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Starz 'Pillars of the Earth' Loews' multi-city Cathedral package, plus bonus recipe

By April MacIntyre Jun 30, 2010, 17:28 GMT

$Courtesy of KenFollett.com, artwork from the 1999 edition, by Petra Rohr-Rouendaal. Visit Petra\'s web site at www.petraweb.net$

Courtesy of KenFollett.com, artwork from the 1999 edition, by Petra Rohr-Rouendaal. Visit Petra\'s web site at www.petraweb.net

Starz is bringing Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" to the smallcreen. Loews Hotels is turning the epic miniseries into an event in many cities.

Book-lovers and history buffs are offered an exclusive experience at select Loews Hotels this summer that combines art, drama and intrigue.

Beginning Friday, July 9, Loews Hotels in select cities will offer “The Pillars of the Earth” package, coinciding with Starz Entertainment’s premiere of its epic 8-hour event series “The Pillars of the Earth” based on Follett’s novel.

The package will include a tour of a landmark cathedral, an autographed copy of Follett’s book and a Modern English Breakfast for two.

Premise

“The Pillars of the Earth” is a sweeping tale of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty. This passionate story is set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles in 12th Century England.

In that time, there rises a magnificent cathedral in Kingsbridge. The miniseries stars Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Donald Sutherland, Hayley Atwell, Eddie Redmayne and Matthew Macfadyen. “The Pillars of the Earth,” directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, is produced by Tandem Communications, Muse Entertainment, in association with Scott Free Films.

Background

Cathedrals are some of the most intricate works of art ever created, and visitors to select cities will tour the architectural puzzles. The package is available at the following Loews Hotels and cathedrals:

    * Atlanta, GA - Peachtree Christian Church
    * Montreal, Canada - Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal
    * Nashville, TN - Cathedral of the Incarnation
    * New York City, NY - The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
    * Philadelphia, PA - Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
    * Quebec City, Canada - Basilique-Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Québec
    * Santa Monica, CA - Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels
    * Washington, DC - Washington National Cathedral

“The Pillars of the Earth” package, beginning July 9 will include:

    * Overnight luxurious accommodations
    * A signed copy of Ken Follett’s best-selling book, “The Pillars of the Earth”, (while supplies last)
    * Guided tour of local cathedral
    * Modern English Breakfast for two, in room or in restaurant

The Loews “The Pillars of the Earth” package is valid Friday, July 9, 2010 to Sunday, October 3, 2010 and rates start at $174.

The package is subject to availability and is bookable at eight Loews Hotels in the U.S. and Canada. For more information or to book, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com.

Tours are subject to availability with tour date and time restrictions and limited to no availability on Sundays. Up to one week advance notice required for tours which require reservations. Transportation to and from Cathedral not included in package.

As part of the Modern English Breakfast guests will enjoy delicious house-made scones with Devonshire cream. Perfect for breakfast or with an afternoon coffee break, Loews Hotels’ Corporate Chef Marc Ehrler shares his scone recipe:

BONUS Scone Recipe

Ingredients

8 cups all purpose flour

4 tablespoons baking powder

4 teaspoons salt

4 tablespoons sugar

1 ¼ pounds of cold butter

2 cups heavy cream

6 whole eggs

Yield: 22

Method

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and with a paddle blend into the flour mixture. The mixture should look like crumbs. In a cup combine the heavy cream and beaten egg. Add to the flour mixture, and stir just until combined. Do not over mix.

Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a circle that is about ¾ inches thick. Then, using a 3 inch round cookie cutter cut the dough. Place the cut scones on 2 prepared cookie sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing a few inches apart. Brush the tops of the scones with a heavy cream, and (optional) sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar.