Category Archives: Travel

Art, Entertainment, Travel

LondonTown.com: British Museum gets its medals out for the great French Sun King

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Free exhibition at the museum showcases remarkable 17th-century emblems of Louis XIV’s reign

LONDON, June 08, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — The British Museum is holding a new exhibition that looks at the medals drawn from the reign of the great French Sun King, Louis XIV. Triumph and disaster: medals of the Sun King runs from 4 June to 15 November and marks the tercentenary year of the death of Louis XIV. It is one of several free exhibitions that are held at the British Museum every year to draw attention to the many easily overlooked marvels within its collection and to present them in new ways to mark anniversaries or to reinterpret the material. For more information on the full programme of exhibitions at the British Museum, see LondonTown.com, where you can also find the latest information on cheap hotels in London.

The Louis XIV medals are preserved as they were in Louis XIV’s own day and includes contributions from the British Library which has a unique manuscript scrapbook of drawings and notes on the creation of the history, and the V&A. The medals were a way for the king to portray his reign and the greatest writers (including Jean Racine), historians, artists and medalists of the day were brought together by the king to ensure that posterity would see his rule as Louis wished it to be seen: the reign of an ideal and ever victorious monarch.

The early medals portray a dazzling image of a ‘Sun King,’ who is represented as hard-working, accessible, generous and just; a king that worked for the benefit of the people, glorifying as much in their happiness as in victory over his enemies. The picture changed as war succeeded war and defeat succeeded victory. The later medals, though careful to represent only French successes, are so numerous that they give the impression not of victory but of endless and draining warfare.

Elsewhere in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, medals were produced that mocked and satirized the official French medals. These rival medals showed the French sun eclipsed by the zodiacal signs of his enemies, and Louis as an old man being roundly beaten by Queen Anne. Collectively, these medals and attendant literature present a fascinating and unique self-portrait of a regime which dominated Europe for nearly sixty years, and which established the primacy of French taste and French culture for over a century.

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About LondonTown.com
LondonTown.com is the number one Internet site for London. With over 18 years of experience assisting visitors to the capital, they pride themselves on their customer service and editorial independence – no banner advertising or paid for content is allowed. The LondonTown.com team assist in finding cheap London hotels, sightseeing tours, ticket information and events. Trusted and with a loyal following, LondonTown.com is a very reliable source of recommendations and advice on what to do in London. http://www.LondonTown.com

Art, Entertainment, Travel

LondonTown.com: Art film screenings at London’s best gallery this summer

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Tate Modern screens new and classic avant-garde and artists’ films this summer.

LONDON, June 08, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — The Tate Modern has announced its summer season of cinema screening and film premieres, which will take place in the gallery between May and July 2015. The Tate Modern is one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, and its extensive programme of events includes a summer film season that introduces new art film as well as rarely-seen work by inspiring and maverick filmmakers. The screenings cost £5. The gallery is located on the South Bank close to Blackfriars, London Bridge and Waterloo rail stations. For more information on things to do in the area, and to see the latest rates for cheap hotels in London, see LondonTown.com.

Films programmed this summer at the Tate include Agnes Martin’s Gabriel on 5 June, which takes place in conjunction with Tate Modern’s retrospective of Agnes Martin. This evening presents the artist’s only completed and rarely screened film. It follows the wanderings of a ten year old boy in rural New Mexico, where Martin lived and worked, in a contemplative study of landscape and nature. On 12 June, Sharon Lockhart will present her newest body of films and photographs in a unique opportunity to see this ambitious work in progress, followed by a conversation with Tate’s senior curators Catherine Wood and Andrea Lissoni. Created in collaboration with a group of 15 young women in Poland, the project empowers the authority of the girls’ voices and their perspectives on the world. Over the weekend from 19-21 June, Parviz Kimiavi will feature. Spanning four screenings over three days, this will be the UK’s first major survey of maverick filmmaker Parviz Kimiavi, a pioneer of alternative cinema in 1970’s Iran. Kimiavi created surreal and hallucinatory films, using non-professional actors and harsh desert landscapes.

