Jetsettersblog

Couples visiting South East England can enjoy a number of romantic breaks, days out and special offers for all tastes and budgets this Valentine’s Day. This year, February 14th falls on a Sunday, making it a great excuse for a short break to any of the South East’s nine counties: Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

For more information on romantic days out in South East England, please see: www.romanticdaysout.co.uk

Five-star Valentine’s breaks in Chichester, West Sussex
This Valentine’s, why not spend a romantic weekend at Chichester’s latest five-star hotel, The Fish House, which is located amidst beautiful rolling Sussex countryside – the perfect backdrop for a romantic break.

Guests can book secluded hot tubs with their own private thatched gazebo, complete with iPod docking station and champagne and chocolates fridge.

There’s also an award-winning Fish Bar boasting a delicious Oyster counter and fresh seafood menu. Guests can choose from a fine dining a la carte menu or an eight-course restaurant tasting menu.

An overnight Valentine’s package for two costs £295 per night in a luxury designer king size bedroom and includes champagne and chocolates, dinner, bed and breakfast, roses and a teddy bear. This offer is valid from 13th-15th February 2010.
www.thefishhouse.co.uk

Escape to a romantic retreat on the Isle of Wight

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic weekend in a luxurious converted barn in the scenic village of Niton, South Wight.

The characterful Tennyson Barn offers charming accommodation surrounded by acres of picturesque countryside, making it the ideal destination to embrace privacy and relax with a loved one.

Departing on 12th February 2010, a three-night self-catering Wightlink Green Getaways break in Tennyson Barn costs £220 per person. A week’s stay starts from £280 per person. Prices include return Wightlink car ferry crossings from Portsmouth or Lymington.
www.wightlink.co.uk

Michelin-starred hotel restaurant, Isle of Wight

Partners can treat their other halves to a luxurious Valentine’s break with a stylish stay at The Hambrough this February.

Couples can enjoy an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s exclusive seven rooms, together with a champagne breakfast and six-course dinner at its Michelin-starred restaurant, prepared by Chef Patron Robert Thompson.

Designed with romance in mind, the special Valentine’s menu will feature specialties such as Champagne and Canapés, Oyster Tempura and Wild Strawberry Mousse.

A bottle of champagne and a handmade sugar rose is also included in the package. Departing on 13th February, the one-night Valentine’s break at The Hambrough starts from £230 per person and includes dinner, champagne breakfast and Wightlink ferry crossings.
www.wightlink.co.uk

River Thames Rainbow Cruises

In honour of Valentine’s Day, Rainbow Cruisers is offering a special deal when hiring a deluxe cruiser to sail along the River Thames. Couples can cruise along the royal river in one of the elegant self-drive boats, stopping off along the way to visit quaint pubs, picturesque picnic spots and interesting attractions. All Rainbow Cruisers come equipped with a microwave, DVD player, stove, fridge, heating, linen and toiletries – making them a fantastic home from home.

Prices start from £400 for two days and one night.
www.visitthames.co.uk

Love on a budget with Four Pillars Hotels, Oxfordshire
Couples wishing to celebrate 14th February on a shoestring can take advantage of a number of discounted Valentine’s breaks with Four Pillars Hotels.

The hotel group has some great offers, including an overnight stay at Abingdon hotel on Valentine’s night for only £40 per person with dinner, bed and breakfast and a complimentary glass of bubbly to enjoy with an evening meal.

Abingdon is also hosting a Gala Dinner Dance on 12th and 13th February from just £95 per person. Abingdon Four Pillars hotel is located just six miles South of Oxford in the heart of the Thames Valley.
www.four-pillars.co.uk

Bungalow breaks with in-lodge therapies, Isle of Wight
Gurnard Pines Resort enjoys a peaceful woodland setting close to the yachting haven on Cowes.

Set within 55 acres of woodland these spacious and wonderfully appointed holiday homes provide visitors with an ideal base for an active or relaxing holiday.

The heart of the resort boasts an array of sports and leisure activities, whilst those looking for quieter moments can discover the nearby delights and many beautiful sandy beaches that the Isle of Wight has to offer.

Guests can also enjoy an array of in-lodge therapies, massages and beauty treatments.

A seven-night stay at Gurnard Pines Resort starts from £245 in a four-berth bungalow.
http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/places-to-stay/special-offers/valentines-offers

Stylish wine breaks in Dorking, Surrey

Visit Denbies Vineyard this Valentine’s Day for the chance to unwind and learn all there is to know about the wine making process at the UK’s largest vineyard. Couples can take part in Denbies’ indoor wine experience, which transports visitors through the working winery teaching them all about how wine is developed – from the grapes to bottled wine – along the way.

