Author: Jane Simon Ammeson

Jane Simon Ammeson is a freelance writer who specializes in travel, food and personalities. She writes frequently for The Times of Northwest Indiana, Mexico Connect, Long Weekends magazine, Edible Michiana, Lakeland Boating, Food Wine Travel magazine , Lee Publications, and the Herald Palladium where she writes a weekly food column. Her TouchScreenTravels include Indiana's Best. She also writes a weekly book review column for The Times of Northwest Indiana as well as food and travel, has authored 16 books including Lincoln Road Trip: The Back-road Guide to America's Favorite President, a winner of the Lowell Thomas Journalism Award in Travel Books, Third Place and also a Finalist for the 2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards in the Travel category. Her latest books are America's Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness and Classic Restaurants of Northwest Indiana. Her other books include How to Murder Your Wealthy Lovers and Get Away with It, A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana and Murders That Made Headlines: Crimes of Indiana, all historic true crime as well Hauntings of the Underground Railroad: Ghosts of the Midwest, Brown County, Indiana and East Chicago. Jane’s base camp is Stevensville, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan. Follow Jane at facebook.com/janesimonammeson; twitter.com/hpammeson; https://twitter.com/janeammeson1; twitter.com/travelfoodin, instagram.com/janeammeson/ and on her travel and food blog janeammeson.com and book blog: shelflife.blog/

Explore the World’s Culinary Flare a the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Historic Restaurants, Indian Food, Restaurants, Uncategorized

NOV 16 – 18, 2023

Travel the world, one bite at a time, at the 16th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival with its focus this year on the best of global cuisine.

MEIJER FOOD STAGE

Middle Eastern fare is known to be fresh, flavorful and distinctively delectable. Fifth generation Lebanese American Hannah Awada, owner of Hummus Goodness, is teaming up with Karen Akouri, founder of drench Dressing in offering three 30-minute presentations of “Deconstructed Fattoush + Hummus Appetizer” on the Meijer Food Stage. Both women are focused on using clean ingredients in their products, free of chemicals, artificial colors and preservatives. Hannah learned the art of hummus making from her mother, and her recipe draws inspiration from that family recipe with olive oil, fresh lemon juice and garlic cloves. Karen was looking for healthy salad dressing and marinade options for her family and began to play around with premium olive and avocado oils, herbs and spices to come up with her award-winning recipes. Both Hummus Goodness and drench are available at Meijer stores (and beyond) and will be available for sampling in the Meijer Marketplace at the Festival.

Common in Spanish, Latin American and Iberian-influenced cultures, empanadas are a baked or fried turnover consisting of filling in a breaded pastry. This tasty handheld appetizer is the focus of a Meijer Food Stage Demonstration by Paola Carlson of Pochis Colombian Restaurant & Café—the first authentic Colombian restaurant in Grand Rapids and Jorge Gonzalez, director of Start Garden—an organization that provides resources and opportunities to small business owners in Grand Rapids. Born and raised in Colombia, Paola moved to the United States with her husband in 2018 not knowing a word of English. She was soon making customized gift packages and specialty sweets like macarons and decadent chocolate-covered strawberries for her friends as a hobby, and before long she launched Pochis which also imports and sells coffee goods and coffee candy from her homeland offered up from her small café location in downtown Grand Rapids. Pochis will also have a Small Plate booth in The Vineyard featuring a variety of empanadas and arepas (handheld pockets made with ground maize dough stuffed with a filling)—all of which are gluten free.

A Vietnam War refugee from Thailand, Genevieve Vang is an accomplished expert in Thai and Hmong cuisine and even prepared a traditional meal for Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood when he was in Detroit filming Gran Torino in 2008. Her award-winning metro Detroit restaurants (Bangkok 96 and Bangkok 96 Street Food) garnered her recognition as a James Beard Award semi-finalist nominee in 2019. In her spare time, Chef Genevieve has developed a gluten free frozen food line called Thai Feast, as well as a new vegan, allergen-free Asian broth and easy to use sauce powders available at southeast Michigan Meijer locations.

On Saturday afternoon, she’ll welcome the passionate anentertaining Jessican Ann Tyson, owner of The Candied Yam-Delightful Southern Cuisine, for a presentation of “Vegan Pad Thai & Pho with Thai Feast” on the Meijer Food Stage.

Jessica Ann is well known in the Grand Rapids community for her ancestorial from scratch soul food cuisine and her perpetual smile, positive attitude and collaborative spirit. The Candied Yam is recognized as one of the Top 50 Restaurants to eat at in Grand Rapids and was recently awarded The Retail Business of the Year.

MEIJER FOOD STAGE SCHEDULE: https://showspan.com/GRW/home/presentations-and-stages/

PRESENTER BIOS: Speakers, Experts & Headliners.

MEIJER MARKETPLACE (Secchia Lobby / River Overlook)

Aurora International+
Bailey’s Farms+
Burl & Sprig
Burzurk Brewing+
DelGrosso Foods
drench Dressing+
Duke & Dame+
El Caribe+
Emme’s Plaintain Chips
Feel Bar+
Field & Fire Bakery+
Fusion Epicure+
Grady’s Garden+
Hummus Goodness+
Jambalaya Girl+
Lola’s Fine Sauce
Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce+
Milford Spice Company+
Momma D’s Kitchen
Mud Penny+
Mushroom Angel Company+
Neilly’s+
Papa’s Kitchen+
Rad Bagels+
Rani Foods+
Relos Dry Rubs+
Reyna’s Michelada Mix+
Senor Sangria
Stock Da’ Bar Premium Vodka
Stone House Bread
Thai Feast
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tor’s Tonics+
Zing Zang+
Zini Vodka

+Denotes new to the Festival in 2023

Shopping bags will be available (with first purchase) in the Marketplace that can be filled with purchase and then left at Coat Check so patrons can continue to enjoy the Festival without having to carry their goodies for the entire visit.

Another featured vendor not to miss is Wine Chips, sponsors of The Vineyard area where they’ll be set up offering samples of their distinct and flavorful chips like Manchego, Blue Cheese, Smoked Gouda and more. The team at Wine Chips will even share pairing suggestions with you and have packages available for purchase! Be sure to ask them about their recent relocation to Pure Michigan (Paw Paw – in the heart of one of the state’s federally-recognized wine regions), where they have better access to locally-grown potatoes for their deliciously crafted chips.

