Oh, What a beautiful mornin'

"Oklahoma!" Tickets going on sale Tuesday, Sept. 1st. The Performances are Oct 2-4 & 9-11 at the Fine Arts Center Theatre, WNMU. You can purchase tickets at Silver City Food Basket, Silver City Beverage Company, Alotta Gelato and The Curious Kumquat.

Papa was a Rollin' Stone
September 5-7, 2009 – Silver City, New Mexico

Silver City’s 26th Annual Gem and Mineral Show will be held on Labor Day weekend, Saturday September 5th, Sunday September 6th, and Monday September 7th 2009 at the Silver City Recreation Center, 11th and Gold Streets, Silver City, New Mexico. Admission is free. Over 60 dealers from throughout the United States, Mexico, Asia, and elsewhere will have their wares for sale. Activities include free Daily Field Trips, the Silent Auction, Wheel of Fortune, and door prizes. Food service is provided by the Silver City Lions Club. For more details, contact Grant County Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society, Vendor Manager L. Lett at 575-538-3216 or show09@stockmanfamily.net or visit the club site at http://rollingstonesgms.blogspot.com/

Autumn is in the Air, That Means Good Food & Good Books

The nights are getting cooler and the rain storms are making regular visits each evening. I am noticing that dawn comes a little later each few days. I feel the urge to collect peaches, pears, chilies and all the other harvestings. Is it the squirrel-being in me that wants to collect, store and think about what to make when the weather is nippy?

This weekend, I am taking a Pastry workshop with Chef Rob at Curious Kumquat and I am so eager to see what new ideas and skills I will come away with. Puff pastry is a new favorite staple in my kitchen. My appetizers at the Wine Tasting Club were received to rave reviews, and I feel a bit guilty because they were so easy to make. I am eager to try my hand at some more pastry tricks.

It seems that books go right along with good food and drink. I joined the Museum History Book Club this week and met some fascinating folks. And there was great response to my proposal for a book club focusing maybe on books with a culinary theme. Now, it comes to mind an idea of a Gourmet Book Club. We read books with a food theme and then cook dishes based on the books. Yum! Where shall we start. I can't wait to hear all the book recommendations. Stay tuned for an announcement of the first meeting. You can email me at gilahouse@yahoo.com if you want to get on the mailing list for our Gourmet Book Club.

For the Love of Art

September, Labor Day Weekend

San Vicente Artists' "Labor of Love Art" Fair

San Vicente Artists’ Annual Art Fair takes place on Labor Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday Artists and fine-crafters from all over the Southwest take part in this popular celebration of regional art. Visitors come from New Mexico and many other states to enjoy this diverse event. Step into an historic environment in the Silco Theatre, visit displays both in and outside, and enjoy talking with the artists. The historic Silco Theater, a renovated landmark in the heart of downtown Silver city, is the home of many cultural events and within easy walking distance of restaurants and galleries.

2009 Labor of Love Art Fair: Sep. 5-6, Silco Theater. For further info call Diane Reed at 575-534-4269 or email artfair@silvercityartists.org.

Celebrate September Weekend Special

Four glorious days enjoying the wonderful mountain air, interesting and unique art, a CD Release Party, Silver City’s 26th Annual Gem and Mineral Show, and RELAXATION.

Check in on Friday night and enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers in our Cafe. Saturday, stroll about town browsing through art galleries and shops, sample local produce at our Farmers' Market or just sit and enjoy a gelato in the plaza. Saturday evening, Melanie Zipin and the Z Factor launch their new CD with a Party at a Local Historic Site, the Buffalo Dance Hall - you really can't miss this event. Throughout the weekend, the Gem and Mineral Show will host over 60 dealers from throughout the United States, Mexico, Asia, and elsewhere. Activities include free Daily Field Trips, the Silent Auction, Wheel of Fortune, and door prizes.

Every morning starts off with a full breakfast with fresh fruits, home-made muffins and breads, yummy quiche or strata and organic coffee. We have Wi-Fi throughout the House and you can even workout with a free pass to Diamond's Gym. Off street parking provided.

