A Cutting Edge Caterers

The idea started with a toast: “To good friends”…then “to good wine”….then “to tasting in wine country.” It was a natural progression to the ultimate destination for a group of friends who meet regularly and who just can’t seem to get enough good food and great wine.

For most wine connoisseurs, France will maintain the Wine Country title, however, fortunately for us, since the mid 19th century, the Wine Country in Northern California is also known as a premium wine growing region. France seems alluring enough but with amazing wines essentially in our back yard, we were ready to head to California and discover its liquid gold.

From “toasting” to making “tasting” a reality, it can get a little tricky. The options and choices can be overwhelming. There are over 400 wineries north of San Francisco. Most of those are located in the area’s valleys including Napa, Sonoma, Alexander, Dry Creek, Bennett and Russian River. Wine Country proper is generally considered the combined counties of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. Planning and reservations are essential. Allow yourself at least a 4 night stay for your entourage to discover the following recommendations and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of California’s wine country.

The Long and Wine-ing Road
What to Pack: Northern California is extremely casual but equally stylish. Jeans are ubiquitous and layers are essential. You could go from 60 to 80 degrees within a short amount of time.

Fly into San Francisco and rent a convertible, corvette, or other stylish and fun mode of transportation to whisk you off to the wine fields. Dollar Car Rental suited our needs beautifully. (www.Dollar.com)

Make the most of your wine budget and check into the Meritage Inn Resort, (www.TheMeritageResort.com) ideally located at the southern tip of Sonoma and Napa valley about 2 ½ hours from the San Francisco airport. The Meritage Inn proved to be a great blend of large accommodations for our sizeable group as well as providing an intimate atmosphere. Decorated in a charming Tuscany décor, the hotel is loaded with amenities – a formidable spa, wine caves replete with tastings and seminars, bocce court, restaurants, pool, outdoor fire pit and gracious service. It feels luxurious aesthetically but thankfully not on your pockets.

Romance quotient: Snuggle up with a glass of wine at the outdoor fire pit overlooking the pool. Book a couples massage treatment at the gorgeous Spa Terra – get there early to fully enjoy the sexy and soothing relaxation room.

Don’t miss: Every Thursday and Friday the Meritage Inn welcomes guests with an impressive wine and cheese reception in the lobby. Congregate in the morning over a bountiful breakfast. Broaden your wine knowledge at vino seminars in their extensive wine cave.

Day Trippers
First things first : Days are long in wine country. Tastings start early – 9:30-10:00 and end between 4:00 and 5:00 – chances are you’ll sample a whole lot of wine during the day. Plan ahead and make reservations to leave the driving to a qualified team of expert designated drivers.

Cristal Blue Carriage
www.CristalBlueCarriage.com
Cristal Blue Carriage Limo service, owned by the unbeatable duo of Chris and Bill will start your holiday and entourage out with a champagne toast and pastries at one of the designated wineries or yacht. They’ve covered the majority of wine country and will work with you on a personalized itinerary. State Route 29 is more often than not overloaded with fellow oenophiles and the knowledgeable two know how to navigate the wineries and routes. Leave the driving to them while they guide you effortlessly and humorously through fabulous boutique wineries where they are always welcomed like old friends – and are able to extend that same gracious hospitality to you.

Toast to That
You’ll be tempted to gravitate towards the well known famous producers but it’s the boutique wineries that really offer a memorable experience with personalized attention and charming venues.

How does your vineyard grow…
Each winery has a distinct personality and character. You’ll long savor the taste of the wine by exploring its vineyards and learning their histories from the stewards of each estate.

Cornerstone Place
www.CornerstonePlace.com
Make this your first stop on your itinerary. Providing tasting rooms for Artesa Vineyards & Winery, Larson Family Winery, Roshombo Winery, Grange Sonoma and Ridgeline and offering mouth-watering California delicacies that get you in to an immediate wine country -California state of mind. Great boutique shopping and the most charming European inspired gardens designed by 20 master gardeners and architects. Truly innovative, Cornerstone Place is the only place in the U.S. to showcase such a creation.

Larson Family Winery
www.LarsonFamilyWinery.com
The exceptional friendly and knowledgeable Larson Family Winery proudly houses a slew of animals and activities to experience while you’re tasting their range of pinot grigio, chardonnay and rose’ in Sonoma. Play Bocce ball, throw the dog a ball, take a bike ride and by all means pay your respects to Dolly, the Llama, who eyes everyone coming and going.

