Editor En Route » Hayley

Buy a Bottle, Save a Tree with Sequoia Grove Winery

Hayley — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:55:02 +0000

Sequoia Grove Winery and Firebirds are proud to announce the “Buy a Bottle, Save a Tree” program to raise awareness of the need to protect the future of giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees. From September 1 through October 31, 2010, 10 percent of bottle sales generated from Sequoia Grove’s 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will be donated towards the Sequoia Grove Winery Save a Tree Campaign, an initiative benefitting the Sequoia Parks Foundation (SPF) to preserve both the parks’ natural environment and the future of giant sequoias.

“Buy a Bottle, Save a Tree” presents consumers, at 17 national Firebirds locations, with an opportunity to dine and wine with Sequoia Grove’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, #9 Most Popular Cabernet Sauvignon in top restaurants, according to Wine & Spirits much heralded Restaurant Poll April 2010, while aiding the SPF’s tree preservation initiatives. The SPF protects giant sequoias in their limited habitat by funding important education, restoration, and research projects in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Following a lead donation of $10,000 from the Winery, both Firebirds and Sequoia Grove are eager to provide the SPF with additional resources needed to continue its mission.

In addition, guests of Firebirds Wood Fire Grill will have a chance to indulge in special wine and food pairings and learn more about Sequoia Grove Winery and its Sequoia tree preservation campaign at special Winemaker dinners at the following 5 locations Birmingham, AL (Sept. 14); Charlotte, NC (Oct. 11); Winston-Salem, NC (Oct. 12); Phoenix, AZ (Oct. 25); Chandler, AZ (Oct. 26).

Sequoia Grove’s dedication to the environment and sustainable practices is part of the winery’s heritage and history, as it is named after one of the last remaining groves of Redwoods in Napa Valley. To learn more about the Sequoia Grove Winery, Save a Tree Campaign please visit www.sequoiagrove.com.

About Sequoia Grove Winery:
Sequoia Grove is a boutique Napa Valley winery located on Route 29 in the heart of Rutherford. Head Winemaker Michael Trujillo and Winemaker Molly Hill choose from the very best palette of Napa Valley fruit sources to create Bordeaux-style wines of traditional character, structure and a true sense of place, a fresh approach yielding modern-day liquid treasures that over-deliver for their price point.

About Firebirds Wood Fire Grill:
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill introduced a taste of Colorado to the Carolinas when it first opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina in December of 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations nationwide. The restaurant is the creative concept of owner and restaurateur, Dennis Thompson, and is designed to create an innovative style of American cuisine. Inside, the restaurants boast a cozy, comfortable setting which makes for one very dynamic dining experience.

New Estates at Blackstone at Vistancia

Hayley — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:09:52 +0000

The new Estates at Blackstone collection by K. Hovnanian Homes, featuring spacious floor plans that blend formal and casual living space, has opened at the private, gated community of Blackstone at Vistancia in Peoria.

Two models and four floor plans range from more than 2,700 to nearly 3,300 square feet and are priced from the high $309,000s. All are single-level homes with 10-foot ceilings and offer up to four bedrooms and up to three baths.

“The Estates Collection at Blackstone is our premier line and represents the finest in luxury living,” said Andy Pedersen, regional director of marketing for K. Hovnanian Homes. He pointed out that the distinctively themed architecture, well-appointed interiors and expansive, open plans embody the feel of Blackstone and its surroundings.

“Each home was designed to offer flexibility for customers’ lifestyles, whether they’re looking for a home with formal and relaxed living areas, included offices, a four-car garage, additional bedrooms, a workshop or bonus room, or even a detached guest suite,” he added.

The Cobblestone model, with more than 2,700 square feet, incorporates formal living and dining rooms, a large kitchen, an expansive family room and a den that can be utilized comfortably as a home office. A private, retreat-like master suite is tucked away from the other bedrooms. A three-car split garage has the option of becoming a fifth bedroom or a detached guest suite.

A second model, the Rockledge, is the dramatic cornerstone of the collection. The largest of the floor plans (nearly 3,300 square feet), its distinctive features include a turret foyer (per elevation selected), island kitchen, master suite with a centered garden tub in the bath and private space that can be utilized as a studio or a workout room. A four-car tandem garage allows space for a workshop or the option of a bonus room or fifth bedroom.

