Wine Country - Day 3 - Solage

Calistoga greeted us with 100-degree weather which would have been much more tolerable if the AC hadn't broken in the car. Just a day in the life of an event planner! So you can imagine our excitement when we drove up to Solage, the beautiful 22 acre property rated the #11 resort in the "World's Best Awards 2009."


We were escorted to our private bungalow where we were thrilled to find these delicious miniature cupcakes and a personal note welcoming us to Solage.



The beds at Solage are an event coordinator's dream (no pun intended)! In all of my travels, I have never slept on a more comfortable bed.



Each room has an outdoor seating area, which is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper.

Explore the property or the city of Calistoga with these one-size-fits-all beach cruisers. For your convenience, two bikes are parked outside your room throughout your entire stay. Such a creative take on a complimentary room amenity. Second to the beds, it was my favorite "special touch" at Solage.



Bocce ball anyone? Built-in activities are always helpful when planning welcome receptions!



Solage offers beautiful indoor and outdoor event space. This is a photo of the outdoor patio that is connected to their "ballroom," which is a modern room with vaulted ceiling, cement floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Danielle and I were immediately brainstorming ways to use the enchanting space.



The full-service 20,000 square-foot spa features 14 treatment rooms. Spa Solage has put an interesting twist on the typical mud bath, with individual pails that allow you to customize your treatment. Upon arrival to the Mud Bar, you will be asked to choose from one of the four aromatherapy scents added to your personal pail of mud.




As a part-time fitness instructor, I am always appreciative when a resort has a well equipped fitness center. I was very impressed by the workout facility at Solage. If you prefer burning calories in a group setting, Solage also offers complimentary classes such as yoga, 6-pack abs, spinning, and even a pilates reformer class.



Our favorites: the oh-so-comfortable beds, beach cruisers, workout facilities, spacious rooms, and efforts to be a green resort.

We wished: that the resort was more conveniently situated in or closer to a city that offered airport access.

-Heather

Wine Country - Day 1 - Bardessono


Welcome to Bardessono {bardi-sono} the newest luxury hotel in Napa Valley which opened its doors to an excited crowd in early February of this year.



Danielle couldn't wait to get her photo snapped in front of this famous wall which started her love affair with vertical gardens. I like to call it "environmental graffiti".




Speaking of the environment, Bardessono has been rated the second highest environmentally friendly resort in the nation! Impressive. From concrete floors, to motion sensor lights, and reusable bath products, Bardessono is really in line with the SSP take on the importance of going green.


Our yummy welcome gift. All locally grown products, all fresh, all good!


Here is a shot of the on-site dining option at the resort. Don't worry about trying to remember a complicated restaurant name, Bardessono Restaurant will do the trick. Please note the beautiful handmade tree table.



After our site inspection we were able to hang out at the roof top pool deck in a private cabana. Bardessono is one of the few resorts that offers these beautiful cabanas at no additional charge.


This same pool deck transforms on Wednesday nights into the hot spot for all locals and visitors alike. From 6-9 pm, the resort hosts "Dive Bar" - a pool party with a full bar and often times a DJ. It's like Vegas in Yountville!



Welcome to the future...of toilets that is. Bardessono has a handful of Japanese toilets that have caused almost every visitor to do exactly this, take a picture in a restroom! I am not going to get into the mechanics of how this toilet works, but rumor has it YouTube has videos if your interest is sparked.


Off to dinner we went. With so many wonderful restaurants in downtown Yountville it was hard to choose. We decided on REDD and we were not disappointed. Chef Richard Reddington does a great job at creating an inviting place that serves unique food. Danielle and I enjoyed caramelized diver scallops, little gem salad, and sauteed skate with summer beans and potato puree. Excellent.


And with a book of wine options, sometimes it's just easier to go with a cocktail.

Day 2 - Bardessono

After a night of delicious food, it seemed only right to get in an early morning workout.


I know this picture looks like we had a successful morning workout, but the reality was that we didn't even make it off property. Danielle couldn't quite conquer her uncertainty of things with wheels. So instead, we found ourselves at Bouchon Bakery.




I know what you are thinking.... but how could we resist the sweet smells permeating from Thomas Keller's take on breakfast.



To make up for our guilt-ridden breakfast we decided to keep our feet on the ground and go for a walk. That's when we discovered Thomas Keller's personal garden...okay not really, but we came to the garden for The French Laundry. Little did we know that our discovery was foresight for the evening's dining plans...

