Park City Update- End of February

Well, I did it again... slacked on my blog and have not updated for 3 weeks.... So, my update today is some of the stuff I LOVE about Park City, Utah. The list is quite long, but this is just some fun stuff that I feel compelled to share:

PARK CITY, UTAH

I am not a fan of Salt Lake City, especially the area around the airport, but I love the feeling I get as I round the bend on Hwy 80 in the mountains, let's say around Jeremy Ranch area, when you pass into "ski resort territory" near Park City. I makes me go "ahhhhh...." every time.

The sights of Olympic Park as you head into town. Impressive.

The fact that there are colorful lights everywhere in the trees- not just at Christmas time. So pretty!

Main Street. Shop. Eat. Walk. Drink. People watch. 'nuff said.

I already blogged about Purple Sage in the past, so let's just say the plethora of tasty restaurants in town- so many good ones to choose from!

Java Cow ice cream and Yellow Snow ice cream.

Some great little boutiques such as Mary Jane's, Flight, Cake, and Prospect.

The free shuttle that takes you from my condo to any bar at any time- no drinking and driving folks. Ask my Dad about this one too...

Lindzee O'Michael's Mixologist bar- check it out. Martinis. Yum.

Silver Mountain Gym & Spa.

The fact that I can see moose in their natural habitat just walking down the street.

The smell of snow in the air right now.

My new facialist Vanessa- she is amazing.

Justin, Matt, and Sara at Massage Envy.

Ski lessons everywhere!!! Even for those of of deathly afraid of heights.

My condo. Love it.

Beautiful mountains everywhere you look.

The Shop- a free, non-profit yoga studio.

And I don't even need to say it.... SUNDANCE, OF COURSE!

The reason for this love-fest for Park City today is due to the GREAT day I have had here... after working out and seeing a moose just "hangin' out" in the brush, I enjoyed an amazing massage followed by some fun (and spendy!) shopping- clothes, candles, yoga stuff... fun. I feel wonderful! Just had to share all that Park City has to offer. Don't ya'll want to join me now? Come along.... You're invited!

Broadmoor Spa, Colorado

I admit it. I am a spa snob. I love spas. Massage. Facial. Pedicure. I love it all.

Most recently I spent time at The Broadmoor Hotel- Golf & Spa Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado as a reward to one of my team members at work (while it was not a reward for me, I was more than happy to pay on my own for my spa activities to join her!) I had been there prior, so highly recommended this place for her to enjoy her reward.

Some of the highlights...

* Gorgeous grounds (see the 2 photos I took)

* Many yummy restaurants to choose from

* Super comfy king size beds (trust me, from all the time spent in hotels, I know a good bed when I lie down...)

* Of course, the spa in general

* Fruit or cucumber water in every waiting area

* Aroma therapy waiting rooms

* Home-made toffee in your room upon arrival

* Cute shops with fun stuff to buy

I know, as I have stated before, I am easily impressed, but The Broadmoor does a great job at that. I highly recommend it. And if you golf, check that out too. So pretty!

Go see The Broadmoor when in Colorado.

Sundance 2010 Finale

All good things must come to an end...

Katie Holmes at "The Extra Man"



Kevin Kline at "The Extra Man"

Me and my credentials (I am so proud!)

Darien and Amy at Chimayo

Final day... It was a great one!

We started the day at the spa for massages and facial (so indulging!) and ended the day with dinner at Chimayo and our final movie- "The Extra Man" with Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, John C. Reilly, and Katie Holmes. Good movie- not a blockbuster, but decent. And all of the above were there and spoke after the movie- the best part!

All-in-all a wonderful final day at Sundance 2010. I will look back on fun times had at movies, star gazing, yummy dinners, relaxing at the condo, walking on Main Street and the spa experience. Just what I always hope for at Sundance.

Last, in addition to others I listed in previous posts, did I mention some other stars we saw...

Adrian Grenier

Christopher McDonald (Shooter from Happy Gilmore)

Nina Katz (not her real name, but if you are a Sex & the City fan in the seasons with Aidan and the break-up, you will know...)

Kevin Sorbo

Rachel Hunter

I think that may be all for now... If I remember more, I'll be back!

Farewell Sundance 2010. See ya in 2011!

Sundance- Worst, Better, Best!

3 films in 1 day! That's a lot, especially when they start at noon and end at 2AM. Definitely worst, better, and best for this fine film day. As you can see from my post yesterday, "Dry Land" was good- not great, not bad, but good. Next up was "3 Backyards". Ummm.. Just pretty bad. Don't get me wrong, it was still fun to see and also to chat with Edie Falco and Kathryn Erbe afterward (see below along with Director), but the movie was not good and the audio was so loud our ears were bleeding. Pass on this one.

