Scoup du Jour

Summer 2009

NEW YORK, NY (May 18, 2009) – Leading China tour operator Pacific Delight Tours ( http://www.pacificdelighttours.com/ ) is demonstrating that five-star luxury does not have to come with a hefty price tag with the launch of a limited time offer on its new China Impressions program with rates starting at a remarkable $1,599 including international air via Air China and professionally guided sightseeing experiences in Beijing , Xi'an , Suzhou and Shanghai .  Offer must be booked with full deposit by May 31 to qualify.  For more information or to book, consult your local travel agent, contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com .

SUMMER OF MUSHROOMS

San Marcos, CA May 15, 2009— Summer's officially here and as lazy days stretch into long twilights, cultivated wild mushrooms make the journey from the dinner table to the picnic table with ease, aplomb and “umami.”

The Hokto Kinoko Company, which grows four varieties of fresh, 100% organic cultivated wild mushrooms to retail brands in the United States, offers several healthy and delicious ways to enjoy maitake ("hen of the woods"); king trumpet; brown beech; and white beech mushrooms throughout the summer and beyond.

“These mushrooms work great as an ingredient or side dish.  Our own experience and preferences have taught us a few key ways to prepare wild cultivated mushrooms to enhance summer dishes,” says Hokto Kinoko Company's Tadao Yamamoto.  “But of course, we encourage people to improvise.”  We've both adapted and improvised a few simple recipes below.

Mushroom Grill Sides

One of the simplest ways to enjoy cultivated wild mushrooms is as a grill side.

• 1 package (about 4 oz.) each maitake, brown beech and white beech mushrooms
• 2 onions
• 2 red or yellow bell peppers

Mix mushrooms and vegetables in sauté pan on grill side burner with a little oil.  Season with leftover marinade from whatever protein is on the grill: steak, chicken or fish.  Sautée over medium heat until desired consistency.  Serves 4

You can also make a mushroom bruschetta with these.  Just whisk together some balsamic vinegar, oil salt and pepper and drizzle over the mushroom mixture.  Cool in refrigerator, serve over grilled bread garnished with chopped Italian parsley and grated Romano cheese.

Mixed Mushroom Hobo Pack

This recipe is adapted from a potato cooking technique we learned while camping with our Dutch friends.  The hobo pack can be placed on a grill or campfire, or even on the dutchtub: www.dutchtub.com.

• 1 lb. mixed wild cultivated mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
• ¼ cup sliced red onions
• ¼ tsp. lemon pepper, salt
• Olive oil to taste

Combine mushrooms and onions on large piece of heavy duty tinfoil, shiny side up.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Season to taste with lemon pepper and salt.  Place another square of foil on top of mixture and roll up all four sides to trap it inside securely.  Grill directly on low heat for 15 minutes, turning once after about ten minutes.  Serves 6

Grilled King Trumpet Mushrooms

• 1 package whole king trumpet mushrooms (approximately 6 oz.)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp. steak or grill spice blend, or Herbes de Provence

Clean and trim stem ends of mushrooms if needed. Marinate mushrooms, oil and seasoning in a plastic bag.

Place crosswise on grill and cook, turning once, for about ten minutes until heated through and grill marks are clearly visible.  They can also be cooked on skewers or in a grill pan.  Serves 4

About Hokto Kinoko

The Hokto Kinoko Company takes its name from kinoko--the Japanese word for mushrooms; written with the Chinese kanji characters for "children" and "woods," literally, "Children of the Woods.” The Hokto Kinoko Company grows cultivated wild mushrooms at a brand-new, state-of-the-art growing facility in San Marcos near San Diego , California .  Hokto Kinoko produces four varieties of fresh, certified organic cultivated wild mushrooms at the new 250,000 square-foot facility: maitake ("hen of the woods"); king trumpet; brown beech; and white beech.   At capacity, the new facility can turn out six million pounds a year of these healthy and delicious mushrooms.  The Hokto Kinoko Company plans to host a mushroom expo and harvest event there in fall 2009.  The Hokto Kinoko Company is a subsidiary of the largest specialty mushroom grower in Japan, Hokto Corporation.

