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On a picturesque day in Del Mar, California, the beaming bride and groom tied the knot at the Del Mar Powerhouse.  The sun glittered over the waves and a cool breeze blew as the two exchanged the vows time has woven into their relationship.

During cocktail hour, guests celebrated the union with a champagne toast and appetizers that included tri-colored bruschetta, mini beef Wellington and chicken satay.   Guests were welcomed into the dining room where they were greeted with the couple’s own take on the traditional pre-set Abbey Signature Salad including leafy greens, caramelized walnuts, fresh strawberries and dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette.

Dinner was a home-style dual presented entree that included panko crusted Tilapia, braised superior Angus beef, truffled cream cheese  garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies and perfectly seasoned risotto to which the guests were hungrily obliged.

The new couple danced the night away and decided on a kiss and a cupcake for dessert.  A perfect end to a wonderful day!

We look forward to providing you with the same exquisite day in the near future by contacting us here.

Photos courtesy of Julie Buchta Davis Photography

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On Friday, the sixth of August, The La Jolla Woman’s Club was transformed into a beautiful seaside escape. With green moss balls swaying from a large picturesque tree in the courtyard guests were welcomed to their cocktail hour. As the Abbey servers delivered mouth watering hors d’oeuvres to each individual guest, they couldn’t help but smile and reach for seconds. Dinner was especially delightful thanks to a menu created specially by the bride and groom. With Mojito Chicken and Lemongrass Tilapia, you could be sure that all palettes were pleased this evening.   FlourPower made this couple’s night even more memorable by creating an original cupcake master piece. Each individual cupcake held a handmade sugar seashell blanketed by aqua blue frosting. Yum!  Nothing compliments dessert more than a fabulous European Espresso from EuroBar.  As the lights went dim the party started to heat up. The DJ, who was also a friend of the bride and grooms, spun mixes that had guests on their toes the entire night. The bride was not afraid to hike up her dress and bust out her moves when joining their guest in celebration.  As the clock neared the final hour the guest were pleased to all have been invited to an extended party nearby. Wow! What a night to remember.

As the Preferred caterer at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, The Abbey Catering & Event Design is proud to bring you the best La Jolla Wedding ever.

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It surely was a day to remember for the nearly 100 guests that

attended this special occasion . The ceremony took place at

Calumet Park in La Jolla. With the amazing ocean view in the

background, there was hardly a dry eye to be found.   The

marvelous wedding reception was held at the elegant La Jolla

Woman’s Club nearby. This lovely couple chose our All Inclusive

Wedding Package which included The Abbey limo, delightful cup

cakes from FlourPower, one of the kind photographer Tande

from Studio D,  Best Beverage Bar Service, up lights that set the

amazing tone for the entire evening, Artquest Florist, hair and

makeup, Deluxe Euro Coffee Bar and of course digital camera docking station. The digital camera docking station is provided

with each wedding package and just keeps getting more and

more popular. Guests can mingle with the camera and capture

special moments.  Then taking the  photos to the docking station

to print to take home a keepsake from the day. This wonderful

scrap book provided by our client only highlights just a portion

of this remarkable event. We were able to upgrade the couple’s

rentals to our very high end Chiavari chairs that added extra

class and elegance to the reception. We were more than

delighted by the many compliments from the guests and we

wish the newlyweds a bright and happy future together!

We would love to make your wedding just as memorable. If you

have any questions, ideas or themes you would like to discuss

about your upcoming wedding, give us a call, email or contact

us here. We can help with finding the right venue for you needs

but balanced with you budget. We can point you in the right

direction when starting to look at vendors and the services

they offer. We can even show you how one of our All Inclusive

Wedding Packages can save you time , money and headache

and still make you special day wow all in attendance.

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Each week in San Diego, I serve as event captain for a wedding I fall in love with.  Last week, as I busied myself preparing for the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Bednar, I relished once again, the idea of being part of such a quirky, hip, wonderful couple’s happy day.  From the regal Calla lilies that stood audaciously in 3ft cubes vases over black and white satin linens at each table, to the delicate moss balls that hovered from a giant oak, dancing above deliriously happy guests.

The hopeful couple marked their special day in front of the beautifully famous La Jolla Woman’s Club fountain. Each guest was given a stone and asked to take part in a special ceremony, each stone holding wishes and blessings for the couple who, up to this point, have led separate lives and will now live happily united as one.

