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| " | What's current and what's coming September 2007
9/28 When three general managers of a well-regarded hotel brand who should be promoting their properties' restaurants say that The Oceanaire is the best place to eat in Atlanta and that is where they head when their bosses are in town, you have to take notice. After dining at The Oceanaire we understand the enthusiasm. With 14 U.S. locations and three on the drawing board, one might expect a uniform formula in the design and menu. The answer is, no and yes. The menu is based on the market. Seafood arrives by air daily from around the world to insure freshness. The top of the menu states “Fresh Tonight” and lists all the choices the chef unwrapped and handled with care that day. The evening we dined at the Peachtree Street outpost 19 items were starred as having been inside the frig for 24 hours or less. On 9/28 in Philadelphia you could order pompano, monkfish or corvina while in Atlanta you might have requested skatefish wing, butterfish or perella. Adam Newton, Executive Chef/Operating Partner, spent a good deal of time with us discussing the operation. We learned that the standards for the food that appear on the table are so high that sometimes the choices change by the hour. The menu is gargantuan. There were 12 kinds of oysters and 12 special entrees in addition to the exotic varieties of grilled or broiled fish. Southern specialties of collard greens and fried green tomatoes were among the sides. Lagniappes of pickled vegetables and herring along with crispy salmon cakes with fresh sourdough rye cancelled the desire for a first course. Newton said the house's signature fish Yukon River king salmon has only been available since 2002. This rich delicacy is so toothsome that it melts in your mouth like a piece of fine chocolate. A watermelon and lime relish made a fragrant foil for salt and pepper ahi tuna. There is much about Oceanaire that pulls in and pleases the eye. Designed like a classic ‘30s cruise ship dining room, the bold colors, black, white and red, symbolize the era. http//:www.theoceanaire.com August 2007
8/9 The 13th annual International Spa Association Media Event took place at the Cipriani on 42nd Street in New York. Newly elected Chairman Jim Root, General Manager of Spa Operations at Sea Islands Resort, addressed the assembled journalists. He spoke about trends in the ever burgeoning industry and the launch of the first ISPA Global Report, which announced the existence of 150 world-wide spa-goers. Following the press conference guests attended the Marketplace, a showcase of 25 spas. New to the roster in 2007 were Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, N. C.; Ginn Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast, Fla.; Skana, the Spa at Turning Stone, Mohawk Valley, N.Y ; The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, Va.; and the Starwood Spa Collection. Public relations personnel and general managers were on hand to discuss developments at their properties. Spa service personnel duplicated beauty and relaxation treatments from the menus available at their home bases. A Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts masseuse offered golfer's specialty hand treatments. The interactive service featured by Aspira (infused with spirit) Spa was a cedar massage inspired by its location, Elkhart Lake, Wis. LXR Luxury Resorts & Golden Door Spas conducted one-on-one postural remodeling sessions. The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental New York provided vitamin infusion facials. Every booth was decorated to project its own unique ambiance. Known for its rock walls, arches, and tunnels, Grove Park Inn Spa had a huge photographic backdrop showing those elements. The space occupied by Red Mountain Spa, Utah was decorated in red, including pictures with red backgrounds, to convey the color of the mountains where the spa is located. Guests received 25 gifts, 26 counting the beautiful tote bag presented by ISPA. LXR Luxury Resorts gave away large pool towels with pouches that held terry cloth cover-ups. Pair them with the scuffs from Canyon Ranch and you're on your way to a specialty water treatment at Kohler Waters Spa. http://www.experienceispa.com July, 2007
7/13 To announce its launch of daily service on August 5 from Mumbai to Newark's Liberty International Airport via Brussels, Jet Airways hosted a media lunch and press conference at the Waldorf Astoria. Flights to and from Delhi to the US will commence September 5. As deliveries of new planes are made through October, 2008 more routes will be established from Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Chennai to Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco. To expand to 25 routes from the Brussels hub, Jet Airways will be code-sharing with Brussels Airlines. Naresh Goyal, founder and chairman of Jet Airways, addressed the group along with principals from the companies involved in the design of the new Boeing 777-3000ER wide-bodied jets. Jet Airways brought parts of the planes to the briefing. The ballroom stage held seats from all three classes—premier, first, economy—and guests were given the opportunity to try them out. A special on-board system of entertainment, eX2, was installed by Panasonic and includes games, 200 programming hours, movies filmed in Bollywood and all over the globe, and a very extensive library of music from which to configure your own personal concert. Attendees were also treated to a fashion show. Stewards and stewardesses modeled their new uniforms, which were created by Italian Couturier, Roberto Capucci. Capucci described the outfits as “sophisticated and western, but with an elegance and flair that highlights classic Indian chic.” 877-UFLYJET. http://www.jetairways.com June, 2007
6/26 Qatar Airways launched its new service from Doha to the US with great style. Flight QR083 arrived at Newark's Liberty Airport after a stop in Geneva, its latest European destination. Led by the Middle East carrier's CEO Akbar Al Baker who hosted government, business and media representatives on board, the disembarking group arrived to a “fireman's salute” water arch ceremony and a fanfare of music and entertainment. Two more celebrations followed. The next day Al Baker spoke at a press lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York, saying, “Yesterday was an historic moment. . . Our global reach now extends to America adding to the many cities we serve in Europe, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East.” Three weeks later Qatar commenced daily non-stop service between Doha and Washington, D.C. To also mark this inaugural event the airline staged a red carpet gala at Frederick Rose Hall in New York 's Jazz at Lincoln Center. Dinner was preceded by a caviar and Dom Perignon reception. During the cocktail party guests were entertained by a conductor performing a visual symphony. His "orchestra" was composed of continuous projections onto several gigantic screens while a film-style sound track played. Exquisitely-gowned Diana Ross, who hardly ever sings at private parties, gave a one-hour concert and belted out some of her hit songs such as "Baby