NEW YORK, NY (May 6, 2009) - Providing more value for your vacation dollar, The New Yorker Hotel (http://www.NewYorkerHotel.com), located in the heart of New York City, has launched a new summer promotion featuring 15% off the best available room rates at the hotel for travel now through Aug. 31, 2009.  Nightly rates (reflecting the discount) start at $169 per room, plus tax, based on single or double occupancy, and are valid for new bookings.  This offer is non-refundable and may not be modified or cancelled.  Discount is not available to groups and is subject to availability. Guests can choose from a City View room, New Yorker Suite or Tower accommodation and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-panel HDTV, plush bedding and magnificent views of the city's skyline. The New Yorker Hotel recently completed a $70 million renovation which included a total overhaul of all guestrooms.  Inspired by the exotic and glamorous New York/Hollywood art deco era of the 1930's, each guestroom features new furniture, carpets, wallpaper and art-deco-inspired interiors with geometric patterns. For reservations, visit The New Yorker Hotel's website at http://NewYorkerHotel.com/Specials.html, or call 800-764-4680.

Boulder, Colo.—(May 6, 2009)— The Flagstaff House Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant featuring an award-winning wine list, exquisite food and superior service, was identified as of the 50 “best overall” dining experiences in the nation for 2009 based on over 2 million restaurant reviews over the past year through OpenTable, the world's most popular website for making reservations online. Diners who make reservations through OpenTable have the option to review their experience; Flagstaff House was selected as the best “scenic view”, “romantic” and “special occasion” restaurant. For more information, visit www.flagstaffhouse.com .

Napa , CA –Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, one of Italy 's most prestigious wine producers, announced the launch of the ‘ Tuscany to You' nationwide consumer recipe contest today.  The contest invites home cooks, aspiring chefs and food lovers from across America to submit their favorite Italian recipe for a chance to win a private dinner for four prepared in their home by visiting Italian chef Donatella Zampoli.  The contest will run through July 31, 2009 and recipes will be submitted through the Tuscany Tonight Web site (www.tuscanytonight.com). 

NEW YORK (NY) – reBar (147 Front Street between Pearl and Jay Streets) the bar and lounge, named Best New Bar of the Year (2007) by Time Out New York magazine, now features a gastropub style menu created to complement its eclectic wine, beer and cocktail offerings.

Located in the turn-of-the-century building which formerly housed the Union Tea Company (in Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood), reBar proprietor Jason Stevens enlisted executive chef Lori D'Agostino (formerly of Loulou) to develop a new menu of French-Mediterranean small, medium and large plates.  The addition of these dishes is sure to elevate reBar's award-winning bar and lounge atmosphere to a full-service gastronomic experience.

Whether you're in the mood for a few light accoutrements to reBar's impressive beer  wine and cocktail lists, or a full multi-course meal designed to accompany the perfect beverage selection, D'Agostino has created dishes drawn on her decade of expertise and adherence to using fresh, seasonal ingredients - including many dishes that are vegan or lacto-vegetarian . Stevens, together with bar manager Luke Wheeler , worked with D'Agostino to suggest the right beverage enhancement for reBar's discerning guests, including a selection of beer-inspired cocktails drawn from reBar's 15 tap and 80 bottles of world renowned beers, including a broad selection of Belgian brews.  For more information, please call Jason Stevens at 917-406-9192, 718-766-9110 to reach reBar directly, or visit www.rebarnyc.com .

