Brews & Blues on May 30 -- Back to the Beach

Last fall, dozens of friends were on hand for our first Brews & Blues and enjoyed an outdoor concert, free beer tastings and some refreshments on the lawn overlooking Good Harbor Beach. On May 30, we’ll do it all again – this time to celebrate the return of the beach season. Once again, we're teaming up with the Cape Ann Brewing Co. -– makers of the highly-acclaimed Fisherman’s Brew – and some talented musicians who’ll entertain us with a jam session on that Saturday afternoon. The Cape Ann Brewers folks will be on hand into the evening for beer tastings. You can enjoy your brew (or other beverages of your liking) in your room, in our main guest area or out by the fire pit. And all weekend you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy other activities across Cape Ann – including a personal tour of the brewery on the Gloucester waterfront. Reserve your spot soon for Brews & Blues – for Friday May 29, Saturday May 30 or both nights. We expect this will be a popular weekend here at the Blue Shutters.

A Jazzy Time on Cape Ann

Cape Ann offers a wide variety of activities and we thought we had tried them all. But we had a new experience this weekend -- jazz. Longtime friend Bill S arrived Saturday for a visit -- and an extra ticket to a performance by vocalist Kendra Shank, who was appearing in Rockport that night. Bill, who is working on a book about jazz legend Bill Pepper, not only is a Kendra fan -- he's also talking with her about his book. I joined Bill for the performance at the Rockport Art Association and was blown away by Kendra and her band -- and by the art association's exhibit. I'm not sure when Kendra will be back in these parts, but you'll find info on her and samples of her work on her website. A big thank you to Bill to opening our eyes to Kendra -- and to jazz. As for the Rockport Art Association, there's a great exhibit going on through early June -- and there will be other happenings throughout the year. Check out their website for more info.

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.

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.

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.

A Salute to Cape Ann Brewing

A few weeks ago, we told you about plans for our wine and food tasting, and we're happy to report that this was a big success -- so much so that we're planning to do this again in March and April. This month's big event is our Valentine's special -- taking place this weekend -- complete with champagne and chocolates. While we're on the subject of grown-up drinks, we'd like to tip our hat to our friends at the Cape Ann Brewing Co. We've long been fans of these folks and always have some of their beer available at the Blue Shutters -- and we've often visited their place in downtown Gloucester to taste their latest creations. They just got some good news: starting February 12, they'll be serving pizza and sandwiches -- as well as beer. Everyone is encouraged to check this out. Also make note that the Cape Ann Brewing Co. will be teaming up with us in May for our second "Brews & Blues" bash. This was big hit when we first did this back in October, and in May, we'll be raising a few pints -- and enjoying some live music -- as we welcome back the warm weather. Call or email for more details.