Tours end with a tasting of award-winning Surrey wine in the sprawling wine cellar.

The indoor wine experience starts from £14 per person.

Denbies also offers two restaurants with amazing locally sourced food and accommodation in a tastefully renovated farmhouse in the heart of the vineyard.

Seven stylish double rooms with en-suite facilities are available from £95 per room on a bed and breakfast basis.
www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk

Discover the Philosophy of Love in Brighton, East Sussex
Visitors to Brighton can discover the Philosophy of Love at the Brighton Science Festival this Valentine’s Day, as science writer Richard Robinson will be taking a humorous look at the bewildering stages of love.

Why not take a romantic stroll along the seafront, stopping off at Brighton’s famous boutique shops down The Lanes along the way? Top the day off with a visit to Brighton’s classy oyster and champagne bar, Riddle & Finns, for some aphrodisiacal delights near the seafront.
www.visitbrighton.com

Love Heart Chalk the Pavement, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Why not confess your love on the pavements of Portsmouth this Valentine’s Day and scrawl a romantic message on the street for a loved one to see?

On Sunday 14th February 2009, there will be a Love Heart Chalk the Pavement Project and a Love Heart Wall at Gunwharf Quays for people to create their own meaningful messages of love. Marriage proposals with chalk are also encouraged! It is free to leave a chalk love message and all materials are supplied.
www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Chef E. Bernard, owner and executive chef of Bernard’s Bistro, celebrates Valentine’s Day with a romantic candlelit evening featuring a five-course meal of signature items.

The menu items include “Be My Valentine,” a blood orange tomato soup garnished with Cointreau coconut chutney; “Fleur de Lys,” smoked salmon with crème fraiche and caviar in dill truffle oil; “Two Hearts Beating as One,” heart-shaped artichoke ravioli with mascarpone cheese and asparagus in a cabernet sauvignon sauce; “Love Me Tender,” a brandy flamed filet mignon with foie gras in Morel Porto sauce served with potatoes Au Gratin and petite legumes;

“Romeo & Juliette,” a duet of red peppercorn-crusted lamb loin and rack of lamb served with polenta-spiced apricot in Madeira wine sauce; and “Togetherness,” two quail in zinfandel sauce served with caramelized pears and truffled sweet peas. Special vegetarian entrees are available also.

Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bernard’s Bistro
The Village Lake Las Vegas
15 Costa di Lago
Henderson, NV 89011

The five-course meal is $75 per person.

Please call 702-565-1155 to make reservations.

Overnight stays are available at MonteLago Village Resort and Vacation Villas.

To book a special weekend package at the Resort, please call 1-888-600-2688 or visit www.montelagovillage.com

For Vacation Villas, please call 702-568-1174 or visit www.lakelasvegasrentals.com

HOSTED BY UFC LEGEND WANDERLEI SILVA

Kick Back with Killer Margaritas, Mexican Food and Football on February 7

LAS VEGAS – UFC legend, Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva will host the Super Sunday Big Game Fiesta on Sunday, February 7 at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

Silva will get into the spirit of football this post-season, encouraging sports fanatics to kick back with margaritas and Mexican food, while catching the excitement of the Big Game on ten big screen high-definition televisions. The all-inclusive Super Sunday Big Game Fiesta is priced at $150 per person and includes an open bar and all-you-can-eat nachos, fajitas, chicken wings and hotdogs.

The fiesta starts 45-minutes before kickoff up until the last touchdown is scored. Cabo Wabo will keep the action going non-stop with outstanding giveaways and prizes, including a brand-new snowboard. Cabo Wabo’s Super Sunday Big Game Fiesta is sponsored by Skyy Infusions, Wild Turkey American Honey and Corona.

Tickets are available for purchase on location at Cabo Wabo Cantina, online at www.cabowabocantinalv.com or by calling 702.385.2226.

Cabo Wabo Cantina at Miracle Mile Shops is the flagship U.S. location for the legendary restaurant.

The original opened in Cabo San Lucas in 1990, transforming the sleepy Mexican town into a major tourism destination, becoming the inspiration for one of the most recognizable tequila brands, Cabo Wabo Tequila.

