In the midst of this economic slump, you probably didn’t think you would be able to find a silver lining. Well, that silver lining has everything to do with fine dining. Restaurants across the country are adjusting prices in order to meet their clientele halfway. Chefs everywhere are whipping up special tasting menus and knocking prices down a notch or two. The AAA five diamond, award winning Ventana Room at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is no exception to this trend.

In June 2008, Tom Stauffer of the Tucson Citizen said his experience at the Ventana Room was one in which “the quality…so transcends the ordinary that it reaffirms why levels of distinction are established and maintained.” You can expect the same right now, just at a lower price.

So if cuisine is your niche, you’re in for a treat. The Ventana Room now offers three courses for $42, down from last years’ price of $85. If the menu at the Ventana Room wasn’t something you were able to enjoy when the economy was in high gear, now is the perfect opportunity. You don’t have to feel obligated to do a course by course dinner there, either. A new portion of the menu is now served a la carte. Feel free to choose the entrée that looks most appealing to you, perhaps pairing it with the perfect glass of wine recommended by the superb staff, and enjoying the Tucson city lights. The freedom is really in your hands.

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort isn’t the only Loews property offering a fantastic dining experience at a more affordable price, either. If you’d like to make a weekend out of it, you can also venture over to Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Los Angeles and enjoy the “Farmer’s Fixe” menu. Offered by Chef Foos at their fine dining establishment, you’ll get a starter course, an entrée, and a glass of either red or white wine for $28. Not in the mood for the beach? Loews Lake Las Vegas is offering a discounted - only in price, not quality - menu at Marssa, their Asian-fusion and sushi restaurant. Their acclaimed master sushi chef, only one of eight in the United States, will serve up exactly what you’re looking for.

Aside from the fabulous menus, Loews Hotels is currently offering the Winter As You Wish promotion, the perk being that you’ll receive $50 to $500 in food and beverage credit depending upon the length of your stay with us. The credit is valid at any one of our restaurants, which makes experimentation with new menus pretty painless. With this promotion, room rates can start as low as $199. Check loewshotels.com or call our reservations department for details.

So get out there foodies. Dabble in new cuisine, enjoy new menus and savor a fine dining experience. The price is right.

Call the Ventana Room at (520) 615–5494 for reservations.

Acclaimed author J.A. Jance and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins will be featured in the Authors in Residence Series at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.
The series, just one more addition to the long list of arts, culture and lifestyle events open to the public events at the resort, will anchor the creation of the new Loews Ventana Canyon Resort Authors in Residence Lending Library, featuring famous authors and poets who visit the hotel.

2 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 J.A. Jance — New York Times best-selling author, J.A. Jance returns with “Cruel Intent” the new novel in the spine-tingling suspense series featuring ex-television journalist Ali Reynolds.
In “Cruel Intent” trouble comes when Ali¹s contractor¹s philandering wife is murdered on her own front lawn. Bryan, the betrayed husband, is the prime suspect but he swears he didn¹t do it and Ali is the only one who believes him. As Ali attempts to prove Bryan¹s innocence, she unwittingly attracts the attention of a ruthless serial killer, a man who specializes in a deadly game of cyber hide-and-seek. Now he¹s ³it² and Ali is next on his list.
With more than 25 million copies of her books in print, J.A. Jance knows how to deliver the heart-pounding drama and mystery millions of readers have come to love ­ and “Cruel Intent” will thrill every one of them.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009 Billy Collins—The witty and shockingly straightforward poet will mix and mingle at this cocktail reception, which will benefit the University of Arizona Poetry Center’s education outreach program. This intimate gathering, limited to 50 people, is a chance to hear Mr. Collins up close and personal before he appears for a crowd of hundreds at the Tucson Festival of Books just two nights later. The cost of this event is $20 and all funds raised go the UA Poetry Center’s educational outreach program. www.billy-collins.com . Reservations can be made by calling 299-2020 and asking for the Concierge desk.

It’s a fact of nature – humans crave human touch. Those same endorphins that put us on cloud nine after a tough workout or after eating a divine piece of chocolate are released from our brain when we experience physical touch as well. Holding hands, a gentle touch… it all gets our hearts racing. There’s a science behind those feelings of elation when we’re snuggled up with our honey. However, this Valentine’s Day, forget about the science behind the bliss and simply relish in it.

Unwind with your valentine by booking a couple’s Swedish massage – yup, that’s one for both of you! Once your tension is soothed and you’re feeling that love buzz, enjoy a romantic three course dinner for two in the Flying V. Pump up the passion and pamper yourselves; it’s the ultimate way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.

You have more than a day to enjoy this package, though. For the entire month of February, at $270 (tax and gratuity included), you’ll enjoy two Swedish massages, one for you and one for someone special, and a lavish 3-course dinner for two. You don’t have to be lovebirds to enjoy this spa package though - feel free to bring a friend.

Please call the Lakeside Spa at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort at (520) 529-7830 to book your spa package.