ATLANTA, GA, May 1, 2009 – Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brings its unique combination of stylish sophistication and fun, creative spirit to Midtown with the opening of the newly built Hotel Palomar Atlanta-Midtown. The Hotel Palomar Atlanta offers the luxurious amenities that make Kimpton one of North America's most loved boutique hotel brands while providing a style that is distinctly Atlanta .  The property was developed by Beau King of Kim King & Associates, along with Butch Ross and Ross Perot, Jr. of the Hillwood Group.  To introduce the hotel and for a limited time, the Hotel Palomar is offering a 20 percent savings off the mid-week rate, which starts at $199 per night. This offer is valid through Sept. 7, 2009 for mid-week stays (Tuesday through Thursday.) Weekend rates are $129 per night through the end of the summer.    The Hotel Palomar Atlanta, the newest addition to the “ Midtown Mile,” has 304 guest rooms and suites, two on-site restaurants, a 24-hour fitness center, and 10,000 square feet of meeting space. The Hotel Palomar treats guests to a unique set of services and amenities including On Demand yoga and Pilates programming; in-room spa services; a pet-friendly environment and animal daycare; mini-bars stocked with organic options and lodging packages offering Atlanta-centric activities, such as area tours, arts events and performances.   For more information or reservations, visit www.hotelpalomar-atlantamidtown.com, or call (678) 412-2400.

Yountville , CA , May 1, 2009 - After a kitchen fire in February, the pioneering Mustards Grill re-opens its doors refreshed and prepared to serve a Spring menu and wine list including some spectacular wine values.

In addition to perennial favorites such as the Mongolian Porkchop and Onion Rings with housemade tomato apple ketchup, Chef Pawlcyn has created new signature dishes for her "wine country roadhouse." They include appetizers such as Roasted Garlic, Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato, build your own crostini; Tumeric Chicken Lettuce Cups served with coconut-peanut and pineapple dips; and Colorado Lamb ‘Finger Chops' with two mojos. She has also created a new salad fresh from the restaurant's garden aptly named Garden Green and Herbs with candied walnuts.  For main courses she created a Housemade Ravioli, Braised Lamb Shoulder served with a mushroom consommé, English peas, fava beans and mashed potatoes, Sonoma Rabbit Cooked Two Ways and a Chicken Sandwich which changes often so diners experience a wide variety of daily preparations.  For reservations please call 707-944-2424 or visit www.mustardsgrill.com.

SONOMA COUNTY, California (April 20, 2009) – Captûre Wines, the ultra-premium Bordeaux winegrowing estate situated 2,450 feet above Sonoma County's Alexander Valley on Pine Mountain, is pleased to announce the release of its inaugural wine, the 2008 Captûre Tradition Sauvignon Blanc .  Captûre's small-production wines are hand-crafted by the wife and husband winemaking team of May-Britt and Denis Malbec, formerly of Château Latour in Bordeaux , who are dedicated to creating the finest Bordeaux-style artisan wines from California grapes, using the highest standards of sustainable winegrowing.  To join the mailing list or for additional information about Captûre Wines, please visit the Web site at www.capturewines.com.

WEGGIS , SWITZERLAND – Although Switzerland is often thought of as a winter destination, the luxury five-star, 53-room Park Hotel Weggis offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an alpine summer filled with world-class cultural attractions, spectacular scenery and luxurious hotel offerings. Conveniently located along the shores of the spectacular Lake Lucerne in the village of Weggis in Central Switzerland , Park Hotel Weggis is ideal locale to enjoy all that the area has to offer this summer, including music festivals, sporting events and outdoor expeditions. In addition to regional events and offerings, guests can enjoy the utmost in luxury with its Parc & Relax package featuring world-class accommodations, gourmet dining and private tours a with package rates starting at $2,017* per person .  For information and reservations contact Park Hotel Weggis at www.phw.ch or info@phw.ch or 011-41-(0)41-392-05-05. 

