STAMPEDE WEEK: DALLEN'S TOP TEN       

Stampede Week is often viewed by Calgarians and visitors as a candy store - so many choices from which to choose.  In order to help you, our readers, we approached Dallen Flexhaug, our concierge "top gun" and Manager of Guest Services, for some guidance.

Dallen offers a valid perspective on that which is Stampede.  Firstly, he has experienced most of what is on his list.  It is his job at Hotel Arts to be able to make knowledgeable referrals to the plethora of guests who reside in our hotel.  He has been doing this professionally for the past 8 years.  He has made it his personal professional mission to find out "what Stampede guests are seeking".  He has determined that many do not like crowds but love the focus on being a 10-day cowboy. Finally, Dallen loves Stampede Week.  He finds visitors and Calgarians alike adopt a more "laid back" attitude and want to experience the many fun times available in Calgary's showcase - the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Dallen recommends that you experience ...

1. Nashville North This is one of the premier events on the grounds if partying, great music & fun is on your mind.  The lineups are a testament to this reality
2. Chuckwagon Races    The excitement generated by this thrilling set of races makes it a rodeo event.  You might even be seen on TV for this broadcast event!
3. Stampede Parade   This family event truly personifies the western focus of the Stampede and the host of celebrities who will be attending this year.  Early parade watchers will experience the Royal's visit to our city.
4. Concerts at the Saddledome   Many stars will be performing at the 'Dome.  Kenny Chesney and Doc Walker along with Sugarland represent the country and western music genre.  Katie Perry and Our Lady Peace appeal to a different taste in music.  In addition, you can't beat the free concerts at the Coca Cola Stage at the north end of the Midway.
5. Stampede Breakfasts   No list would be complete without the traditional breakfast of cowboys.  The Chinook Centre Breakfast is the largest of many such events.  Hotel Arts and Kensington Riverside Inn will be joining forces with Spolumbo's to offer sausages to this event's attendees.  Check listings for the many breakfasts held throughout the city during the week.
6. Grandstand Show   This show is well worth it, due to the variety of acts that will entertain you royally.  The showcase of local talent in the Young Canadians culminates every night with a spectacular firework display.
7. The Ranchman's is noted for line dancing during Stampede Week.  The Cowboy's tent adjacent to the Stampede Casino is also reputed as a great party place.
8. Bar U Guest Ranch   This local guest ranch will give its patrons a real cowboy experience.  Visit their website at http://www.friendsofthebaru.com/ 
9. For those who seek the thrill of fast rides, give consideration to the Midway at the Stampede Grounds or the rides at Calaway Park http://www.calawaypark.com/.   
10. Wild West Show at Canada Olympic Park   If watching an old west style gunfight is your desire, visit the outdoor cowboy theatre production held there.  Visit their website at http://www.wildwildwestcalgary.com/ 

Oh and one more - Mini Donuts!  Enough said.

STAMPEDE BREAKFAST AT THE INN 

Looking for a Stampede Breakfast to attend with great food? Add the Inn to your list! The Kensington Riverside Inn will be flipping pancakes and sausages on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Join us on the patio to get your unique fix of pancakes between 7:00am-10:00am! This is a perfect way to start your Stampede activities on Wednesday.

Please RSVP at 403.228.4442 if you will be attending. 

We hope to see you all there! 

CALGARY STAMPEDE WESTERN ART 

Hotel Arts is pleased to be a sponsor of the Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction Committee which is recognizing Harley Brown with the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award.  Harley Brown will attend this year's Stampede and his exceptional artistic accomplishments and contributions to western art will be celebrated at the 30^th Annual Art Auction to be held at the Palomino Room on July 14, 2011.

Harley has also donated a painting to the Art Auction with proceeds of the sale helping establish a new scholarship at ACAD for fine arts students.

It has been officially announced that Harley will provide the original painting for the 2012 Calgary Stampede Centennial Poster. This painting will then be sold at the Western Art Auction, but will be on display in the Western Oasis, from July 8-13, 2011. The Western Art Show is located in the Western Oasis, Halls D & E of the BMO Centre, Stampede Park.  Over 200 artists are represented throughout the venue and features original art and photography in a variety of mediums and subject matter.  This is a great area to experience the calm culture of the Calgary Stampede.

Harley is an Alberta-born artist and is well known and highly regarded (especially in the United States) for his portraiture work including Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan and George Lucas. He has also authored several books including Confessions of a Starving Artist, Eternal Truths for Every Artist and Inspiration For Every Artist.

