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

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

Boy, things have changed. When I was growing up, my dad left the house at 8:30 and was home and in his Bermuda shorts in time for dinner, every night at 6. These days, people work from home, take working vacations, and even “staycations.” I say, if you travel for work, or God forbid, work while on vacation, why not at least make it as easy on yourself as possible?

If you’re headed to Nashville, the Preston’s got a great hotel package deal going on: We shuttle you straight from the airport, then get you set up in a cushy room. Wireless internet access is included, natch, but the complementary cocktail waiting for you is a nice bonus. We don’t want you working on an empty stomach, so we give you a breakfast voucher the next morning. If you drove here, we’ll park your car for up to eight days. So, get to work!

Later,

Dane

Did you know that you and I, your average Joe and Jane, can attend the Country Music Awards? Until today, neither did I. I knew the show was coming to the Sommet Center on November 11, and thought I should brush up on the details in case hotel guests asked me about it. When I went to the site, I saw that tickets are available to the public.

And it looks like it’s going to be a great show, hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, with a great line-up of some newer names, and some of the old greats. Tim McGraw will perform with Vince Gill and Daughtry, and Daughtry’s band will make their debut appearance at the awards. There will be performances by Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, George Strait, Melinda Lambert, and on and on.

If you can possibly swing it, buy tickets now. I didn’t say they were cheap (cuz they ain’t), but what a night.

Dane

When I was just a tyke, my parents took us out to California. I don’t know if I’ve been as excited for a trip in my entire life. We went to Disneyland, the La Brea Tar Pits (how that ever got to be a popular tourist destination, I’ll never know). But, for some reason, the Walk of Fame really sticks in my memory. Maybe it’s because when I stood on George Reeves’ star, I felt like Superman for just a minute.

I’ve got to say, I do get the same kind of rush when I’m on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame, one of Nashville’s best attractions, in my opinion. When I’m surrounded by all the greats—Randy Travis, Martina McBride, Little Richard, Elvis (of course), and so many more—I’m reminded of all the great music I’ve seen in this city of mine over the years.

The Walk is an easy one-mile stroll that connects to downtown’s Music Row, and it’s a great way to while away an afternoon, and start up good arguments about who was the greatest.

Dane

Hey everybody. You need a reason to come on over to Hotel Preston for a visit? Here’s a game to help out. Find the special that fits you, and then give us a call.

1.    Spring Has Sprung! — Get a map to walking trails in the area, a free shuttle drop-you off at the closest trailhead, a backpack with Kashi Organic Trail bars and water, and a Greentini in the Pink Slip Lounge.

2.    Mommy Me Time — Mom gets an in-room massage session while Dad takes the kids to the Imax and the Adventure Science Center, and then brunch for the whole family at Café Isabella.

3.    Rockstar Daddy — Dad gets a hot steam shave and shoe shine at the Trim Classic Barber and a trip to the Nashville Superspeedway to ride shotgun in a two-seat NASCAR-style stock car driven by a professional at speeds up to 165 MPH.

Check out the hotel’s other packages in Special Offers. There’s sure one to fit you. See you here.

Dane

This might not be as interesting to you younger types out there. But if you’re of a, um, certain age and grew up in these parts you’ll probably be interested in the current art show at The Belcourt.

The Belcourt is worth seeing in its own right. And it’s a perfect spot for painter Peggy Snow to have her show This Old World. It’s a collection of her paintings of a bunch of old Nashville buildings that have either been demolished or soon will be. There’s the Union Station train shed, the old Father Ryan High School and the Community Baptist Church, and others. Sound familiar?

Even if you don’t know them the paintings are really great. Dora described them as “full of movement” and I have to agree. And lots of color. The show runs every day until Jan. 21.

Dane