The Conch Shell Blowing Contest begins at noon Saturday, March 3, in the tropical garden of Key West’s Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Nicknamed the Conch Honk, the lighthearted competition salutes Key West’s seafaring heritage and is presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

The tradition of blowing a conch shell in the Florida Keys began centuries ago. In the 1800s, when the local economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from ships wrecked on the nearby reef, sailors attracted attention by blowing piercing blasts on the shell.

“There wasn’t a ship that went out that didn’t have at least one conch shell on it for communications,” said veteran contest winner Clinton Curry.

The Keys’ connection with conch goes far beyond instrumental and communications applications.

The slightly tough meat of the hardy mollusk is the prime ingredient in conch chowder and conch fritters, two of the island chain’s signature dishes. Keys natives proudly proclaim their own tough, hardy nature by calling themselves “conchs” and their home the Conch Republic.

Several dozen kids and adults are expected to compete in the March 3 “conch honk,” showcasing their pucker power and honoring an important Keys tradition. Spectators can expect more laughs than musical inspiration and a surprise visit from some characters from Key West’s seafaring history.

While most entrants only manage blasts or squawks, each year a few produce complex melodies that impress judges and audiences alike.

Winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies awarded in multiple age categories.

The festivities typically include performances by talented “pucker pros.”

The 2012 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Contestants can register at the Oldest House from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 3, or at the event itself if space is still available.

Those lacking “instruments” can purchase conch shells on site.

Event information: www.oirf.org or 305-294-9501
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

Trip Feast’s Gourmet Lebanon itinerary includes a cooking class with executive chef Georges El Murr in the famous kitchens of the luxury Le Bristol Hotel in Beirut and a lesson in the art of sweet-making from the experts, Abdul Rahman Hallab & Sons, whose famous Palais is located in Tripoli.

Sample wine in the natural caves of Ksara winery, one of the best wineries in the verdant Bekaa Valley and visit the iconic archaeological sites of Byblos – birthplace of the alphabet and once the centre of the world’s shipping.

The temple complex of Baalbek, one of the most impressive Roman sites in the world and the stunning Jeita Grotto caves are also included in this unique cultural food tour which offers an intimate taste of the Levant through its dishes, from mouth-watering mezze and heavenly hummus to delicious falafel and succulent shawarma, its people and its florid history.

Eight day tours to destinations across Lebanon depart on April 20 and October 5 2012 £1,695 per person including international flights.

http://tripfeast.com/tours/GL/Lebanon/Gourmet%20Lebanon

A Taste of Rural Lebanon is an eight day tour departing May 5 and October 6, £1,645 per person including international flights.

Visit the sophisticated capital city of Beirut with its top restaurants and excellent nightlife and experience the legendary hospitality and learn the culinary secrets of rural Lebanon. Prepare a traditional mezze in the village of Ehden, visit an organic farm in Deir El Ahmar, prepare fish the traditional way in Saida and cook with tumbleweed in Maasser Ech Chouf. Finally visit the stunning temples, mosques, courtyards and statues of the Roman site of Baalbek before discovering the delicious wines of the Bekaa Valley.

http://tripfeast.com/tours/TRL/Lebanon/A%20Taste%20of%20Rural%20Lebanon

After-Hours, the Remix, a late-night party at Mix, the rooftop lounge at Mandalay Bay; and the VIP Saber-Off at Caesars Palace.

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford, Cheshire has launched its first Residential Spa Package for Easter, the perfect way to enjoy a well-earned Easter escape in luxury. Guests can enjoy overnight accommodation in a Club Room, a half hour spa treatment of their choice and make the most of the extensive Health Club facilities which include a 20 metre indoor pool and thermal zone, all rounded off with a two course dinner for two in the new Browns at The Mere brasserie.

This first residential spa package is available throughout March and April, following the resort’s redevelopment and re-opening in March as a luxury Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, offering world class conference and event facilities, golf course and spa, along with a new build hotel comprising of 81 beautiful guest rooms and suites, and three dining options across the resort.