To learn more about Harley Brown and the Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction Committee, please visit www.calgarystampede/westernshowcase 

STAMPEDE DUELING CHEF'S COMPETITION  

Notwithstanding the rich array of deep fried Oreos, mini doughtnuts and assorted items that could provoke a sugar coma, there are some great dining options at the Stampede.  The Calgary Co-Op Kitchen Theatre has an array of demonstrations and tastings throughout Stampede week that will tantalize your taste buds.  The pinnacle of these events will be the Dueling Chefs Competitions.   

Head over to the Western Oasis in the BMO Centre (Halls D&E) for the first battle in the Dueling Chefs Competition on Monday, July 11^th at 5:30pm. Hotel Arts Executive Chef Duncan Ly will compete against Jesse Hichhausen, Marriott Hotel & Resorts Executive Chef in an Iron Chef style competition with samples of their creations available for appreciative fans.  The winner will square off against either David Flegel (Executive Chef of Hyatt Regency Calgary) or Sean Ellis (Executive Chef from the Westin Hotel).  The Dueling Chef Finale will take place on Saturday, July 16^th at 5:30pm.

For a full schedule of events in the Calgary Co-Op Kitchen Theatre, please visit http://www.westernshowcase.com/kitchen-theatre.html 

HOTEL ARTS STAMPEDE BREAKFAST SPONSORSHIP 

STAMPEDE ENTERTAINMENT  

Jason Fajardo, Group Sales & Entertainment Manager at Hotel Arts, came up with a few highlights to an impressive list of performers coming to town to perform during the Calgary Stampede.

Cowboys Tent @ the Stampede Casino 

July 6                     Dierks Bentley

July 10                   Tom Cochrane

July 11                   Our Lady Peace

July 12                   Barenaked Ladies

July 17                   Pitbull

www.cowboysniteclub.com  

The Lounge Burger Tent will be hosting Bif Naked, Swollen Members and Kardinal Offishal.

www.loungeburgersaloon.com  

Union Events: "Stampede After Dark"

July 8               Raghav @ The Whiskey

July 10             Infected Mushroom @ The Whiskey

July 10             Kaos, Dragonette @Wild Horse Saloon

July 11             BCDC @Wild Horse Saloon

July 11             Bedouin Soundclash @ The Whiskey

July 12             DJ Shadow @Flames Central

July 12             Spirit of the West @ Wild Horse Saloon

July 16             Lonestar @ The Whiskey

www.unionevents.com  

Coco Cola Stage - Stampede

Tokyo Police Club, Fefe Dobson, the Dudes, These Kids Wear Crowns, Finger Eleven, The Trews, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Kevin Costner & Modern West.

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/music/coca-cola-stage.html  

Saddledome

July 13                   New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys

July 15                   Sugarland

July 16                   Katy Perry

www.scotiabanksaddledome.com/site/saddledome/  

RAW BAR AT THE ARTS  

Raw Bar Poolside Just Keeps Getting Better  

Calgary's hottest patio is feeling the summer!  As the rain abates and the sun bursts forth, Raw Bar Poolside is ready for a steady wave of sun worshippers and poolside diners.  In order to enhance your visit to this happening place, we have added 25 new granite-topped tables, some of which are "cruisers" for that elevated view of proceedings.  Seating has been increased so that 118 patio people can enjoy our new BBQ menu items and summer wine selections.  The new greenery enhances our appealing look.  To top off your weekend fun, DJ Cary Chang will be on the pool deck all day Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting.  It just doesn't get any better than this!

If you are looking for a place to hold a special summer gathering, contact the Raw Bar management about hosting your event.  Private functions of most sizes can be booked whether it's a portion of the Raw Bar Poolside for a small intimate gathering or to book the entire space.  Please contact Adrienne Guitard by phone at 403-206-9565 or via email adrienne@hotelarts.ca to make your booking.

Calling Les Wineaux [Connoisseurs who prefer to drink their wine from a glass rather than from a bottle in a bag]

For those who wish to enjoy fine wines, Raw Bar on Wednesdays is the place to be.  All of our wines can be enjoyed for 25% off our regular price per bottle.  Here is an opportunity to try some premium wines at a very reasonable price.  Be sure to put Wine Wednesday in your Stampede and summer calendar.  

Patio Season

To kick off patio season in style, Chef Duncan Ly has prepared a perfect summer dish and our Raw Bartenders have put together some of their twists on the Mojito that you can prepare at home.  Of course, we encourage all aspiring chefs and mixologists to conduct some "in depth research" at Raw Bar to help ensure that your home-versions of these classics are well received by your guests.