Our favorites: the prime location in downtown Yountville, their hip take on going green, outdoor showers, the lavender sleep patches at turn down, the AMAZING concierge, and the yummy room amenity.

We wished: the pool would have been a bit tidier and better kept come the end of the day, more bikes ready for use, and an on-site gym.

-Heather

Wine Country Travels - Day 1 - Westin Verasa


Heather and I planned a trip this week to the wine country to check out a few new hotels for our 2010 events. Our first stop was new Westin Versa in Napa.


Behind the front desk was a creative wall of wine bottles adorned with the Westin logo.



The floral arrangements at the hotel were potted in white birch tree bands and wooden boxes. A nice touch - and one of my favorite looks.



For lunch, we ate at the hotel's Bank Cafe - our favorites were the Burratta Mozzarella with roasted heirloom tomatoes and the Petaluma chicken.

The hotel consists almost entirely of suites with kitchens (except for 20 rooms). All the rooms have king beds. The room prices for the location are reasonable too.


They have outdoor and indoor event space, as well as a built-in bocce ball court.


The meeting rooms are well designed with attractive carpeting, lighting and chairs. I love their outdoor buffet tables - I want one for my backyard!

The hotel is located in downtown Napa around many restaurants and wine tasting rooms - and the famous Oxbow Public Market.

Our favorites: The large sleeping rooms, great decor in the hotel and event space, and delicious food.

We wished: They had a spa and as well as roll-away beds for the sleeping rooms (or at least double double options).

Next up - the new luxury 'green' Bardessono and our favorite meal ever...stay tuned!

-Danielle

Field Trip!





We decided to spend a few hours out of the office today and visit some places in town we have been talking about. Our first stop was Flora Grubb - a jewel of a nursery tucked away off 3rd and Jerrold. The ideas were flying through my head...what a place for a party!



Next up.....Hotel Vertigo - one of a handful of Personality Hotel Collection properties in the City. Washed in white and vivid orange, the boutique property offers up the "hip and cool" factor, and is located just a short cab ride away from great tourist hot-spots.




Our last stop of the afternoon took us to the newly renovated San Francisco Marriott Union Square. Designed to cater to the business traveler, rooms offer amenities that let you set up your "office away from the office." But with views of the City and the Bay, I am not sure how much work you would get done!




~ Merideth

SSP Goes to Washington DC

Last week Danielle and I had a great opportunity to go to Washington DC and present to a potential new client. We took an extra day to explore the city, look for inspiration, and enjoy true summer weather, which is something we never really have in San Francisco. We loved DC and probably walked three or four miles a day just looking around.

Here are just a few things that inspired us:

Taylor's Gourmet Deli - we read about this place in Dwell on the plane ride to DC. It was a great space with killer sandwiches. The guys who opened it live above it and have a great sense of style. We wish them lots of luck.

check them out in Dwell: http://www.dwell.com/articles/hoagies-heroes.html



We also loved cakelove. We did not get cupcakes because it was 10 a.m, but I did buy the cookbook so I can make the mojito cake!

The trip was not all about food; we also saw great architecture, including this 7 Eleven!






We hope to go back to DC soon.

Samantha

The Breakfast of Champions



This morning I decided to bring in breakfast for the team. I stopped by Dynamo to get some of their much talked-about donuts. I couldn't find the exact location, but then noticed a line of people waiting outside the door....and figured that was the place!

The day's flavors are pictured in the photo below....I got one of each - except for the sticky bun (nothing against it - just not my favorite).



My favorite flavor was the maple glazed apple bacon - it tasted like pancakes and bacon with some maple syrup. If you are going for a more "traditional" flavor, the coconut or chocolate will do the trick.



-Danielle

ARIGATO. GRAZIE. GRACIAS. MERCI.

Polite. part of speech (adjective). Defined as showing good manners towards others.

Everyone likes to be acknowledged when they go over and above to make one feel special. A verbal "thank you" is always pleasant and well received; however, a handwritten thank you note is even better!

I clearly work in an office with the Queens of Etiquette, as thank you notes are on continuous circulation around the office. It is always a treat to come into the office to find a sweet note at your work station.


-Heather

...We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Our team is back in the office after traveling for several events. We went on a team outing to Humphry Slocombe to find out what all the talk is about...



I ordered the Rosemary's Baby & the Vietnamese Coffee flavors with chocolate sauce. (But took a few tastes ahead of time to make my selection!) There was a burst of great flavors in every bite.



Here's me and Jake (I begged for this pic with him since he is now a local celebrity).