“Taking a luxurious Easter escape break is the perfect way to spend time over the holiday period. This is the first time guests will be able to enjoy our spa experience as residents following the re-opening of The Mere resort, and this package gives them a chance to sample at their leisure the hotel, the spa and the new brasserie dining experience.. We’re sure guests will leave revived and rejuvenated,” comments Graeme Nesbitt, Resort General Manager at The Mere.

The full package consists of:
Overnight accommodation in one of the hotel’s exquisite Club Rooms
Full English Breakfast
One half-hour treatment in the Spa
Two course dinner for two at Browns at The Mere
Full use of the health club facilities

The Spa Residential Package costs from £125 per person, per night, based on two people sharing a Club Room. The Spa at The Mere has a 20m indoor swimming pool, a large hydrotherapy vitality pool with massage jets and thermal zone, complete with hammam, caldarium, aroma steam room, salt infusion, and rejuvenating experience showers. The Spa offers a range of premier spa treatments including purifying facials & skincare rituals, relaxing massages and body treatments.

It is conveniently located in Mere, Knutsford close to Manchester and Liverpool and just off the M6 and M56 motorways.

Editors Notes:
The Mere Golf Resort & Spa was purchased by the Boler family in 1984 and is an independently owned luxury resort. From March 2012 the resort will offer an 81 bedroom hotel and two new restaurants including ‘Browns at The Mere’ and the ‘Club Lounge and Bar’ alongside its existing championship golf course, conference and event facilities for up to 550 people and a state-of the-art health club and spa. Situated in the heart of Cheshire, the resort is close to Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.

Further Information:
To find out more please visit: www.themereresort.co.uk
You can also follow The Mere Golf Resort & Spa on Facebook and Twitter at:
www.facebook.com/TheMereResort  www.twitter.com/LifeatMere

A suprisingly cosmopolitan taste of the world is on offer in the Peak District’s Historic Border Country – in north east Derbyshire!

Stretching from the Elizabethan splendour at Hardwick Hall past the dramatic hillside ruin of Sutton Scarsdale Hall to the fairytale heights of Bolsover Castle and centred around the market town of Chesterfield, the Historic Border Country is where The Peak District meets Robin Hood Country.

And there’s a surprising international flavour adding to the traditional English feel of historic market towns and glorious Peak District countryside.

How about toasting what was once the the most northerly vineyard in the world – and which celebrates 40 years of wine production in 2012?

Renishaw Hall – the stately home of the Sitwell family for nearly 400 years – not only boasts a fascinating and eccentric history as well as Italianate gardens laid out at the turn of the 20th century, but also a vineyard that has been producing quality English wine for four decades.

Until 1986, it was certified as the most northerly in the world and 40 years on, the vines still produce Renishaw’s white and sparkling wine that can be bought from the Renishaw shop. Vineyard tours and tastings are also available for groups. (www.renishaw-hall.co.uk)

Head nine miles south from Renishaw’s Italian-inspired gardens and vineyard and there’s another taste of Italy in the market town of Chesterfield.

Most famous for its church with a twisted spire, Chesterfield provides more than a few surprises, inlcuding a unique wine shop and restaurant offering a new approach to Italian wine and food.

Both a specialist wine shop and fine dining restaurant, which features in both the 2012 Good Food Guide and the 2012 Michelin Guide, Nonsolovino opened as the ONLY wine shop in the UK outside of London where you an experience a revolutionary wine tasting system – and the ONLY place in the UK where all those wines on offer are Italian.

Food is at the heart of Nonsolovino, which means ‘not only wine’ in Italian, and its latest innovation is their Bocconcini menu, which translates as ‘small bites’ – Nonsolovino’s own version of tapas. (www.nonsolovino.co.uk)

But if Spanish tapas is more your style, Chesterfield has that on the menu too – at a hotel that opened last year bringing a subtle hint of Spanish hospitalilty to the Peak District’s Historic Border Country.