SMALL PLATE RESTAURANTS

A record 20+ area restaurants and specialty food producers will grace DeVos Place serving up a variety of small plates collectively offering a strolling progressive dinner experience – including nightcaps and desserts.

Among the new restaurants to check out:

The Marasigans (Jackie, Ace and Redd) are proud members of the local Filipino community and their Adobo Boy is a celebration of their rich, flavorful and colorful food culture. While we anxiously await their restaurant opening in early 2024, we invite you to stop by The Vineyard to try their Filipino Pork Adobo Bowl – a traditional dish featuring pork stewed in vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, bay leaves and peppercorns.

Beer City Bread Company may be relatively new (2020), but its roots are legendary. Brothers Stefan, Arne and Jimmy Fahlen are descendants of Arne Fahlen—founder of Arnie’s bakery and restaurants. The company craft its various artisan baked goods from local craft beer and natural European sourdough starters that are cultivated daily in their bakery, aged over 24 hours and processed using a “stress-free” handling line before baking. During the Festival, they’ll be serving up hearty handhelds including Italian Herbs and Cheese French Dip, Beer Braised Mojo Pork Sandwich and Beer Infused Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese, from their Beer City Station booth.

In Jamaican, the phrase Irie means “everything is alright and fine” and that is just the positive vibe that Vince McIntosh, founder of Irie Kitchen, hopes to evoke to his customers. His Jamaican parents immigrated to the United States in the 1980s with a load of family recipes and passion for food that has spread to Vince and his twin sister. Savor their organic Caribbean street food in The Vineyard, where they’re serving up Jerk Wings, Jamaican Patties, Rice & Peas & Curry Garbanzo and Irie Juice.

Father and son due, Jose and Justin del Castillo, have been slinging their Dominican Latin style open pit BBQ for nearly 10 years. Their Shepherd-based hobby turned into something bigger and now Jose & Justin’s Pig Gig takes its food truck to the best Festivals and events around the state. Located in The Vineyard, they’re serving up Chicken and Rice Bowl, Pork and Rice Bowl, Rice Bowl and Plaintains.

A “pocha” is a Korean term that refers to a type of outdoor food and drink stall—an abbreviation of the phrase “pojangmacha” which translates to “covered wagon”—known for their vibrant atmosphere, friendly ambiance and delicious food. K-Pocha, the brainchild of Lam To, ThienHa Phan and Phong Nguyen (owner and executive chef of Monsoon, a Vietnamese restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids and a Festival participant) specializes in distinctive Koren street-style dishes. Stop by their booth in Beer City Station and try the Potato Corn Dog, Hot Cheeto Corn Dog, Lobster/Shrimp Skewer Combo and Mini Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Participating restaurants include:

The Vineyard (Steelcase Ballroom)

Adobe Boy+
Beacon Hill at Eastgate+
Big O’ Smoke House
Farm Country Cheese House
Irie Kitchen+
Jose & Justin’s Pig Gig
MDRD
Pochis Colombian Restaurant & Café
Melting Pot
Two Scotts Barbecue
Yo Chef’s

Beer City Station / Cider Row (Hall C)

Beer City Bread Co.+
Jedi Chili+
K Pocha+
Olly’s Donuts+
Trinity Health+
Tacos El Cunado
Tamales Mary

Barrel Room (Welsh Lobby)

Michigan Moonshine

RendezBREW (Grand Gallery)

24K Gold Coffee+
Ambrosia
Cakes by the Jar+
Dolce Mini Cakes+
Frederik’s
Frick’n Good Cookie+
Fusion Epicure+
Honey Tea+
Rethink Nutrition+
Koeze+
Las Rocas
Mosby’s Popcorn
Nothing Bundt Cake
Roast Umber
Rossy’s Postres+
Rowsters Coffee
Sunshine Punch+

+Denotes new to the Festival in 2023

PAIRING DINNERS

An elevated and intimate multi-course dining experience at one of six featured restaurants, for an added cost (advanced reservations required).

Opened in Plainwell on June 1, 2011, Four Roses is making its Festival debut in a big way with a four-course Pairing dinner prepared by owner/chef Tom Rose. Tom spent his entire career working in the culinary field, starting at a small farm-to-table restaurant in the 1980s called Arie’s Café (no longer in operation) as a dishwasher at the age of 15. He moved his way up to executive chef, learning the value of sourcing local and building relationships with farmers. His mentor, Arie’s owner Bob VanRavensway, inspired and encouraged Tom to create stocks, sauces and dishes from scratch. After leaving Arie’s in 1998, Tom spent many years running corporate kitchens for Kellogg and Eaton Corp, and in 2011, he and his wife, Jan, were given the opportunity open their own restaurant: Four Roses. With a menu that changes each day—along with time-honored favorites—Four Roses focuses on what is fresh and available from local and established suppliers to create interesting and delicious foods paired with excellent customer service with a hometown feel.

Featured Pairing restaurants include:

Archival Brewing+ (Beer Pairing)
Four Roses*+ (Wine & Spirits Pairing)
The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck (Wine Pairing)
Monsoon* (Wine & Spirits Pairing)
Twenty.Three* (Wine & Spirits Pairing)
Redwater Restaurants (Wine Pairing)

*Denotes a Thursday VIP Preview Night offering, in addition to Friday and Saturday seatings.

+Denotes new restaurant to the Festival.

The complete menu with beverage pairings, seating times and costs can be found online: Pairing Dinners.

Beginning on Friday, November 17, General Admission tickets are $20 per person, per day with festival hours running from 4-9pm and Saturday, November 18, 2-9pm. Tasting tickets will be available for purchase online and at the event for 50 cents each to be used primarily for beverages tastings. Food samples can be purchased with cash, credit or tasting tickets.

A VIP Preview experience will be offered on Thursday, November 16 from 6-9pm, with just 500 tickets available for purchase for $150 per person. Admission includes specialties from a dozen small plate restaurants, wine, beer and distilled beverage tasting sessions; Meijer Food Stage and Meet the Maker presentations; tasting tickets to sample select new releases, special vintage wines and exclusive beverages served only on Thursday; a VIP Festival sampling glass and live music. For another $75 per person, an intimate multi-course Pairing dinner is added to the ticket.

As always, the Festival offers an unparalleled diversity of beverages available for sampling – from beer and cider to wine and spirts, as well as signature coffees and teas – with over 1,200 offerings from around the world, under one roof in featured areas:

Wines (including The Elite Collection) in The Vineyard (Steelcase Ballroom)
Beer (local, domestic and international) in Beer City Station (Hall C)
Cider (local and national) in Cider Row (Hall C)
Michigan Craft spirits in The Barrel Room (Welsh Lobby)
Coffees & Cordials (along with decadent desserts) in RendezBREW (Grand Gallery)
Non-alcoholic options in The Vineyard, Beer City Station an RendezBREW.

Since its inception in 2008, this Festival – named by Forbes.com in 2019 as one of a dozen “Fall Wine Festivals In North America You Don’t Want to Miss” and 8 Best Fall Festivals in Michigan by BestThingsMI.com – has grown into the largest and most popular of its kind in the Midwest. Admission tickets, pairing reservations, tasting sessions and other details will be posted in early fall at GRWineFestival.com

Reindeer Farm in Kentucky Prepares for the Ho-Ho-Holiday Season

Adventure, Christmas, Family Excursions, Farms, Holiday Travel

Move Over, Rudolph – It’s Moodolph’s Chance to Shine!

As the holiday season approaches, here’s just the place for families looking for unique experiences to create lasting memories and new traditions.

Located in the heart of Bowling Green, Kentucky, a family-owned reindeer farm has become a popular holiday destination for locals and visitors alike. It’s the only spot in Kentucky with an immersive live reindeer encounter and – thanks to the Anderson family’s commitment to providing a magical experience and spreading holiday cheer – this farm has become a cherished Christmas tradition to all who visit.

The entire family pitches in here at The Reindeer Farm. Husband-and-wife team Russell and Jessica Anderson lead the herd with everyday operations. Ten-year-old Aniston is the farm manager who helps with the petting zoo, guest relations and guest check-in. Nine-year-old Ashton is “head of farm security” (she’s a black belt, so she isn’t messing around!) and 7-year-old Russ acts as assistant manager. Jessica and Russell’s parents and siblings can also be found helping out around the venue.

The farm is the entire family’s passion, stemming from Jessica’s love for Christmas and Russell’s background in farming. Starting this site was the perfect way to combine everyone’s interests and skills.

The farm offers an unforgettable opportunity to get up close and personal with Santa’s favorite companions, along with more traditional farm animals like pigs, bunnies and miniature cows. One of the many things that sets this family-owned reindeer farm apart is the dedication to an authentic, respectful animal experience. The Andersons offer Reindeer Encounters to help educate guests about reindeer and what makes the species so unique. The Encounters include a 30-minute experience with the reindeer inside their enclosure, which is the perfect time to snap a photo for your family holiday card this year!

Apart from its educational aspect, the farm also offers a range of holiday-themed activities to get families into the spirit of decking the halls. Though you won’t find chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you WILL find s’mores … and plenty more! With an indoor playground, live ice sculpting demonstrations, train rides, breakfast with Santa, Christmas karaoke, free hot cocoa and a station for writing letters to Santa, kids and adults alike always have a holly-jolly good time. The farm is also adorned with festive lights and decorations, in addition to an overflowing gift shop, all working to create a cheerful atmosphere that adds to the Christmas spirit.

Now … on to the part you’ve been waiting for! You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen … but what about Flea, Mistletoe and Clarice? Though they may not be part of the “front line” on Christmas Eve, they (and seven others) are front and center here at the farm. The reindeer spend their time grazing, napping and playing reindeer games (yes, it’s a real thing)! Christmas came early to the farm this year, and gifted reindeer pair Moodolph and Mistletoe with a calf … the farm’s first. Baby Anderson loves attention and can’t wait to welcome visitors to his first Christmas season.

That season kicks off on November 17 and the farm will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 17. It’ll then be open daily through December 23.

We’ll leave you with this fun fact: The lyrics from a Christmas classic – “up on the housetop, click, click, click” – doesn’t refer to hearing reindeer hooves on the roof. These animals have joints that click loudly as a way to alert the herd members to their whereabouts in the event of inclement weather. So, the next time you hear clicking on Christmas Eve, it’s just Santa’s sleigh-pullers communicating with each other through the snow.

To learn so much more about reindeer, check out https://thereindeerfarm.com/.

Deepa’s Secrets: Slow Carb New Indian Cuisine

Healthy eating, Indian Food, Low carb, Uncategorized

Winner of the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Awards * Winner of the World Gourmand Cookbook Awards * Finalist for the IACP Awards *Shortlisted for the NCIBA Book Awards, Best Cookbook.

Both cookbook and memoir, Deepa’s Secrets introduces breakthrough slow carb and gut-healing recipes that are simple to make and nutrient-packed, all without sacrificing its rich South Asian flavors. On a mission to demystify and make healthy an “exotic” cuisine, Deepa shares shortcuts and techniques that will make “New Indian” everyday fare.

The following recipes are courtesy od Deepa’s Secrets published by Skyhorse Publishing.

Avocado, Tomato, and Plum Salad

My mother used to say, “Intelligence is the capacity to adapt to the unexpected.” (She still managed a frown at my bad report cards.) That’s the plum in this dish—I’d never had one until I came to this country. The unexpected ingredient wakes up the palate in this smart little salad.

SERVES 4

Dressing:

½ teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
½ yellow onion, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon wild honey
1 jalapeno, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 avocados, sliced
1 large tomato, sliced
1 plum, sliced

Crowning flavor:

2 tablespoons cilantro, stemmed and finely chopped
4 mint leaves, roughly torn
1 teaspoon chaat masala
1 cup toasted crumbled walnuts

Whisk dressing ingredients together in a glass bowl. Check seasoning and set aside.

On a platter, mix tomato, avocado, and plum slices gently. Drizzle the dressing on top.

Crowning flavor: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and chaat masala on top of the salad. I sometimes sprinkle with Go Nuts! or a handful of toasted crumbled walnuts.

Mango Lassi

A lassi is the perfect summer refresher. In New Delhi, they were usually savory—yogurt-based with smashed cumin seed, fresh curry leaves, a little salt, served on the rocks. You can get a sweet lassi in India, but this recipe is a closer cousin to the American smoothie.

