Salem Block 2012 Year in Review
Ahhh 2012, what a year it was! With so much happening here at Bentley’s Grill, Grand Hotel in Salem and The Salem Conference Center (soon to be the Salem Convention Center), it would be impossible to give a complete recap in one post. However, we would like to share a few of our favorite memories from 2012 here on the “Block” aka #SalemBlock.
In January, The Salem Conference Center and The Grand Hotel in Salem helped to sponsor and participate in the 2012 Oregon Wedding Showcase! This was the place to be for anyone planning a wedding.
In February, Bentley’s Grill hosted our annual Fat Tuesday celebration featuring drink specials, traditional New Orleans dishes, beads and a chance to pose in our fun Crown Royal Chair!
There was indeed March Madness in 2012! Who can forget our big snowstorm in early March? Bentley’s Grill hosted our annual
St. Patty’s Day celebration featuring the always popular Salem Fire Fighter Pipes and Drums, Chef Derek’s Irish inspired Lunch and Dinner Menus and plenty of drink specials for all to enjoy!
In April, we hosted an elegant Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet and Salem Block also received accolades from our fans in the Statesman Journal 2012 Best of the Mid-Valley poll!
Best Creative cocktails (3rd Year in a Row): Bentley’s Grill
Best Appetizers: Bentley’s Grill
Best Business Lunch: Bentley’s Grill
Best Romantic Dinner: Bentley’s Grill (Silver)
Best Happy Hour: Bentley’s Grill (Bronze)
Best Hotel: The Grand Hotel
May 2012 was a big one for us! Who can forget our Flash Mob Macarena last May in the Salem Convention Center Courtyard (after weeks of practicing)? Cinco de Mayo was also extra special when Soraida Cross and Kayla Stauch teamed up to compete with other local bartenders in the Cinco de Micro Brewfest at the Salem Conference Center. The event raised money to support the Boys & Girls Club.
Salem Conference Center was named # 7 on the 100 Best Green Companies to work for list by Oregon Business and honored at a special luncheon.
We were also very proud to learn that The Grand Hotel in Salem AND The Grand Hotel at Bridgeport were awarded TripAdvisor’s 2012 Certificate of Excellence! This is the 2nd year in a row Grand Hotel in Salem has won this prestigious award.
In June, Bentley’s Grill received some accolades of our own this terrific “Downtown Buzz” review!
Remember July? The Salem Conference Center one of the sites of “Play Me I’m Yours” Salem, Oregon. Eleven pianos were decorated by Salem-based nonprofits and placed in public locations with the invitation for the community to play them. British artist Luke Jerram has presented this interactive public art project all over the world, and Salem was the first city in the Pacific Northwest to present the project.
The Salem Block “Green Team” also received some much deserved recognition in July when we were featured in the Statesman Journal!
August was a busy month! Bentley’s Grill participated in Salem Restaurant Week presented by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. This event gives local restaurants a much-needed boost during a time when business often slows.
The Salem Conference Center courtyard was also the site of the First Wednesday’s Owner & Dog Look-a-like Contest with music, food , and participating “Doggy” vendors. Bentley’s Grill also launched our popular email club that awards members with perks, discounts and exclusive offers.
And who can forget the Great Salem Race last August? We are so proud of The Salem Block team for winning “Best Costume” and 3rd place in the Great Salem Race, way to go Miami Vice!
In September, we served up some of our most popular small plates at the Kathken Vineyards Summer Concert Series featuring The Ty Curtis Band. Bentley’s Grill and the Salem Conference Center joined 45 of the best Mid-Willamette Valley restaurants, caterers, brewers and vintners to serve up an unforgettable culinary feast to benefit Marion-Polk Food Share September 30, 2012. The “Bentley’s Grill Girls” made us proud once again at the 2012 Willamette Valley Vineyards Oregon Grape Stomp!
Also in September, The Salem Conference Center was the site of The League of Oregon Cities Conference! In addition, Bentley’s Grill introduced Wine flights, also known as “tasting flights”.
October was all about Game Fest at Bentley’s Grill. Chef Derek Ridgway created appetizers, salads, and entrees featuring the fall wild game bounty, and it was delicious!
In November, the annual Boys and Girls Club Civil War Auction took place at the Salem Conference Center while The Grand Hotel in Salem offered the Willamette Valley Thanksgiving weekend Harvest Celebration package that featured wine, fun, tours, bliss, and featured tastings here with participating wineries. We are also very proud Bentley’s Grill scored 100 Percent on Health Inspection in November! Way to go team!
In December, the holiday decorations came out, the party goers arrived and the Christmas spirit was everywhere! Even the Grinch made an appearance!
Check out the 2012 Christmas Tree at the Salem Convention Center courtyard…
Well, there you have it, a review of 2012! What is your favorite memory of the past year? From our family to yours- HAPPY NEW YEAR!
