Orbitz Presents ‘The Artist Showcase Series’ a group show featuring the work of noted artists: Helen Adams, Uri Chartarifsky & Glenn Fry. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of artwork will be donated to StartOut.org. The Artist Showcase is a multi-media extravaganza for the sophisticated consumer, affluent trend-setter, key influencers and art connoisseurs.
WHEN
Monday, December 7, 2009
WHERE
Greenhouse
150 Varick Street
(Between Vandam & Spring)
NY, NY
CHARITY
10% of the proceeds generated from the sale of artwork will be donated to StartOut.org
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
URI CHARTARIFSKY
Uri Chartarifsky is a respected artist and active community leader in San Diego. He was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico and he currently lives in San Diego. Uri has earned recognition and respect in the photography field and his photographs can be seen exhibited in his conveniently located North Park gallery and in local lifestyle magazines. Mr. Chartarifsky established The Gallery On 5th Project in 2001 with its main focus on helping Non-profit Organizations raise funds through the Arts. His charities have raised more than $1 million for various local, national, and international non-profits. For more information please visit www.uriphotography.com
HELEN ADAMS
New multi-media artist and creator of beautiful things, Helen Adams Franklin opens a new dialogue with her first group show. Her artwork, cast in a variety of mediums pays homage to the healing arts. Diagnosed with Systemic Lupus over 20 years ago, Ms. Franklin uses photography and painting as her way of creating. “I know by focusing on my art and the pleasure it gives me, I create more. More opportunities, more positive relationships, just a better and positive outlook on life.”
GLENN FRY
Glenn Fry’s artistic style is an amalgamation of many influences, styles and techniques. Viewing his art, one can see his love of cartoons and their bold outlines, the stylized flatness of Egyptian art, the Post-Impressionist Seurat dottism and Lautrec poster-style art. One also sees his experiences in the advertising world with half-tones, graphic and vintage-style ads. However, its greatest appeal is what Glenn individually brings through his own creative and imaginative efforts. For more information please visit www.glennfryart.com
ABOUT STARTOUT
StartOut is an non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and developing entrepreneurship within the LGBT community. It is established to connect those in the LGBT community who want to form entrepreneurial ventures, provide support for existing entrepreneurs, and connect entrepreneurs with funding, education, networks, and other external resources. For more information please visit www.startout.org.
Due to overwhelming response, Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts’ “Black Friday Beach Blowout” 50% off sale has been extended through Cyber Monday! Sale goes live 12:01 a.m. Friday November 27 through midnight Monday, November 30. Travel from Dec. 18th, 2009 – March 31, 2010. NOW including Christmas and New Year’s stays. Room-only rates originally starting at $275 per room, per night are now just $138! All-inclusive rates originally starting at $245 per person, per night are now just $123!
Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts’ “Black Friday Beach Blowout” goes live Friday November 27, 2009 with a one-day 50% off sale! Guests can grab half-price stays for January 3 – March 31, 2010 at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino. A Caribbean vacation offers the perfect holiday gift on the most exciting shopping day of the year! Valid for room-only and all-inclusive stays.
St. Maarten’s best thrills are found at Sonesta Maho Beach & Casino. Featuring a Las Vegas-style casino, nightclub and tantalizing dining options, the beachfront property ups the ante on the island’s southwest shore. Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino lies in the oasis of Great Bay Harbour on a one-mile stretch of white beach. A sensual, relaxing getaway close to Philipsburg’s duty-free shops and restaurants.
Sonesta St. Maarten’s “Black Friday Beach Blowout” is valid for purchases on November 27, 2009 only, with a booking code of: BF09. Based on availability for room-only and all-inclusive rates. Call 1-800-223-0757 or visit www.sonesta.com/stmaarten
I met Jacqueline Boone at the PINK conference in San Francisco. One of the things that I did there was ask everyone the question, “What would you do if you only had 6 months to live?” Ironically, most people I meet say, “I would travel the world!”
