I consider myself to be a somewhat adventurous guy. I’m always eager to try new foods, or see films showing at the smaller theaters. That’s why the 70^th annual Iroquois Steeplechase caught my attention. On May 14, one of the oldest and most prestigious steeplechases will grace Percy Warner Park. Seven races offer total purse and bonus money equaling $415,000—the richest race day on the National Steeplechase Association spring circuit. This means over 20,000 people will be present to experience some equestrian fanfare, enjoy delicious food, and raise money for a really great cause.

This year, the Iroquois event will support the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Whether or not you’ve experienced a steeplechase before (I’ll be a first-timer), this is sure to be an event dripping with Tennessee culture and excitement. Support the hospital, see some amazing horse-racing, and experience something new.

See you there,

Dane

Shrimp Provencal for Two

10 16/20-sized shrimp, peeled, dusted with flour

5 TBS olive oil

Sauté shrimp two minutes.

Add:

1½ TBS chopped garlic

Pinch red pepper flakes

Sauté two minutes.

Add:

1/3 cup white wine

Sauté one minute.

Add:

Juice of ½ lemon

Pinch salt

Tomato concasse (reserve 2 TBS for garnish):

2 large diced fresh tomatoes

1/3 cup course chopped olives (we like to use equal parts kalamata, green and black)

3 TBS diced red onion

Touch of olive oil

5 TBS pesto oil (save any extra for a great bread dip):

4-5 fresh basil leaves

2 cloves fresh garlic

½ cup olive oil

Process for 30 seconds, pulsing, add pinch of salt.

Sauté all together until hot, toss with approximately 10 oz. cooked pasta (penne or bow tie).

Put in large dinner bowls, set shrimp around plate on top of pasta.

Top with:

2 TBS grated fresh Parmesan & Romano cheeses

1 TBS tomato concasse

Garnish with fresh parsley.

See you soon,

Dane

Just don’t get me started on beer. Oh, wait, do get me started on beer. Like any good southerner, I’m mighty happy sippin’ a smooth bourbon, but a good beer is just like a comfortable pair of boots. I was pretty darn excited then, as you might imagine, to hear about TPAC’s new “The Art of” series. The events will feature education on and tastings of various spirits, starting with the golden, hoppy elixir.

Expect a brew-laden weekend filled with the history of the stuff, its various uses—aside from the obvious—and learning how to identify subtleties in the flavors of different styles of beer (I think that just takes a lot of experience and exposure). Upcoming weekends will highlight “The Art of” Jack Daniels, cordials, and even boxed wine. There’s a lot to look forward to.

See you there,

Dane

I’ll admit, that until I began working at the Preston, I thought that ‘boutique hotel’ meant a big, fancy hotel with a tiny, fancy shop in the lobby. I tell folks all the time about the great boutique hotel I spend my days in, so I’d thought I’d see what that actually means. I consulted Wikipedia (yeah, I know they’re not always accurate, but this time I think they’re on the money):

Boutique hotels are always individual and focused on offering their services in a comfortable, intimate, and welcoming setting, so they are therefore extremely unlikely to be found amongst the homogeneity of large chain hotel groups. Many boutique hotels have on-site dining facilities, and the majority offer noteworthy bars and lounges that may also be open to the general public.

That describes us to a T, so come on in and browse.

See you soon,

Dane

In my opinion, there’s no better way to experience some true Nashville flair than going out to see some rocking live music. In March, a four-night extravaganza known as the Belmont Jazz Festival (March 15-19) is truly the place to be to take in some good tunes and unwind. This amazing collection of musicians that play over the span of four nights includes acts like a jazz bass ensemble and a special appearance by Nashville personality Ron Miller.

Before enjoying the sweet sounds of local jazz, I suggest indulging in a nice Japanese meal at PM Sushi Restaurant right down the street or perhaps grab a cuppa joe at Bongo Java, also just a couple of blocks away. Worried that that nigiri and cappuccinos might leave your wallet feeling a bit thin? No worries; this festival won’t cost you a cent.

See you there,

Dane

Now that Valentine’s Day has passed, it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the hard truth that faces us in April: tax day, the most dreaded milestone of the year. If you’re like my wife, the forms have already been filed; but for the rest of us, Hotel Preston is ready to make tax season a little more enticing.

Stay with us anytime through April 18^th and we’ll make the season a bit sweeter by paying Uncle Sam for you! That’s right, stay with us for two nights or more and we’ll cover the cost of your room taxes. Basking in the glow of a tax-free stay, a couple rounds of cocktails at Pink Slip, and a delicious meal at Cafe Isabella are sure to make tax season just a little less painful.

See you soon,

Dane

A little tired of tacos? About had it with pasta and pizza? Can’t face another plate of Pad Thai? Time to branch out a bit and visit this amazing little spot, Back to Cuba. I swear, my mouth is watering just writing about it. After several fantastico meals there, and chatting with other diners, this Cuban joint is the real deal.

Black beans and rice, a staple of Cuban cuisine, is always a good test. Theirs are full of flavor, and cooked just right. Last time we went I had the Pezcado en Salsa Tropical–a fresh, grilled filet of fish in mango salsa–that knocked me out. So tasty. My wife had the Churasco Skirt Steak with fried plantains on the side. Swooning followed.

They also make great Cuban sandwiches (not your average meat on bread, that’s for certain) and ask for the Mojo sauce on just about everything. Muy delicioso, mis amigos.

4683 Trousdale Dr.
Nashville, TN 37204

(615) 837-6711

See you there,

Dane

Feeling cool? Lukewarm? Hot? Sizzling? No matter what your temp, an overnight at Hotel Preston just can’t hurt. Valentine’s Day will sneak up sooner than you think (it always does), and you’d best have a solid plan in place, my friend. I remember the one year when I forgot, and I hope and pray that never happens to you. I’m here to make sure you don’t.

Start the night with a cocktail at the Pink Slip lounge (apropos, I think), a delicious meal at Café Isabella, and then off to your room with you both. Expect red rose petals, red velvet cupcakes, a red votive candle, a nice bottle of red wine, and red-hot gratitude. If that doesn’t raise your temperature, I don’t know what will. Don’t forget, I’m here to help.

See you soon,

Dane

I’ve recently been chatting with our lady who Tweets for the Hotel Preston, reading some of the stuff that’s coming across, and it’s pretty entertaining and informative. Here’s a sample:

What you’re telling us:

Had an awesome time in Jamaica but all started with an awesome stay at @hotel_preston. Awesome Nashville hotel, check it out!

Just ask the front desk for one at check in! RT @LavaLamp: @hotel_preston You guys are awesome for putting Lava Lamps in your rooms.

What we’re telling you:

Win a night with our bro in #Seattle #hotel_max! Play #10days10nights. To enter follow @provenancehotel & tweet with the #! Last day to play!

Just in case you missed the big news…we have 3 new family members! Here we come, #SanFrancisco! http://bit.ly/fUD8fi

It might be time for a second cup o’ joe! What is your favorite #Nashville coffee shop?

Looks like it’s time to get connected! And there may just be a special deal or two in there in 2011.

Tweet you soon,

Dane