Next up was "HIGH School" which was hilarious. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. I think I snorted a few times and my belly hurts today (that could be all of the candy hearts and M&M's, but I digress...). If it gets picked up by a studio, check it out. Stars Michael Chiklis and Adrien Brody (see below) as well as Collin Hanks, Michael Vartan, and a few others. Definitely worth checking this one out. And as you can see, Amy and Michael Chiklis hit it off :)

One more day to go... just returned from the spa (ahhhh...) and our last film comes tonight. Looking forward to the dinner and movie Sundance 2010 finale!

Sundance Movie #1

Our first Sundance 2010 movie was a success! Check it out below...

"The Dry Land" starring America Ferrara (far right), Jason Ritter (next to America), Wilmer Valderrama (speaking) and others. Excellent movie about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after returning from Iraq.

Below the photo of the cast is Amy in anticipation of the start of the film being introduced by Sundance Director John Cooper (Robert Redford only intros opening night).

Last, my Sundance credentials.... Gotta have those to "feel cool".

After the movie, before we came home to cheer the Vikings onto victory, we stopped at Einstein Bagels for a bite to eat with John C. Reilly. Unfortunately neither his Stepbrother nor Ricky Bobby were there with him....

After the Vikes, 2 more movies today!!!

Sundance Day 2

Sundance....

Photos:
Ethan Suplee from "My Name is Earl" (and the movie "Dry Land")
Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson from "That 70's Show" (and the movie "Howl")
Darien and Amy at Bandit's Bar & Grill

The first sightings have arrived!!! Friday was quite an interesting and eventful day, so let's just focus on the positive (NOT the disorderly conduct or getting stuck on the snowy mountain....) Remember, as you read this, I have the most bizarre things happen to ME--- this day was no exception, so let's just go forth with the JOYS of Sundance. There are many...

After a day of relaxation and working out, our plans for the evening of dinner and the movie at Sundance Resort were suddenly changed due to inclement weather up the mountain, so we did a little dinner and shopping on Main Street instead. A BBQ dinner at Bandits Bar & Grill included the casts of "My Name is Earl" (see Ethan Suplee above- he is in the movie "Dry Land" we are viewing tomorrow) and "That 70's Show" (see Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson). We had some great BBQ and cocktails and after chatting with Wilmer (well, Amy, not me, I must confess) we hit a few shops. Love Roots!!! Check it out sometime....

Aside from the "casts" at dinner, we saw a few entertainment TV correspondents (think E!), but that was it for our first day out. More to come.... Sundance Rocks!!!

Sundance is Here!!!!

Long awaited (one of the) best week of the year is finally here! The official festivities started last night with a scrumptious dinner at Purple Sage (see my previous restaurant post for more details on PS) with Amy, me, and a random cute guy who payed for our meal (ok, not random, but it was VERY nice of him and we surely enjoyed the company...)

Since we start our passage into films this evening, thought I would start with our agenda for the 6 days of bliss. Check it out and wait for more....

Thursday 1/21
Pick up Amy at the airport and get "settled" at the condo (we must claim our spots on the couch to set up laptops and set the TV channel to E! for Sundance coverage- but unlike the Golden Globes, everyone where ski jackets, hats, and boots, so we fit right in- don't forget the over sized sunglasses!)
6:30PM Dinner at Purple Sage (yum!)

Friday 1/22
Open hang out/work out/relax day
3:45PM Early dinner at The Foundry Grill at Sundance Resort
6:30PM Movie: "Howl" at Sundance Screening Room (Starring James Franco, John Hamm, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jeff Daniels)

Saturday 1/23
Totally open hang out/work out/shop/relax day - hoping to spend some $$$ shopping this day
7:00PM Dinner at Blind Dog Sushi (bring on the rolls and nigiri and sashimi)

Sunday 1/24
This is MAJOR movie day- we have 3 this day and they are ALL premiers :)
12:15PM "Dryland" at Eccles (starring America Ferrera, Jason Ritter, and Wilmer Valdderama)
Open between 3-7PM or so to watch the Vikes beat the Saints (sorry Reggie Bush, I like ya, but... I like Favre better)
8:00PM "3 Backyards" at Raquet Club Theatre (starring Edie Falco)
11:30PM "HIGH School" at Library Theatre (starring Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis, and Colin Hanks)
This will be a long day, but all 3 are premiers- first showing of every movie- so it's worth it

Monday 1/25
Vie Nouveau Spa!!! 10AM
We both have 90 minute massages and 60 minute facials back-to-back
Open from 1-5PM or so for whatever
6:00PM Dinner at Chimayo (again yum!)
9:30PM Movie: "The Extra Man" at Eccles Theatre (starring Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, and Katie Holmes)

Tues 1/26
Workout, hang out, whatever until Amy's flight at 2PM :( Boo hoo

Also... The free concerts on Main Street this year are "The Fray" and "Leann Rimes" should we decide to check those out; no Goo Goo Dolls this year :( (That is where my current facebook profile pic is from last year- love Johnny Rzenik- I was in musical heaven!)