For more information about Cabo Wabo Cantina, visit www.cabowabocantinalv.com  For more information about Hagar and his famous Cabo Wabo Tequila, visit www.redrocker.com  and www.cabowabo.com

INSIDE STUDIO B BUFFET AT THE M RESORT SPA CASINO

LAS VEGAS – Tickets are on sale now for the newest show in Las Vegas, Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini. Debuting January 26 inside a custom-built cooking studio in the M Resort’s buffet, Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini is the only show of its kind in the city.

Show times are Sunday-Thursday at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. A complete show schedule can be found on the M Resort website at www.themresort.com. Tickets are $39.95, $49.95 and $59.95 inclusive of taxes and fees. Ticket prices include a Studio B lunch or dinner (depending on show times) as well as reserved seating at the buffet immediately following the show.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the M Resort between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Guests must be age 12 or older.

Similar to a network television cooking show, the 60-minute Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini treats a live audience to entertaining and educational demonstrations, complimentary food/beverage sampling and a special “handy hints” and “tasty tips” handout – a Chef Tina signature. The five-day-a-week show covers a variety of topics centering on three key areas of living healthy: nutrition, fitness and mind/body.

Widely known as the “naturopathic chef,” Chef Tina makes healthy living fun covering topics like “Some Like it Hot and Fast, Some Like it Low and Slow” – BBQ and grilling techniques; “Beautiful Foods for a Beautiful You” – Skincare inside and out; “The Ocean’s Abundance” – Everything seafood; “The Gourmet Vegetarian” – High-end meatless dishes and “Weight Loss for Food Lovers” – Facts about fat loss while enjoying delicious foods.

ABOUT CHEF TINA MARTINI

Tina Martini is an internationally recognized naturopathic chef and wellness consultant. With more than 25 years of experience, Tina has assisted celebrities, professional athletes and over-scheduled executives to achieve radiant health naturally. She has presented team-building workshops and has developed wellness strategies for large corporations such as Pepsi Int. and Solomon Smith Barney.

In a partnership with Macy’s, Tina performed hundreds of live cooking shows for Macy’s School of Cooking in San Diego, Calif. focusing not only on nutrition but on overall wellness, fitness and mind/body. She has been an educational chef with Whole Foods Market® and has acted as a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign®.

Tina performs her live cooking show, Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini Sunday-Thursday at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. inside the M Resort Spa Casino’s custom-designed cooking studio in Las Vegas.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster  at the banner at right.  Tickets can also be purchased at the M Resort iMagine Rewards Center between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Guests must be age 12 or older.

ABOUT M RESORT SPA CASINO

M Resort Spa Casino is located on over 90 acres at 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. S. on the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Situated higher in elevation than other resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, the M Resort provides optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center and restaurants.

The resort offers 390 guest rooms and suites, over 92,000 square feet of gaming, nine restaurants and five destination bars, more than 60,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center and a 100,000 square foot events piazza. Future developments for M Resort will bring up to one million square feet of retail in a partnership with Taubman Centers Inc. and a 14-screen digital movie entertainment complex.

For more information, visit www.theMresort.com

Celebrated Las Vegas Restaurateur Gino Ferraro Opens Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

LAS VEGAS – Well-known restaurateur Gino Ferraro has opened Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar with an expanded menu, wine cellar and 80 employees at 4480 Paradise Rd.

Ferraro’s has been serving Las Vegas since 1985. Since, Ferraro’s has been a leader and staple in Italian fine dining and wine selection, quality standard and service.

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar occupies two chef’s dining tables, a 36 foot-long wine cellar of 10,000 distinctive Italian and California wines, a double-sided wine bar open to the indoor bar area and outdoor patio with a wine system dispenser, late night dining, lounge seating area, live music daily and wine lockers for patrons to house their selected wines.

There is comfortable banquet space to host groups of 10 to 250 people with audio/ visual capabilities for meetings and special receptions.

The main dining area and four banquet rooms can open to accommodate a maximum capacity of 480 people in the entire restaurant.

The restaurant has walnut wood-finished floors, crown moldings, blown glass chandeliers and mood lighting. The ambiance will be open and airy with a warm and sharing atmosphere.

“We’re excited about our new restaurant on Paradise,” stated Gino Ferraro, founder of Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar.

“Ferraro’s will continue to bring the Italian flair and authentic menu partnered with personalized gourmet pizzas, Antipastini (small plates) and, of course, one of the top selections of Italian wines in the world.”

Executive Chef Mimmo Ferraro features the Ferraro’s menu staples that have been a family tradition for years, such as Osso Buco, Pasta e Fagioli and Trippa Calabrese as well as homemade pastas, breads and desserts.

