The Inn and Spa at Loretto and Garcia Street Books’ Meet the Author series continues this Thursday, August 5th, with National Book Award-winner Bob Shacochis, author of the novel Swimming in the Volcano and the short story collection entitled Easy in the Islands. At this luncheon, you’ll have the opportunity to hear a reading by Bob along with a meet and greet session. Bob’s work is set in the Caribbean, reflecting his time spent as a Peace Corp volunteer in the Grenadines. Register for this luncheon event at Garcia Street Books by calling 505-986-0151.

Don't miss John Willoughby on Thursday, October 7 and Judy Chicago on Sunday, November 14. 

As you recall from our last chat, I recently attended two seminars hosted by Southern Wine and Spirits in Albuquerque. We talked about sustainable wine growing practices in May, so I wanted to share the second half of the seminar, which was called the "Aroma Wheel of Fortune".

Summer brings an abundance of fresh local fruits and vegetables including a childhood favorite - watermelon. Chef Jimmy Reale, from the Carolina Inn's Crossroads Restaurant, shares his recipe for Watermelon and Feta Salad, a delicious light summer dish that brings watermelon back for adults.

Heidi Loewen, one of The Inn and Spa at Loretto’s Experiential Passport partners, was recently featured on TV in the Santa Fe episode of Giada’s Weekend Getaways.  Heidi was teaching Giada De Laurentis how to throw porcelain pottery. Giada’s show is on the Food Network.

Looking for a fun and unique way to tour Santa Fe, New Mexico?  Santa Fe Western Adventures is offering Stage Coach rides around the Plaza.  It is about a 10 minute ride from in front of the new History Museum, around the plaza, up to the Cathedral and a slow swing back around town to the Plaza.  The coach can be picked up in front of the History Museum, just a short stroll from the Inn and Spa at Loretto.  The cost is $5 per person.  Schedule is Noon to 5pm, Thursday through Sunday.  Come experience Santa Fe in this fun way!

Vice President Joe Biden was at The Carolina Inn last night for a Democratic party fundraiser. Secret Service agents and local Chapel Hill police worked steadily to ensure that the Inn was ready for Biden's 6:30pm arrival.

200 guests were in attendance for Vice President Biden's speech which included a welcome by Gov. Beverly Purdue and covered topics from the economic recession, to the Gulf Oil crisis and the growth coming from our RTP area.

Thursday, July 22 is Luminaria Restaurant & Patio’s 2nd Anniversary, so please join us as Chef Brian Cooper offers a very special anniversary celebration dinner.  For those that have been to Luminaria, you know that Chef has developed a number of culinary masterpieces.  For this one night only, Chef will offer a special menu of his signature dishes including his award winning tortilla soup, mountain brook trout with sage barley, chile crusted shrimp with house made fettuccini, and sweet corn donuts with 3 dipping sauces.  The price is $45 per person, $75 per person with selected wine parings.  Please come celebrate with us! 

For reservations, call 505-984-7915 or book online with Open Table

Junior Tennis Camp at Wigwam Resort in Arizona Draws International Players

Wigwam Resort offers a variety of tennis camps that appeal to all audiences.  This summer, kids from Germany, Guatemala, Spain, Mexico, and U.S. are participating in the Junior Tennis Program at Wigwam Resort.  Director of Tennis, Carlos Hassey is a well respected Pro and has a passion for teaching young players and takes tremendous pride in the quality of his camps.  He personally hires and trains his staff so that each level player can get better and have a memorable experience playing a great game. 

Summer is here and so is your excuse to lively up your fingers and toes at the Spa at Loretto with our new array of summer fun nail polish colors.  Lavender, orange, blues, greens...the ski is the limit.  We use Zoya nail polish and nail polish treatments, which are free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and camphor.

Locals receive 20% off every day.  Try our feature Happy Hour Special, which includes a Mini Facial, Classic Manicure and our July Cocktail Special from the Living Room.. $99!  Add a pedicure for $56!

Come by for a splash of color.  You'll love it!

Watch Chef Robert Nyerick prepare one of his favorite dishes, Pan Seared Scallops. Pair this with a bottle of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc and it’s a perfect light summer meal!