On 26 June, A Night at the Pictures: An evening for Larry Johnson will honour the legacy of artist Larry Johnson. Curator Bruce Hainley and writer Wayne Koestenbaum will discuss his work, followed by a specially selected cult film. On 8 July, Mathieu Kleyebe Abonnenc’s new film will be screened. This addresses political issues alongside scientific and anthropological histories. Drawing on a personal photographic archive, the film presents a young fictional researcher who leads a group between the IFAN Museum in Dakar and the Musée de l’Homme in Paris. The screening will be introduced by a live concert by the electronic music act PAL. Finally, over three days from 10-12 June, The Film Will Always Be You: South African Artists on Screen will explore the film work of key artists in South Africa. It begins with a rare showing of William Kentridge and Angus Gibson’s Freedom Square and Back of the Moon 1986 (part of the Johannesburg Free Filmmakers’ Co-Operative) and ends with the UK premiere of Robin Rhode’s Recycled Matter 2015. For more information on this summer of screenings, see LondonTown.com.

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About LondonTown.com
LondonTown.com is the number one Internet site for London. With over 18 years of experience assisting visitors to the capital, they pride themselves on their customer service and editorial independence – no banner advertising or paid for content is allowed. The LondonTown.com team assist in finding cheap London hotels, sightseeing tours, ticket information and events. Trusted and with a loyal following, LondonTown.com is a very reliable source of recommendations and advice on what to do in London. http://www.LondonTown.com

Art, Entertainment, Society, Travel

LondonTown.com: Top London Festivals in June 2015

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Festivals of love, food, architecture and street theatre draw thousands to London

LONDON, June 04, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — June in London brings the month-long London Festival of Architecture, the City of London Festival, Festival of Love at the Southbank Centre and the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival. See more information about these and 69 of the best London events highlighted by LondonTown.

Google’s office of the future, the National Trust’s Mobile Museum, and SelgasCano’s Serpentine’s Pavilion are amongst 220 events making up the city-wide London Festival of Architecture 2015.

The City of London Festival (22nd June – 10th July 2015) sees the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment perform at St Paul’s Cathedral while the playful pop-up Bowler Hat creates a temporary performance space in Paternoster Square.

The Southbank Centre’s Festival of Love (Saturday 6 June until Sunday 31 August), takes its inspiration from Nelson Mandela. There are installations, exhibitions and performances for all the family in the theatre pop-up, Roundabout by Paines Plough. The Festival of Love culminates in the Big Wedding Weekend (29th & 30th August) when Southbank Centre welcomes all couples to marry in mass ceremonies in the Royal Festival Hall.

The nine day Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (26th June to 5th July 2015) opens with an epic outdoor spectacular by highly regarded French street theatre company La Compagnie Oposito presenting the UK premiere of Kori Kori, a processional theatrical journey through Greenwich.

Pop music festivals in London in June 2015 include Barclaycard presents British Summer Time which brings top performers including The Strokes, Blur, Kylie, The Who and Taylor Swift to Hyde Park. In between music acts there’s midweek comedy from Rich Hall, Ed Byrne and Ardal O’Hanlon as well as a family event featuring Union J, Justin Fletcher and other CBeebies favourites.

Returning for its 23rd year with 10 nights of concerts and comedy, the Hampton Court Palace Festival presents Jools Holland, John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra, Paloma Faith, Alfie Boe, Peter Andre, and Burt Bacharach. A first for the festival, there’s a double bill of comedy from Alan Davies and Paul Merton on 17th June, all in the open-air courtyard of King Henry VIII’s west London palace.

For more information on these and other great London events in June 2015, go to LondonTown.com where a wide choice of London hotels to suit all budgets is given as well as information on restaurants, attractions and all the latest London happenings.

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About LondonTown.com
LondonTown.com is the number one Internet site for London. With over 18 years of experience assisting visitors to the capital, they pride themselves on their customer service and editorial independence – no banner advertising or paid for content is allowed. The LondonTown.com team assist in finding cheap London hotels, sightseeing tours, ticket information and events. Trusted and with a loyal following, LondonTown.com is a very reliable source of recommendations and advice on what to do in London. http://www.LondonTown.com

Art, Entertainment, Society, Travel

LondonTown.com offer five pairs of tickets to Taste of London

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Win tickets and sample food from 40 of London’s hottest restaurants

LONDON, June 04, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — LondonTown has teamed up with top food festival, Taste of London, to offer five lucky winners a pair of tickets to the al fresco gastronomic showcase at Regent’s Park, and for those who want to stay in the city overnight there are many London hotels, from five star to affordable but trendy hotels, to choose from.

