Scottsdale, AZ – Oct. 21, 2010 – Deck the halls in Five-Diamond luxury this Festive Season with Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, a Sonoran Desert retreat situated in the cooling foothills of Pinnacle Peak.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale will be decked out with all the holiday trimmings. Children and adults alike will marvel at the snow-capped gingerbread village on display in the lobby, showcasing more than 20 specialty houses and circled by a working train. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot roasted chestnuts and steaming apple cider, as well as warm gingerbread cookies in the lobby every day throughout December. Local high school and middle school choirs will perform complimentary holiday carols on select December dates.
To make the Yuletide season extra special, guests will enjoy special holiday rates when celebrating with Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Book the Experience More package and receive a Resort credit with which to further enjoy the festivities.
Thanksgiving
Guests will forget about football and focus on feasting, when presented with the delectable holiday offerings at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale this Thanksgiving. Crescent Moon restaurant will host an elaborate buffet on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010. Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and his team will create traditional feast favorites with all of the trimmings, chef specialties from the carving station, pastas, soups and salads and – for the grand finale – a plentiful selection of holiday treats. The buffet will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the cost is $68 for adults, or $78 with champagne, and $35 for children ages 5 – 12.
Following the brunch buffet, a special four-course holiday dinner menu will be served in the Resort’s signature restaurant, Talavera. Guests will enjoy tempting tastes such as Celery Root & Périgord Truffle Bisque, Duck Confit Salad, and choice of Diestel Ranch Organic Turkey or Medallion of Buffalo Tenderloin. The dinner will run from 4 – 9 p.m., and the cost is $85 per person.
Throughout the holiday dates, guests of all ages can leave the snow behind and partake in fun-filled activities, unique to Four Seasons temperate locale. A few of the many Thanksgiving festivities include holiday cookie creations, sunset hikes to Pinnacle Peak trail, starazing, Native American arts and crafts, Southwest storytelling and stargazing.
Festive Season
Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2010, marks further celebration in Talavera and Crescent Moon. The Crescent Moon Christmas Buffet will include traditional fare and delicious selections from salad, seafood, bread and carving stations, as well as a “chocolatier station” with fanciful dessert
creations. Children can feast on festive fare from the “Kiddie Table,” with holiday favorites tailored to the younger set. The buffet will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the cost is $68 for adults, or $78 with champagne, and $35 for children ages 5 –12.
For an elegant evening celebration, Talavera will feature a five-course plated dinner. Enjoy selections including Roasted Baby Beets and Goat Cheese, Braised Oxtail Raviolo, choice of entrée, and a holiday-themed Spiced Bread & Butter Pudding for dessert. The dinner will run from 6 – 10 p.m., and the cost is $95 per person.
Ring in the New Year
Greet 2011 with glamour and elegance at Talavera’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, Dec. 31, 2010, featuring a gala four- or six-course plated menu. As the clock strikes midnight, ring in the New Year with a complimentary champagne toast and party favors in Onyx Bar & Lounge, along with live entertainment. The cost for the evening is $80 for the first seating, and $150 for the second seating.
In Crescent Moon, guests will enjoy a four-course tasting menu with choice of entrée, a celebratory champagne toast at midnight in Onyx Bar & Lounge and festive party favors. The dinner buffet will run from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and the cost is $75 for adults inclusive of a champagne toast and party favors.
Guests can begin and end their festivities in Onyx Bar & Lounge, enjoying a celebratory toast and lights bites along with panoramic desert views. Children are invited to welcome 2011 with their very own New Year’s Eve party in Kids for All Seasons, including refreshments, games and other festive activities.
On New Year’s Day, nurse in the New Year with Crescent Moon’s breakfast buffet and “Hang Over” station, featuring a Bloody Mary bar. The buffet runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the cost is $36 per person.
To make restaurant reservations, please call reservations at (480) 513-5085. For casita guest room reservations, please call (480) 513-5039.
Located adjacent to the renowned Weiskopf & Morrish-designed courses of Troon North, and set on 40 acres of vibrant desert blooms, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale features unparalleled views of the high Sonoran Desert and city below; 210 luxurious guestrooms, including 22 suites; an award-winning Spa and Fitness Center; priority privileges on two of Arizona’s finest courses; distinctive cuisine; nearby hiking and horseback riding; and “Kids for All Seasons” comprehensive children’s program.
Arizona Opera – One of the stated objectives of The Roaming Boomers™ on-line luxury travel magazine is to find interesting experiences for our readers. We think one of the greatest benefits that we bring to you is that we don’t just talk about things to do, but we actually go experience them and bring back that experience through baby boomer’s eyes.
