Living next door to so many fantastic wine regions is one of the reasons I love the Bay Area, however, every once and a while (usually while nursing a major hangover) I reach my saturation point where I don’t want to sip, swirl, spit or even look at a grape! Which is why I was excited to hear about a brand new experience that I can try while visiting wine country.
Spend a beautiful day learning about artisan olive oil making in wine country! This November,Pietra Santa Winery is hosting its first annual “Olive Experience” in the picturesque Cienega Valley near Hollister, California.
Wine and Olive Oil Maker Alessio Carli will guide participants on a day long adventure where they will “get their hands dirty” learning how to harvest olives. Guests will also learn how to combine traditional techniques with modern technology to craft a premium bottle of extra virgin, organic olive oil, using the winery’s state of the art Pieralisi Press. Alessio will also lead an educational tasting including flavor profiling of the 5 different olive varietals grown on the estate.
After you return from picking olives and spending time on the crush pad, a garden lunch and dinner including wine selections from Pietra Santa will be provided on the winery grounds, with Alessio and winery owners, the Blackburn family.
To commemorate your trip, all guests will take home their own bottle of premium extra virgin organic olive oil that they helped to produce, along with a bottle of premium artisan wine from Pietra Santa and commemorative photographs taken during the day’s festivities.
If you want to make this a weekend affair, check out their website for suggestions on where to stay & what to see (antiquing, museums, adobe misssions,etc.)
One of my favorite things to do, after a long trip overseas, is to chill at home and enjoy the cool sea breaze of my little town on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
Half Moon Bay, California. It’s vibrant coastal town located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco, and it comes alive during the fall season. The sun shines over bountiful fields rich with brilliant orange pumpkins; fresh seasonal ingredients abound on menus; and nearby wineries are in the midst of harvest season. Home to rugged sea cliffs, long stretches of sandy beaches and abundant fields of fruits, vegetables and flowers, this charming seaside community boasts the best of Northern California all in one conveniently located place. Below is a summary of what’s new in Half Moon Bay.
For everything visitors need to plan their trip – from information on cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, to renowned restaurants, farm visits, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
34th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off October 8, 7 to 10:30 a.m. Pumpkin growers from California, Oregon and Washington descend upon Half Moon Bay with their colossal pumpkins to vie for the coveted title of heaviest pumpkin. Defending champion (and six-time winner) Joel Holland of Puyallup, WA, took top honors in 2006 with his leviathan 1,223-pound Atlantic Giant. In a pay-by-the-pound system, the winners receive $6 per pound for the champion pumpkin. A special $500 prize will be awarded to the "most beautiful pumpkin" as judged by the audience based on color, shape and size. IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street. For more information, call (650) 726-9652 or visit www.miramarevents.com .
Master Pumpkin Carving October 12, 5 p.m.
Kicking off the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin festival weekend, Farmer Mike, aka “The Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers” takes the spotlight at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay to carve enormous pumpkins into magnificent pieces of art. Guests of all ages are invited to gather around the fireplace, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies and watch the creative carver in action. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (650) 712-7000. One Miramontes Point Road.
37th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
October 13 & 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest with a fantastic lineup of rustic pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired crafts, home-style foods, expert pumpkin carvers, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a bone-chilling haunted house, a titanic weigh-off of champion pumpkins, a pie-eating contest, pumpkin carving, costume contests, a pancake breakfast, a five & 10K run/walk and three stages of blockbuster entertainment. Admission is free. Main Street, Downtown Half Moon Bay.
Nights of Lights November 30, 6 to 9 p.m.
Stroll along Half Moon Bay’s charming Main Street for some old-fashioned holiday spirit filled with holiday carols, horse and buggy rides and holiday treats including roasted chestnuts and eggnog.
Teddy Bear Tea Sundays, December 2, 9, 16 & 23 – 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; 3:30 to 5 p.m. Children of all ages gather for a favorite family tradition at The Ritz-Carlton. Guests enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in festive surroundings featuring a storytelling teddy bear, a pianist, hot cocoa, tea, and a selection of pastries, mini sandwiches, holiday candies and sweets. Each child takes home a teddy bear and a photo as souvenirs. $65 per child, $75 per guest 18 and over, exclusive of tax and gratuity. One Miramontes Point Road.
For additional information or reservations, call (650) 712-7040.