Two additional floor plans include: the Hearthstone, with nearly 3,000 square feet, and the 3,067-square-foot Rockwood.

The Hearthstone is distinguished by an enormous family room that opens to the designer kitchen, privately located master suite and the option of a detached guest suite or fifth bedroom with third bath.

Highlighting the Rockwood plan are a tiled, walk-in shower in the master bath, an office with a separate entrance to a front courtyard and optional detached guest suite or fifth bedroom.

“The Estates Collection appeals to buyers looking for a country club atmosphere in a private, desert setting,” Pedersen explained. “Floor plans can accommodate customers looking to downsize or to increase space for their growing families.”

Among the grand opening incentives being offered for a limited time are $10,000 toward closing costs and $5,000 toward options and upgrades.

For more information about The Estates at Blackstone, call 928-252-2904 or 877-KHOV-NOW or visit www.khov.com. The sales office, located within Blackstone Country Club, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The 590-acre Blackstone community is located northwest of Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Road in the Vistancia master plan. Family amenities include Arizona’s only golf course designed by the Colorado-based designer Jim Engh and a 30,000-square-foot Hacienda clubhouse with a main dining room and three private dining venues, an outdoor Cantina, a 3,000-square-foot fitness center, three pools and a tennis facility.

To reach Blackstone at Vistancia, turn west on Happy Valley Road from Lake Pleasant Parkway (99th Avenue); or west on Vistancia Parkway from Loop 303. Follow into the Vistancia community and turn right on Lone Mountain Road. Turn left at the Blackstone Country Club main gate.

For information about Blackstone, visit www.blackstonecountryclub.com.

Sunset Strip Music Festival Hotel Deals

Hayley — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:14:41 +0000

The Chamberlain West Hollywood Offers Rockin’ Rates Steps Away from the Strip during the Sunset Strip Music Festival

Celebrate the history of music on the Sunset Strip and live like a rockstar this August 26-28 at the Chamberlain West Hollywood. During the last weekend in August, the newly redesigned hotel is offering special packages in honor of the Sunset Strip Music Festival. Sip on Jack Daniels or Handbanger Rock N Red Wine and listen to Slash’s debut solo album before heading out to the Saturday street festival- all of which are included in the hotel’s two night or three night packages.

When: August 26-28 during the Sunset Strip Music Festival

Where: Chamberlain West Hollywood
1000 Westmount Drive
West Hollywood
310.657.7400
www.chamberlainwesthollywood.com

Pricing: Suite accommodations with tickets and special amenities start from $820-$1150, Room and ticket package in a one bedroom suite starting at $720.

Additional: The Third Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) will rock West Hollywood Aug. 26-28, 2010. The three-day event will kick off on Thursday, Aug. 26 at the House of Blues with a tribute to this year’s honoree, Slash, for his contributions to the history of The Strip as well as the music industry. The culmination of the SSMF is a street festival on Saturday, which will be headlined by the world-famous band, The Smashing Pumpkins.

How To Eat, Pray, Love in San Antonio, Texas

Hayley — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:09:46 +0000

If you’re heading to San Antonio, Texas, here is a fun itinerary of things to do:

This summer, San Antonio invites visitors to experience their very own “Eat, Pray, Love” travel adventure – all within one city. Where to Eat, Pray, Love in San Antonio shows travelers how to dine their way to happiness, trek through centuries of spiritual inspiration and fall in love with a city that is being hailed as the undiscovered paradise at their back door. Through a list of featured itineraries on VisitSanAntonio.com, visitors can easily find opportunities to rediscover themselves as they take a personalized adventure opening the mind, freeing the body and romancing the soul. San Antonio encourages travelers to be daring, be adventurous, and most of all fall in love—Deep. In the Heart.

Itineraries for Where to Eat, Pray, Love in San Antonio provide visitors with ideas on what to do in San Antonio while connecting with their own personal journey.

Eat

In a location where the Tex-Mex explosion takes center stage, those exploring San Antonio’s diverse culinary landscape will not want to miss such favorites as dining on fresh, local and seasonal goods found at Pearl Farmers’ Market; experiencing the authentic Mexican street food of chef Johnny Hernandez at La Gloria Ice House; or sipping, tasting and sniffing through 26 different vineyards found along the Texas Wine Trail in Hill Country.