MACADAMIA NUT CRUSTED MAHI MAHI  

With Coconut and Sweet Potato Purée and Lemongrass Emulsion

(serves 4)

Mahi Mahi:

• Four 3oz portion of Mahi Mahi (substitute with tuna if you cannot find Mahi Mahi)
• 10 ml of vegetable oil
• salt and pepper
• 3 oz of toasted and roughly chopped macadamia nuts

Season the Mahi Mahi with salt and pepper. In a medium heated pan, add the oil. Add the Mahi Mahi to pan sear the fish on one side until golden brown. Flip the fish over and place the pan into a 350 degree oven until the fish is cooked and feels firm. About 3-5 minutes.

Sweet Potato and Coconut Purée:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• One 400 ml can of coconut milk (available in Asian supermarkets)
• 400 ml of chicken stock (can be substituted with water if no chicken stock is available)
• salt and pepper

Peel the sweet potatoes and roughly chop the potatoes. In  a large pot, combine the coconut milk, sweet potatoes, and chicken stock making sure that the potatoes are just covered  in the  liquid. Bring the pot to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. In a blender, purée the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Lemongrass Emulsion:

• 200 ml of homo milk
• One 400ml can of coconut milk
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (roughly chopped)
• 1 bulb of ginger root (roughly chopped)
• 2 lime leaves
• 2 limes
• salt and pepper

In a sauce pot, combine the ingredients and bring to a simmer. Allow to the pot to simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain the sauce through a fine strainer. Blend the sauce in a blender to emulsify. Squeeze the juice from the limes into the emulsion and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Plating the Dish:

Place a dollop of the sweet potato purée into the center of 4 bowls. Place the fish on top of the purée and spoon the sauce around. Top the fish with the chopped macadamia nuts.

Enjoy!

MOJITOS POOLSIDE 

Although we anticipate the big cocktail hit of the summer will be our delicious Teajito, our Raw Bartenders have created some memorable twists on the Mojito that have been enjoyed poolside over the last few years.  With these sought-after recipes, you can make a few of these at home.

Mango Mojito -combine in a shaker tin

• 1-2 oz Bacardi White Rum
• 6-8 mint leaves
• 1/3 of a fresh mango (skin on optional)
• Splash of simple syrup (1/3 sugar, 2/3 hot water)
• Muddle all together
• Add ice to shaker tin
• Shake for 15 seconds
• Pour out entire contents into glass
• Top up with more ice
• Topped with soda

Pineapple Mojito -combine in a shaker tin

• 1-2oz Bacardi White Rum
• 6-8 mint leaves
• 2-3 oz of fresh pineapple (thinly cut)
• 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice
• Splash of simple syrup (1/3 sugar, 2/3 hot water)
• Muddle all together
• Add ice to shaker tin
• Shake for 15 seconds
• Pour out entire contents into glass
• Top up with more ice
• Topped with Soda

CHEF'S TABLE AT KRI     

A New Look for the Inn

Have you seen the Inn lately?  Take a drive along Memorial Drive and check out the new face of the Inn!  We are located on the north side of Memorial just west of 10th street. 

Brunch at Chef's Table

Please join us for our dazzling weekend brunch. Featuring lemon ricotta pancakes, oatmeal with caramelized bananas, or your choice of 3 types of eggs benedict with the best Hollandaise sauce.These masterful brunch dishes are courtesy of breakfast chef Andrew Chipman.

Weekend Brunch is served at Chef's Table:           

Saturday   8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday     9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Summer Dine and Stay Package

Now - September 3, 2011  

"It is not the distance traveled, but how far away you feel." Stay at the Inn and feel close to home no matter the distance you covered.  We are intimate, we are personal and we are luxurious.  Come and enjoy our special brand of hospitality with our Summer Dine & Stay Package.   

• 15% guest room discount on any of our luxury or executive rooms
• $150 gift card (for only $100 cost) to be used towards a dining experience at the award-winning Chef's Table restaurant
• Complimentary underground parking
• Breakfast for two at Chef's Table Restaurant
• Evening turndown service
• High-speed wireless Internet
• Morning coffee/tea service delivered to your room  

From warmth to wine, enjoy soul-repairing cuisine and the pursuit of the perfect stay...

This package is available for one night stays only but may be extended at our Best Available Rate.   

Book now or contact us for more information.

