Year after year, one of our favorite clients honors us with throwing the party of the year, and this past November was no exception. Jerry coopted us to plan his 87th birthday celebration, or “the rehearsal to his 90th” as he liked to call the party, and left us in charge of all aspects of the event, requested to know very little about the details. While it is a tremendous honor to have earned that level of confidence of our client, it is also the most nerve wracking achievement, as you never want to disappoint.
Since Jerry’s one request was to incorporate a bit of gambling somehow into the event, the Catering Team thought up a theme that would encompass everything that Jerry loved. “Eat Love Play” was a play on words inspired by the fantastic memoir and movie titled “Eat Love Pray,” resulting in an affair where great food and music, were accompanied by casino games in the company of loving friends and family.
The Club’s Executive Chef, Joe Longo created a fabulous fall-appropriate menu consisting of a Farmer’s Market Salad with Charred Broccoli, Cauliflower, Apples, Beets, Candied Pumpkin Seeds, Manchego Crisps, and Sherry Vinaigrette, while the main course was a selection between Porcini Dusted Halibut and a Center Cut Filet Mignon. Jerry’s Favorite Things were all on the menu for the Dessert as well. The decadent spread included a Dulche de Leche Brownie Bar, Meyer Lemon Cheesecake, and a Dark Chocolate Tart with Homemade Peanut Butter Mousse Quenelle.
For the ambiance, we chose Xquisite Events as the decorator, and they ran with the fun, colorful concept, utilizing purple, lime and silver as their main colors. Nancy Gilbert of Xquisite Events designed four different table designs and centerpieces, leaving our client in tears of happiness. The floral arrangements included antique hydrangeas, orchids, Bells of Ireland, etc.
Due to the proximity of the event to the Presidential Elections, who best to bring out the cake for Jerry, then two impersonators, poking fun at the contentious election year. Special thanks to Stephan Maloman, and Timeline Video for their exquisite photography and videography of the event.
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