Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Betty Zlatchin Catering | A fare of the Heart


Remember the old saying “ ... You Gotta’ Feed the Body to Nurse the Soul” ? Well . . . welcome to BETTY ZLATCHIN CATERING. Here, nothing comes closer to an unforgettable dining experience run by Mother and Son, with the utmost of care with their passion for food, wine and people.

Betty Zlatchin founded the company back in the ‘80s when a friend asked her to cater a corporate dinner party, which she did … the rest followed suit … and the rest was history. Today, taking great pride in their continued success, is her son David Zlatchin who heads their Culinary and Special Events Team as General Manager, along with their Event Coordinator “Extraordinnaire”, Jose Vega, who carries out the visual design and concept for all Weddings, Corporate & Social Events. And all the essential components that distinguishes them as a bonafide “FAB” Catering Company include Deliciousness, Delectability, Design, Dependability and Delivery!

As remarkable as their accolades, so awaited a sumptuous luncheon prepared for the most discerning palates in the Event Industry – THE FAB 5, of course.

With style and finesse, we began with a marvelous effervescence of an Old Cuban Cocktail lusciously concocted with White Rum & Prosecco, garnished with Fresh Mint, offered from a champagne flute.

The awe-inspiring cuisine masterfully prepared by their Executive Head Chef, Tom Rippy, offered stunning presentations that were rich in flavor, and pleasing to the eye. Among Chef Rippy’s tantalizing indulgences started with a Tapas Classic of Prosciutto & Galia Melon Salad with Arugula, Pimenton de Espiette, dressed with White Balsamic Vinaigrette – a standout among their stunning showcase of appetizing courses.

To pair off this starter, we ventured with a copious pairing of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008 – a luscious nectar saturated with Gooseberry and Lemongrass flavors.













A seductive EntrĂ©e followed with a Saffron Seafood Potpourri of Seared Blue Nose Bass, Seared Sea Scallops, Smoked Mussels & Clams in Herb Crusted Prawn Butter with Poached Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans & English Peas, in Saffron-Butter Fish Fume, Lemon Aioli and Smoked Paprika Oil – looking as artful as it was delicious. And on top of the crimson heap, we savored the Skylark North Coast “Red Belly” Red Blend 2007 – head pruned 50-year old vine Carignane that gave spice and intensity, with a touch of Grenache for more fruit flavor, and a seamlessly silky aroma.















But few can resist the sinful treat of our appropriate finale with a Trio of Desserts of Apricot-Frangipane Tart, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Lightly Macerated Cherries & Apricots. Sweetening this up and saving the best for last was the Swanson Vineyards Tardif Late Harvest Chardonnay 2005 – a semi-sweet Muscato with a fresh, clean and complex finish, yet exquisitely focused. And how can you not have a Martini to top it off? Especially Jose's Espresso Martini .... Salute!














Savoir faire catering that enchants the palate and soothes the soul. We tip our hats off to Betty Zlatchin Catering for a delectable dining delight that’s certain to arouse your taste buds.

BETTY ZLATCHIN CATERING – 1177 Indiana Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415.641.8599, www.bettyzlatchin.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Events | Boudoir Fashionsta


The Boudoir Fashionista
Where Elegance meets Lingerie on the Runway
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco
9:00pm. to 2:00am.
$7 entry fee

Hosted by:
MB Wedding Design and Events
DreamGirl Makeup by Tacha Scott
Melinda Le' Photography

Featuring the sounds of "7" with DJ Ruben
Video provided by Studio MSV
Drink Specialties and a Prize Giveaway

You can register for this event at:
www.boudoirfashionista.com

Monday, June 8, 2009

Urban Services YMCA | Wine Tasting & Silent Auction

Join me on Friday, June 12th. for a wine tasting and silent auction event benefiting YMCA Urban Services of San Francisco. Proceeds support over 38,000 at-risk youth and their families throughout the Bay Area.

I've had the pleasure of helping Urban plan for this event which is sure to raise funds for a great cause, so I hope you will join us next Friday at RF80 located in the Potrero Hill area of San Francisco.

Participating vendors & sponsors:
MB Wedding Design & Events
Gustavo Fernandez Photography
Thomas John Events
Studio MSV
Brassfield Winery
Cards de Luxe
Ron Grandia, A Different Kind of DJ
SVB Financial Group
Esurance
Hartmann Studios

To purchase tickets for this event, please click here.

See you Friday!

Michelle....aka MB

Pres a Vi | Brunch

Every couple of months, the FAB 5 gets together (over a great meal, of course!) to discuss the latest and the greatest such as sharing the latest trends, ideas, exchanging referrals and inquiries, what’s hot & what’s not, vendor issues (quite of these), and naturally the juiciest gossip (quite a lot these). And today we missed having Nicole (Lisanne) join us - we missed you girl!!!

Today we paid a visit to a terrific restaurant located in San Francisco’s Presidio, called PRES A VI. Pres a Vi loosely translates to "captivated by wine" in Spain's Catalan language. In size and stylized atmosphere, this restaurant in the Letterman Digital Arts Center is adorned with a large, full bar that fronts a sweeping dining room partitioned by low walls, glass and banquettes, and further with rooms in back and a glass-enclosed wine cavern. The windows face a lush green landscape and it almost feels like a park because of the quiet. Set in a rich interior and stylish ambiance, it transports you to chic realms infused with an overflowing warmth and charm.

The cuisine offers stunning presentations and combinations that are rich in flavor and pleasing to the eye. Chef Kelly Degala's menu encourages diners to explore a variety of eclectic international dishes. With this format you can choose to eat ‘small plates style’ and share your food or eat in a traditional starter/main course style. A variety of dining choices awaits guests at Pres a Vi, all reflecting executive Chef Degala's commitment to global cuisine. Chef Degala infuses each dish he creates with flavors and tastes from around the world, which includes Spanish, Filipino, French, Italian and Latin American influences. Chef Kelly Degala’s small plates ($9-$19 each, three recommended per person) include lots of cool and hot meat, fish and seafood options with Asian and European accents. For Brunch offerings, among the tantalizing examples you should indulge in is their Eggs Benedict - robust in flavor with Kurobuta Ham, Chive Hollandaise, English Muffin and Country Style Potatoes ($12) for a warm start on a Sunday morning. This “paradise of gastronomy” continues with a Salmon Omelette with Pecorino Romano Cheese ($12) …….. mmmm, just leaving you to beg for more.

To sweeten things up, partake in beguiling and scrumptious dessert delicacies such as the melt-in-your mouth Trio of Cupcakes with Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, Rich Chocolate with Espresso Cream on top and Buttery Pound Cake with Mixed Berry Icing ($8). And to tease and tickle your sugar palate are their ProfiterolesCream Puffs filled with Vanilla Custard Cream, topped with Warm Bittersweet Chocolate and Caramel Sauces ($8). Pair these off with a refreshing glass of Mimosa or even fresh squeezed Lemonade, and your Sunday's set!

Venture through the copious wine list of varietal bold tastes that encourage diners to explore the large selections, easily navigated by tasting notes. Many of these wines are offered by the glass in addition to pre-arranged flights to allow diners to compare different wines and discover new favorites.

Their dynamic and personable staff reigns supreme with their great elan, making this a “don’t miss” for the most discriminating degustateur. The dining rooms can accommodate large parties and a private dining room is available for special occasions. For more information, contact Jennifer Dorland at events@presavi.com or call 415.409.3021.

Pres A Vi | Upcoming Events
Saturday, June 27th - The Pinot Days Grand Festival’s Winemake Dinner will showcase 200 of California’s largest single gathering of acclaimed producers of Pinot Noir as well as its most varied. Consumers will be able to sample up to 400 Pintos from every important region in California, Oregon, New Zealand and Brugundy. Meet winemakers like Ed Kurtzman, Wes Hagen, Adam Lee, Kathleen Inman, Merry Edwards, Fred Shcerrer, Jeff Fink just to name a few. Tickets are available for $150 per person, at www.pinotdays.com.

PRES A VI – One Letterman Drive, Building D Suite 150, San Francisco, CA 94129. Reservations required, 415.409.3000. Brunch Hours: Sat-Sun, 11:00am-2:30pm. Dinner Hours: Sun-Thu, 5:00pm-9:00pm; Fri-Sat, 5:00pm-10:00pm. Bar Menu: 3:00pm till close.

Salud!!!

DUNCAN

Outside Pres a Vi - Kathryn, MB, Michelle & Duncan

Saturday, June 6, 2009

2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway








San Francisco's top wedding vendors are giving away a Dream Destination Wedding valued at over $60,000. One lucky couple in love will win the wedding of their dreams. With a date set for May 14, 2010, prizes include everything a bride and groom need for the perfect dream come true.

Over 30 of the Bay Area's most sought-after wedding professionals have gathered forces to create a lavish wedding at one of San Francisco's most historical landmarks, for the winning couple along with their friends and family.

The winning couple will receive the following goods and services: wedding planner/event designer (yours truly!), rehearsal dinner for 25 guests at a popular San Francisco restaurant, wedding ceremony and reception venue, catered dinner, specialty rentals, shoes and dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids, spa treatments, hair and makeup, wedding cake, photography, videography, classical guitarist, jazz band, DJ/emcee, custom invitations and wedding stationery, specialty lighting, limo transportation, photo booth, wedding favors, and more...

The contest opens August 4, 2009, but information is available at http://www.sfdreamweddinggiveaway.com/. I am so honored to have been selected to be the designer for this wonderful giveaway!

Cheers,
kathryn... aka special k

The Fab Five

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Grand Hyatt San Francisco | Site Tour & Lunch

On Monday, three of the fab five got treated to a lovely lunch and site tour by Lauren Cherry at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco in Union Square. What a nice venue, with so many options to have wedding receptions as well as ceremonies on site. We saw that they can accomodate anywhere from 20-500 guests, and some of their event spaces have stunning views of San Francisco.

The food was delicious, and we really enjoyed or lunch and learning more about what the Hyatt has to offer our potential clients. Lauren is a delight, and any client would be lucky to work with such a positive and knowledgable catering manager. We asked Lauren for her top five reasons the Hyatt stands out against other venues in their same category, and here are her top five:

1) Personal Preference Menus that allow your guests to choose their entree the evening of the event.
2) Fabulous view space from 36th floors above Union Square overlooking the bay & city.
3) Outstanding Hyatt Brand customer service and attention to detail from all of our staff, with a focus on you and every one of your guests.
4) Location, Location, Location! In the heart of Union Square near the city's best shops, restaurants & tourist attractions for out of town guests.
5) Customizable wedding packages to fit every Bride & Groom's perfect wedding plans and budget.

As you can see, they have a lot to offer, and if you do check them out for your wedding or event, definitely look into renting the Presidential Suite. It is fit for a king and queen including a sauna and panoramic views. You can get more information by contacting Lauren Cherry at 415-848-6096 or lauren.cherry@hyatt.com.

Presidential Suite


















Thai Steak Salad, yum!


















Cruise ship docking in the bay


















Top Floor Banquet Room












Lauren, Duncan, Kathryn and MB


















Cheers!

Kathryn... aka Special K
The Fab Five