Labor Day Weekend Special (Friday, Sept. 4th Check-in; Tuesday Sept. 8th Check-out) Call 575-313-7015 to make your reservations.

Dancing in the Rain

What a delight to have this weekend with rain. I had a great evening on Saturday at the Art Auction/Pot Luck Party for SWANS Fundraiser. SWANS (SouthWest Activities Network Society) in Grant County, New Mexico is a resource for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered human beings in New Mexico. Butch and Charlie were great hosts and quickly handed out towels and skootched us all inside quickly when the clouds let loose.

Today seems like the perfect day to head out with the camera and catch some of the wonderful contract that comes when the forest is wet. I will dance in the rain.

Lovin' From the Oven

Fresh From The Oven

Life is good when the morning starts off with the aroma of freshly baked bread. I tried that recipe from Mother Earth News and it truly is as easy as they say. The key is KISS - Keep It Sweet & Simple. Well, actually the sweet part is left out. If you do not add sugar to your yeastie beasties, then they do not get drunk.

I made honey whipped butter, using local honey of course and served the loaf with locally produced jelly from La Esperanza Vineyard. This is a treat you can only get at the Gila House.

A Bite of Tasty History will be Closing Soon

The Sisters Restaurant in San Lorenzo should be a stop on your tour of our fine region. the sisters have been baking, cooking and playing hostess to guests from around the world for over 20 years. Nancy and Rita have been serving up dishes that take you back to the old days - that translates to homey comfort foods with the flavor of their Italian Heritage. Try to visit them before they close their doors in mid-September.

Now, on to my culinary endeavors. Since coming to the Gila House Hotel Bed & Breakfast as manager, I have been digging into my little bag of tricks and pulling out some of my all time favorite recipes. At a Bed and Breakfast, the Breakfast part of the package is most important and I love firing up the oven early in the morning and smelling that wonderful aroma of muffins and banana bread and coffee cake and sticky buns and....OK, I have to get control of myself.

So, last night I was looking through some recipes for bread, one of my all time favorite things to bake, and turned the page to see a vision of delight - warm, gooey caramel-ly sticky buns. Sticky Buns are so full of wonderful memories for me. In my childhood, they were called Schnecken and my Daddy made them for us. It was a really special occasion when we would wake up on a cool morning and smell that brown sugar and cinnamon. Since I was the oldest, I almost always won the battle over who got to pick the crunchy crumbles from the pan. Well, it is Schnecken making time at the Gila House Bed & Breakfast. I can't wait to hear the lips smackin' and fingers lickin' at our weekend brunch.

Jump over to our website to plan your stay at the Gila House Hotel Bed & Breakfast. I promise a warm plate of Schnecken.

This is the way to end the week!

Did you know that we now have a Friday afternoon Cheese & Fruit Reception at Gila House Hotel & Gallery 400? We insist that you put your feet up, relax with a glass of wine from one of our local wineries, and slip into your comfort zone. Our Gallery is the perfect place to meet and chat about what you plan to do this weekend. Enjoy the sweet sounds of Brandon Perrault and other local musicians as you let the week's deadlines and tasks fade away.

Just Close Your Eyes and Pick One

Wow! If you are a person who has a hard time deciding what to do, maybe you should not read any further. I am a bit overwhelmed with all the choices for this weekend. I want to do it ALL!

These events are happening on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Run to Copper Country: Copper Country Cruizers' 18th Annual Car Show. 8 am-4pm, Gough Park. Free, $35 to enter a car. Revenues support a scholarship fund and local charities. Vintage vehicles, vendors, and oldies music. 388-3468

Rolling Stones Gem & Mineral Society Hike. Meet 8am, Long John Silver's parking lot (Highway 180 and Little Walnut). Hike to club’s Bear Mountain Geode Claim. Bring picks and shovels and buckets and plenty of drinking water and sun protection. kyyote@msn.com or 538-5706

Silver City Farmers' Market. 8:30 am.-12n. Main Street Plaza, behind Dominos. Canning workshop with Grant Co Extension. Erica performs on the flute. & Art Market. 9am-4pm, Morningstar Parking lot. Local artists’ market.