It might be because the people who are drawn to me are jetsetters, but I think that there is something more profound than that. Perhaps, at the end of our lives, the one regret we might have is that we did not go on that dream trip to (fill in the blank) or that we did not take the time to see the world.
So, when I got an email from Jacqueline telling me that my question started her on the journey, “What would you do if you only had 6 months to live?” blog. I was inspired to share her experiment. She calls it “An Experiment in Living.” She asks, “What could you do in 6 months?”
It is so inspiring to see young women like Jacqueline pursuing a passion and chronicling it. So, I ask you….
What would YOU do if you only had 6 months to live?
Me? I would fly first class around the world visiting all the incredible places that I have not seen I would take a camera and interview as many wonderful people that I could, I would learn about their culture and what they value. Then, I would share it with the world. And, hopefully, through me living my passionate life, I will inspire others to do so as well.
Because, as Buddha says, “World peace, through individual happiness.”
Fantastic food choices:
Breakfast
Dollar: Auberge Saint-Antoine’s Panache- a luxuriously overhauled maritime warehouse offers a surprisingly warm and cozy atmosphere, partic if you are seated by the crackling fireplace overlooking the magnificent St. Lawrence River. The Poached Eggs on a Spinach Puff Pastry, Prosciutto Chips (loved these puppies) and Cheese Sauce provide a delightful twist to an old fave. The brekkie amuse-bouche, a berry smoothie in a mini-glass was a sweet touch. Even the “Healthy Breakfast” with homemade granola bar, cranberry muesli and fresh fruit plate looked quite tempting with its profusion of colors and textures.
Cents: Café Krieghoff B & B
Located off the main drag, on trendy Avenue Cartier, this kick-back café drips with old-world charm. Start with an excellent espresso and then choose a hearty eye-opener such as the house omelet, eggs Benedict, or crepes with maple syrup. Up a steep flight of stairs next door brings you to their recently renovated inn which offers a handful of pleasant rooms with equally pleasant prices.
Progressive lunch
Dollar:
St. Jean Street I dare you to come up with a regional gourmet product that isn’t carried at J.A. Moisan, the oldest grocery store in North America, operating since 1871. It’s the stuff foodies dream about with over 10,000 gourmet products artfully arranged throughout the 5,000 s.f. food emporium. Choose from the finest local and imported game, poultry and meats, baked goods, prepared foods (local pâtés, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, sauces), oils, vinegars, chocolates, coffee, tea, spices, wines, etc. The cheese section offers a bewildering 300+ varieties but don’t miss trying Le Paillasson, North America’s oldest cheese.
When I asked the passionate owner how he makes his selections he replied,
“If it reminds me happily of my back time (early memories) then I think it will be a winner.”
Chocoholics should cross the street to Choco-Musée Érico, at 634 St-Jean St. Master Chocolatier, Eric Normand, was born with a sweet tooth so selecting chocolate as his artistic medium was a no- brainer. His flavor profiles run the gamut from the exotic (Ceylon curry or chipotle) to local faves (maple butter or salty caramel).Treat yourself to a cup of steaming, hot spicy Mayan chocolate while you browse through the unique chocolate museum, featuring various chocolate works of art as well as over 200 objects tracing the history of the infamous bean.
Cents:
Pick up picnic fixings at the Marché du Vieux-Port (Old Port Market) an old-style public food market popular with both the local chefs as well as tourists. In the growing season it swells to over 100 booths filled with farm-fresh produce. But if you’re visiting in December, check out their bustling Christmas Market, where along with delicious local specialties (many from Île d’Orléans) such as ice ciders, meat pies, incredible sausages and cheese, maple products and canned, potted or preserved goods, you’ll find local artisans selling jewelry, artworks, and clothing (stock up on the hand-knit woolens) in colorfully decorated stalls.
If the vendors aren’t too busy, chat them up for recipe ideas or tastings.
