Original Art by Dorothy Clare Zarren, at Somerville Open Studios

If you haven’t been to an Open Studios Weekend in a while, I highly recommend Somerville Open Studios (SOS), the first weekend of May every year. With over 400 artists showcasing their work, and the Old Town Trolley Cars acting as a free shuttle, the organizers have gone above and beyond to make art accessible to New Englanders. This year, 25% of the studios were also open on Friday evening, to maximize the weekend even more.

Somerville Open Studios was born in the winter of 1999 when two local artists, Jonathan Derry and Laura Fayer, decided that there was a need for a city-wide open studio event that could provide a venue for artists working out of their homes and small studio buildings and larger studio buildings. After rallying the Somerville artists, the first annual Somerville Open Studios took place the first weekend of May 1999, with around 80 artists exhibiting at 25 sites throughout the city.

In the ten years since, SOS has grown to become the largest event of its kind in the greater Boston area with over 350 participating artists displaying their work every spring. In 2001 the first SOS online artist directory was introduced to allow visitors to better plan their tour by previewing artist work online. More recently, SOS has diversified its offering to include a fashion show of art-inspired designs, the Spoken Word trolley tour that includes performances by poets, story-tellers and local fiction writers and a mini-film festival sponsored by Somerville Community Access Television (SCAT) of local Massachusetts films.

One of the most historic buildings to house artists is located on Vernon Street in Somerville. Located in an historic 19th-century brick industrial building, Vernon Street housed the first group of artists in Somerville to open their studios to the public in 1975. Since some of the building is still in use, the studios are only working studios, not live/work space like the more well-known Brickbottom Artists Association. Thanks to the Rogers Foam Corporation that generously allowed artists to affordably lease out unused space in their factory buildings at 6 & 20 Vernon Street, the artists became an important part of Somerville Open Studios, which still holds true today.

So if you’re looking for a great art fix, mark your calendars for the first weekend of May; bring your walking shoes and plan to be inspired from Friday evening to Sunday evening! Here’s a link to other open studios during the summer and fall throughout greater Boston.

Nitrogen Wine Station at Blanchard's Wines in JP

For those who just can’t seem to make it to your typical Saturday wine tasting, here’s a new way to be able to participate any day of the week. Thanks to the wonders of nitrogen preservation, and a little innovation  by Blanchard’s Wine & Spirits in Jamaica Plain, you can now sample quality wines. Ask any staff member, who inserts a card key and voilà, instant wine tasting.

Pictured here is their latest innovation, a nitrogen Wine Station where opened wine is preserved. Eight open bottles are displayed, ranging from a German Reisling, to a French Rosé to a California Cabernet. By spraying nitrogen into these bottles, the oxygen is evacuated inside, as it stays inside the bottle and won’t flow out (because nitrogen is heavier than oxygen).

I sampled a Mount Veeder Cabernet, one of my favorites that won in a blind tasting we held among friends several years ago. My partner sampled a German Reisling and a French Rosé.

I was also very impressed with their Spring Grand Wine Tasting Experience, with over 100 wines to taste, from Tattinger Champagne, to boutique Cote du Rhones, to Loire Valley Vouvrays and Sancerres. Best thing about it? It was on a Wednesday night, instead of an overly busy Saturday afternoon. Apparently, they host these events twice a year, once in the Spring, the other in the Fall, and they have two other locations in Marshfield and West Roxbury! Check out their Facebook Page for more information.

Jeanine Buckley at Quebec Winter Carnival

Quebec City is the oldest city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the Francophone capital of its French-speaking province with the same name.  A walled fortress built overlooking the St. Laurent River, memories of Canterbury, England and the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland come to mind. Lesser known than its sister city Montreal, Quebec City has much more of an old-world charm, complete with a backdrop of Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in North America.

Old Quebec, or Vieux Quebec, is the oldest part of Quebec City, chosen in 1608 by its French founder Samuel de Champlain as the location for the Chateau Saint-Louis, now the world-famous Chateau Frontenac. While the Lower Town was populated with merchants and craftsmen, the Upper Town was inhabited by military officials and members of the clergy.