Mogollon Rim Fiber Guild Meeting. 9 am. WNMU Chino Bldg. "Antiques and Unusuals." 388-4839.

Introduction to Metal Forming. 9am-1pm. A Bead or Two, 703 N Bullard St. $35 incl some materials. 388-8973

Mosaics 2 Day Workshop w/ Marcia Smith. 10am-5pm, Leyba and Ingalls Arts. For both beginners and advanced. Bring tiles and found objects. $115. Call Marcia with questions. 313-6959. Sunday, 11am-4pm. claymoonstudio.com

Kundalini Yoga class followed by Q & A about Kundalini Yoga. 10am - noon. A Daily Practice 104 N. Texas St. FREE 1.5 hour session -- what it is, how it's different from other forms of yoga, it's not a religion, etc. 313.2649
First Birthday Celebration. 10 am-5 pm. Hutchings Fine Art gallery, 211-B N Texas. New exhibit, refreshments. 313-6939,

Music at a.i.r. 11 am-1 pm. a.i.r coffee, Bayard. Juanita Werner, piano/keyboard and Patti Coroan, violin, play everything from pop to classical, including Spanish.

CHIHUAHUA HILL ORAL HISTORIES MURAL DEDICATION. 1 pm. Corner of Bullard & Spring Streets downtown. Youth from all over town created this mural depicting the history of the La Capilla neighborhood. Created by the MRAC Mural Camp students, interns and artists. Salsa & chips, burgers, hot dogs and soda. Music by Brandon Perault and other artists. 388-5472.

Silver City Astronomy Society. 1 pm, backroom of Isaac's Bar and Grill. President Gary Emerson talks about legendary, pioneer astronomer E. E. Barnard. No host lunch after. For members and community members interested in astronomy.

CW AYON. 7 pm. Javalina’s Coffee House.

Wally Lawder & the Flying Coyotes. 8 pm. Isaac’s. No cover.
Illusions. 9 pm, Drifter Lounge. $3 cover. Tejano/Blues.

End Your Day with an "AAAhhhhhhh"

We are now welcoming our guests with an Afternoon Tea during the week and a Wine & Cheese Reception on the weekends. Guests will be treated to freshly baked tea cakes, scones, and shortbreads with a wide selection of herbal, green and black teas. During the weekend, guests will enjoy a selection of local wines paired with cheeses from around the world and fresh fruit from our local farmers. So, when planning your arrival, think about that wonderful end of the day treat awaiting you after you check in.

Teas and Receptions are served between 3 and 5 pm.

Rosemary, oh Rosemary, Where Art Thou?

Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs. The plant is such a pretty bush when it grows big in a pretty clay pot. The scent of rosemary is woody and exotic and flowery all at once. But, the best of all if cooking with it.

Rosemary is truly an ancient herb with so many different uses. "Long known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary symbolizes loyalty and friendship, and has traditionally been associated with both weddings and funerals. Believing the gift came from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, brides wore it in wreaths as a symbol of their fidelity...Ancient Greeks and Romans knew this shrub well. In their world, it enjoyed a reputation for improving memory and rejuvenating the spirits." http://health.learninginfo.org/herbs/rosemary.htm.

How perfect! At the Gila House, we are also about friendship and rejuvenating spirits. And I definitely am all for anything that will improve memory. So I am setting a challenge for myself - to see how many delicious and 'rejuvenating' dishes with rosemary I can use. To start the challenge off, I am going to make the Rosemary Shortbread for our Afternoon Tea this weekend. I can almost smell that exotic aroma coming from the oven now.

Wish You Could Smell This

I made banana bread this afternoon from a recipe from the Flour Bakery in Boston. The recipe is very similar to a recipe I used about 30 years ago when I had my Bakery, Ruby Mountain Bakery, in Northern California.

