Archives : 2009 : December

Once in a Blue Moon

A rare “Blue Moon” will preside over New Year’s Eve tomorrow.  This rare occurrence will not happen again until 2028.  A blue moon is essentially a second full moon in a month.  While that in itself is not rare, having it occur on December 31 is.  the name “Blue Moon” is sort of a mistake that came about after a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946 misinterpreted the Maine Farmer’s Almanac and labeled a blue moon as the second full moon in  a month.  They later corrected the error, but the name stuck.  So in the midst of all your festivities of the evening, if we have a clear night, be sure to look up and gaze on the “Blue Moon”.

Snow, Beloved Snow

What is it about snow that is so fascinating?  When I see snow I get excited like a little kid itching to go play in it; make snow angels and a snowman.    In the high desert here in Central Oregon, snow is a welcome marker of winter.  It jump starts that nesting instinct to light the home fires, make some hot cocoa and yet you still want to pull on your snow boots, down jacket , hat and gloves and frolic in the wonderful substance.  I’m extremely lucky in that I have a big picture window in my office from which I can spy Black Butte and whatever weather event is happening at the Ranch.

With Hoodoo Ski Area so close to the Ranch it offers guests and residents many winter activities.  The hill has runs for beginner to advanced, and the back country area, which is not groomed, offers an amazing powder experience.  Both Black Butte Ranch and Hoodoo cater to families – which is why we are their preferred lodging partner.  Hoodoo also offers the Autobahn Sled Hill.  If you’ve never been you simply must take the kids or grandkids there – it is a blast!  Another great activity is to rent snowshoes from the Glaze Meadow Rec Center – Equipment Rental shop at the Ranch and snowshoe around the Ranch or on various trails in the forest.  Winter is a great time to experience the Ranch and the surrounding Sisters area. Come Play with us!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

Happy Holidays to all who follow the blog. Our wish is that you find time to count your blessings, have an extra piece of fudge, take the dog for a walk, snuggle on the sofa, but most of all be safe and healthy!!

See ya around the Ranch,

Katie

Central Oregon Holiday

At this time of year it’s only natural to reflect on the past year, the happy memories as well as the trials and tribulations we’ve all experienced. Well, I say let’s put all that aside and focus on the here and now. If you aren’t spending your holiday or at least some time in Central Oregon, or

better yet at Black Butte Ranch, then you really need to adjust your schedule.  There is no  place that is as alluring in the winter time as this place.  This morning we woke up with a sparkling blanket of snow on the ground and the true sense that old man winter has finally arrived. Nothing can match the majestic view of the rising sun shining on the snowy peaks of the Three Sisters (Faith, Hope and Charity), Central  Oregon’s centerpiece, or the alpenglow on Mt. Washington as you drive into the entrance to  Black Butte Ranch.

These are the amazing gifts that we are given at the Ranch. They are priceless jewels in the crown of the Cascade range in Central Oregon. You can’t buy them at a store, you can’t order them online and you don’t need free shipping to enjoy them immediately. I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to spend winter.  With access to Hoodoo Ski area just 15 minutes away, and a plethora of sno-parks to play in, your options are limitless. Take a snow day and come and join us – you deserve it.

See ya around the Ranch

Katie

The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come

Are you in the Christmas Spirit?  This year it may be particularly difficult to  get into the holiday mood due to economic difficulties, job loss, or quite frankly all the negative news we’ve been hit with.  You agonize about the amount of gifts you’ll be able to purchase for family and friends; however, this is a great time to keep in mind these  wise words, “the best things in life aren’t things.”

Here at Black Butte Ranch, nestled at the base of the magnificent Cascade mountain range in Central Oregon, life is simple.  We live in a perpetual “Santa” state of mind.  All you have to do is look out your window to experience the most amazing gifts of all. Fresh snow on the mountain tops,  ice

covering Phalarope lake, the winter air making your cheeks rosy, the taste of a hot cocoa while you sit by the fire.

You can make this Christmas, yet to come, the most treasured by simply spending time (instead of money) with your family.  Share stories of Christmases past with your children and grandchildren. Revel in the simplest traditions such as caroling, carriage rides, snowshoeing, making snow angels, baking Christmas cookies and snuggling by the fire afterward.

On behalf of Black Butte Ranch, we wish everyone happy holiday memories  to cherish for a lifetime ( and no batteries required).

See ya around the Ranch!

Katie

P.S. Don’t forget this Saturday is the Tom Browning Artist Reception at the Lodge from 4-6pm.  All ages welcome, there will be milk and cookies for the kids (and those young at heart) and complimentary wine and hors d’ouevres for the adults.

Jr. Chef’s Win Silver Medal

This past weekend, Chef Dean Ecker and his team of five Central Oregon students competed in the Oregon – Washington State American Culinary Federation (ACF) Jr.  Competition in Coos Bay and placed second, winning a Silver Medal.  His team is made up of students enrolled in the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC (Central Oregon Community College).  The competition included teams from Oregon and Washington, some as far as Bellingham and Renton. The teams were each put through the paces, which included a one-hour skills salon that tested knife skills, pastry skills, seafood skills and poultry skills.  Next, each team had to prepare a 4-course compulsory meal, testing their ability to cook certain classics such as an Escoffier dish.  The teams are awarded points for each test they successfully complete and the total points earned determines the winning team. Chef Ecker is currently president of the High Desert Chefs Association in addition to his educational pursuits; he also will be  coaching the Sister High School culinary class in a competition in early 2010.  Congratulations to Chef Ecker and his team!

Lodge Restuarant Launches New Menu

The new Ranch cuisine has debuted at the Lodge Restaurant.  The menu is comprised of  offerings from savory to succulent, using the freshest northwest ingredients, Chef Dean Ecker and Executive Sous Chef Adam Kapela have created an exclusive Central Oregon dining experience. The breakfast menu offers unique selections such as Ranch Benedict, accentuated with a smoked lime hollandaise, sourdough biscuits, and a Quinoa Pecan Waffle served with house made lemon mascarpone and vanilla peach compote.  YUM!

The dinner menu is quite impressive.  It includes appetizers such as Pan Seared Crab Cake, served with a cilantro coulis and green apple ginger slaw, and Seared Sea Scallop served on a puree of parsnips with lemon butter sauce and port wine reduction.  The entrees are a brilliant exhibition of northwest cuisine. A few of the offerings are Duck Two Ways, Alder Smoked Chinook Salmon, Cowboy Ribeye and vegetarian choices such as Wild Mushroom Ravioli and Quinoa Gnocchi.

The Aspen Lounge menu has also been revamped to include northwest favorites such as Hearty Elk Chili, Calamari, Elk Burger and Oyster Po’Boy. A local favorite is the Duck, Brie and Papaya Quesadilla and the Halibut Fish and Chips.

See ya around the Ranch!

Katie