Always a foodie highlight of the summer, Taste of London offers a tantalising selection of world-class chefs and 40 of London’s hottest restaurants all gathered together in one place at London’s Regent’s Park from 17th – 21st June 2015.

New London restaurants taking part in the 2015 festival include contemporary Chinese restaurant Chai Wu, South East London’s latest haunt Artusi, Jose Pizarro’s authentic Spanish Pizarro, The Clove Club which serves cutting edge cuisine in Shoreditch Town Hall, The Palomar with its modern fare from Jerusalem and contemporary Japanese cooking from Aqua Kyoto.

Further new London restaurants partaking in Taste of London are Peruvian hotspot LIMA Floral, Anna Hansen’s newest venture, Modern Pantry mark II, and Marcus Wareing’s Tredwell’s.

Returning again are Taste of London favourites The House of Ho, L’Anima, Club Gascon, Spice Market, Ember Yard, Duck & Waffle, SushiSamba and Roka.

Top chefs Marcus Wareing, La Gavroche’s superstar sous chef Monica Galetti and the man responsible for revolutionising the way we eat Indian food, Atul Kochhar, are all appearing at Taste of London in 2015. Added to the mix are Mexican street food chef and entrepreneur Thomasina Miers, and Michelin starred Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes, head chef at celebrity favourite Chiltern Firehouse.

To enter the LondonTown Taste of London competition, go to LondonTown, answer the simple question and email your answer before 12noon on Monday 8th June 2015. The website also has a large number of London hotels to suit all budgets is given as well as information on restaurants, attractions and all the current London events.

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About LondonTown.com
LondonTown.com is the number one Internet site for London. With over 18 years of experience assisting visitors to the capital, they pride themselves on their customer service and editorial independence – no banner advertising or paid for content is allowed. The LondonTown.com team assist in finding cheap London hotels, sightseeing tours, ticket information and events. Trusted and with a loyal following, LondonTown.com is a very reliable source of recommendations and advice on what to do in London. http://www.LondonTown.com

Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Society, Travel

LondonTown.com offer five pairs of tickets to Taste of London

Leave a comment

Win tickets and sample food from 40 of London’s hottest restaurants

LONDON, June 04, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — LondonTown has teamed up with top food festival, Taste of London, to offer five lucky winners a pair of tickets to the al fresco gastronomic showcase at Regent’s Park, and for those who want to stay in the city overnight there are many London hotels, from five star to affordable but trendy hotels, to choose from.

Always a foodie highlight of the summer, Taste of London offers a tantalising selection of world-class chefs and 40 of London’s hottest restaurants all gathered together in one place at London’s Regent’s Park from 17th – 21st June 2015.

New London restaurants taking part in the 2015 festival include contemporary Chinese restaurant Chai Wu, South East London’s latest haunt Artusi, Jose Pizarro’s authentic Spanish Pizarro, The Clove Club which serves cutting edge cuisine in Shoreditch Town Hall, The Palomar with its modern fare from Jerusalem and contemporary Japanese cooking from Aqua Kyoto.

Further new London restaurants partaking in Taste of London are Peruvian hotspot LIMA Floral, Anna Hansen’s newest venture, Modern Pantry mark II, and Marcus Wareing’s Tredwell’s.

Returning again are Taste of London favourites The House of Ho, L’Anima, Club Gascon, Spice Market, Ember Yard, Duck & Waffle, SushiSamba and Roka.

Top chefs Marcus Wareing, La Gavroche’s superstar sous chef Monica Galetti and the man responsible for revolutionising the way we eat Indian food, Atul Kochhar, are all appearing at Taste of London in 2015. Added to the mix are Mexican street food chef and entrepreneur Thomasina Miers, and Michelin starred Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes, head chef at celebrity favourite Chiltern Firehouse.

