Omigosh, dreamy trip!! They say the Derby isn’t the race–it’s the whole week or more of festivities leading up to the event. They were like totally right!
I’m here on the fabulous Jane Dempsey’s Kentucky Derby Junket. Her family has been running Derby tours for over 60 years, and having grown up in the horsey world, she is an unending fountain of knowledge and true Derby Diva.
We are a group made up of mother-daughters, senior couples, and legendary Derby-winning jockeys and their families. WOW! I am now buddies with Dave Erb (’56 Derby Winner on Needles) and Braulio Baeza (’63 Derby Winner on Chateaugay). We happily attended their Gallop to Glory tribute at the Galt House Hotel. Visit it to check out their newly cemented hand prints!
Now naturally I was all about my HAT and getting my nails done before the Derby. So when I got into town last night, I did an Internet search and found KY Nails (502-636-5857) near to my Executive West Hotel near the airport, Churchill Downs. WHY am I not staying at a 5-star hotel? Cuz this one is super convenient, the staff is friendly, and there is a mega milliner right in the building.
The hat shop to die for is called In Bloom Again, and there is a male Diva who makes all the hats on the premises, and they have an entire goodie room of feathers and flowers, which allows them to EXACTLY MATCH your outfit!! Love it!
(Oh, and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, and oh, free shuttles all over, and is rumored to have ragin’ Mint Juleps. Oh, and will shortly become a Crown Plaza or something soon.)
Today we had a VIP tour of the Backside of the Downs watching Derby and other horses practice. We ate breakfast at the awesomely authentic Wagner’s Track Kitchen where you grab a tray and stand in line for biscuits and grits while watching the horses fly by on the track outside. PINCH ME I’M DREAMING!
Then we hit the Galt House with our luminaries and THEN the Kentucky Derby Museum, a MUST SEE. Feel what thighs of steel jockeys have to have as you try to make it through a whole virtual race whilst assuming the position–ass off the saddle, girl! Yowch. Or check out whatever race footage you desire. And DON’T miss the show. The surround-wall movie totally rocks and inspires.
Ladies, I LOVE IT HERE!! Interesting stuff I learned? That the famous race the day before the Derby is called the OAKS, and it’s the race that the girl horses run. They call it ‘Lillies for Fillies’ cuz the winning fillie wins a cape or lillies, not roses.
Have any fillies run in the Derby? You bet your pocketbook they have. THREE have won: Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988). This year, three cheers for EIGHT BELLES, who is giving the boy horses a run for the money — 2 million point two to be exacta!
The Derby is for Divas. Do come, and wish me no rain on Friday and Saturday! This is your Diva Belle saying good-bye, girls!
Share Your Story, Show Your Support!! Make NOLA desirable again!
American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation encourage all New Orleans residents, and people who care about the city, to start sharing their stories on April 15th via a dedicated website, www.partnersinpreservation.com. American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a special Advisory Committee comprised of local New Orleans dignitaries will review the public’s stories about the nine historic sites, along with each site’s story, background, and monetary needs, and determine how $400,000 in preservation grants will be awarded. The sites being awarded American Express Partners in Preservation grants will be announced to the public on May 13th 2008.
More information about each of these sites can be found at www.partnersinpreservation.com
St. James A.M.E. Church (Mid-City National Register District)
Launched in 2006, the Partners in Preservation program is a philanthropic initiative in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has pledged $5.5 million over a five-year period toward preserving historic sites in the United States. In September 2006, American Express allocated preservation grants to sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. And in 2007, Chicagoland historic sites were the focus of the Partners in Preservation program.
If I may speak frankly, on past adventure trips, I have journeyed to many exotic and exciting locals such as Argentina, South Africa, Nepal, etc. but not once did I consider Daytona, Florida until I received an invitation to participate in a “soft-adventure†press trip. I mindlessly scrolled down the email, finger poised over the delete key, and then I saw â€Sky-Diving†and immediately RSVP’ed: “YES! My chute is packed and ready to go!â€
I’ve had a “Bucket List†for years…I’ve just never called it that. I always have referred to mine as “Something to Tell the Grandkids if I Live!†(Many years, and no kids– ergo no grandkids, later I suppose I could change the title.) Skydiving had been fluxuating among my top 5 To-Do’s forever, so I was totally psyched about this opportunity.
