run nearly two full weeks, from May 27-June 8, 2008, culminating in the new “Forks & Corks” culinary festival as the grand finale. This 13-day dining event will showcase Sarasota’s chefs and the eateries which have helped the city earn the distinction of having one of the highest concentrations of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida.

The SCVB is continuing the tradition of holding the “Savor Sarasota” dining promotion to encourage both visitors and locals alike to experience Sarasota’s numerous and varied restaurants and to create more public awareness of the region’s award-winning restaurant scene. The event has become one of the most popular culinary events in the state over the past three years, as it encourages food and wine lovers to visit Sarasota to imbibe in the best of the region’s restaurants.

The SCVB has currently recruited over 30 restaurants, many of which have earned Zagat ratings, to participate in the third year of the event, during which patrons will be able to enjoy multi-course meals at participating restaurants for $15 per person for lunch and $25 per person for dinner.

“Sarasota is recognized nationally for our beaches, culture and circus heritage,” said Virginia Haley, President of the SCVB. “‘Savor Sarasota’ opens our visitors to the creative cuisine our talented chefs prepare, and we are so pleased that so many of our wonderful restaurants have chosen to participate for the third year in a row.”

Sarasota Restaurants Look Forward to Another Successful Restaurant Week Restaurants taking part in the third annual “Savor Sarasota” restaurant week include: Michael’s on East, with it’s classic 40’s supper-club aura and menu that blends European, Asian, and Latin influences with American classics; and Caragiulo’s, offering fine Italian fare. Additional participants for 2008 include Vernona Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, featuring an all-organic menu; Selva Grill with it’s Peruvian flair; and Derek’s Culinary Casual, offering a daring menu of original flavors.

Michael Klauber, owner of trendy near-downtown Sarasota eatery Michael’s on East, is looking forward to another successful event again this year, especially as 2008 will play host to the first “Forks & Corks” Food and Wine Festival, sponsored by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, of which Klauber is president.

“Michael’s On East was on board for ‘Savor Sarasota’ from the start, as we believe it is important for all local restaurants to unite for this wonderful occasion,” said Klauber. “We are especially excited this year, as the event will culminate with the new ‘Forks & Corks’ festival, which will showcase the diverse cuisine from the independent restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and will offer a grand finale for the larger celebration of the region’s restaurant scene.”

“Forks & Corks” will be held June 5-8, 2008, and will offer interactive tastings and seminars, vintner dinners, food competitions and a grand festival celebration with live music, children’s activities and a charity auction. A portion of proceeds from the “Forks & Corks” event will benefit Meals On Wheels in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, events, accommodation packages and contact information, please visit www.savorsarasota.org. For more information on “Forks & Corks,” please visit www.FreshOriginals.com

Visitors to Sarasota Enjoy Special Rates and Packages During Restaurant Week

In addition to the wonderful restaurants patrons will experience during “Savor Sarasota” restaurant week, visitors to Sarasota can also enjoy some great rates and packages at local hotels and resorts from May 27 - June 8 2008, in conjunction with the event.

Guests visiting town during Restaurant Week can enjoy a special “Savor Sarasota” package, offered by The Ritz-Carlton. The package includes overnight accommodations in a city-view or water-view guest room, overnight valet parking, and dinner for two at Vernona from the “Savor Sarasota” menu. This package is available for $259, May 27-June 15, 2008. Advance reservations are required; rates listed are per room, per night, single or double occupancy.

During restaurant week, The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort is offering a two day/one night package that includes a one or two bedroom suite from as low as $120 per person. The package also includes daily breakfast for each adult, a $100 dining credit for use in the Colony Restaurants, a complimentary spa treatment, 10% off additional spa services and 10% off at two designer boutiques. Reservations can be made through www.colonybeachresort.com/savor  or by calling 941.383.6464.

The Tropical Breeze Resort of Siesta Key is offering a special “Buy 3 Nights, Get 1 Free” promotion to guests visiting Sarasota for restaurant week. Travelers can visit the resort’s website at www.tropicalbreezeinn.com  to inquire about reservations.

The Captiva Beach Resort is offering a package at $385 per person that includes: 3 nights lodging in a suite; bottle of wine upon arrival; “Savor Sarasota” dinner for two at Caragiulo’s Italian Restaurant; breakfast for two at the Broken Egg Restaurant; one breakfast in bed delivery basket; and two one-hour in-room massages. Travelers can visit www.captivabeachresort.com for more information.

The Comfort Inn Sarasota will offer standard rooms at the special restaurant week rate of $69.95, and The Days Inn Sarasota will offer standard rooms at the special rate of $59.95. The Hotel Ranola will have standard rooms available for $99 and suites available for $129. A Beach Bungalow is offering fully equipped bungalows at $895 for the week. These special rates will be available May 27 - June 8, 2008, and visitors to Sarasota for the “Savor Sarasota” restaurant week can visit http://www.sarasotafl.org   for booking information.

Sarasota and her string of eight islands are located along Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Ft. Myers. Sarasota and Her Islands is comprised of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Englewood, Nokomis, North Port, Osprey and Venice. In addition to sandy beaches, Sarasota and Her Islands also offer numerous cultural and ecological attractions. For more information on saving and discovering in Sarasota, call the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 522-9799 or visit www.sarasotafl.org