ARUBA RADISSON SPA

Kevin and I had our first "Couples Massage" at the Radisson Resort & Spa.

RADISSON RESORT & SPA ARUBA

We enjoyed our stay at the Radisson Resort & Spa.  Even the Queen of the Netherlands stays there.

BEAUTIFUL ARUBA

After our radio broadcast from the Radisson Hotel in Aruba Kevin and I had a chance to tour this beautiful island 19 miles off the coast of Venezuela.

Fine Dining in Aruba

"Let's Go Down To The Sunset Grille"   Those words are part of the lyrics of a 1984 Eagles song and give you my thoughts on the Radisson Hotel, Resort and Spa's signature restaurant on the island nation of Aruba. The Sunset Grille is a AAA Four Diamond, Wine Spectator 2008 Award of Excellence restaurant that has also been named Caribbean Travel & Life magazine's  "Best Restaurant in the Caribbean". These pedigrees certainly got my attention, but the food and service truly won my heart.   Our recent trip to the "One Happy Island" of Aruba (that phrase is stamped on their license plates) was an incredible vacation. The weather is perfect, very little rain, a constant 10 to 12 mph breeze and the fact that they are outside of the hurricane zone makes Aruba a fantastic destination. Aruba is a mixture of Dutch tradition and architecture with the easygoing lifestyle of the Caribbean. This eclectic mixture also carries over to Aruba's cuisine.   The Radisson's Sunset Grille appeals to the eye as well as the palette. The Art Deco interior is reminiscent Miami's South Beach sector. Earth colors and hardwood floors are accented by hammered brass, glass dividers and mosaic covered pillars. When you enter the Sunset Grille you will be greeted by the genuinely friendly staff who will show you a display case featuring the evening specials and a climate controlled wine cellar. Your choice of seating includes the main dining room or the covered balcony that overlooks a waterfall, garden and beach. There is not a bad seat in the house.   Realizing that all food products served on Aruba are imported, I was amazed at the number and types of items on the menu. I was also pleasantly surprised at the reasonable pricing.  I began my meal with the "Chop House" Martini Salad, Chopped romaine lettuce, hearts of palm, sliced egg, tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon and sweet pepper with creamy Chopin vodka dressing. This salad came to the table in a large stainless steel martini shaker and was served "shaken not stirred" into a large martini glass. A very unique presentation. Sue started out with the Lobster Bisque served with a puff pastry shell. This was another unique presentation and an extremely tasty example of this traditional soup. The Sunset Grille specializes in Angus Steaks so I decided on a Roasted loin veal chop topped with thinly sliced onion rings served with apple chutney, maple balsamic glaze with a garlic and spinach custard. This was a remarkable combination of flavors and textures. Sue chose a petite fillet, which came with baby corn and an edible flower. Once again, a beautiful presentation.  We also tried the sautéed mushrooms and Gorgonzola scallop potatoes. We highly recommend these items! They were sooo…good!!     The Sunset Grille's wine list includes more than 100 different wines of all styles and prices. We had a Chilean Merlot that was a perfect match and very reasonably priced. Somewhere along the evening our wait-staff said we looked like we were on our honeymoon, and at the end of the meal we were presented with our "honeymoon" cake. This warm chocolate lava cake was a perfect end to a perfect dining experience. There are also many other incredible desserts on the menu. The staff took our lead of a casual fine dining experience and were truly our friends by the end of the night. The ambience was upscale and the food was fantastic. While we went for the USDA Prime Angus beef, the Sunset Grille's menu also includes lamb, chicken and a huge number of fresh seafood items. There are also many healthy "Spa Cuisine" items. There is definitely something for everyone at the Sunset Grille. Reservations are recommended, call: 297.526.6612 or 297.526.6613. You can also make reservations and review the menu at www.sunsetgrillearuba.com  Located in the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81, Palm Beach, Aruba

