Jay's Blog – Food for Thought

Okay, so here’s my take on picking your team for Superbowl… it’s all about the food consumed. If I were throwing a Colt’s party the food would be down home, midwest, comfort food. This would include sandwiches, deviled eggs, pasta and potato salad, chips and salsa, deli meats, pizza, meatballs, and bacon wrapped wieners. The beverages would also have to compliment the food. I would serve up big tubs of beer and soda… all in bottles of course. The day would not be complete without desserts of gooey brownies and cute little football cakes.

Now if I were to throw a Saint’s party the faire would have to be multi-cultural with a definite french twist. This of course would include caviar, fancy cheeses adorned with fruit, flatbreads with salty meats, fried macaroni and cheese, sirachi fire-cracker rolls, drunken tomatoes, grilled vegetables, lobster stuffed potatoes, shrimp, and crab cakes. To compliment I would serve a Pouilly Fuisse and prepare mixed fruity cocktails with mint, mini vodka shots, and of course a french champagne. Small individual desserts of french macarons and creme brulee would finish off our celebration.

Now based on these menus I have probably shown my hand. GO SAINTS!!!

You won’t want to miss this Bridal Fair at the incredible Dana Point Yacht Club. Sparkling water and MARINA VIEWS. Meet over 60 vendors and take home valuable resources and cool SWAG. Taste incredible cakes, amazing appetizers, sip CHAMPAGNE, meet some of the top floral designers and photographers, and take a front row seat at Marry Me Bridals 2010 FASHION SHOW. Admission includes a chance to win a DREAM WEDDING, valued at over $15,000.00. If you are planning a wedding… this is THE PLACE TO BE. Get your tickets HERE.

VALENTINES DAY is almost here and there isn’t anything quite as SWEET as a Valentine you can eat. Heart-shaped COOKIES, lollicakes, candy apples, petits fours, decorated CAKES, chocolate dipped cherries, MACARONS, mini bundts and berry TARTS, are an easy way to say “I love you”. All of these TASTY treats are baked to order, so they are as FRESH as can be. MY FAVORITE….. lolllicakes, PERSONALIZED for my SWEETHEART.

You could even order a Valentine Sweet Treat Tray for an assortment of the most popular treats. Photo courtesy Hanssie Trainor Photography.

You know I never miss a holiday. Especially if it involves food. Today is National Chocolate Cake Day. So here is a little CHOCOLATE eye candy to get you through the day. At Jay’s, chocolate cake comes in many forms. From BROWNIES and bars… all dressed up, cakes and LOLLICAKES… decorated with treats, to the always popular CUPCAKE… decorated for any theme or decor. ENJOY!!!

Oh the childhood joy of CHOCOLATE CAKE. Call and start your CHOCOLATE memories TODAY!

FABULOUS wedding cakes that is, starting at just $3.50 per person. Planning your wedding is a very exciting time and we truly understand your desire for everything to be PERFECT… including your wedding cake. Whether you imagine something ELABORATE, simple, whimsical or traditional, our Master Artist can create almost any request to give you the WEDDING CAKE you’ve always dreamed of! Not only are our cakes beautiful, they are DELICIOUS… baked fresh with only the FINEST ingredients just for you! Schedule your complimentary tasting today and TASTE for yourself why Jay’s cakes are the BEST.

Think your wedding is going to kick some major butt? Have you got details till Tuesday, an out-of-this-world planner, a location to die for, or even just a one-in-a-million partner? Tell Luminaire Images about it, and you could WIN AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION!

THE RULES
• Submit entries to contest@luminaireimages.com

I am always looking for ways to learn and fully understand what each wedding professional does. It was my lucky day when Wedding Planner Jesi Haack asked me to assist at a wedding in Studio City. If you haven’t met Jesi yet, you MUST check out this article she wrote for Style Unveiled about a Master Time-line. On this day, not only was Jesi the coordinator, she was the florist. Jesi is a master of organization and began with an agenda of items to be tended to before the guests arrived. The car was unloaded, the florals were arranged, and the linens were fluffed.

The altar was decorated with florals and vases that Jesi had made, tables were set and personalized cookies were placed on napkins as favors. Jesi found an old ticket booth, in keeping with the Hollywood movie theme, for guests to pick up their escort cards. These adorable cards were fashioned as movie tickets.

Bouquets were placed and boutonnieres were pinned. Last minute details were covered with the bride and groom along with a few loving words of joy and excitement.

Cocktail tables were set, the aisle was covered with rose petals, and Jesi then reviewed the arrangements and timing with the wait staff.

Jesi gathered all of the bridal party for pre-wedding photos. Then over to a last minute run through with the pastor. It’s finally “showtime” and  the wedding party is positioned for the ceremony.

Musician was checked and cued… it was a go. Last minute peek and the bride with her fathers are through the door and down the aisle.

A great ceremony. Now off to do a final check on the seating at the reception. What a gorgeous room. Now if this wasn’t enough, Jesi’s work has just begun. She is a master at keeping a party going and on time.

At this point I quit taking pictures and really concentrated on working along side Jesi.  Click here to read more about the evening {and you really must because there were a few interesting situations, which Jesi handled with incredible grace}. I was absolutely exhausted. This girl worked so hard for her bride and groom and truly loved them. She is worth every penny they paid her. If you are planning a wedding seriously look into hiring a planner. I know for a fact a wedding planner can save you more money than they cost… not to mention the peace of mind for you and your family on your wedding day. Thank you Jesi for allowing me to see and experience all that you do. You AMAZE me.

EVERYDAY, Jay’s skilled Pastry Chefs CREATE authentic European PASTRIES, using as many local ingredients as possible. All of our baked goods are HOMEMADE with the finest, FRESH ingredients, and no chemicals or preservatives added. TASTE the difference fresh doughs and CRUSTS make. Add that to SPICES, nuts and fruits, and you will enjoy some of the TASTIEST pastries to be found. Here are a few FAVORITES: Pecan Tarts, Fruit Danish, Cinnamon Pecan Rolls, Cashew Chicken Puffs, Fruit Scones, Mini Fresh Fruit Tarts, and Apple Strudel.