Jan 2009

Valentine’s Day and more

NYC, NY….If sailing in a gondola down the streams of Venice isn't in the cards this Valentine's Day, Fabio Piccolo Fiore is offering the next best thing: a menu dell'amore. With pampering service for you and your date and three succulent courses designed to arouse your senses, it's guaranteed to be a night to remember. And, at just $55 per person, it won't break the bank.  Owner Nick Nubile always dreamt about opening a restaurant to show off the wonderful cuisine that his home region of Abruzzi, Italy so abundantly offers. It was only when he met Chef Fabio Hakill that he realized his dream could finally come to fruition. The two have come together to create Fabio Piccolo Fiore, a unique midtown gem that focuses on the light and fresh fares of central Italy.  Located at 230 East 44th St. Call (212) 922-0581 for reservations

PALM BEACH COUNTY 2009 CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Palm Beach COUNTY, Fla., January 9, 2008 – Palm Beach County offers an exciting array of attractions and events year-round, and visitors continue to enjoy a variety of activities. Below is a sampling of events and festivals taking place in Palm Beach County for 2009. A comprehensive list of activities throughout the year can be found at palmbeachfl.com.

Winter Equestrian and Polo Season - Jan-March, 2009 - Wellington: Each winter, top riders and their horses descend on Wellington, the epicenter of the equestrian community in Palm Beach County.

South Florida Fair - Jan. 16-February 1, 2009 - West Palm Beach: Florida's top-rated fair and Palm Beach County's oldest and largest outdoor event. Fun for all ages, fair goers enjoy playing games, tons of rides, a large variety of carnival food, livestock, live entertainment and so much more.

FOTOfusion - Jan. 27-31, 2009 - Delray Beach: Held at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre, the 14th annual International Festival of Photography & Digital Imaging showcases leading photographers and cutting-edge technology methods for collectors and novice photographers.

American International Fine Art Fair - Feb. 4-8, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The Palm Beach County Convention Center will host the premier art, antique and jewelry fair. The fair features 100 international dealers representing all disciplines of fine art from classical antiquity to contemporary, as well as an extraordinary collection of haute and period jewelry.

Lake O Survivor Series – February 8, 2009 - Lake Okeechobee Area: Designed to showcase the “Lake Region” of Palm Beach County, adventure racers from across the country assemble to compete in running, biking and other physical tasks all while encountering natural and manmade obstacles. Three additional races in the series will take place April 18, June 27 and October 11.

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show - Feb. 13-17, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The largest vetted art and antique show in the U.S. takes place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Featuring over 200 top-tier international exhibitors; the show brings together fine art, jewelry, sculpture, porcelain, ceramics, and more for art lovers and collectors.

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival - Feb. 14-16, 2009 - Jupiter: ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival has grown from a small, local art show to a nationally recognized fine arts festival attracting more than 150,000 art lovers and collectors.

The Honda Classic - March 2-8, 2009 - Palm Beach Gardens: Golf's top players from around the world compete on the legendary PGA National course, The Champion.

Palm Beach Boat Show - March 26-29, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The Palm Beach Boat Show is one of the top 10 boat shows in the country featuring more than $300 million worth of boats, super yachts and accessories from every major marine manufacturer worldwide. More than 900 boats of every size and type will be on display, in addition to a variety of free fishing clinics and family friendly entertainment.

Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Event - April 9-11, 2009 - West Palm Beach: Hosted at the South Florida Fairgrounds, the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction is one of the premier events for antique and classic car owners, collectors and automotive enthusiasts from around the world.

PrideFest of the Palm Beaches - March 28-29, 2009 - Lake Worth: Among the largest gay and lesbian festivals in Florida, PrideFest features a Grand Parade, musical entertainment, and local businesses showcasing everything from jewelry and art to non-profit organizations.

SunFest - April 29 - May 3, 2009 - West Palm Beach: SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. Held annually along the Intracoastal Waterway in downtown West Palm Beach SunFest attracts more than 280,000 visitors.

Marathon of the Palm Beaches – December 6, 2009 - West Palm Beach: The annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches welcomes runners to a course that is one of the world’s most scenic locations for runners and a qualifier for the 2010 Boston Marathon.

For more information about these events and festivals, call the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 561.233.3000, or visit palmbeachfl.com.

