BGI Newsletter Issue No. 5, Winter 2006

Most of us might agree that the elements of gratitude and change are two great sources of renewal and spiritual energy. At BGI, we're experiencing lots of change and much gratitude.

As we approach our 5th Anniversary this spring, Glenn Lutge, our founding General Manager, is stepping back to become "GM Emeritus." As General Manager, Glenn has done a great deal to make the Brewery Gulch Inn what it is today. I believe I speak for all of our guests and staff in expressing gratitude to Glenn for who he is and for what what he has accomplished.

We would like to welcome our new General Manager, Jo Ann Stickle, to the BGI team. Jo Ann has strong experience in the hospitality industry and a dedicated commitment to guest relations, concierge services and guest satisfaction. She has extensive local knowledge to share with you when you plan your activities and invites your suggestions and ideas to help make the BGI experience even more enjoyable. We feel very fortunate to have Jo Ann as our operations leader, and we feel confident that you will share our enthusiasm.

Change has also been evident in our kitchen. When we opened nearly five years ago, we were fortunate to have a young chef who helped develop our reputation for outstanding breakfasts. When he and his wife went on to a new venture, Barbara Burkey joined us. Now, Barbara has decided to try something new, and, once more, we have been fortunate to find an outstanding chef, François de Mélogue. Trained at the New England Culinary Institute, he brings twenty years of diverse culinary experience to his new position. His work is characterized by acknowledged excellence wherever he has cooked. For example, he developed the concept for and was the opening chef at the Chicago Provencal restaurant Pili Pili, named by Food and Wine Magazine in 2003 as one of "The Top Ten New Restaurant Openings in the World." François is dedicated to local organic foods and supporting small organic farms. Francois plans cooking tours of local organic farms and area vineyards, regular special dinners for our guests and their guests, culinary events, private in-room gourmet dinners, and cooking classes.

Our BIG Don't Miss NEWS!

We are C E L E B R A T I N G our Fifth Year Anniversary and invite you to join us for a series of special events throughout the year! Chef François de Mélogue has planned some extraordinary culinary events starting on Saturday, APRIL 8th. Travel to the Mediterranean via the North Coast through a six course dinner celebrating the colorful, and aromatic flavors of Haute Provence, Spain, and Morocco, which will utilize the wonderful bounty of ingredients from local Mendocino organic farms. The meal will be paired with an array of wines from Greenwood Ridge winery and winemaker Allan Green will be on hand to answer questions. In May, Mendocino is holding its first Independent Film Festival. We will celebrate it with a special feast on MAY 13, replicating food from our favorite food films. On JUNE 17, we're offering an unusual hands-on culinary experience. It includes a tour of local farms and vineyards, then returning to the Inn and having a cooking class on how to transform the harvested food into a memorable meal. Space is limited. Please check in on our Web site events listings, as menus and other plans will be added. view the menu

When you next visit, you'll find a new surprise edible amenity in each room, as well as the opportunity to win a two-day getaway drawing. We're delighted with what the past five years has held and look forward to sharing the future with you. Thank you for making it happen with us.

WHALE WATCH FESTIVALS 2006 MENDOCINO WHALE FESTIVAL

More than 15 Mendocino County wineries bring their unique vintages for tasting to the village shops, galleries and inns. A free trolley awaits to whisk you off to participating merchants and nearby events, like the chowder tasting, whale watching walks and Mendocino County food product tasting. The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, three miles north of Mendocino, offers activities for the whole family on both Saturday and Sunday of both festivals, including games for kids, information on the shipwreck the Frolic, lighthouse history and gray whale migration. Take a walk on the Mendocino Headlands to see the whales or take a charter boat out to see them up close! Or just sit on our deck and watch the whale action from right here. The Mendocino Whale and Wine Festival is March 4 & 5, 2006

2006 FORT BRAGG WHALE FESTIVAL

The Fort Bragg Whale Festival brings nearly 20 regional microbreweries to town, offering their best pilsners, stouts and ales for tasting at historic Eagle's Hall. Other events include a 5K and 10K Walk and Run on the headlands, a classic car show, arts & crafts fair, chowder tasting, art exhibits and guided whale walks at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and MacKerricher State Park. We can help you plan a whale watching boat tour on the sea with Whale Watching Charter Boats out of Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg. Also that weekend, the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse offers great activities for the whole family, including information on the migration of our gentle giants of the Pacific. The Fort Bragg Whale Festival is March 18 & 19, 2006. For further information on either of the Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals, call 707-961-6303.

MENDOCINO LAUNCHES ITS NEW FILM FESTIVAL!

Brewery Gulch Inn welcomes the Mendocino Film Festival with a culinary event the week before honoring food in films. Over the past 100 years Mendocino has been the location for over 60 films. The inaugural film festivities took place in January with an opening night cocktail party, 25 independent films, feature length, shorts, documentaries and foreign films, shown at several venues with panel discussions and a closing night awards ceremony. But the featured film festival takes place from May 18-21. Stay tuned to our "Book Ahead" Web page for the latest news and menu for BGI's MAY 13 food flicks dinner. (Please see 5th anniversary events above). For more info on the May film festival, check out mendocinofilmfestival.com.

BGI WEDDINGS

If you are planning an intimate wedding (50 people or fewer), Brewery Gulch Inn invites you to consider our elegantly simple arrangements designed to assist you in celebrating your nuptials in a stress-free, uncomplicated way. Our talented chef will work with you to create a memorable menu for your special day. We have pared down our approach to suit the eco-friendliness of the Inn and its focus on creating an environment for guests who wish to experience a peaceful retreat. We extend that philosophy to our weddings to help you experience a joyous celebration with as few of the usual hassles as possible. Only one mile away from Mendocino, the Inn offers an exclusive privacy not available in the hustle and bustle of town. The inn is located on a sylvan hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean with both blue and white water ocean views and is ensconced in its own native woodland gardens, surrounded by hundreds of acres of open meadow and forest land. For more information, click here.

GROUP RETREATS

Enjoy your small meetings and group retreats where wine country meets the redwoods and the ocean Sometimes the best thing to do is let others say it for you!

“The Brewery Gulch Inn was a terrific place to have our yearly managers’ retreat. The rooms were comfortable and well appointed with lots of amenities. The Great Room was GREAT! Lots of attention to details. I would totally recommend this inn and stay here again.”

—Sondra Bernstein, Proprietor, girl & the fig, Sonoma

"In planning a retreat for our forum of the World Presidents' Organization, we were interested in finding a small, luxurious hotel in an environment that would promote open discussion and camaraderie. The Brewery Gulch Inn not only met but exceeded our expectations in every area. The Inn enjoys an ideal setting just outside the historic village of Mendocino, with superb ocean views. The accommodations were wonderful, and the spacious Great Room provided a perfect setting for our meetings. In addition, the staff was very pleasant and flexible, and the service outstanding. We enjoyed the full breakfasts, the nightly wine and hors d'oeuvres hour, and were even able to have a private dinner prepared by the Inn's own chef. We heartily recommend Brewery Gulch Inn for meetings such as ours."

—Omega Forum, World Presidents' Organization, Northern California Chapter

We look forward to discussing your group's needs via e-mail or phone. more info