Mango Lassi

·4 cups fresh or canned mango pulp
2 cups Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon rose water
1 tablespoon wild honey
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon salt

SERVES 4

Mix all ingredients in the blender. (If you’re using fresh mango and they are not sweet enough, ad

Deepa’s Secrets

Crowning flavor:

2 tablespoons cilantro, stemmed and finely chopped
4 mint leaves, roughly torn
1 teaspoon chaat masala
1 cup toasted crumbled walnuts

1. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a glass bowl. Check seasoning and set aside.

2. On a platter, mix tomato, avocado, and plum slices gently. Drizzle the dressing on top.

Crowning flavor: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and chaat masala on top of the salad. I sometimes sprinkle with Go Nuts! or a handful of toasted crumbled walnuts.

Mango Lassi

4 cups mango juice
2 cups Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon rose water
1 tablespoon wild honey
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon salt

SERVES 4

Mix all ingredients in the blender. (If you’re using fresh mango and they are not sweet enough, add a little extra wild honey.) Enjoy!

Celebrate the Christmas Holidays at the Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona

Architectural, Barcelona, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, Holiday Travel, Hotels, Seaside

Barcelona is a blaze of lights up during the holidays making it the perfect time to explore the city’s stunning architecture including the famed works of Antoni Gaudi-– the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Casa Batlló. Barcelona, with its Mediterranean climate, makes it the ideal destination during the holidays.

For those who love iconic historic architecture and the ambience of luxury and opulence, the award-winning Majestic Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to stay while enjoying all that the Barcelona, a stunning seaside city known for its gastronomy, culture, vibrant neighborhoods, museums, and so much more including myriad holiday celebrations.

Europe’s Most Vibrant Holiday Spot: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

The five-star Majestic Hotel, located in the heart of Passeig de Gràcia, considered to be the city’s most expensive and stunning boulevard, is a vivid part of Barcelona’s holiday celebration, a vivid tapestry of colors, flavors, and festivities, features an array of exclusive offerings. With its spa, outdoor plunge-pool on the rooftop and amazing views of the city, guests are at the heart of the holiday activities including the start of the festivities—the illumination of Passeig de Gràcia, which this year celebrates in 200^th anniversary.

“At Majestic Hotel & Spa, we believe in creating magical moments that linger in the hearts of our guests. This holiday season, we invite you to immerse yourself in the splendor of our offerings, where luxury meets tradition, and every detail is designed to enchant,” says Pascal Billard, General Manager at Majestic Hotel & Spa. “It is our pleasure to be part of your celebrations, ensuring a season of joy, warmth, and unparalleled experiences.”

In line with the city’s captivating ambiance, the hotel will serve its traditional holiday program of dinners and brunches and exhibit the next edition of the Wine Dinners, an intimate bi-monthly wine dinner based on a selection of wines from a prominent winery. Majestic Wine Dinners defies the conventional dinner setting. Following the delightful evening with Castell d’Encus, the hotel has already scheduled the next Wine Dinner in collaboration with the Pere Ventura Winery, set to take place on November 16th.

In addition to this, Majestic Hotel & Spa invites guests to savor the magic of the holiday season with specially curated festive menus to elevate the dining experience. Under the culinary expertise of renowned chefs, the following delectable https://majestichotelgroup.sirv.com/majestic/navidad/menus-individuales-en.pdfholiday menus on a set schedule:

Christmas Eve Dinner:

When/Where: Christmas Eve dinner will be served at SOLC Restaurant from 8:00 PM until 10:30 PM.

Cost: The dinner is priced at €120 per person.

Christmas Brunch:

When/Where: After a morning of gifts, it’s time to dine at Majestic’s SOLC Restaurant and enjoy its traditional Christmas Gourmet Brunch served from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Cost: €145 for adults and €60 for children.

St Stephen’s Day Brunch:

When/Where: On December 26, the celebrations continue with the traditional St. Stephen’s Day lunch, a unique lunch at SOLC Restaurant served from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Cost: €105 per person.

New Year’s Eve Dinner: Celebrate the beginning of 2024 with a choice of outstanding culinary options.

Option 1:

When/Where: Salon Mediterraneo from 8:30 PM until 3:00 AM

Cost: €385 per person.

Option 2:

When/Where: SOLC Restaurant from 8:30 PM until 3:00 AM

Cost: €585 per person.

New Year’s Brunch:

When/Where: To start the new year on the right foot, indulge in culinary delights at SOLC Restaurant from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM.

Cost: €75 for adults and €45 for children.

Pop-up Oyster Bar:

When/Where: Enjoy an evening of oysters, caviar, and drinks at Terraza La Dolce Vitae from 6:00 PM until 1:00 AM.

Cost: different options including oysters, caviar and drinks starting from 120€ up to 420€

About Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

“In the world of great luxury hotels, the old is now the new,” is the perfect description of hotels with such stunning traditions and histories as the neo-classical French style Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona which recently underwent a five-year renovation led by interior designer Antonio Obrador. Since its opening in 1918, the five-star hotel owned by the Soldevila-Casals family has played an exemplary role in Barcelona’s architecture, society, and lifestyle. Its guests included such notable guests such as American writer Ernest Hemingway and Spanish poet Antonio Machado.

With a privileged location in the heart of Barcelona on the ultra-stylish Passeig de Gràcia, the 271-room property is home to an outstanding 1,000-piece art collection with works by artists such as Antoni Tàpies and Josep Guinovart. Under the direction of Michelin star Chef Nandu Jubany, a robust gastronomic offering is highlighted by the Majestic Breakfast Experience, named Europe’s Best Breakfast in 2018 by Prix Villégiature. Additionally, The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious organization representing independent luxury hotels from around the world, recognized the property with the Remarkably Uncommon award in 2018; the hotel has been a member of the organization since December 2014. Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is also home to the city’s largest suite, a 5,000-square-foot penthouse with capacity for six, a dining room, two panoramic terraces and access to a personal butler and chauffeur. www.hotelmajestic.es.

