Ghenghis Khan Loves the Plaza Hotel!
You may have heard by now that my beloved Chow Chow, Ghenghis Khan, won Best of Breed at the world’s most prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Because competing in this show is such an honor, I thought I’d give G.K. an extra special treat by checking into the renowned Plaza Hotel in Manhattan the night before the show. I figured that a little pampering and being treated like royalty could only boost my champion’s self-confidence. Apparently it did the trick because G.K. made me very, very proud!
1 Since it was Genghis Khan's first time competing at Westminster, I thought it would be fun to treat him like a true champion and stay at the Plaza Hotel for the evening before the big show.
2 We started off with afternoon tea at the splendid Palm Court. http://www.theplaza.com/dining/palmcourt/ The new stained-glass domed ceiling features entwined roses.
3 Afternoon tea at the Palm Court has long been a tradition ever since the Plaza Hotel first opened its doors in 1907.
4 As a rule of thumb, canine guests aren't normally allowed in the Palm Court, but an exception was made for us. Genghis Khan proved very popular in the restaurant and turned a lot of heads, as you can imagine!
5 G.K. made himself right at home in the Palm Court, which has been a featured setting in many popular films and books, such as The Great Gatsby.
6 I was joined by my longtime friend and publicist, Susan Magrino.
7 While Susan and I enjoyed our tea, G.K. was treated to water and gourmet dog treats.
8 Meanwhile, we humans enjoyed beautiful petit fours, including French macarons, mini chocolate cupcakes, and chocolate truffles.
9 There were also yummy tea sandwiches including roquefort with shaved grapes and watercress, smoked salmon with endive, and roast beef with horseradish.
10 Posing for a photo with a fan
11 Following tea, we strolled through the stately marble lobby, which is also home to the new Champagne Bar.
12 Large and stunning Baccarat crystal chandeliers hang from the ceilings.
13 Overlooking the lobby is the Rose Club, where Genghis Khan and I decided to stop for a cocktail. http://www.theplaza.com/dining/roseclub/
14 I love the unique rose colored lighting fixtures.
15 It was a nice respite from the crowd downstairs in the Fifth Avenue Lobby and the Champagne Club.
16 We sat on a luxurious red velvet tufted couch while we waited for our waiter.
17 The Rose Club is located in, what used to be, The Persian Room. The Persian Room was a famous jazz club, whose stage was graced by performers like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday.
18 When our waiter arrived, I ordered an Aperol cocktail.
19 And water, of course, for G.K., which they poured from a stainless steel cocktail shaker! Only at the Plaza!
20 I offered G.K. the water, but he's a true Chow Chow and he'll drink when he thinks it's his idea.
21 I toasted to Genghis Khan and wished him luck at Westminster.
22 Next, it was off to the Warren-Tricomi Salon for a little primping. http://www.theplaza.com/healthandbeauty/warren-tricomi/
23 Audio engineer, Dave Pliskin, wired hairstylist Patricia for sound.
24 I asked Patricia if she had ever styled a dog before?
25 She admitted she had not, but she thought that because of all his beautiful fur, GK would be great to work on.
26 Finally, we went to our room for a little R and R - rest and room service!
27 The lovely room exceeded our expectations.
28 The gracious management staff at the Plaza left us a very welcoming note.
29 And more decadent chocolates
30 They also set out water and a gourmet dog treat with the Plaza Hotel logo for G.K.
31 The Plaza also features an iPad in every room. Guests can control climate, lighting, and even order wake-up calls at the touch of a button!
32 The barware
33 Our room service order included a beautiful grilled chicken cobb salad for me
34 And of course, dog food for G.K.
35 Then it was time for bed so both G.K. and I could get our beauty sleep.
36 Genghis Khan's bed was fitted with sheets from the Martha Stewart collection at Macy's.
37 G.K. made himself right at home.
38 It was definitely an evening to remember!
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
I love this picture of you two-priceless!! He is such a beautiful chow !! Thank you for the wonderful tour Martha.
Posted by: Gail Hildreth | February 16th, 2012 at 7:27 am
Hi Martha,
The Plaza hotel is beautiful. I loved when the staff stood on the steps to say good bye and to wish GK good luck at Westminster. As for Westminster, I was so happy that he won for you and how he looked right at you when he won. That was priceless.
Posted by: Karen Tracy | February 16th, 2012 at 8:15 am
I LOVE this blog post. How fantastic! GK was living the life of luxury. Good for him. Congrats on his win!
Posted by: Brian | February 16th, 2012 at 9:28 am
Ghengis Khan looks like he belongs at the Plaza! What an elegant hotel. Thanks for showing us Martha. If I ever find myself in New York, I'm going to stop by the Rose Club for a cocktail!
