Sunday, March 29, 2009

Food and Wine Tasting -- Part II

Yesterday was another big day for the Blue Shutters, as our guests gathered for the second of our Wine and Food Tastings. Once again, Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultant Kathy Hill supplied the wines and Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza created a menu just for us. Here's a review of what we samples:

New England Cheeses Muscat Grapes and Baguettes
White Viognier – Maine Lobster Salad, Tarragon and Baby Russet Potato
White Rhone – Jonah Crab Cake with Grain Mustard Aioli
Argentina Malbec – White Bean, Roasted Garlic and Thyme Dip with Parmesan Crostini
California Zinfandel –Tomato and Molasses BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Italian Super Tuscan – Air Dried Beef Breseola, Parmesan. Taggiasca Olive Oil and Mediterranean Olives

We're planning other events before the summer rolls in, including our May 30 "Brews and Blues" (call us ASAP if you're interested in this -- space is going fast). Stay tuned for more details on these plans.

We'd like to thank Mark and Kathy -- and all the friends who joined us for what turned out to be another great afternoon and evening of wine, food and fun.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Fun and Affordable Spring Getaway

These days, everyone can use a break -- but we can't afford to break the bank. So if you're looking for a fun, easy and affordable spring getaway, why not spend some time at the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn.

We've had many guests visit this winter -- enjoying local restaurants and taverns, quiet walks on the beach, some refreshments by the fireplace, and rest and relaxation in one of our comfy rooms overlooking the waves crashing on Good Harbor --and with the weather warming, the Blue Shutters is even more fun.

This spring, there are lots of special events planned for the spring -- check out the Cape Ann Chamber website for an update. And while you're planning don't forget to mark your calendar for May 30 -- that's the date for the Blue Shutters Beachside Blues & Brews, featuring beer tastings and a jam session on our lawn.

There are plenty of rooms available before the summer arrives -- and for those of you in the northeast, we're just a short drive away. Call or email us and make your plans for a winter/spring getaway -- we promise, you won't be disappointed.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Something's New at the Blue Shutters

We've been very busy this winter, sprucing up the Blue Shutters for guests who will be visiting this year. You'll find new, comfy sofas in the Main Room -- which makes the view of Good Harbor Beach even more enjoyable. There is new furniture in Deckside, Captain's Quarters, Lookout, Beachside and other rooms -- and some special touches all over the house (a note to those of you who have reserved Captain's Quarters -- we've replaced the king-size bed with a new queen-size, along with a beautiful set of matching furniture). While there are these changes, some things are still the same -- including the friends and fun that will welcome you whenever you arrive.

Wine and Food Tasting Event Coming March 28

Saturday March 28 marks the return of a favorite Blue Shutters event -- our wine and food tasting. Once again, Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza and Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultant Kathy Hill will lead us through a special wine tasting, with a selection of red and white wines paired with a sampling menu prepared just for that evening.

We did this back in January and it was a big success. The menu that day included:
- a New England Cheese Display, with Honeycomb, Macona Almonds and Grapes
- Lobster and Vegetable Spring Rolls with Citrus Ponzu Dip, paired with a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- Fennel Pollen Grilled and Chilled Shrimp Brochette with Saffron Rouille, paired with a French Muscadet
- Jamon Serrano with Red Wine Poached Figs, paired with a Spanish Tempranillo
- Vermont Gorgonzola, Crimson Grape and Caramelized Onion and Rosemary Flatbread, paired with an Argentina Malbec
- Chocolate and Hazelnut Biscotti, paired with a Moscato D'Asti

Mark and Kathy will have a whole new menu for March 28 -- but it promises to be just as interesting, and tasty. It will all unfold that afternoon in our Main Room, overlooking beautiful Good Harbor Beach. There will be time to compare notes with other wine and food lovers, enjoy walks on the beach, and relax by a roaring fire before retiring to one of our uniquely decorated guest rooms. We’ll also have menus and recommendations for those interested in dining out at one of Cape Ann’s many restaurants – and a guide to some of our favorite spots for drinks, shopping and entertainment.

Call or email us to reserve a room -- for that evening or the entire weekend.