Gingerbread House Contest and Silent Auction December 4 – 9 From iced Victorians to candy-covered castles, The Ritz-Carlton features creative works by children, home cooks and culinary professionals, all displayed in the main lobby. Contest winners are announced during the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on December 9, and prizes include cash, overnight stays, spa treatments, dining in Navio and culinary classes at the resort. Many of the gingerbread houses are up for auction, with proceeds benefiting the Coastside Children’s Programs. One Miramontes Point Road.
For additional information and to enter the contest, call (650) 712-7696.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration December 9, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Guests gather on the Gazebo Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton for a festive holiday celebration that begins with the lighting of the outdoor tree and includes Dickens-era costumed carolers, a sing-along performance by the San Francisco Choral Society, a visit by Santa Claus, the announcement of the gingerbread house winners and complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, eggnog and cookies. This event is free and open to the public. One Miramontes Point Road.
For more information, call (650) 712-7040.
LOCAL RICHES
Farmer John Celebrates Pumpkin Season
Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm, a family-owned and operated specialty pumpkin farm, opens up to the public for the fall season. Visitors can check out an authentic Native American Teepee, take a ride on a vintage tractor and choose from more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash. Life-long farmers Farmer John and his wife Eda also give private tours of their home farm for an inside look at a working farm. 850 North Cabrillo Highway.
Dungeness Crab Season Kicks Off Dungeness Crab season begins on November 15 and runs though the end of June. These large, hard-shell crabs with a sweet flavor and flaky texture are found along the northwest coast from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Northern California. Half Moon Bay has one of the largest concentrations of this seafood delicacy with more than 50 commercial boats fishing off Half Moon Bay’s Pillar Point Harbor.
Several companies offer fishing and crabbing excursions including:
Riptide Sportfishing, owned and operated by Captain Smitty, (888) 747-8433, www.riptide.net
Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle, (650) 726-2913.
Horticulture Heaven
Yerba Buena Nursery, California’s oldest retail native plant nursery, is home to more than 600 types of California native plants. This spectacular Santa Cruz Mountain farm setting includes a 1905 Farmhouse, historic barn, and extensive demonstration gardens. On October 13 and November 10, guests will have the special opportunity to enjoy traditional tea in the 100-year-old farmhouse complete with homemade sandwiches and pastries. $25 per person. Christmas tea lunches featuring a decadent three-course meal are also held in the farmhouse on select dates throughout December at 12:30 p.m. $40 per person.
In addition, several classes and workshops are being held in the Yerba Buena Nursery Farmhouse including: “Classic Native Shrubs for Northern California Gardens” on November 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and “Autumn Wreath Making” on November 17 at 10 a.m. and
1 p.m. Yerba Buena Nursery Farmhouse, 19500 Skyline Blvd., Woodside. For more information and to make reservations, contact (650) 851-1668 or visit www.yerbabuenanursery.com
LODGING NEWS
Golf & Massage Mill Rose Inn, a romantic inn tucked away just off of Main Street, is featuring the “Stay and Play Golf and Massage Package” which includes: a one night stay, two rounds of golf on either the Ocean Course or The Old Course (or one round of golf and a one-hour tandem massage), use of a golf cart, use of the private spa, an afternoon dessert bar and fruit and cheese platter, followed by a gourmet champagne breakfast the next day. The “Stay and Play Golf and Massage Package” is available Sunday through Thursday through November 30, excluding holidays. Packages start at $493.50, based on double occupancy. 615 Mill Street. For more information and reservations, call (650) 726-8750 or visit www.millroseinn.com.
CULINARY NEWS
Pumpkin Prix Fixe Menu & Gourmet Wine Dinner Highly acclaimed Cetrella, known for seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine selection, is celebrating autumn’s bounty with a special prix fixe menu highlighting the local fall flavors of the Coastside. Honoring the local farmers, the “Pumpkin Prix Fixe” menu features Daylight Farms red curry pumpkin soup, tantalizing pork loin “saltimbocca,” Baia Nicchia Farms roasted heirloom pumpkin risotto and a pumpkin tart with house-made toasted pecan praline ice cream. The Prix Fixe menu is $35 and is available Sunday through Thursday during October.
In addition, Cetrella is hosting a Joseph Phelps Insignia Wine Lovers’ Dinner featuring a vertical flight of Phelps flagship Insignia from 2000, 2001 and 2002 on October 23. Wines will be paired with a four-course menu complete with Prime Black Angus Filet Tartare, Braised Beef Short Rib Ravioli, Mesquite Grilled Veal Loin Chops and Warm Chocolate Granache Cake. $130 per person.