Love”, “Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” “I'm Coming Out,” and “Stop in the Name of Love” to icons of NY business, Steve Schwartzman and Donald Trump, and actresses, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Chloe Sevigny. Many people in the audience danced as they listened to Ms Ross. Andie McDowell and Richard Quest co-hosted. Qatar is one of only five airlines in the world with a five-star ranking for service and excellence. A slide show of large photographs of the planes, services, and terminals illustrated just how luxurious Qatar is. And generous, too. Invitees took home I-Pods. http://qatarairways.com May, 2007 The Deal, a publication whose name says it all, has added another medium for distributing information to dealmakers, the venture capitalistsand professionals involved in M&A and the management of private equity. Up-to-date intelligence had been disseminated by a website, as well as a magazine. In 2007 a series of all-day symposiums in major cities is scheduled. The opening conference, The BRIC Symposium, on April 12 focused on investment opportunities in the emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Five panels, moderated by strategists and company directors, and including speakers with extensive experience overseas, addressed topics, such as possibilities for growth, finding appropriate investments, managing risk, and trends in the hottest industries. The group of expert participants representing major organizations leads one to expect that for the meetings that follow those involved in the planning will again seek the best specialists in their fields. A two-day Private Capital Symposium was also held in April. On June 7 a meeting on Corporate Governance takes place in Washington , DC. Convergence 2.0 is scheduled for September 17 in New York. The Innovative Deal Financing Conference meets in New York on September 25 followed by Corporate Dealmaker Exchange on October 2. An Energy Symposium in October in Houston, the Silicon Valley Summit in Redwood City, CA on October 30 and 31 and 2008, and M&A Outlook on November 13 & 14 finish the year. For tickets and information contact Jim Killea at The Deal Events Hotline, 212-313-9253 or email Jkillea@TheDeal.com
5/1 “I'm always chasing rainbows, watching clouds drifting by,” are lyrics that describe Fan Yang's passion. As a young emigrant from Vietnam, who climbed hills in Yugoslavia and looked upward, he focused on the sky. Out of his dreams and daydreams a new art and science emerged, the use of bubbles to entertain audiences. His 80-minute (no intermission) one-man Gazillion Bubble Show has traveled the world and fascinated “ages three to 103.” Costumed in black against a dark stage with dimly-lit swaying trees, Fan's magical act, which has been running for 22 years, includes videos, music, audience interaction, and his own narration. The rainbow colors inside the soapy forms look best against the dark background. The showman's props are pipes, wands, and his own formula of soapy solution. Bubbles “dance” as the band plays. A few of the shapes that he creates are chains, bubbles within bubbles, a spinning table, rings, towers, snow falling, ice cream, spheres propped on glasses, and tents that enclose groups of children. For an older couple he blew a bubble with a banner inside saying “I love you.” When the bubbles float over the theater, children joyfully jump up to catch them. The show will continue to play 10 times a week in New York through September 2. After the performance many ticket holders bought “The Ultimate Bubble Toy” For their kids? Or for themselves? http://www.gazillionbubbleshow.com April, 2007 4/13 As we approached the portal of the relatively new Azza restaurant our thoughts were flooded with memories of Morocco. Years ago we had written about Marrakesh 's premier dining establishment, Le Yacout, “like other medina restaurants housed in renovated private palaces, the anonymous door offers no hint of the elaborate and many-roomed interior." Azza's architect got it right. His ability to recreate authenticity continues into the long, narrow interior corridor, one that is amazingly similar to another famed establishment, La Maison Blue, in Fez. Floor lanterns line the hallways on each side in both eateries. What New York has always lacked is an upscale Moroccan restaurant. The country's cuisine is one of the most exquisite in the world. But it is relatively unfamiliar. To date there have been no sophisticated Moroccan restaurants on our island. Sound the darbuka. Azza is open and the buzz surrounding it informs how much it is welcome. Once seated you know by the decor you're in an Imperial city riad -type restaurant. Silk drapes, banquettes along the walls strewn with luscious pillows, leather-covered menus with hammered brass medallions in the centers, and background music imported from the Middle East. Djamal Zoughbi, one of three owners, is Algerian born, but “who knows from Algerian food?” He borrowed recipes from a neighboring land. The menu is billed as French/ Moroccan. But our recommendation is to order Moroccan and save the French for elsewhere. The mezze (appetizers) look delicious, but turn the page and go for the fantastically nuanced pastilla. Tart-sized, wrapped with warka, a paper-thin crisp dough, sprinkled with sugar and filled with luscious chicken or seafood, eggs, cinnamon, and other spices, it's practically a meal in itself. Royal couscous was royal, indeed, with lamb that was fork tender, chicken, merguez sausage, sweet white raisins, chickpeas, and crunchy vegetables like carrots, turnips, and zucchini in broth to ladle onto the couscous. Our party pronounced tangines of chicken and lamb, served in earthenware casseroles with conical tops, bona fide. Desserts are occidental, but who can fault warm chocolate cake and a medley of fresh, roasted, and dried fruits. The club downstairs seats 295 and is the only bar in New York serving organic food. Music plays every night. A singer entertains on Mondays and there is space for dancing. Azza is a happy addition to the Manhattan 's restaurant and club scene. Azza Restaurant and Lounge, 137 E. 55 th Street , New York , NY.10022. Tel. 212-755-7055
4/6 Favorite cartoon character, Diego, stepped out of the TV screen and onto the stage as the headliner in a live show, “Go, Diego, Go, The Great Jaguar Rescue.” Joined by his sidekicks, cousin Dora the Explorer, and sister, Alicia, the hero embarks on an adventure to reclaim the Baby Jaguar's special sound, a growl. The mischevious BoBo monkey brothers had captured the growl and stored it in a magic bottle. Each year one animal is chosen to be chief of the Animal Carnivale and this time around it's Baby Jaguar's turn, but without his growl he can't be crowned. Fearless Diego travels through the rain forest, past a waterfall, and down the river on a daring rescue. With the help of the other animals, he finds the pyramid where the monkeys are hiding. Now playing in New York at Radio City, the dazzling sets compare favorably to the ones seen on nearby Broadway. Animal puppets were designed with great imagination. As the children enter the theater they are given jaguar masks to use during the show. This interactive musical fully engages the audience in the action on the stage and is packed with music, singing, and dancing. Kids copy the cast and shake in the aisles to cha-cha, meringue, mambo, gunga and reggae tunes. They also join in the shouts and cues to the characters. Great fun for pre-schoolers. When the show leaves New York, it will travel to other cities. To find a location near you click on http://www.Godiegogo.com March, 2007