Chesterfield’s first four star hotel – with 100 bedrooms, including 6 stylish suites (two with balcony hot tubs) – Casa has brought a dash of Spanish flair to the heart of this historic market town.

Casa is the Spanish word for ‘home’ – reflecting the family background of hotel developer and Chesterfield-based entrepreneur Steve Perez, the man behind the VK Vodka Kick drinks brand – and the Spanish theme runs throughout the decor, helping create a vibrant, warm ambience.

Its 100-cover restaurant, Cocina, serves first class Spanish tapas as well as traditional local dishes, and uses ingredients grown locally on the farm belonging to Steve Perez. (www.casahotels.co.uk)

For accommodation suggestions and short break ideas in the area visit www.visitchesterfield.info

The ship, which is permanently moored on Victoria Embankment in London, is the ideal venue for enjoying some excellent cuisine in a unique setting, on the 14th of February 2012.

Boasting fabulous views of the Thames, from St. Paul’s to the Houses of Parliament, the R.S. Hispaniola offers a romantic haven amongst the city bustle.

The R.S. Hispaniola is offering a special Valentine’s three course lunch, which is £27.50 per person and offers an affordable way to celebrate the special day. Diners can enjoy some enticing cuisine as well as some great views.

A three course Valentine’s dinner is also available, offering some delicious food, which can be enjoyed whilst surrounded by the stunning illuminations of London’s famous landmarks. Diners will also be entertained by the resident pianist, Norman Treiger, who will be playing an appropriate selection of tunes. The dinner is £48 per person.

There is also an elegant cocktail bar on the main deck, where guests can enjoy either an aperitif before their meal or digestif afterwards.

The location of the R.S. Hispaniola is ideal for couples who are planning a romantic stroll along the River Thames or a trip to the theatre before or after their meal.

For bookings call 020 7839 3011 or email info@hispaniola.co.uk . For further information visit the website.

The gourmet year will put its great chefs in the spotlight and will prove that gastronomic excellence is available virtually everywhere in the city from markets, star-studded restaurants, street corners, parks or the smallest of bistros.

For an idea of what is in store, feast your eyes on some of the events that are on offer!

The Frietkot Walk All year round
Fritkots are a version of the Chippie and there is no better place than Brussels to demonstrate the appreciation of the humble fry than a special walk dedicated to take you to ten of the city’s most famous chip stalls. Recipes involve expert double frying at specific temperatures to attain the “perfect” chip and with an array of mouth-watering sauces to compliment the finished product. The experience is something that surely can’t be missed!

Cinetmatec – Films on Food All year round
A total of 24 international films, aired twice a month will be entirely dedicated to the world of gastronomy. A family film will be shown every month on a Saturday. The films end with the opportunity to taste the food featured and by the end of the year, an entire menu will have been covered. Starting from January at Salle Ledoux at Cinematek. Tickets start at just €12 per person.

Brusselicous Breakfasts All year round
Hotels the length and breadth of Brussels will be boasting the best in pastries in celebration of the Brusselicious festival this year. Typical breads and other regional produce of Brussels will feature on menus for the whole year.

The Tram Experience February
Very much part of everyday Brussels life, the tram is put to work as an exclusive mobile restaurant! Enjoy a gastronomic meal created by Michelin starred chefs throughout the year. A 2 hour circuit whizzes you on a tour departing every evening for up to 34 diners. The price for this exclusively romantic experience is €75 per person and commences on Valentine’s Day.

Brusselicious XXL April – September
A demonstration of 35 monumental sculptures characturing typical Belgian food and drink products such as chips, mussels, Brussels Sprouts, chocolate bars and a glass of beer. Local artists have been given a free reign to design the objects which will be displayed in some of the most popular public parks around the 19 districts of Brussels from April to June this year. The full collection will be gathered for display in Brussels Park from July to September.