Western Mexico: A Traveler’s Treasury

Adventure, Culinary Trails, Gastronomy

A travel guide for the intellectually curious, Tony Burton’s Western Mexico: A Traveler’s Treasury provides an insider’s entry to this extraordinary region of Mexico. The book, published by Sombrero Press and now in its fourth edition is less about logistics and instead focuses on the myriad of reasons–historical, ecological, cultural, and/or scenic–that make each place featured in this well-written and well-researched book both special and worth visiting.

Burton, an award-winning travel writer, educator, and ecotourism specialist, who was born in the United Kingdom and has an M.A. in geography from the University of Cambridge and a teaching qualification from the University of London, moved to Mexico in 1979 and subsequently was granted Mexican citizenship, looks for the road less traveled.

And in this book, he encourages us to explore the smaller, lesser known community with their many local customs, seasonal celebrations, sites, and events, places that, in his words, “offer a glimpse of the Mexico behind the mask; they are places where Mexico has retained her ancient culture and her ancient traditions.”

Providing a mix of interests, Burton opens the doors, so to speak, to such historical sites as Zacatecas, Lagos de Moreno and San Blas; artistic colonies like Ajijic; and lakeside communities including Chapala and Pátzcuaro.

Besides that there are ecological wonders, such as Manantlán, the monarch butterflies, the old mining towns of Angangueo and Bolaños, coastal communities like Barra de Navidad and Puerto Vallarta, Angahuan and other Indian villages, and a host of others. He delves into Pueblos Mágicos, designated as Magic Towns by the federal government in recognition of their cultural, historical, and/or ecological significance, their nearness to major cities, and the facilities they offer visitors.

This is a travel guide but of the most intimate kind. We drive with Burton along the lovely road to Tamazula, settled from pre-Columbian times, conquered by the Spanish in 1524, and a vital silver mining town and hacienda center until the mines were worked out by the end of the 18^th century. As for its name, well, interestingly enough, it translates to “place of frogs.”

Where to stay when there? Burton recommends Hotel Real de la Loma with its spacious and comfortable rooms and pool and two person tubs in the room filled from a hot-water spring at the foot of a hill. The views from the hotel are of the Tamazula River and its valley made green with sugar-cane. A good time to go for many is during the two-week Our Lady of Sagrario festival.

We learn that Mazamitla is “one of the prettiest towns in all Jalisco. It is a graceful, charming town of cobblestone streets, adobe walls, wooden balconies, old doorways and red-tile roofs, one of Mexico’s Magic Towns. Among its many attractions are the fresh air and scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside, some fine restaurants specializing in Mexican food, and the chance to shop for fresh cream, cheese, and home-made preserves. As befits a mountain town, its inhabitants also make lovely woolen sweaters and ponchos, for sale in the local shops.”

Burton, who has lived in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Jocotepec, has traveled widely, leading educational excursions and specialist ecological tourism groups to both well-known areas such as the Yucatán and Copper Canyon as well as little-known ones like Manantlán and Tingambato. At the former, at the Manantlán Biosphere Reserve visitors can experience the astonishing diversity of plant and animal life found in a cloud forest, one of the rarest types of vegetation anywhere in the world. In the latter, located near the major archaeological site of Tinganio, is one of the few sites in Western Mexico where there are genuine pyramids.

Larger than the previous editions there are dozens of new destinations and each chapter contains new material, updated travel directions, and redrawn maps.

Divided into parts, one and two are within three hours of driving time from either Guadalajara (Mexico’s second city) or nearby Lake Chapala, a popular retirement center for Americans and Canadians making them perfect for day trippers.

Parts 4 to 9 are longer journeys such as the trip to Jungapeo, where director John Huston filmed scenes from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre starring Humphrey Bogart. Here, in this small village, you can stay at Agua Blanca Canyon Resort which dates back to the 1940s. According to Burton, it is a charming spa-hotel with just 20 rooms arranged in the Purépecha Indian style around three sides of the greenest lawn in Mexico. Its pools and lawns overlook the deeply carved valley of the River Tuxpan.

“Many butterfly visitors, after the cool and dusty atmosphere in the fir forests want nothing more than a long soak in a warm tub and this is the ideal place,” he writes.

And, of course, there are the Monarch butterflies. Every winter, some one hundred million monarch butterflies fly into Mexico from the U.S. and Canada. On arrival they congregate in a dozen localities high in the temperate pine and fir forests of the state of Michoacán.

For me, a definite-not-to-be-missed is Zitácuaro, where my culinary hero Diana Kennedy lived. Famous for her cookbooks on Mexican cuisine, she made her home outside of Zitácuaro. And here again, is how deep Burton drills down into his destinations. Kennedy lived near the Rancho San Cayetano, a small, exclusive hotel on the road towards Huetamo and the Del Bosque reservoir.

“The San Cayetano’s charm lies not only in its comfortable rooms but also in its first rate cuisine,” he writes, asking if there could be a better recommendation for the food served there than the fact that Diana Kennedy regularly brought friends to dine in the hotel?

For aficionados of Mexican food, there are several outstanding restaurants to put on the list of where to go.

“Neither of my two favorites is well known to tourists, hence their inclusion here,” writes Burton. “Next to the gas station in Pátzcuaro, where the highway from Morelia and Quiroga enters the town, is the Camino Real restaurant where Sopa Tarasca, a local specialty which is a bean-based version of tortilla soup, has to be tasted to be believed.

Whatever you choose in this unpretentious restaurant, you will not be disappointed,” he writes. “The Camino Real has a sister restaurant, the Real del Cobre, in Santa Clara del Cobre.

My other favorite is an hour’s drive away, in the unpretentious town of Tacámbaro. Near the entrance to the town is the Hotel-Restaurant El Molino (The Mill), housed in a museum-piece nineteenth century flour mill, complete with grinding wheels. Simply and artistically decorated and furnished, this hotel-restaurant’s fixed-price comida features slightly finer cuisine than that of the Camino Real, with more subtle sauces and a more varied menu.”

Whether your interests are in art, architecture and/or archaeology; fiestas and folklore; unusual sights and natural wonders, or in Indian villages and indigenous handicrafts, Burton’s book is your guide to Western Mexico’s many hidden treasures.

