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BALSAMS 23rd Annual Culinary Symposium - March 10, 2010
Apprentices No More – Leading Chefs from Boston to Virginia Return to The BALSAMS
23rd Annual Culinary Symposium Welcomes Back Former Culinary School Graduates and Future Chefs
Dixville Notch, N.H. – Leading chefs from across the country will be on hand to share their culinary secrets and techniques at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel’s 23rd Annual Culinary Symposium on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. As a special treat, this year’s event will showcase alumni chefs of The BALSAMS Culinary Apprenticeship Program (CAP).
The annual symposium draws prospective culinary students, educators, gourmands, and guests as well as chefs and restaurant owners from across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and is geared toward people interested in becoming chefs. Attendees include representatives from various vocational schools, high schools and community colleges. This year, each guest chef will perform an hour-long cooking demonstration and then take questions.
Five alumni chefs of The BALSAMS CAP will be featured at this year’s symposium:
• Nathan Rich – 2001 graduate; chef at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, MA;
• Christopher J. Fournier – 1995 graduate; Sous Chef at the Winter Center, Chevy Chase Club in
Chevy Chase, MD;
• Richard Beach – 2002 graduate; Executive Chef at Popovers on the Square in Portsmouth, NH;
• Benjamin Cass – 1997 graduate; Co-Owner and Chef at Harold Square A New York Eatery in
Londonderry, N.H.
• Travis Brust – 2003 graduate; Chef de Cuisine for the Williamsburg Inn in Williamsburg, Virginia.
“It is so exciting for me to have all of these talented chefs back at The BALSAMS”, says Joshua Berry, BALSAMS Executive Chef. “They are all a testament to the fact that our culinary program produces many of the best chefs in the country. Our graduates helm kitchens in some of the most prestigious establishments around the world. This year’s symposium promises to be one of the best yet.”
Chef Berry is a graduate of The BALSAMS CAP who used his experience in the program to go on and work in and run some of the finest kitchens around the world including Switzerland and Italy.
The cost for the symposium is $50.00 for adults and $25.00 for students with a proper student identification. This fee includes admission to all sessions, coffee breaks and lunch in The BALSAMS Grand Dining Room. Certificates in continuing education from the American Culinary Federation will be awarded to all interested participants. Applications for The BALSAMS culinary apprenticeship program will also be available. The program’s coordinator will be on-site to help with the application process and answer questions. Attendees planning on staying overnight will receive special room rates. The program begins at 8:45 a.m. and runs throughout the day.
About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.
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Executive Chef Josh Berry and Chef de Cuisine Chris Harmon are both CAP grads.
March Into a Free Night
Facebook Fans Stay Two Nights – Get The Third Free in March
All month long in March, Facebook Fans of The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel stay two nights and get the 3rd night free any night Sunday-Thursday.
This period includes some mid-week, rates starting at only $99 per-night, and standard rates starting at $149 per person, per night, mid-week (Sunday through Thursday nights). March Rates (all rates based on double-occupancy).
And all winter long, kids 5-16 years old stay for only $77.50! That’s about what you would pay for a lift ticket at many resorts.
These rate gets you not only accommodations, but also include lift tickets to our Wilderness Ski area, cross country skiing, breakfast, and our famous five-course Table d’hôte dinner.
PLUS you get full use of all resort activities including snow shoeing, hiking, guided adventures, skating, children’s activities, nightly entertainment, dancing, comedy, and much more.
E-mail reservations@thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600 and simply say or write “I want the Facebook rate.”
There’s no time limit on this offer.
Don't miss other great offers in the future, become a fan of the BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel on Facebook and we will be sure to keep you in the loop!
Busting Open Beaver Lodge
Capacity Bookings Create First-Ever Guest Opportunity for Personal BALSAMS Chef, New Views and Private Experience
Dixville Notch, NH – Like the animal den that shares its name, Beaver Lodge at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel has long been a unique looking, but private home for its residents. For years, the Lodge has traditionally been the seasonal home of apprentice chefs at the resort’s famed Culinary Apprenticeship Program.
Now thanks in part to what has been a good winter-season for guest occupancy, sometimes taxing the limits of the 202 room hotel, as well as an effort to meet the requests of small groups, wedding parties and others seeking a private retreat, Beaver Lodge has been transformed.
“While the economy continues to present a challenge for all of us in the hospitality industry, at The BALSAMS we’re actually having one of the better winter’s in terms of bookings than we’ve had in a few years,” said Jeffrey McIver, President and General Manager of The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel. “In fact, over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend we reached record booking levels and the weekend of February 5, we’re at capacity.”
