Earth Day at The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa

April 18th, 2010

World Earth Day clip art black with soaring eagle     Thursday, April 22, 2010!  EARTH DAY! 

Take the time to really think about the impact (footprint) that you leave on this earth.  At The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, we take it seriously.  Check out some of the efforts taking place at The Boulders:  http://www.theboulders.com/green/

On Earth Day 2010, the Golden Door Spa will be giving the first 75 guests with spa services that day a re-usable canvas tote.  Its the Golden Door way of giving back!

Here are a few things that you can do at home to start living a greener lifestyle (no hard labor required).  Do you:

  • take the time to recycle,
  • purchase local foods rather than foods that need to be trucked into your area,
  • take your shopping tote to the grocery store rather than having the bagger use all of the plastic bags,
  • carry a re-usable water bottle rather than purchasing bottled water,
  • turn off lights when you are not in that room,
  • unplug electronics that are not in use and don’t need to be plugged in 24/7,
  • save old, tattered t-shirts and towels that can be cut into rags for cleaning around the house to replace paper towels.

These are just a few simple ways that YOU can make a difference on a daily basis.  If we ALL took these simple steps a difference CAN be made.  A great resource to help YOU get living with the earth in mind is www.greenmatters.com  Find all kinds of information to help you live a cleaner, greener life.

Earth Day clip art -- green recycle symbol with leaf         Free Earth Day clip art -- green car          Earth Day clip art -- shiny Earth        Free Earth Day clip art -- green building          Earth Day clip art -- renewable sun power

Fourth Annual Salsa Challenge at el Pedregal at The Boulders

April 16th, 2010

El Pedregal at The Boulders hosts its Fourth Annual outdoor Salsa Challenge on Saturday, May 1 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., showcasing Arizona Chefs and Restaurants including The Spotted Donkey, El Encanto, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, Dos Diablos, Tonto Bar & Grill, Scottsdale Pantry, 3 Margaritas and Rubios!  Guests are invited to sample salsas from around the valley and listen to festive music by the female mariachi group called Mariachi Pasion and watch salsa dance performances by Tropical Vibes Dance Company in the outdoor amphitheatre!

In addition, the festival will offer a tequila tasting by Semental Tequila and local chefs will compete for the title of “Best Salsa” in the Valley.  Visit www.elpedregal.com for more details!

The Boulders Executive Chef Michel Pieton

April 14th, 2010

Our Executive Chef, Michel Pieton, joined The Boulders in February 2006.  He oversees the resort’s five dining outlets, which include The Latilla, The Palo Verde, the Bakery Cafe, Rusty’s and Bogey’s at the Boulders Golf Club.  As the Executive Chef, he takes charge of all menu creations and preparations, overseeing daily supervision and training of restaurant staff.  Chef Pieton’s love affair with the kitchen dates back to his early childhood years on the family farm in Normandy, France. Inspired by his mother’s organic cooking – using fresh eggs, butter and farmed poultry and meats, Pieton realized the superiority in taste of ingredients picked fresh from the garden. Over the years, Pieton has built on his French culinary background to develop a distinctive style that he describes as a blend of Asian, Mexican, organic and California cuisine, using light and healthy ingredients.   A 23-year industry veteran, Chef Pieton is a graduate of Gerardmer in Vosges, France, where he earned a Certificat de Formation Professionnel. He began his culinary career at Hôtel du Logis Neuf, France, as Cook-Commis de Cuisine. 

 

Michel Pieton later became Chef de Partie at Le Negre Restaurant, France (three Michelin stars) and Restaurant Les Valois Sofitel Hotel (one Michelin star). From 1975 to 1982, he moved on to kitchens at the world-class Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels.  Pieton was Chef Saucier, Sous Chef, Banquet Chef, Chef de Cuisine and later Executive Chef at Chicago’s Ritz-Carlton, a Four Seasons Hotel. He was part of the opening team for the Four Seasons Hotel Houston and Executive Chef for Mandalay Four Seasons Hotel in Irving, Texas.  Most recently, Pieton was the Executive Chef for the Four Seasons Hotel Newport Beach in California, a post he held for 18 years.  Under his skillful guidance, the restaurant earned several awards including the AAA Five Diamond award for excellence.  In addition to cooking for President and Mrs. George Bush, Chef Pieton has been invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Les Amis d’Escoffier. 