Burton, author of many books about Mexico including If Walls Could Talk: Chapala’s historic buildings and their former occupants; Lake Chapala: A Postcard History; and Mexican Kaleidoscope: Myths, mysteries and mystique, is currently editor-in-chief of MexConnect, Mexico’s top English-language online magazine. He says the inspiration for writing this book came about with the “realization that it was impossible for me to personally introduce readers to many of the places and things I consider most rewarding to find and appreciate. Of the truly spectacular, I have yet to find anyone who ever forgets the magic of visiting the Monarch Butterflies in one of their overwintering sites. By sheer good fortune, I happened upon them the first time in 1980, several years before their locations became widely known or any organized tourist excursions to them had begun.”

Burton encourages opening up to new places and experiences.

“With an open mind ‘gems’ can be found everywhere in Western Mexico,” says Burton. “My greatest hope is that my book encourages readers to explore and find their own hidden gems.”

Pati Jinich’s Sopa Tarasca

½ of a medium onion
1 Cubanelle or Anaheim pepper stemmed, seeded chopped
⅓ cup chopped red bell pepper
⅓ cup roughly chopped cilantro
6 cloves garlic, peeled
3 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 oz. orange juice, freshly squeezed
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
½ tsp. turmeric
½ tsp. dried oregano
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper to taste
½ cup olive oil
1 ½ lbs. flank steak
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. minced garlic
2 large green plantains
canola oil for frying
mayonnaise
8 slices of American cheese
8 slices of ripe red tomato
Shredded head lettuce
Add the first 13 ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. With the motor running slowly drizzle in the oil.
Put steak in a glass baking dish or large Ziplock bag. Pour marinade over steak. Marinate refrigerated for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to grill, build a hot hardwood charcoal fire or preheat gas grill. Remove steak from marinade, removing excess. Grill over high heat for about 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
Meanwhile make tostones. Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F.
Cut the ends off plantains. Cut the peel along a seam lengthwise then peel starting at the cut. Cut plantains in half crosswise and then again lengthwise so there are eight equal pieces.
Fry plantains for about 4 minutes until cooked through, remove to paper towels.
Place a plantain piece on a cutting board covered with waxed paper. Fold paper over the plantain and smash flat with another cutting board or heavy skillet. Flatten all eight pieces.
Return plantains to hot oil and fry until crisp, about another 4 minutes. Remove to paper towels, season with salt.
Make garlic butter by melting 2 tbsp. butter, then stirring in 2 tbsp. minced garlic. Garlic is meant to be raw.
Thinly slice flank steak on a bias, against the grain.
Spread 4 tostones generously with mayonnaise. Layer on sliced steak. Top each with 2 slices of cheese, two slices of tomato and shredded lettuce. Top each sandwich with remaining tostones and spoon a little garlic butter over the top.
Serve immediately.
From patijinich.com

Halloween Monster Mash at the Egyptian Motor Hotel

Hotels, Phoenix, Restaurants

Not to be missed this Saturday, October 28th, is the Halloween Monster Mash at the 250-seat outdoor entertainment venue and cocktail garden at the Egyptian Motor Hotel in downtown Phoenix’s historic Grand Avenue, a cool and contemporary remix of what is one of the city’s oldest streets and once a thoroughfare dating back to the city’s founding in 1872. Back in the day, Grand Avenue connected Phoenix to Wickenburg and the mines in that area but now it’s now a hip strip of urban re-imagination.

And the Egyptian Motor Hotel is one of the stars here. Established over 70 years ago, it was recently written up in Sunset Magazine as “resurrected as one of the coolest boutique hotels that Arizona has to offer” and in its first brick-and-motor location, the motor lodge’s restaurant Chilte, long a favorite pop-up recently ranked on Bon Appetit’s “Best Restaurant Openings of 2023” list. To make it even more impressive it was the only Arizona restaurant to make the list and that one of the chef/owners, Lawrence Smith recently competed on “Chopped.”

Here’s what Bon Appetit’s writer, Serena Dai, said about the restaurant:

“The lively pastel interior at Chilte may match the renovation of its ’50s-era home, the Egyptian Motor Hotel, but the menu doesn’t offer the kind of reliably lovable (but sometimes a little boring) food typical of a hotel restaurant. Instead, owners Lawrence Smith (a former NFL player and Aseret Arroyo serve an impressive, constantly changing roster of ambitious Mexican dishes. Hefty tacos arrive cradling fillings like butternut-stuffed chile capped with a rustic red chimayó mole or a thick slab of tender beef tongue on a lacy, crisp layer of cheese. Even more impressive is the mole flight, a trio of sauces accompanied by charred lamb ribs. Yes, you’d be happy dipping the lamb in each sauce, but the true joy comes from trying each one with chewy, colorful, fresh-made corn tortillas. Best among the moles is perhaps the Amarillo, husky and smooth, finished with crunchy crickets imported from Oaxaca. The menu’s brevity means you could—and should—bring a few friends and order every dish.”

That’s just one more reason to don a costume and attend the Monster Mash.

The spooky extravaganza kicks off with live music from a rotation of SIX local bands, including Hookworm, Birds + Arrows, Survival Guide, and more.

Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged at the Monster Mash as there’s a costume contest with a chance to win an array of prizes. The Egyptian offers a huge lineup of artisanal cocktails, beers on tap and draft, wine, and delicious fare from Chilte To-Go, which just ranked on Bon Appetit’s “Best Restaurant Openings of 2023” list.

Read what Sunset magazine had to say:

“The Egyptian Motor Hotel has been in Phoenix’s vibrant Arts District for over 70 years, and has recently been resurrected as one of the coolest boutique hotels that Arizona has to offer. Now, the property has 49 retro modern rooms with bunk beds (aka “stacked”) and King bed offerings, as well as an Airstream guest room stocked with throwback amenities like Marshall Bluetooth speakers and retro refrigerators. Outside, you’ll find firepits, where you can strum the complimentary acoustic guitars that come in each guest room. There’s also a 250-seat entertainment venue (pro tip: You can actually watch performances from your balcony).”

ifyougo:

Date: Saturday, October 28
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Cost: $8 presale, $10 at the door
Location: , 765 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Spooky Halloween Events in the Windy City

Adventure, Chicagoland Area, Halloween, Hauntings

When it comes to Halloween this season, Chicago has it covered– ghostly pub tours, a chance to walk the streets where the city’s first serial killer (or at least the first we know about) once roamed, re-enactments of Victorian era seances, and a chance to explore the city with noted author. podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours Adam Selzer at the Lincoln Park Zoo. These are just a few of the many spooky events happening in Chicago this Halloween season.