Destino
www.DestinoWines.com
Entrepreneur Chris Calkins likes to share his wine and time on the road – traveling all around the country offering different events featuring his wines. You can taste in Napa or on the waters of his motor yacht.

Bouchaine
www.Bouchaine.com
Bouchaine is one of the oldest continually operated vineyards in the Carneros region. Off the beaten track, they’re known for their pinot noir’s and chardonnay’s. A laid-back and inviting vineyard, Bouchaine offers tastings with wooden tables on the back porch under arbors overlooking the vineyards. Hours will pass like minutes at this earthy and approachable establishment.

Signorello
www.SignorelloVineyards.com
This winery boasts a gorgeous panoramic setting overlooking an infinity pool and Napa Valley off the Silverado Trail. A large patio area offers an expanse of wrought iron furniture providing a sophisticated and modern feel. Special dinners, lunches and culinary classes are available.

Palmaz
www.PalmazVineyards.com
Perhaps the largest and most elaborately designed winery, with a 100,000 sq. ft underground cave and vineyards on dramatic sloping hills. The Palmaz family delights visitors with wine tasting taken to a heightened form with gourmet pairing bites in an ultra sleek contemporary dining area.

Ceja
www.CejaVineyards.com
This Latino winery is family owned and is bursting with flavor. Located in the Carneros region in Napa you can enjoy sampling in their newly opened bar/lounge/art gallery while sipping and hearing entertaining tales from three generations of family stewardship. Look for Pedro for animated storytelling and possibly a bit of salsa dancing.

Saviez
www.SaviezVineyards.com
Located in Calistoga in Sonoma County, Saviez specializes in single varietal wines and provides a tasting room in a country rustic retreat at the original location of the 100 year old estate. The longest single family owned vineyard, continually growing grapes in the Napa valley, unanimously won “best cabernet” from our entourage.

Ravenswood
www.Ravenswood-Wine.com
“No wimpy wines” is the motto for this winery that produces flavorful Zinfandels in Sonoma County. Also, “no reservations, please” for tasting at this extremely laid back establishment, that offers zealous wine pourers who are highly interactive, educational and unforgettable. Do make reservations to tour the impressive and beautiful grounds.

Chateau St. Jean
www.ChateauStJean.com
Located in Sonoma Valley. Chateau St. Jean was built as a summer retreat for a wealthy Michigan family in 1920. Today, a historic treasure, it is a magnificent estate with sprawling grounds that invites patrons to picnic around a sizeable fountain and meander manicured gardens. A gourmet shop also offers meats and cheeses and an array of wines to taste at a long, sleek wooden bar.

Imagery
www.ImageryWinery.com
Broaden your palate and your horizons at Imagery Estate Winery and Art Gallery. All senses are a go here when you can taste and learn about their classic varietals produced in the biodynamical farming method , as well as take in the sights of equally mind altering art. Enjoy the Petite Syrah’s and white burgundies. Artists are picked each year to design a label with the only restriction of incorporating the winery’s signature Parthenon.

How do I drink thee… Let me count the ways…
Enhance your wine tasting and put a little adventure into your wine country experience.

Getaway Adventures
www.GetawayAdventures.com
Getaway Adventures offers biking, hiking, kayaking and van tours. Randy Johnson, owner, is friendly, fun and loves to share his passion of the land. Trips are specifically tailored to suit your activity level. Sip and cycle and get a whole new perspective with the breeze in your hair, the sun illuminating the vineyards and the fresh California air.

Balloons Above the Valley
www.BalloonRides.com
Getting up at the crack of dawn may not seem like a vacation but the experience of gliding and drifting over breathtaking panoramic views of the country side waking up to the first glowing rays of sun illuminating the morning dew over the vineyards is a incomparable mix of exhilaration and peacefulness. A buffet with champagne is served post flight.

Take a Breather
You can easily overindulge when in wine country. Plan for grapes of wrath and ailment relief with some extra alone time with your partner and take advantage of the natural resources of the area….celebrate your own bottoms up with the following:

Golden Haven Spa
www.GoldenHavenSpa.com
The magic of the Calistoga hot springs mineral water and rejuvenating spa treatments offer overindulgence relief with detoxifying massages. But the most enticing is the famous Calistoga mud baths. Plan on getting dirty!

