Dear Friends,

Pinch me. (Gently, please.) Could it be that I’m more enthusiastic about my career than ever? Yep! Sixty two years into this adventure of consciousness and forty seven years after I started as a housekeeper’s assistant at a hotel in Missoula, Montana, I’m skipping to work with more spring in my step than ever. It is energizing to get up each day with the objective of causing delight for our guests and colleagues. It is even more invigorating now that QW is 100% employee owned. Having aligned interests with all 650 of my colleagues is wonderful! One of the joys of getting to play this role is sharing the fun stuff that is happening around here with you, our friends, our neighbors, our community.

We are pleased with where QW has been—and is—yet we are not satisfied. In the coming months and years, we know we can even further increase our Kept Promise Index (KPI)— a comparison of what we promise each of our guests with what we actually deliver. This extraordinary and enthusiastic team can and will grow ever stronger. Read on to hear about updates to the O.Henry and see a scrapbook about collaboration. Oh! FYI, NPR has a podcast about QW. Go to proximityhotel.com/npr to hear it.

O.Henry Don Rives Cloister Garden in the season of the Magi

We are honored that you enjoy our places and that you choose to receive these letters. If you want us to stop mailing them, please email us at [email protected]. Or, if you’d like more frequent news, please sign up on any of our websites (listed on the back page), Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. BTW: We love feedback. If the spirit moves you, please share the good stuff on websites such as Google or TripAdvisor. If we goofed something up, we want to know right away. Please email us at [email protected] or call (phone numbers on back page).

Just an aside: Writing “we” and “us” seems appropriate because, though I (Dennis) write a good deal of the articles, many contribute.

— Cheers!!

Read 2019 Winter Rambling: Collaboration (Part 2)

Sensational Shindigs!

What’s more fun than imagining how you’d like your guests to feel? That’s where we start with our event design process, whether it is a rather routine meeting for eight or a sensational shindig for 500. We learn our guests’ intentions by asking them, “What do you want your guests to say after the event?” Then, we collaborate using that vision as our compass.

Chip Hotlon’s quick watercolor of a welcome reception at the Proximity

Bridesmaids, Hayley Moll and Samantha Stewart in the English walled garden at O.Henry Hotel with our great friend and Jazz Series curator Victoria Clegg (right), who also officiated the beautiful wedding of Rebecca Lowe and Stuart Barefoot.

By focusing on the emotions and reactions that our guests want to create for their guests — before even digging into the nuts and bolts — we are able to make suggestions, harvest ideas, and create experiences that are beyond what might have been created without employing this method (without blowing the budget). Not objectively, I’ll say that this process, coupled with the great food we cook up at our chef-centered restaurants, makes our events pretty dern special.

Please consider QW when you are thinking of hosting an event. Stop by, call 336-478-9111, or email [email protected] to get the ball rolling and start collaborating with our talented team. Seasonal packages are available for weddings, meetings and other events; see them and our wedding blog at ohenryhotel.com and proximityhotel.com.

Having your event elsewhere (What! Why?) but need accommodations for your out-of-town guests? Learn about our group rates by calling 336-478-9111.

The O.Henry Hotel “After 20 Years” (OH2O) TLC Project Update!

Most of what I droned on about in our last OH2O update is now complete. It is a joy for me, and I hope for our guests, that we respected the original design intent as we endeavored to improve this extraordinary hotel. It was 21 years ago that—with the loving support and mentorship of our great friend and amazing partner Mike Weaver—we set out to create “the new O.Henry Hotel.” We were beyond fortunate to have Don Rives as our design Sherpa; given that our much-loved Don is no longer of the Earth, this time we collaborated with Bradshaw Orrell of Bradshaw Orrell Interiors and Jeff Kennedy, who leads the QW Craft Guild Team (CWCG). The faces and perspectives were different this go-round, but the intentions were the same. One intention touchstone was to channel architect Charles Hartmann’s sensibilities. He designed the original O.Henry Hotel, which was built in downtown Greensboro in 1919 and demolished in 1979. Some of our grounding points with the design were summarized well in our Spring 1999 Neighborhood Letter (qwrh.com/spring-1999):

The Design Premise: During the first decades of this century, before the advent of super highways, the proliferation of air transport, and the demise of travel by rail, hotels were locally owned and so passionately managed that they became more than lodgings for travelers. They served as a place where civic and business leaders met, friends dined, and families celebrated the joys of life. We used the vision of these community-centered hotels of old, which seemed indelible, as our design touchstone.

I hope you find an opportunity to stop by and take a tour or, better yet, stay the night! You can also take a virtual trip by peeking at photos of some of the details at ohenryhotel.com/20th.

O.Henry Hotel circa 1919 below
and 1998 above.

Sexy Sweet Suites!