Ever read Devil in the White City, the bestselling book by Erik Larson about H.H. Holmes? Now walk in his footsteps with Chicago Ghost Tours with Free Tours by Foot (Adults-only tour departs 3×4 times per week at 6:00 p.m.; check scheduling and pay as you will), a two hour, 1-mile walking tour takes guests through downtown Chicago. Fittingly it begins when the sun is setting, the perfect time to hear some of the most gruesome and creepy Chicago stories about the Everleigh Club, the 1900’s Red Light district, and about downtown prison breaks.

For Those Who Dare: Other Spooky Opportunities Abound.

Consider these:

Chicago Ghost Tour Pub Crawl by Nightly Spirits (Attendees must be 21+; tickets start at $30 per person; purchase of alcohol not included or required).

The Nightly Spirits Lincoln Park Haunted Pub Tour explores some of the most haunted pubs, alleys, and buildings. Stand a few feet away from where Dillinger met his end, catch a whiff of flowers as the unseen lavender lady passes by, enjoy a drink in an antique store where each item has a story of its own, and get a true glimpse of the prohibition lifestyle. Start your tour at the haunted Lincoln Station Bar while your costumed guide creeps you out with stories of murdered gangsters, local lore, and old owners that won’t vacate the nearby buildings!

Then take the 2.5-hour walking journey exploring the Lincoln Park area to meet the spirits that haunt the locals at favorite local haunts! The tour encompases up to 3 haunted bars*–and that’s a good thing as you’ll need plenty of liquid courage (available for purchase) to face the ghostly residents of the Windy City.

Ghost Tours at the Auditorium Theatre (Tours through November 22, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m., Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.; tickets start at $15 per person).

Step into the spooky world of the supernatural this October and November for this special Halloween edition of the Auditorium Theatre’s National Landmark Backstage Tours. In addition to learning about the unique architecture and history of this storied Chicago building, tours will also discover the haunted, goosebumps-inducing past. Watch your step, a 134-year-old building is bound to have a few ghosts, including a persistent disembodied whistling in the stage door alley, specters that appear and disappear in the seats at night, the ghost of a man whose funeral was held on the Auditorium’s stage, and more. The Auditorium Theatre, designed by famed architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, opened on December 9, 1889, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975. ‘Spirited’ Thursday evening tours also include access to a cash bar. The spooky- but not scary- tour is appropriate for all ages. Come in costume on October 29 for a special Halloween ghost tour that includes candy for kids of all ages.

Haunted History Tours at Lincoln Park Zoo (Tours run Tuesdays and Wednesdays through October at 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., $35 per person, must be 16+).

Join Adam Selzer, author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours, for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history.

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Evening Ghost Tours (Select tours on Fridays October 20 and 27, at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; $10 per person, recommended for ages 16+).

From its inception, the Hull-House Settlement was a center of urban legends and supernatural stories, as Chicago’s neighborhoods kept whispers alive about its supposed unearthly inhabitants. Today, Hull-House is a favorite stop on Chicago ghost tours and it is often hailed as one of the most haunted places in the country.

While they are spooky and fun, these stories stem from important conversations about religious beliefs and social norms, as well as the collective consciousness of the Hull-House neighborhood. For many, Chicago was a place of great hardship, plagued by a history of tragic events that left countless ghost stories in their wake, including those of Hull-House’s infamous Devil Baby and resident Lady in White. Guests will be led through the house by a Museum Educator and will have the opportunity to learn all about Hull-House’s haunted history.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden (October 18–22 6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; tickets start at $19/$21 per adult, $13/$15 per child (age 3-12).

Monstrous vibes meet crisp fall evenings at Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, where artist-carved pumpkins light your way through the Garden after dark. You’ll find costumed entertainers and live carving demos along our paved path, as well as seasonal light fare and drinks for purchase.

Northalsted Halloween Parade (October 31, 2023; 6:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. FREE to attend).

https://www.facebook.com/reel/344425258072613

Join the vibrant and lively Halloween parade in Northalsted, complete with creative costumes and lively participants. The free parade is a spectacle of sights, frights & spooky mayhem concluding with an Awards Show, live performance & dance party. Gear up with Northalsted’s series of Halloween events throughout the month of October including Parade after parties and contests, the Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl, Trick or Treat, and more.

The Séance Experience at Chicago’s Congress Plaza Hotel (Saturdays through October 28; tickets start at $25 per person).

The Séance Experience is coming to Chicago and will be conducting their popular live re-creations of authentic Victorian Era dark Séances at the Congress Plaza Hotel, said by many to be the most haunted place in city and one of the most haunted hotels in America! Noted sightings at the historic hotel include the likes of former hotel residents: Al Capone, Teddy Roosevelt and Harry Houdini among others. The séances are slated at the historic downtown Chicago hotel in an area not usually opened to the public. Authentically re-created exactly as conducted in the 1800’s, séances are scheduled inside an actual room built in 1893 using antique séance artifacts also dating from the 1800’s.

For more Chicago events, visit Choose Chicago.

Chasing the Sun: Three Places to Go Where Summer Never Ends

Adventure, BElize, Ocean, Sailing, Seychelles, Tahiti, Uncategorized, Yachting

For those who aren’t ready to give up warm weather, blue skies, and beaches, Dream Yacht Worldwide is sharing its top destination recommendations for an endless summer by sea – some of which may be less obvious and under-the-radar for American travelers.

Here’s a round-up of three destinations great for exploring by sail boat this fall. Think: access to small ports and coast lines, opportunities to discover local culture, and a sense of freedom, accessibility, and adventure that no other vacation can provide to chase the summer sun.

1.) Endless Summer in Seychelles –

The Seychelles offers one of the world’s finest sailing grounds, with picture-perfect tropical islands, sandy beaches and imposing granite rocks polished by the relentless waves of the Indian Ocean. Average temperatures in the Seychelles are warm all year-round at between 79ºF and 82ºF. The best time to visit for sailing the Seychelles is during the season transition in April/May and October/November when the water visibility is optimal at 98ft – perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Dream Yacht Worldwide began its first yacht charters in the Seychelles. And for good reason, as it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet, comprising 41 of the earth’s oldest granite islands and 74 low-lying reef islands which embody the phrase ‘tropical paradise’.