The secret ingredient is sour cream. And it is important to beat the eggs and sugar until they are light and foamy. This Banana bread is almost cake like, moist and rich but still light.

I am serving the Banana Bread tomorrow with honeyed cream cheese, fresh melon and baked eggs. Can't wait for breakfast.

Warm Days, Cool Nights

I can feel it in the air. Autumn is just around the corner. Fall is my favorite time of the year. There is a vibrancy in the air that comes from that final burst of energy before we begin to hunker down for the colder days and longer nights.

On one of my evening walks with my dog, I spied a wonderful garden in someones front yard and there like a found jewel was a huge orange pumpkin snuggling among dark green leaves, catching the last of the season's sun. The Chili Harvest seems to start this season off with the heady aroma of green chilies roasting outdoors. This is the aroma of earth and sun and tamales. Soon we will be gathering in the last bountiful offerings from our gardens. Zucchini Bread will be popping out of my oven soon, along with roasted corn cakes topped with chili crema.

I feel like a kid inside, anticipating the chilly nights around a bon fire with good friends. Remembering when I was a youngster running among the adults, playing in the bales of freshly cut hay, stealing my first kiss from the sweet innocent distant cousin.

Come enjoy our harvest season and harvest some wonderful memories for yourself. There are wonderful smells coming out of the kitchen all the time. Our mid-week rates are $85/night. We serve a delicious hot breakfast created from local produce.

Catch a Falling Star

This week is the Perseids and what a better place than Silver City to get out and watch this amazing meteor shower. There is something magical about watching the sky light up with streaks of silvery sparkles. You can be 6 or 60 and still be amazed by this phenomenon. You have to stop and think about how we are all part of something so much bigger. Get out with some friends and see who can catch the most falling stars.

http://www.spaceweather.com/meteors/perseids/images2008/12aug08/Thad-VSoske-VSOSKE2.jpg

Have You Gone Somewhere Interesting this Summer?

Did you know that there is a list of Great Adventure Towns? National Geographic compiled the list last fall selecting "50 innovative towns that aren’t just prime relocation spots right now, but smart choices for the future. Not only do they have the action. They’ve got a plan." (http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/weekend-getaways/best-places-to-live/rockies-text)

National Geographic calls Silver City "Quaint, friendly, and affordable, southwestern New Mexico’s Silver City is what Santa Fe was before trustafarians took over. Hike or bike seven miles of rocky trails in the rolling Boston Hills, a reclaimed historic mining area overlooking town. Or hook up with the nearby Continental Divide Trail ascending the Pinos Altos Mountains in 3.3-million-acre Gila National Forest. "

I would like to add to that the commitment and dedication of folks here to local produce, organic gardening, the slow food movement, and stewardship of the land. You can walk just about any street in town and see wonderful gardens full of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. The Farmers' Market every Saturday is so vibrant with freshly picked veggies, free-range eggs, and freshly baked goodies. The saying, "You are what you eat" should be a Silver City motto - Silver City Folks eat good and they are good folks.

Aroma of Freshly Roasted Hatch Chilies

This weekend is a big Hatch Chili Sale in Silver City and already there are folks ahead of the game with their boxes of bright green chilies, getting them roasted. I am new to Silver City; I just moved here from Phoenix - yeah, it IS hotter then hell there. And before that I was living in Maine and along the Northshore of Massachusetts, so I am basically fresh off the boat. I love Silver City and New Mexico. The rich Mexican and Spanish heritage of this area reminds me of eating a deep chocolate layer cake with fillings of orange, raspberry and cream. Each bit awakens your senses and brings you a surprise.

Hmm, I think I have food on the brain tonight. I am really getting into finding and adapting recipes for our Guests' breakfast. Tomorrow I am making a Mexican Quiche with a corn chip crust and layers of chorizo, green chili salsa and lots of cheese - and all of that gets drowned in a seasoned egg mixture and baked until it is brown and bubbly.

Our guests this weekend are here for a family reunion. I love hearing the stories of what Silver City area was like back in the 50's. I am looking forward to having a chance to chat with the folks that grew up here and listen to their stories.