Now do you see why I get so very excited every year this rolls around??? Tons of stressful planning, but oh-so worth it :) Ya gotta love pop culture and over-index on cinema to enjoy it, but boy do I ever. Please join me on our journey this week at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah via Darien's Details..... Shall we...

January Photos

Some post-Christmas and pre-Sundance photos

Mom, Dad, me, and Jarrod at my place in California


Amy, Julie, and me at Lucky 13 in Minnesota celebrating Julie's 35th birthday

Amy and me sharing a Little Lucky cocktail

Kelsey and me at Chino Latino in Minnesota

Flanery cousins outside of Chino Latino waiting for the valet...

Back- Jodi, Erinn, Heidi, Carrie

Front- Kelsey, Maggie, Darien

Random Thoughts

Home after a 3-day meeting in San Jose... laughing out loud at random thoughts with my little brother....

While watching The Biggest Loser....
Me: Wow- his boobs are bigger than mine!?
He: Well, I hope so, he weighs 500 pounds!
Just made me laugh

Do you know about Google Text???
My work buddy Jennifer Boyes taught me...
Text the name of any location to 46645 and sent back you will receive the address and phone number
I LOVE this!
Hmmm... maybe google text can locate me a HUSBAND!!!???

Have you seen the new edible slippers?
Seriously. Not kidding. That's just plain gross.
Well, those you who think edible undies are ok, just might....

Did you hear about Tiger Woods?

Celebrity News I just don't get...
Jessica Simpson and Billy Corrigan??
If I hear "the most dramatic rose ceremony ever..." one more time...
Can you remind me WHY the Kardashians are famous?
Why does Charlie Sheen have to be such a creep when he is SO GOOD on Two and a Half Men??? I can't get enough of his one-liners
Does anyone know what Matt LeBlanc is doing these days???

Hmmm... these are the things that keep me up at night. Rough life. I know.
Ta-ta for now my friends.

What is YOUR Favorite restaurant?

Well, I have food on the brain this morning (Ok, when DON'T I have food on the brain???) I believe today it's because I am reminiscing about an exceptional dinner I had a few night ago at my overall favorite... Purple Sage in Park City, Utah.

These thoughts of tantalizing morsels and yummy libations caused my taste buds to stir and my mouth to water (the coffee and Special K are just not doing it for me this fine morning...) and I thought it best to blog about my favorite establishments that I frequent as I travel for work (and fun too).

Best place to start is Purple Sage of course. Here they are and a little bit about each:

1. Purple Sage, Park City, UT www.purplesageparkcity.com
2. Ciao Bella, Minneapolis, MN www.ciaobellamn.com
3. 50 Plates, Portland, OR www.50plates.com
4. Va Da Vi, Walnut Creek, CA www.vadevi.com
5. Purple, Seattle, WA www.thepurplecafe.com
6. Lucy, Denver, CO www.lucyrestaurant.com
7. Yabba Island Grill, Naples, FL www.yabbaislandgrill.com

I will give you fine readers a few of my favorites should you venture to each place and no, I am NOT being paid under the table (nice pun) by these establishments.

Purple Sage- Cheese and bison fondue, blue cheese potato chips, pork tenderloin, steak frites, Purple Sage Martini, and last but not least, butterscotch pudding for dessert. This place is simply scrumptious. Main Street- hidden and hard to find aside from the big piece of gray sage hanging over the door as you enter.

Ciao Bella- Parmesan crusted shrimp (order the large because the small just won't do), any flat bread the offer, and the basic filet mignon and fries are a hit (although I often substitute the fries for butternut squash- yum!), and nice wine list. This may be the Best Buy second home, but I still love it- and the patio is great in the summer.

50 Plates- Dirty Rice beignets (aka rice balls), although they are not that great, just for fun you MUST try the Cheese Poofs, a wide variety of entrees are excellent (hence the term 50 plates), but my favorite is the dessert menu which includes coconut cream cake, banana cream pie, and many other sinful offerings.

Va De Vi- Small plate offerings that fill you up quickly. A few of my best selections are cheese plates, butternut squash ravioli, pommes frites, hanger steak, anything they make with lump shrimp, wine flights, and to end, the dessert sampler- focus on the profiteroles. If you can sit outside by the big tree covered in lights, you have hit the jackpot.

Purple- Another small plate joint like Va De Vi... exceptional wine list with wine and cheese flights, any salad they offer, and small sandwiches- BLTA is great. I also love the decor- heavy tables and chairs with unique table settings.

Lucy- This place may be hard to find, but once you see the pretty red shiny decor, you can't miss it. Love the cocktails, soups, burger, and mac & cheese. This one may surprise you, but I have become a huge fan with 3 visits over the past year.

Yabba- This one is simple. Any grilled fish (they have many to choose from) and the extensive cocktail menu. That about says it all- and of course what is there NOT to like about Naples, Florida???

For you foodies out there, hope you find this intriguing. Upon your travels, check 'em out. And don't forget to head to the gym after you indulge. Enjoy my friends. Happy eating.