He told me it was their seven-month anniversary of being open - Congratulations on such a great business venture!



-Danielle

Big Island Yummy




As any event planner will tell, eating a lot of hotel food gets a bit tiring. So after 10 days on the Big Island we found our way to GJ's Huli Chicken and Ribs...yummy. They also sell banana egg rolls that were to die for. Right next to their stand is a little farmers market that makes fruit smoothies.

Next time you are on the Big Island and you need some great food - check them out. They are located near the Kawaihae Harbor in Kamuela.

-Samantha

Happy Birthday Paul






Our food and beverage director, Paul, turned 40 in June. I know I am late in posting this, but Happy Birthday Paul!

We threw his party in Mexico. The theme: tie-dye and pork. We all made our own T-shirts (to celebrate his love for the Grateful Dead) and roasted a whole pig, yummy!

It was a great weekend filled with family and friends.

Samantha

Tiki Time!


SSP was working an event last week and one of the evenings was Island-themed. Since it was at nighttime, the neon was a cool touch. We did some sleuthing and found out they were from a company called "Heaven or Las Vegas", a national neon rental company. You never know when a little neon will come in handy!




The neon against the dark walls looked very cool, and made us want to plan a Tiki party! (By the way, these stood about eight feet tall - yowza!)


Check out their website here.

Oh, and don't forget the very retro hula girl...

--Sara

Eco Friendly Tableware



Who says disposable plates can't be beautiful and environmentally friendly?

Japan-based company Wasara has created sophisticated green tableware designed specifically for one-time use. No more dish duty for the SSP ladies!

Designed to naturally fit in ones hand, this line of plates, cups, and serving platters enhances the beauty of the dishes you are serving while also making them a breeze for guests to carry. Wasara's fusion of elegance and function perfectly embodies the Japanese "spirit of hospitality and courtesy."


By using non-wood materials that grow abundant in nature such as reed pulp, bamboo, and sugarcane waste, these plates naturally reduce the impact on the environment. After use, feel free to continue the green effort and recycle the tableware !

Check out the rest of their amazing line here.

- Elizabeth

That's Entertainment!


I recently visited Bella Winery for their "Circus" theme party and was entertained by Circus Bella (this was my second time seeing them perform - first time was at Bella's holiday party).

Circus Bella is a one ring circus, featuring contemporary acts performing to an original score with live musicians. See more about them here.

They are clever and quirky - so fun to hire for a party!

Travel Treats

Danielle just got back from Seattle, and like the good manager she is, she came bearing gifts. Chocolate for everyone!

So the ladies of SSP conducted a very necessary taste test of the various chocolate bars produced by Theo Chocolate. This Seattle-based company strives to embody quality and creativity through offering unique favors with award-winning taste. Some of the chocolate that underwent SSP "quality assurance" tests were Coconut Curry, Chai Tea, Vanilla, and Fig, Fennel & Almond. The office hit was Nib Brittle.

Purchasing Theo Chocolate supports farming families through fair prices, direct trade, community development, and environmental stewardship. The chocolate bars are also certified organic. What more could you ask for?! Oh and did I forget to mention that the packaging is darling?

Thanks for the treats, Danielle!

-Heather

Contigo



Paul (our resident food and beverage director) and I went to Contigo this week for dinner.

Contigo means "with you" in Spanish. It was amazing. The space was well designed and the food was perfect. We sat at the counter, which is one of our favorite ways to eat, watching the cooks prepare the food. Everything we tried was very fresh and beautifully prepared. We stuck to the small plates so we could sample more food.

Paul tried the calamari with pimientos de padron with lemon, and followed it with pescaditos fritos (little fried fish). He loved both of his dishes. He paired his dinner with different types of sherries. Due to my garlic allergy I tried some simpler dishes; little gem salad with radishes and aged sherry vinaigrette and jamon serrano reserva; both were yummy.

You should try it too - Contigo is in Noe Valley, 1320 Castro Street at 24th in San Francisco

-Samantha

Call Us The Inspectors


Sara and I took a day trip up to the wine country to conduct site inspections at a few hotels and resorts. We were very impressed with the charming town of Healdsburg. 

Located in the center of it all, set on the western edge of Healdsburg's historic town plaza, is the beautiful Hotel Healdsburg. Hotel Healdsburg is a great getaway for San Franciscans as it is only a 70-mile drive north. The hotel offers luxury and tranquility with great attention to details.

A recommended weekend getaway spot for sure!

-Heather