When I landed at the airport, the first major challenge was the freaky weather. Somehow, Daytona got confused and thought it was located in Alaska and not Florida. For 3 days I suffered through the “coldest winter I ever spent was the next three spring days in Daytona.†Mittens, mufflers and layered sweats were de rigueur, and all outdoor activities were canceled due to high winds and rocky seas.
Thankfully, spring sprung the last two days and it was business as usual. But we had to pack all our courageous acts into a much shorter amount of time. Turns out if you really wanted to get your juices flowing with a little advance planning you can have the one of the most exciting 24 hour action-packed, heart -thumping, adrenaline-filled getaways of your life.
What follows is my suggested itinerary…Feel free to pick some from column A and some from B or just copy the whole shebang and go out in style. With a few adaptations, this trip could easily make a most exciting Girlfriend Getaway, a “Dude-let’s compare testosterone levelsâ€, or a superb family bonding experience that will have your kids bragging about their totally-cool parents.
Let’s Get Started:
Check into your hotel. We stayed at the Best Western in Ormond, which was recently remodeled and offers exceptional value for the money. It’s right on the beach, so when you open your sliding door at night and snuggle down in your comfy bed, the sound of the waves will lull you into a deep sleep, which you’re really going to need for tomorrow’s plans.
Morning:
Fuel up at the Dancing Avocado Kitchen (D.A.K.) located in the heart of the Historic Downtown area. A crazy-fun mish-mash of a restaurant that serves creative, healthier food fit for both vegetarians and meat eaters. They obviously believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and serve HUGE breakfast burritos and omelets filled with cheese, eggs, taters and the kitchen sink! A glass of fresh squeezed juice, and you’ll definitely want a side of their cinnamon-sugar dusted fried plantains and you’ll be ready to fly.
Keeping in mind the travel theme of Tango Diva postings, I chose the film “The Visitor” to review.
Even though the entire film takes place in and around NYC, a major subtext is how lucky we are to have the freedom to travel. If you are a US citizen you can also experience the guilt and shame of our rigid post-911 immigration policies.
Didn’t mean to get all heavy on you in the first paragraph. I swear this is a highly entertaining film. If you missed Thomas McCarthy’s earlier amazing film “Station Agentâ€, add that to your NetFlix rotation and go to a real live theater to support “The Visitor”.
This is one of those stories that stay with you. Love that.
On the surface, “The Visitor” is a rumination on loneliness. A middle-aged professor from Connecticut is followed sleep walking through his life after the death of his wife. He pretends to be working on his book and studying the piano, neither of which he has any passion for.
He makes a long delayed visit to his NYC apartment to deliver a speech he pretended to have co-written. Our professor puts his key in the lock, heads down the hall, opens the bathroom door and surprises a terrified Sudanese woman taking a bath.
Here’s where the plot takes a 180. A Syrian musician and his jewelry making girlfriend thought they were renting this apartment from someone named Ivan. Turns out they were scammed and now have nowhere to turn.
In a never seen before burst of compassion the professor offers to share housing with this young couple. They couldn’t be more different in temperament or culture. Seems they are just what the doctor ordered for our uptight white man. His world comes alive as he gets increasingly more involved in their lives. When the musician gets arrested in the subway for jumping the turnstile even though he actually paid, our protagonist exudes righteous indignation and assumes everything will be straightened out in no time.
Instead, things get worse when it is revealed the musician is in the country illegally.
In walks the professor’s mother, having flown in from Michigan because she hasn’t heard from her boy in five days.
I don’t want to reveal any more, only want to applaud the filmmaker for giving us a picture of how the world changes when we discover the humanity in one another and act upon it. You may not join the Peace Corps but you will think twice the next time you get in a cab with your third-world driver.
International Women’s Day is on March 8, and Hinamatsuri is on the third day of the third month every year. It’s one of the things that made me fall in love with Japan when I was living there. Hina means doll (some of you may know that I am an avid doll collector), and suddenly, Tokyo was overflowing with exquisite doll displays. My favorites were at department stores like Takashimaya–level after level of courtly splendor as the emperor, empress and their minions, furniture, flowers and favorite symbolic fruit are displayed on a red carpet.
But be careful!! If you leave your Hinamatsuri displays out for too long, bad luck will come and you won’t get married!