Guest Reviews

"My girlfriend and I went on a fine dining spree visiting all of Calgary's best restaurants including The Riverside Inn. We were blown away by every aspect of The Riverside Inn experience!  FINALLY I've found a restaurant in Calgary worthy of Michelin Star quality food!  From plate dressing, to quality food product, to flavor combinations that actually work, the kitchen hit 5 full stars out of 5 for every, single, dish, down the dessert!  Absolutely incredible!  This was the greatest dining experience that I've ever had in Canada!" 

Francesco Pisicoli

SUN & SALSA FESTIVAL 

Start with tomatoes, add garlic and hot peppers, and garnish with cilantro...this is a great recipe for fun for Kensington's Sun & Salsa Festival. With over 40 different salsa recipes served up by teams of Kensington businesses, this is a tasty good time. There are seven live entertainment stages, a Children's Carival Zone, special events and all the neighbourhood businesses will be open for your shopping and eating pleasure. http://www.visitkensington.com/sun-and-salsa/

Kensington Riverside Inn and Hotel Arts will be selling chips at our Sponsor Tent with proceeds earmarked towards the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. Werna Maurer, General Manager of Kensington Riverside Inn joined Treadsetters (www.treadsetters.ca), a team from e=mc2 Event Management and ZGM Marketing to raise funds in this two-day cycling event in the Rockies that took place this past June 25 - 26th.  Werna and her colleagues crossed the finish line and all proceeds from their race go directly towards cancer research right here in Southern Alberta.

Join us at the Sun & Salsa Festival July 24th, 2011 between 11am and 5pm and taste your way through over 40 delicious salsas while enjoying some family fun at this great annual event that heats up Kensington!  Chef's Table and Kensington Riverside Inn will be open...so drop by to cool down after some spicy treats.

Sunday, July 24, 2011, 11:00am - 5:00pm 

COOK FOR THE CAUSE

Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the oldest gastronomic societies in the world strongly believes in the development and mentorship of the next generation of hospitality professionals.  Due to this passion and respect for the industry, the Calgary Bailliage created an opportunity to send three SAIT Polytechnic students to Bermuda where they would have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in an international setting.

The foundation for this concept was created by three key organizers who were all graduates of the former Hotel and Restaurant program at SAIT: Mark Wilson, Vice President of the Hotel Arts Group; Norman Mastalir, Managing Director of the Fairmount Southampton: Cindy Findlay, Academic Chair of SAIT's School of Hospitality and Tourism.

Students submitted an application and an essay to be considered for the opportunity.  A panel of Chaine members including Jan Hansen, Executive Chef of Heritage Park, interviewed the finalists. The winners are April Iverson, Baking and Pastry Arts, Taylor Gant, Apprentice Cook and Jean Westbrook, Hospitality Management.  These talented students will do their two-week stage at the Fairmount Southampton in Bermuda from May 28 to June 10, 2011.

In order to generate funds to support this initiative, a fundraiser was held at SAIT.  Mike Tidswell's special event class assumed responsibility for planning this event.  This complex project gave these Hospitality Management students an opportunity to work with Tanya Cropley, Director of Events at Hotel Arts, to organize and execute an event for 125 people.

Chef Simon Dunn was responsible for getting top industry chefs and previous winners of the Commis Rotisseur competition to participate by preparing unique food items from their restaurants.  Hence the name, "Cook for the Cause".  These top chefs and industry professionals were "paying it forward" by supporting the event to finance this learning opportunity for the next generation of hospitality professionals.  Hotel Arts was most pleased to fulfill its social responsibility by its extensive support of this project.

MINI STAY VACATION 

Hotel Arts is partnering with Virgin Radio 98.5 and MINI Crowfoot (part of the Dilawri Automotive Group) on a MINI Stay Vacation contest this summer. You could win the chance to drive a brand new 2011 MINI Countryman for the entire weekend and get "Rock Star Parking" during your two-night weekend stay in a Luxury Suite at Hotel Arts.  Not only will you drive and stay in style, but you'll also experience a sumptuous 4-course dinner for two featuring the Chef's Weekend Tasting Menu in Raw Bar. To ensure that you have the right fuel for your MINI weekend excursion, you'll be hosted in the Raw Bar for breakfast each day too.

To enter the contest, there is no purchase necessary.  Simply visit the following site: www.whatsmymini.ca

After you've entered the contest, learn more about the MINI community and explore your MINI personality by visiting www.adoptamini.ca. Visit the Dilawri Detour (www.dilawri-detour.ca) this summer outside Bankers Hall on Stephen Avenue on July 8 and July 22 where they'll have several vehicles on display...Perhaps your own coveted MINI will be there!