With its steep cobble-stoned streets, and the murmurs of French speakers in the streets, it’s no wonder that the city takes on a mystical quality not often found this side of the pond. Plus, in winter, with the dusting of white powder everywhere, it just adds to the charm. The Quebecois even have a saying—”Mon pays ce n’est pas un pays, c’est l’hiver.” Translation: My country is not really a country, it’s winter.

Quebec Winter Carnival, World’s Largest Winter Carnival

So while everyone else flies south for the winter, the Quebecois embrace it, hosting the world’s largest Winter Carnival annually. Bringing in over 650,000 visitors annually, Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the biggest draws to Quebec during its winter season. Quebec Winter Carnival includes activities like a horse and carriage race, a Ferris wheel and hot tubs for the really adventurous. Over the years, Carnival has been adapted for more family-friendly activities, attributing to its continued success. The two night parades resemble that of its most famous troupe, Le Cirque du Soleil, with stilted characters and Dr. Seuss-like costumes and makeup.

Hotel de Glace Chapel

Another of Quebec City’s world-famous winter attractions is its Hotel de Glace, or Ice Hotel. Thanks to a brilliant and very unique idea 12 years ago by Jacques Desbois, Quebec’s Hotel de Glace now brings in 28% more visitors to Quebec every year. Also, last year it was moved much closer to Quebec City, at the city’s former zoo, only 10 minutes from Quebec City.

Other Ice Hotel innovations include LED lights throughout the Hotel, often used in the artists’ designs of some of the rooms. Some of the beds are lit underneath, and the foyer showcases an ice chandelier with purple LEDs. The new chapel was stunning with 3 rounded arch snow windows and a carved ice altar. The pews were also carved ice, with fur pellets. The windows were back-lit with a violet hue, lending a nice glow to the room. Apparently, this chapel has been very popular, with over 150 marriages performed over the last 12 years.

Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls

Just outside Quebec City is Quebec’s highest waterfall, Montmorency Falls. At 83m (272 ft.) tall, they’re 30m (98 ft.) higher than Niagara Falls, but much narrower. There are several ways to view the falls. You can opt to take the gondola to the top, but the best views are on foot, either by the lengthy staircase, or by the foot suspension bridge. You can even start at the bottom and take the stairs all the way to the top, but take your time, as there are a LOT of stairs to climb.

Wendake an Amerindian Historic Site

Foyer at Wendake, Quebec

Where else can you buy handmade artifacts that have been used for hundreds of years? Or learn about a culture that respects and reveres nature? Or stay at a 4-star hotel that shows both respect for nature and for the local culture? Wendake, that’s where! Just outside of Quebec City, you can learn about the Huron Indians, view a historic site with a Huron longhouse and even watch the Amerindians making handicrafts from fur, leather and wood, just like they have been doing for hundreds of years. This year, they’re collaborating with the Hotel de Glace to educate about their heritage and history with special events planned for this winter.

L’ile d’Orleans, a Hub for Quebec Specialty Foods

Quebec Winery Open in Winter

Formerly only a summer destination, now the Ile d’Orleans is offering more winter and spring activities like sugar shacking, ice cider tasting, snow-mobiling and snow-shoeing. Plus, with all the local farms offering excellent specialty products, it’s also a great place to buy local.

Ice Cidre

While Niagara is world-renowned for its ice wine, Quebec has created its own unique interpretation, ice cidre, or cidre de glace. Using similar techniques as for ice wine, the only difference is that apple juice is frozen and the sugar concentrated into a intensely flavored Sauterne-like alcoholic drink. It’s become so popular that it is now served at the Ice Hotel as a uniquely Quebec drink.