845 Main Street. For more information and reservations, call (650) 726-4090 or visit www.cetrella.com
Seaside Dining
New-England seafood restaurant, Sam’s Chowder House, recently opened Sam’s South Beach Bar & Kitchen, an outdoor space off of the main restaurant that includes an outdoor kitchen, a mesquite grill and expanded outdoor seating options overlooking the ocean. Menu items from the mesquite grill include fresh Mahi Mahi tacos, grilled Maine lobster, grilled corn on the cob, grilled jumbo prawn skewers with mango salsa and a wide variety of other grilled items and fresh seafood selections.
In addition, Sam’s Chowder House is now offering authentic New England-style clambakes to go at the seafood market adjacent to the restaurant. The clambakes include a returnable pot filled with fresh whole Maine lobsters, clams, mussels, red potatoes, fresh corn on the cob and savory Andouille sausage, layered with fresh seaweed. The feast can be cooked on a grill or stovetop. The clambakes are priced at $35 per person (minimum two people) and must be ordered 48 hours in advance. 4210 North Cabrillo Highway. For more information and reservations, call (650) 712-0245 or visit www.samschowderhouse.com.
On Tap at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company In celebration of the 37th Annual Arts and Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay Brewery Company is crafting a special Mavericks® Pumpkin Harvest Ale, a seasonal brew made with actual pumpkin. The Mavericks® Pumpkin Harvest Ale is the official ale for the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and will be available beginning early October at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and on-site throughout the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 13 & 14.
In addition, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is also hosting two special, not-to-be-missed events:
· On October 19-21, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company will pay tribute to all things American during its second annual “Americana Hayride Weekend,” which features classic American cuisine, live country western/rock music and complimentary hayrides.
· Kicking off on December 7, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company will host some of the world’s best harmonica players for the Second Annual Harmonica Blowout Weekend. From rhythm and blues to rock and roll, three world class artists will take the stage for a weekend full of harmonica music, dancing and great food. John Nemeth (Dec. and Mark Hummel (Dec. 9) are set to perform.
390 Capistrano Road, Princeton-by-the-Sea. For more information call (650) 728-BREW or visit www.hmbbrewingco.com
SHOPPING
Main Street Style Periwinkle, a jewelry store featuring the work of local artists, has recently opened on Half Moon Bay’s charming Main Street. Main designer and co-owner Sharon Leung sells a wide selection of interesting and unique pieces that incorporate Thai silver pendants, pottery shard pendants, clusters of brilliant red and green coral branches and hand-picked beads. 604 Main Street. For more information, call (650) 712-1898.
ART Women + Art The Coastal Art League & Museum will feature jewelry and clay work by three female artists on November 8 through December 4. Works by Patricia Dailey, Kendra Klauber Davis and Becky Madalena will be on display through December 4. 300 Main Street.
Fairmont Hotels’ commitment to protecting the environment is nothing new. For more than 15 years, Fairmont’s participation in comprehensive recycling and environmental protection programs has demonstrated its goal to minimize its impact on the planet. And the results have been tangible. But the effort goes beyond the expected. Each of the hotels within the Fairmont collection is making a difference in often unique and unheard of ways.
If there’s one thing a luxury hotel offers its guests, it’s fine wine and delectable cuisine. But what to do with the all those pesky wine corks and leftover food looms large. Individual Fairmont hotels have devised distinctive solutions to this age-old dilemma. At Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, wine corks are donated to a local Girl Guide outfit as part of their Bag a Cork Program. Rather than end up in landfill, these natural corks are reused in everything from flooring to floats, clothing to coasters. The Girl Guides have saved more than five tons of cork from clogging up landfills.
In addition, every Fairmont guest knows that upon checking out, they’ll surely leave one thing behind: a used bar of soap. What happens to all those messy blobs? The Fairmont Queen gives them new life by donating them to Laboratoire Dermoderm, which mixes natural volcanic stone with the high glycerin content of luxurious brands such as Miller Harris and Penthaglion. Voila! They’ve now produced an effective cleaning cream that removes grease, paint, pine gum, ink and tar from the hands of mechanics, gardeners and artists.
Alternatively, animals benefit, as well. Colorful peacocks are one of nature’s most striking birds. They certainly deserve to be well fed and happy. And that’s just what the Fairmont Algonquin does daily. The uneaten scrambled eggs on the breakfast buffet are fed to these gorgeous creatures at neighboring Kingsbrae Gardens in New Brunswick. Rather than simply be thrown away, the eggs become tasty treats for these feathered friends. If that weren’t enough, the hotel gets even more creative with its coffee grinds, which are transformed into golf course tee-off mounds.
When it comes to human treats, for many guests, it just wouldn’t be breakfast without bacon. But, firstly, it takes pigs to make bacon. Switzerland’s Fairmont Le Montreux Palace contributes to the growth of healthy porkers by packing up leftovers and donating it to local pig farmers. The Fairmont Orchid also does its share for sustainable agriculture by supporting a local pig farmer on the Big Island of Hawaii with uneaten portions from the resort’s cafeteria.
Always concerned with putting their best foot forward, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess continually combines their concern for the environment with their wish to help those in need. Faced with more 2,700 pairs of spa sandals that needed to be replaced, the hotel donated the footwear to Hope 4 Kids International rather than discarding them. The sandals were then redirected by the organization to help underprivileged children in Uganda.
Helping the less fortunate is an important humanitarian objective. And it’s one the Fairmont Chateau Laurier takes seriously. It has formed a partnership with the Ottawa Mission, which, just like the Second Harvest program at the Fairmont Royal York and the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, allows unused food to be donated to homeless shelters in the community. The effort helps reduce waste and truly assists those in need.
But nuts-and-bolts recycling still remains the cornerstone of a conscientious environmental program. Fairmont has not overlooked this imperative. Since 1992, the Fairmont Newfoundland has diverted more than one million pounds of cardboard and paper from landfill. Over half a million glass and plastic bottles have been sent off to be reused, reducing the impact on the environment.
The Fairmont Royal York’s recycling program also includes office paper, newspaper, aluminum, tin, batteries, toner cartridges, motor oil, fluorescent light bulbs and kitchen grease, in addition to cardboard and glass.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa fulfills its environmental responsibility by ensuring bathroom toiletries and linens are packaged in biodegradable containers. Partially used toiletry containers are donated to a local charity. To save water, all three pools are fed by the resort’s own geo-thermal springs and cleaned with biodegradable products. Energy is conserved with retrofitted energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting.
The list goes on and on. Everyday, Fairmont locations around the globe confirm their dedication to planet earth with endeavors both small and large to preserve precious resources. Fairmont Hotels has become a leader in the important initiative to diminish the impact of hotel operations on the environment.
My favorite toothpaste, perhaps because it comes beautifully packaged in such a cool old-fashioned apothecary style tube, is now available for carry-on.
Italian-made Marvis Toothpastes are created by offsetting the aroma of mint with different innovative notes such as Ginger Mint, Aquatic Mint, Fruit Mint, or Jasmine Mint. So far, I can only find the mini size in the original Aquatic Mint Flavor but hopefully the rest aren’t too far behind
Since I have already made MY reservations, I will now reveal an incredible Spa Happening!
If you haven’t participated in Spa Week before, you are in for a Major Treat! I wouldn’t miss this for the world, and now that it’s gone nationwide, I can take advantage of it wherever I might end up.
It all started a few years ago in New York when C&R Media, (love them!) decided to reach out to their “Tired, Poor and Huddled Masses” yearning to be free of stress, and offer them an incredible full service spa treatment normally costing from $100 to $200 dollars for just $50 dollars!
The oohs and ahhs of contented spa-goers; as their knots and kinks unwound, their brows unfurled, and their skin became soft and smooth, was heard round the country and now Spa Week has expanded into over 230 spas participating nationwide.
Be you a spa regular or novice, this is the perfect time to sample a new spa, or perhaps an exotic new treatment, without breaking the bank. I’m taking off this afternoon for a well-deserved “Chard Break” temptingly described as:
Chardonnay Vino Therapy
Indulge yourself with this powerful antioxidant skin-smoothing treatment. A sublime aromatic cleansing and exfoliation with chardonnay sugar Scrub leaves your skin silky smooth and prepared for a luxurious half-hour massage. Finally, revel in ultimate bliss with a complimentary glass of chardonnay in our tranquility lounge at: Spa Luxe Redwood City, CA 94065 W: www.spa-luxe.com
For dates and list of participating cities and spas go to: www.spaweek.org (but better hurry before they sell out!)
P.s. I just returned from my Chardonnay Vino Therapy-sheer heaven on Earth. My bod feels like melted buttah! Plus, I LOVED the Spa Luxe. A class act all the way — from the tastefully furnished rooms in soothing Sante Fe shades, to the final relaxing room where you have your choice of herbal teas, dried fruits and nuts and mini-muffins.
