Hope you all are having a splendid weekend filled with fun.
You know how I love The Ritz-Carlton. Not only are their properties to die for, but I have made some fabulous friends there, too. And they are always coming up with new and exciting things to delight visitors with. And with the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, they are planning the most divine scenarios imaginable. Take a look:
From way down south, my friend Paulina at The Ritz-Carlton Cancun shares a unique dining experience at Twelve. With seating for only twelve guests, you are welcome to step into the kitchen with Chef Rory and help prepare the night’s meal, if you would like. The Viking equipped kitchen overlooks the Caribbean Sea – Eric and I were so privileged to indulge in this gourmet fantasy over the Christmas holiday, so you can trust me when I say it is the ultimate foodie experience. Three set menus in Mexican, Southern and Mediterranean cuisine await you in this five course experience that you will never forget. How about that for whisking your darling away for Valentine’s Day? Perhaps to pop the question?
Cook with Chef Rory in this magical kitchen setting.
Still haven’t decided where you should go for Christmas? You suddenly have some time off and want to warm up?
I have just the thing for you!! Our dear friend Christine DiRocco has just informed me of a last minute getaway to Palm Beach (you can read how fab it is here). It is WARM there darlings! You could pack your bikini and sarong and be there in 2 hours from Atlanta. Let The Ritz-Carlton handle everything once you arrive. Tired? You have got to try those otherworldly beds. I am not kidding. You will sleep like a baby. A tired baby. And awake a happy beach babe.
Lets get all the deets from sweet Christine:
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PALM BEACH, Fla., December 20, 2010—The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach partners with Mother Nature this holiday week for gloriously warm and sunny weather for celebrating Christmas, New Year’s and 2011. The holiday spirit in South Florida rang loudly with chilly weather and a blast of the North Pole this past week, but the magic of sunny Palm Beach returns with swaying palm trees, splashy waves and balmy temps!
Take a vacation from the cold, wintry weather of early December – grab your bikini, significant other and leave your jacket and gloves behind! Melt into the holidays Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach style and experience the barefoot elegance of our oceanfront resort.
Our Escape the Chill Package provides holiday cheer with:
Overnight accommodations starting at $619, based on double occupancy
Warm welcome amenity upon arrival; hot chocolate, hot toddy, tea or coffee
(2) 60-minute Eau Spa by Cornelia treatments in a Couple’s Villa.
Select from: Self-Centered Massage or Signature Essence Facial per night stay
All day garden access to swings, dipping pools, Eau Zone and Bath Lounge
Soak in the sun, hang out for the holidays and leave your winter worries behind. Escape the Chill rates start at $619 USD based on double occupancy. For more information and to plan your holiday escape or to make reservations, please call (561) 533-6000 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/palmbeach.
Good heavens – Eau Spa is like nothing you have ever experienced. I would not steer you wrong.
And Santa knows you have been so good this year. Treat yourself.
Arriving from Atlanta on flight 46, Air Tran’s 717 touched down in West Palm Beach in what seemed like minutes from take off to landing.
We stepped out of the airport and were greeted by a warm, steamy breeze, indicative of Florida summers.
As we exited the taxi at The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, we were greeted by even more warmth, this time of the human variety. Dustin and crew handled our bags and Lexi at the front desk checked us in and made us feel very welcome.
Steve, our tourist guide/bellman, gave us the low down on every aspect of the property before we ever reached our room. And the room – although standard, was anything but as we gazed at the Atlantic Ocean from our ample balcony. This private spot would continue to be our own respite from the world during our stay.
Turkeys, stuffing, in-laws, barking dogs, housecleaning. Doesn’t it sound exhausting? Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up on the fourth Thursday, laze around in a cozy robe and slippers, watching the parade on television while someone brings you coffee and pastries on a silver tray?
No, this is not a fantasy. It’s The Ritz-Carlton, Darlings! And of course, they have thought of every way to make your Thanksgiving calm, relaxing and luxurious.
You could head south to Palm Beach and enjoy the ocean breeze and the Eau Spa before indulging in a fabulous meal. Eau..that spa! I can’t divulge too much because my article in Design Is will be coming out shortly, but you know I will tell all here after the issue is online. But I can tell you that the Eau Spa is like nothing else you have ever experienced. It is something from a dream. Our adorable friend, Christine DiRocco, PR Director for The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, tells me that you can dine in an oceanfront cabana. Are you kidding me? Book a flight, honey, we are on our way!
Here are the delicious details!
The Ritz-Carlton culinary team will present a traditional family style dinner from the surf and earth. The seasonal cuisine starts with Spinach and Arugula Salad with Port Poached Pear, Crumble Blue Cheese, Spiced Pecans with a Creamy Champagne Dressing, plus Autumn Apple Salad, Walnuts, Currants, Celery Leaves and Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
Bounty from the sea is an appetizer seafood cocktail of Chilled Gulf Shrimp and Oysters on Ice and Lobster Cognac Bisque with Chestnut Marshmallow.
The supper continues with Citrus-Brined Free Range Turkey, Bread Stuffing, Sage Turkey Gravy with Cranberry and Orange Chutney. Meyer Lemon Crusted Cod and Steamed Clams, complimented with Butternut Squash Puree and Wilted Spinach, hail from the shores of the northeast while the Wood Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Rum Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Cipollini Onion Relish and Beaujolais Sauce provide a hearty gourmand alternative. Additional trimmings to top the table are: Whipped Creamy Potatoes, Candied Yams, Glazed Carrots, Indian Corn, Haricot Verts and Baby Vegetables and warm Rosemary Scones, House Baked Rolls and Cornbread Muffins.
Decadence is carried forth with yummy desserts; Home-made Apple Pie, Country Pumpkin Pie, Croissant Bread Pudding, and Vanilla Rice Pudding are a few of the sweets to grace the table, in addition to seasonal plums, apples, berries and nuts as a nod to the first gathering.
Reservations are required for this special Thanksgiving Dinner and the dinner is available for parties of up to 4 – 8 people; first seating at 4 p.m. Pricing is $150 per adult and includes one bottle of Ritz-Carlton red or white wine. Children ages 12 and older are $50 and children under 12 are complimentary. All pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity. Please call Dining Reservations at (561) 540-4924 for more information and to make reservations.
Well, yes, I would rather be at The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, thankyouverymuch.
Tomorrow I will tell you what’s cooking in New Orleans with our buddy Chef Matt. Heck, you have 4 days off. You could go to Palm Beach and New Orleans! You only live once – I think…
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Turkey In The Straw (I think this might be from the first Thanksgiving…)