To enter the LondonTown Taste of London competition, go to LondonTown, answer the simple question and email your answer before 12noon on Monday 8th June 2015. The website also has a large number of London hotels to suit all budgets is given as well as information on restaurants, attractions and all the current London events.

-end-

 

About LondonTown.com
LondonTown.com is the number one Internet site for London. With over 18 years of experience assisting visitors to the capital, they pride themselves on their customer service and editorial independence – no banner advertising or paid for content is allowed. The LondonTown.com team assist in finding cheap London hotels, sightseeing tours, ticket information and events. Trusted and with a loyal following, LondonTown.com is a very reliable source of recommendations and advice on what to do in London. http://www.LondonTown.com

Travel

SAMANA Moves to Le Souk San Francisco Located at 1465 Custer Avenue in San Francisco

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A ‘souk’ is a North African word for a marketplace (usually open-air), equivalent to a Persian bazaar, flea market or commercial quarter in Middle Eastern and North African cities.

San Francisco, CA, May 25, 2015 — A ‘souk’ is a North African word for a marketplace (usually open-air), equivalent to a Persian bazaar, flea market or commercial quarter in Middle Eastern and North African cities. Le Souk SF is filled with antiquities, folk art, ethnic and graphic arts, along with furniture, home decorative items, mostly, but not exclusively, from Asia and other ports of call. This, coupled with an extraordinary exotic outdoor garden resplendent with vertical gardens, trees, plants , outdoor sculptures and unusual planting vessels, creates a magical environment rarely found.

All located under one roof are several businesses including: Gil’s Upholstery; Khatriya Armstrong Collection; La Follia; Living Green Planscape; Richard Gervais Collection, and the latest addition SAMANA.

SAMANA’s now sole owner Sandy Martinez reminds her customers of her relocation to a wonderful warehouse named Le Souk SF in what is now BECOMING known as the new Garden District in the Bay Area: located at 1465 Custer Street, SF. Her store features unconventional furnishings, decorative accessories, lighting, garden ITEMS, and gifts brought in from around the world. She features exclusively enhanced designed objects created by SAMANA artists.

SAMANA caters to the eclectic, the bohemian; and has an unconventional approach to interior design. It’s about what’s personal, what’s meaningful, what”s fun, and what’s provocative. It’s about what feels good, looks great and, simply is “you and no one else.”

What’s behind the name? SAMANA comes from Sanskrit , India’s mother language. The word has several meanings – one being that of Hindu wandering monks who emphasize and individualize “ unconventional” ways on their path to enlightenment.

Under this inspiration, we at SAMANA try to bring untraditional inspirations that may brighten up your home, office and favorite spaces.

About the owner of SAMANA – Sandy Martinez:
Sandy was born in Argentina, the end of the world in her opinion. She grew up with the travel bug and it was only a matter of time before she started exploring the rest of Latin America. With a knack to adapt easily to other cultures, she expanded her horizons pursuing adventures in other parts of the world. Purchasing beautiful things and “buying without guilt” as she puts it, came as a natural consequence….. SAMANA was born and ironically the chosen name for her store mirrors her “unconventional” life. Phone: 866-901-1871, 415-642-1056 email:info@samana.us http://www.samana.us/

Richard Gervais Collection
Richard Gervais began traveling and shopping in Southeast Asia in 1968 while vacation traveling there with a college friend from the Philippines. Intrigued and enamored by the interesting never-before-seen folk art, handicrafts and ethnic items abounding there, they decided to open an export/import business together. They immediately began shopping and exporting from the Philippines, and shortly after added Bali, Java, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, Tibet, Nepal, and eventually India, Sri Lanka and Brazil as ports of call.

