A Wedding Preview

We often get to know our guests when they are visiting Orcas Island, but Rosario Resort's Sales and Catering Department often works many months ahead with our guests on planning their weddings, meetings and special events. Tirzah Fiorito, Rosario Resort's Director of Catering, would like to introduce to you Alison Cox & Mike Ogliore, who will be getting married at Rosario on October 4, 2008!

Tirzah had a chance to interview them for this blog on a recent visit:

*How long have you been together/How did you meet?
We have been together just over one year and we met while working at Seafair in Seattle. After working at Seafair together for 3 years, we both left for new positions and found that we still wanted to hang out and spend time together. Eventually our friendship evolved and here we are!

*How did you get engaged?
We got engaged at Snoqualmie Falls during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend in 2008.

*What are you most excited for about the wedding?
I am most excited to walk down the aisle and see Mike waiting for me!

*What drew you to Rosario?
We were drawn to Rosario because it is in such a beautiful location and it will be the perfect setting for a destination wedding for our families to
enjoy together!

Who deserves thanks for helping you get to where you are today?
Our Parents-Kathy & Larry Reichle, John & Judy Ogliore and Ron & Colette Cox.

Our Bridal Party-Jennifer, Sara, Carrie, Hallie, Ryan, Larry, Lewis, Garth, Brooke & Conner.

All of our family members and friends that will make the long journey to Orcas Island to share in this special weekend!

We'll see you in October Alison & Mike!

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Lunar Eclipse

I must say, tonight's sky is amazing. Crystal clear skies over Orcas Island with a total lunar eclipse. It's not often that you see so many stars with a full moon! The celestial show is happening in full view from Rosario Resort's Mansion Dining tables overlooking Cascade Bay. The first picture was taken next to our Cliff House Honeymoon Suite at 7:30 pm during its total eclipse faze. The moon doesn't go black because indirect sunlight still hits it as it bends around the earth's atmosphere. Our atmosphere scatters blue light, but allows red light to continue through and hit the moon, resulting in the red glow.



Clear nights on Orcas are even more amazing when the night sky is reflected in the water surrounding Orcas Island, silhouetted by the evergreen mountains rising from the water. The next photo shows the planet Saturn and Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. It sounds like I know astronomy, but I am just stealing information from articles I read today. I just look up and say "cool!"



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Moran Lounge Entertainment

If you've been to Rosario Resort, you probably know Gene Nery. He has been entertaining in the Moran Lounge for over 20 years! One song he sounds like John Mayer, the next Frank Sinatra. His guitar playing is equally versatile, from Wes Montgomery to Carlos Santana. Gene has an incredible voice and a vast repertoire of songs. He was even featured this year on Mannheim Steamroller's new Christmas CD! If you haven't heard Gene, be sure to request "Masochism Tango" (don't worry, it's rated PG13)! He looks forward to singing for you every Saturday in the Moran Lounge from 8 pm - 11 pm.

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Birthday Boys

For many of Rosario Resort's guests it's all about a celebration. It was a pleasure to host two brothers celebrating there birthdays this weekend. Wally Langeman from Bellevue (with wife Lucille on left) turned 70 and brother Hank Langeman from Wenatchee (with wife Jean on right) is 76. They had so much fun on Orcas Island they want to make it a yearly event. See you next year!

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Month of Romance

There is no doubt that February is a month of romance! With Valentine's Day coming up, I wanted to give you a glimpse of the Rosario Resort Romance Package...


Cross the threshold into your romantic escape at Rosario Resort and Spa. As you enter your beautiful waterview king suite, soft candlelight glows near the jetted tub as warmth from the fireplace beckons. Chilled champagne and delicious chocolate confections entice as soothing music plays… release all your cares and let the enchantment begin.

Time for pillow talk is free.

Orcas Island sets the mood, the rest is up to you!



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Happy Birthday Sally!

We were delighted to host a room full of Rosario neighbors celebrating Sally Marston's (third from right) Birthday at Rosario Resort. Happy Birthday Sally!

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Valentine's Dinner Menu

Rosario Resort is offering a special Valentine's Menu with a French flair in our Mansion Dining Room on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 - 16. We hope you'll join us. Orcas Island will set the mood, the rest is up to you!


Valentine’s Menu

APPETIZERS

Moules à la Crème
Chilean Black Mussels Steamed in a savory Cream Sauce.

Thon Tartare à la Asie
Asian style Tuna Tar Tar.

Ménage à Trois
Lightly battered Prawns, Seafood Crèpe, & Crab studded Puff Pastry.


SOUPS

Truffe Vichyssoise
Classical Potato-Leek Soup scented with White Truffle Oil.

Potage aigre-doux
A simple Sweet & Sour Soup served with Fresh Garden Vegetables.


SALADS

Salade de Petoncles
Salad of Crisp Field Greens and Poached Scallops tossed in a Fire Roasted Apple Vinaigrette.

Betteraves et Fromage de Chèvre
Beet & Goat Cheese Salad served with Apricot Vinaigrette, Candied Walnuts on a bed of Micro Greens.



MAIN

Canard Brulé
Seared Duck Breast served with Truffle au Gratin, Baby Carrots, & Black Fig Puree.

Côtelette de Viande
Grilled Lamb Chop served with Chick Pea Hash, Brocolini & Port Wine Reduction.

Bar Noir à la Rosario
Seared Sea Bass served with Kalamata Olive Mashed Potatoes, Chippolini Onions, & Mango Coulis.




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Valentine's Dessert

Our attention this month is on Valentine's Day, with Rosario Resort's special Valentine's Dinner Menu being designed. Before I share with you the entire menu, let's just start with my favorite
part – Dessert! Pastry Chef Felicity Milne has put together a very special presentation:

Mignardise Romantique – Romantic Petit-Fours


Crèpes a L'Orange à la Mode – Sweet Orange Crèpes

Cocktail de lettre d'amour – Love Letter Cocktail

Tarte de fruit fraîche – Fresh Fruit Tartlet

Biscuit de tour d'Eiffel – Eiffel Tower cookie

Truffe de chocolat – Chocolate Truffle

oh - la - la !

Now & Then - Orcas Dining Room

Here's a fun postcard from 1968, the year the Orcas Dining Room was built at Rosario Resort. Compare the interior design to how it looks today, 40 years later.

Employee of the Month

I would say the perfect job title for our Employee of the Month for January is "Host," and Philip Bose is the perfect host. Although Philip is has been our lead bellman for several years, he really knows and performs every job at Rosario Resort. Most importantly, he is always attentive to our guests. Philip has been in customer service most of his life in Hawaii, although he did live a few years on the mainland to attend Cornell University, where he received a degree in Environmental Engineering. After Philip's first wife passed away, he met his wife Kris, who was a National Park Ranger at Volcano National Park. Kris had lived in the Pacific Northwest and convinced Philip to move to Orcas Island three years ago. Philip is happy he did and says "I love Orcas Island winters!" Congratulations, Philip!


Pictured with Philip Bose (center) is Rosario Resort's Director of Human Resources Sharon Strupp and Director of Resort Operations Dustin King.