Teeth of the Dog, horse or course? A horse, of course!

The sun is shining, the breeze is warming up and Siren is getting pumped for the upcoming weekend.  Why?  This Saturday, May 19^th marks the 137^th running of the Preakness Stakes, a classic horse race at the Pimlico Racecourse in Maryland that is a true test of ability and class.  We’ve dusted off our wide-brimmed sunhats and are ready to root for Teeth of the Dog, the three-year old stallion named after the iconic golf course on the stunning Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

The four-legged Teeth of the Dog recently made headlines, coming in an impressive third place at the 2012 Kentucky Derby.  Not bad for a horse who just made his debut last December!  We like to think his name has something to do with it.  Owner J.W. Singer, a long-time fan of the Casa de Campo resort and villa owner, named his treasured horse after the legendary Teeth of the Dog golf course, awarded #1 in the Caribbean.  With breathtaking scenery and challenging greens, the course attracts the best professional and amateur golfers in the world.

Saturday’s race has a scheduled post time of 6:15pm EST and will be broadcast on NBC.   Tune in with us to cheer on Teeth of the Dog and show your support for Casa de Campo!

GO LOCAL THIS MOTHER’S DAY

Enjoy the comforts of home with your family and let mom relax as you make a delicious homemade brunch.  Prepare some of her favourite dishes and raise a glass to celebrate her special day. In the spirit of staying close to home, why not try a local VQA Ontario wine. Union Wine’s new rosé is a refreshing home-grown blend, and the perfect addition to a brunch dedicated to Mom. Designing a menu that pairs well with Union Rosé is easy as the wine is versatile and compliments a variety of dishes such as, pastries, chicken, fruit salad and fine herbs.

To make your Mother’s Day brunch even more memorable, add some rosé inspired decor. The blush tones from the Union Rosé will add a burst of colour to a spring table and create a soft and feminine touch. You can even include blush and rose accents with coloured napkins, floral arrangements and table settings.

Mom will love: A glass of Union Wine rosé as her family makes a celebratory toast in her honour.

MOTHER’S DAY AT ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN

Come celebrate Mother’s Day at the lavish One&Only Cape Town. The resort will be offering a delightful day-long culinary experience for mothers and daughters.

Reuben’s, located in the resort, will be serving a Mother’s Day Lunch buffet featuring an array of sweet treats, finger sandwiches and delectable entrées.

At Vista Bar, guest can enjoy a floral- themed afternoon tea.  It features a rich selection of teas and coffee presented with sweet confectionaries.  

 Nobu One&Only Cape Town’s Japanese bar will be serving complimentary Mother’s Day Bento Boxes including petit fours such as mango cream éclairs and lavender sugar dusted cookies

One&Only Cape Town’s buffet and afternoon tea offering to be a Mother’s Day that won’t be forgotten.

Mom will love: Scottish Salmon with Cream Cheese Pinwheels at Rueben’s.

MOTHER’S DAY AT ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND

Atlantis Paradise Island is the perfect destination to celebrate a Mother’s Day brunch with the whole family. The resort will be hosting the Mommy & Me Culinary Adventure at the Royal Towers. This exciting Mother’s Day – only event invites mothers and their children to craft the perfect culinary creation alongside one of Atlantis’ chefs.

Mom will love: Making fresh fruit tarts and Belgian and chocolate waffles with the kids.

The views are just one reason to stay at Gansevoort Park Avenue

What to do:

• Take a walk on the High Line, a 2.3 kilometre-long public park built on an elevator rail structure in the Meatpacking District. The views and scenery will bring out the avid photographer in anyone.
• Get sporty – Spring is a rare time of year when the hockey, baseball and basketball seasons overlap. Take in an afternoon game at Yankee Stadium or go celeb-spotting courtside with the Knicks.
• Eat! Manhattan has thousands of restaurants, many with acclaimed chefs at the helm. Keep an eye out for pop-up concept restaurants like the ones produced by Guerilla Culinary Brigade, who just last fall launched a modern travelling version of acclaimed resto Le Cirque.
• Try a new class – Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t work out. New York is a breeding ground for the latest fitness trends. Take Chaise 23, which boasts a full-body workout developed by figure skater and Pilates guru, Lauren Piskin.
• Shop at Canadian favourite, Joe Fresh, who recently opened a store on 5th Avenue.
• See the sites. No matter how many times we go to NYC, there’s always something special about seeing the Brooklyn Bridge lit up at night or taking a stroll through Central Park.

Where to stay:

• Gansevoort Park Avenue – Uptown chic meets downtown cool at this luxury urban resort, which features a stunning three-storey atrium lobby, plush rooms, exquisite dining at Ristorante Asellina and the supremely cool, Winston’s Champagne Bar.
• Hotel Gansevoort, Meatpacking– A beacon in the Meatpacking District, Gansevoort Meatpacking was named “One of the Best Rooftops on Earth” by Harpers & Queen (UK). Take a dip at Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge on enjoy drinks as the sun sets  over a 360-degree view of Manhattan.

BRUNCH AT RANGE

Before going out for a round of golf, treat the lady in your life with a delicious Mother’s Day brunch at range, Predator Ridge’s signature restaurant. With breath-taking views and fine gourmet fare, mom will surely feel special.

Mom will love: Buttermilk pancakes with Canadian maple syrup, followed by a round on The Ridge Course.

BRUNCH AT ASELLINA

Ristorante Asellina at Gansevoort Park Avenue is the perfect place to bring your mom for a chic Mother’s Day Brunch in the Big Apple. To celebrate this day, Asellina is serving up Festa Della Mamma, a special brunch to honour mothers– Manhattan style. Mom will enjoy a fresh flower bouquet and a Rosolio cocktail, compliments of Asellina.