The first location was a boutique shop opened on the cable car line on California Street. Since then, locations have enlarged and changed to the current location in ‘Le Souk San Francisco’ on Custer Avenue. New shipments continue to arrive and the collection still comprises and interesting and unique array of new, vintage, antique, and even ancient art and artifacts that attract Richard’s eye and aesthetic sensibilities. Phone: 415-642-1056 email: Inquiry@RichardGervaisCollection.com www.RichardGervaisCollection.com

Living Green Design:
Davis Dalbok, founder, runs a multi-faceted business. Under his guidance, his company has been creating notable gardens throughout the Bay Area and beyond for more than 30 years. Living Green represents some of the industries’ finest lines, including Luciano Antiques, Wijaya Classics Lighting, Gladding McBean Ceramics, and Nature’s Treasures — Minerals and Fossils. At his new location at Le Souk SF, Davis has transformed a former functional storage yard into a thriving exterior landscape nursery and sculpture garden. Living Green now displays garden-oriented water features, garden amenities, and cutting-edge vertical living walls. Within weeks of inhabiting the new space, birds and dragonflies have found a new home in this lively oasis. This new venue captures the spirit of what Living Green has always been about: using beautiful plants and soulful objects to create outdoor living environments that are both well-appointed and spiritually grounding. Phone: 415-864-2251 email: info@livinggreen.com www.Livinggreen.com

Gil’s Upholstery Inc
Established in 1985, Gil’s is family owned and operated and has provided the very best in upholstery services for private residences and the top interior designers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Gil’s Upholstery specializes in Re-Upholstery, Antique Restoration, Custom-Made Furniture, Outdoor, Residential and Commercial Upholstery. The owner, Gilbert Herrera, takes pride in creating and sustaining authentic relationships with his clients, a key component to Gil’s Upholstery success. With his two sons, Anthony and Marcus, working by his side, along with a team of expert upholsterers, Gil’s Upholstery continues to execute one-of-a-kind work for clients. Gil’s work has been featured in Elle Decor several times and can be seen at some of San Francisco’s most prestige homes and establishments. Look for Gil’s Upholstery Inc. on various social media outlets. Phone: Call Anthony 415-290-9320/ 650-291-5473 email: gilsupholstery@gmail.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/gilsupholsteryInc?Fref=ts Instagram: http://instagram.com/gilsupholstery_inc/ Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM – 5PM Saturday 10AM – 3pm

La Follia Floral Design Landscape
La Follia event and floral designer, Thierry Chantrel, received his degree from Ecole Speciale d’Architecture des Jardins in Paris. He began his career working with “Decoration Florale, ” one of the top Parisian decoration firms. While with them he had the opportunity to work for an exclusive list of clients and their discriminating friends, as well as the major companies in the fashion industry, such as Givenchy, Valentino, Ricci, Hermes, and many others. Thierry Chantrel now has his Atelier in San Francisco. His clientele reads like a who’s who of Bay Area society and his flowers have graced venues and homes throughout the city, the wine country and the Peninsula. He was honored with “Best of Show” for the San Francisco Landscape and Garden Show and he is regularly featured in Bouquets to Art. He is a familiar face on the lecture circuit and is a favorite of Bay Area garden clubs. His decorative furniture has been featured in Architectural Digest and in the book L.A. LOFTS by Barbara Thornburg. Thierry designs beautiful arrangements for weddings, events, or parties based on your specific needs and desires, and at the same time imbues your floral decoration with the style and classical tradition that has earned him recognition as one of America’s Top Florists (Elle Décor). His work can be seen in Vera Wang’s Vera Wang On Weddings and in Mallory Samson’s Outdoor Weddings: Unforgettable Celebrations in Storybook Settings. By appointment only. Phone: 415-551-2310 email: Thierry@Thierrychantrel.com www.thierrychantrel.com

Le Souk SF, 1465 Custer Ave, San Francisco 94124, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am- 4pm. SAMANA located at LE SOUKSF 1465 Custer Ave | San Francisco | 94124

Contact:
Marci Bracco
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.samana.us/

Travel

Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites partner with Monterey County wineries to offer unique wine-themed experience in the heart of Carmel

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Hotel Announces New Package The Charms and Delights of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Carmel, CA, May 21, 2015 – Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites announced its new Charms and Delights of Carmel-by-the-Sea package. The charms and delights of Camel are not easily experienced in a single day. So why not take advantage of a special offer of two nights in the luxurious surroundings of Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites, Carmel’s only wine-themed hotel. Book two nights, Monday through Thursday, for only $20 more, and get a $50 gift certificate to Carmel’s popular seafood restaurant Flaherty’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar or Andre’s Bouchee, the chic French bistro with a California coastal flair. But take advantage of this special offer soon, it’s only valid through June 15th, online only at vendangecarmel.com.