As the hotel continued to experience strong winter bookings, McIver and his staff began to contemplate ways to add new rooms to the historic hotel without disturbing its character or undergoing a winter construction effort in the middle of the season.
“The Lodge is very unique and offers some of the best views of the Notch from anywhere at the resort, so many people have long believed it would be perfect for small groups who want to come to The BALSAMS, but would like an added level of privacy,” added McIver. “Over the past several weeks, our staff has really done an amazing job of transforming what was once housing and test-kitchens for our apprentices into something our guests will really enjoy.”
Situated just a few hundred feet from the historic hotel beyond a towering stone archway, Beaver Lodge can accommodate 13 adults with ease as well as children. The Lodge will be open for individual room bookings the weekend of February 5, but thereafter will only be available for group and family rentals.
Winter bookings will require a two-night minimum and will start at $1500, while summer bookings are planned to start at $2,500 and require a three-night stay.
An added bonus to staying at Beaver Lodge will be an opportunity for guests to get their own personal BALSAMS chef. “Because the Lodge also served as a training facility for our apprentices, it has a top-notch kitchen, so we plan to offer guests the chance to hire their own private BALSAMS chef for their stay,” add McIver. “I know some long-time guests who will book a stay at the Lodge just for that experience alone.”
About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.
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BALSAMS on NH Chronicle
The BALSAMS and our Culinary Apprenticeship Program were recently featured on NH Chronicle on WMUR-TV. To view the story on how we train some of the best chefs in the world click here: BALSAMS Culinary Apprenticeship Program
BALSAMS Web Cameras
Get a view like you're in the Notch or check out the ski conditions at the Wilderness Ski Area with our Web Cams. And don't forget to watch the great time-lapse pictures.
Ballroom Dancing Weekend
Grand Ballroom Experience at The BALSAMS
Professional Dance Team Treats Guests to Weekend of Instruction, Demonstration and Dancing March 5-7
Dixville Notch, N.H. – Professional dancing takes center stage at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel from March 5-7, 2010 as guests learn the fundamentals of ballroom dancing while enjoying the elegance of a world-class resort. The dance team of Maria Brown and Raymond Huard of the Paper Moon Dance Studio will both entertain and educate during this exciting weekend.
Guests will enjoy a wine and cheese reception and Table d’Hote five-course dinner on Friday evening, along with an amazing Exhibition Routine by the professionals. Also included is The BALSAM’s famous buffet breakfast each morning, and the Grand Dinner Buffet on Saturday night. Guests are also free to use all of the resort’s facilities, including complimentary Alpine and Nordic ski passes.
The dancing begins Saturday morning with three sessions of instruction. Students will learn the finer points of “smooth” and “Latin” styles of dance. Special rates on private dance lessons are also available. The highlight of the weekend comes as guests put their skills on display at a classic ballroom gala in the Switzerland of America Ballroom on Saturday night.
Prices for the weekend start at $169.00 per night, per person, double occupancy, two-night minimum (taxes not included). Guests will also receive a complimentary upgrade at check-in to a superior or deluxe room (upon availability). For more information or to make a reservation, contact The BALSAMS at 800-255-0600 or go to www.thebalsams.com.
About The BALSAMS
The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel is grand in every sense of the word. This legendary, 8,000-acre destination boasts 202 individually decorated guestrooms and suites; four dining venues, including the Dining Room famous for its sumptuous Table d’ Hote culinary presentations; over 10,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space; and unparalleled year-round recreation. Among the numerous amenities and activities available to guests include golf, including an 18-hole championship Donald Ross designed course; tennis; outdoor swimming pool; fly fishing; miles of trails for walking, hiking, and mountain biking; nightly entertainment, and children’s programs. The BALSAMS’ famous “Ballot Room” serves as the polling place for the nearly two dozen area residents who are the “first in the nation” to report the results of their voting in national elections. Serving guests since 1866, The BALSAMS is included in the National Register of Historic Places. www.thebalsams.com
The BALSAMS Earns Yankee Magazine's "Best of New England"
Yankee Magazine Announces “Best of New England — Readers’ Choice” Winners for 2010
The BALSAMS Recognized As a Best Luxury Hotel
Dublin, New Hampshire (January 27, 2010) — Yankee Magazine’s readers have named their favorite establishments and attractions as “Best of New England — Readers’ Choice” winners for 2010. The designation recognizes readers’ favorite restaurants, lodgings, and attractions in New England. The list is published at YankeeMagazine.com. The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel was a winner for favorite Luxury Hotel.