Pray

Once the body has been filled with the delicious flavors of San Antonio, the journey will continue by immersing the soul in the power and passion found in the rich culture and history of San Antonio. Visitors’ spiritual quest can begin at a botanica for a wide variety of healing products like “Go Away Evil” spray and “Bring Love” candles. They can then head to the Alamo or the Spanish Colonial Missions, both which date back to the 1700′s. Another moving experience can be found in reflecting in the plaza of San Fernando Cathedral, the nation’s oldest cathedral sanctuary. Cares can be given away to the plaza’s melodic fountains and live musical performances.

Love

Falling in love in San Antonio is not just a moment in time; it’s a way of life that takes over your whole body and soul. Whether it’s a stroll at dusk through the King William Historic District, a Yellow Rose Carriage ride along the River Walk, unwinding and enjoying the beautiful floral displays at the Japanese Tea Gardens or taking time to get pampered at one of the many luxurious spas, visitors won’t just fall in love, they’ll fall in love with San Antonio.

To further the Eat, Pray, Love in San Antonio experience, visitors can enjoy special hotel packages including:

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk: When booking this soul searching retreat, ask for the Eat, Pray, Love in San Antonio package to take pleasure in a $50 dining credit at Citrus Restaurant, rose petal turndown service and a copy of the award winning book “Eat, Pray, Love.”

Hyatt Place San Antonio Riverwalk: Guests staying here will be thrilled with the Romantic Getaway Package which includes a $10 food credit, a bottle of wine, complimentary continental breakfast, parking and WiFi and early check-in and late check out.

Omni La Mansion del Rio: Fall in love with the Amore del Rio package and enjoy complimentary breakfast, valet parking and turndown service complete with sparkling wine and truffles.

Watermark Hotel & Spa: A romantic stroll along the River Walk leads visitors to the Amore del Rio package which includes complimentary breakfast, complimentary valet parking and turndown service complete with sparkling wine and truffles.

Hotel Havana: Join the Hotel Havana and La Gloria Chef/owner Jonny Hernandez for Eat, Pray, Love Supper Club on Saturday, July 31. For one special evening guests will enjoy a romantic evening at the Hotel Havana and a five course dinner for two prepared personally by Chef Johnny. Prior to the feast, diners will be swept away with two complimentary passes for a private “Eat, Pray, Love” tour at the San Antonio Museum of Art.

San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk Hotel: Relax at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk hotel where visitors will enjoy complimentary self parking and breakfast for two. Included in this Eat, Pray, Love package are two tickets aboard the Rio San Antonio Boat.

The Westin Riverwalk San Antonio: Guests staying at the Westin Riverwalk San Antonio will be delighted with the views from a Riverside Room with balcony, special Eat, Pray, Love amenity upon arrival, and can feast on dinner two at Zocca.

Marriott Rivercenter: Unwind in San Antonio at the Marriott Rivercenter hotel and enjoy complimentary self parking and breakfast for two. Included in this Eat, Pray, Love package are two tickets aboard the Rio San Antonio Boat.
Yellow Rose Bed & Breakfast: The Yellow Rose Bed & Breakfast offers a special Eat, Pray, Love package including a two night stay with in-room breakfast delivery each morning, an Italian picnic to enjoy by the River Walk, a novel, ‘The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh,’ and one dozen yellow roses to give to your loved one.

San Antonio embodies all that is Eat, Pray, Love—a journey of self discovery through culinary adventure, spiritual awakening and romance the soul. The adventure begins in San Antonio.

Veer Towers Opens at CityCenter in Las Vegas

Hayley — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:04:37 +0000

CityCenter, the groundbreaking 67-acre city-within-a-city, is celebrating the opening of Veer Towers, one of the destination’s most architecturally iconic residential buildings, and its model homes. This latest unveiling follows the successful grand opening of four of CityCenter’s unprecedented offerings – ARIA Resort & Casino; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; Vdara Hotel & Spa and Crystals retail and entertainment district. Tours of Veer’s model units are by appointment only. To coordinate, interested parties may call 866-708-7111 or visit CityCenter’s Residential Sales Pavilion Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Helmut Jahn, Veer Towers is an architectural and artistic landmark on the global scene – a masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form. Veer is CityCenter’s only completely residential development. Inclined at five-degree angles – a feature celebrated by the buildings’ name – its two 37-story glass towers shimmer day and night.