Dinner in the Sky June
As the title suggests, this major feat involves a restaurant venue on a platform suspended 40 metres above the ground with the help of a crane! Meals are prepared by Michelin starred chefs and there are four locations for each event, each will take place in a different location in the centre of the city. Seven of the most renowned Brussels’ chefs will be hosting the meals: Yves Mattagne of SeaGrill**,Lionel Rigolet of Comme chez Soi**,Pascal Devalkeneer of Chalet de la Forêt*,David Martin of La Paix* -Giovani Bruno of Senza Nome*Luigi Ciciriello of La Truffe Noire* and Patrick Vandecasserie of La Villa Lorraine. Sites include the Atomium, Place de Palais, Boise de la Cambre and the Cinquanternaire. Meals are served daily twice a day and cater for 22 places from 4th June to 1st July.

Dinosaur Dinner June
On the 14th -15 June,The Gallery of Dinosaurs at the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences will be the backdrop to one of seven thematic dinner venues during the Brusselicious festival. One of many interesting venues, the dinner marks an exhibition which looks into the five senses.

Mussels and Chips @ Brussels Beach July
One of the seven thematic dinner locations, this involves an opportunity to enjoy Moules Frites against the backdrop of the man-made beach at Brussels Le Bains in the (hotly anticipated!) heat of July. Enjoy generous portions of chips and mussels and relax on the shores of the sandy beach created each year for the city’s sun-worshippers. The dinner takes place on 23rd July 2012.

Brusselicious Festival September
The highlight of this prestigious festival takes place from 6-9 September. Representing its milestone event, a superb banquet is planned. Hundreds of marquees will be erected and a food festival extraordinaire is predicted. Samplers, food demonstrations, speciality food producers will represent the very best in breweries, chocolatiers, bakeries etc. Admission will be free and visitors need only pay for the drinks and food they consume. Visiting on an empty stomach is suggested and prepare for the feeding of a lifetime! 6-9 September 2012

Brussels Wine Week September
Not something most would associate with Belgium but wine making is alive and thriving in Brussels. Belgian Winegrowers will be profiling their best wines to consumers in a variety of events. Most notable is but from 21 -23rd September, dedicated to roadshows, seminars, tasting and visits to wine cellars.

Savouring Brussels – Slow Food September
The Karikol Convivium has introduced the concept of Slow Food in Brussels and Savouring Brussels festival is the annual event celebrating this concept. Its theme this year is Brussels’ vegetable gardens and celebrates the flavours of fresh produce and the use of seasonal vegetables. Over 70 restaurants are involved in the venture and will engage in coming up with special menus to celebrate the festival.

Chocolate Demonstration by Master Chocolate makers October
Every day, from the 1st October, there will be an hour’s demonstration by Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers on the Grand Place. Everything you wanted to know about chocolate, cocoa, pralines, and Caraque,( a type of chocolate made from flavoured or spiced solid chocolate) specially created for Brusselicious will be explained, demonstrated and available to taste!

Brussels Chocolate Festival November
This event takes place during Chocolate week, from 1-11 November 2012. The Brussels chocolate festival has dedicated itself to a series of evening events including visits to workshops, entertainment and conferences. Takes place at Brussels Tours and Taxis from 1-4 November 2012.

Chippie Festival November
The Chip stand is a national institution in Belgium and therefore it is fitting that the best chip stands in Brussels are given the chance to show off their delicious products. The competition begins in November 2012.

Tourism Flanders in association with Visit Brussels will be offering press the chance to experience this great culinary festival, first hand on the 10-11 February 2012. Trips will include the chance to sample the food in person , take a walking/tasting tour of some of Brussels’ most delicious addresses and participate in a food workshop in either beer or chocolate. There are limited spaces so please do let us know if you are interested in joining us.

Granada is the jewel in Andalusia’s crown. It is a vibrant, beautiful and remarkable city that perfectly combines Moorish architecture with winding streets, and a lively tapas culture. The city draws together the finest aspects of Spanish and Arabic societies resulting in a truly vibrant destination.