TRAVEL PILLOW

A+ Rating Kevin, Sue and Grandson Nathan

TRAVEL PRODUCT REVIEW

One of our favorite travel products Kevin and I have tested is the inflatable Travel Pillow by Travel Rest.  This ergonomic pillow gives you support from your head to waist.  We have used it on a plane, train and car.  Our 8 year old grandson, Nathan Pritts, loved it on his Amtrak birthday trip to Chicago. Deflates easily Soft, washable material Hooks over seat or snaps to seatbelt www.travelrest.net

TODAY'S SHOW

Today's Travel Planners Show Guests were: Mark Shea, Australia www.Overlander.tv   Ira Freedman, GM Myrtle Beach, SC www.traviniaitaliankitchen.com   Tom Parsons www.bestfares.com   Kevin - Travel News Sue - Travel Tips   Joe Sonderman, Author Rt 66 in Missouri and Ozarks Annual Drive   Patrice Raplee, TravelWriter Colorado Paleontology Dinosaurs and Wineries   Patty Savant, Chamber of Commerce Bellaire, MI Annual Duck Race (2,000 ducks) info@bellairechamber.org

TODAY's GUEST

Patrice Raplee (www.offbeattravel.com) Talked her trip to Colorado for a Dino-Wino trip near Grand Junction, CO www.visitgrandjunction.com www.museumofwesternco.com/dino-digs www.dinosaurjourney.org www.tworiverswinery.com www.reedermesawines.com www.gatewaycanyons.com If you have questions, email Patrice directly at patrice@travel-excursion.com

LAST MINUTE VACATIONS

My subject on Channel 2 News this morning was about those Last Minute Vacations.  I suggested Amtrak to Chicago, Cleveland's Rock n Roll Hall of Fame or Cedar Point Amusement Park, St. Louis - stay in your own hometown at a hotel, visit the FREE zoo and last Washington, D.C. where the Smithsonian Museums are FREE.  I recently walked 4 mi. from the Capitol Building to Lincoln Memorial, visited the American History Museum and American Indian Museum.  If you plan to visit the Air and Space Museum go early...the line was very long later in the day. DEALS - www.bestfares.com Airfare and Hotel - $339pp/$678 per couple STL to Las Vegas 4-STAR LUXURY PLANET HOLLYWOOD EVERY NIGHT YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE BOTTLE OF WINE, CHAMPAGNE OR SPIRITS.   WEEKEND VACATION TRAVEL DEAL STL to NY CITY AIRFARE & HOTEL - $389pp 3 NIGHTS 4-STAR HOTELS NEAR TIMES SQUARE, BROADWAY THEATER DISTRICT and EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.

FOX NEWS CHANNEL 2

Sue will be on Thursday morning between 8-8:15am as their "Travel Expert" talking about "Last Minute Vacations."  This is appearance #9.

August 1 Radio Show

The August 1 show was a previously recorded show.   Kevin's mom passed away and we attended the burial in Springfield, IL and then drove 1,430 miles to Western Pennsylvania for Sue's class reunion. Thanks to all who sent condolences and prayers during her illness.

St. Augustine FL Chef Poinard

I had the great pleasure to interview Chef Jean Stephane Poinard of Bistro de Leon in St. Augustine, FL. I will start by saying the Menu of this restaurant took me back to the time I lived and worked in Paris. The best thing is that Chef Poinard's creations are truly French and Reasonably priced.

Chef Poinard is a 5th generation Chef from the Lyon area of France. His latest effort is his contribution of 18 recipes to a new Art/Culinary/Spirits book titled "ABSENTE".

We discussed the history of the "Green Fairy", Absinthe and the re-invention of Grande Absente. This Anise flavored liquor is the basis of Chef Poinard's fantastic recipes. one of which he has shared with us today.

Please enjoy our podcast of this interview.


Tomato Stuffed with Escargots

To prepare the tomato:

4 large, vine-ripened tomatoes

Bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Cut a cross into the bud end of each tomato. Plunge the tomatoes into the water for 15 seconds. Remove and plunge directly into ice water. Peel the tomatoes, pulling the skin back from the cut cross. Cut the stem end of the tomato off, carefully scoop out the seeds with a spoon or melon baller. Set aside the tomatoes and the tops.

For the garlic cream:

6 cloves garlic, finely diced

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the garlic, cream, salt and pepper in a saucepan.