Moveable Feasts
With the freshest ingredients at your fingertips – notable chefs have made northern California their source of culinary inspiration. Savorful dishes to accompany your spirits are offered by these masterful creators .

French Laundry is located in Yountville. Thomas Keller and his staff have taken this restaurant to celebrity status and is considered by many critics to be one of the best restaurants in North American. 9 course tasting menus provide an evening of gastronomical surprises. Reservations are a must and can be booked two months in advance on www.Opentable.com.

John Ash & Co at Vintner’s Inn is located in Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. Executive Chef Tom Schmidt dishes up exceptional concoctions and also offers cooking classes. One of the first restaurants to use the concept of cooking seasonally with fresh ingredients and continues the tradition picking herbs and produce from their own gardens. A lounge at the front of the restaurant is a gathering spot for casual and impromptu noshing. www.VintnersInn.com

The Girl and the Fig is located on Town Square in Sonoma. Lusty as the apple in the Garden of Eden, the ‘girl’ –proprietor Sondra Bernstein and her ubiquitous ‘fig,’ dishes up melt-in-your-mouth earthy concoctions. Bernstein, a self professed Francophile mastered several culinary creations during her frequent visits to Provence and likes to delight patrons with “country dishes with a French passion.” www.TheGirlAndTheFig.com

Wine Spectator
California Wine Country is bursting with explosive flavors and rich colors. It’s a land that permeates earthy pleasures and soulful memories. The richness of the land translates to a land and people that are full of passion, warmth and appreciation for their daily offerings. The result is contagious. Your entourage will eat and drink like modern day Bacchus and discover the closest thing to heaven. Parting will be sweet sorrow until you remember all the wine you’ve ordered to be shipped home. Until the next gathering with your friends….cheers.

Photography by:

Brian K Crain
Brian K Crain Photography
www.bkcphoto.com

Tags: bridal fashions, bridal magazines, honeymoons, Romantic Destinations, romantic travel, wedding gowns, wine country travel

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July 6, 2009 by smeyers
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Dr. Laura – Relationship Prespectives

July 5, 2009 by smeyers
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Q – What is a proper amount of time to be engaged?
A – The proper amount of time to be engaged is whatever amount of time it takes for the couple to have additional clarity as to whether or not they “are a match.” Being “in love” and having had a number of years together is great, but not sufficient to determine the potential quality of a marital relationship. It is often during the engagement period that people truly find out each other’s character and personality, since this is generally the “let it all out” time as people relax. Also, it is important to note how each deals with stress (drugs, alcohol, fights, depression, fights, generosity, helpfulness, etc.). Don’t forget…it is a far, far better thing you do to cancel a wedding than ignore realities for years and then divorce with children. So, if I had to give you a “guess-timate”, 1 year minimum should be sufficient amount of time to be engaged.

Q – What do you do if you don’t get along with your mother-in-law to-be and what is the best way to tell your significant other?
A -You do not tell your spouse that you don’t like the woman who gave birth to him/her and raised them to be the person you’ve chosen to marry. The Commandment of honoring “Thy Father and Mother” includes in-laws. They are not your equals and are to be given the respect they’ve earned. So, don’t argue with them. If you don’t agree with something they’ve said just let it go into the wind. Do not torture your spouse with your anger or hurt with their parent. It hurts them and the marriage. If an in-law is clearly dangerous or destructive, they should be avoided.

Q – If a woman is ready for her guy to commit to marriage, what is the best way to hint at engagement without scaring him off?
A -No woman should be begging a man to marry her; no woman should demean herself by demanding or manipulating a man into getting engaged to her. I mean, really, why should any woman want a man who doesn’t worship the ground she walks on? One problem is that with shacking up and out-of-wedlock sex, many guys feel less inclined to marry and take on responsibilities. If after two years of “serious dating” a man has not asked for marriage, tell him that you have no intention of dating for chuckles, and that you want to settle down. If that is not his intention, you’re on your way.

Q – Do you think it is wise to get married while still in college?
A - It is not wise to get married at a time when you are in college as your financial obligations and time constraints do not lend themselves to quality family time. Men should not even date until they have the ability to take care of a family.

Q -How do you agree and stay out of arguments with your fiancé when it comes to planning a wedding?
A - My notion of the “perfect” marriage is when both people are consumed by a drive to make the other’s life worth living; fighting to get your way is not included. If your fiancé wishes something at the wedding, and you’re unwilling to bend and give it to ‘em, you’re not being a very good almost spouse. It doesn’t matter if all the colors match. It matters only that you take care of each other. There should never be an argument about wedding stuff.