(This offer is only valid when booking through our website and while supplies last.)

Background on Vendange Carmel:
When Brian and Jonathan Lee sought inspiration around the transformation of their family’s Carmel inn a few years ago, they looked no further than Monterey County’s Wine Region.

In 2013 Wine Enthusiast magazine bestowed the county as the top wine destination in the world. In the article, writer Steve Heimoff hailed the region’s “beautiful scenery, upscale galleries, glamorous resorts and stellar local wines.”

Faced with a major renovation and re-imagination of the property the Lees once owned but sold seven years ago, the answer became obvious: Name the inn Vendange (French for “vintage”), capitalize on its supreme location, design everything around a wine theme and create two stunning, fully equipped barrel rooms” for traveling families or couples.

“After we sold the property it really declined, and passing by it was difficult for our family,” said Jonathan Lee. “We wanted to modernize it and make it beautiful again, but also we knew we wanted to make each suite on our property a reflection of Monterey County’s flourishing wine industry.”

The Lees had the idea to partner with local wineries, especially those with tasting rooms in Carmel (currently there are more than two dozen tasting rooms, wine bars and bottle shops in the village, and the Carmel Wine Walk is thriving).

The wine-centric idea was to have wineries “adopt” a room at Vendange, putting their personal stamp on the furniture and décor. Each suite now provides a romantic ambiance of luxuriousness and charm.

“It took some time to get our ideas across to local wineries (Twisted Roots came on board first), but once they completed their suite, and the wineries could visually see the ideas we were striving for, the rest took off from there.”
Following the lead of Twisted Roots were: Galante, J. Lohr, McIntyre, Dawn’s Dream, Joullian, Ventana, Manzoni, Tudor, Cima Collina, Holman Ranch and Blair.

The novel idea allows the wineries to reflect their own style and statement through the rooms, while Vendange allows the wineries to use the rooms for clients or wine club members to create valuable cross-promotion.

“For us it creates a cachet and makes it a unique experience,” Lee said.

The family also created the two adjoining “barrel rooms,” designed ideally for couples rooms to create a relaxed “hang-out” experience. Each room is more than 900 square feet, with separate bedrooms, radiant floor heating, private patios, personal entrances and parking spaces. One room comes equipped with a high-end kitchen, complete with granite countertops, Viking appliances and all the comforts of home.

Whether it’s a walk around the manicured gardens, or quiet conversation and complimentary wine and cheese tasting around the fire pit under a lighted pergola, guests at Vendange find themselves pampered in an intimate environment with expert, attentive service.

Nestled beneath the pine trees in a tranquil neighborhood, Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites is one of the few inns in Carmel to provide parking. Located just a short walk from Carmel’s legendary downtown, visitors can absorb a complete wine experience in and out of their suites.

Lee points out that “vendange tardive” means “late harvest” in French. The phrase refers to a style of dessert wine where the grapes are allowed to hang on the vine until they start to dehydrate, concentrating the sugars.

“It fits because we want guests to come here, rest and get sweeter for the next day,” he said.

Contact:
Marci Bracco
Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites
24815 Carpenter St.
Carmel, CA 93923
831-624-6400
reservations@vendangecarmel.com
http://vendangecarmel.com/

Travel

New Tasting Room and Wine Brand Launch in Carmel Valley!

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Jarman Tasting Room Opens June 2015.

Carmel Valley, CA, May 20, 2015 — Terroir is the most important force in creating distinct wines. The French word speaks to a wine’s place of origin, its subtle nuances of traceable character, flavor, lineage and integrity.

An estate wine from Carmel Valley, Jarman’s terroir refers to a special place — and also to a special woman who inspired a family to bottle the essence of a mother’s spirit.

Jarman Fearing Lowder grew up in Chattanooga, Tenn., and lived up to being voted “best all around” in high school. She earned a nursing degree, worked as an R.N. and raised three daughters with her husband Thomas. An active volunteer, animal lover, athlete and enthusiastic traveler, Jarman wanted to spend her golden years making wine with her husband at Holman Ranch, an idyllic piece of property in Carmel Valley they purchased to realize that dream.