Loving your Tennis (at The Boulders), Enjoying the Learning, Practicing and Playing

April 13th, 2010

  

Director of Tennis, Dale Light

I would like to take this opportunity to set the table straight, at least from my vantage point of competitive play for many years, and coaching and teaching the past 33 years: why play if you are not loving it! Really, and I sincerely mean it, what is the point of taking the time, developing skills and physically committing to an activity that doesn’t bring deep joy and countless smiles to one’s life? 

If you saw the interview with Tiger Woods following this year’s Masters, this became even more apparent, even at the highest level of sport where often competition is only about one thing and one thing only, the result. Tiger even went so far as to say that you won’t see him smiling out there unless he is playing well; pathetic! I wonder what he is thankful for? 

The opportunity to play a lifetime sport like tennis or golf is such a blessing, much less to be able to make your living doing so. This is always a choice, even Andre Agassi who said he hated playing tennis, showed no class in deferring this blame to others. Why didn’t he walk away from the game where he was adorned with fame, fortune and countless opportunities, no one held a gun to his head? 

The truth is just like when we get about of bed in the morning, we can’t really foresee the day we will have, but we can shape it by our attitude about it. This is particularly powerful in sport because you really have total control over your attitude but very, very little control over the outcomes. Players who play with passion, such as Steve Nash, Rafael Nadal, Gustavo Kuerten, Martina Navratilova, don’t place blame, play with heart, smile more, and are truly more enjoyable to watch. What is it they know that so many others do not, perhaps that they are playing a game they love, why not truly enjoy the opportunity while it lasts?

Upcoming Merchant Events at el Pedregal at The Boulders

April 7th, 2010

Visit el Pedregal at The Boulders to enjoy upcoming merchant events during the month of April!  www.elpedregal.com

Barbara’s Boutique hosts a “Get Ready for Spring” trunk show event on April 11 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring the latest in handbags, sunglasses and clothing from Jan’s Collections.  Guests are invited to browse looks by designer labels including Clara S., S-Twelve, Scarlet Begonia, and more!  Door prizes and a $50 gift certificate to Barbara’s Boutique will be given away.  In addition, with the purchase of any Jan’s Collections merchandise, guests will receive a free gift.

Scottsdale Pantry hosts exclusive food sampling demos on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

April 11 -  Desert Smoke
April 18 -  Renee’s Desert Rub
April 25 -  Portobello Foods, Eleanor Joseph Confections and Dos Cabezas Wines

The Boulders Resort “Name The Cactus” Contest

April 2nd, 2010

The Boulders Resort, in Scottsdale, AZ is again inviting the public to name some of its most distinguished residents: the striking cactus that stand proudly in the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape.  “Gladtameetchoo,”Mr. Grumps,” “Double Barrel Darrel,Captain Cact-Eye” are just some of the creative monikers gleaned from the “Name our Cactus” contest over the last two years.    Visit www.theboulders.com/cactus/past_winners.cfm for a full list of the winners from the past two years.  Now it’s time to name some of our proud parched cactus friends for the third annual “Name the Cactus” contest. Let us know who you’re reminded of when you take a look the pictures posted at www.theboulders.com/cactus – whether it’s a famous person, an animal, a family member or maybe even a frenemy (they are quite prickly).  You could win a fabulous vacation getaway and meet your nicknamed cactus, well, face-to-face.

“The summer Name the Cactus contest has become a much-anticipated annual event at The Boulders.  We’re so proud of our centuries-old, majestic cactus, that it just seems appropriate to give them names.  After all, they are part of The Boulders family,” said Managing Director Michael Hoffmann. To enter the contest, visit The Boulders website at www.theboulders.com/cactus and submit the most creative monikers for the six distinctive cacti pictured on the website.  Judges will pick six winners who will receive amazing vacation getaways to this world-renowned Boulders Resort including transportation vouchers, accommodations, dining, golf and more.  The winning names will be chosen on creativity and originality. The contest runs from March 29-June 1, 2010.  The “Name The Cactus” contest is sponsored by AAA Arizona and the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Golden Door Spa at The Boulders – Spa Week April 2010

March 28th, 2010

Spa Week at the Golden Door Spa is fast-approaching (April 12-18).  For those of you that are spa-goers, you are probably already familiar with Spa Week.  For those of your NOT familiar with Spa Week, be sure to visit their website at www.spaweek.com