Q -You love your fiancé, but what do you do if he has an annoying habit that you absolutely cannot stand?
A - Imagine being married to him for fifty years — fifty lovely years with wonderful memories. And then he dies. Are you going to think about that annoying habit with anger, or will you miss it? Because it means he’s no longer with you. Major character issues and a consistent pattern of socially unacceptable, thoughtless, unkind, mean behaviors should result in a broken engagement. Little quirks, no matter how annoying, should be accepted as a small part of a lovely package deal. Besides, have you noticed your behavior for three to four days each month?

Q -How long should couples wait to have kids after getting married?
A - Couples should wait until they have the mindset and finances to have mom be a stay-at-home mom.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger is the #1 female radio talk show host and the third most listened to talk show host across the country. As one of the most popular talk show hosts in radio history, Dr. Laura Schlessinger offers no-nonsense advice infused with a strong sense of ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility; she’s been doing it successfully for more than 30 years, reaching approximately 8.25 million listeners weekly. Her internationally syndicated radio program is also heard on XM Satellite Radio, CelleCast, and is streamed on the Internet and podcast via StreamLink. She’s a bestselling author of eleven adult books and four children’s books, which range from the provocative (New York Times chart topper “The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands”) to the poignant (children’s book title “Why Do You Love Me?”). Her support of children and family values is legendary, and she is, indeed, “her kid’s mom.” She writes a monthly column for NewsMax, a twice-weekly column for The Santa Barbara News-Press, and a daily blog www.DrLauraBlog.com.

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Dave Ramsey – Weddings on a Budget

July 5, 2009 by smeyers
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So, you’re engaged. Congratulations! Now you get to pick a caterer and find your perfect dress. But you also have to figure out how to pay for it.

You may be asking yourself if it’s worth it to put such a big day on credit cards. You want it to be perfect, right?

Don’t do it! PAY CASH! Financial pressures are the number one cause of divorce in America today, and the number one thing we fight about.

The Consumer Reports Money Book states that the typical household has $38,000 in debt and that total consumer debt has almost tripled just since 1980. A recent survey conducted by Consolidated Credit Counseling Services found that 71 percent of Americans say debts are making their home lives unhappy. The beginning of your marriage should be exciting and joyful, why ruin that with unnecessary debt?

The most important thing is to figure out what you can pay for with cash and do a written budget. I am amazed how creative and resourceful a bride and her mom can be when they set a Cash Budget for a wedding.

Under no circumstances should you go into debt for this wedding. A $1,000 wedding paid for in cash will be a lot more enjoyable than a $10,000 wedding you’re stuck paying for in the years to come. The debt will cause a strain on your marriage that will overshadow your wonderful day.

It’s a proven fact that people who use plastic buy more than people who use cash. Don’t start your years together with debt from a wedding looming over you.

Instead of borrowing for your wedding, pay cash by using a sinking approach. If you want to spend $15,000 on your wedding and you have one year to save, you should put $1,250 into a cookie jar every month. Figure out how much you would like to spend and see if the amount can fit into your monthly budget. If not, you may need to downsize.

When you pay with cash rather than credit, you can almost always negotiate with vendors to get a discount, so you can get more bang for your buck. People get silly when they see cash–not a check or bank note–cash. There is something highly emotional about flashing cash when making a purchase. People react to the surety and the instancy of cash.

There are three keys to opening the door to huge bargains:
Learn to negotiate everything – even for your wedding! Everything you buy is negotiable at some time or place and win-win deals really work, so don’t be afraid to ask for the deal.
Have patience. Don’t let yourself get married to a purchase before the big day! Shop around to see if you can find something equally great at a cheaper price.
Know where to find deals. Treat deals like buried treasure. Hunt far and wide at estate sales, pawn shops and classifieds looking for that really good deal.

Remember that you may not be able to have it all. Focus on saving for your wedding now and put off buying a house for a while.

This can be hard for a society that is so focused on instant gratification that we microwave everything. As Brian Tracy, a well-known motivational speaker, says, “We are being taught by everything around us to have dessert before dinner.” We must have it, and we must have it now!

What happens in America when we get married is that everyone starts gathering around and whispering in our ear that we’re idiots for renting. But I think a lot of couples in their first year of marriage make some stupid purchases in real estate because of peer pressure.

