The Palm Court Music Schedule - January 2012

Wednesday 7:00 – 10:00pm
Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25                                Key of Dreams                                keyofdreams.com

Thursday 7:00 – 10:00 pm                                                                           
Jan. 5, 12, 19, 25                                David Michael Lee                        davidmichaellee.com                     

Friday – Saturday 8:00 – 11:30 pm
Friday    Jan. 6                                     Karla Harris                                        karlaharris.com
Saturday Jan. 7                                  Mark J Duo                                         markjmusic.com
                                              
Friday    Jan. 13                                  Johnny Martin                                  johnnymartin.com
Saturday Jan. 14                               Johnny Martin                                  johnnymartin.com
              
Friday Jan. 20                                     Tom Grant &                                     tomgrant.com
Shelly Rudolph
Saturday Jan. 21                               Sean+Fred Show                              fredstickley.net              

Friday Jan. 27                                     HGH Trio
Saturday Jan. 28                               Tom Grant &                                     tomgrant.com
Shelly Rudolph

Gingerbread House Unveiling

The Benson Hotel will celebrate its’ 40-year tradition of crafting, baking and displaying a Gingerbread Masterpiece in the Grand Lobby this Wednesday, November 30^th at 4 pm.

Gingerbread Theme for 2011

In recent years, Chef David Diffendorfer has focused on re-creating authentic buildings and cities. Two years ago, Chef Diffendorfer rebuilt the classic Benson Hotel and last year he re-created the city of Venice, Italy. This year, Chef Diffendorfer decided to re-imagine a favorite theme: a magical European castle and village.   The 2011 Gingerbread display is of his own design, entitled: “A Castle in Blue”. The castle’s design is heavily influenced by Chef’s two favorite real life castles, Ludwig II’s Bavarian castle, Neuschwanstein and Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

“A Castle in Blue” is set atop a steep mountain and is accessed by a winding road lit by twinkling marzipan lamp posts.  These lead from a bridge in the valley that crosses a poured sugar river all the way up to the arched front gate of the castle. From the front gate, the castle rises vertically to the peak of its’ highest tower, an astonishing seven feet above the valley floor.

Upon closer inspection of “A Castle in Blue”, guests will be amazed at soaring elegant lines and enchanting lofty towers.  Guests can peek through the gelatin windows and explore classic Renaissance portraits and marzipan marble floors lit by a grand chandelier. Always a great family tradition, The Benson’s Gingerbread confections also allow guests to gaze upon the valley floor, where your imagination will delight in the quaint European village surrounded by a sugar lake that is always being filled by two stunning sugar waterfalls. The village is comprised of numerous colorful, and sometimes whimsical, buildings.

Continuing a years-long tradition, a family of Marzipan Figures resides within The Gingerbread Masterpiece -- and they move around from time to time which allows for repeat visits.  Where is the Gingerbread Family today?  Can you find them?

Gingerbread Facts

Chef Dave Diffendorfer has been crafting his Gingerbread Masterpiece at the Benson Hotel for 17 consecutive years. The Chef uses approximately 100 pounds of gingerbread and 20 to 25 pounds each of white chocolate and marzipan. He works with tools as large as a band saw and as small as a toothpick!  Chef Diffendorfer’s education at Western Culinary Institute, combined with his degrees in Geography and Industrial Design, has greatly influenced numerous beautiful and meticulous re-creations of historic landmarks in gingerbread.  Past works include Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau Loire, The St. Vitus Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle, The Benson Hotel and a number of his own designs including “Santa’s North Pole,” an “Austrian Hillside Town” and his first American Castle, “Biltmore House”. 