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Beauty queen reveals real thoughts on Body Drama!!
As you flip through the pages marveling at the photos of all the various women of various body types, surely you will love your own self more. That’s what Nancy hopes! She wants you to see yourself in the unique beauty of other women and realize that you are not alone. Why is this beauty queen so concerned about how we feel? After all, isn’t she the pinnacle of beauty herself? Redd reveals that she, too, though a swimsuit contest winner, felt the same insecurities that we all do. Seriously? Seriously!
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Baby gifts from Bubble! I loooove this store, and they just went national with a website, so you, too, can order your friends the most cool, hilarious and edgy clothes this side of baby land at GotBubble.com.
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Oops on Samantha Power!! What was she thinking calling Hillary a monster? This uber brilliant and eloquent woman showed a shocking unguarded side recently. I am surprised that this diplomacy wizz went off like that. Pity, because we needed more women at the top. What’s up with the self-sabotage? Or was she sacrificed for the greater political machine?
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Adieu! I was in Egypt, Jordan and Israel last week and am now outbound for the Kentucky Derby tomorrow! I only had days to find my HAT and I hope that the good Derby dames approve. Don’t miss this historic race on May 3rd. Host a party and serve Mint Juleps!
From a crazy-fun Jumping Bean Massages to Chocolate Malt Baths, spa treatments are the new way to get kids to relax at the Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. After a few of these, you might be able to ditch the Ritalin.
Their new Family Spa treatments include a fun-filled roster of 25-minute Kids’ Spa Treatments.
Jumping Bean Massage: After a sensitive therapy, little Mexican jumping beans bounce on the child’s back for a little extra pizzazz!
Flower Shower Massage: Before and after the tranquil massage, the child is showered with petals from local flowers including bougainvillea and oveliscos.
Magic Elements Massage: Beginning with a rain stick, this revitalizing massage involves different elements to stimulate the senses and provide unique experiences.
Malt Baths: A choice of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry scented baths are drawn up in-suite for little ones. As a parting gift, a lotion with the scent is also presented.
Pancho’s Bubble Massage: Before and after this relaxing massage, a spa technician will blow bubbles around the child making them feel like they are in the clouds.
Sounds like you might be able to throw away the Ritalin after a few of these alternative treatments.
The Grand Velas Spa is the crown jewel of Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, the only AAA Five-Diamond Award winning all-inclusive family-friendly resort in North America.
San Francisco’s Hornblower Cruises & Events is holding a very special cruise on May 4, 2008,
Dog Day on the Bay!
DOG DAY ON THE BAY is a one-of-a-kind, two-hour nautical adventure. Hornblower will take care of everything — from a Bow-Wow buffet for your pooch (humans get a scrumptious buffet with free-flowing champagne) to a ‘poop’ deck, complete with sod, water bars, and doggie entertainment. ( Rumor has it that Three Dog Night might make a guest appearance;-)
Surely this will be one afternoon that you and your “best friend” will remember forever. Plus your ticket price will benefit the homeless dogs and cats at The SF/SPCA.
Sunday, May 4TH, 2008
Boarding 11:00 am
Cruising 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Adults – $140 • Children (4-12) – $65
Dogs & Children (under 4) – FREE
*Be sure and read the website since there are some doggy guidelines you must follow.
One of my favorites was:
12. Please do not bring a dog in heat. (Obviously this isn’t a Love Boat cruise!)
Maybe it doesn’t make all the headlines like receiving a Pulitzer or an Academy Award, but winning the prestigious Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award, is one of the highest accolades awarded in the world of tea. So hat’s off to the The Lanesborough for winning the 2008 award.This was due to The Lanesborough’s renowned tea selection and their ascribed tea sommelier, Karl Kessab, who offers you the best in service, selection and setting.
Guests can enjoy the award-winning afternoon tea in the luxurious surroundings of the hotel’s new restaurant Apleys. They can converse with Kessab about the merits of the various teas, which are delivered to the table in Samovars (a traditional Russian water heating device.) In tribute to this award, The Lanesborough has created a new green tea blend, named Rose of the Orient – this rich in anti-oxidant tea is a blend of some of the world’s finest green teas including Sencha, China Wu and Pai Mu Tan, flavored with jasmine, cornflower blossoms and rose buds.