A few standouts: Comptoirs du Terroir ( stock up on their black currant liqueur by Cassis Monna et filles, checked-luggage worthy) smoked fish by Fumoir Atkins, the ciders and apple products by Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau Nutra Fruits- which specializes in 23 cranberry products, from cranberry/chocolate spread to their award-winning Cranberry, Blueberry and Green Tea Salad Dressing and exotic spices from La Route des Indes.
Dinner
Dollar: Le Saint-Amour a.k.a. foie gras heaven. I don’t care how many artery-clogging calories it has, you must order their signature appetizer, Decadence: 7 artisanal variations on fois gras. (Fois gras bonbons with chocolate, anyone?) If you’re trying to show a little restraint, you could simply request a foie topping on any main course. Or order the Discovery menu which offers an embarrassment of culinary riches at a very reasonable price, which you can settle back and enjoy in any of the three dining rooms. The romantic indoor garden with a high glass-domed ceiling gets my vote.
Father and son chef team:
After working many years on the creation of this landmark restaurant, veteran Chef Jean-Luc Boulay, an early proponent of sous-vide cooking, is now running the catering division and has passed the restaurant toque over to his well-mentored (and very cute) son Frederic.
Toast! Toast has it all going on and provided my most memorable meal of the trip.
Outstanding food simply yet beautifully presented, modern chic décor, great wines, perfect service, plus the fact that after spending an hour roaming the Market with Chef Christian Lemelin, it became wildly apparent that this impressive, amazingly talented yet humble young chef is going to a leading force in the creation of tomorrow’s gastronomy. He had me at the goose breast and foie served over a bed of light spaghetti squash treated like risotto and finished me off with luscious apple and Riopelle cheese pastry topped with almond milk ice cream.
Another fan of the foie, Leminlin told me, (his face was still beaming) that his proudest moment was, “after Thomas Keller ( French Laundry, Per Se) ate at Toast he told me, Congratulations. Your fois gras was exceptional.”
Cents:
Hot off the press: the winning team from Toast! (Chef Lemelin and front-of-the-house manager/ sommelier extraordinnaire, Stephane D’Anjou) decided to take pity on those with gourmand tastes and PB & J budgets by opening Simple Snack Sympatique, right next door. This brand new venture will be open for lunch and dinner and will feature gently-priced reinvented snacks ( such as a not-so-traditional cheese sandwich which will be made from artisanal goat cheese, air-cured beef, half-cooked organic egg oozing over a toasted homemade brioche—yum!) plus a large selection of Quebecian wines by the glass.
Details:
Check this site for all your Quebec City travel needs: hotel, restaurant, event calendar and sightseeing suggestions.
Just think…no jet lag or endless flights (barely more than an hour from NYC) but you still arrive in a “foreign” country, complete with fortified stone walls, winding cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, beckoning bistros and cozy cafes, fashionable boutiques, trendy galleries and the most fun part is that everyone is parlez-vous-ing, although the locals will graciously switch over to English if you need directions.
This clean, safe, walkable, food-obsessed, boutique-laden, delightful capital city, often referred to as the “Paris of North America” makes a winning “European” Girlfriend Getaway choice when you and your gal pals are a little short of time and/or funds.
Why Go Now?
Quebec City was party-central in 2008 when it threw itself a whopping year long birthday bash to celebrate the 400th anniversary of its founding in 1608 by French explorer, Samuel de Champlain. Q.C. was buffed, cleaned and spit-polished for the occasion, with countless new shops, restaurants and special events joining in the celebration. One year later, the city is still buzzing with youthful energy and excitement.
Must Stay
Dollar: Auberge Saint-Antoine
It’s hard to believe that this glam-luxe waterfront hotel (seen above) located in the Old Port, began life as a dark, dreary wharf and gun battery, albeit with great massive wood beams. A major remodel/ expansion project in 2003 uncovered a wealth of architectural artifacts buried underground that are now beautifully showcased throughout the 95-room museum hotel, adding a palpable sense of history to your stay. The striking lobby is warmed up with soft lighting, a welcoming fire, comfy seating areas, and some very cool metal chandeliers.