Chez Hubert

Chez Hubert, Quebec

Affordable housing during Winter Carnival can be hard to find, as well as parking. My partner Pierre found a hidden gem, Chez Hubert, complete with parking and located in Vieux Quebec. Owned by Pascal and Marjorie, two former restaurateurs who prefer the lifestyle of an innkeeper. They offered us some great insider advice, like Quebec Happy Hour, from 5-7, where many restaurants offer their menus at reduced or even half price. Located at 66 rue de Sainte-Ursule, it’s literally the 2nd street inside the walls of Old Quebec, so very close to all of the Winter Carnival activities. A double room runs $190/night including a copious breakfast.

So, whether you want to sip an ice cidre at the Hotel de Glace, take a dip in the outdoor jacuzzi at the Quebec Winter Carnival, climb the never-ending staircase of the Montmorency Falls, or cross-country ski around the Ile d’Orleans, you’ll find plenty of wintry fun in Quebec City.

Quebec's New & Improved Ice Hotel Chapel

Thanks to Jacques Desbois’ vision and genius idea in 2001, the Quebec Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel) has become one of the most successful winter tourist attractions in Quebec. Nicknamed Mr. Igloo, Desbois has always been fascinated by the winter experience. His company, La Piste Desbois was engaged in the construction of igloo villages, participating in Quebec Winter Carnival, la Fete des Neiges in Montreal and the Musée de la Civiliisation. It was a natural progression for him to build an ice hotel, following the model of the Swedish Ice Hotel, but with Quebec’s unique interpretation.

Desbois overcame many challenges when he first decided to create the Hotel de Glace. His search for investors and partners took until October of 2000, leaving only three months to build the structure, the hotel and still be ready to launch in January 2001. The second challenge was to find a strategic location close to a water source with the maximum public relations exposure of a large city, so he first chose Montmorency Falls, just outside Quebec City.

Designer Rooms at the 2012 Hotel de Glace, Quebec

The following year, however, Desbois wanted to further allow expansion efforts, so he rebuilt the Hotel de Glace at the Duchesnay Ski Resort with a resort and variety of winter activities already established. This site continued successfully for the next 10 years, adding different features from year to year to keep people coming back.

Last year, a strategic decision was made to move the Ice Hotel closer to Quebec City to enable its participation in the Quebec Winter Carnival activities. Thanks to this decision, the Hotel de Glace saw a 26% increase in visitors, welcoming its 30,000th overnight guest and its 600,000th visitor. The Quebec Hotel de Glace is now outpacing the number of visitors of the original Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, significantly.

With the new location also came some added amenities. The entrance pavilion and boutique has almost tripled its surface, and a new Celsius pavilion with restaurant and private salon for overnight guests enhances the quality of the experience.

New in 2012

This year, the Hotel de Glace is teaming up with the First Nations to educate visitors about their important influence in areas such as Northern Quebec, where they have been living for millennia. This season, three weekends will be dedicated to demonstrations and activities by Inuits, Cris, Innus and Wendats including game tasting, artistic performances and native camps.

A 40-ft outdoor ice rink has also been constructed for families to enjoy, as well as the longest covered slide made completely of ice and snow. Special family packages and pricing will also be available during the week of Winter Break.

Desbois’ success is not only attributed to his unique vision of the Hotel de Glace, but his acumen as an entrepreneur. Winning the personality of the year in the province of Quebec, as well as Best Tourism Attraction, 100,000 Visitors or Less for five years running, his accolades read more like an academy award than a tourism professional!

This year’s hotel will stay open until March 25, 2012.

Hearty Revellers at Quebec Winter Carnival

While Rio and New Orleans are world-renowned as the top places of choice for Carnival, here’s a lesser-known, but equally fun choice, Quebec City. Although, you’ll have to pack an entire suitcase of warm-weather clothing, don’t forget your swimsuit! (see left). Now ranked as the Number One Winter Carnival in the World, and the 3rd largest Carnival celebration, it’s worth mentioning that Quebec City almost doubles in size over a two-week period to invite revellers from the rest of Canada, and a few hardy souls from the US as well.