Posted by: Cindy F | February 16th, 2012 at 9:40 am
Martha,
Looks like you and G.K. had a blast at the Plaza Hotel! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | February 16th, 2012 at 9:57 am
Hi Martha,
My name is Rebel & I'm a member of the Glue Squad. Mimi & watched your show & saw G.K. at the Plaza. Wow, what a great place! What super, yummy food! Looks like you two had a great time.
Congratulations!
Your Pal,
Rebel
P.S. Mimi won't let me sleep on her Martha Stewart sheets...shucks.
Posted by: Rebel | February 16th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Congratulations GK, Martha and crew!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | February 16th, 2012 at 10:26 am
Hi Martha &G.K., You two certainly have had a delightful, happy, fun, inspiring week! It's so easy to see how happy and relaxed you were at everything you did together! Your photos are absolutely stunning and how nice to see Susan Magrino and other crew members with you at the fabulous Plaza Hotel! I think being at the Plaza Hotel the night before G.K. was at the WKC Dog Show helped him get ready for his appearance and winning Best of Breed! All of the events at the Plaza Hotel were certainly fun to see! Both of your foods were delicious looking and G.K.'s bed was fantastic! I'm sure he is happy to be home now with F&S and the rest of the family! Thanks again for sharing all of this with G.K.! Hope you have another great day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 16th, 2012 at 10:44 am
One of the best posts ever! I love my dog and seeing the treatment GK received at the hotel, well, I am just bowled over!
Posted by: rhea | February 16th, 2012 at 10:53 am
Hi Martha,
I think your adorable Champ enjoyed ‘alone time’ with you more than anything else the Plaza could offer no matter how beautiful that place is. Thanks for sharing your memorable evening with us and hugs to Ghenghis! Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 16th, 2012 at 10:56 am
How proud you must be of GK. I remember when you first brought him home and what a nice gentleman he seems to have grown into. Congratulations!
Posted by: Lee Finlay | February 16th, 2012 at 11:26 am
GK Thoughts
.
To really promote true diversity,
Martha should send me to university.
The Plaza is a thrilling ride,
But, there's nowhere to hide.
All eyes on me as I maintain my stance,
Although Martha sometimes gets a glance.
Check my gorgeous face and purple tongue,
And my napkin that's really well hung.
Gonna sit back, take it all in,
Melt some hearts with my happy grin.
Pretty fancy for a guy like me,
I suppose this is how it should be.
We wait in the Rose Room for a drink,
Trade with Martha for the one that's pink.
I guess we're primping for a "really big show",
What's in the works, how's a fella to know?
Left my nose print in the corner of 1239,
For posterity you know when I'm past my prime.
More water, yuck let's pop the wine,
Turn up the conditioner if there's time.
Martha's into the eating of the green,
Me,I got the pleasure of kibble supreme.
One last walkie, then tuck down for rest,
Tomorrow is the day to look my best.
For sure, I know we'll be on the go.
On the human stage, Martha's Best In Show.
.
.
Good news on your win GK, keep Martha happy.
.
Posted by: celia stock | February 16th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Congratulations and it is very nice Ghenghis Khan is treated like a special dog that you love and not just another trophy.
Posted by: margie | February 16th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
GK and you at the Plaza just brought huge smiles and giggles to me. Congrats GK on the
WIN. I drove across Canada with my Wheaten "Chanel" we stayed in Comfort Inn's and I used the ice buckets for her water and the plastic bags for cleanups in the morning. We also had to stay in a suite hotel for six months when my Condo Building had a fire. She was such a trooper, but when we would go look at the renovations she would walk around the condo and cry. Back at the Hotel she refused to go in and I had to pick her up. Dogs KNOW home! What made it homey to us was our down duvet. I just got a new one but she has the old one inside her dog bed. hmmmm if I tell the Plaza I am coming with my dog and will write an article I wonder if we will get to have tea in that beautiful room.
Posted by: Rachel | February 16th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
I enjoy reading your blog every day but this day's post was extra special. Thank you for this memorable peak into your life. Genghis Khan is the most wonderful dog and he clearly deserves to be in the beautiful setting provided by the Plaza.
Posted by: Bev | February 16th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
What fun, you looked so happy Martha. Congrats to you and GK, icing on cake after your night at the Plaza. You will have to make a tradition before a show for good luck. I'm glad this happened for you, and even happier that you look happy.
Glen
Posted by: Glen Nyhus | February 16th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
This is definitely one of your cutest blogs yet. One on one time with Mommy I bet is more fun than anything else. It's still so cute how he came over to you after he was announced the winner as if he was saying, "Mom, mom look I won!"