Tip: I peeked into the private couple’s room, where you can reserve a Champagne Rendezvous for Two. Complete with candles surrounding the oversized Spa tub, massages, some chocolates –– perfect for a romantic evening for you and your honey.
Whew, what a couple of days! Yesterday I was in the room with Jerry Seinfeld for his promotional tour for his new animated movie 4-years in the making: Bee Movie. Directors and executives from DreamWorks were also on hand to take us through the clips. I give this movie 5 out of a possible 5 stingers. Each and every clip was fall-out-of-your-chair hilarious!
So mommies and daddies, grab the kiddies, and Divas grab your girlfriends for the November 2nd opening. You are gonna LOVE Bee Movie! Jerry (we’re on a first name basis now of course) plays the main character, and talents like Matthew Broderick, Renee Zellweger and even Oprah round out the cast.
*
Other mega news is that last night was also the opening party for San Francisco’s very own… BARNEYS!!! The store is open today for biz. With a first-class Bloomingdale’s and now a Barneys (I haven’t been in yet so can’t say what class it is), a west coast Diva need hardly make the trek back east!
*
Why oh why didn’t I attend the Barneys opening party? Because I was at a Spark (do you love our new and improved website?) event, of course! Last night, we had yet another mindblowing installment of our Speaker Series. I thought it couldn’t get any better than Sakeena Yacoobi‘s May visit, but this time none other than Kiva.org founder Jessica Flannery and Village Enterprise Fund‘s Board Chair, Debbie Hall!
Because one of our two themes this year is microfinance, Jessica and Debbie were THE PERFECT Sparkling Divas to invite.
Now microfinance is a broad term that has to do with giving grants, loans, training, and other help to severely impoverished people (did you know that half the world lives on less than $2 a day??) for whom just even $25 means the difference between starvation and security. If you and three friends each donate this amount, a hundred dollars might mean that a woman in Uganda might be able to buy a sewing machine.
Kiva.org takes this VEF microfinance model and adds a dash of dashing technology allowing lenders to interact with individual borrowers. That’s right, borrowers. And as a lender, you will most likely get all your money back plus learn about an inpsiring story from somewhere around the world! Amazing!
Because Kiva has revolutionized giving by allowing you to connect with real people and their real stories and choosing which person to support. This goes far beyond just writing a check to a nonprofit. After browsing through thousands of specific business plans–the dreams of people the world over–you might decide to help a butcher in Bulgaria, a seamstress in Uganda and a taxi driver in Guatemala! Thus, almost like a foundation, you have your own portfolio! Kiva allows you to keep up with your borrowers’ progress as well.
You know who loves this idea? Oprah and former President Bill Clinton! The two were guests on Oprah’s show recently, and Clinton even included Kiva in his new book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World.
And how small a world are good works? Jessica’s opening remarks were a heartfelt tribute to her mentors, Debbie and founder Brian Lehnen! Jessica got her microfinance start working with VEF in East Africa for several months after pestering Brian for multiple lunch dates to learn more about his vision. And now she runs her own nonprofit. Divas inspiring other Divas…it’s what we’re all about! It’s something we can all do: ask someone we admire to share fifteen minutes of their time to learn more. Fabulous!
It’s nights like these that make me proud to be on Spark’s board (I can’t wait for our October 12, 2007 Black and Pink Ball that will raise money for girls’ education programs in San Francisco and Vietman! Girls’ education is our other theme this year.), awed to be a part of the constantly evolving philanthropic world, and thankful to be able to share my A-HA moments with my Divas!
And with the San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Gala tonight with a gorgeous party and performance by one of the world’s most gifted opera Divas, Renee Fleming, I will have had a most wonderful 24-hours right here in my hometown!
When waiting for your plane that is two hours late, or staring at the baggage claim that never brings out your luggage, it is easy to forget that airlines are run by people – not animals (or vegetables). I was reminded of this after my month-long trip to Mexico. As you might recall, my luggage was lost somewhere between SFO or Santa Ana or Dallas or Cancun. No one on the ground could actually tell me where my baggage was after two days. I even pulled out the big guns and had the executives at American Airlines looks for my bag (it’s nice to have friends in high places).