On Saturday night, we were very excited to be sitting in the Arizona Opera’s audience for their production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen.
When I (David) was a kid, Mario Lanza held the dominant position on my parents phonograph. Even today, my brother and I can easily recall every single aria and musical number from the various Lanza records in my parents collection.
We grew up in the small, rural village of Middleville, Michigan and the notion of attending an opera wasn’t even a consideration on anyone’s minds. However, my attendance at a small liberal arts college physically put me in a great many European opera houses and my enthusiasm for opera was forever a part of my very cells.
Needless to say, when Carol and I relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2006, I was very excited to have opera productions available to me within a short distance of our front door.
Arizona Opera is currently celebrating their 40th season, and unconventionally presents its complete season in both Phoenix and Tucson.
Carmen is Georges Bizet’s fiery tale of seduction and jealousy. The coquettish Carmen’s appetite for men precludes her from maintaining a relationship for longer than six months. In one of her many flings, she seduces Don José away away from the love of his life. When she tires of Don José, in favor of a famous bullfighter (Escamillo), she takes the ring from her finger that Don José had given her and throws it at his feet. In a jealous rage, Don José stabs Carmen thus preventing any man from having her again.
Ah, the operatic drama of it all.
The best moments for me in this performance were Garrett Sorenson’s (Don José) passionate “La Fleur Que Tu M’avais Jetée“, and Janinah Burnett’s (Micaela) stunning “Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante“.
Unfortunately, Arizona Opera’s production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen has now run it course. However, Arizona Opera still has three more offerings for this season:
Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot – January
Giuseppe Verdi’s Otello – March
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio – April
Arizona Opera provides the quintessential opportunity to dress up to the nines and go experience world class opera with 2,300 of your closest friends.This is an experience that certainly should be on your bucket list.
I can’t wait to see Turandot. This is the opera that contains “Nessun Dorma” which became Luciano Pavarotti’s signature aria.
It is my understanding that these shows have been selling out. Therefore, hop on over to Arizona Opera’s website to get your tickets now!
Disclosure: this wonderful operatic experience was provided by the kind folks at Arizona Opera. Thanks a bunch!
Note: photographs are from the Arizona Opera’s digital archives.
Cartoonists are having a heyday with all the hubbub over TSA body scans.
From Cartoonist Daryl Cagle:
“Those new body scanners that show our naked bodies to TSA security personnel are an embarrassment to most travelers, but they are welcomed by cartoonists. Here’s a sampling of naked scanner cartoons from around the world, starting with my own cartoon which gave me the rare opportunity to draw Lady Liberty’s boobs.”
Here’s a link to more silliness from a few of the world’s cartoonists.
Bernardus Lodge and Winery ~ Carmel Valley, California – Nestled in the heart of sunny Carmel Valley with the Santa Lucia Mountains as a picturesque backdrop, Bernardus Lodge opened in August 1999 as a romantic retreat for couples seeking a relaxing getaway in one of California’s finest wine growing regions. Founded by winemaker and bon-vivant Bernardus Pon, the resort resembles a classic European country inn featuring 57 suites, a luxurious spa, an award-winning signature restaurant and its own Bernardus Winery and Vineyard.
The Lodge is a natural extension of the Bernardus wine experience and Mr. Pon’s dream of a resort that combines the simple elegance of fine country living with the high quality of service and luxury amenities found only in the choicest European hotels.( Managing Director of Bernardus Lodge)
Clearly Bernardus Lodge has accomplished its objective. Check out some of the awards they have garnered:
Top 100 Hotels in the United States, Conde Nast Traveler, 23rd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards – November 2010.
2010 Readers’ Choice “Top 20 U.S. Hideaways”, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, – September 2010.
The World’s Best Places to Stay “Gold List”, Conde Nast Traveler, January 2010.
Four-Star rated Resort, Spa and Marinus Restaurant, Forbes Mobil Travel Guide – January 2010.
AAA Four Diamond Award, AAA Travel Services, January 2010.
Top 500 World’s “Best Hotels”, Travel + Leisure, January 2009.
Our Experience
After a long rain and fog filled day of driving up the central California coast, we were excited to reach the Carmel Valley wine country and our home for the next three nights: Bernardus Lodge and Winery.
Our arrival was perfectly timed as they had just cracked a bottle of Bernardus Marinus (a Bordeaux blend) and were serving their guests a delightful taste in front of the parlor’s large limestone fireplace. Just what the doctor ordered!
After we enjoyed our wine, the concierge had us all checked in and we were whisked off on a mini-tour of the beautiful property.