Young marriage needs all the protection it can get as you really lock in and get to know each other and just love on one another that first year. There’s no need to add a bunch of financial stress with a mortgage. It’ll be a big enough struggle living in a little inexpensive apartment just spending T-I-M-E with each other for the next year.

Everything changes once the ring goes on the finger. And it really does take about a year to find out, for example how close to your mother-in-law you want to live.
So, for now, forget about the house and focus on staying on a budget to make your big day as perfect as possible.

Dave Ramsey is a personal money management expert, an extremely popular national radio personality and best-selling author of The Total Money Makeover. In his latest book, a follow-up of his enormously successful New York Times best-sellers Financial Peace and More Than Enough, Ramsey exemplifies his life’s work of teaching others how to be financially responsible, so they can acquire enough wealth to take care of loved ones, live prosperously into old age, and give generously to others.

Ramsey is the creator of Financial Peace University (FPU), a thirteen-week program that helps people dump their debt, get control of their money, and learn new behaviors around money that are founded on commitment and accountability. More than 500,000 families have attended FPU classes at their workplace, church, military base, local nonprofit organization, community group or Spanish speaking organization. The average family pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 in the first 91 days after beginning FPU and is completely out of debt, except for the mortgage, in 18 to 24 months.

On Oct. 15, 2007, Ramsey added television host to title when “The Dave Ramsey Show on Fox Business Network” debuted nationally. For more information visit www.DaveRamsey.com.

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Sharon Naylor – What Is Expected of a Groom

July 5, 2009 by smeyers
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Today’s groom gets to participate far more in the wedding plans than just picking a tux and showing up on time to get hitched. That’s the model of yesteryear, when weddings were the domain of the bride and her mother. The groom was lucky to have any say in the big day back then.

But oh, how things have changed! More than 90% of today’s grooms say they’re not only willing to participate in the wedding plans, they’re excited to co-plan everything from the cocktail party fare to the cake to the classic car getaway ride. Why stop at just choosing a tux when there’s so much else the groom wants to work on?

Here are the top 20 tasks that are expected of today’s groom:

Foundation Decisions
Determine the wedding style: Will it be an indoor or outdoor wedding? Formal or informal? Hometown or in Hawaii? The style and formality determine all details, so the groom chimes in on the style he wants.

Establish the budget: The groom and bride discuss where the money will come from, if parents will chip in, if they can take on the entire plan themselves, which credit cards will be used, creating an organized spending plan.
Determine the locations and date: Chat with site officiants and managers to coordinate the best pairing of open time slots, the best season for the wedding, the perfect timing and locations for both the ceremony and reception.
Select his bridal party members: Name his inner circle of best man/men, groomsmen, junior groomsmen and ring bearers.
Create the guest list: Hand over that initial list of friends, family, colleagues and neighbors, assess his parents’ prospective guest list, and then work with the bride to pare down all those names to a more manageable final guest list tally.
Register for gifts: Whether in-store or online, join the bride in ‘clicking on’ his choice of shared household items, appliances, honeymoon elements, charitable causes, in today’s average of two to three different gift registries.
Create a personal wedding website: Share location and registry information with guests by designing an attractive and detail-filled personal wedding website.

Planning Details
Participate in dreaming up ceremony details: Write wedding vows, choose readings, music, unity candle rituals and other symbolic parts of the ceremony to reflect the couple’s beliefs and values.
Participate in creating reception details: Brainstorm details on everything from the cocktail party menu to the design and fillings of the wedding cake, whether to hire a DJ or band, choosing bar menu items, and picking wedding favors.
Find, interview and hire vendors: The best vendors make the best weddings, so invest time in locating professionals through friends’ referrals, interview them, and spell out the terms of the working relationship.
Partner in controlling the plans: Join with the bride to keep parents’ requests under control, play mediator, decide on budget cuts, confront difficult vendors and handle the day-to-day challenges of such a vast undertaking.
Choose wedding-day wardrobe and get men’s clothing ordered: Select a tux or suit ensemble, and share the details, get size cards and payments from the men, and coordinate tux rental pickups and drop-offs.
Research and book hotel room: reserve block for guests to get the best possible discount.
Partner on planning the honeymoon: Explore potential dream honeymoon sites, investigate price packages and travel fees, and book not just the getaway but special events during the honeymoon, such as champagne cruises and swims with dolphins for an unforgettable, indulgent vacation.
Choose playlist and first-dance songs: Grooms love to choose the song playlist for the reception, including partnering with the bride on selecting their first-dance song, the mother-son dance and other special song requests, since the entertainment is a very big priority for most grooms.
Attend dance lessons or practice first dance: That first dance is a big moment at the reception.
Attend pre-wedding parties: Many showers are now co-ed affairs and lots of fun.