“For 75 years, Yankee Magazine has served as the authority on New England travel. Our readers are passionate about exploring this region, and we asked them what places they’d nominate as ‘Best of New England,’” says Heather Atwell, communications manager for Yankee Magazine. “They answered enthusiastically, and we’re happy to share their top choices.”
This is the first “Best of New England — Readers Choice” list in Yankee’s 75-year history. It includes picks for readers’ favorite New England attractions, lodgings, dining establishments, and getaways, with categories such as favorite ski resort, B&B, amusement park, museum, pizza place, and diner.
Yankee Magazine is the only magazine devoted to New England through its coverage of travel, home, food, and features. It has a paid circulation of more than 350,000 and a total audience of over 2 million. For 33 years, Yankee Magazine’s Travel Guide to New England, published every May, has been the most widely distributed and best-selling guide to the six-state region, providing readers with a comprehensive vacation-planning tool and daily reference. A hallmark of that issue is Yankee’s “Editors’ Choice” picks, in which Yankee’s editors and contributors share their favorite travel establishments with readers. For the “Best of New England — Readers Choice” list, it’s Yankee’s readers who, for the first time, get to share their favorite picks.
For more information visit: YankeeMagazine.com/issues/2010-01/interact/10Things/readers-choice
Author Mark Okrant offers a new twist to The BALSAMS experience
Step into the world of writer Mark Okrant and his Kary Turnell Mystery series, set at some of America's finest historic resort hotels. While some visitors check in to enjoy the 4-star dining and the legendary golf courses, others have something far more sinister up their sleeves. A Last Resort, set at Dixville Notch New Hampshire's Balsams Grand Resort, was Mark's first book in the Kary Turnell series.
In A Last Resort, Mark Okrant introduces a new crime solver to the mystery loving public—Kary Turnell. When Edna Connor fails to show up for meals at the beautiful BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel, the general manager enlists the aid of his old friend, professor-turned novelist, Kary Turnell, whose inability to shake a reputation as a one-hit wonder has him taking refuge at the resort. Kary tries to put his own problems on hold as he works against time to unravel the mystery of Edna’s disappearance. Like all Kary Turnell Mysteries, you’ll feel like you’re actually walking the halls of the BALSAMS. A Last Resort is available from Enfield Distribution by calling toll free 1-888-874-6904, at amazon.com
Mark Okrant is a professor of tourism management at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. He has conducted tourism research in South Dakota, New Hampshire, Maine, Alaska, Canada, and Romania, and is past president of a leading global organization for tourism researchers, the Travel and Tourism Research Association.
A Last Resort
Mark Okrant
Road Trip with AutoFair and The BALSAMS
New Car Customers at AutoFair in Manchester Get a Free Night’s Stay
The family of AutoFair car dealerships in Manchester is offering new car customers the chance to take their new wheels on a luxurious road trip.
Between now and March 2010, any customer who buys a new car at AutoFair Ford, Hyundai or Honda will get a free night’s stay this winter at New England’s premier resort destination, The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel. As part of their new car purchase, AutoFair customers and a guest will have the opportunity to get the FULL BALSAMS experience, including accommodations, a grand breakfast, the hotel’s famous Table d’hôte dinner, complimentary lift tickets and full use of all resort facilities including snowshoeing, cross country skiing and daily and, nightly entertainment.
For more details go to www.autofair.com or call 888-370-6822.
Golf & Ski Warehouse Rewards Customers with a BALSAMS Adventure
Free Stays, Lift Tickets and Discounted Stays at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel for Golf & Ski Warehouse All Star Rewards Program Members
Considering buying that new pair of skis, or those clubs you’ve been eyeing for next summer’s golf trip? Well, Golf & Ski Warehouse with locations in New Hampshire and Maine, are giving customers some Grand reasons to pick up some new equipment and try it out at the historic BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel.
During major sales events in 2010, Golf & Ski will be offering a total of 16 grand prize giveaways of two-night vacation packages at The BALSAMS.
In addition to the grand prize giveaways, Golf & Ski All Star Rewards Program members are also entitled to discounted stays or lift tickets at The BALSAMS this winter. Rewards Program members can book a Grand Adventure Winter Package at The BALSAMS from now until March that includes accommodations, breakfast, the famous Table d’hôte dinner, unlimited skiing, snowshoeing, skating and other resort entertainment, and activities for only $139 per-person mid-week or $159 per person on weekends. (per-person, per night, dbl occupancy. Non-holiday, non-vacation weeks, some taxes additional). Rewards Program members who stay three nights also get a fourth night free, and a complimentary room upgrade to the best available room upon arrival. Or members taking a day-trip can get 30% off of lift tickets for themselves and one guest for The BALSAMS Wilderness Ski Area any time, all winter long.
