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Spotlight: Contessa Restaurant at The Newbury Hotel in Boston

Video courtesy of Dining Playbook

Spotlight: Afternoon Tea Vermont Style

Photo courtesy of Shelburne Farms

Savor Afternoon Tea, Vermont Style... Enjoy daily afternoon tea in the Tea Room, one of several lovely common rooms at Shelburne Farms, and more.
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Thursday, February 13, 2014

New England Food Trail: A Roundup of All Things Culinary

Boston University's Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts - Designed to educate and entertain, Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts encompass a broad range of activities related to culinary arts. From walking tours of Boston’s culinary neighborhoods to bread making to cheese and wine tastings.

The Meadowmere Resort's Ogunquit Maine Cooking Package - Make Me A Chef Weekends includes an interactive dinner at Bintliff's restaurant, 10% Cooking School Course Discount at Stonewall Kitchen and more. 

Vermont Culinary Weekend Inclusive Package for Two at The Lilac Inn - Enjoy a culinary weekend in the charming Vermont village of Brandon, with hands on instruction from renowned Chef Robert of the Cafe Provence at The Lilac Inn. Limited to six couples per weekend. Remaining dates: February 21 & 22, March 21 & 22 & April 25 & 26.

Photo Courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village

Enjoy an authentic 19th-century culinary experience with the Dinner in a Country Village package & more at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA.- Available for check in on March 1, 2014 or March 22, 2014. Dinner in a Country Village is a unique opportunity to prepare and eat a meal as early New Englanders did, with participants assisting costumed interpreters with the roasting, baking, and mulling. The package includes a one-night stay, two-day admission to Old Sturbridge Village for two guests, and two tickets to Dinner in a Country Village, with pricing starting at $263 per package.

The Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont offers weekly wine tastings in their wine cellar, with varieties from all around the world.

Mark your calendar... The 9th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is September 19-21, 2014.


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Hot off the Press: All of American Cruise Lines' 2014 Maine Coast Cruises Will Be Lobster-Themed!


American Cruise Lines recently announced that it will be offering its popular lobster theme on all 2014 Maine Coast cruises. The eight-day theme cruise features lobster cuisine, a lobster boat excursion, a traditional lobsterbake in Rockland, and more. Offered on the 49-passenger American Glory and 104-passenger Independence, cruises begin in early June and sail through September. Guests will enjoy freshly prepared lobster and unique activities, while enjoying a personalized cruise experience along the coast of Maine. Highlights of the lobster-themed cruise include:

Lobster Dishes – Our experienced chefs take lobster seriously. They have created unique menus which feature lobster throughout the cruise. The typical menu includes stuffed lobster tail, whole steamed lobster, lobster pot pie, lobster risotto, lobster omelets, and even lobster ice cream.

Lobster Boat Excursion – Guests have the opportunity to board an actual lobster boat for an authentic “daily catch” experience while enjoying gorgeous views of the coast of Maine. While catching lobsters, they’ll also learn about the lifestyle of Maine lobsterman.

Lobster Bake – The highlight of the cruise is American Cruise Lines’ signature New England Lobster bake on the shore of the Penobscot Bay. Fresh lobster, clams, and corn are all steamed in kelp over hot coals. The feast is unlike any other, and also features live music and stunning views of the Rockland Harbor.

“We decided to extend this theme to all of our Maine Coast sailings due to its popularity among guests,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “Lobster is Maine’s specialty and people travel from all over the country to experience it. We look forward to allowing even more guests to enjoy the New England tradition and delicacy aboard this theme cruise.”

From Boothbay to Bar Harbor, Camden to Castine, American Cruise Lines brings guests to charming ports in Maine famous for their shipbuilding, beautiful national parks and quaint historic districts. They will visit the charming village of Belfast, famous for its beautiful Greek revival architecture, the Granite Mountains of Acadia National Park, and view the classic schooners in Camden harbor.

For more information, visit https://www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-814-6880.