Tragically, Jarman died in March of 2011 at age 60 following a long battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

To honor her mother’s memory, Holman Ranch manager and eldest daughter Hunter Lowder has vowed to take the best hand-selected estate grapes and create two premium varietals — Jarman Chardonnay and Jarman Pinot Noir ($1 from each bottle sold will go to Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation). Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the ADDF provides critical seed funding to leading scientists conducting breakthrough drug discovery and clinical research. By accelerating promising drug candidates through the drug discovery and development pipeline and spearheading innovative public-private partnerships, we increase the chance of finding an effective treatment, and a cure, for Alzheimer’s disease.

Through the tremendous support of our donors, the ADDF has invested more than $70 million to over 450 Alzheimer’s drug discovery programs and clinical trials in academic centers and biotechnology companies in 18 countries. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/about-addf

“We wanted to honor her, give back and increase awareness,” Hunter said.

“Everything we do here and the reason all this exists is because of her.”

The Jarman label will reflect quality, with only the best local grapes used during a artisanal, small-batch winemaking process. Jarman wine uses only 100 percent estate-grown, organic and certified-sustainable grapes. Aged in French oak barrels, Jarman’s vintages are held in limited supply, and not available anywhere outside the tasting room. The two varietals include:

• The 2013 Jarman Pinot Noir takes on nuances of warm blueberry pie, cloves and cinnamon that mingle in the nose with oak notes from 10 months in the barrel. The mouth-feel is plump and juicy with overtones of cassis and blackberries.

• The 2014 Jarman Chardonnay features floral notes reminiscent of walking by a parfumerie in France — subtle and pleasant with a hint of earthiness. When serving this wine lightly chilled, rich notes of under-ripe berries and raw honey will waltz across your palate.

To further honor their mother’s memory, the family will open a special tasting room in June in Carmel Valley Village(open noon to 5 p.m., Thurs.-Sun.; or by appointment) next to Will’s Fargo, the restaurant they purchased in 2014 . The tastings will feature full-fledged experiences, including tours and wine education, and each will include a food element that complements the wine.

The new Jarman tasting room will provide visitors with three unique experiences : Cru Tasting, Premier Cru Experience and the Grand Cru Experience.

To celebrate, Jarman will hold a public grand opening with Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; Carmel Chamber of Commerce and Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, June 23, 5–7 p.m.

• Address: 16 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA
• Website: jarmanwine.com
• Phone: 831-298-7300
• E-mail: info@jarmanwine.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.jarmanwine.com

Travel

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Celebrates Dad, Youth Sports and all that Summer has to Offer Sweepstakes

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The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Knuckles Sports Bar and the Fireplace Lounge, celebrate with Father’s Day, Monterey County Youth Sports and the “Best of Summer” Sweepstakes.

Monterey, CA, May 19, 2015 – The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, Knuckles Sports Bar and the Fireplace Lounge, celebrate with Father’s Day, Monterey County Youth Sports and the “Best of Summer” Sweepstakes.

Save the date for:
• Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21st. Bring dad to Knuckles Sports Bar for our Burger and Beer special

o Enter to win. Ode to Dad! Tell us why your dad deserves to win a $50 gift certificate to Knuckles Sports Bar in honor of Father’s Day. Post a picture and a little story about your dad on our Facebook page. Winner will be selected at random on June 15th.

• Summer sports! During summer any child under 12 that comes to Knuckles with their parents wearing a team jersey or uniform receives a free children’s scoop of ice cream. (with purchase of an entrée)

• All Summer Long $4.00 Happy Hour Drink Specials on the patio!

• Win a Two-Night Stay with “Best of Summer” Sweepstakes! Enter Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa “Summer at Its Best” sweepstakes, for a chance to win a vacation for four to the Hyatt Regency Monterey and Spa for 2 nights and other prizes. Guests can enter by scanning the QR code found here or by texting WIN to 831-667-5040. Blackout dates are June 13-22, July 12 -20, July 24 & 25, August 13-17 and September 18-21. Subject to availability.