After two days of being baggage-free, my luggage was returned to me, sans my tags. I keep at least two nametags on my bags for just this reason. My theory is that if one gets pulled off, the other will still be there. Well, not this time. Both of my nametags were gone, no wonder they couldn’t figure out who my bag belonged to, it was nameless. Fast forward to my return…..
In my work mail, I find a letter from someone I never met before. I was tired, miserable, and not happy to be back to reality, so I did not bother opening the letter immediately. When I finally got around to opening it, it was one of my missing nametags with a lovely note from a Southwest Ramp Supervisor. I must admit, it put a big smile on my face, and some faith back into my cynical jetset side.
It is moments like these when I am reminded that as much as we hate late flights, lost luggage, screaming kids, and crappy airport food – we are all humans sharing the flying experience together, and that includes the folks who work for the airlines. They can’t control the weather, nor can they always figure out where to send lost luggage, but whatever might happen, I trust they are doing the best they can. So, a big shout out goes to my new friend Eli Robbins, the wonderful Ramp Supervisor at Santa Ana airport who took the time to send me back my nametag and a nice note.
I think we could all learn a bit from Eli at Southwest, it is amazing what a kind note and a stamp can do to change a person’s attitude. Hey Eli, if you are reading, thanks so much for taking the time to reach out to a weary passenger. Your kindness makes all this crazy air travel worthwhile.
The Hertz Corporation, the world’s largest general-use car rental company, today announces the continued expansion of its company-wide environmental initiatives. The company is making a $1 million donation to the National Park Foundation, and the donation of $250,000 to benefit The Mayor’s Fund for the Advancement of New York City, in recognition of the Mayor’s environmental efforts.
Additionally, the Company is expanding its signature Green Collection, a collection of environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, family-sized vehicles, with a planned $68 million investment in 3,400 reservable Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles, 100 of which will be designated for the company’s Manhattan fleet. The Green Collection and the introduction of hybrid vehicles complement the 105,000 EPA SmartWayTM certified cars currently in the Company’s car rental fleet. More than 64 percent (268,000 cars) of the Company’s rental fleet achieves 28 mpg or greater fuel efficiency and 42.4 percent of the fleet (176,500 cars) achieves 34 mpg or greater fuel efficiency. Further, Hertz continues to incorporate sustainable initiatives into its fleet and operational business practices, as part of a corporate-wide commitment to environmental sustainability.
These announcements were made at a special event today at the American Museum of Natural History, hosted by Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and CEO of The Hertz Corporation. In addition, the Honorable Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Vin Cipolla, Chairman and CEO, the National Park Foundation, attended and accepted donations on behalf of the City and Foundation, respectively.
"Today’s announcement marks another phase in Hertz’s company-wide initiative to promote environmental sustainability in all aspects of our business and to help preserve our National Parks, one of our most important natural resources and vacation destinations," said Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and CEO, The Hertz Corporation. "Aligning Hertz with the National Park Foundation is a natural fit as the Foundation demonstrates a deep commitment to protecting and preserving our nation’s greatest natural treasures and supports projects that help protect the future health of the environment. Likewise, Mayor Bloomberg has demonstrated a passion for improving New York City’s environment, and we are pleased to support his initiatives with a donation to the Mayor’s Fund by allocating a significant percentage of our hybrid investment to Hertz’s Manhattan rental fleet," added Frissora.
"One of the fundamental concepts of PlaNYC is identifying partners in the not-for-profit and business sectors that are willing to work with us on cutting our greenhouse gas emissions. With today’s announcement that they’re adding 100 hybrids to their Manhattan rental fleet and their donation to the Mayor’s Fund to support green initiatives, Hertz has truly become one of our great business partners," said Mayor Bloomberg. "I applaud Hertz’s vision and I want to express my gratitude for their generosity."
"National Parks are the world’s greatest collection of natural, historic and cultural resources – from Yosemite to the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, they are American icons that stand tall as testaments to our country’s rich heritage and bounty," said Vin Cipolla, Chairman and CEO, the National Park Foundation. "We are thrilled to welcome Hertz into our family of partners and thank them for their generosity in helping ensure that Americans will continue to explore, experience and enjoy these magnificent places."