Notable designer Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido* created Veer’s public spaces and lobbies, which showcase spectacular commissioned works by Richard Long and an abundance of natural light flowing through floor-to-ceiling windows. Within the avant-garde buildings, Veer Towers’ residents will see The Strip and Las Vegas like never before. Depending on location, some will enjoy the artistic view of Crystals’ sculptural rooftop – a crystalline canopy, designed by famed architect Daniel Libeskind – while others will have spectacular views of the world-famous Strip.

“Arguably the most striking residential building in the world, Veer Towers is a masterful work of contemporary architecture offering buyers an immersive, artful lifestyle set within the urban mosaic of CityCenter,” said Tony Dennis, executive vice president, CityCenter Residential Division.

Each Veer Tower is home to approximately 335 contemporary condominium residences ranging from approximately 500 to 3,300 square feet. Residential options include studios; deluxe studios; one-, two- and three-bedroom flats; and penthouses. Veer pricing starts from the mid $300,000s.

Amenities & Services – Atop each tower on the 37th floor, the amenities floor, with unequaled views of Las Vegas, features a roof-top, infinity-edge pool, hot tub, sun deck and bar for outdoor entertaining. A recreation room, private media room and a fitness center with men’s and women’s steam rooms and saunas are on the 37th floor adjacent to the pool deck. Additional offerings include a private boardroom and business center, bike storage, mail room, private residential valet, concierge service and 24-hour security.
Art – As a part of the CityCenter public Fine Art Collection, which features the talents of world-renowned artists, Veer Towers features two large-scale commissioned works by Richard Long. Entitled “Circle of Life” and “Earth,” Long’s two mud wall drawings each measure approximately 80 feet high by 50 feet wide and are displayed on Veer Tower’s west and east tower walls, respectively.
Entertainment – Veer Towers rise from Crystals, CityCenter’s spectacular 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district, presenting the best of stylish, big-city living. Upscale dining, lavish shopping, electric nightlife and entertainment at ARIA and Mandarin Oriental – two of Las Vegas’ hottest destinations – are just steps away. Located at the city’s urban core, residents of Veer Towers have access to the CityCenter Tram, offering transportation to Vdara Hotel & Spa, Bellagio and Monte Carlo.
Grand Opening Promotion – In celebration of Veers’ opening, CityCenter is offering a limited-time studio promotion with a retail value of up to $20,000. With the purchase of select Veer East Interior Studios, owners will receive a complimentary turnkey living package designed and furnished by Robb & Stucky, the largest high-end interior design firm in the country. Catering to individuals seeking value and convenience, the complete turnkey package includes designer selected furniture, area rugs, lamp(s), home accessories, flat-screen TV & DVD player, artwork, Mechoshade Solar Shades, luxury kitchen package, custom bedding package and custom linens package. Prospective buyers can choose from one of three modern design themes: Max Living, Max Minimal and Max Attitude. The model homes at Veer Towers also are available as turnkey purchases complete with interior design and furnishings by Robb & Stucky.

Affirming its commitment to deliver a new level of environmental consciousness to the Las Vegas Strip, Veer Towers earned CityCenter’s sixth LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The accomplishment marks the highest LEED achievement by any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas. The 18-million-square-foot metropolis is one of the world’s largest private sustainable communities.

For more information about Veer Towers, the studio promotion and CityCenter’s residential opportunities, please call (702) 590-5999, toll-free (866) 708-7111, or visit www.citycenter.com.

Terranea Resort’s Boot Camp

Hayley — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:22:54 +0000

I love Terranea Resort. It’s got the most fabulous location and there is so much to do at this property. Terranea’s Boot Camp is the perfect solution for both the fitness-minded person and the individual who has been meaning to get back in shape.

For $40, Terranea’s Boot Camp Resort Package offers an hour-long, vigorous “military-style” workout that makes use of the resort’s 102 beautiful coastal acres, followed by access to Terranea’s luxurious oceanfront spa facilities for a relaxing post-workout cool down. The program is open to – and challenging for – men and women alike!

The workout begins at the fitness center at 6 a.m. where participants warm-up with traditional calisthenics by the pool deck. Following the warm-up, the class ventures out around the property, usually by a short jog to get to the next location or, on a particularly hard day, by doing lunges up a steep coastal hill. The class eventually makes its way down to the beach cove to begin speed and agility drills in the sand. Along the way, the class stops at various points for a variety of exercises including tricep dips, push-ups and sprints. The class concludes back at the fitness center where participants are guided through mat work targeting abs and arms, followed by stretching.

