Good Morning Darlings!

After 17 days of vacation with my love, Eric, I seem to be a little out of touch.

Let’s jump back in, shall we?

What’s better than vacation? MORE vacation! My darlings at The Ritz-Carlton at Reynolds Plantation and in New Orleans have all kinds of fun things up their perfectly tailored sleeves.

The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans has a new chef! If you recall, last summer Eric and I enjoyed the sumptious chef’s tasting with wonderful Chef Matt. You can re-read the post here. Chef Matt has moved on to do his own thing (more on that later), so the hotel had some very big shoes to fill. And fill them they did, with new Executive Chef Victor Russo.

A graduate of the New York Restaurant School in 1994, Russo has worked at The Palms Resort in Turks and Caicios, the CordeValle Resort and Club in San Martin, California, the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California, the La Quinta Resort and Club in Palm Springs, California and The Drake in New York, New York. He has consulted for the Millenium Hotels and has been selected to travel to pre-opening Ritz-Carlton properties to set up and launch their culinary operations.

I can’t wait to go back to meet Chef Victor and see what’s cooking in the city of divine cuisine.

Closer to home, my friends at The Ritz-Carlton at Reynolds Plantation are planning a summer filled with music. A bevy of concerts to suit every taste. Here’s a sampling of what’s on offer. I have a special affinity for this property, as, you know, you never forget your first. And this was the very first Ritz I had ever stayed at. It really is special.

Summer Concert Series and Fireworks
Every Sunday, May 29 through August 28, 2011

Every Sunday night beginning May 29 through August 28, end the perfect weekend in Georgia’s Lake Country with a summer concert and firework celebration over Lake Oconee. Dance along to the music as we feature a different band each week. Whether it’s beach music, country, jazz or bluegrass, every Sunday night will be filled with fun. Grab a blanket and lounge on the lawn with family and friends under the stars on a crisp, Georgia summer night or indulge in cuisine at Gaby’s by the Lake while you enjoy the show. Complimentary for registered hotel guests.

May 29, Little Phil
Shindig & Beach Party

June 5, The Jimmy Hall Band
Keep on Smilin’ – an Evening of Classic Southern Rock and Rhythm & Blues

June 12, The Tommy Talton Band
International Slide Guitar Virtuoso — from Georgia to Europe

June 19, Davin McCoy & The Coming Attractions
An Evening of Blue-eyed Georgia Soul

June 26, The Fly Brothers
Reggae and Boogie on the Lake

July 10, The Yonrico Scott Band
Grammy Award Winning Jazz

July 17, The Mosier Brothers
Newgrass, Bluegrass & Pickin’ to the Classics

July 24, Men of Soul
The Music of Motown

July 31, Good Vibrations
Classic Party Hits

August 7, Diane Durrett & Soul Suga’
Summer Solstice Soul Serenade

August 14, Webb Wilder
An Evening of Classic & New Alt Country

August 21, Big Band Atlanta
A Nostalgic Evening of Big Band & Swing

August 28, Shannon Tanner
Summer Family Show

There you go. A few ideas for cooking up your next vacation. All on the heels of a three day weekend. Time to hand in that PTO request and make your plans.

Meet me there.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Eddie Cochran – Summertime Blues