Additional Tasks
Provide emotional support and romance for the bride: The entire wedding planning season is an intense experience, and the bride will definitely require an emotional boost, support, laughter, and romance from her true love. Pay special attention to her well-being, state of mind, and enjoyment levels, often stepping in to solve problems, and treating the bride to gifts of flowers or dinners out to reconnect as a couple, not just party-planners.
Join the bride in writing thank-you notes: It may not be the most fun possible, but it has to be done. And writing thank-you’s is a great way to revisit the joys of the wedding day and experience gratitude for guests’ generosity. Another post-wedding To-Do: join the bride in selecting wedding photo proofs, design the wedding album, and have portraits framed.
Bring their skill sets to the table: If a groom excels at graphic design, he may lead the task of creating invitations, programs and other print items. If he’s a foodie, he may bring his refined palate to talks with the caterer to create an excellent menu spread. If he’s a whiz with technology, he could create songlist MP3s for the DJ, band or iPod play factors.
While most grooms will say, “It’s her day,” referring to the bride’s wedding dreams, there’s still a big element of infusing their own personalities, wishes and tastes into every element of the wedding day. And best of all, they often make it far more fun for the bride thoughout the planning process.

Sharon Naylor is the author of 35 wedding books, including The Bride’s Diplomacy Guide and 1000 Best Wedding Bargains, among others. She is the co-host of ‘Here Come the Moms’ at Wedding Podcast Network, and a frequent television guest expert recently appearing on Good Morning America, Get Married with David Tutera, The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet, Better.tv, Inside Edition, ABC News and other shows. She is happy to answer your wedding questions through her site at www.SharonNaylor.net.

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Tahiti and Her Islands – The Ultimate Romantic Getaway

July 1, 2009 by smeyers
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By Lindsay Wolfe

Look no further for the ultimate romantic getaway in true paradise, say “Ia ora na” (hello) to the islands of French Polynesia. Comprised of 118 different islands and spanning over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is separated into five archipelagos (chain or cluster of islands). The most visited of these island chains are the Society Islands which are geographically divided into two groups; the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. From the magnificent lagoons to the lush volcanic peaks, the Society Islands are often referred to as some of the most romantic and beautiful places on earth.

TAHITI
Tahiti is the largest of the Society Islands and also serves as the gateway to French Polynesia. Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, is a modern day busy city harboring many businesses and shops. Here you will find large hotels, restaurants, night clubs and shopping centers galore. A must-see while in Papeete is the La Marche (town center marketplace) that features local handcrafts, fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables all sold by local vendors. There is much more to Tahiti than the city of Papeete. If you are looking for lush valleys, scenic volcanic mountain tops and historical places they can all be found on this island. Some points of interest you may want to consider are the Botanical Museum, the Paul Gaugin Museum, Tomb of King Pomare V and the Marea Arahurahu. Helicopter rides, circle island tours and walking tours are some of the best ways to experience the diverse scenery of Tahiti.

MOOREA
Just a 30 minute ride from Tahiti on the Aremiti 5 (www.aremiti.pf/anglais), a high speed catamaran, is the beautiful island of Moorea. Here you will find white sand beaches and jagged mountain peaks surrounded by a deep blue lagoon with bays that are among the world’s most photographed bodies of water. The hotels and resorts in Moorea are more spread out than those in Tahiti but are still easily accessible by bus, taxi or rental car. If you are looking for private romantic accommodations that will not break the bank, opt for the Deluxe Garden Bungalows at the Moorea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa (www.pearlresorts.com). Complete with their own private swimming pool secluded by tropical gardens, these bungalows are adorned with fine Polynesian furnishings and include upgraded amenities.

The best way to experience Moorea’s treasures is by taking a guided jeep tour. Driving through the mountainous interior you will see breathtaking sights and learn about the islands agriculture. Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture the beautiful views over Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay and from Belvedere Lookout. Along the way you will sample some of the finest tropical fruits, visit a vanilla plantation, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a blue-eyed eel. Most resorts can book the tour for you but keep in mind that parts of the jeep tour are truly off road so make sure to wear good walking shoes.