After the workout, participants reward themselves with a day of rest and relaxation at the spa which includes a spa café where they can fuel up, as well as a steam, sauna, swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and cold plunge. For an additional fee, guests can indulge in a variety of massage, body treatments and facials.

Terranea’s Boot Camp is offered throughout the year in six-week intervals with the next session beginning July 26, 2010. The program is open to both resort guests and non-guests who can either drop by for a single workout or participate regularly throughout the session. Participants can purchase either the Basic Boot Camp (workout only) or the Resort-Style Boot Camp that includes access to the spa. Prices are as follows:

- Basic (workout only): $20 daily drop-in; $325- 3 days/week (6 weeks); $395- 5 days/week (6 weeks)

- Resort-style(with spa access): $40 daily drop-in; $650 3 days/week (6 weeks); $795- 5 days/week (6 weeks)

For reservations, contact The Spa at Terranea at 866-802-8000.

About Terranea Resort

Just 20 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, Terranea is magnificently poised above the Pacific Ocean on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the property boasts a 582-room Resort including a 360-room hotel with 32 suites, plus 20 bungalows. Also available are 50 oceanfront casitas and 32 ocean view villas tailored specifically to individuals looking for a more residential setting.

Resort amenities include The Links at Terranea, a 9-hole par 3 golf course; The Spa at Terranea, a 25,000 square-foot oceanfront spa; and three unique swimming pools, one with children’s play area and a 140-foot waterslide. Three ocean view restaurants offer a variety of food and beverage experiences including Catalina Kitchen for casual, all-day dining, mar’sel, the free-standing signature restaurant, and Nelson’s, a cliff-side restaurant and bar with spectacular vantage points for whale watching. Designed to reveal the Resort’s dramatic outdoor vistas, Terranea’s conference and meeting facilities include 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Other amenities include a children’s center with interactive programs and several miles of scenic bluff-top trails that connect miles of off-property coastal trails. A secluded beach cove also adds to the unique experiences at Terranea Resort. For more information visit www.terranea.com or call 866-802-8000.

Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau Offer Contest

Hayley — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:40:56 +0000

Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau Creates British Tourist Mannequin and
Invites Fans to Suggest Sandy Monica’s Next Adventure for a chance to Win a $500 Shopping Spree To Santa Monica Place.

WHAT:

Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) announced a fun online contest, featuring English tourist “Sandy Monica.” Who is she? Sandy is a life-size mannequin masquerading as a British socialite vacationing in Santa Monica. Sandy Monica is determined to experience Santa Monica life by experiencing the seaside destination to partake in at least one activity each day for the 30 days while she is in town. She will then be put on display as part of the Mannequin Collective art exhibit, a community arts program developed by Santa Monica Place in partnership with Otis School of Design to celebrate the grand opening of the new shopping venue.

During her stay “resident experts” and fans of Santa Monica are invited to help plan Sandy’s activities by submitting suggestions for creative, fun and exciting “must-do” activities during her visit to America’s favorite beachside city.

Fans of Santa Monica are encouraged to submit their activity suggestions by visiting http://www.santamonica.com/sandy-monica-contest between July 15 and July 30, 2010. The most creative suggestion, as chosen by SMCVB on Aug. 3, will receive a $500 gift card to shop at Santa Monica Place, opening on Aug. 6, 2010.

From a bike ride along the beach, a trip on a Segway, to a whirl on the famous Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel, Sandy Monica will be sharing photos of her daily adventures on her website and Facebook page.

WHY:

A fun opportunity to create excitement with a creative campaign to generate 30 days of awareness for Santa Monica as a destination, and to celebrate Santa Monica Place’s grand opening, Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) created the identity “Sandy Monica” for its mannequin, which is set to debut at the Mannequin Collective art exhibit.

A reflection of Santa Monica Place’s ongoing commitment to the arts and its community the exhibit will feature 100 mannequins, each created by Santa Monica businesses, designers and artists in celebration of the grand opening of Santa Monica Place outdoor shopping mall on Aug. 6, 2010.

WHERE:

Submissions for Sandy’s next adventure will be accepted online at: http://www.santamonica.com/sandy-monica-contest/.