How did this famous chilly celebration get its start? In the early 1890s, the North American economy was very slow, including Quebec. Québec City was particularly hard hit because of the permanent closing of its shipyards and problems with the shoe manufacturing industry. In October 1893, the owner of the Quebec Daily Telegraph, Frank Carrel,  launched the idea of a new carnival in Québec City to help the city get back on its feet economically.

The first major winter Carnival took place the following year. The carnival tradition was continued sporadically until 1954, when the department of economic development re-launched the festivities as a major tourist attraction. That same year, the Carnival mascot, the snowman or Bonhomme was born. The first official edition of the Québec Winter Carnival took place in 1955 and has been taking place every year since.

Elaborate float at Quebec Winter Carnival

I first attended Quebec Winter Carnival in 1998, but this time I have to say, I saw a dramatic improvement in the overall organization of the festival, as well as the effects of its growth and success. The festivities were much larger and well-attended. The grounds of the Carnival were expanded to include a giant Ferris Wheel, a horse & buggy race, and The Bonhomme’s own Ice Palace.

The parade resembled that of its famous Quebecois troupe, Le Cirque du Soleil, including elaborate costumes, creative designs and incredible makeup.

Even so, Winter Carnival is not so well-known here in the US. Only 15% of Americans know about Winter Carnival, a bit more in New England, with 19% notoriety. Maybe it’s the chilly weather, or the fear of speaking French, but whatever the reason, right now, Winter Carnival is mostly a Quebec and Canadian draw:  52% of the visitors come from Quebec City, 37% from the rest of Quebec, 7% from the rest of Canada and the remaining 4% from outside Canada.

Caribou,the Only Authorized Alcoholic Beverage at Carnival

Caribou Cane

You may have seen this plastic cane before, especially if living in New England, tucked away in an attic or coat closet. It’s the caribou cane, to hold a special drink authorized for Quebec Winter Carnival revellers. The snowman’s head unscrews to reveal a hollow cane that is filled with a special drink, caribou.

Originally made from caribou blood and whiskey to keep hunters and loggers warm in the freezing Quebec winters, now it is a much more tasty drink, made of red wine or port, whiskey and maple syrup. It’s the only authorized drink at Carnival, so be sure to pick up a bottle at a local tourist shop. All alcohol is bought at the SAQ, or Societe des Alcools du Quebec, so this is where to buy your caribou. Be careful, as drinking too much caribou often causes excessive silliness or abrupt fits of uncontrollable laughter. It’s also a great way to keep warm during the sub-zero festivities.

Any way you look at it, if you don’t mind the single-digit temperatures, Winter Carnival is a great way not just to beat the Winter doldrums, but to celebrate them!

Costa Concordia, Carnival Cruise's Mega Cruiseliner

After watching close to a week of media attention directed at the plight of the shipwrecked Concordia, I have to loudly protest the comparison being made to the 1912 Titanic disaster.

First, the Titanic didn’t even contain enough lifeboats or life vests for all of the passengers on board. This was clearly not the case for Carnival Cruiseline’s Concordia.

Second, 1500 people perished in the freezing waters off the coast of Newfoundland on the Titanic. Right now, 6 are confirmed dead with 16-29 missing, depending on which news report you listen to. Out of 4500 people, 45 people perishing would be 1%, which is doubtful the count will be this high. Not by any means to discredit the personal tragedy of the unsuspecting victims who lost their lives on this trip.

Yes, it is true that chaos reigned right after the incident, but the fact that 99% of the 4500 passengers are safely on land in Tuscany, should be attributed to the under-appreciated staff who were as much in the dark about what was happening as the passengers!

I think it is also important to remember that no matter how high-tech the ship happens to be, as in both the case of the Titanic and the Concordia, human involvement is still crucial to ensuring the ship is handled properly in whatever emergency arises. Instead of draconian safety measures, cruise ship companies should increase the scrutiny in selecting their captains, including a sense of humility and weighted responsibility of the huge number of passengers on board their ships.