Additionally, during all Golf & Ski sales events, customers who spend at total of $500 or more will receive complimentary lift tickets to The BALSAMS Wilderness Ski Area. If you’re not already a member you can go to www.golfskiwarehouse.com to join or sign up at any of their four locations in New Hampshire and Maine. (Blackout dates on stay discounts are December 26-Jan 3 and February 12-19).
About Golf & Ski Warehouse
Look to Golf & Ski Warehouse for northern New England's largest selection of golf equipment, apparel and accessories plus a huge selection of the latest ski and snowboard equipment, apparel and accessories all at competitive, warehouse prices. www.golfskiwarehouse.com.
About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.
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Savage Streets to Savage Peaks
The BALSAMS Speaker Program welcomes international adventurer Terence “Banjo” Bannon to share his inspiring story of surviving the violence of Northern Ireland, to conquering K2 and Everest.
Bannon kicks off the Winter Speaker Program with his lecture “Ascending the Dream” on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. (time subject to change).
Bannon’s lecture focuses on his extraordinary life as an elite mountain climber with an interactive presentation featuring breathtaking pictures and video from his adventures. Growing up in the midst of Northern Ireland’s social, political and economic troubles, Bannon overcame poverty to live a life most people only dream of.
His solo ascent of Mount Everest at age 35 spurred him to try to scale the world’s most deadly and difficult peak – K2. Bannon made two attempts on K2 but neither ended in a successful summit.
He will captivate the audience as he talks about the four climbers who lost their lives in an avalanche alongside him just meters from the top of K2. The audience will learn in graphic detail the strength and endurance it takes to ascent some of the world’s most difficult peaks.
Bannon’s presentation is free to guests of the hotel and rooms are still available for the Sunday of his presentation as well as New Year’s Eve.
Rates for the full BALSAMS experience (December 26 to January 2) start at only $229 per person, per night, double occupancy and children 5-16 years old are only $77.50 per night. These rates include full use of resort facilities including accommodations, breakfast, our famous Table d’hôte dinner, complimentary lift tickets to our private ski area, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, daily and evening entertainment and more.
For more information call The BALSAMS at (800) 255-0600, e-mail reservations@thebalsams.com or visit their web site at www.thebalsams.com.
About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com.
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The Balsams Resolves to Give Guests a Fantastic Experience
Ring in the New Year With Accommodations, Fabulous Dining, Skiing and All Resort Activities Starting at Only $229 per person, per night (Kids 5-16 only $77.50)
The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel is celebrating the New Year by offering guests the opportunity to usher in 2010 in beautiful Northern New Hampshire for one incredible rate with access to all resort activities. From December 26 – January 2, guests can experience the wonder of The BALSAMS for $229.00 per person, per night, double occupancy (taxes not included). This price includes lift tickets, a five-course Table d’hôte dinner, the famous BALSAMS brunch, entertainment and much more.
All week guests can enjoy an array of activities including downhill and cross country skiing, guided snowshoeing tours, skating parties, sleigh rides and countless children’s activities. New Year’s Eve at The BALSAMS is always an amazing night, starting with a cocktail party and dinner featuring special culinary delights. Before ringing in the New Year, guests will be treated to comedy shows, musical entertainment, fireworks and more.
For even more fun, book your room a few days early to enjoy The BALSAMS Winterfest on December 29th. Special events include ice-carving demonstrations, sleigh rides, children’s games, a wine and cheese reception, live music and a moonlight snowshoe event. On the evening of December 29th, the BALSAMS ski patrol will delight guests with a Torchlight Parade at the Wilderness Ski Area followed by a beautiful fireworks display.
About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com.
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Condé Nast Traveler named The BALSAMS one of its 50 Best Ski Hotels
Condé Nast Traveler named The BALSAMS one of its 50 Best Ski Hotels in North America!
So come and ski and stay at one of the best. Where else can you get on average the most snow in the Northeast, virtually no lift lines, uncrowded trails, challenging glades and New England's finest dining?
Experience The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel.
Celebrate Christmas Vacation at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel
Get More than Santa Could Offer with One Amazing Rate!
The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel is welcoming winter by offering guests the opportunity to enjoy Christmas vacation with elegant cuisine and endless winter adventure in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods at incredible prices.
From December 19-26, guests can experience The BALSAMS for $149 per person, per night, double occupancy and children ages 5-16 stay for only $77.50 per night (taxes not included). These rates give guests the full BALSAMS experience including accommodations, breakfast, our famous Table d’hôte dinner and use of all of the resort’s facilities.
Activities are geared toward fun for the whole family, with alpine and cross country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, sleigh rides, skating, bands, parties and more. These rates also include access to The BALSAMS Wilderness Ski Area during your stay – with lift tickets to enjoy the resort’s 16 trails, five gladed trails, Terrain Park and Ski Play Area for younger skiers.
In the evenings guests will experience The BALSAMS amazing culinary history while enjoying award-winning dining with a holiday flair. The culinary team will also create an exquisite gingerbread Christmas village with help from the guests. On Christmas Eve, The BALSAMS elves will leave gifts behind and on Christmas Day the resort comes alive with celebratory events both indoors and out.
For more information about Christmas week specials, call The BALSAMS at (800) 255-0600, e-mail reservations@thebalsams.com or visit www.thebalsams.com.
About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com.
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The BALSAMS Announces Their First Nordic Ski Race And The Return Of The Feastiville
For many years it has been widely whispered that The BALSAMS Nordic trails are the ideal place to host a large scale ski race. The trails are wide, well groomed, beautiful, extensive, and offer a great deal of variety over the 8,000+ acres of terrain that they traverse. Well, in 2010 the whispers can subside and the cheers can begin. Not only will the resort play host to The Great North Woods 30K Classic, but immediately following the departure of the racers, tourers will be invited to take to the trails as after a six year hiatus, The BALSAMS is bringing back the idea of the Feastiville! The Feastiville concept was designed to combine two of The BALSAMS best commodities--Nordic skiing and Culinary excellence. The name "Feastiville" will be dropped, but the best of what remains returns. There will be a 5K or 10K touring option,which you can determine while you are on course and don't need to decide ahead of time. Of course there will also be Gourmet Food on course--you won't be timed, so savor every bite and leisurely enjoy this special offering. More information is available at www.thebalsams.com/nordic_skiing, such as special room rates, and more event details. Book now, space is limited and let the Nordic Center know if you plan on participating.
The BALSAMS Bob Greene receives the 2009 Alex Gordon National Professional of the Year Award
The BALSAMS own Bob Greene, quoted as “one of the most recognized faces in tennis coaching in America,” was recently honored by the United States Professional Tennis Association as the 2009 Alex Gordon National Professional of the Year. This is the highest honor a tennis teaching professional can receive. Bob has been the director of tennis at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel in northern New Hampshire since 1991, and was also honored in 2003 as the recipient of the International Tennis Hall of Fame “Tennis Educational Merit Award.”
A featured speaker at many USPTA and USTA national events, Bob brings more than 40 years of tennis industry experience to the table. He is well known for his creative work on the USTA Tennis Innovations Committee, and while serving on the USA Leagues Committee, he has been largely responsible for the ongoing development of the National Tennis Rating Program and its methodologies that regulate levels of play for over half a million tennis players across the nation.
Active in tennis governance, he served the United States Tennis Association as the New England Section president and is a past president of the USPTA New England Division. He is a former New England USTA delegate and serves on the national USTA Budget Committee and Davis Cup Committee. Bob was honored as New England Pro of the Year in 1995 and again in 2008, and is a five-time divisional USPTA Tester of the Year. In 1997, he received the prestigious Gardner Chase Award, which recognizes the person who has done the most for New England tennis.
As chairman of the USTA Olympic Tennis Committee, Bob took America’s finest tennis players, including James Blake, Mike and Bob Bryan and Venus and Serena Williams to Beijing, China to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games, coming home with two Gold and two Bronze Medals.
Bob is a member of the HEAD/PENN Racket Sports Advisory Staff. He played college tennis while studying psychology at the University of Rochester, and has held USPTA National and USTA New England Sectional tournament rankings including a career high No. 3 national ranking in Men’s 50 doubles in 2003. Bob loves to teach tennis, and has trained hundreds of recreational players as well as several nationally-ranked and four world-ranked players. He currently coaches one of New England’s top players, Priyanka Sundhar.
Also an accomplished professional-level musician, songwriter and actor, Bob has played guitar for several shows and hit recording artists. He has appeared on ESPN’s Tennis Magazine television show, in feature films and performed in many musical productions. Bob co-produced “Destination Tennis New Hampshire” for the Tennis Channel, a program that is seen worldwide and stars Meike Buchan, Bob Greene and the staff of The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel.
Under Bob Greene’s management and development, The BALSAMS tennis program offers free beginner clinics for adults and juniors, several additional group clinics, advanced drill sessions, and at least four round-robin doubles events. The complex consists of three red-clay and three Plexicushion hard courts, and a full-service pro shop with rackets, tennis shoes, logo apparel and accessories. Bob resides in Rangeley, Maine and enjoys tennis and skiing with his daughter Kelly.
Bob Greene at The BALSAMS
The BALSAMS Vehicles were generously donated by the Grappone Automotive Group of Bow, NH
Balsams Culinary Apprentice Graduates Go Global
Graduates from AZ, DE, MA, ME, and CT Moving on To Kitchens in Europe, South America and Across the U.S.
Dixville Notch, N.H. – (Oct. 22, 2009) – Many of the graduates from this year’s prestigious Culinary Apprenticeship Program at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel come from small states like Delaware and tiny towns in rural Maine, but after completing one of the most intense culinary programs in the country, these graduates are moving on to grand futures.
Started in 1978 by famed BALSAMS chef and recent inductee into the American Culinary Federation Hall of Fame, Chef Phil Learned, the culinary apprenticeship program requires three years of training with a minimum of 6,000 hours of hands-on experience and almost 600 additional hours of classroom instruction.
“When the apprenticeship program started at The BALSAMS more than 30 years ago, it was dedicated to being a rigorously professional culinary training facility, turning out elite graduates,” said Executive Chef Josh Berry, himself a graduate of the program. “These apprentices carry on that tradition and guests of the BALSAMS, and other dining rooms that will be served by these graduates should savor the fact that they are enjoying a culinary experience prepared by among the upper echelon chefs of the future.”
This year’s graduating class (including hometowns and post-graduation plans):
• Arthur Lewis III, Dover, Delaware – plans to continue his training in Europe
• Paul Skillern, Naples, Maine – Assistant Garde manger Chef at the BALSAMS
• Donald Mygan, Litchfield, Connecticut – accepted a position in Peru
• John Hallett, Litchfield Park, Arizona – accepted a position at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY
• Richard Hutchison, Lowell, Massachusetts – planning to work at the Five Star American Club in Wisconsin
Graduates receive endorsements as certified cooks by the United States Department of Labor and the American Culinary Federation, and can simultaneously earn an Associate’s Degree from the White Mountains Community College in Berlin, New Hampshire. The program includes six externships, providing the apprentices with the opportunity to travel and work under other talented chefs from around the world. Training is rigorous, as students prepare food for discriminating diners in a real-life situation rather than the relatively stress-free environment of the classroom.
A graduation ceremony and gala dinner is planned for Sunday, October 25 in the BALSAMS dining room followed by presentations of awards, certificates and scholarships.
Bottom L-R, Arthur Lewis, Donald Mygan. Back row L-R Richard Hutchison, John Hallett, Paul Skillern
The BALSAMS earns a "Best of NH 2009"
Readers picked The BALSAMS for their "Favorite Regional Restaurants" category. We also were an Editor's Pick for "Upscale Resort for Kids" – we're quite pleased!
View the article online at NH Magazine.
The Nature Conservancy & The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel Announce Groundbreaking Partnership For Conservation
For Immediate Release: March, 2009
The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, a historic destination resort, has joined forces with The Nature Conservancy, a global nonprofit conservation organization, in the protection of nature and preservation of life in New Hampshire. This is the first time either organization has entered into such an agreement.
Download a PDF version of the announcement.
Travel & Leisure Magazine Award The BALSAMS
For Immediate Release: July, 2008
The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel has been honored by appearing in the "Top 10 Hotels for $250 or Lessî category and for appearing 35th on the magazine's "Top 100" Hotels in North America list of the annual 2008 World's Best Awards List prepared by Travel + Leisure magazine.
2007 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List
We are pleased to announce that the Balsams Grand Hotel has been named to the 2007 Conde Nast Gold List which represents the top 700 hotels/resorts in the world. The Balsams is the only Gold List Hotel in New Hampshire. We were one of several hotels in the United States that received a perfect score of 100% for our food. Also, of significant note, the service rating was 97%, an outstanding achievement. The Balsams has always represented a tremendous tradition in the Culinary Department and this tells us that we are continuing to move along the path of excellence.
Please call 1-(800) 255-0600 for more information, or to make a reservation.