Reduce slowly over low heat, stirring until thickened.

For the escargot:

2 tbsp. butter

1/2 cup carrot, peeled and julienne cut

1/2 cup turnip, peeled and julienne cut

3 cloves garlic, finely diced

4 dozen snails

3 tbsp. Grande Absente

Slowly saute the carrot, turnip, garlic and snails in butter over low heat until the vegetables have caramelized. Quickly deglaze the pan with the Grande Absente. Flame the Grande Absente by touching a lit match to the edge of the pan.

To serve:

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the tomatoes. Place the tomatoes in a 250 F oven for several minutes. The tomatoes should be just warm, not cooked. Place each tomato on an individual plate. Fill each tomato with one quarter of the snail mixture. Place the tops on the tomatoes.

Garnish with 2 or 3 tablespoons garlic cream sauce around each tomato.

July 25th TRAVEL PLANNERS SHOW

Kevin is hosting the show today while Sue is on a press trip to Washington DC and Virginia.  Be sure to look at OUR BLOG next week for details of her trip.   HR 1 Max Hartshorne of www.gomonad.com         Max and Kevin will talk about Normandy and D Day           Chef Jean Stephane Poinard          Bistro DeLeon, St Augustine, FL          www.bistrodeleon.com   HR 2  Kent St. John of www.gonomad.com          Kent and Kevin will talk about Taiwan, Shanghai          and Beijing            Tom Parsons, www.bestfares

Pigeon Lady St. Mark's Square Venice, IT

Guest Michelle Newman aka Pigeon Lady

TRAVEL PLANNERS RADIO BROADCAST

Saturday, July 18 Guests were: Luisa Frey, "Flying With Kids" and "Family Reunions". Luisa is the founder of www.teentraveltalk.com and Family Travel Marketing. Jefferson County, MO Sheriff Glenn Boyer, "Jail and Breakfast". A novel way for fundraising and an unusual B&B concept. Michelle Newman, Travelwriter who visited Venice for a week and sailed on the luxury cruise www.windstarcruises.com on the Adriatic. Tom Parsons, www.bestfares.com for those super deals and steals.

AMTRAK STL to CHICAGO

I decided to take Amtrak for my recent trip to Chicago for the grand opening of a new boutique hotel - theWit Hotel on State and Lake.  I could have driven and the time would have taken about the same, but then I would have parking garage fees to pay in the heart of downtown Chicago.  I really didn't need a car since the hotel was my destination (more on Grand Opening later).  I could have flown, but the price was higher (you won't believe when I tell you how much Amtrak cost!) and I would have needed transportation into downtown.   Because I qualified for a Sr. Citizen (62) discount I got a round trip ticket from St. Louis to Chicago for $39.10....yep, that's right.  A cab fare of $5.00 from Union Station to the hotel was also inexpensive.   My train left at 6:30am heading north, so Kevin suggested I sit on the left side of the train to escape the sun shining in while I tried to catch a nap.   I like to sit by the window on planes and look down on our beautiful earth.  I also liked to observe what I saw as the train headed across mid-America.    OBSERVATIONS FROM THE TRAIN Stone train depots.  A deer grazing in a field.  Horses and cows.  A Wind Farm of 30 turbine windmills.  Rivers and creeks rippling over the rocks.  Backyards of mid-America with children's swings and gardens.  Main streets with people shopping.  Interstate 55 with tractor trailer trucks zooming alongside the train.  Graffiti on underpasses and empty warehouses.  Wildflowers of white Queen Anne's Lace, rusty Doc, orange trumpet vines, yellows and purples.  Rich farmland with green corn and soy beans.  Round haystacks (when did they start making them round instead of conical shaped?)  Victorian houses, small family homes, one and two story abodes.  Children playing in playgrounds.    Next time you take a trip...take the train and observe what is outside the window. Sue McCarthy

PLAY BALL

St. Louis is humming with the activity of the 80th MLB All Star Game to be played in Busch Stadium on July 14th.  President Obama will throw out the first ball.  The MLB Fan Fest at America's Center started today and runs through July 14th.  What an opportunity to meet former players, get autographs and purchase merchandise.