After the Bath Degas Nude now at the MFA

When you think of Degas, what images come to mind? For me, it’s the voyeuristic view into the private world of ballet, or the stop gap images at the horse races. Rarely do I associate nudes with Degas. However, I am remiss, as I learned how revolutionary Degas was  viewed by his contemporaries, all thanks to his nudes.

After all, Degas started out as a historical painter, sketching classics like Botticelli to improve his technique. These academic sketches were soon replaced by much more real life sketches of women bathing, using a view from behind. Gone was the perfect, creamy God-like perfection of the academic sketches, now transformed into modern depictions of Victorian life. The skin color is more real, sometimes blotchy, showing imperfections of the model instead of idealizing them.

What else is revolutionary about these sketches is the sometimes shocking subject matter, especially for the Victorian time period. Prostitutes performing paid acts to their patrons, or even a few same gender scenes, willingly sketched by Degas, revealing a very hidden part of Victorian life.

Yet for me, the most innovating part of Degas’ work is the variety of mediums he chooses to work with. Not just oils, but pastels, oils using the same strokes as pastels, and in some cases combined mediums. He loved the new techniques like lithographs and monotypes and not only mastered their use, but combined them, like monotypes finished with pastels, resulting in an almost three-dimensional effect.

Thanks to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and several private collectors in Boston, this unique exhibit showcases not only Degas’ talent, but his revolutionary depiction of the nude in modern day life. The only thing missing? At least one or two of his famous ballet scenes, just as a point of reference.

Degas and the Nude: October 9, 2011 – February 5, 2012

Hotel Chocolat The Best Socially Conscious Chocolate in Boston

If you haven’t yet discovered this amazing chocolate boutique, here’s your chance! Hotel Chocolat is celebrating it’s two-year anniversary in Boston with an all-day celebration and tasting on Sat. Nov. 12th. Take 10% off all purchases of $50 or more, enjoy samples of their dark or milk chocolate solids, or their signature Liquid Chocolat and enter to win a raffle of gourmet savory cacao goodies in a lovely gift basket.

What I like the most about Hotel Chocolat is that it’s the best chocolate in Boston, in my opinion.They follow the European method using more cocoa and less sugar, resulting in a dark chocolate that isn’t bitter with no aftertaste. Plus, the quality of their cocoa itself is unsurpassed, due in part to the exceptional control they are able to maintain over the entire production process, which is game-changing for the global cocoa market.

Interior of Cocoa Pods at Hotel Chocolat St. Lucia

However, they carry their unique vision one step further. by using socially responsible production methods. They even went as far as buying their own chocolate farm in St. Lucia to ensure the workers were fairly paid! And starting this coming December, visitors can see for themselves their unique vision and participate in their socially responsible mission with their completion of a luxury hotel at the Rabot Estate in St. Lucia. With six cocoa pods complete, and eight more in the works, you can enjoy the luxury of paradise while helping to sustainably farm cocoa.

At the resort, you can also experience Hotel Chocolat’s innovation at the Boucan Restaurant. While the rest of the world uses cacao very often in savory dishes like molé, now you can enjoy the Hotel’s own version, like local Dorado fillet on a bed of creamed leeks, with red wine and cacao sauce. Any way you look at it, everything is coming up chocolate at  Hotel Chocolat!

Hotel Chocolat’s success is spreading fast. A resort is soon opening to complete the St. Lucia experience, and Hotel Chocolat is opening up a 2nd US store in New York. Now when you buy their chocolate, you’re also buying their dream, ethical cocoa farming!

EVENT DETAILS
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9
6:00 – 9:00 PM
THE WESTIN BOSTON WATERFRONT HOTEL
425 SUMMER STREET
BOSTON, MA

Taste of France 2011: Taste of Québec!