Bello Nock, the clown with the orange Bart Simpson-like hairdo that makes him look like he's permanently scared, is in town. Town means The Big Apple and specifically Madison Square Garden where Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus plays every spring. Now in its 137 th year, this season's show, along with the 2006 version, has adapted a new look. Three rings have shrunk to one, the better to focus on the action. Before Bello, the star, ever appeared on stage the tot who was with me wanted to know, “Where is the clown with the straight hair?” First, we saw Bello on a large TV that records all the center stage action. Then he seemed to get shot straight through the screen into our midst where for almost two hours he danced, sang, clowned around, performed acrobatics, and didn't look the least bit frightened. In fact, he had so much fun, “children of all ages” pasted permanent smiles on their faces. There were the usual animal acts and dare-devil stunts. But there were novelty acts, too, like the dance contest between six couples, some of whom were marionettes. There was also a noise-making challenge when a barker asked the blue and red sides of the arena to compete to determine which one was the loudest. Just about the best act was “Bellobration.” While confetti rained down on the seats, all the performers, animals, and some members of the audience rode around the ring in cars wearing hats fashioned like Bello hair. Some of the New York performances have pre-shows when ticket holders can interact with the cast, try on costumes, and get up close to some of the animals. Three extra shows on April 14 have just been added to the Madison Square Garden schedule.Consult the website to find out when the circus will visit your city. February, 2007
2/6 “Timeless Celebration…It's one for the history books” read the invitation beckoning us to a “fun, informative, interactive media marketplace and reception” on behalf of St. Augustine, Ponte Verde and the Beaches, Florida. It wasn't until we entered the Bar Americain in Manhattan's Theater District that we became aware that not only was the invitation's lead full of double entendres, but the body of the communiqué with the words “colorful characters, 500 years of history, ancient culture, and sailing into. . .” were clues about what to expect at this unique and colorful event. Ponce de Leon, himself, stood at the door to welcome us. Wearing the same bright military dress as that of the 16 th-century Spanish conquistadors, including a molded metal helmet on his head and carrying a sword, he and his wife, who was clothed like a fashionable senora of the early 1500s, pointed guests to the “Fountain of Youth.” Cups of water that myth decrees keeps one young were dispensed. Sangria, the most popular drink in the nation's oldest city, was also served. All “colorful characters” were appropriately dressed for their parts and discussed the development of St. Augustine as they spoke one-on-one to attendees. It was oral history at its best from those best equipped to tell it. A descendant of the Solano family, who arrived on the first galleon, said that 10 percent of the present populace descended from the original settlers. Two craftswomen spun wool and one carpenter wielded his tools as though he were in his own workshop. An Indian maiden from the Timucuan tribe, which inhabited the area before the Spaniards arrived, braided her hair with beads and shells. The English, brief occupiers of St. Augustine, were represented by a soldier from the Scottish regiment explaining how he fired his Brown Betsy muskets. Henry Flagler, builder the Ponce de Leon Hotel, looked every bit the successful entrepreneur and acted as a proper host by presiding over a raffle of gifts from local sources. Karen Harvey, an author with seven published books on regional history, performed as Mrs. Flagler. We later learned that the tycoon had three wives. We have no idea where Harvey places in the line-up, but we do know that she, along with the other actors, traveled from St. Augustine to play their roles. http://www.Getaway4Florida.com January, 2007
Pamela Lassers, Director of Media Relations, Abercrombie & Kent, tour operators of worldwide luxury and adventure vacations, spent the week of January 8, 2007 at A&K's Climate Change Challenge Pavilion in the British Airways Terraces Lounge, JFK Airport, New York. She was there to introduce the "Challenge,” a partnership between A&K and BA. Travelers who were waiting for flights were invited into the exhibition room where they could enter a sweepstakes to win a trip.The lounge is staffed from 6 to 10 p.m. and remains open until the end of March. The two companies, along with Friends of Conservation, have pinpointed seven regions on earth that are being adversely affected by global warming. All projects have very specific goals to try to reverse the negative effects. On display are large photographs--they are so creative that they appear to be oil paintings--showing the regions being given attention: Antarctica, where the ice caps are melting; Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa, where the ice is thinning; and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, whose coral reefs need protection. Other targeted areas are: Balkan Green Belt, Europe; India Wild Lands Elephant Corridor, Asia; Masai Mara, Africa; Amazon rain forests, South America; and the forests of Northwestern N. America. The "Challenge" has been publicized on TV shows, which can be viewed in the lounge. In the U.K. the “Conservationists” are working closely with the travel industry. For example, safari drivers are being trained to be environmentally sensitive. British Airways is contributing to the efforts by initiating a carbon offset plan. A & K will donate a tree for each of the 20,000 tourists it expects to host in 2007. http://www.abercrombiekent.com http://www.ba.com/offsetyouremissions http://www.friendsofconservation.org December