The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is participating again for the 3rd time!  During this special week we will be offering THREE $50 spa services.  Here are the details:

  • 50-minute Boulders Foot Massage
  • 50-minute Lavender Hydrating Body Wrap
  • 50-minute Tranquility Facial

Of course, while you are taking advantage of these fabulous $50 spa services, why no spend some additional quality time at the spa.  Here’s a great way to spend your FULL day during Spa Week: 

  • Awaken your body with a stretch or aerobics class
  • Relax with your first $50 spa service
  • Replenish yourself with lunch at the Spa Café
  • Catch some rays at the spa pool
  • Why not have another $50 spa service??
  • Refresh your body with a LONG shower
  • Have your significant other pick you up after a restful day at the Golden Door Spa!

Space is limited so call NOW to schedule your getaway.  Of course all of the other fantastic Golden Door Spa services are also available during this week.  To check availability, please call 480-595-3500.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Poached Chicken Breast with Vegetable Quinoa

March 25th, 2010

Poached Chicken Breast

 Ingredients:

 1#. chicken breasts (skin off)

4-5 celery stalks

1 large Vidalia onion, quartered

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

4 whole cloves garlic, peeled

2 bay leaves

pinch red pepper flakes

Fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, parsley)

2 cups chicken stock or broth

 Directions:

Wash and peel vegetables. Remove strings from celery. Wash chicken and place in a dutch oven or stockpot in one teaspoon olive oil. Add chicken broth and bouillon (can substitute Minor’s Chicken Soup Base). Add enough cold water (or broth if you have it) to cover chicken several inches.  Add remaining ingredients. Cook over high heat until broth reaches a rolling simmer, then reduce heat to a low simmer and continue to cook, uncovered for about an hour. Don’t allow the broth to boil or the chicken will become tough. Remove chicken.  Also remove bay leaves, herb stalks and garlic cloves before serving.

 BBQ Sauce for the Poached Chicken

 Ingredients:

 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 6-ounce can tomato paste

1/4 cup minced onion

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic crushed

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon cayenne

fresh ground pepper to taste

 Directions:

Cook minced onion and garlic in olive oil until onions turns opaque. Add remaining ingredients, mix thoroughly and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes. Makes about 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce.

 Vegetable Quinoa

 Ingredients:

 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups chicken stock or broth

1 small onion, chopped

1 tablespoon Olive Oil

1 Fresno Chile, Minced

6 Green Zucchini, baby

6 Yellow Baby Zucchini

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 TBL Chopped Herbs

Salt and Pepper

 Directions:

In a small nonstick saucepan coated with cooking spray, toast quinoa over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add broth and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, saute onion in oil for 2 minutes. Add the red pepper, carrot, broccoli and garlic; saute 3 minutes longer. Add basil and pepper; cook and stir just until vegetables are tender. Stir in quinoa; heat through. Yield: 4 servings.

Easter Cookie Decorating Workshop at el Pedregal at The Boulders

March 24th, 2010

The Bakery Café at el Pedregal celebrates the Easter holiday with an Easter Cookie Decorating workshop April 2 at 2p.m.  Children and adults are invited to assemble and decorate a festive chocolate bunny and sugar cookies in the shapes of Easter Bunnies and eggs with pastel icings.  The pastry chef will also offer holiday desserts including carrot cake, ribbon cakes, coconut cakes, cream puffs, mini French macaroons and assorted Easter candies.

Cookie Decorating Kits are $5.50 each.  Includes plain sugar cookies, decorative frostings and a chocolate bunny.  For more information please call The Bakery Cafe at 480.488.4100.

New Boutique at el Pedregal at The Boulders

March 17th, 2010

A new boutique opens at el Pedregal this Spring called Mumbo Jumbo- Antiques, Boutique & Habedashery.  This vintage boutique offers a wide variety of antique furniture, Victorian style clothing and hats, distinctive jewelry, signature handbags, footwear and plus size fashions.  Mumbo Jumbo is stocked with an eclectic mix of clothing by brands such as Cabillo that utilize healing elements of Mother Nature through stones, minerals and crystals, and Hand and Heart, a recyclable denim purse collection.  On Saturday, March 27 from 10:00am to 5:30pm, the boutique will host a grand opening event in honor of their arrival.  There will be a “Name the Talking Rooster” contest and the winner will receive a gift certificate to Mumbo Jumbo.  Visit www.elpedregal.com.