Afternoon tea is served from 3:30 p.m. until 6.00 p.m. in Apsleys when you can selection from more than 30 of the finest teas from around the world personally recommended by Kessab.
About The Lanesborough: The Lanesborough is one of the most celebrated properties in the world. The Lanesborough, ideally situated in London’s Hyde Park Corner, is an iconic property that distinguishes itself with residential-style service and elegant, historic accommodations. A member of the St. Regis Hotels & Resorts group, The Lanesborough is home to 95 guestrooms, including 43 suites, as well as the renowned Apsleys, Library Bar and Spa Studio.
Take a one-week guided hiking tour that combines the beautiful landscapes and delicious foods of Italy. This moderately paced WOMEN-ONLY departure will tantalize your visual and oral appetites, satisfying your taste for adventure!
We leisurely make our way through the untouched Umbrian countryside, where we partake in two half-day cooking classes taught by one of the regions most respected chefs. Our local guide will educate us on the local produce and cuisine surrounding the charming village of Spoleto, our first stop on this journey. We then move onto Norcia for the second half of this amazing adventure that traverses impressive vineyards, olive groves complemented by gorgeous panoramic views.
Highlights
>Monti Sibillini National Park
>Historic Monuments
>Subasio Mountains
>Walk the Olive route from Campello Alto to Trevi
>Medieval Villages – Pontuglia, Val Castorana, Castelluccio
This is a wonderful combination of landscape, laughter, and learning. It’s a great place to explore the region known for truffles, wine and cheese.
This fully escorted tour is priced at $1895 and includes accommodations, guide, most meals, luggage transfers, airport pickup (Rome) and local support.
Don’t miss this one time opportunity departing on September 28th, 2008.
Contact TangoDiva Alyse for more info at 415-892-5076
When I think of going on a culinary vacation, Italy, France, maybe even Morocco come to mind– But Wroclaw, Poland? Barely makes it into the top 100…that is until I read about Malgorzata (Sarna) Rose, founder and President of Poland Culinary Vacations, Inc. a native of Poland, and I was hooked. She was born in Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia, nicknamed “The Venice of Poland,” which sits on twelve islands along the Odra River. P.C.V. grew out of her love of travel and everything Polish– particularly their delicious cuisine.
Not only will you learn traditional Polish cooking, during hands-on classes held in farm homes, but you’ll also dine at some elegant urban restaurants, where gourmet chefs add their contemporary spin to the classics. Save room to nibble your way throughout the region, while Sarna introduces you to her friends: the neighborhood farmers, bakers, meat shop owners, and chefs who are eager to share their way of life with us. Sample rare artisanal delicacies from local producers:breads, cheeses, preserves, sausages, wild game dishes, beer, honey wines, and world-renowned vodkas. (Maybe they’ll let us in on the secret to making Zubrowka, a vodka flavored with an aromatic grass from the forests of Podlassia.) That is , of course, if you can stand to leave the spectacular 16th-century Zamek na Skale castle (a four star hotel with SPA center in the historical cellars of the castle – pictured above) your home for much of the trip. I’m so down to go food exploring with Sarna…wanna come with the Dining Diva and make it a true Tango Diva Extravaganza?
Just to whet your appetite, here’s some dishes you might be sampling:
Zurek soup, fermented rye soup with sausage and egg
Barszcz czerwony, red beetroot soup or borscht
Golabki, stuffed cabbage rolls
Bigos, Hunter’s Stew with Polish kielbasa, pork and beef meats
Pierogi, stuffed dumplings
Zrazy, pork rolls with pickles and bacon
Kaczka pieczona z jablkami, baked duck with apples
**The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland now keeps a List of Regional and Traditional Products made in Poland. This rapidly-growing list now contains over 400 unique products. WOW!
P.S. Check out the website to see other culinary tours that Sarna is developing.
Umbrian countryside, where we partake in two half-day cooking classes taught by one of the regions most respected chefs. Our local guide will educate us on the local produce and cuisine surrounding the charming village of Spoleto, our first stop on this journey. We then move onto Norcia for the second half of this amazing adventure that traverses impressive vineyards, olive groves complemented by gorgeous panoramic views. 
, laughter, and learning. It’s a great place to explore the region known for truffles, wine and cheese. 