12/2 The 11-member De Gregorio Family of Marlboro, NJ occupied the largest table at the 7:30 a.m. seating of Breakfast with Santa at the Rock Center Café in world-famous Rockefeller Center. The clan's matriarch, Agnes, said that they had awakened at 5:30 a.m. as they done for the last 13 years to the drive to Manhattan. Although adults outnumbered children, eight to three, this family tradition is one of “togetherness,” she said, and is a good way to start the holiday season. Santa and his elves, have been entertaining kids, and their parents, and grandparents in this location for almost three decades. Adjacent to the Ice Rink, the venue, windowed on one side, gives diners a front seat view of the skaters. Just like the kids and the wait staff, the room was dressed up for Christmas with red flowers and branches. Breakfast, served family-style, was absolutely yummy. The scrambled eggs were delicious (I sent my compliments to the chef) as were the french toast, made from brioche bread with raisins; and the raspberry yogurt smoothies. The table was laden with orange juice, sausages, bacon, pancakes; and a basket of bagels, mini-croissants, and blueberry and corn muffins. Waiters with attentive eyes repeatedly refilled coffee and hot chocolate cups. Santa paid a personal visit to every table. And a sensitive Santa he is for the way he approached apprehensive youngsters. The elves stopped by to distribute toys--a yo-yo and a maze game. Families also took home candy canes and gingerbread men. After breakfast guests moved outdoors for a free session at the rink. Instructors were on hand to guide those who are new to the sport. Santa was skating, too, and a fine skater he is. The view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which had been lit a few days earlier, is spectacular. Said one three-year old, “That tree is humongous.” http://breakfastwithsantanyc.com November
Where have I been? The Big Apple Circus has been around for 29 years and I never made it further uptown to see a circus than Madison Square Garden where Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey take up residence. Excuse? My children are grown and I needed a three-year old to escort me to 63rd and Broadway. The youngster who took me along with her even made it into the show when she was invited by a clown to dance on the stage. This one-ringer really appeals to all ages. Two friends in their 80s and many more oldsters without grandchildren in tow were present the day we went, an admission that age has little to do with enjoyment. Housed under a green tent in Damrosch Park, part of the Lincoln Center complex, the entertainment starts when you turn onto a path that leads to the doorway of the small--all seats have good visibility--Big Top. Lining the walkway, meant to simulate a boardwalk arcade, are games of chance, a fortune teller, clowns, and a popcorn cart. “Step Right Up” is the name and theme of this season's production. Taken from the expression that barkers use to attract patrons to the “midway,” the circus has a beach resort theme, suggestive of Atlantic City in the Gay 90s. You'll find references to that era in songs and skits like “On the Boardwalk,” “Beach Games,” and “A Magical Carousel.” And also in props and costumes--straw hats, newsboy caps, modest bathing dresses, knickers and knee socks. The two-part show, performed by international artists, is a non-stop whirlwind of acts by acrobats, jugglers, jesters, horses, dogs, and more. My favorites were an Australian bicyclist pretending to be a Frenchman riding an ever-shrinking bike and pedaling it through a blazing hoop in his finale; and indomitable Grandma, played by Barry Lubin, director of clowning, wearing a white curly wig, red dress, and bloomers. When I later asked the child whom I accompanied to the circus to name her favorite performers, she answered, “the acrobats.” I don't think she ever suspected that Grandma was played by a male clown. http://www.bigapplecircus.org Check for dates in other cities.More years ago than I care to remember, I saw a production “The Fantasticks” at a small theater on Sullivan Street. It had to have been in the early 60s, the original production opened in May, 1960, when off-Broadway was coming into its own helped by the 1956 establishment of the Obie awards by the Village Voice. In June of that year Shelley Winters, a presenter at the first ceremony said, that she considered it a privilege to participate in this year of renaissance for the off-Broadway theater movement. “That's where it all began,” Ms. Winters said, “off the main stem. And today more than ever, the two halves of our theater need and feed each other.” Indeed “The Fantasticks,” which won an Obie, did nourish off-Broadway as it went on to entertain with more than 17,000 plus performances. At the beginning of 2002 when I learned that the show was closing I tried to get tickets as did everyone else. I had to wait four years until this season for a reopening in New York's theater district. Not for nothing did the signature song “Try to Remember” become an icon of popular culture, nor did Tom Jones, director, lyricist, and librettist, along with Harvey Jones, composer, become famous. And who can forget Jerry Orbach's smooth performance as “El Gallo,” the narrator and the cunning stranger? “The Fantasticks” is a simple, enchanting tale with minimal staging—a hand-held curtain and a box of props—and the smallest possible orchestra, a pianist and harpist. The program says, “This musical is suggested by a play called ‘Les Romanesques' by Edmond Rostand.” So why did I think Shakespeare? Because the playwright based his script loosely on “Romeo and Juliet” and wrote in a few comics. I thought that it was supposed to be a secret that Tom Jones is in the cast, but my companion clued me in about his part. Happily, by waiting until the final curtain, she didn't spoil the surprise. The revival of this classic is not to be missed, so try to remember, it may not run for 42 years. http://www.thefantastics.comOctober, 2006 10/4 Singer Samantha Cole invited members of the media along with the general public to shop at KMR communications Inc.'s “Girls' Night Out” Cocktail Party at Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club on Manhattan's Upper Eastside. Over 200 media and consumers previewed and purchased beauty, fashion, fragrance and fitness products from more than 18 companies. Guests included Lynne White, Court TV Hollywood Heat Reporter, and Dr. Max Gomez, WNBC Health Reporter. Bruno Jamais hosted the evening and members of the KMR Staff wore tank tops that read, “I spent the night with Bruno Jamais at KMR Girl's Night Out.” The event was a reunion for Samantha Cole and Fred Rothbell Mista who regularly MC'd a Monday night cabaret at the Tatou nightclub where the songstress entertained the in the early 90s. Partygoers heard Samantha's new CD featuring the remake of the song “Obsession.” A featured product was the TUMMY TUCK Jean, made in a variety of finishes and sizes and designed for real women with real curves. The jean flattens the tummy, contours the hips, and slims the body. On display were two fitness products: a box of "Sanefit" cards with full body workouts, and a game, The Fitness Challenge. Two companies sold items for men: Moore Unique's exclusive shaving line and Equitable Labs' TBP4Men. You could even purchase a gift for your child: Batty Bubbles from TBP4KIDS. http://www.tummytuckjeans.com September, 2006 9/19 John Cassel who plays dinner music on the piano at the Trapp Family Lodge traveled from Vermont to entertain continuously throughout a four-hour presentation by 26 members of the New England Inns & Resorts Association. The event took place at Harry's Loft in Manhattan. The Association represents more than 250 inns, B & Bs, resorts, and hotels in New England. Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Newport, RI has scheduled themed weekends, including several that center on wine, through the end of the year. Cranwell in the Berkshires promoted its expanded spa. Catie Copley, the friendly Canine Ambassador from the Fairmont Copley Plaza accompanied the concierge and public relations manager to New York to let the attendees know that the dog will run or walk with them when they stay at the Boston-based hotel. Porches and The Red Lion, sister properties in Massachusetts, focus on love and romance during guest stays. Bob Smith who owns Maine 's Sebasco Harbor Resort handed out business cards with the title “Lighthouse Keeper” because one of the structures in which he houses visitors is a unique six-sided, four-story former lighthouse that looks much like a layer cake. In late spring the resort will open a full-service spa, which will function like a destination spa. Since many treatments at Maine 's Cliff House Resort & Spa are blueberry-based, aestheticians used the essence in foot massages that were offered during the afternoon. Kathleen Ansen, Director of Sales, Saybrook Point Inn noted how easy it is to reach the Inn from Manhattan as Amtrak stops in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The association also sponsors a hands-on “Innkeeper for a Day” for those who aspire to enter the hospitality business. http://www.newenglandinnsandresorts.com August, 2006
Calista Isabel Martin Singer celebrated her third birthday at New York 's American Girl Place. She was a guest of her great aunt who took her to see one of the shows currently playing at the Fifth Avenue store. Although the little girl had previously seen children's theater and her daddy had prepared her for the event by showing her the play's characters on his computer, she was apprehensive about entering the hall. An usherette summoned Ildi Kiss, the lead in Bitty Bear's Matinee: The Family Tree, who came out from behind the stage to greet Calista and urged her to take her seat. From the moment all the characters, including Bitty Kitty and Bitty Puppy appeared on the platform until the end of the 40-minute show, Calista's face registered pure joy. She joined with the other audience members to participate in the interactive parts—making noises like animals, pretending to be wildflowers growing, and taking a ballet class. Great aunt and niece went on to the cheerful red, white, and black Café where they had reserved for lunch and were shown to a front table overlooking the avenue. The hostess hooked two tiny chairs onto the sides of the table so that Calista could seat the dolls that she had brought from home. The black and white pony tail holders on the table became headbands for the dolls. Their thimble-sized cups were filled with milk and the spears from the crudities and fruit, which were served along with pretzel bread and hot cinnamon buns, became pretend straws. The entrees at the Café are divided equally between those that might appeal to children, like pizza and mini-hamburgers, and to adults, such as poached salmon and Cobb salad. A trio of desserts came with each meal. Calista was given a goodie bag with an ink pad, stamps, and a paper pad shaped like a T-shirt. American Girl Place is a one-of-a-kind emporium with a wide variety of dolls and accessories, clothes for girls and matching outfits for their dolls, and a hospital and hair salon for the playthings, also. http://www.americangirlplace.com July, 2006
7/27 ISPA (International SPA Association) gathered 25 of its members and a cadre of writers for the 12th Annual Media Marketplace in New York City. Public relations spokespeople talked one-on-one to the scribes about new developments, and masseurs and aestheticians were on hand to offer a sampling of the signature treatments available at the properties they represent. American destination spas, like Canyon Ranch, Aspira, and Kohler Waters Spa; resort/hotel spas such as Sundara Inn & Spa, Montage, and Sea Island Resorts; and city day spas including Exhale and Mandarin Oriental, New York set up attractive booths with tables and equipment where they offered the mini-treatments and distributed beauty and body products, as well as other generous gifts. The stations were decorated with specialty products and representative artifacts that might be found in their home settings. LXR Luxury Resorts & Golden Door Spas is a recently reorganized group of 29 independent hotels, resorts, and spas. The Golden Door brand includes one destination spa, three that are attached to resorts and another scheduled to open in '07. Their technician provided Luxe Hand Rescue and Radiance Eye Treatments. Sea Island Resorts announced the opening of the The Spa at Sea Island. Using a special device, a golf pro helped golfers improve their swings. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa introduced the Artist's Cottage & Apothecary, a space where local artists teach guests to work in a variety of artistic mediums. Canyon Ranch, which now operates in six locations, promoted its Executive Health Program. Maxime Cormier, director of Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont 's newest spa destination, Mayakoba, Riviera Maya explained the Mayan-inspired treatments that use indigenous products and distributed crystals to make your dreams come true. The Interactive treatment featured by Montage Resort & Spa was “Experience Surrender.” Guests were invited to glimpse Surrender, Spa Montage's holistic approach to wellness by consulting with a therapist and a wellness coach. Also present at the booth was Spa Technologies, whose products, some of which are ocean-based, are used at Montage. Kohler announced an expansion to St. Andrew's, Scotland where the focus continues to be on water-based therapies. Guests left with large tote bags filled with packages of shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, masques, gels, scrubs, polishes, lotions, towels, toilet kits, and bath salts to be used at home. There were enough items to keep everyone beautiful until next year. http://www.experienceispa.com June, 2006 6/15 Lindblad Expeditions coordinated the introduction of Seafood-for-Thought on the roof garden above its downtown headquarters. The golden sun hugged the sky and the over-the-top-views stretched across the nearby Hudson River, spilling onto the New Jersey shores. It was a perfect night for a party. Founded by Sven-Olof Lindblad, a ground-breaker in adventure travel, Lindblad Expeditions, introduced voyagers to relatively new types of journeys in undeveloped or faraway regions of the world—Bhutan; Papua, New Guinea; and Antarctica. Dedicated to the responsible treatment of the environment during travel, he fostered the germination of eco-tourism. The project, which was announced tonight, Seafood- for-Thought, Sustainability for Our World's Oceans, in partnership with Chefs Collaborative and Blue Ocean Institute, is a natural for a company with major concerns about preserving natural resources. Lindblad and Gary Jenanyan, Consulting Executive Chef for the Expeditions, addressed the guests. Chef Jenanyan explained how some of the fish he cooked for the guests' enjoyment, such as halibut, crab, tilapia, and shrimp, were caught by methods that do not damage the ecosystem. The program will be implemented on all ships. Carl Safina, President of Blue Ocean Institute spoke about a “sea ethic.” Peter Hoffman, chef/owner of Savoy restaurant, described Chefs Collaborative, whose more than 1,000 members promote sustainable cuisine. May, 2006