This is what makes managing a B&B really worthwhile; knowing that I am creating a little homey space with good cooking, good conversation, and good beds at night.

So, now I am off to my bed so I can get up early and make that Mexican Quiche.

Imagine Yourself Relazing Here

Enjoy our freshly baked muffins and organic coffee in our Gallery or Breakfast Cafe. A buffet breakfast is served every morning from 8 to 10 am. We shop the Farmers' Markets to find fresh local produce for our breakfast offerings.

This morning I served a Mexican Quiche using organic blue corn chips as the crust, topping that with an eggs, peach mango salsa and tons of cheddar cheese. Yum!

Where we are planning on being this week

THURSDAY 4-7PM ~ ‘Bittersweet.’ Blue Dome Gallery, 307 N Texas St. Artists’ reception for exhibit of works by Todd Shelby and Karen Prittchett. 534-8671, www.bluedomegallery.com

FRIDAY 6PM ~ Flying Saucer Frisbee Golf Course Grand Opening. Gila Valley Community Center. Refreshments; music by In the Flow. 535-2721.

SATURDAY 10AM-4PM ~ Motorcycle Show. E Side PENNY PARK. Free to public. Music, prizes, games, vendors, hot dog eating contest, etc. Music by Everfallen and Pray Among Wolves. Funds raised to support Penny Park. 313-3116.

SATURDAY 12N-11PM ~ Sounds of Silver City LIVE! Historic Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard. Two full days of live music by local musicians, featuring performances of songs from the upcoming "Sounds of Silver City" compilation CD (now on sale), as well as performances by other musicians. $5 per concert session (2 each day). Saturday afternoon: 12-12:30, Bruce McKinney; 12:45- 1:15, Greg & Charlie; 1:30- 2:15, Scott Van Linge & Band; 2:30- 3:15 pm, Tarantenchiladas; 3:30- 4:15, Ed Teja Group; 4:30- 5 pm, Bayou Seco; 5:15- 6, The Good Kind with Sami Padre. Saturday evening (Folk/Fusion/Jazz): 7:30-8 pm, Ron McFarland; 8:15-8:45 Andrew Dahl-Bredine; 9-9:45, Dagaz; 10-10:45, Wally Lawder & the Flying Coyotes. A fundraiser for the Silco.

SATURDAY 6:30-9PM ~ Summer Street Dance. Yankie & Texas Sts. With Brandon Perrault and Friends. Sponsored by SC Daily Press, Vicki’s Eatery, Yankie Creek Coffee, Gila Terra Verde by Design.

SATURDAY 6:30PM ~ Spiritual Cinema: ‘Curtain Call.’ 1302 Bennett St. A story about a book publisher, his wife and the two ghosts who inhabit their new home. Movie & discussion sponsored by SW Swedenborgians. 590-2979.

SATURDAY 7PM ~ Mystical Dance Evening/Dances of Universal Peace.Dristi Studio/ Bullard St. $5-10 donation. Circle dances that celebrate the unity of all spiritual traditions. Chanting, live music. No experience or partners needed. 534-1441.

Gila House Happenings

My first blog entry as the new Manager of the Gila House Hotel and Gallery 400 in Silver City. I came to The Gila House about a month ago from Phoenix, AZ. It is like moving to Eden. So many friendly folks, a great co-op, a wonderful Farmers' & Artists' Market every Saturday. And so many trees.

I would call Silver City one of the best kept secrets - and a lot of folks are finding out about this secret. Yes, we are a bit off the beaten path, but that can be a good thing. And once you get to Silver City and check into the Gila House you can be in the thick of it if you want. We are just blocks from really nice restaurants like Isaacs and the Curious Kumquat - don't you just love that name? The Gila House is right in the middle of the Historic Downtown and Arts District. There is always something fun and funky going on. This Saturday, there is a Street Dance in the evening. Now how fun is that?

So now that I have your interest piqued, hop on over to www.gilahouse.com and check out the place.