Hybrid Vehicles and the Hertz Green Collection The Hertz Green Collection allows customers to reserve, and the Company guarantees, specific makes and models of higher mileage, environmentally friendly mid- and full-size cars, a key distinction that is not offered by any other national car rental company. The hybrid vehicles will begin to arrive in Hertz’s fleet this month and will be available for rent at 50 major U.S. airport locations, as well as in Manhattan, at a starting rate of $50 per weekend day. One hundred of the new hybrid vehicles will be allocated specifically to the Company’s New York City fleet, including Manhattan Hourly Rentals, a program Hertz launched in April, 2007. Known for their high fuel-efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions, the environmental impact of hybrid versus ordinary vehicles is most dramatic in stop-and-go city driving such as in New York City where the hybrid often operates only on its electric motor. Hertz already rents hybrid vehicles throughout Europe: in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The Green Collection was launched in September of 2006 and includes over 35,000 other environmentally friendly vehicles — Ford Fusion, Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback and Hyundai Sonata – with an average Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highway fuel efficiency rating of 31 miles or more per gallon. The majority of the Green Collection fleet also carries the EPA’s SmartWayTM certification, which indicates lower emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, while the Toyota Prius has been awarded the EPA’s highest honor, SmartWay EliteTM status. In the United States, there are approximately 35,000 vehicles in the Hertz Green Collection, available at 50 major airport locations, each reservable by make and model. Green Collection vehicles are also available at seven major airport locations in Canada.
Hertz’s Environmentally Friendly Operational Initiatives Hertz has been deeply committed to establishing environmentally responsible business practices throughout its global network of rental locations and corporate offices. Hertz’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond its fleet to operational and corporate initiatives, including:
99% of Hertz’s fleet is equipped with vapor recovery controls that reduce the emissions given off during the fueling process. All car washes installed at Hertz facilities recycle and reuse at least 80 percent of their wastewater. Hertz also banned the use of chlorinated solvents at its maintenance facilities due to their toxicity to humans and the environment.
Hertz only contracts with auto part supply vendors that recycle its used oil. In 2006, more than 1.2 million gallons of used oil were collected and recycled from the Company’s facilities nationwide. The used oil is re-refined and processed into clean, clear, reusable premium base oil. Re-refining reduces greenhouse gases and heavy metal emissions, while reducing dependency on foreign oil. The parts and brake cleaner fluids at Hertz facilities are also recycled and, in 2006, almost 18,000 gallons of fluid were collected from the Company’s facilities.
Hertz uses Bradley Systems’ RTX#9 general vehicle cleaner at all its car rental operations. Dubbed "America’s first ‘Zero-Toxic’ Cleaner," it has no ozone-depleting, greenhouse gas, or global warming chemicals, and is biodegradable in water. Hertz disposes of electronic equipment at all of its U.S. facilities through either resale or recycling with a zero landfill policy and a zero export policy. Since its inception in 2002, 5.7 million pounds of electronic equipment and 22,200 pounds of lead; 5 pounds of arsenic; 32 pounds of cadmium and 7 pounds of mercury have been kept out of landfills.
Energy Star-compliant office equipment including copiers, fax machines and computers are specified for all Hertz facilities nationwide resulting in energy savings across the country.
Paper recycling programs are in place at the Company’s Park Ridge headquarters and Oklahoma City facilities. Since its implementation, the recycling program in Oklahoma has contributed to saving approximately 20,000 trees and 4,700,000 kilowatts of energy. The program also saves countless gallons of water and decreases air pollution as well as landfill space. To access images of Hertz Green Collection vehicles, please go to http://idisk.mmgworldwide.com/epankenier/ and enter username: epankenier and password: 6764.
About The National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org) is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to steward the century-long tradition of National Park philanthropy to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America’s National Parks, the National Park Foundation strengthens the connection between the American people and their National Parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our nation remains vital and relevant.
About The Mayor’s Fund The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote partnerships between the City and the private sector in an effort to strengthen public programs.
BOLD wines, BIG flavors, and an extremely talented new chef, whose skills and enthusiasm are BOUNDLESS!
As a culinary tourism writer, I am often on the road scouting out new restaurants, chefs, wineries, markets — you name it. Which means that sometimes I miss out on the latest food happenings right here in San Francisco. I loved bacar when it first opened and then, like most of my relationships, the love affair soured, and it got crossed off my list.
Just last week I belatedly found out that they had recently hired Chef Robbie Lewis — a wunderkind who has put on starring performances at Chez Panisse, Zuni Cafe, and Jardiniere. (He actually was named a Rising Star by StarChefs.com)
I decided to test the waters by dipping my toe in at a fun sounding “Sommelier Supper” in the newly reopened Wine Salon. A casual evening of tasting and talking, bacar’s “Sommelier Suppers” hosted by Wine Director Mickey Clevenger, offer guests a sneak peek at what goes into selecting wines for their innovative and award-winning 1,200-bottle wine list. We tasted approximately two dozen wines, many not yet available at bacar, complete with wine handouts to write down your comments– although most of us were quite vocal about our likes and dislikes.