Mom will love: The shrimp frittata and a champagne and butternut squash pudding dessert.

GOSPEL BRUNCH AT L’AZURE

The Gospel Brunch at The Crane is the ultimate Mother’s Day experience when vacationing in Barbados. The beautiful ocean front scenery paired with delicious food from L’Azure Restaurant makes this a very popular dining spot.

While enjoying the buffet-style brunch, Mom and guests will be serenaded by a gospel choir singing mellow Bajan songs.

Rich Ruby

The Scene:

Forty years of marriage is a milestone that should be celebrated and honoured. What better way to celebrate it than on a luxury cruise?

Silversea Cruises provides the ultimate all-inclusive luxury experience – featuring full butler service, all  suite accommodations, spacious verandas and Relais & Chateaux-inspired dining.

Romance Factor:

Board the Silver Whisper for Silversea’s World Cruise 2013, the trip of a lifetime. The world cruise visits 28 exotic countries in 115 days and includes several special onboard events and shore excursions.  Silversea is the ultimate in luxury cruising and a very special way to celebrate a wedding anniversary.

Silver Jubilee

The Scene:

This year the historic Crane Residential Resort celebrates its 125^th anniversary making it the perfect destination for the couple reaching their 25 year wedding milestone.

The Romance Factor:

Perched high on a cliff above the powder pink sands and turquoise waters of Crane Beach, The Crane resort is a magnificent hideaway for guests who want to get away from it all.  The intimate locale, coupled with world-class dining and amenities allows guests to indulge and spend quality time together.

Love, Romance & Character

The Scene:

Auberge Saint-Antoine’s elegant and sophisticated character captivates all who visit Quebec City’s best kept secret. Known for its rich history, bold character and luxury accommodations, guest appreciate Auberge Saint-Antoine’s unique blend of past, present and future.

Romance Factor:

The Romantic package includes a one or two-night stay for two, dinner, a 60 minute massage per person, champagne and chocolates on arrival, dinner for two at the stunning Panache Restaurant and breakfast the next morning. Rekindle the romance and sparkle in your marriage by celebrating your 10th anniversary at Auberge Saint-Antoine.

5th Anniversary

Mod Caribbean Couple

The Scene:

Recently named one of the “Top Ten Trendiest Resorts in the World” by TripAdvisor.com, Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is known for its sensual island vibe. Like its flagship location, Hotel Gansevoort, Meatpacking, Gansevoort Turks + Caicos has a sleek boutique hotel for those looking to escape the every day. Oceanfront studios are spacious at a 670 sq. ft. and ideal for a quiet retreat.

Romance Factor:

Fall in love again…and again…

The Mr. and Mrs. G package offers a choice of one couple massage or two 50 minute massages, dinner for two at new restaurant, Stelle, monogrammed robes and much more.

The Scene:

Casa de Campo is a luxurious retreat that gently sprawls across the beautiful Dominican seascape. Couples can walk-hand in hand on the white-sand Minitas beach, stroll through the charming marina or Altos De Chavon village – or even escape to the private Palmilla island for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Romance Factor:

The adventurous couple will delight in side-by-side tennis lessons, or perhaps by taking a swing on one of the resort’s three championship golf courses.  The truly adventurous will step things up a notch by enjoying a romantic round of skeet shooting at Casa de Campo’s rifle range.

1st Anniversary

The Urban Chic Couple

The Scene:

Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC’s urban resort is perfect for young couples looking for a city-infused getaway. Known for midtown chic style mixed with upscale amenities and luxury suites, Gansevoort Park Avenue merges uptown sophistication with downtown city life.

Romance Factor:

Enjoy the soothing Head to Toe package which includes one exhale mind & body class, choice of signature therapy at exhale spa, two poolside cocktails and two reserved seats by the hotel’s exclusive Pool or Sundeck. If you’re looking to relax and unwind with a few drinks as the night comes to a close, make your way to the Gansevoort Park Avenue Rooftop patio.

The Bahamian Tropical Couple

The Scene:

The Cove Atlantis offers a cool, serene and sexy ambiance for couples celebrating their first year together. The resort is luxurious, fun – and also private, making for the perfect place to create those special memories.

Romance Factor:

The Deluxe Ocean Suite is a stunning suite with a French balcony, a spectacular ocean view and a step down living area. Spice things up by heading to the Cain at the Cove- an adults only pool, outdoor gaming area where 20 private cabanas beckon.

The Harvest Table at Bohmer

Guests gathered at Boehmer restaurant on Ossington Avenue and were treated to a three-course tasting menu that was inspired by the five-star dining experience that is enjoyed aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Brunch was served at Boehmer’s signature harvest table beneath the restaurant’s stunning wood and crystal chandelier.

The specially crafted menu featured three dishes that captured the high quality and Canadian influence that goes into the trains’ gourmet culinary experience.

The first dish featured crisp egg rolls filled with free range eggs and fresh cheese, accompanied with West Coast Dungeness crab fritters and kelp caviar.

Egg rolls filled with scrambled free range eggs and fresh cheese

The second was oven baked souffle with shaved maple ham and served with organic sweet corn potato pancakes. The final dish was a roasted wild Pacific Sockeye salmon (shipped to Toronto just for the occasion!) and cured with a delicious smoked maple sugar. Red Canadian Cedar jelly also complemented this dish with its unique flavour.

To complete the brunch, an Okanagan sparkling wine and chardonnay was served throughout the event. Rocky Mountaineer’s custom blend tea was also offered to guests, this was a special touch as this tea is only available to travellers onboard the train.