The rooms are just what you’d expect (and more) from a Relais & Chateaux property, that recently was voted: Best Hotel in Canada by Conde Nast Traveler After a long day exploring I couldn’t wait to return to my room to crawl under the cozy goose-down comforter, brew an espresso and then clean up for dinner in the sleek, tiled bathroom complete with super-deep tub, rain-shower nozzles, lovely heated floors and an exclusive line of amenities labeled “We live like this.”
The well-equipped Le Gym (which offers yoga) almost lured me in for a work-out, but I compromised with a visit to the sauna instead.
The superb restaurant, Panache, opened in 2004 under the capable and talented hands of Executive Chef Francois Blais, who promptly scored the city’s Best New Restaurant Award for his inspired seasonal, lightened-up, farm to table French Canadian cuisine. Memorable bites include: pressed rabbit with a plum mistelle jelly, a magical blackcurrant cream glazed duckling sweetbread and any of his stellar breakfasts.
Cents: Hotel PUR–an urban retreat located in the heart of the revitalized Saint Roch district, on Rue St. Joseph. This hip hotel, is minimalist in design yet maxi on service and extras, such as complimentary cappuccino machines next to the free computers, Aveda products and huge floor -to-ceiling windows the offer magnificent city views as well as really brightening up your room. Extra credit points for the biggest (immaculately clean) indoor swimming pool in Quebec-also with enormous windows, dry sauna and well-equipped fitness center. Their new restaurant featuring a communal dining table, is due to open any minute. Very reasonable prices.
My girlfriend Moira didn’t pay attention to the sign “Private: Keep Out,” when she sped through the back gates of Slane Castle in Ireland. “Listen, Teresa, you’re only here for a few more days, this is the best way to see the castle,” she said. “What, by breaking and entering?” I asked. “Yeah, something like that.” She chuckled.
Lucky for us that when we rambled up to the front of the castle, Henry, Eighth Marquess Conyngham, the proud owner of the ancient edifice, was standing out front.
Now, feeling a bit criminal, I slowly got out of the car and introduced myself. Thank goodness the Eighth Marquess was quite friendly and happen to have some time to show us him family’s property.
Slane Castle is a private estate that has been in Henry Conyngham family since 1701. The Hill of Slane overlooks the Castle and legend has it that this is the spot where St. Patrick lit his paschal fire around 432 AD. The area of Slane is packed with many ancient relics of Ireland’s long Celtic and Druid history. Only 20 minute drive from the castle is the great mysterious monument, Newgrange which dates back to 3200 BC. Unlike the castle, the history of Newgrange is a bit blurry, much like my mind after two pints of Guinness.
Lord Henry (I must admit, I really didn’t know the proper way to address a Marquess) took us on a tour of his second home. The castle is available for rent and years ago it was the place where U2 lived for six months recording one of their albums. The band also has performed live at the castle and you can purchase the video at amazon.com.
Since 1981, Slane has hosted the largest outdoor concerts in Ireland. Rolling Stones, Madonna, Queen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Oasis and REM are just some of the world-renowned acts that have played at the venue. The next concert is scheduled for June of 2010. I asked the Marquess who will be performing, and he still is in negotiations with a few bands. Whoever is playing, you’ll find me backstage that day – the Marquess promised me backstage VIP passes.
If you are thinking about a destination wedding or just want to rent out a castle for a week or two, then Slane castle is a fantastic venue for you to live out your rock star dreams.
For you brides-to-be, Slane castle offers two banqueting options for your special day, Burton Hall which can accommodate up to 240 guests and King George IV’s Ballroom which has a capacity of 110 guests. The castle has ten spacious bedrooms that accommodate up to twenty-four guests or groupies. All bedrooms have their own private bathrooms and many rooms have incredible views of the river Boyne below.