Our group then staggered, I mean moved, upstairs to the mezzanine to enjoy a scrumptious family-style dinner (my family never ate 1/2 this good!) Platters of a Caesar-ish salad with smoky pork bits, salmon so fresh it tasted like it swam to the plate, perfectly grilled beef, were passed around while we played a wine version of “Let’s Make a Deal.” (Each table had a variety of different wines to pair with dinner so you could hear a lot of ” We’ll trade you this South African Merlot for your…”)
It was great food, great fun and a great learning experience as to what a sommelier really does… and a great deal at only $55.00 The next “Sommelier Supper” is scheduled for November 11, 2007. See you there.
Reservations are required as space is limited and can be made by calling 415-904-4100 or emailing dine@bacarsf.com. Please specify the “Sommelier Supper” when making reservations. To check for updates and other future events, visit www.bacarsf.com.
bacar A: 448 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 T: 415.904.4100
THE SET-UP: It’s hard to imagine a world before refrigerators or a time when explorers traveled with bone china in order to prepare four-course meals in remote destinations. In celebration of these expeditions, Redwood Creek Wines and The Explorers Club is launching The Culinary Revivals Tour, a national series of adventurous food and wine events featuring the meals that sustained some of the greatest explorers of all time.
Following dinner, guests will have the chance to meet modern-day historians, who will recount inspirational tales of the renowned journeys of explorers, like Ernest Shackleton and Lewis and Clark.
THE INVITATION: Redwood Creek Wines of California welcomes you to The Explorers Club New York City to sample delicacies from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition paired with Redwood Creek Wines.
How exciting does this sound! Unfortunately, I had previous commitments (see my report on the equally interesting “Sustainable Seafood Dinner”) and couldn’t fly back to NYC for the event. so did the next best thing and sent my NYC counterpart.
FOLLOW-UP REPORT Our meal, a culinary revival inspired by an original menu from The Explorers Club, archive autographed by Shackleton himself as deftly prepared under the direction of Exotic Foods Expert Gene Rurka, a long time member of the Explorers Club whose passion for studying unconventional foods has earned him accolades as being the ‘go-to guy ‘for concoctions of unique culinary curiosities.
His specially researched menu for this event began with cubes of Argentinean Ostrich on skewers, followed by a yummy Turtle Bisque, a room temp greenish broth with nuggets of turtle meat. I was torn between preferring the Pheasant Breast Pate over the South American Prairie Hare, and after seconds of each, it was still a toss up.
My favorite dish was the Pemmican Pudding, a tiny offering of the expedition staple, buffalo meat mixed with dried currents washed down with Redwood Creek’s 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Sure must have been a tasty treat for Shackleton and his sailors after months of seal liver and Penguin stew.
Post dining we gathered to hear noted Polar Historian Dr. T. H. Baughman recount the true tale of Shackleton and his 28 brave men’s expedition to explore the desolate Antarctic. Riveted for more than an hour by this true saga involving extraordinary danger, unbelievable heroism and a burning desire to conquer the unknown I couldn’t help thinking that maybe, if T.H. had been my professor I’d be a bit more intelligent in the history department! He finished his talk to a round of thunderous applause and I departed on my own journey… back to find more wine and Pemmican Pud.
Caption: An actual Explorers Club menu from 1913 that was signed by Shackleton!
Living next door to so many fantastic wine regions is one of the reasons I love the Bay Area, however, every once and a while (usually while nursing a major hangover) I reach my saturation point where I don’t want to sip, swirl, spit or even look at a grape! Which is why I was excited to hear about a brand new experience that I can try while visiting wine country. 
Spend a beautiful day learning about artisan olive oil making in wine country! This November,Pietra Santa Winery is hosting its first annual “Olive Experience” in the picturesque Cienega Valley near Hollister, California. 
and Mark Hummel (Dec. 9) are set to perform. 
My favorite toothpaste, perhaps because it comes beautifully packaged in such a cool old-fashioned apothecary style tube, is now available for carry-on. 
Since I have already made MY reservations, I will now reveal an incredible Spa Happening!
BOLD wines, BIG flavors, and an extremely talented new chef, whose skills and enthusiasm are BOUNDLESS!
THE SET-UP:
