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Tequila Tasting Classes at Grand Solmar in Cabo San Lucas

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Tequila Tasting Class

Tequila tasting classes at Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa

in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

For most, the first thought that comes to mind upon hearing the word “tequila” are shots, salt and lime; however guests of Grand Solmar will now have the privilege to learn about and enjoy tequila how it was meant to be experienced. Offered at the property’s newly opened, fine dining restaurant – Don Luis – tequila tasting classes are offered each Thursday evening and led by sommelier Isidoro Mendez.

During the tequila tasting classes, Isidoro will educate participants on the following:

  • How to Identify Between Varieties – With five different varieties – Tequila Silver, Tequila Gold, Tequila Reposado, Tequila Anejo and Premium Tequila – it can be difficult to determine the difference, however participants will learn to identify between types using color and flavor.
  • Sipping Techniques – While it is most common in the US to drink tequila in shots, in Mexico the preferred method is “sipping” with “Sangrita”, a tomato based non-alcoholic accompaniment blended with lemon and orange flavors as well.
  • Pairing Suggestions – From hot and spicy foods to sweet treats, coffee flavors and everything in between, participants will learn which of the five tequilas pair best with each food category.

Classes are $40 per person and take place Thursday evenings beginning at 5pm. Guests are encouraged to call ahead to reserve a spot, as these classes are popular and do fill up quickly.

CICpr

Maralyn D. Hill

Maralyn D. HillThe Epicurean Explorer

President, International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Editor-at-Large, CityRoom

Blogs: Where and What in the WorldSuccess with Writing

Special at The Inn at English Meadows for Kennebunkport Festival 2012

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

The Inn at English Meadows - Kennebunkport

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Are you planning on attending Kennebunkport Festival 2012, but not sure where to stay? Well I’ve some inside knowledge on a special that is being run by The Inn at English Meadows. It is newly renovated mid-1800s Greek revival home in Kennebunk’s Lower Village, owned by Eric and Liz Brodar. Having travelled the globe, Eric and Liz knew what they wanted to achieve and set out to do it when they acquired this in 2010. This B&B shines.

The Inn has  a 50% off Friday special for a two-night stay the 8th and 9th of June. In addition, since many of the festival dinners sell out, the Brodar’s have arranged for Denis Francerschini, former executive chef of Cipriani in New York City and currently co-owner of Bar Italia on Madison Ave in New York City to prepare a special dinner.

Chef Denis Francerschini

Here is the featured menu:

Polenta with Sausage

Endive, Arugula Radicchio Salad

Cavatelli with Veal Rage

Grilled Stripe Bass with Vegetable Capponata

Tiramasu for dessert

I will do a short bio of the chef after I tell you the other special. Since English Meadows is part of the Historic Inns of Kennepunkport (HIK), they will all be joining forces to host a wine tasting by going from Inn to Inn. It will be on Saturday, June 8th from 4-6 p.m.

The Historic Inns of Kennebunkport include: Maine Stay, Captain Lord Mansion, Captain Jefferds, Captain Fairfield, 1802 House, Bufflehead Cove, Cape Arundel and the Inn at English Meadows.

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Since it is nice to know a little about the chef before a special dinner. We asked Denis a few questions:

Maralyn: Do you have a favorite dish?

Denis: My favorite is , calves liver alla veneziana, love it.

Maralyn: Could you pick out one favorite cooking utensil?

Denis: A special spatula that I had custom made in Italy for my self.

Maralyn: Can you pick out one special moment that you can say was a favorite or ah-ha moment for you?

Denis: Meeting President George H. W. Bush, on a private event at Cipriani, and was given a set of cufflinks from the White House as a thanks for the service given to the Secret Service.

Maralyn: Do you have and hobbies?

Denis: I like skiing and to play tennis.

Maralyn: Do you have any tips or recommendations for those desiring to be chefs?

Denis: Being a chef is a job that can be done only with a lot of love and passion, as well as many sacrifices!

It is obvious that Chef Denis has tremendous love and passion for his cook. His special menu at The Inn at English Meadows is sure to be a treat.

The Inn at English Meadows

Phone: (800) 272-0698 (207) 967-5766
Email: innkeeper@englishmeadowsinn.com

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I hope I get to meet some of our readers at this great event.

Kennepunkport Festival 2012

This event is produced and presented by Maine Magazine in cooperation with The Kennebunkport Festival Committee. There are many sponsors who support this endeavor as it benefits Share our Strength. The event will have art shows, cocktail parties, dinners and unforgettable experiences.

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The Kennebunkport Festival 2012 Tickets Now On Sale

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Kennebunkport 2012

I’m delighted to be attending this fantastic event. I have checked out this program and it looks wonderful. MDH

Experience Art, Food, Wine, and Music – Start Your Summer Maine-Style

In a Quintessential Coastal Community

Portland, Maine — The Events Team at Maine magazine announced today that tickets for the 2012 Kennebunkport Festival are on sale and selling well. This five-day festival in Kennebunkport is truly a community celebration of the good life in Maine and runs from June 5 through 9, 2012.

“This year’s line-up of participants in the private Art of Dining dinners, special events, art exhibits, and concerts reads like a who’s who of creative talent in our state, including James Beard Award-winners Rob Evans of Hugo’s and Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier of Arrows Restaurant,” said Leanne Ouimet, Marketing Coordinator for the festival. “I can’t wait to show our guests – who come to Maine from as far away as California – an incredible 2012 festival experience,” she added.
Highlights for the 2012 Festival Include:

• The Art of Dining. A series of intimate dinners created by renowned Maine chefs in some of Kennebunkport’s most exquisite homes.

An Intimate Evening at The White Barn Inn. A limited seating dinner at this AAA Five Diamond- and Forbes Five Star-rated restaurant hosted by Executive Chef Jonathan Cartwright.

• Pop the Kennebunks. A very special evening experience presented by Cellardoor Winery, with a Maxim de Paris theme.

• The Grand Tasting and Art Show at The Colony Hotel. A grazing event that showcases the talents of Maine chefs and artists.

• Brews and Tunes. A free outdoor concert experience for all.

• An Evening at Earth. A limited seating meal at the latest gem in James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer’s culinary crown.

In addition, the Kennebunkport Festival features special after parties and a host of other experiences that will give guests a real taste of Maine and Maine hospitality. Tickets and a complete listing of festival events can be found at kennebunkportfestival.com.

Media Contact: Angie Helton, 207.653.0365 or nema@maine.rr.com

Festival Contact: Leanne Ouimet, 207.772.3373 or louimet@themainemag.com

ABOUT MAINE MAGAZINE

Published ten times a year by The Maine Media Collective, Maine magazine (themainemag.com) is the state’s definitive lifestyle publication that gives readers a fresh look at the incredible people, places, restaurants, artists, and business people who make today’s Maine such a vibrant place to live. In addition, The Maine Media Collective is home to Maine Home+Design (mainehomedesign.com), Eat Maine, Art Maine, and The Brand Company – a marketing firm.

Angie Helton

Northeast Media Associates

141 Brigham Street

South Portland, ME. 04106

www.nemediaassociates.com

207.653.0365

Maralyn D. Hill

The Epicurean Explorer

President, International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Editor-at-Large, CityRoom

Contributor: The Epoch Times, Spa Review Magazine, Global Writes, JustLuxe

Columnist: Big Blend Magazines,

Blogs: Where and What in the WorldSuccess with Writing















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