Ingredients

• 4 Jumbo Sea Scallops
• Organic Spring Mix (Frisée, Radicchio, Escarole, Endive)
• Oven Tomatoes
• Baby Artichokes
• Saffron Essence
• 1 pinch kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sea scallops, and cook without moving the scallops for 1 minute.
2. Meanwhile, place salad mix, oven tomatoes, and baby artichokes on a plate.
3. Sprinkle pepper and salt onto the scallops, and continue cooking another minute until the scallops have browned on one side. Flip the scallops over, add more salt and pepper, and continue cooking until the scallops have browned on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Place scallops in a preheated oven for about a minute.
5. Remove from oven and place on top of salad and pour saffron essence over the top and serve.

Baffled by bootlegs?  Confused by clipping?  Puzzled by pitch outs?  Frazzled by fantasy?  Well then, it's time to get off the bench and learn the rules of the game - real and fantasy-from the pros.  Grab a girlfriend and come huddle up for an evening of great food, drinks and some Football 101 fun - all for a great cause!

I just returned from visiting our Destination Phoenix resorts and they are amazing!  I toured Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Wigwam Resort Resort & Spa as well as Tempe Mission Palms Hotel & Conference Center.

The Wigwam Resort & Red Door Spa offer a hip night out for locals and hotel guests – “Martinis & Manicures”.  This fun party from 6pm-8pm happens the first Thursday of every month.  For only $20, guests can enjoy their favorite martini and pamper themselves to live music and a manicure courtesy of  Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.

If you've never been to the Wigwam, it's a great spot to bring your girlfriends for a special occasion or just a night of pampering.   While waiting, guests can enjoy wonderful tapas and delicious martinis.   First glance at the ladies in the pedi chairs with martini glasses in hand and you’ll look forward to your little bit of heaven.

Summer wouldn’t be summer without America’s favorite pastime – baseball. As I watched the Colorado Rockies come from behind to beat the St. Louis Cardinals the other night, I was reminded of the numerous times I’ve joined friends and family at the ball park over the years. There were the classic old-school stadiums like Busch Stadium and Comiskey Park that have given way to the new wave of ballparks in the major leagues like New York’s Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.

Luminaria's Pastry Chef, Andrea Clover, is known for her delectable, homemade desserts. Try her recipe for piñon nut brittle at home for an easy-to-make, Southwest-inspired treat.

Looking for a great way to beat the heat this July? Check out our new menu specials at Carolina Crossroads Restaurant & Bar. Each day brings a different summertime special:

Mondays- Chef's Summer Tasting Menu: Buy One, Get One Free.
Choose a Three, Four or Five Course Menu

Sip & Slide Tuesdays- Three House Made Sliders & a Draft Beer for $10

No Whining Wednesdays- Half Priced Wines by the Glass

Santa Fe's own Bruce McIntosh is featuring his Assemblage & Collage Derivatives You Can Live With collection and invites you to his Artist’s Reception on July 13, 2010 from 5 to 7 pm. 

Bruce's collection of art that features found materials assemblages and collages is on exhibit in the Santa Fe offices of Wells Fargo Advisors.

The hot weather didn’t keep people away from last night’s Fridays on the Front Porch. The crowd was entertained by live music from The Gravy Boys and a special appearance by Uncle Sam! Uncle Sam worked the crowd while juggling from atop stilts.

He visited The Carolina Inn to spread the word about the special holiday edition of Fridays on the Front Porch taking place on Sunday, July 4^th from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. Stop by and enjoy live bluegrass music from Big Fat Gap, cool drink specials and a summer picnic menu. Fireworks and entertainment at UNC’s Kenan Stadium begins at 7:00pm so stop by the Inn before walking over to the stadium.

Even if you will be at the beach for the 4^th of July, start the weekend off right at Fridays on the Front Porch on July 2^nd from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The Gravy Boys will be back to perform their popular Acoustic Americana music.

 A special thanks to our juggling/stilt walking Uncle Sam – Duane Deardorff!

My husband and I are both Active Duty military and once we had decided on The Carolina Inn for our wedding and reception, we designated my mother as coordinator while we attempted to overcome the time difference to communicate with the wedding planners at the beautiful inn. Not only was the staff more than flexible and accommodating, they were exceptionally helpful and calming on the day of our wedding! We couldn't thank them more for dealing with our crazy families & wedding day with ease and professionalism!

This Sunday, June 27, The Inn and Spa at Loretto and Garcia Street Books is thrilled to kick off the first of their “Meet the Author Series” events for 2010. Luis Urrea, author of Into the Beautiful North, will be at the Inn from 5pm until 6:30pm as The Inn and Spa at Loretto hosts a complimentary wine and cheese reception.  Join other book lovers to meet Luis, hear him read from his book, and engage in a question and answer session.