While all 130 rooms at the O.Henry received, and continue to get, boatloads of TLC, these four Magi suites got some love further up the scale—let’s just say a step or two beyond a big ol’ sloppy kiss. We spent four months on just these four suites.

The QW Craft Guild’s wood-workers (an extraordinary lot) carefully installed amazing paneling in the dressing room and the wet room walls and doors. The reconfigured bathing room is now marble from floor-to-ceiling. I could go on and on, but I’ll summarize by saying when I’m in these rooms I feel as if I’m in London. Nancy says the same thing, and I’ll bet you will as well. Now, I’m going to hush up and let these photos do the talking.

Proximity and Print Works Bistro New Year’s

For reservations, please visit proximityhotel.com or call to book at 336-379-8200. For dining reservations, visit printworksbistro.com or call 336-379-0699.

Proximity to Midnight Package: Snuggle up in a romantic loft-like room, and toast to 2020 with fantastic sparkling wine. Keep the romance going the next day and enjoy a late checkout of 2 PM.

Proximity Cheers to 2020 Package: Check in extra-early (at noon) with housemade treats and sparkling wine in your room. Get priority dinner reservations at Print Works Bistro, then join the New Year’s Eve Pop-up Dance Club from 10 PM – 1 AM. The next morning, enjoy breakfast in bed and an extra-late checkout of 4 PM.

Print Works Bistro New Year’s Celebration: Order from our full dinner menu, plus get your groove on at our Pop-up Dance Club from 10 PM – 1 AM, featuring DJ Jessica Mashburn. No cover charge! Remember, make your reservations early: We fill quickly! January 1, nosh on brunch from 7:30 AM – 4 PM.

Slip away for a memorable New Year’s. Order room service, dine in bathrobes, enjoy a tea-for-two tub … and hang out the “Do Not Disturb” sign (wink, wink).

O.Henry and Green Valley Grill New Year’s

Join us old Year’s Night to celebrate the New Year! For room reservations, please visit ohenryhotel.com or call to book at 336-854-2000. For dining reservations, visit greenvalleygrill.com or call, 336-854-2015.

Ring in the New Year Package: Cozy up in a king room and toast to 2020 with a bottle of sparkling wine. The next day, enjoy a full Southern-style breakfast buffet and a late checkout of 2 PM.

O.Henry Cheers to 2020 Package: Celebrate with a bottle of sparkling wine and delectable housemade sweet treats after an extra-early (noon) check-in. Enjoy priority reservations at Green Valley Grill, then come to the lobby for live jazz. The next day, enjoy breakfast in bed and an extra-late checkout of 4 PM.

Greensboro Symphony Package:  Enjoy the “Broadway & Beyond” performance with $30 credit toward
dinner, two tickets, transportation to and from, housemade chocolate truffles, and sparkling wine. The next morning, enjoy a full Southern-style breakfast buffet and a late checkout of 2 PM.

Jazz at O.Henry: We’re hosting two special New Year’s Eve performances in the Social Lobby (6 – 9 PM and 9:30 PM – 12 AM). Arrive early for a seat! Visit ohenryhotel.com/o-henry-jazz for artist details. No cover charge!

Green Valley Grill: Enjoy our dinner menu and the bar will be open until 1 AM. On January 1, we’ll serve brunch from 9 AM – 4 PM. Remember, make your reservations early: We fill quickly!

*Keep the celebration going … stay an additional night for 20% off our best rate (either Monday, December 30, or Wednesday, January 1). Breakfast in bed and/or dinner reservations are based on availability, so reserve early!

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

See all our happenings at ProximityHotel.com, OHenryHotel.com, GreenValleyGrill.com, Lucky32.com or PrintWorksBistro.com

Green Valley Grill Thanksgiving-to-Go 
We’ll prepare your entire meal, which includes our juicy, wood-fired, rotisserie-roasted turkey with all the trimmings, including sides, salads, bread and dessert, or just part of it, for you to pick up, take home, and enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. Order online at greenvalleygrill.com by midnight, Monday, Nov. 25.

O.Henry Nutcracker Tea
Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 11 AM and 3 PM each day
A magical holiday tradition! Enjoy crafts, special treats and storytime with Clara and the Nutcracker. Purchase tickets online at ohenryhotel.com.

O.Henry Live Jazz
Every Thursday • 6 – 9 PM
Select Saturdays • 7 – 10 PM
Jazz, cocktails and tapas-style eats. See the full schedule, including our special Christmas Eve and New Year’s shows at ohenryhotel.com/o-henry-jazz. We also offer a hotel Jazz Package that includes preferred seating and amenities!