For the ultimate cultural and dinning experience in Moorea, venture away from your lavish resort and visit the Tiki Village Theatre (www.tikivillage.pf) for a dinner show. As you enter the village, you will walk among the old-style fares (houses) to view demonstrations of jewelry making, traditional tattooing, stone and wood carvings, and other crafts. If you see something you like, buy it because the items are authentic and priced well below other stores on the island. Before viewing the most spectacular dance show preformed by more than 60 artists in elaborate yet traditional costumes, you will see the unveiling of a traditional Tahitian earth oven that has been cooking your feast throughout the day. All the Polynesian and Western dishes served are unique and inviting but make sure to try the fafa (chicken and taro leaves served in coconut milk), a local favorite. After the meal, you will witness a 1 ½ hour high energy, action packed show with dancers and fire twirlers performing to live Polynesian music. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about Tahitian culture and enjoy local fare!

BORA BORA
A trip to Tahiti isn’t complete without seeing the legendary lagoons of Bora Bora. Only a short flight from Tahiti or Moorea, the airport for Bora Bora is located on a “motu” or islet so you will be escorted to your resort by boat. Since Bora Bora lies in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, the over-water bungalow experience is essential on this island and worth the extra expense. For romantic tranquility and absolute luxury, try the over-water bungalows at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa (www.pearlresorts.com). These bungalows are the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Bora Bora. Each bungalow has a secluded sunbathing porch with spectacular views of the lush volcanic peak, a glass bottom coffee table so you can see an array of multicolor fish pass right by your own coral reef under your room, and a private staircase that allows you to submerge in the translucent waters of the lagoon whenever you choose. If you are too relaxed in your bungalow to go to one of the resorts fine restaurants, order room service which will be delivered to you by an outrigger canoe.

French Polynesia is known for its deluxe spas that use natural products such as coconut oil and flowers. The Manea Spa (www.maneaspa.com), conveniently located at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa, is one of the most well known on all the islands. Built from exotic timber and situated on stilts above a lake surrounded by a tropical garden, the spa combines traditional Polynesian design and state of the art equipment, creating the perfect tranquil environment for body and mind. The spa menu includes body treatments, massages, facial treatments and so much more. For the best spa experience, book the Te Vai Roa, and you will be pampered like a king and queen in the privacy of a lavish suite while you endure your royal footbath, body mask, massage and floral bath.

Bora Bora offers a large range of activities for both the land or water lover. The underwater world of Bora Bora presents marine life in pristine turquoise waters that is a diver’s heaven. If you are not certified, opt for the aqua helmet dive which allows you to roam effortlessly along the bottom of the lagoon. As you encounter multitudes of colorful fish and other lively marine life, you are given oxygen within the helmet making this a great activity for anyone who can breathe comfortably on their own. For an extreme experience like no other, try the ray and shark feeding guided by the island’s own famous “shark boy.” During this thrilling encounter, you will be swarmed by stingrays as you submerge into their natural environment and then see a shark feeding frenzy only a shocking ten feet in front of you. Some of the other activities you can enjoy on Bora Bora include hiking, horseback riding, lagoon rides, motu picnics, helicopter rides and parasailing.

OTHER ISLANDS
Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora are not the only destinations to visit in the Society Islands. With only a handful of hotels and located only a short plane ride from Tahiti, Huahine is a great destination to experience untouched old-Polynesian charm. The ancient culture of the island can be seen through the restored temples and the old stone fish traps preserved by the proud natives of Huahine. Nicknamed the “Garden of Eden,” Huahine is an agricultural rich island with groves of papya, breadfruit, mango and has vast plantations of vanilla and coffee. If you are a surfer, the world-class waves in Huahine are sure to please. If you prefer sailing, then make sure to visit the island of Raiatea which is the sailing capital of French Polynesia. Due to the deep lagoon and lack of beach, Raiatea provides optimal sailing conditions for luxury yachts and charter boats. For a more secluded experience, try the island of Taha’a . Located only two miles north of Raiatea, Taha’a boasts one of French Polynesia’s top resorts, Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa (www.LeTahaa.com).

INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL
In order to truly experience the beauty and diverse landscape of French Polynesia, you should travel to more than just the queen island of Tahiti, and getting around the islands is easier than you might think. If you would like to travel by boat, ferries and charters are available between most of the islands and run year-round schedules. For a quicker trip, Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui.com) has daily flights between most of the islands and discounted passes are available if you plan to visit multiple places. Always reconfirm your inter-island flights and pay close attention to the baggage limits to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Lockers and storerooms are available at the airport if you are over the weight limit.

CRUISING THE ISLANDS
If you want to island hop but don’t like making your own arrangements, there are several cruise lines with ports of call in French Polynesia. For a more intimate experience, you can now experience the Society Islands in eight days aboard the Star Flyer. Owned and operated by Star Clippers (www.starclippers.com), this grand 170 passenger vessel combines the amenities of a luxurious cruise ship with the adventure and romance of sailing. This true clipper ship sets sail in the evenings as guests dine on a five-course dinner, and casts anchor each day at a different island for excursions, tours, and water sports. The Star Flyer is a unique way to experience Tahiti and her islands and allows you to gain some nautical knowledge along the way.

CLIMATE AND CULTURE
The tropical temperatures and mild humidity of Tahiti make the climate near perfect year-round. Although there is no bad time to visit, the dry season is considered the most pleasant time to book a trip. Spanning from May through October, the temperatures are approximately 82 degrees during the day and a delightful 68 degrees at night. November through April is the wet season, and during these months sudden rain showers may interrupt the sunshine but they don’t last long. If you don’t mind a little rain, the wet season may be the time of year for you because the days are warmer reaching highs of 86 degrees and lows of 72 degrees. The months of July and August are the busiest time of the year for tourism. The largest cultural festival in all of Tahiti, Heiva, takes place in July. During this month-long celebration, airline and hotel reservations are difficult and expensive.

GETTING THERE
Due to the remote location of Tahiti and her islands, most travelers arrive by plane. When booking your reservations research French Polynesia’s award winning airline, Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui.com), because they provide more non-stop flights than any other carrier. Although the flight is eight hours from Los Angeles or twelve hours from New York, aboard Air Tahiti Nui’s new airbus fleet you can expect gourmet meals, a private movie screen and the most helpful staff in the skies to keep you comfortable during your long flight.

Most international flights to Tahiti leave from the US in the evening so you arrive at Tahiti-faa’a (PPT), the islands only international airport, in the early hours of the morning. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Tahitian musicians and given a Tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia) to place behind your ear signifying you have arrived in paradise. Transportation to your next destination is easily arranged at the airport but don’t forget you will need official local currency, French Pacific franc (CFP), to pay your driver. ATMs are an easy way to get currency and they operate in both French and English. Tipping is not customary or expected in the Polynesian culture. However, feel free to tip if you feel that you have received outstanding service.

Regardless of which islands you visit, French Polynesia will truly redefine your meaning of paradise. You can choose to island hop by land or by sea but either way, the unsurpassed beauty and rich culture Tahiti and her islands await you. Visit www.tahiti-tourism.com to start planning your ultimate romantic getaway today.

Sources:

Tahiti Planning Information and Booking
www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com

Pearl Beach Resort and Spa
(Moorea and Bora Bora)
www.PearlResorts.com

Spa at Pearl Beach Resorts
www.ManeaSpa.com

Inter-Island Travel
www.AirTahiti.com

Tiki Village Dinner Theatre
www.TikiVillage.pf

Photos provided by Tahiti Tourism
www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com

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Cadre Building

June 27, 2009 by smeyers
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Colonial Country Club

June 26, 2009 by smeyers
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Draper’s Catering

June 24, 2009 by smeyers
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Memphis, TN 38134

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Embassy Suites Memphis

June 23, 2009 by smeyers
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Graceland’s Chapel in the Woods

June 20, 2009 by smeyers
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Hillwood at Davies Manor

June 19, 2009 by smeyers
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3570 Davieshire Dr.

Bartlett, TN 38133

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Hilton Memphis

June 18, 2009 by smeyers
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939 Ridge Lake Boulevard

Memphis, TN 38120

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B&A Warehouse

June 18, 2009 by smeyers
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www.bawarehouse.com

205-326-4220

With the city’s finest chefs on staff and a menu packed with mouth-watering selections from fresh gazpacho to freshly seared tuna, there’s no place better at satisfying your next event or just want a delicious meal delivered to the office, do your mouth a favor and call us.

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