WHEN:

July 15 – July. 30, 2010 — Follow Sandy Monica’s adventures online at: http://www.santamonica.com/sandy-monica/ or on Santa Monica’s Convention & Visitors Bureau Facebook Page and submit your ideas for Sandy’s next adventure for a chance to win a $500 gift card to shop at Santa Monica Place Mall at http://www.santamonica.com/sandy-monica-contest/.

August 6, 2010 – Sandy Monica will be on display during the grand opening of Santa Monica Place’s Mannequin Collective art exhibit.

The Haagen-Dazs ‘Sweet Suite’ at Hotel Triton in San Francisco

Hayley — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:26:28 +0000

Here is a neat way to cool down in California. Kids and kids-at-heart will go crazy for this ice cream suite!
July is National Ice Cream Month, but a stay in the Haagen-Dazs® Sweet Suite in San Francisco’s Hotel Triton can make any season ice cream time. The luxurious “Sweet Suite” is a custom-designed room that offers hotel guests a unique and whimsical escape, indulging the senses in flavor and style as only Haagen-Dazs can.

Themed hotel suites are not new to the Triton, a boutique Kimpton hotel in San Francisco’s bustling Union Square. The hotel was one of the first to invite celebrities to design their own suites. However, the Haagen-Dazs “Sweet Suite,” launched in 2007, stands apart as the first room to be stylized by a brand.

“The Haagen-Dazs ‘Sweet Suite’ is the most unique and one of the most popular,” says Melinda Macfarlane, General Manager of the Hotel Triton. “The room’s main attraction is a custom designed ice cream cabinet filled with both classic Haagen-Dazs flavors and new releases such as the new Haagen-Dazs Five flavors, available anytime.”

Imbued with classic and simple sophistication and bathed in vanilla and caramel colors, the true artistry of the “Sweet Suite” is in the details, from “flavored” candles in chocolate, vanilla and dulce de leche, to the bed’s handcrafted headboard shaped like the Haagen-Dazs cartouche, to a waffle-textured bed throw and a specially-made plush Haagen-Dazs bath robe.

The room was designed by Stephanie Filbrandt, owner of Marsh & Clark Design, and her innovative design team. “Our challenge in bringing the Haagen-Dazs ‘Sweet Suite’ to life was to incorporate the simple and classic style of the iconic Haagen-Dazs brand, as well as use colors and textures throughout the design to evoke the comfort and coziness associated with enjoying ice cream,” says Filbrandt.

Appropriately called the “Sweet Spot,” the ice cream cabinet is stocked with bowls, scoops and spoons and, best of all, guests can enjoy as many complimentary cartons as they desire.

A portion of each “Sweet Suite” guest’s tab is donated to the Haagen-Dazs brand’s charity of choice, Delancey Street Foundation. Guests can also purchase the custom Haagen-Dazs bathrobes and ice cream scented candles, with all proceeds benefiting the charity.

About Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream

Crafted in 1960 by Reuben Mattus in his family’s dairy, Haagen-Dazs is the original superpremium ice cream. True to tradition, the Haagen-Dazs brand is committed to using only the purest ingredients in crafting the world’s finest ice cream. Truly made like no other, today Haagen-Dazs ice cream offers a full range of products from ice cream to sorbet, frozen yogurt and frozen snacks in more than 65 flavors. Haagen-Dazs products are available around the globe for ice cream lovers to enjoy. For more information, please visit www.haagen-dazs.com.

Luxury Auction featuring Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali

Hayley — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:28:57 +0000

Art afficionados and amateur biddders will gather on July 23 for an auction that will result int eh sa,e of works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Robert Rauschenberg, as well as 800 other valuable items. Works by some of the world’s most famous artists, along with a rare collection of artifacts and furniture that span the globe and the centuries, will be presented by Garth’s Auctions Inc. at its Fine & Contemporary Arts Auction.

Among highlighted items at the auction, July 23 and 24, will be lithographs by Pablo Picasso, etchings by Salvador Dali and a photo collage by Robert Rauschenberg. The auction also will include almost 800 other items, from Herman Miller clocks to 18th century Samurai armor to a baby grand piano.

But despite the A-list names, the auction is designed to appeal to the serious collector as well as the beginner treasure hunter, with bids for items expected to range $150 to $20,000. One of the Picasso lithographs – Le Visage – is anticipated to draw bids of $300 to $600, for instance.