We walked by a bocce ball green surrounded by adobe village-style suites nestled into the terrace hillside, rambled past beautiful fountains on our way to tour the Forbes 4-Star Bernardus Spa, and traipsed past the resort’s large pool on the way to our 625 sq.ft. luxury croquet suite.
As we entered our room, the first thing to grab our attention was a large fireplace, high vaulted beamed ceilings, complimentary bottles of Bernardus wine, a cheese plate, and fresh-cut flowers.
We also noticed high arched windows and French doors that opened onto a spacious deck with spectacular views of the surrounding Santa Lucia Mountains.
Further amenities included an antique English armoire with aviary wire doors for clothing; king beds with high wood headboards, feather beds; down comforters with matelasse? coverlets and Italian linens.
An absolutely perfect place to luxuriate for a few days.
The Restaurant Marinus
A significant part of the magic of Bernardus Lodge is the restaurant Marinus, named after the Bernardus Winery’s signature Bordeaux blend red wine, which is brilliantly lead by Chef Cal Stamenov.
Under “Chef Cal’s” guidance, this jewel in the Carmel Valley has won numerous prestigious awards, and is famous for Chef Stamenov’s subtle yet elegant uses of local organic produce and seafood, and artisan farmed meats. His menus bring out the pure flavors of each fresh ingredient and seamlessly incorporates the herbs, vegetables and myriad varieties of indigenous tomatoes he grows in his own two-acre garden at Bernardus Lodge.
Chef Cal Stamenov w/ Carol
Under the glow of the restaurant’s mammoth European fireplace, we started our dinner off with a glass of Brut Premier – Champagne Louis Roederer, Reims, France followed by a wonderful Amuse Bouche – Butternut Squash Soup.
Piping hot, very delicious, and a welcome start to our meal on a cold and rainy day.
Next up was Monterey Bay Abalone & Spot Prawn (maine lobster, diver scallop, bronze fennel, parsnip agnolotti, heirloom apple) accompanied by 2008 Ingrid’s Vineyard Chardonnay – Bernardus Winery, Carmel Valley.
As I write this, I wish I had a magic genie that could whisk me back for more. Unbelievable!
Continuing our gastronomical adventure we sampled Local White Sea Bass (baby squash, cucumber-yogurt sauce, harissa) again accompanied by a glass of 2008 Ingrid’s Vineyard Chardonnay. Wow!
Beautiful, isn’t it?
Next was Sonoma Duck & Veal Sweetbread (carnaroli risotto, chanterelle, roasted carrot, sauce foie gras) accompanied by 2008 Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir – Bernardus Winery, Santa Lucia Highlands.
This dish was a complete, lean back in your chair, tilt your head back, no-holds-barred mouth-gasm. When you enjoy this dish, people will summon their waiters and say, “I’ll have some of what he’s having”. Unbelievably, absolutely, out of this world delish!
Pssst. Don’t tell Carol…but I don’t think she knew she was eating sweetbreads. 🙂
Continuing our journey we greatly enjoyed American Wagyu Beef (roasted shallot, pomme ancienne, béarnaise) accompanied by the winery’s signature 2003 Marinus – Bernardus Winery – Carmel Valley.
This dish was most excellent but the wine took it over the top. We all loved the Marinus Bordeaux Blend and brought back many bottles to enjoy in the future.
Not willing to be ignored, Pastry Chef Ben Spungin came to visit and announced that he was going to give us his best. Here are the three samples he brought, with the last dessert featuring hand-painted chocolates.
Bring on the espresso and let’s get at it!
Oh, I forgot to tell you that while we were being dazzled with these desserts, we were also enjoying 2008 Late Harvest Griva Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – Bernardus Winery – Arroyo Seco.
And here comes the plate with the hand-painted chocolates. Cool!
I must confess, the restaurant Marinus is not for those who might be faint-hearted with their wallet. But, if you are one who enjoys a fantastic gastronomical journey, then you won’t see this as an expense but an experience worthy of your investment.
I promise you will cherish this experience for years to come.
Well, I didn’t even get to the Bernardus Lodge Forbes 4-Star Spa, but I am pushing 1,000 words and I know that I am pushing the limit of your attention.
Here’s the bottom line: For the luxury traveler, this place is a must-go for your bucket list.
We had a fantastic three nights at the Bernardus Lodge and Winery and hope to visit again in the future.
Disclosure: a portion of this experience was provided by the kind folks at Bernardus Lodge. Thanks a bunch!
The Roaming Boomers
Scottsdale, AZ – Oct. 21, 2010 – Deck the halls in Five-Diamond luxury this Festive Season with Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, a Sonoran Desert retreat situated in the cooling foothills of Pinnacle Peak.
