frankly speaking

The Catering Executives Club held their monthly meeting last night at our member The Chicago BrauHaus.  The evening started out with a tasting of beers and ales.  I tried a Rasberry Ale.. very interesting.  A bit bitter with a slight sweet aftertaste.  Was interesting.  But to me, Beer should tast like beer!  Passed appetizers included Salmon on toast, homemade German Sausage and Steak Tartar.

The evening progressed with the owner of the restaurant Harry (and our member) welcoming us.  We then started with not bread, but HUGE pretzels, baked there.  Next course was smoked herring with the sour cream sauce. I have never had herring before, I always passed.  But tried it.  Not bad.. flavor was fine, texture was a bit wierd. It was served with a potato. Then we had a white bean soup.  Then for an intermezzo, we did a shot of Plum Schnapps.  the teaser entree was Pork with Spinach and potatoes.  The Entree was my personal German Favorite, Viener Schnitzel, served with Spaetzel.  

After that we did Club Business.  Then our President Joe Monastero tapped a keg, and chugged the whole thing.  I was impressed!   Then audience partipation started.  Once I saw the conga line and yodeling contest start, I knew it was time to leave.  I am not a group activity participant.  So, I don’t know what was served for dessert.  Goodie bags with BrauHaus baseball caps, beer pilsners and alot of information about Beers and Ales from the House of Glunz (who provided the beer and ale tasting) was given as we left. 

I have been there twice before, and can’t say enough about this homespun Family owned and operated eaterie.  If you want Octoberfest anytime of year, this is the place to go.�

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdF4B5r_26U

It was one of the most intense and challenging weddings of my 18 year career.  When the call came in, my “I don’t go out of town light” came on.  Julie (my asst) told me the MOB would not take no for an answer and insisted on talking to me.  When I heard the details of the wedding, and that I would have control, I couldn’t resist this one. 10-10-10 at 10am!  Here we go.

The Wedding was for US Ice Skating Champion Judy Sargent, and her finace Paul Mata, her past skating partner.  The Ice rink was where they wanted to be married. So, I had my work cut out of me.  What was going to take 2 1/2 days to install needed to come down fast.. as the rink would be needed for an ice show. So, we tented the parking lot, threw a lovely brunch for the guests, and then they would return to the rink for the show.

So, the challenge of turning an ice rink in Troy Michigan into a magical wedding ceremony started, with only five months to put it all together.  Swags of White fabric from the ceiling and 8000 sq yards of white carpeting was the palette for the rest of the decor for the ceremony.   I thought about it carefully, and came up with the design element of “ice” to be my inspiration for detailing the weddng.  All white flowers, Waterford vases and hundreds of Swarovski Crystals brought my vision together. 

Immediately following the brunch , Judy and Paul starred in ice show, which started with their first dance on ice.  Judy’s skating students and other coaches all did a number. 

The Reception site of the Royal Park Hotel’s Ballroom in Rochester was totally transformed.  The all white dance floor even looked like the ice rink.  Strands of Swavoski Crystals and Floral spheres hung over the monogramed dance floor. The entire ballroom was draped in White fabric, and we had some fun with the color when the clock struck 10:10pm… The walls turned red,orange and yellow as the Flambe of Bananas Foster took the dance floor. Lounge areas next to the dance floor were done in white furntiure.  Cocktails began in the Gallery with stations of Chinese and Mexican foods, to honor each of the Bride and Groom’s ethnic backgrounds.  Guests enjoyed Butternut Squash Soup, Salad, Sorbet intermezzo and a choice of Filet Mignon or Chicken Florentine.  Dessert was the wedding cake, and coconut ice cream (the bride’s fav).  A lavish sweet table with Chocolate Fountain, Bananas Foster and Cappucinio Station completed the night. Oh, wait, We served the fabulous BBQ’d Pork Sandwiches and sliders as a late night snack. 

It was beyond amazing.  The team I put together did a spectacular Job.  None of slept much and some not at all from Saturday to Monday.  The clients were beyond pleased and I was in awe of the whole production, you couldnt wipe the smile off my face all weekend .

Photos are courtesy of the official Photographer for the event, Aaron Fortin, Events to Remember Photography.  Thanks Aaron!

�

I am still playing catch up on rest from an amazing weekend from the Wedding on Ice. Pics are coming but please enjoy these Clips!

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local-couple’s-10-10-10-wedding-on-ice/

http://www.detnews.com/article/20101010/METRO/10100317/1409/METRO08

�

I attended Chicago’s Bridal Market today, seeing the newest in gowns, veils and accessories for the 2011-12 seasons.  Strapless is strong, but the return of straps is starting!  Most were thicker, off the shoulder.  Some w/ sleeves were starting to appear. Many are single straps, over one shoulder. Gowns are “bedazzled” with crystals.  Didnt see alot of sequin and / or pearls, but alot of crystal.  Lots of textural elements and embellishment.  Some in the same fabric others in totally different. 

Veils are still the same, short and long.  Wide tiaras seem to be making a comback, instead of the thin headband like ones.  Feathers, flowers and French Tulle (Thick holes) are huge!  A real change from the traditonal veil. I still think this a great “change” for the reception. I have these in the studio for the past year or so, and have been very popular.

Short dresses for the reception for later and still being shown.  Bridemaids and showing alot of single straps as well.  As I predicted, a que from the fashion industry as a whole, the new color is really leaning towards blue. 

Accessories.  BLING BLING and more BLING.  Thick cuff bracelets are huge, and I will be getting a few into the studio.  I reordered, a stunning ring bearer pillow that has a crystal buckle on it, so the rings may come off easily.