On a Seychelles yacht charter, travelers can snorkel among the treelike corals on Coco Island, or at stunning St. Pierre islet, where rugged granite rocks merge with lush tropical vegetation.

An unmissable highlight on any yacht charter in the Seychelles is a visit to the scented vanilla plantations at Union Estate on La Digue, one of the most beautiful islands in the region. While for nature lovers, there’s bird watching at Aride Island and the rare Aldabra tortoises at Curieuse, a protected island where you can observe these gentle giants.

2.) Blue Skies in Belize –

Sail Belize and enjoy its calm waters, favorable trade winds and a network of 450 isolated cayes sitting in the tropical Caribbean Sea. The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the dry season. Warm temperatures, sunny skies and access to top attractions can be experienced at this time of year.

Travelers definitely want to take time out to see the Mayan ruins and explore the world’s second longest unbroken barrier reef which, with its diverse underwater ecosystem, is a renowned snorkeling and scuba destination.

Sailing in Belize can include a stop at the Blue Hole Natural Monument or a trip to Glover’s Reef, Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe – three atolls offering the chance to swim among 500 species of fish and 100 types of coral, as well as rays and dolphins. Sailing in these open waters during your Belize yacht charter will require a local skipper.

3.) Take it all in in Tahiti –

The South Pacific island of Tahiti and the neighboring islands of French Polynesia may be the closest you will ever come to paradise on earth. Part of the Society Islands, Tahiti is bursting with exciting marine life, emerald volcanic peaks and vivid exotic flowers, making it the perfect destination for a yacht charter.

The best time to visit Tahiti is between April/May and September/October.

Tahiti boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, all of which you can explore on your Tahiti yacht charter – from green-topped mountains and perfect white sand beaches to calm aquamarine seas and protected turquoise lagoons.

Dream Yacht travelers can begin their Tahiti sailing vacation on the island of Raiatea to explore its archaeological remains and impressive lagoon, then head to Motu To’opua under the familiar peaks of Bora Bora. It’s the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Take a trip to Huahine while sailing Tahiti’s islands and visit the small village of Fare, where you will find a warm Polynesian welcome. Browse the boutiques and get a bite to eat in the small restaurants.

Chicago Hotels Land in Top 10 Spots in the World!!

Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago restaurants, Chicagoland Area, Hotels

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/these-2-chicago-hotels-landed-top-10-spots-in-worlds-best-conde-nast-says/3252405/

W Scottsdale Creates Cheerful Connections for Groups this Winter Season with New Holiday Events Package and Special Promotions

Holiday Travel, Hotels, Pet friendly, Resorts, Scottsdale, W Scottsdale

Festive Celebrations in Hotel’s Exceptional Event Spaces Include Complimentary Wine Toasts, Spa Experiences, Suite Upgrades, and More

The holidays may seem like a long way off, but it’s not too soon to make plans. And W Scottsdale, located in the heart of the city’s booming Entertainment District, offers myriad ways to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. From now through December 2023, the hotel is offering its new Event Holiday Package featuring significant perks and rewards to guests booking the property’s event spaces. Whether planning a family gathering, corporate winter event, or a milestone birthday, W Scottsdale’s team of experts will work with clients in creating festive, holiday cheer and unforgettable experience.

The Event Holiday Package features special perks for bookings that qualify, including:

When booking the Event Holiday Package, guests are rewarded with additional benefits depending on the budget and scale of the event outlined below:

Double Marriott Bonvoy points
15 percent discount Audiovisual services
25 percent discount at award-winning AWAY Spa
Complimentary sparkling wine or holiday signature cocktail
Waived meeting room rental

Spend:

$5,000-$7,499, choose 1 benefit
$7,500-$9,999, choose 2 benefits
$10,000 or more, choose 3 benefits

Benefits:

20,000 signing bonus
50-minute spa treatment gift certificate
Complimentary suite upgrade
Complimentary uplighting package
Festive red carpet and step and repeat
Gift certificate for raffle prizing
Life size lawn game

With impeccable service and tailored offerings, W Scottsdale remains dedicated to ensuring that each event is a resounding success. W Scottsdale’s event specialists work closely with guests to help build a luxury itinerary that best matches their interests and curate a personalized event that exceeds expectations. The hotel’s innovative meeting venues and event spaces come equipped with the latest technology, adaptable conference equipment and space for up to 500 delegates. The state-of-the-art meeting rooms and conference facilities provide the perfect setting for memorable corporate functions that are enhanced with specialized business packages, dedicated event coordinators, and delectable catering options. Whether it’s a small soiree or a winter extravaganza, the flexible event spaces and experiences can be tailored to suit any specific needs.

In addition to the memorable events, there is an array of exciting sights and activities to explore in the area. With its central location, the hotel offers easy access to vibrant nightlife and exciting sporting events. Other facilities include Cottontail Lounge which offers a next-level mixology experience and expansive views of the desert sky, the outdoor WET Deck pool area that hosts Vegas-style pool parties with private cabanas, in-house Japanese Steakhouse Donabe and a 24-hour fitness center. For the ultimate revitalization experience, AWAY Spa, W Scottsdale’s full-service spa and salon, offers guests a go-to place for glamour, providing a variety of customized treatments ranging from traditional deep tissue massages to makeup and hair.

The exclusive Event Holiday Package provides additional value and experiences to make every celebration shine bright this season. For reservations or inquiries, please call Emily Gaines at402.253.5619 or contact Emily.Gaines@marriott.com.

About W Scottsdale

W Scottsdale marks the debut of W Hotels in Arizona. This Southwest oasis, where innovative design mixes with urban sophistication, features 241 guest rooms including 44 lavish suites. A true insider escape, W Scottsdale boasts W Hotels The Store and offers three chic destination bars – Living Room Lounge, Cottontail Lounge and Wet Deck. Located in downtown Scottsdale, W Scottsdale provides guests access to discover the city’s high-profile shopping, innovative restaurants, eclectic arts district and vibrant nightlife. Signature services and amenities include the Whatever/Whenever® concierge service, Wheels® valet, FIT® fitness center, WET®, WIRED Business Center and P.A.W. – Pets Are Welcome™.