Catalog at http://www.garths.com/WebPhotos/7_24_10_Catalog/07_24_10_catalog.asp

“As opposed to the highly focused auctions that were all the rage a few years back, our ‘general’ Fine & Contemporary Arts Auction aspires to appeal to collectors of all types,” said Amelia Jeffers, President of Garth’s Auctions. “We want to be inclusive, from the serious collector looking for rare examples of important art and artifacts to the weekend collector who is focused on form and function.”

Other featured items to be auctioned include:

16th century Chinese carved ivory: Modeled after one of the famed Nine Dragons Walls, complete with peaked tiled roof, carved dragons, a flaming sun disk and foo dogs. Estimate $6,000 to $9,000.
Andy Warhol-signed Campbell’s Soup label: Actual label from a can of Campbell’s crispy Spanish-style vegetable soup. One of 150 the artist signed. Matted and framed. Estimate $400 to $800.
German ivory diptych dial: Made in Nuremburg, Germany, and signed in 1652 for Leonhart Miller, whose works have also been auctioned at Christie’s. Includes gnomon pin, zodiac symbols and compass well. Estimate $1,500 to $2,500.
Portrait of Mrs. Beaumont and child: Oil on canvas attributed to George Romney (English, 1734-1802). While unsigned, the piece carries an extraordinary provenance traced to William Earle Bulwer (1757-1807) of Hayden Hall, Norfolk, England. Estimate $10,000 to $20,000.
Japanese walking skeleton: Ivory, wearing a water lily hat and carrying a selection of masks and skulls on a branch over his shoulder. Signed. Estimate $1,500-2,500.

The auction also will include furniture from all over the world, Persian rugs, sculptures and a selection of snuffboxes. It will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 23, at 2690 Stratford Road, Delaware, Ohio. Previews will be offered the full week leading to the event, beginning at 10 a.m. For more information and to see the complete, full-color catalog of the auction, visit http://www.garths.com.

1,000 Cooks for the Cure to Support Fight Against Breast Cancer

Hayley — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:52 +0000

Maybe it’s too hot in mid-July to run for a cause, or even walk for one. But everyone has to eat, right? That’s the idea behind 1,000 Cooks for the Cure, part of an ongoing partnership between Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and KitchenAid that has raised nearly $7 million for the fight against breast cancer.

From July 16-18, home cooks can join such notables as cooking show host Jacques Pepin and Komen for the Cure founder/CEO Nancy Brinker by hosting anything from a Friday office or dessert party to a weekend barbecue or potluck dinner to support the cause. The fundraising part of the equation is simplicity itself; instead of bringing flowers, wine or other gifts, guests are asked to show their appreciation by making a donation to the cause.

“This initiative, part of our broader Cook for the Cure program, allows cooks to throw their own fundraising party in a way that makes it easy for friends and family to participate,” said Katrina McGhee, Susan G. Komen for the Cure senior vice president, global business development and partnerships. “During a prime weekend for summer entertaining, this is a simple add-on that could really make a difference.”

Pepin is among many food world celebrities – from Mario Batali and Bobby Flay to Lidia Bastianich and Emeril Lagasse – to support Cook for the Cure.

Those interested in hosting a party are encouraged to visit http://CookfortheCure.com to register and obtain a unique host identification number. Registered hosts will be given access to an information kit that includes party ideas, recipes and donation gathering information.

Those who register to host a party at http://CookfortheCure.com and raise a minimum of $50 will be sent a Pass the Plate serving platter created by Villeroy & Boch after the event by mail, upon receipt of the host’s contribution, as a thank-you from Cook for the Cure. These individually numbered platters generate a $5 donation each time they are passed and registered by the recipient, generating funds long after the weekend parties are over. Using the unique registration code, participants can track the status and travels of their platters by visiting http://CookfortheCure.com and clicking on the “Pass the Plate” tab on the right.

In support of the cause, KitchenAid also offers pink Cook for the Cure products via retailers and http://shopkitchenaid.com. They include a pink Artisan Stand Mixer that generates a $50 donation when purchased and registered, as well as food processors, blenders, hand mixers and toasters that generate anywhere from $7 to $25 for the cause upon registration. Also available are mixing bowls, silicone baking pans and trivets and more than a dozen gadgets, ranging from spatulas and vegetable peelers to ice cream scoops and can openers.