Posted by: Sonya | February 16th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Wow gorgeous photos and great treat for GK. Love the Plaza Hotel, gorgeous baccarat chandeliers. Love your photos Martha.
Posted by: Rowaida. Flayhan | February 16th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Our first dog was a regal cinnamon chow named Belle. How we loved her! She was all fluff and attitude. Thanks so much for sharing the adventures of GK with us. Brings back so many good memories. Congratulations on his Westminster win!!
Posted by: Martha in OR | February 16th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
GK is adorable! Congratulations Martha, I love you and your blog.
Posted by: Daisy | February 16th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Good Show you two!!
Posted by: Sandra | February 16th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
I agree with Cindy F.: GK does look like he belongs at The Plaza. He is so regal, and he certainly looked debonair in the Palm Room having his "tea".
GK's bed made up with Martha's sheets was perfect. However, I prefer Martha's floral sheets, which are not only comfortable, but extremely affordable. I have bought a set for my mom's bed in the nursing home. So far, they have handled the high temperatures and harsh cleaners of the laundry, and they are a perfect fit for her hospital bed. I am planning to buy more sets of Martha's floral in assorted colors, as it really brightens an otherwise drab room.
Thanks for the tour of the Plaza, Martha. If I ever stay there I know what room to request!
Also, I agree with Celia's comment: "On the human stage, Martha's Best In Show."
Posted by: Lee | February 16th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
I so completely understand the happiness we receive from our dogs and have thoroughly enjoyed this coverage of your beautiful Ghenghis's outstanding accomplishment. Thank the Lord for our precious pets!
Posted by: Kim | February 16th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Awww..I love your dog, Martha! Genghis Khan is soOoO cute & adorable. He must have enjoyed his stay at the Plaza hotel with you.
Posted by: Ranjela | February 16th, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Martha, I love this, you are so inspirational. We had a chow "Gucci" who looked just like GK and I miss him so when I see your photos. ou are so special and GK...♥
Posted by: Nina | February 17th, 2012 at 5:56 am
Lee Finlay wonderful poem, very clever along with GK, what a wonderful night for Martha and GK and treated so beautifully by the staff.
Thanks Martha for the tour.
Posted by: Aussie gal | February 17th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
I really enjoyed the photos of you and G.K. on the red velvet sofa. What a beautiful dog! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Bonnie | February 18th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Hi Martha, Congratulations to GK for winning best of breed in the dog show, he is a beautiful dog. Maybe next year he will win best of show. Thanks for sharing the pics. JoAnn
Posted by: JoAnn Pochciol | February 19th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Hi Martha,
I just watched your segment on the animal hooks. They are so cute. I am secretly making baby items for my "hopefully Grandkids" someday. I tuck them away in a spare room I have.I can't wait to make the animal coathook rack. I always like to put my twist on my craft ideas I get from other people. Since I am also a quilter, I think I will trim the back edge of this with a animal print ruffle, this will also save the walls when hanging items on it.I can't wait to see the finished product. Thank you for your great ideas.
Posted by: diane chin | February 20th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Saw you in the audience! Oh, what a spectacular dog G.K. is! I'll bet he's a really sweetie, too.
Posted by: Sinea from Ducks n a Row | February 20th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Hi Martha, I`m a mongolian woman, who lives in the USA. For us the name Genghis Khan is very special. Genghis Khan was a great powerful man, he is inspiration for all mongolian people especially in the hard time we experience now. He and his time period make us feel proud to be a mongolian.
I`m very happy you named your loved dog with this name. I`m just a little curios, why you gave him this name. because of his look or behavior or?
Posted by: Tuya | February 21st, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Is the Plaza really dog friendly? We always travel with our miniature dachshund, Queenie, and she would greatly appreciate the luxury and fun you and GK had. Maybe a spa weekend?
Posted by: Debbie | February 22nd, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Martha,
You are so fun! Thank you for all the pics for us to enjoy!
Posted by: Nancy | February 23rd, 2012 at 11:57 am
Love this photo series! Our petite labradoodle travels with us all the time and he loves getting room service (scrambled eggs at breakfast and poached chicken breast with brown rice for dinner)--I'm sure he'd love the Plaza. And, our house cocktail is an aperol and prosecco cocktail that we've named the Grimaldi after our pooch!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 28th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Cute, adorable, awesome! That's all I can say, that G.K. is one sweetie! His little bed, oh dear, sooooo cute!!! His bottled water and gourmet treats...I love it!!!!
Posted by: Lisa | March 1st, 2012 at 2:24 am
Congratulations GK!!!, I really enjoy the pictures, thank you for sharing this Martha ;o)
Posted by: Alex M Lynch | April 5th, 2012 at 12:48 am