The numerous awards and accolades achieved by Ferraro’s include the DiRoNa, also known as Distinguished Restaurants of North America, for 10 consecutive years; Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence since 1996; Best Italian Restaurant by Las Vegas Life Magazine’s Epicurean Award – voted by a panel of local and national food and drink experts including members of the local chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs; Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association’s Best Restaurant in the category of Italian Cuisine; and voted Best Italian Restaurant in the Las Vegas Review Journals annual reader’s poll. Gino Ferraro has also received such prestigious recognition and accolades for his restaurants including the 5 Star Diamond Award.

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is located at 4480 Paradise Rd. on the corner of Paradise and Harmon, south of Flamingo.

The restaurant will provide a new expanded menu and hours. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Happy Hour is on weekdays from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the lounge and bar.

Dinner is served seven nights per week from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Ferraro’s has a late night menu from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring Antipastini small plate dishes.

For more information, visit www.ferraroslasvegas.com

Playboy’s 2008 “Playmate of the Year” to Kick Off Super Sunday Weekend at Eva Longoria Parker’s New CityCenter Nightclub

LAS VEGAS – Jayde Nicole, Playboy’s 2008 “Playmate of the Year” and recent star of the MTV hit series “The Hills,” will kick off Super Sunday Weekend at Eva Longoria Parker’s new nightclub, Eve, on Friday, February 5.

Joined by a few of her Playmate friends, Nicole will host a crowd of enthusiastic sports fans for the busy Las Vegas weekend, with UFC on February 6 and Super Bowl on February 7.

Eve is located directly above Longoria Parker’s celebrated restaurant, Beso, at the entrance at The Park across from ARIA. Upon entering the opulent nightspot, Eve envelopes guests in ultimate luxury with lavish VIP booths, floor-to-ceiling windows and 50-foot-tall arched ceilings to accentuate the glamorous interior. One-of-a kind colossal video screens surrounding the dance floor are a striking, state-of-the art feature unique to Eve alone. Renowned DJs and a premium sound and lighting system make Eve the ultimate nightclub to dance the night away.

Eve is open to Wednesday through Saturday at 10 p.m. Admission is $30 for men and $20 for women.

Ladies with local ID receive complimentary admission, excluding special events.

Eve is located at 3720 Las Vegas Boulevard, South, inside Crystals at CityCenter at the entrance at The Park across from ARIA. For more information about Eve, visit the website at www.evethenightclub.com  or call 702.227.3838.

Baroque Bistro Patisserie (Baroque) opens it’s doors this week to an already eager patronage from the popular Franco-Australian Charkos family’s La Renaissance shopfront.

Baroque is in a prime position @ 88 George Street on the corner of George and Hickson Road – stage central for the weekend Rocks Markets and opposite Ken Done’s gallery, with views stretching from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge

Baroque has a large open plan purpose built pastry and cuisine kitchen, a retail area and a 100 seat bistro and bar with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The atmosphere is relaxed, the menu affordable (www.baroquebistro.com.au)

Bar and counters in stunning rose copper, chrome pendant lights and hand crafted Italian seating are design features. The unique industrial style interiors from restaurant expert architects and designers Dale Jones-Evans compliment the raw heritage of the 19th century building.

The Charkos’ have appointed Yann Fontaine as Chef de Cuisine at Baroque. He has been working with the Charkos brothers, Christophe and Olivier, for the past month on menus.

Fontaine arrived in Sydney from France in 2002, working initially as Chef de Partie for Peter Gilmour at Quay for 2 years before he was appointed Sous Chef at Bilson’s, working with Executive Chef Tony Bilson and Chef de Cuisine Manu Fieldel in 05/06. He has recently returned from working in Perth, his wife’s home town.

Prior to arriving in Sydney, Fontaine trained initially with Group Paul Bocuse in Lyon 96-97 achieving Commis de Cuisine with Le Sud and L’Est, Then to the Group Bernard L’Oiseaux at the 3 star Michelin Cote d’Or in Saeulieus (Demi Chef de Partie) and to the Paris showcase Tante Louise (Chef de Partie).

Head Pastry Chef is Pierre Gobert recruited by the Charkos family in 2008. He has been the creative force behind the delicious and ever expanding range of macarons at La Renaissance. He has been promoted to head the team of patissiers at Baroque. The shop front at La Renaissance remains and his mouth watering treats are available from both properties

Gobert graduated from the fine Pastry School: Les Compagnons du Devoir in France in 1999. He then worked as Pastry Chef in a variety of Patisseries including Café Pâtisserie Antoine in Bordeaux, Casabielle in Marseilles and Boulangerie Renaudon-Périgueux in Périgueux before a year as pastry chef in Madrid at La Tahoma de Alain.