LISTEN IN TO OUR BROADCASTS

Our broadcast this week:   Sue and Kevin discuss Sue's recent trip to the Hill Country of Fredericksburg, TX; the German settlers and the B&Bs.   Owner, Richard Estenson of the Hangar Hotel and nearby Gillespie County Airport will talk about the 1940's style hotel and conference ctr.   Owner, Richard Estenson of Fredericksburg Brewing Co. will talk about the award-winning ales and lagers and the "Bed and Brews."   Chef Pierre Wolfe will talk about "How To Be A Guest Chef", "How To Be A Guest Lecturer" and How to plan a fun trip for a family of 10 to Europe.   Our regular, Tom Parsons of BestFares.com will share his Deals and Steals with the listeners.   Broadcasts are on: www.globalamericanbroadcasting.com Sat. 8-10am Ctrl KZQZ 1430AM Sun. 6-8am Ctrl WBGZ 1570AM Sun. 3 - 5pm Ctrl www.kmox.com Thurs., 11am - 1pm Ctrl

WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?

Kevin and Sue's next travel trips will be to the Windy City of Chicago for the Grand Opening of theWit Hotel (201 N. State St.) - a Doubletree Hotel and then Sue is heading off to Virginia and Washington, D.C.  Be sure to check back later this month for an update on these two great trips.

HAPPY JULY 4th

The Travel Plannners Show is on every Saturday 8 - 10am central time, www.globalamericanadvertising.com   Hr1 St. Louis - The Arch, Mississippi River Cruise, Old Courthouse Puerto Rico - Culebra Island and more with Neala Schwartzberg                     www.offbeattravel.com Competitours with Steve Belkin www.competitours.com News and Tips with Kevin and Sue   Hr2 Patrice Raplee, Editor Travel Excursion & Seattle Spotlight London's Shopping and Restaurant Districts Tom Parsons, www.BestFares.com   Have a Happy and Safe July 4th

St. Louis Cardinals Win!

St. Louis Cardinals vs San Francisco Giants Cardinals Win!!! Final score 5 - 2 Wellemeyer pitched best game of season. Thanks to Donna Andrews, Public Relations Director St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission for our invitation to join the marketing team in the Best Buy Suite for an evening of food, drinks and BASEBALL. If you haven't been to the new Busch Stadium you are missing out on a great experience. Check out Donna's website for St. Louis at http://www.explorestlouis.com/ for things to do. We had a great view of two of our favorite players, 1st Baseman Albert Pujols #5 and Catcher Yadier Molina #4. Busch Stadium is where the 80th All Star-Game will be held Tuesday, July 14th.

Check us out

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND YOU TUBE.   www.kevinandsuetravel.com and www.youtube.com/kevinandsuetravel

Fox News Channel 2

Sue was the "Travel Expert" again today on Fox News Channel 2 Morning Show. The topic was "Exploring ala carte Airline Fees" and this was Sue's 8th appearance.   www.fox2newsnow.com/news/morningshow

TRAVEL NEWS

CURRENT TRAVEL NEWS   Southwest Airlines begins service to LaGuardia Airport in New York City.   Delta Airlines installs in-flight Wi-Fi on its first wide-body 767-300 transcontinental routes July 13.   Ryan Air announced early next year no more check-in luggage, there will be unlimited for FREE carry-on luggage that you will check yourself at the cargo hold.

WTMY Interview

WTMY RADIO INTERVIEW   Tune in Sunday, July 5 to WTMY 1280am at 5pm Eastern to hear host Roy Lowey interview us on our recent trip to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The show will also be archived on his site at www.ttrn.com   Be sure to check out www.realresorts.com to see the Royal Resorts.

CLEAR GONE

CLEAR FAST LANE GONE   June 22, 2009 Clear Fast Lane at the participating airports ceased operations. Gone is the express line at airports. Gone is shortening your security line wait in half. Gone is the chance to move to the front of the line. Verified Identity Pass Inc., the parent company of Clear has been unable to continue operations.  It is currently unclear what will happen to the membership fees paid into the program.

