Archive for May, 2010

A once upon a time wedding for the ages.

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 27th, 2010 >> Events, Other, Weddings

A elegant, simple tablescape tied in the colors and theme.

May 22nd was a day to remember for one newly wed couple! The Abbey Catering & Event Design helped make this a special day at the Darlington House in beautiful La Jolla. Decorated with yellow, white, and blue, 143 guests joined the two hearts that became one on this beautiful day. After a lovely ceremony, guests mingled during cocktail hour and continued the festivities with tray passed hors d’oeuvres. Friends and family began their dining experience to choreographed service with a choice of chicken Cordon Bleu filled with provolone cheese, smoked bacon, and topped with a sweet gorgonzola sauce, or a perfectly seared filet mignon. As they danced the night away, and played musical money for the centerpieces, the magical day lead to a fairytale evening and a wonderful new beginning. For more info about the Abbey Preferred Venue, Darlington House, contact us here.

No sweet tooth could resist this cake.

A wedding keepsake for the guests.

The Abbey Martini Tree

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 26th, 2010 >> Events, Other, Tablescapes, Weddings

Every event, be it a wedding,  party or fund raiser, wants to be able to leave a lasting impression on it’s guests.  This can be achieved in a variety of unique ways.  One such way is by including the one of a kind,  Abbey Signature Martini Tree.  Holding  99  martini glasses, filled with any kind of beverage, appetizer, or floral piece,  this event enhancer is sure to be talked about.  We were able to utilize this item in a very attractive, eye-catching way at the recent 2010 Art Alive: Culture and Cocktails event. Our Abbey Team, was able to make the tree stand out with many different flowers that tied into the theme of  the evening.  To say that the tree was a conversation piece would be an understatement.   One event goer was heard saying,  “That would be great for our outdoor family reunion”.   Aside from the beauty of this amazing piece, it is extremely versatile as well.  Being able to access it from almost any direction, keeps the flow of guests is smooth and effortless.  I think that this is a feature that would enhance any party and will continue to expand as we utilize it more and more.   If you too would like to have this at your next event, please let us provide you with thoughts, ideas and ways to utilize this incredible event feature.  Just get in touch with us here.

The Abbey Martini Tree

The Abbey Martini Tree

Photo by Di-Lanatta’s Photography

A beautiful waterfront ceremony in sunny Coronado.

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 25th, 2010 >> Events, Other, Preferred Venues, Weddings

Coronado Community Center

The Spacious Nautilus Room

Breathtaking view from the Patio.

What a treat is was to be a part of Kathryn

& Ryan’s day. It was truly sweet

perfection. The sun broke just in time to

shine down on our lovely couple. Guests

enjoyed the Abbey’s finest appetizers

before being ushered in to the Nautilus

Room at Coronado Community Center.

A grand entrance and first dance were

delightfully framed by a view of the

city’s skyline and harbor. Dinner service,

executed to perfection by Chef Matt,

ensured a happy crowd. It was a great

time, good friends and family honoring

a  sweet couple . Kathryn & Ryan–best

wishes on a long life filled with love.

To receive more information about this

Abbey Preferred Venue or any other

Venue, please get in touch with us here.

Cuisine Captured with an Executive Touch

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 24th, 2010 >> Other

Some may say that a caterer lives or dies by the taste of their food.  Which is true, but in this fast, modern, “socially networked” world, truth can quite often be in the eye of the beholder.  To convey this effectively, three things are required.  First, you must have the best cuisine you can provide.  There are many dishes that look amazing, but fall short of being memorable in the taste department.  Conversely, there are hundreds of ingredients that tantalize the tongue but are far from being visually alluring.  The Abbey Chef, Matt Berardi, works very hard to continually find the best of both worlds.  The second item needed for success is choosing  the right photographer.  We chose to go with Julie Buchta Davis Photography.  Julie has years of experience capturing “the moment” at weddings, anniversaries and special events, but food photography was something new.  And as you can see from the photos, she has an immensely wide range of photographic skills  that Julie possess in spades.  The final item is similar to the old real estate saying of  “location, location, location” in that it relies on “presentation, presentation, presentation”. The Abbey Team uses their experience in wedding design to make these dishes sing.  She was going for photos that make you want to reach right into the screen and grab them.

But these are just a few of the culinary delights that The Abbey Catering and Event Design has to offer.  In an effort to save your computer screen, please contact us about arranging for a complimentary tasting at our salon to see how we can make your next event’s meal, a meal to cherish.  Click here to let us know how we can tempt your tastebuds.

Ahi Sushi Rolls

Fresh Ahi Sushi wrapped in Sticky Rice

Risotto Cake

Rich, delicate and savory - Risotto cake with sun dried tomatoes & roasted bell peppers on seaweed paper.

Entree fit for a king.