        

 

 Gingerbread Recipe

Ingredients:

- 9 oz of honey
- 9 oz flour
- 3.5 oz caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1 teaspoon anise powder
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 eggs
- 3.3 fl oz of milk

Preparation:

Heat the honey in a saucepan or microwave, then pour it warm in a bowl with the flour, mix in with the teaspoon of baking powder, both sugars and 1 teaspoon of each spice: anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger.
With a wooden spoon, stir in gradually two eggs and a little warm milk just to blend everything.
Preheat the oven thermostat 350 degrees
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan well buttered and floured.
Bake for  1:15 hour
Turn out the gingerbread when completely cooled. Wait at least 24 hours before serving.
It keeps a week, wrapped in aluminum foil. Enjoy

Change at The London Grill and Palm Court Restaurants

We’ll be making changes at  The Benson Hotel’s  two restaurants: Palm Court and London Grill.  Following is our official statement:

“We are adjusting our dining operations and appropriately managing how we do business in the present economy,” stated Ronald W. Gladney, General Manager of The Benson Hotel.  “We believe we are implementing plans that will allow us to continue to provide the same superb cuisine for which we are known,” Mr. Gladney concluded.

Key changes include shifting breakfast and lunch from the London Grill to the Palm Court effective November 14, 2011.  Executive Chef Serge Selbe will craft seasonal, fresh buffets showcasing Northwest-focused, fresh and local ingredients.

The Palm Court will continue to offer a small plates and comfort food menu from 2:00 pm to close, Happy Hour twice nightly and live entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings.

The London Grill will feature their renowned table-side Dinner Menu nightly Wednesday- Saturday through the end of 2011.  In addition, the London Grill will serve a special Thanksgiving Menu, Christmas Menu and New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch.  The London Grill will continue service of their Sunday Champagne Brunch through 2011.  The London Grill will be available exclusively for private dining, private parties and special events after January 1, 2012.

El Gaucho restaurant, located in the Hotel, will continue to be open nightly for dinner and features twice nightly happy hour Monday through Friday, once nightly on Saturday and all night on Sunday (except on holidays).  El Gaucho’s operation will not be affected by the changes in other food operations at The Benson Hotel.

Management remains committed to our long-term employees and is working with Unite Here Local 9 and Union Representative, Karly Edwards, to ascertain other employment opportunities available within the Hotel,” said Mr. Gladney.

"We look forward to serving our London Grill guests through the end of this year.  And, look forward to our planned Holiday events and pending special offers that will encourage guests to return to experience the legendary London Grill before the year’s end,” Mr. Gladney concluded.

Chef Serge Joins Community Chili Cook-Off

Chef Serge joined fellow foodies at the Whole Foods in the Pearl District as they re-opened after a major remodeling.  With so many Benson Hotel and London Grill followers from the Pearl -- it made a lot of sense to help support and participate in this community effort.

Chef made delicious chili -- and it was on a chilly Autumn day in the Pearl.

Palm Court Entertainment and Sparkling Wine in the Hotel Lobby

 

Prosecco Sparkling Wines are being served in the London Grill foyer from 4:30 to 6:30 pm every Friday and Saturday.  Make sure you experience this delicious, effervescent wine when you have the opportunity!

Our live entertainment in the Palm Court this month includes:

Thursday, October 20 - Karla Harris

Friday, October 21 - David Valdez

Saturday, October 22 - Tom Grant/Shelley Rudolph

Wednesday, October 26  - John Butler

Thursday, October 27 - Mark J.

Friday, October 28 - Tom Grant/Shelley

Saturday, October 29 - Bre Gregg

We hope to see you at The Benson soon -- especially at London Grill Restaurant or The Palm Court!

News from the Kitchen

Oh, these times they are changing.  Recent departures have created new opportunities at London Grill.  We are excited to welcome Rudolphe Louchart formerly of the Pearl's terrific Blue Hour as our new Restaurant Manager.

We also want to remind you about New Year's Eve our fabulous 3 parties in 1 night celebration with dinner at the London Grill, live music and tapas in the Palm Court and a Brazilian Buffet and live music and dancing with the Bobbie Torres Ensemble in the Mayfair Ballroom. Doesn't get much better.  You should also consider our room packages starting at just $329, so you can party in style (and have a great mini vacation at the same time)!

Details available soon, so check back soon!