5/11 There's so much happening at Four Seasons Resorts and Hotels that the company brought personnel representing 30 of its properties to New York for a Media Marketplace. In attendance were General Managers from several company divisions, the U.S. and the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe and the Middle East. To inform travel journalists about recent openings and innovations, the GMs met one-on-one with the press. Resorts, Residence Clubs, and Private Residences, as well as urban hotels, were in attendance. The company will soon have three properties in the Maldives. The main one, Kuda Hura, a beautiful rustic 12-acre private island has a sister property occupying all 18 acres of Landaa Giraavaru. Both resorts are scheduled to open in the fall. Meanwhile, the world's smallest Four Seasons, a light boat, the Explorer, accommodating 22 passengers, is currently cruising the atolls. Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, a Georgian-style manor and a country estate dating from the 11th century has been open one year and is about 35 minutes from Heathrow and one hour from central London. The old and new are accentuated with contemporary conveniences and heritage-listed gardens. The hotel has its own private canal barge accommodationg 20. Michael Newcombe, manager, reported that many of last summer's American. guests said that they planned to return this year. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Four Seasons Hotel New York is slated for a fall opening. Lava Lounge, serving specialty martinis, has just opened at Haulalai at Historic Ka'upulchehu, Hawaii . To give guests an opportunity to taste a variety of drinks, a trio of tiny teenies can be ordered. The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, which was completed in '05, uses Chinese herbal remedies in some of its treatments. The two-year old Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, which is near two national park, just added a sushi bar, a second center for teenagers, and a zip line. The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach offers golfing privileges at three nearby championship courses. At the Spa at the Fours Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence you can make like Cleopatra and enjoy a therapeutic bath, which incorporates milk and honey. http://www.fourseasons.com
5/6 Hurry, if you plan to visit New York City in late spring or early summer and want to see Cirque du Soleil's touring performance of Corteo, you don't have much time. The show runs until July 2. Staged under The Grand Chapiteau, the Big Top, located on Randall's Island in Manhattan 's East River, the tent is accessible by ferry from the 34 th Street dock of NY Waterways. It's a lovely ride, particularly the return trip when the lights of Manhattan create a show of their own. Much like a Roman amphitheater, the audience, seated on opposite sides of a revolving stage, surround the performers. Corteo, meaning “cortege” in Italian, is a dying clown's fantasy of his own funeral procession. No weeping dark-clothed mourners here. This is a jolly send-off party. The marching band could have been parading down Bourbon Street en route to a New Orleans burial. Some passages are spoken in the clown's native language and the entire production has the feel of a comedic Italian operetta. In contrast to Europe's touring circus groups, such as Germany 's Roncalli, which feature standard routines, this troupe cuts a wider original swathe. Aerialists dressed in 20s style lingerie swing from chandeliers. Acrobats tumble on bouncing beds. Angels hover above. Jugglers throw multicolored pins with such rapidity that they create a kaleidoscope flowing across the stage. Two sets of two performers in costume become two prancing horses. Held aloft by balloons Valentyna Pahlevanyan, the female partner in a dwarf couple, floats over the spectators whose helping hands repeatedly thrust her into the air. Audiences hold their breath, exclaim in awe, and break into applause at the daring feats. VIP Tapis Rouge tickets include preferred seating, access to a private suite and refreshments before the show and during intermission. The North American tour of Corteo continues in Chicago . Whether or not you get to see this show, don't forget Cirque du Soleil's incomparable resident productions: “O”, Mystere, Ka, and Zumanity in Las Vegas and La Nouba at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com April, 2006
4/5 The Pennsylvania Tourism Office invited the press to a Marketplace to experience a celebration of the state's food, festivals, music, and lore. Eight regions from the State of Independence gathered at Harry's Loft for the marketplace. Each had a table covered with products and displays from their areas. Representatives publicized “What's Hot” for '06: amusement and waterparks, basball, and new Civil War trails roadtrips. All of the regions distributed information titled “A Roadtrip thru. . .," such as the Alleghenies, Route 6, the Wilds, etc. followed by “So whatcha' wanna do is…”. Suggested experiences ranged from visiting farms and forges to factories. In Philadelphia and The Countryside you might celebrate Ben Franklin's birthday, tour Valley Forge National Park, order a cheese steak at Pat's, and let the kids loose at The Crayola Factory where they can make crayons. In Pittsburgh and its Countryside you could explore the Andy Warhol Museum and visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water. In the Wilds you can bike along the new portion of Pine Creek Rail Trail and drink from the “Eternal Tap” at Straub Brewery. During the evening an accordianist played polkas, music that is popular among some of the area's ethnic groups. Ethnic and local foods were served. Recipes from Amish Country were used to make desserts such as shoo-fly and apple pies, and Ye Olde College Diner in State College proffered their famous sticky buns. Meat and potato pierogies, a favorite of Pittsburgh 's residents, and Italian wedding soup with meatballs were on the buffet. Several kinds of chocolate candy, courtesy of Hershey, were placed in bowls all over the space. Wines from Sand Castle Winery in Bucks County were poured. http://visitPa.com March, 2006
3/9 Danny Holman, Director of Communication and Development, and Jacqueline Gazzard, Head of Press and PR, for the five Historic Royal Palaces, London flew across the pond to the U.S. to publicize the recent happenings at the former residences of kings and queens. All are unoccupied and are managed by a Royal Charter Body organized as a charity. The representatives met one-on-one and with small groups of writers at lunch and teatime. Recently announced is the spring reopening of Kew Palace, which had been closed in order to redo the rooms to their appearance in 1804/05 when George III made his home here. Included in the display is the Baby House the princesses played with. The Medieval Palace at the Tower of London has been restored to its lavishness during the period, circa. 1216-130, when Henry III and Edward I lived here. A new exhibition of 15 photographs of Diana, Princess of Wales and nine of her dresses has been mounted in the State Apartments, Kensington Palace and will be shown until spring, 2007. Cooking demonstrations will take place periodically until the end of year in the new, but authentic Tudor Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace. The meals that are prepared will be those that Henry VIII would have eaten during the years he inhabited the Palace. The Banqueting House at Whitehall was a separate building from the palace itself. Whitehall Palace burned down, but the House survived the fire and is open to visitors. Interactive events will take place throughout the year at the Tower and at Hampton Court. The Tower, Hampton Court and Kensington Palaces house on-site restaurants. Visitors can dine at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. Lunchtime concerts are scheduled monthly at the Banqueting House. Snacks and drinks are available. http://www.hrp.org.uk February, 2006