Steak and Lobster

The best of both worlds Surf N Turf.

Fruit Tart

Light and Fresh Desserts hit the spot.

No one can resist Chocolate Soufflé.

GO GREEN!!! With the Abbey Catering & Event Design.

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 16th, 2010 >> Events, Other

Go Green

The time is now to Go Green.

Grossmont-Mt Helix Improvement Association (GMIA), one of the

oldest and largest associations of its type in San Diego, entrusted

the Abbey Catering with their 2010 annual dinner for the fifth year

in a row.  This not for profit organization hosted it’s party for

nearly 100 people in The La Mesa Community Center. We are so

ecstatic to be part of this “green wise” group that was formed in

1938 and stands proud of its long history of environmental

securities of land use and conservation. Working closely every

step of the way we catered this event very meticulously, and

our vision began with the center pieces for the table. Made from

recyclable items these beautiful and unique arrangements were

made thoughtfully with everything from detergent bottles, food

cans, plastic cups, to boxes and paper.

The guests enjoyed the flow of six various food stations

to choose from including a coffee and dessert station.

GMIA guests were delighted with our wonderful staff service and professionalism, and the Abbey was overjoyed to have taken

part in their festivities and we lookforward to working with them in the future.

To find out more about how we can make your next event spectacular, click here.

Recycled Centerpieces

Recycling done beautifully.

La Jolla rooftop wedding at sunset…nothing finer.

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 12th, 2010 >> Other, Preferred Vendors, Preferred Venues, Weddings

It was a picture perfect day in La Jolla for Desiree and Ryan’s wonderful wedding. With the golden sun shining and powerful waves crashing on the beach, the tone was set for this beautiful union. Chef Matt of The Abbey catered to the guests with his masterful culinary technique as he delivered handcrafted appetizers and a sweetly perfected dinner for all in attendance.  DJ Randy set the mood with the music,  while Tareq of Time Code Media and Renata of Studio D captured every special moment between our bride and groom. Desi’s mom and maid of honor Victoria, created a playful candy bar which delighted guests with sweet treats to get them ready for another spectacular creation from Babycakes, compliments of Christopher. Guests enjoyed dancing,  good conversation and a memorable time as the sun set on another gorgeous La Jolla dazzling evening.  A perfect day for two very special people!

You can't beat a sunny La Jolla Day in San Diego.

Cuisine to make your mouth water.

This historic, beautiful and elegant venue is the perfect choice for your wedding celebration.

Babycakes will impress the best.

Unforgettable “Romance by the Sea”

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 11th, 2010 >> Other

A bride's dream venue.

A bride's Dream venue.

The Abbey Escalade Limo

The Abbey Escalade Limo

Anyone need a Groom?

Anyone need a Groom?

Senior Event Consultant Rob Leszewski

Senior Event Consultant Rob Leszewski

Known for its incredible views, cool

breezes and wonderful weather...The La

Jolla Cove Suites is a wonderful venue for

almost any occasion.  The recent “Romance

by the Sea” annual event was a tremendous

success, and showcased this amazing

venue in all its glory.  From the breath

taking view, to the extremely large venue

capacity, to the ability to host indoor and

outdoor events simultaneously, The La

Jolla Cove Suites has it all.

All of the vendors that participated in this

event did a fabulous presenting their

menus.  Here at the Abbey, we presented

our Floating Hummus Bar and Iced Soup

Shooters, along with supplying overhead

kites for shade, our own specialty linens

and complimentary Limo Shuttle Service

for Guests who parked near by.  But these

were just a few of the outstanding

services that the Abbey provides to its

clients.  How can we help make your next

event at the La Jolla Cove Suites

unforgettable?

Rummaging for a good cause in La Jolla.

Posted by: Chris Campbell

May 6th, 2010 >> Events, Other, Preferred Venues

LJWC Rummage Sale for Charity

Charity Rummage Sale

It is unfortunate, in our modern age, women and children in our society may need assistance in dealing with homelessness, violent living situations and extreme economic hardships. The La Jolla Woman’s Club has been lending a helping hand to over 50 different women and children’s charities in the Greater San Diego area for decades and is continuing that tradition this month as well. On the 22nd of May, the La Jolla Woman’s Club will be hosting a rummage sale with all proceeds going towards one of the many woman’s charities they are affiliated with.
So if you have some items that are just sitting the closet, bring them by. We continually here in the media about simplifying our lives, and current events have taught us to be more helpful to those in need and this is a fantastic way to accomplish both. If you have any questions as to what would be good to bring, directions on how to get to the La Jolla Woman’s Club or a list of the charities benefiting from your generosity…contact the La Jolla Woman’s Club here.

For Drop Off  information, contact Gayle at 858 752 1077.

The smallest kind act can make changes in the most profound way.

Please join The Abbey Catering & Event Design and help make a difference.