Chef Ariel’s extensive knowledge along with a passion for food and wine pairings comes courtesy of intensive study at the University of Hawaii, the Thai Cooking School in Bangkok, Thailand and completion of the introductory course from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

This innovative culinarian has worked within a broad array of cuisines, from Asian and Pacific Rim fusion, to Northern Italian and Pacific Northwestern in the kitchens of many esteemed local kitchens including Canlis, Cafe Juanita and Luc.

After six years working with the esteemed Michelin Star-rated, British chef Gordon Ramsay in London and New York, Executive Chef Steven Snook brings his passion for food and culinary excellence to the Restaurant at Kenwood Inn and Spa, open to guests of the Inn and Spa. Ingredients for his rustic Italian fare are sourced locally from the region’s best farmers, ranchers, cheese makers, and fishermen, and the menu features a variety of produce, fruits and herbs grown on the property.

From his early days cooking with his grandmother and helping in her gardens in the English countryside, Chef Snook has consistently insisted on using the highest possible quality ingredients in his cuisine, and prides himself on maintaining good relationships with his purveyors. This connection to local artisan food growers brings Chef Snook back to his roots and will serve him well at Kenwood, where he has a bounty of fresh product literally at his fingertips.

Condé Nast Traveler named Sonoma’s Kenwood Inn and Spa to its annual Gold List – The World’s Best Places to Stay. The inn achieved an overall score of 92.7%, with the second highest Service score of 98 (out of 23 California properties). Congrats to the team!

Who doesn’t?

Join W Seattle this Friday, December 9 as they kick-off their RE-WONDER project and launch the W Seattle RE-WONDER Trivia Hunt.  The contest officially opens at 8:00 am PST, with clues released on the W Seattle’s Facebook page. Should you enter to win, you and your plus one could be whisked away to Paris, compliments of the new, tres chic W Paris-Opera.

Starting on December 2, the W Seattle will begin a substantial renovation/RE-WONDER of the hotel’s “Living Room,” Bar and Restaurant, with the closure of its first floor public spaces.

The hotel’s dramatic re-opening is planned for early March 2012. Upon completion, W Seattle will reveal TRACE, the hotel’s new restaurant and bar. TRACE will continue the hotel’s legacy as a trend-setting, urban cocktail venue and a long-time leader in Seattle’s culinary community with award-winning chefs highlighting Washington State’s local, organic and sustainable products and supporting those who grow, raise or catch them.

Six, W-inspired, trivia clues will be posted beginning at 8 am PST on December 9 and final answers must be entered by 12 midnight PST, December 10. One observant fan, plus their guest, will win an exciting, 5-night stay at the fashionable W Paris-Opéra, including round-trip airfare, daily breakfast and a chef-selected, wine-paired dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant.

In addition, you’ll experience a private, full day of culinary adventure in Paris courtesy of The International Kitchen, the leading culinary travel company. Your host, a longtime Parisienne, will take you to one of the bustling neighborhood markets to do your shopping. Following a private cooking class with those ingredients, you enjoy a typical French lunch with wine.

The winner will be selected from all correct answers and notified on Monday, December 12, 2011 by a representative of W Seattle.

So head on over to Facebook.com/wseattle for hints by end of day today!

Congratulations to the Kenwood Inn and Spa, in Sonoma, who was announced among the top five of the Top 30 Small Resorts, Mainland USA by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine at an awards gala in New York City last night.

The Kenwood Inn and Spa received an overall score of 92.7 and a perfect 100 points for Service, a score they’ve maintained for several years with pride.

Kenwood was at the top of the list of only three California properties to receive a place among the national group.

Kudos to the Kenwood team for a job well done for the fourth consecutive year!

Mr. Maupin will have just completed a special Pride book reading from his latest novel, Maryann in Autumn, at the Seattle Public Library and will be at the W Seattle to chat about the rich world of Tales of the City and his other best-selling books.

The event is $15 and includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Equal Rights Washington.

Pay at the door, but space is limited. PrideFest VIP pass holders receive $5 off entry.

The timing couldn’t be better since The Spa at Kenwood has recently enhanced their offerings, adding results-oriented facial treatments from iS Clinical, oxygen-based treatments from Intraceuticals and organic body treatments from Émenince to their established vinotherapeutic wraps and scrubs.

Get ready to dazzle with the Red Carpet Ready Facial from iS Clinical, which includes two treatment masks and an invigorating décolleté, neck, hand and arm massage using Body Complex from iS Clinical, a moisturizing, nutrient rich formula that leaves the skin hydrated and silky smooth. This ultra-luxurious treatment will leave your skin renewed and with a beautiful glow.

Experience the Age Defying Oxygen Infusion from Intraceuticals which is “The” treatment everyone is talking about! The Rejuvenate Infusion and Atoxelene Infusion work together to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while tightening and firming for more defined facial contour.

Leave skin silky smooth with the Succulent Pear and Green Apple Scrub & Wrap from Émenince, a raw sugar cane, pear, apple and grape seed oil scrub with lush teas, citrus peel, burdock and ginseng tone body contours and infuses skin with antioxidants in the warm body wrap.

Or experience the classic Kenwood Harvest Sugar Scrub, an anti-oxidant rich scrub that leaves your body feeling silky-smooth and perfectly nourished..

You can’t go wrong with any choice at The Spa at Kenwood. Click here for more information on The Spa and to make a reservation.

The Seattle International Film Festival starts May 19, and with all the parties, films and celebrity appearances in store for the city, why not experience the festival in W Seattle Style?

The W Insider is offering an incredible package, including accommodations, so you can work the red carpet like a pro!

Book with the W Seattle from May 19-June 12 and your insider escape will include:

·         2011 Official SIFF Festival Guide and Poster

·         Two “Cinema-tinis”

·         W Seattle WOW gift

·         Plus, a Wonderful Room you’ll love starting from $245!

Click the Reserve button or call 877-822-0000 and ask for rate plan SHOW.

Mix, mingle and meet celebrity interior and product designer Thom Filicia, of Bravo’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy at the W Seattle on Friday, May 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Filicia is a House & Garden Top 100 Designer and author who was recently appointed to the National Board of Trustees of DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), a national organization that has raised over $38 million for hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide.

Sip on a delicious Grey Goose cocktail, nosh on delicious bites from Earth & Ocean Chef Ryan Loo and rub elbows with Thom, whose book, Thom Filicia Style, will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $30 per person and includes appetizers, cocktails and donation to DIFFA. RSVP to Dot429.com by May 16.