O.Henry Afternoon Tea
REGULAR HOURS:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Noon – 5 PM;
Monday – Wednesday, 2 – 5 PM and Thursday, 11 AM – 3:30 PM
HOLIDAY HOURS:
Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, Noon – 5 PM
(Thursday, 11 AM – 3:30 PM only)

Lucky 32 Greensboro
Songs from a Southern Kitchen
Every Tuesday from 6 ‘til 9 PM A series of live performances curated by Ogi Overman. Enjoy an evening with fine area musicians, Southern snacks and a wide selection of libations. Make yourself at home! No cover charge. See the lineup at lucky32.com.

Print Works Bistro
Mussels-Wine-Music
Every Wednesday • 7 – 10 PM
Our chef’s mussels, live music and fantastic wines for $10-$15 a bottle. Evan Olson and Jessica Mashburn of AM rOdeO perform fantastic live covers and original music. No cover charge!

Lucky 32 
Skillet-Fried Chicken
Greensboro: Sundays from 3 PM and Tuesdays at 4 PM ‘til we run out.
Cary: Sundays starting at 3 PM and Wednesdays at 4 PM ‘til we run out.
Get a breast, leg, and a wing, served with mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, collard greens and cornbread.

Print Works Bistro
Pop-Up Dance Club
First Friday of each month • 10 PM – 1 AM Shake your groove thing! DJ Jessica Mashburn will spin dance tunes. No cover charge…can you dig it? Learn more at printworksbistro.com.

Get Lucky & Go®
We’ve got you covered! Heading to a party and need to bring a dish? Pick up pint and quart options of pulled pork, black bean cakes, collards, pimento cheese, artichoke dip and more. Visit lucky32.com to see the full menu. To place an order, call Lucky’s in Cary at 919-233-1632 or in Greensboro at 336-370-0707.

Lucky 32 New Year’s Day-to-Go

On New Year’s Day, we serve “good luck” foods like collard greens, country ham with red-eye gravy, grilled pork loin chops, and Hoppin’ John at the restaurants, and you can get the whole shebang to go, too. Please place your order by 5 PM on Saturday, December 28, 2019. You can pick up your order on December 31 (heat and eat) from 2 PM until 6 PM or pick it up on January 1 (hot and ready to eat) from 11 AM until 1 PM. Order online at Lucky32.com, or just give us a call at Lucky’s in Cary at 919-233-1632 or in Greensboro at 336-370-0707.

Crispy Leek Brussels Sprouts

For more delicious holiday recipes from our kitchens, visit lucky32.com, printworksbistro.com, and greenvalleygrill.com.

Deep fry the Brussels sprouts, leeks, and shallots for about 2 minutes in hot oil (or air fry until crispy). Place in a bowl and toss with lemon-bacon vinaigrette and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a drizzle of honey chili aioli.

© 1989-2019. This recipe is the property of Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants, LLC. Unauthorized commercial use is forbidden.

Holiday Dining Hours:

Print Works Bistro Thanksgiving and Christmas Days, 11 AM – 8 PM,
with our dinner menu plus “traditional favorites.” Bar open until 10 PM. Breakfast served 7:30 – 10 AM.

Green Valley Grill Thanksgiving and Christmas Days, Noon – 8 PM, serving our dinner menu plus “traditional favorites.” Bar open until 10 PM.

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen Thanksgiving Day in Cary, 11 AM – 7:30 PM, in Greensboro 11 AM – 8 PM. Both will serve dinner all day, plus a traditional turkey dinner. Christmas Eve, Greensboro will serve brunch, 10 AM – 4 PM only, and Cary will serve lunch, 11 AM – 3 PM only. Closed on Christmas Day.

Take a Sentimental Journey (Virtually)

We keep our Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages up to date with neat stuff going on around here. You’ll see exclusive offers, news, culinary updates, information on our live music artists and all sorts of other things!

LUCKY 32 SOUTHERN KITCHEN
Greensboro (On Westover Terrace, just off Wendover) 336-370-0707
Cary (On Tryon Road, between US-64 and Kildaire Farm) 919-233-1632
lucky32.com • facebook.com/lucky32greensboro • facebook.com/lucky32cary

O.HENRY HOTEL
Greensboro (Off Wendover at Benjamin Parkway, near Friendly Center)
336-854-2000 or 800-965-8259
ohenryhotel.com • facebook.com/ohenryhotel • facebook.com/ohenryweddings 

GREEN VALLEY GRILL
Greensboro (Adjacent to the O.Henry Hotel) 336-854-2015
greenvalleygrill.com • facebook.com/greenvalleygrill

PROXIMITY HOTEL
Greensboro (Off Wendover at Benjamin Parkway)
336-379-8200 or 800-379-8200
proximityhotel.com • facebook.com/proximityhotel • facebook.com/greensborowedding

PRINT WORKS BISTRO
Greensboro (Adjacent to the Proximity Hotel) 336-379-0699
printworksbistro.com • facebook.com/printworksbistro

 TM & © 2018 Quaintance-Weaver and affiliated entities