JUNE 27 SHOW GUESTS

TRAVEL PLANNERS JUNE 27 SHOW GUESTS   Vandalia, Il First Annual Bluegrass Festival guests pre-recorded on location the previous week.   Mayor, Ricky Gottman Historian, Lincoln Waysides, Dale Timmerman Old State Capitol, Mary Cole, Superintendent Economic Development & Tourism, JoAn Givens Bluegrass Festival Committeeman, Walt Barenfanger (Fire breathing Dragon owner) City Council Committee Member, Dean Black Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln Impersonators Soroptomist International - Vandalia In Bloom, Joy Clymer National Road, Mary Truitt

VANDALIA BLUE GRASS FESTIVAL

FIRST ANNUAL VANDALIA, IL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL   Kevin and Sue were invited to broadcast from this small town (7,000 pop.) in central Illinois for the first bluegrass festival and Kevin was one of 5 judges (including the Sheriff and a Council Member) for the BarBQ Cookoff.  Kevin really enjoyed sampling the ribs, steak and chicken.  The sampling ended in a tie.  Homemade Ice Cream served by the Senior Citizen Group and Corn Dogs served by the Boy Scouts showed us it doesn't have to be a gourmet meal to be good.  Of course, there were 4 bluegrass groups playing on Saturday too.  We will have some of the broadcasts on soon on our different stations.  We even got an interview with Abraham Lincoln and his "wife" Mary Todd Lincoln!!!  Vandalia was the first state capitol of Illinois and is a place to go for Lincoln history.

Playa Del Carmen and Cancun

PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND CANCUN Kevin and Sue just recently returned from the ROYAL RESORTS in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.  www.realresorts.com   With the fear of the H1N1 flu scaring off tourists to Mexico we were invited to visit and see how safe from the flu it is.  Most of the cases centered around Mexico City and inland Mexico...no cases were ever reported in Cancun or Playa Del Carmen.  The resort owner feels secure in offering free accommodations for three years if someone comes down with the flu while at their resort.  Airfare and hotel/resort prices are down considerably and it is a great time to check out their website for outstanding bargains.  Real Resorts has two of their properties for families.  Our flight down and back on NW Airlines/Delta Airlines was packed full and a lot of honeymooners were heading for the area.  We watched one beautiful beach-side wedding from our balcony that was performed in a gazebo with the ocean breezes and sounds of lapping waves.  How romantic is that?

THE ROYAL SPA TREATMENTS

Make sure you sign up at Spazul THE ROYAL'S spa for a spa treatment.  Kevin tried out the Relaxation Massage with therapist Marisol, followed by a dip in the Hydrotherapy Jacuzzi, Sue tried out the FOUR HANDS massage and a dip in the Hydrotherapy Jacuzzi.  I had always wanted to try the FOUR HANDS and would highly recommend it.  While Adrianna  did reflexology on my toes and feet Elvira was massaging my head and neck...talk about Heaven.  This was a very relaxing massage as each lady gently and sometimes not so gently massaged, kneaded and stroked by whole body head to toe with soothing lotions.  A soothing scent of Eucal

PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND CANCUN

Our NW Airlines flight from STL to Memphis and on to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen was comfortable, snacks of nuts and cookies were served along with the usual coffee, water and cold Pepsi.  The plane was full and we noticed a lot of honeymooners on board.   We had a short layover in Memphis so we had a delicious BBQ pork sandwich at Jim Neeley's Interstate Bar-B-Q in a Memphis food court.  We would highly recommend this sandwich $7.95 which came with a layer of cold slaw on the bun and it was stacked high and a container of additional sauce for dipping.   We were picked up by a shuttle that had been sent for us by Best Day Tours for a 45 min. drive to our resort THE ROYAL RESORT in Playa Del Carmen.  The resort looks like a palace and ooohs and aaahs were emitted as we pulled up to the portico.  More to come on check in to our resort where we will be staying for two nights before moving to THE ROYAL RESORT in Cancun for one night.  We will also be visiting sister properties of the REAL RESORT properties. Sue and Kevin McCarthy