2/21 California's Travel and Tourism Commission crossed the fly-over zone and came to New York to participate in a yearly media reception where updates about developments in the Golden State were circulated. It was almost, but not quite, a repeat of 2005. The location, time of year, attractions, and state representatives were nearly the same. Approximately 40 tables were set up at the Jumeirah Essex House. Domaine Charbay winemaker and distiller, St. Helena, served Meyer lemon, blood orange, ruby red grapefruit, and key lime vodka on the rocks and in mixed drinks and included a bottle of the spirits in all 11 gift packages, which were raffled off during the evening. Loew's Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego, announced a new line of summer treatments, The Golden Goddess, at its Sea Spa. There's lots of news from Disneyland Resort. A new luxury spa facility, Mandara Spa, will be opening at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Disney Paradise Pier is getting a face lift. The Disneyland Hotel will also be renovated and will introduce a new concierge lounge, which will provide a more sophisticated guest experience. City Passes, booklets containing six half-price admissions to museums, river cruises, tours, theme parks, and observation towers added another destination, Southern California, to the state's existing portfolio of San Francisco and Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Anaheim/Orange County V&CB distributed a driving guide with maps and descriptions of Southern California 's star attractions.
2/15 Orient Express Hotels, Trains, Cruises, Safaris & Private Jets brought its 2005 Roadshow to New York’s Jumeirah Essex House Hotel. Representatives from all over the world traveled to the city to meet with writers, travel agents, and meeting planners to apprise them of the latest developments in the company, which now includes 50 properties in 22 countries. The year 2005 and early 2006 was an innovative one for the group with new investments in leisure properties. Majority interests were acquired in Grand Hotel Europe, the finest hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia and Casa Sierra Nevada, San Miquel de Allende, Mexico. Ubud Hanging Gardens, a member of the Pansea Orient-Express portfolio, began receiving guests. New destinations have been added to the itineraries of Northern Belle, one of two railroad trains operating along with the Royal Scotsman in the United Kingdom. With the unveiling of Campanelle in Tuscany, Italy, the country where the first hotel purchase was made in 1976, there are now Orient-Express hotels in five Italian towns. The managers of Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia, site of Jefferson’s Monticello home, and The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, Maryland were at adjacent tables. Both hostelries are near enough to each other to be visited during the same vacation. Representatives from three hotels in Peru described how travelers to their country combine stays at Miraflores Park in Lima; Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco; and Sanctuary Lodge, Manchu Picchu; with a trip on the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train. On The Road to Mandalay Cruises en route to Bhamo, the boat passes three steep forested gorges. Two premier journeys on the legendary Venice-Simplon Orient Express train will take place in September 2006 and travel from Paris to Budapest, Bucharest, and Istanbul. The reverse trip will end up in Venice. No doubt Orient Express will be back in the Big Apple at the beginning of 2007 to discuss the successes of '06 and the ongoing plans. I can't wait! January, 2006
1/20 Visit Florida , the state's tourism promotion agency, chose the theme "The Fantasy and Fun in Florida " for the 2006 Media Reception, which took place at the Millennium Hotel near Times Squar . During a buffet lunch representatives of properties and communities set up attractively decorated tables to showcase Florida 's newest and continuing attractions that make the state a prime vacation spot. A diver representing Tarpon Springs, a fishing village with a Grecian feel, displayed a variety of shapes and sizes of sponges that he recovers from the beds at the bottom of the sea. The town of Naples promoted its Botanical Garden. One of its ornithologists fed nectar to a lively lorikeet perched on his shoulder. Phil Kiser, an artist from the Beaches of South Walton, displayed his dimensional glass mosaics. Palm Beach generously notified guests to bring their tennis rackets to the event for restringing. The Norton Museum of Art, located in Palm Beac , publicized its partnership of packages with some of the city's fine hotels during the run of "French Impressionism and Boston," which can be seen through March 5, 2006 . The ladies manning the St. Augustine table dressed in costume and served spicy food as a reminder of the town's settlement by the Spaniards. To advertise the King Tut exhibition on display until April 23, 2006 at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, replicas of some of the artifacts were shown and attendants were dressed as ancient Egyptians. To mark the opening of the new Island House spa at the Longboat Key Club, Sarasota, visitors were offered soothing hand massages. Because Tampa Bay is the location for spring training, their CV & B distributed baseballs and crackerjack. The World's Fair for Kids will take place in Orlando during family spring break, April 15 – 23, 2006 . Kay Snipes and Terri Eager, the tea maven sisters of the Magnolia and Ivy Tea Room in Sandestin, dressed in the proper finery of yesteryear when ladies wore hats and gloves to take tea. http://www.visitflorida.com/
