ST. ANDREWS, New Brunswick, CANADA - -  (September 30, 2015) - -The Algonquin Resort and Spa is putting the ho ho ho back into holiday hosting with a Holiday Rescue weekend November 20-22 featuring demonstrations, sampling and hands-on instruction from some of Canada's top chefs as well as experts in decorating and entertaining.

The weekend will feature round robin workshops and demonstrations including Boxing Day brunch recipes by 2015 MasterChef Canada runner up Line Pelletier, and Caribbean Christmas influenced seafood selections from 2014 MasterChef Canada runner up Marida Mohammed and sister Narida Mohammed.  The weekend's highlight will be a grand Christmas feast presented by St. Stephen's native David Garcelon, executive chef at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

“Even though New Brunswick is thousands of miles from the Caribbean, we share many common influences including bountiful seafood selections and very humble local dishes,” noted Mohammed.  “Incorporating the flavors of the Caribbean into Canadian family favorites is a simple and inventive way to make a traditional holiday meal a little extra special.” 

The festivities start Friday evening with a mix and mingle reception featuring cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with a holiday theme.

Saturday, November 21 will include four unique workshops, a marketplace showcasing holiday gifts and décor from St. Andrews shops, pop-up demonstrations, including activities and crafts that can be done at home with the family, and cocktail samplings throughout the day.  The day concludes with a gala Christmas feast prepared and presented by Chef David Garcelon.  Caroling and other surprises will round out the weekend.

“The most festive time of year can become a challenge for even the most accomplished hosts, so we've put together a weekend that's chock full of new decorating ideas, new recipes and fun twists on traditions that will give participants great ways to add a little extra sparkle to the season,” said Denise Bradbury, director of sales and marketing.

The Holiday Rescue weekend is priced starting at $749 for two and includes two nights' accommodations, all activities, the opening mix and mingle, breakfast and lunch Saturday, the gala Christmas feast Saturday evening and breakfast on Sunday.  For reservations or additional information, please visit www.algonquinresort.com.

About the Algonquin Resort

The Algonquin Resort, ranked among Canada's Top 10 hotels by Conde Nast Traveler, and awarded CAA's prestigious Four-Diamond designation, overlooks the picturesque Passamaquoddy Bay from St. Andrews-by-the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. Originally opened in 1889 and meticulously renovated in 2014, the Algonquin's 233 guest rooms and suites reflect the hotel's original Victorian style while meeting the needs and desires of modern travelers. The resort features two restaurants, Braxton's Restaurant and Bar and the Clubhouse, as well as in-room and anyplace dining, 19,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, a lounge with outdoor patio, fire pits with loaner guitars, an indoor pool and waterslide, outdoor pool and hot tub. Now in its second century of service, the Algonquin was awarded Marriott International's Best Renovation award for 2014, and also is home to the seaside Algonquin Golf Course. Ranked among Canada's top 100 courses and adjacent to the Bay of Fundy, the Algonquin Golf Course is home to two of the top ten golf tees in Canada.

The Algonquin Resort is managed by New Castle Hotels & Resorts, of Shelton Conn. and owned by a partnership between New Castle and Southwest Properties of Halifax, NS. 

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