Since 2006, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, New England Chapter (FACCNE) has presented the annual series “A Taste of France.” Each year this event highlights a different region of France, allowing members of the French-American community in New England to celebrate a region’s culture, food and wine in a environment conducive to networking. Previous ‘Tastes’ featured: Alsace (2010), Bordeaux (2009), the Loire Valley (2008), and Provence (2007).

This year, the FACCNE, in collaboration with the Québec Delegation in Boston, is proud to present the Taste of Québec! A celebration of all things French and Québecois, the soiree will commemorate the unique and strong link that bonds France, Québec, and New England through a sampling of fine food and wine from a dozen of Boston’s finest restaurants, including a demonstration by guest Québec chef, Marie-Chantal Lepage, as well as an auction fundraiser and live jazz music by the band Occidental Gypsy.

Our exceptional extravaganza is expected to draw 400+ guests from a variety of backgrounds. For more details about the event and tickets sales, please visit the Taste of Québec Website .

Why Québec?

Last year’s Taste of Alsace was a major change in the Taste’s format and a big success. More than 300 guests attended the event. This year, this event wants to reach even more people staying a little closer to home. Québec is the only region in North America with a majority of French-speakers: nearly 80% of the population is francophone. French is the official language of Quebec. France and Québec not only share the same language but the same origins, values and culinary influences!

“We are very excited about this year’s Taste of France,” said Ludivine Sanchez-Wolczik, Executive Director, FACCNE. “Over the last 25 years, our chamber has grown to serve an important role in the French-American business community of Boston. The annual Taste of France festival allows us to celebrate this success and prepare for future endeavors. In 2011, we are especially delighted to work with the Québec Delegation”. For Jean-Stéphane Bernard, the Québec Delegate to New England “This fruitful partnership with the FACCNE illustrates the close relationship which unites France, Quebec and New England. Taste of Quebec is the perfect opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of our cuisine, influenced by our French heritage, and our regions, particularly the Montérégie and the Cantons-de-l’Est”

About the Quebec Delegation in Boston

Québec has maintained an office in New England since 1970, recognizing its importance as a neighbor and partner region. The Québec Delegation, based in Boston, represents Québec’s interests throughout New England. Its mandate is to develop and provide support for economic, political and institutional exchanges with the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Québec Delegation promotes Québec businesses and industries in New England, while promoting US investment in Québec, scientific and technological exchanges. Offers a wide range of export assistance services to help Québec businesses find funding and develop relations with key players in the venture capital sector.

For additional information

• Ludivine SANCHEZ-WOLCZIK, Executive Director, FACCNE: contact@faccne.org
• Patrick HYNDMAN, Public Affairs Director, Quebec Delegation: patrick.hyndman@mri.gouv.qc.ca
  

Southwest Airlines

These days, when airlines are charging you for everything from blankets to peanuts, and change fares are the norm, not the exception, I have to stop and say hats off to Southwest Air.

I was unexpectedly called to go to Denver, Colorado because my dad is undergoing open-heart surgery. Thank God for Southwest Air, because they don’t charge outrageous rates for last-minute bookings!

I inadvertently booked my flight a day later than I wanted, but didn’t realize it until I got to the airport. If I waited, I would miss seeing my dad before his life-altering surgery. So I asked the ticket agent, Camille, what my options were. I told her why I was flying, so she immediately set to work to waive the $193 change fee, which I was planning on paying!

I was comparing my experience with American Airlines in January, who double-booked me, charged $250/ticket for a change fee, and didn’t refund the double booking until 10 days later, after countless bounced checks and a MAJOR headache.

This time, however, Camille at first tried to find me another flight through Baltimore, but no luck. She finally found me a direct flight the same day, and waived the rebooking fee, in a gesture of what I will call GREAT WILL.

PS–I was very impressed with their very easy boarding routine–type in your confirmation number and VOILA, instant check-in. You don’t even need to print out the 3-page confirmation–just save the confirmation number on your iPhone. Don’t forget your ID, though!

So next time I have to fly domestically, it’s hands down Southwest Airlines!