Events & Activities
>Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
Events for February 2010
From 02/08/2010 to 02/14/2010
From the Heart of Texas & Wine Lovers' Weekend
Join us for From the Heart of Texas, February 8-14, and Wine Lovers' Weekend, February 12-14!
FROM THE HEART OF TEXAS, FEBRUARY 8-14
Monday, February 8
Dishes We Love- That Love Us, Too with Special Guest Chef: Marge PerryMarge Perry writes, teaches, broadcasts and speaks about cooking, food and nutrition. In her capacity as a syndicated food columnist for Newsday, Contributing Editor for Cooking Light and Health magazines, nutrition columnist for Better Homes and Gardens, restaurant critic, contributor to many other newspapers and magazines, (including the New York Times, Self, Prevention, More, Coastal Living, Relish, and others) and frequent guest on television and radio, Ms. Perry is an accessible and authoritative guide for anyone who cooks, eats and travels.
In addition to Dinner Tonight, the cookbook based on her daily Newsday column, Ms. Perry has contributed recipes and text to nearly 20 other food and nutrition titles. Her articles have been syndicated in magazines and books, and her recipes have appeared on the Television Food Network and many television news segments.
Tuesday, February 9
Nutrition for Heart Health with Dietitian: Terry ShawWednesday, February 10
Texas Cookin' with Executive Chef: Terry ConlanCrafts: Create a Card
Strong Hearts with Dr. Scott Gaertner, Board Certified Family Practice, and Wendy Gaertner, Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional
Your heart is a muscle, and like other muscles, it must be exercised to stay strong and conditioned. Learn more about how to find your various heart rate zones, ways to maintain a healthy heart, and different workouts to strengthen your heart muscle.
J. Scott Gaertner, M.D. returned to Austin after living in Hawaii for 12 years where he had his own family practice. Dr. Gaertner is a Board Certified family practitioner having received his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston in 1991 and then going on to complete his specialty training in family medicine here in Austin. In this discussion, he will be joined by his wife, Wendy Gaertner, who will share her insights, as well.
Thursday, February 11
Love in Any Language with Special Guest Chef: Elizabeth Escobedo
Every February, across the country, we celebrate Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards, candy, flowers, and gifts all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? Come discover the history of Valentine’s Day—the identity of its patron saint and the meaning of other Valentine symbols. Learn about how other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day and enjoy a wonderful four course Valentine’s Tea. Menu includes, Chilled strawberry soup, Chicken Salad Veronique tea sandwiches, Strawberry Scones with Rose Clotted Cream, and Lavender shortbread. This menu will be accompanied by marriage freres tea “Eros,” (God of Love). All recipes will be included!Elizabeth Escobedo is a passionate cook who began cooking at a very early age. She affectionately claims to have been “raised in the kitchen.” Born and raised in Texas near the Mexican border, Elizabeth learned to prepare family recipes as well as other traditional Mexican specialties for frequent family meals and gatherings.
Through her studies for a Masters degree in Intercultural Relations, Elizabeth developed a love for other cultures, and she traveled to countries on four continents, tasted many diverse flavors of the world, and expanded her culinary exposure and repertoire of recipes. This fueled her passion to create new recipes by adding modern style and technique to the collection of traditional family recipes that she cherishes.
WINE LOVER'S WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 12-14
Friday, February 12
Cooking Session with the Pastry Queen Rebecca Rather
Award-Winning Cook Book Author and Pastry ChefA native Texan, Rebecca Rather makes the most of her Lone Star state's varied traditions, whether looking to the kitchens of Texas' Mexican and German immigrants or to the cowboy culture of her own forebears. Best of all, her recipes aren't fussy—one of her best–selling cakes stirs together in a single saucepan. Add in a cupful of Texas attitude and her made–from–scratch–with–love philosophy, and you've got an irresistible taste of American baking.
In 1999, she started her own business, Rather Sweet Bakery, in Austin. In 2001, she moved the bakery to the scenic Hill Country town of Fredericksburg, Texas, expanding to serve lunch daily and dinner on weekends. She has been featured in Texas Monthly, Gourmet, Ladies' Home Journal, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Chocolatier, and Saveur, where she was among Saveur's 100 favorites for 2003.
Rebecca's cookbooks include: The Pastry Queen, The Pastry Queen Christmas and her latest, Pastry Queen Parties, which debuted in October, 2009.
Texas Wine Tasting
Saturday, February 13
Wine and Song with Piano Entertainer Matt WilsonPiano entertainer Matt Wilson's (pictured) career has led him from playing piano in his father's church, to performing on Broadway and touring as the lead in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's musical "Movin' Out" from 2003-2005. His engaging shows include originals and covers ranging from classic rock 'n roll to rollicking blues and country. But of the many experiences Wilson's had, what he loves most is connecting people to music. A renowned entertainer, audience members usually find themselves singing along, thoroughly engaged in the performance.
