Have you ever been to an “All Inclusive” resort? I had, and it was OK. And then, I had the chance to go with a bunch of Wichita friends to Sandals in Ocho Rios Jamaica. WOW, I’m hooked! Sandals is a first class operation with 12 resorts located on the best beaches in the Caribbean. There are great deals year-round, some even include airfare credit. All include airport transfer to the resort, and when you get there…put away your credit card and cash, it really is all inclusive. While I could go on and on about the relaxation, beach fun, pools, night life, entertainment, great food & drink, luxurious accommodations all set in tropical paradise…I don’t think I could do it justice.
But my guest Brian Roper can. Brian Roper is the General Manager of Sandals Grande Riviera Beach and Villa Golf Resort located in Ocho Rios Jamaica. Our group had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Brian during our stay. From the glorious reception dinner for returning guest, the private behind the scenes resort and kitchen tour to the day trip to one of Jamaica’s best Jerk-Joints for lunch, Brian was the consummate host and friend to all.
Of course Brian has a lot of help. The staff at Sandals Grande Riviera is exceptional. We’ll tell you all about it, but you may want to visit www.sandals.com and start you vacation get away planning now.
Arguably Sandals Resorts’ most personable (and most popular) general manager Brian Roper constantly urges the staff of Sandals Grande Riviera to be the best they can be. With a Sandals association as grand as the resort’s lush expanse, Roper joined the Sandals family in 1981 to work at the flagship resort, Sandals Montego Bay, where he began his tenure as the Food & Beverage Director. Eventually serving as Sandals Resorts International’s Group Director of Operations for 13 years, Roper made the switch to General Manager of Sandals Grande Riviera (then Sandals Grande Ocho Rios) in 2008. Nearly five years later, he and his team go the extra mile to ensure that guests continue to make this sprawling paradise their home away from home.
Brewers Best BBQ sauce
In the second half I’ll be talking to Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer…not about his duties as Mayor, no…it’s all about BBQ sauce. Our Mayor has long been known for his barbeque and while busy with mayoral duties has always found time to cook, compete and enjoy great barbeque. In addition to competing and winning many chili cookoffs, his famous BBQ Sauce has generated a lot of buzz. And now, you can buy it. Check out this video from KWCH Ch12 and learn more.
We’ll tell you all about this great sauce and where you can get it…join us and get Saucy!
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2009 Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
“The 2009 Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon has the classic aromas of black currant, fresh blackberry and notes of cocoa powder. The rich aromas lead to a silky mouthfeel with flavors of berry pie, blackberries, mocha and toasted spice pie crust. The fruit is bright and young making this wine very inviting early but the mature structure and supple tannins will allow for excellent aging.”
Joe Shirley – winemaker
One of the BEST value Napa Cabernet’s on the shelf, if you haven’t tasted Joe Shirley’s handiwork lately you are missing out. This is a big ripe Napa Cab with all the bells and whistles and then some. Try the Chardonnay too, it’s a winner as well.
Cheers,
Guy