CDG Interactive Blog

Working at CDG means never going hungry. That’s because we have hotel clients across the country and we hear about all the unusual local cuisine being served in various sectors of America, along with regional happenings.

Right now, we’re helping Quartz Mountain Resort, Arts and Conference Center in Oklahoma prepare a package for the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby and Flea Market. I always thought taking a trip to the serene resort would be restful and relaxing, until I heard about this festival featuring a Snake Pit Show where handlers are enclosed in a pit with over 300 rattlesnakes. Visitors can have there picture taken with a live, defanged and venom-free rattlesnake or they can hunt for wild snakes on select properties. The scariest, or most exciting part, depending on your perspective, is the “Bite-A-Snake” Café where southern fried rattlesnake is on the menu.

Down in Louisiana, our friends at Hotel Maison de Ville and the Audubon Cottages are looking forward to the arrival of another crawling critter--crawfish. During Mudbug season, which runs through June, these tiny, lobster-like crustaceans are boiled by the ton and then served with potatoes and spices and covered with Tabasco sauce. March’s Ask the Concierge column explores where you can find the best crawfish festivals and seafood restaurants but it’s up to you to decide whether or not you're brave enough to suck the meat from the head, where most of the fat and juice is contained.

At the Chicago Radisson Hotel and Suites, the staff is inviting tourists to come and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by trying “Bangers, Beans ‘n Mash” or the “Ploughmans’s Platter,” at the Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurant, which is located at the hotel. They’ve created a St. Patrick's package lasting throughout March in which guests receive a British Ale Flight at Elephant and Castle.

Here in Washington, D.C., the Hilton Washington Embassy Row realizes that they’ll be soon be busy due to the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This hotel is ideal to stay at because it is close to tidal basins and only a block from the metro. The national cherry blossoms were a gift from the Japanese government and to truly celebrate that culture, guests can go to Teaism, a Dupont Circle tea shop, and enjoy tea-smoked salmon and bento boxes in a tranquil environment.

At CDG, we appreciate staying informed about all these hotel and food happenings because although we're creative thinkers and artists, none of us are starving.