Known locally for his recent performances at the Tribeza Style Week fashion show at the Long Center, Zach Scott Theater, Tex Arts and the Spicewood Arts Society, Wilson is a native of Dallas, and graduate of the University of Texas. His music career started early when he played drums and piano in church where his father, a former missionary who traveled the world, was the pastor and played the organ. Growing up with lots of gospel and oldies, like Jerry Lee Lewis, influenced his sound, which combines rock 'n roll, country and R&B. After writing music and producing demos while playing at local clubs during college, Wilson landed a contract performing at Disney World. "It was like getting a masters in rock 'n roll performance," he says of the three-year stint. He then returned to Austin for a residency at the Ivory Cat Tavern on Sixth Street.
Crafts: Decorate a Wine Glass
Sunday, February 14
Heart Shaped Cookie Decorating
From 02/15/2010 to 02/21/2010
The Culinary Experience: February 2010
Learn the secrets of preparing and enjoying deliciously healthy food and take part of the Lake Austin Spa Resort experience home with you! This month's special guest chefs are Chris Ward, Beth Pav and Joanne Weir (pictured).
Tuesday, February 16
Cooking Session with Special Guest Chef Chris WardChris Ward is an executive chef and partner for Dallas' award-winning restaurant, The Mercury, a multi-million dollar restaurant acclaimed nationally for Ward's imaginative culinary flair, maintaining the restaurant's success for nine years. Restaurants under his guidance have all earned rave reviews with marks of four stars or better. His culinary flair has been recognized nationally by Gourmet Magazine, Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure.
Ward began his culinary career in Dallas and had experience cooking in New England and France before settling back in Dallas. He has prepared dinners in honor of President George Herbert Walker Bush, ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, President George W. and Laura Bush, the Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan and other worldwide dignitaries.
As guest-celebrity-chef Ward is known nationally and internationally, and he garners many accolades and awards. His cookbook, Restaurant Life: the Culinary Chronicles of Chef Chris Ward, was published in 2002, and is sold as limited editions at culinary stores, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Thursday, February 18
Cooking Session with Special Guest Chef: Beth PavBeth has taught at acclaimed cooking schools nationwide. She was the first featured chef in Central Market’s, “Women Chefs in Austin” series and has been featured and/or quoted in “The Dallas Morning News,” “New Texas Magazine” and austincitysearch.com. Her food articles and recipes have been published in the “IACP Cooking Schools/Teachers Membership Section Newsletter,” “The Austin Chronicle,” and on the web. Beth has been a featured guest chef on Austin’s Fox7 morning news program. She is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, and is a charter member of Les Dames d’ Escoffier – Austin.
Friday, February 19
Cooking Session with Special Guest Chef Joanne WeirJoanne Weir is many things...a world traveler, a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, a cooking teacher, a chef and television personality. In the second season of her very successful 26-part public television series, "Joanne Weir's Cooking Class", Joanne's love of teaching cooking takes center stage. Her home kitchen is once again the classroom for each show as she works side-by-side with a real-world student for a hands-on cooking lesson. The student and viewer learn how to prepare a wide variety of Weir's latest wine country-inspired recipes, using the freshest and most seasonal ingredients available.
From 02/22/2010 to 02/28/2010
Mind/Body Week
Join us during Mind/Body Week, February 22-28, with special guests Anne Irving, Dianna Amorde, Corey Ciocchetti (pictured) and Scott Cole!
Monday, February 22
Soulful Living with Anne IrvingThe pressure of our busy, modern lives often leaves us feeling over-stressed and over-stimulated. Let Anne teach you how to turn STRESS into BLISS and live your healthiest, happiest, most fulfilling life.
Anne Irving is a mind/body therapist, yoga teacher and wellness consultant for the Lake Austin Spa Resort. As an Exercise Physiologist, Kriya Yoga Teacher and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, Anne has over 17 years of experience in Health and Wellness. Formerly the Fitness Director of the prestigious Peninsula Spa in New York City, Anne has delivered lectures on health, wellness and empowerment in health spas and corporations across the country. A passionate and inspiring speaker, she is totally dedicated to enhancing individuals' physical and emotional well-being. A sincere and humble student of yoga, she knows there is always more to learn. Anne is currently pursuing graduate studies in Somatic Psychology.
Tuesday, February 23
The Power of Visualization
with Special Guest Speaker: Dianna AmordeWithin you are two amazing gifts designed to make achieving your dreams easier and reducing your workload and stress a snap—your intuition and imagination. Using a powerful guided visualization, you’ll tap into your inner wisdom and begin to imagine and visualize a life that fits your definition of success.