Seasoned Travel’s tailor-made gourmet package to Granada includes the ultimate aphrodisiac; caviar. Riofrio, a district of Granada is home to one of the highest quality caviars in the world and on this special Valentine’s break guests learn how the organic caviar is produced by visiting the local fish farm, getting into the basin with the fish and learning about the complete process of caviar making. The fishy experience is of course followed by a tasting of this indulgent delicacy transforming guests into caviar connoisseurs as well as caviar aficionados.

Accommodation is in the chic, stylish boutique hotel ‘Hospes Palacio de los Patos’, a classic 19th century palace that has been brought into the 21stcentury with exquisite design, sleek spaces and an air of tranquil luxury.

Seasoned Travel’s Valentine break also includes a caviar based gastronomical dinner at the acclaimed Senzone restaurant within the hotel and champagne in guests’ room on arrival.

The two-night Valentine break with caviar tasting is £595pp

This includes return flights to Malaga from Gatwick, return private transfers to Granada, two-nights bed and breakfast in a Dreamers room in Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a visit to the organic Riofrio farm with caviar tasting (transportation to the farm is included), a gastronomic caviar meal in Senzone restaurant, a welcome gift, a bottle of champagne, restaurant recommendations & reservations for meals throughout the rest of your stay.

The price is based on two sharing, departing 13th February 2012, subject to availability. Other dates and departure airports are available.

Seasoned Travel is a member of the Travel Trust Association, which ensures that customer’s enjoy full financial protection.

MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK
Tel: 0844 809 2599
Web: www.seasonedtravel.co.uk
Email: info@seasonedtravel.co.uk
More information: http://seasonedtravel.co.uk/events/caviar-tasting/

Valentine’s Supper Club with Wes Winters at Sam’s Town Live!
5:30 to 9 p.m.

During an evening of music, dancing and dining, Winters will entertain guests, drawing from a huge musical repertoire and bringing the one-of-a-kind showmanship and musical prowess for which he’s become known. Through dynamic piano pieces and signature vocal arrangements, Winters will perform standards, Broadway, original tunes and the occasional audience request. The floor will be open for those inspired by the music to dance the night away.

The special Valentine’s buffet includes:

- Shrimp Cocktail and Grilled Shrimp on Ice; Oysters on the Half Shell
- Sliced Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Caprese; Field Greens with Pear, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette

- Strawberry and Champagne Soup Shooters
- Grilled Balsamic Vegetables; Yukon Gold and Roasted Garlic Scalloped Potatoes
- Chicken Breast Dijonase
- Pecan Encrusted Salmon
- Carved Roast Prime Rib of Beef
- Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruit and Treats; Mini Pastries and Petit Fours
- Coffee or Tea

Tickets are available for $55 per person, includes tax and gratuity, through any Coast Casinos box office, by calling 702.284.7777 or visiting www.samstownlv.com.

Restaurant Specials

Billy Bob’s Steak House & Saloon
Sweethearts Special – $25
5 p.m. to close

Entrée choice of:
- Sweetheart Steak & Seared Scallops
- Blackened Ahi Filet
- Sautéed Chicken Chateau

Dessert choice of:
- Chocolate Mousse Torte
- Red Velvet Cake
- Ice Cream du Jour

Includes House Salad or Soup, Baked Potato or Rice and Billy’s Bread Basket.

Willy and Jose’s Cantina
Tex Mex Shrimp Cocktail – $11
- Gulf Shrimp with fresh Avocado, Tomatoes and Cilantro in a spicy Salsa

Willy’s Surf & Turf – $22
- Petite Steak topped with Picante sauce and Shrimp
- Mexican Beans and Rice

La Parilliada (mixed grill for two) – $27.50
- Shrimp, Grilled Chicken and Steak served on a sizzling platter
- Fresh Vegetables, Beans and Rice

For the Sweet(hearts) – $7
- House made Banana Bread Pudding with Pineapple sauce
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Cinnamon Crisps