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Olympic Fever at Abigail's!
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The Olympic Spirit
Hits Home for one Abigail's Team Member!
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As the Olympics draws
near, our own Diane Eccles reflects on her personal connection to the games.
It's
hard to believe that the XXI Winter Olympic Games are less then two weeks
away. It's harder sometimes to believe
that I was a part of the historical journey, 106 days 12,000 torch bearers 45,000km,
the Olympic Flame has made on its way to Vancouver.
Carrying
the Olympic flame is something that is beyond words, as it's a feeling deep
inside. It gives you a sense of
national pride as well, knowing that the flame you carry will travel all
across Canada,
bringing all Canadians together.
Walking along the Bowser Elementary school field
with the school population following me, and then standing there for the kids
to take photos of themselves with the Torch, as well as me, I felt like a
Rock star with a little bit of the Pied Piper. The glow and looks of awe on
their faces made that day even more special, knowing that one day these kids
will carry on Canada's
Olympic hopes.
For me
I made it personal as well. Being involved in the international women's
organization Beta Sigma Phi, I wanted as many people to enjoy and celebrate
with me. I called 'sister's' up island
and found out that Barb Lyotier, the person who was the backbone behind the
celebrations in Bowser, BC, where I carried the flame, was a member as well but had passed
away a few weeks prior to seeing her own Olympic dream come true. So I called her husband, John Lyotier, and
told him I was going to dedicate my run to her. So that day I took a yellow rose, the
symbol of Beta Sigma Phi, and tucked it in my jacket to present to John at
the end of my journey. In that, I was
able to make one persons life a little happier.
As I
see the torch now, getting closer and closer to its final destination, I feel
that same excitement I had on November 2, 2009. That feeling that is too wonderful for
words to describe. And at times I look at my torch and realize that I have
been blessed twice with the Olympic honour and will cherish that moment and
the feelings once again forever.
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SPECIAL PACKAGES AT ABIGAIL'S HOTEL FOR FEBRUARY
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The Valentine's Day Sweet Surprise Package
Book a secret surprise getaway for your sweetie this Valentine's
in one of Victoria's
most romantic hotels!
Abigail's is offering the Sweet
Surprise package which includes melt in your mouth chocolate
covered strawberries, evening hors d'oeuvres, a warm and cozy room with
wood-burning fireplace and Jacuzzi soaker bath, plus a gorgeous breakfast in
bed picnic basket for two.
Package rates starting at $189 (based
on availability)
Please call 1-800-561-6565 to reserve your stay.
A
Gift to Remember!
Share a
Valentine's Day gift that will be remembered forever. For that someone special,
purchase a Gift Certificate towards a hotel getaway for two, including gourmet
breakfast. Please call 1-800-561-6565 to purchase your gift, available in any
denomination.
Abigail's
Hotel 2010 Olympic Contest Question #4
Play to
win a special Vancouver 2010 Olympic souvenir gift with your stay! Just call us
at 1-800-561-6565 with your answer
to the Olympic Contest question below and stay before April 30, 2010. Contest
prize also includes a complimentary upgrade.
Question: In the last winter Olympics, where did Canada place in
the medal standings and how many medals did they win?
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT
ABIGAIL'S HOTEL
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Abigail's
freshens up for the new year
Every January the hotel closes for 2 weeks
while we deep clean, re-touch and refresh the guestrooms and public
areas. This year was no
exception! Some of our projects
included re-painting the ceilings, touching up the walls, re-finishing our
beautiful wood banisters plus some of our antique guestroom furniture, hand
cleaning our chandeliers one crystal drop at a time, deep cleaning all
guestrooms and carpets. Thank you to
all our team members and contractors who helped this process go smoothly.
Paint
the Town Red!
In association with Tourism Victoria, local
businesses around town are showing their support for the Vancouver Olympics
by "Painting the Town Red". At
Abigail's we have hung red and white lights outside, team members will be
wearing red shirts, Diane's torch and some of her Olympic wear will be
displayed in our lobby and we will be showing the games throughout the day in
our Library Lounge.
What better way to enjoy the games than
combining it with a stay at our hotel!
Manager's Special Rates
starting at $169.00 are available throughout the month of February (based
on availability).
Murder
at the Four Deuces
Murder, Bribery and Extortion prevailed as
Abigail's was turned into a 1920's Speakeasy for a night! The staff at Abigail's celebrated their
year end party with a Murder Mystery set in the roaring 20's, where
prohibition, gangs and girls were the order of the day. Hotel (Speakeasy)
owners Russ and Ellen Cmolik (aka Don and Meme Wannabe) welcomed illustrious
guests such as Al Capone, Capo Toto Tequila, and Don "Big Jim" Ravioli for a
night of Dinner, Drinks and Gambling.
Unbeknownst to everyone, "Big Jim" was shot as he was about to make a
big announcement. As the night unfolded,
scandals were revealed, bribery was rampant and a second murder took place (Madame
Meme) as Inspector Neville "The Nose" Nutella tried desperately to find the
murderer. Who Did it? None other than "Big Jim's" own daughter
Rebecca Ravioli as she would rather see her father die than be married off to
Capo Toto Tequila! The party was a huge success and the murder's identity was
kept until the end. 
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CHEF'S SECRET TIPS
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Chef Victoria's Secret
Gourmet Cooking Tip of the Month
Sweet, Sweet, Honey Tips for February
Here are some ideas for you to use honey for that sweet day -
Valentine's, of course!
To substitute honey for sugar in recipes, start by substituting
up to half of the sugar called for. With a little experimentation,
honey can replace all the sugar in some recipes.
When baking with honey, remember the following:
Reduce any liquid called for by 1/4 cup for each cup of honey used.
Add l/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used.
Reduce oven temperature by 25 F to prevent over-browning.
Because of its high fructose content, honey has a higher
sweetening power than sugar. This means you can use less honey than sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.
When measuring honey, coat the measuring cup with non-stick
cooking spray or vegetable oil before adding the honey.
The honey will slide right out.
To retain honey's wonderfully luxuriant texture, always store
it at room temperature; never in the refrigerator. If your honey
becomes cloudy, don't worry. It's just crystallization, a natural
process. Enjoy life's natural sweetness, enjoy honey!
Chef Victoria Kirby
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