When Lord Henry is not booking international bands to perform on his front lawn or managing the castle, you can find him and his son in the cellar creating Irish whiskey. His whiskey, appropriately called Slane Castle Irish Whiskey, is distilled by Cooley Distillery, which won the European and World Distiller of the Year at the 2008 International Wine and Spirit Competition. Slane Castle is very much a family affair and the Marquess’s very handsome son, Alexander, The Earl of Mount Charles, is also intimately involved in the family business. With Alexander’s previous experience working for Irish Distillers, he plays a key role in the creation of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey. This latest venture is a reflection of the family’s long standing passion for ‘Uisce Beatha.’ (Uisce Beatha is a Gaelic term which means ” Water of Life,” a.k.a. whiskey.)
Lord Henry is such a delight. We spent an hour walking through the castle and touring each room. With every step, he would share a riveting story of Ireland, his family, or the English royalty. My favorite story was about the romance between King George IV of England and his great, great, great, great grandmother, Elizabeth, the first Marchioness Conyngham. The King stayed in the Castle in 1821 and it is believed that the reason the road from Dublin to Slane is one of the straightest roads in Ireland is because it was so designed to speed him on his journey. Oh, what the rich and powerful will do for love.
Santa Barbara welcomes you this winter with the new “24 More, Compliments of Santa Barbara” promo!
Receive 24 More hours to enjoy Santa Barbara when you book two nights at one of the 22 participating properties. From beachside inns, B&B’s and boutique-style accommodations to luxury resorts, wine country hideaways and family-run hotels, the third night free offer is amazing!
Whether budget-minded (think rates starting at $89/night) or in the mood to splurge on a deluxe suite, 24 More presents substantial savings only available now through March 31, 2010.
For coupon / savings lovers: Make the most of every minute with the help of exclusive “Explore 24, Compliments of Santa Barbara” coupons. The added-value program features special deals at numerous restaurants, wineries, museums, retailers and other partner attractions. Every week, a new series of offers (such as 2-for-1 museum admissions and wine tastings) will be posted on Explore24SantaBarbara.com. To enjoy the Explore 24 savings, print the coupon(s) and redeem onsite. Participating businesses will change intermittently; offers are good for 30 days from the time of posting
LOCAL PATRON in partnership with SFGALLERY 143 just opened a holiday store @ 1418 Grant St off Green in San Francisco’s North Beach.
There’s an Opening Party Friday, Nov 20, and a Closing Party on Sunday, Jan 10, 2010.
10% off during both events.
If you can’t visit in person, check out their website.
How handy this post from gridskipper would have been my last visit to Boston! It’s a walking town, filled with history and beautiful parks – but where can one find a nice clean loo!?! Gridskipper did the research and we applaud them for this nugget of gold!
No more procrastinating. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, you’d better get going! This Wednesday evening is DIFFA’S DINING BY DESIGN Preview Event where the awe-inspiring creativity of leading architects and designers in furniture, retail and fine arts, collectively creates the city’s most anticipated high design and haute cuisine event supporting health care for uninsured HIV/AIDS patients at San Francisco General Hospital.
Not only will you be able to sample delish food by Bay Area’s leading chefs, but you’ll be dazzled by the awesome table designs. (*Bring your camera because you’ll be tempted to try this at home later.)
What: TABLE HOP & TASTE Preview Event for DIFFA’S DINING BY DESIGN 2009 When: Wednesday, November 18th from 6-10PM Where: Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center, 101 Henry Adams Street (http://miniurl.org/733)
Tour all the incredible table installations, enjoy sweet and savory foods from fifteen top restaurants paired with wine and cocktails, bid on exclusive silent auction items, and groove to a special event soundtrack by DJ christoper b.
Visit website for tickets and full details. Or, call (415) 597-4650.
Information on the GALA DINNER, Thursday, November 19th, also online
I dare you to come up with a regional gourmet product that isn’t carried at 
Chocoholics should cross the street to 
Toast has it all going on and provided my most memorable meal of the trip.