1/1 “G’day Mick ‘Crocodile’ Dundee.” And "'Hello’ to you Indiana Jones." We know that you both wore great chapeaux and that your unique and individual personas depended on your snappily stylish headgear. When you Paul Hogan transformed yourself into an Aussie bushman for your role as a crocodile hunter in the Australian outback in 1986 and donned an outback-style hat, adventurous men all over the world copied you. Hadn’t you heard of Tilley Endurables, the company that was established in 1980? You and Sue Charleston, your co-star with whom you generated so much chemistry that she became Mrs. Hogan, could have been garbed in matching apparel. Poor Sue went hatless in the elements. As for you, Indiana Jones, as you made your way through jungles in the Temple of Doom, battled for the Holy Grail in the Last Crusade, and searched for the Ark of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Ark; a signature, crushable, packable outdoor travel hat might have made a better covering for your head than a fedora. No one’s saying you didn’t look great in your fedora, but a Tilley Endurable might have suited your precarious life better. Because the hats are strong and durable, water repellent and mildew resistant, lightweight and have a secret compartment, hand-washable and fast-drying, have mesh in the crown for coolness and the highest possible protection against the sun; they are as practical for the wilds of the Amazon as they are in the ruins of Jordan. Our models are wearing the LTM6 Airflow Hat. In the background you can see the red rocks of Sedona. A recently designed winter style fashioned in wool has flaps that may be tucked in or worn out to cover the ears. All hats are guaranteed for life against wearing out and are backed by a two-year policy against loss. http://www.tilley.com. Tel. 800-ENDURES December, 2005 12/2 Nena Komarica, General Manager, North America, The Croatian National Tourist Office, North America, welcomed several hundred guests to the annual Croatian Christmas Evening. A press conference to discuss Croatia in 2006 preceded the dinner. The venue this year was the Harvard Club and guests were treated to an outstanding multicourse dinner. Red and white wines imported from the vineyards of Croatia, a former Yugoslav Republic on the Adriatic Sea, accompanied the meat and fish dishes. Entertainment was provided by Klapa (a group of musicians performing music that is a kind of capella singing) Maestral. The seven members of the troupe sang of love, wine, homeland, and sea. Guests took home CDs of Christmas songs and carols of Dalmatia recorded by Lado, a Zagreb-based folk song and dance ensemble. http://www.croatia.hr November, 2005 11/30 The invitation from Canadian Tourist Commission to celebrate "Our Winter Wonderland" at the Bryant Park Grill was decorated with snowflakes. It read, "The weather outside is frightful! But Canada is so delightful! For those daring enough to make it a date, The Bryant Park pond will be open to skate." The restaurant is located behind the New York Public Library at 42nd Street and the pond was visible from the private room where the party was held. Crepes filled with hot creamed chicken, a signature food of French restaurants in our neighbor to the North, were served. A jazz trio played lively tunes at the spirited holiday event. Representatives from some of the provinces--Newfoundland, British Columbia, Quebec--were on hand to talk about cold weather vacations and activities in their areas. Four lucky travel writers and agents won trips in the raffle. All guests went home with a fluffy lap blanket decorated with the seal of Canada, a red maple. http://www.visitcanada.com October, 2005
10/5 Greater Phoenix, Arizona has so many first-class spas and top-notch resorts that its representatives visited New York and hosted two press events in four weeks. The venue for the second one was the luxurious Cornelia Day Spa located in a duplex penthouse with open roof space and a café on the 8th floor of 663 Fifth Avenue. Mesa, Scottsdale, and Glendale are part of Greater Phoenix and their CVBs, along with the Arizona Office of Tourism, and four resorts were present. Announcements were made about the latest developments in the area. The Mesa CVB publicized the augural season of it Arts Center, the largest in the state, which will showcase performing arts, visual arts, and arts education. Glendale reported on the opening of a professional hockey arena and football stadium. The buzz in Scottsdale centers on the renovation of Hotel Valley Ho. The latest news at The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix is the introduction of pool valets and music suites with preloaded iPods. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, a resort with Native American ownership, employs the world's only cultural concierge, Ginger Sun Martin, who interprets the customs of the local tribes to guests. The Agave Spa at the Westin Kierland has patented an exclusive treatment, rollersage, which uses semi-precious stones found nearby. Each stone represents a healing property. The Wigwam Resort & Golf Club will be the site a new Red Door Spa. The Jim McLean Golf School will start a program at the Wigwam Golf University . http://www.visitphoenix.com September, 2005
9/19 Relais & Chateaux unveiled its new corporate office for North America this evening at an elegant cocktail party. Regis Bulot, International President, and Jacques-Oliver Chauvin, Chief Executive Officer, hosted the celebration, the ribbon cutting ceremony, and the inauguration of a new kitchen. The refurbished headquarters, Maison des Relais & Chateaux, located in a townhouse at 148 East 63rd Street on Manhattan's Upper East Side, is furnished with 17th-century antiques. The ground floor opens onto a rear patio. Wood stairs lead to the second floor where the new ultra modern open kitchen, which includes a Molteni stove, is located. Delectable hors d’oeuvres for the assembled guests were prepared by several world famous Relais Gourmands chefs: Jean-Georges
9/8 Joined by eleven premier properties, the Scottsdale Arizona Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a late summer Media Marketplace and cocktail reception in Lower Manhattan . The party was held at Sky Studios, a multi-storied penthouse with 360 degree views of the city and its environs. As the red-orange sun, which had been reflecting off the surrounding buildings, started to set, the lights of Gotham slowly began illuminating the sky. It was a perfect evening. The party whose theme was, “Soak up the last days of summer with Scottsdale,” showcased pampering spas, championship golf courses, and southwestern flavors in food and drink. The festivities took place on four levels, the second of which was called the Garden Terrace. But it was more like a park with bushes, plants, flowers, and tall trees reaching beyond the height of the building. Camelback Inn, a Marriott Resort, treated guests to neck and back massages in the open air. At the back of the mezzanine where most of the properties had tables was a serving station at which fajitas were prepared. Resort representatives discussed activities, programs and special beauty treatments available at their spas. Some distributed products, such as chocolate rock candies and aloe-based body lotions from the Phoenician, and Chipolte BBQ meat rub from the Westin Kierland. Bartenders mixed Elderflower Cocktails, using a James Hotel recipe, and Prickly Pear Margaritas. The Westin display featured an air-conditioned GT-Segway Golf Transporter. And on the upper levels were a golf-putting green and a swimming pool. Since no life guard was on duty, only balloons were permitted to float in the pool. http://www.scottsdalecvb.com . For older Vivian's Corner News Items, please see the Vivian's Corner Archives. |
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