Dianna Amorde uses a unique blend of science, insight from experts, personal experience, and inspiring stories to give you the courage to trust what your intuition and imagination reveal to you. She also offers techniques and tips for making the most of your natural ability to visualize your way to successfully achieving your goals and dreams.
She inspires and trains people to use all their inner resources to generate brilliant ideas, achieve creative breakthroughs and make more effective decisions.
Wednesday, February 24
Inspire Integrity
with Special Guest Speaker: Corey CiocchettiCorey A. Ciocchetti is one of the University of Denver’s most popular and highest-rated professors in the Daniels College of Business. He currently teaches ethics and law classes, speaks to thousands of individuals each year about success and ethics, and is the author of the book Real Rabbits: Chasing An Authentic Life. Professor Corey Ciocchetti is passionate about "authentic success" – in other words, a life filled with genuine contentment, strong personal relationships and a solid character. In fact, Corey views authentic success as a prerequisite to achieving true happiness in life.
As a professional speaker, his message is applicable to audiences in every type of business and organization as well as colleges and secondary schools. Speaking to thousands of people each year, he presents a message that will not only stick with you, it will leave you genuinely challenged. Audiences routinely refer to his messages as outright addicting. No matter the setting, venue or occasion, Corey's message will engage your mind and motivate your heart to chase authentic success.
Thursday, February 25-Sunday, February 28
Chi Retreat
Lighten Up, Loosen Up, and Let Go
with Special Guest Scott ColeLighten Up, Loosen Up, and Let Go of stress and holiday weight gain, while getting lean, ripped, and relaxed!!! Join Scott, America's premier mind/body fitness expert, for a spectacular weekend retreat featuring a delectable blend of yoga, tai chi, dance, cardio, life-enhancing philosophy and meditation.
From 02/25/2010 to 02/28/2010
Chi Retreat with Special Guest Scott Cole
Join us during Chi Retreat, February 25-28, 2010, for a spectacular wellness retreat featuring America’s premier mind/body fitness expert, Scott Cole.
From Men’s Fitness to SHAPE Magazine, to starring in the top-selling Abs of Steel and Discover Tai Chi DVD series, Scott has lifted spirits and toned bodies in over 500 publications worldwide, at live events in over 30 countries, and on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, CNN Headline News, The View, The Early Show, Soap Talk, The Food Network, HGTV, E!, and more.
Lighten Up, Loosen Up, and Let Go of stress and holiday weight gain, while getting lean, ripped, and relaxed!!! Join Scott, America's premier mind/body fitness expert, for a spectacular weekend retreat featuring a delectable blend of yoga, tai chi, dance, cardio, life-enhancing philosophy and meditation.
From Vegas to Motown, Baywatch to Batman, Scott is responsible for many of Hollywood’s elite physiques. A pioneer of mind/body fitness, Scott’s programs combine elements of martial arts, dance, cardio, strength training, core training, yoga, tai chi, qigong, stretching, meditation, movement therapy, and guided imagery.
“I am a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, and am DELIGHTED to 'come home' to Lake Austin Spa Resort to share in a joyful, life-enhancing Chi Retreat in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!” - Scott Cole
In addition to our regular classes and programs, we will be offering 6 special classes with our featured guest instructor Scott Cole.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wine Reception with Special Guest: Scott Cole
Top Ten Foods for Health with Dietitian: Terry ShawFriday, February 26, 2010
Five Tibetan Rites
Boat & Walk or Hike
The Stars at Night Astronomy Basics
The Point of Acupuncture
Yen/Yang for Balance with Scott - Standing martial strength work and powerful warrior stances performed in contrast with the grace and flow of movement therapy, Chi Kung, and Tai Chi.
Friday Night Yoga Light with Scott - Rejuvenating and restorative asanas with flowing energetic transitions and visualization combine for the ultimate "letting go."Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tibetan Bowl Meditation
Cooking Demo
Yoga for Sleep
Chi Kung Wake Up with Scott - Greet the day with power, grace, and ease as you explore beautiful flowing ancient Chinese healing and breathing exercises coupled with modern, life-enhancing applications.
Disco Dojo with Scott - Bring on your Groove as you enter Scott Cole's Disco Dojo---where kickboxing meets salsa, where taekwondo meets funk, where fast-set tai chi meets hi-lo in the ultimate fat-burning cardio class!!
Discover Tai Chi with Scott - Open up to the majesty of the intrinsic martial art of Tai Chi, exploring balance, strength, and flexibility as you learn to surrender to gravity, opening up the to Path of Least Resistance.Sunday, February 28, 2010
Yoga Power/ Tai Chi Grace with Scott - The marvelous combination of powerful standing and floor yoga asanas with the flow and grace of Tai Chi postures create an unparalleled exhilarating workout.