NYC, NY…Sushi Zen--Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you know what they say about roses and chocolate—it’s all been done. For a unique and equally romantic Valentine’s day experience, Sushi Zen’s omakase is the perfect choice. Have chef Toshio Suzuki custom-create a meal according to your taste and budget—he’ll serve you personally at the gorgeously designed sushi bar where you can feel luxuriously pampered by one of America’s best Japanese chefs. In fact, Suzuki likens the experience of his omakase to a day at the spa—it’s good for your body, relaxes you, stimulates your senses, and re-energizes you—but it’s a lot less girly. And you know what they say about oysters…Sushi Zen (www.sushizen-ny.com) is located at 108 West 44th Street between Broadway and Sixth Ave. Monday-Friday, lunch from 12 noon – 2:45pm; dinner from 5:30pm-10:00pm. Saturday dinner from 5:00pm-10pm. Closed Sunday.
For reservations call 212-302-0707. www.sushizen-ny.com

ORLANDO (Jan. 12, 2009) - February 14 is for lovers. Lovers of fine wines and cuisine, that is. This Valentine's Day, Orlando's award-winning Rosen Centre hotel kicks off its 2009 "Vine and Dine" Series with a very special event entitled "Decadent Pairings," a six-course feast of aphrodisiac-infused items paired to perfection with a selection of wines from the Trinchero Winery in Napa Valley, California.  The dinner begins in Rosen Centre's Quiet Bar at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.  Guests will sample the first wine selection from the Trinchero collection, then continue to the Everglades Restaurant dining room for their romantic Valentine's Day feast. Making the evening even more memorable, a representative from the Trinchero Winery will provide a special introduction of each wine served throughout the evening.  Space is limited.  For reservations, call 407 996-9840, ext. 3602.   For more information, visit www.evergladesrestaurant.com or www.rosencentre.com.

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands (Jan. 8, 2009) - Don't spend Valentine's Day with the cliché celebration of flowers and chocolate.  Give your significant other the gift of travel this February with a romantic getaway at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (http://www.bolongobay.com), located in St. Thomas, with the resort's five-night Valentine's Day Package, priced at $1,748per couple.  For additional information about Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, call 1-800-524-4746 / 340-775-1800, or send e-mail: reservations@bolongobay.com.  Visit Bolongo in cyberspace at www.bolongobay.com.

Nantucket Island, MA (December 29, 2008) – The new Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum will open its doors on May 15, 2009 for its first full season and showcase its collection of over 5,000 objects – including period surfboats, beach carts, vintage photographs, and more.  This year, the museum will debut a historical retrospective exhibit on “Madaket Millie,” a colorful local character, who personally took over Coast Guard patrols of Madaket Harbor.  In addition, the museum will host three Family Fun Days throughout the summer, including a book signing with Whitney Stewart, author of Coffin’s Ghost, a new treasure hunt book for children. Stewart also authored Marshall, A Nantucket Sea Rescue, inspired by the real-life tale of a Newfoundland dog that was rescued by life-savers at the island’s Surfside Life-Saving Station in 1877, and this fall will release a new edition of Marshall  for older children.  In collaboration with The Trustees of Reservations, the museum will add guided Sunday tours to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Great Point Lighthouse.  For more information call (508) 228-1885, or visit online at www.nantucketshipwreck.org.

 BRANSON, MO (January 2009) – The AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, which stands on a beautiful Ozark mountaintop overlooking Branson, Missouri’s scenic Table Rock Lake, is offering a special “Valentine Package” for those wishing to enjoy a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day.   The “Valentine Package” includes:  a one-night stay in a beautifully-appointed guestroom; bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your room; a four-course dinner-for-two in the award-winning Chateau Grille (which overlooks Table Rock Lake); a specially-selected Spa Chateau amenity; and complimentary valet parking. Based on double occupancy, the package starts at $320 per couple, and is available February 12-15, 2009. The price includes tax and service charges, and the package is based on availability.  For reservations, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com .

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