Baroque is a perfect place for showcasing Sydney to visitors, entertaining clients, or a meal with friends. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a traditional and contemporary French menu, which includes cutting edge pastries and sweets to either eat in house or take away.

Baroque is open Monday to Sunday 8.00am until 11.59 pm.

For bookings go to www.baroquebistro.com.au  or call 02 92414811

Wynn Las Vegas has partnered with the N9NE Group’s Michael Morton to open a wine bar at the hotel this fall.

The bar will offer wines, beers, organic spirits and specialty cocktails.

Food menu items will include charcuterie, farmhouse cheeses, hand-cut crudo, tapas a la plancha and bite-size desserts.

Music will be derived from rhythms from around the world including Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Chile and Australia.

The venue will open in a newly renovated space adjacent the Terrace Pointe Cafe at Wynn Las Vegas.

For more information, call 877-321-9966 or visit www.wynnlasvegas.com

Chicago in January and February offers an array of activities and lowest hotel rates.

In February, free ice skating lessons is offered from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sundays at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in downtown Millennium Park;

extended public skating hours and professional ice dancing demonstrations are held on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Held Jan. 29 to 31, Snow Days Chicago is a free three-day winter festival on Michigan Avenue in Grant Park, featuring a national snow sculpting competition, dog sled demonstrations, a snowboard rail jam and kids activities.

The free Polar Adventure Days, held on Northerly Island on Jan. 23 and Feb. 20, include ice sculptures, an arctic dog sled team, winter crafts, hot cocoa and even snowshoing.

The Dusable Museum of African American History from Jan. 23 to April 4 hosts an interactive multimedia exhibition, Freedom’s Sisters, about 20 African American women who helped advance civil rights in America.

The Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place, Feb. 12 to 21.

Now in its 102nd year, the nation’s largest auto exposition showcases over 1,000 domestic and imported vehicles, including experimental and concept cars, collectors’ antiques and numerous auto-related accessories and exhibits.

On Feb. 14 is the annual Chinese New Year Parade in Chicago’s historic Chinatown.

Chicago is home to over 40 museums; many are free or offer free days. The Art Institute of Chicago is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday evenings throughout the year. Plus, the museum is free every day during the month of February.

The Field Museum is free on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 24 (excluding Feb. 9).

The Museum of Science and Industry is free on weekdays in January and on Feb. 8 and Feb. 14.

The Adler Planetarium is free on Tuesdays in January and February. The planetarium is also free Jan. 11 to 15 and Feb. 8 to 12.

The Shedd Aquarium is free on Mondays and Tuesdays during January and February. The aquarium is also free Jan. 16 to 21 and Feb. 15 to 19.

Chicago hotels offer their lowest rates of the year during the winter months. Rates start at $79 at the Best Western River North (includes free parking), $91 at Days Inn Chicago, $99 at the Marriott Chicago at the Medical District and the Allerton Hotel, $129 at the Westin Michigan Avenue, $139 at the Dana Hotel & Spa and $265 at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago.

For more information, call 877-CHICAGO or visit www.explorechicago.org

The 2010 Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide is now available, featuring stunning photography, insider tips and hundreds of ideas for travelers looking to relax and reconnect with loved ones on vacation in Virginia.

The new guide’s commemorative cover stars the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with a panoramic photograph taken by Cameron Davidson, an award-winning photographer from Virginia. Inside, travelers will see Virginia’s breathtaking sites along the Parkway and the best places to visit in 2010 to celebrate 75 years of America’s Favorite Drive.

Pages are dedicated to theme park thrills, kid-friendly resorts and a new Just for Kids section, with insider tips for family favorites.

The 2010 travel guide showcases Virginia’s beautiful hiking and biking trails, state and national parks, fishing, and water and snow sports, including the only place in the nation to ski and snowboard outdoors, year-round.

As the 150th anniversary of the Civil War approaches in 2011, Virginia’s central role in this important period of American’ history will be front and center.

The 2010 travel guide highlights Virginia destinations preparing to commemorate the anniversary with a fresh approach to interpretation at museums and sites across the state.

Other guide highlights include Virginia’s four hundred years of history, music and cultural heritage sites, movie locations,

Virginia Green destinations and hundreds of special events and festivals.

The guide also captures the Virginia wine travel experience with info and trip ideas around the state’s nearly 150 wineries.

The free guide is available at www.Virginia.org  or by calling 800-VISITVA.