• To enter, Text WIN to 831-667-5040 or Scan our QR code

• Enter between May 25th and June 5th. One lucky entrant will be randomly selected to win the “Summer at Its Best” vacation for four. Two other entries will be randomly selected for additional prizes.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel& Spa on Del Monte Golf Course:
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well-known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms with 27 suites, and the President’s House, TusCA Ristorante, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools, and 12,000 square foot full service luxury spa. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/

Travel

Playing in the dirt isn’t just for kids: Seniors reap the health benefits of gardening

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Holiday Retirement residents across the country use their green thumbs to stay healthy.

Lake Oswego, OR, May 17, 2015 – Seniors around the country are adding gardening to their list of daily activities thanks to the stress relief and health benefits it provides. And for Holiday Retirement residents, reaping the rewards of gardening is that much easier thanks to the leading senior living provider’s efforts to offer gardening opportunities at its communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors who participate in 2.5 hours a week of moderate-intensity activities such as gardening can reduce their risk for a number of health issues, including obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Gardening can also help with stress relief, improve depression symptoms, and reduce social isolation.

“Our residents’ health is of utmost importance, which is why we are dedicated to helping seniors get moving,” said Jamison Gosselin, vice president of marketing, communications, and resident enrichment at Holiday Retirement. “As the weather turns warmer, gardening provides an easy, accessible way for seniors of all skill levels to enjoy a rewarding, relaxing physical activity.”

As seniors increasingly downsize and move to senior living communities, they can adjust their gardening styles to reap the benefits in a smaller environment. Holiday Retirement has launched a series of resources focused on helping seniors enjoy the rewards – both mental and physical – that gardening has to offer:

* An infographic that offers suggestions to help seniors garden in comfort

* A checklist that provides everything seniors need to know about starting a container garden

From roses to vegetables to herbs, here are five examples of blossoming gardens at Holiday Retirement communities across the country:

1. South Wind Heights residents in Jonesboro, Arkansas, all enjoy chipping in to maintain the senior living community’s curb appeal. Residents take time to plant, water, and weed flowerpots and flowerbeds on a regular basis, with one 97-year-old resident dedicating much of her time each day to gardening.

2. Residents at Mistywood in Roseville, California, are living up to the city’s name. A memorial rose garden was built eight years ago for residents to honor loved ones who have passed away. The community grows myriad roses, as well as perennials, annuals, and even herbs and vegetables in a raised flowerbed built by a local Boy Scout troop. Herbs and vegetables are used in the kitchen while roses are used in floral arrangements around the senior living community.

3. Residents at Ashley Park in Charleston, South Carolina, have embraced container gardening and now anxiously await tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, squash, onions, and various herbs. Residents use the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor during the Adventure Travel Program, where the senior living community makes tasty meals from different regions around the world.

4. At Whispering Oaks in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, residents discovered a newfound hobby when one Boy Scout troop built raised gardening beds for the senior living community to earn his Eagle Scout ranking. Thanks to his act of kindness, tomatoes, radishes, onions, peppers, and flowers grow regularly and are shared throughout Whispering Oaks.

5. University Pines, an independent senior living community in Pensacola, Florida, welcomed spring with the planting of numerous flowering plants, ferns, and cascading greenery. The backyard of the senior living community has blossomed this year thanks to resident green thumbs, not to mention the flowerpots on the front patio getting a face-lift for summer with new flowers. The community also celebrated Earth Day in April by planting seedlings, baby tree cuttings, and other green plants to bring an earthy feel to the community and to residents.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about gardening and seniors, visit holidaytouch.com/senior-gardening-tips.

Media Contact:
Brian K. Fawkes
Holiday Retirement
(971) 245-8837
brian.fawkes@holidaytouch.com
http://www.holidaytouch.com

About Holiday Retirement
Since 1971, Holiday Retirement has endeavored to provide its signature “Holiday Touch” to residents and their families. Today, Holiday is a trusted name in senior living and provides security, comfort, and value to independent seniors seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Holiday operates more than 300 retirement communities, making it the second largest senior housing operator in the United States. For more information about Holiday Retirement, please call 800-322-0999 or visit www.holidaytouch.com.

Contact:
Molly Koch
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, Colo., 80206
720-726-5435
http://www.csg-pr.com