Glasses full of spirited cocktails, cucumber water, beer and wine were raised in celebration as the freshly minted Mr. and Mrs. Bednar greeted each guest during cocktail hour and dinner.  As ambrosial appetizers such as Ahi Poke and mini Beef Wellington teased the taste-buds of hungry guests, the chefs were busy preparing the much anticipated Salmon en Croute, Chianti Braised Black Angus Beef, and my personal favorite, Truffle Rosemary Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes.

The rest of the evening unfolded seamlessly and 184 full-bellied guests danced the night away in celebration of the happy couple and this wonderful day we were all blessed to be a part of.  The Abbey wishes you both the best.  Contact us here for more information about The Club or any preferred venue in San Diego.

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There really is nothing quite like a beautiful afternoon in San Diego.  Couple that with a lovely wedding ceremony at a beautiful venue and you are bound to have a day to remember.  It was another picturesque day in downtown La Jolla at the La Jolla Woman’s Club.  Dorothy and Jeremy’s special day was about to begin and The Abbey team was quickly putting the finishing touches on a reception.  Our couple was married in front of the famous LJWC  fountain by ordained minister Lois.  The back patio was adorned with luxurious  contemporary lounge furniture to compliment the “flow” reception that was to take place right after the ceremony.  Our presented buffet, Martini Tree Bar , and Espresso Station from Eurobar also framed the back garden reception.  Afterward, the guests were treated to a cocktail hour in the garden, followed by a fantastic sit down dinner service.

Then it was time for the party to really begin.  Dj Randy took the stage and regaled guests with music selected by our happy couple. Nothing gets, and keeps, a party moving like the precision sounds of DJ Randy.  As the cake was served and the dancers began to slow down…there was no doubt that all in attendance had the time of their life.  And none more than the bride and groom themselves.  The night was a hit!

It was a distinct pleasure working with Dorothy and Jeremy to make their day so wonderful.  Congrats to the happy couple.

To find out more information about the La Jolla Woman’s Club venue, contact one of our consultants today.

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It was  a distinct privilege for The Abbey Catering & Event Design to be a part the recent launch party for the Rob Benzon Foundation here in San Diego.  It was a beautiful evening in terms of weather and in spirit.  This foundation trades pride in being able to not only help people in need, but to help others help people in need.  Without the tireless effort by those involved, many would not benefit to the extent that they do now.  It truly was a magical evening.  The Abbey Catering & Event Design was proud to be a major part of making the magic for the party.

The special VIP lounge, as well as the  silent auction, where special attractions which brought in generous donations.  The hundreds of guests enjoyed beautiful views from this spectacular private property and lounged around the grounds which included a glamorous pool with a water fall attached.  Guests enjoyed food stations and mingled while enjoying 4 open bars which served up cool, refreshing drinks all evening.

It is being a part of events like this that make working with The Abbey so fulfilling and delightful.  And the behind to the hundreds of local people was the icing on the cake.  If you have an upcoming event that The Abbey can help with, please feel free to contact anyone of us at our site.

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In embracing the social media explosion of the 21st century, we here at The Abbey have seen the impact it can have on a business.  Not just on a business, but on the daily lives of those involved.  From the brides and grooms to the vendors and venue managers, the connections and information that is exchanged, passed on and relayed is immensely beneficial.  But having been in the business for over a decade here in San Diego, we have also come to realize the the tremendous potential of “old fashioned” advertising.  Print ads in bridal, lifestyle and local magazines have always proven effective in generating interest in one’s services.  Despite paper magazines not being cutting edge anymore, getting our name out there to the masses in a high quality publication like Riviera has always been a great way to showcase what we do.

The July/August edition of Riviera Magazine is one that many San Diego “foodies” look forward to every year.  This is to the gourmet world what the September issue of Vogue is to the world of fashion.  Highlighting the finest dining in San Diego is the main highlight of this issue.  So to be apart of this issue is a source of great pride for us.  We invite you to take a gander at the issue hitting newsstands shortly or head on over to the digital version located here.  It has but a few examples of delectable delights you can expect from The Abbey Catering & Event Design at your next special event.

If you would like to speak directly to one of our professional event consultants, click on through here to get in touch with us.

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As Spring begins to subside and June Gloom leaves the skies of San Diego, many of us are getting excited about the Summer, and the weddings and holidays we’ve planned. However, there is probably one more thing left to consider – hydration. Studies have shown that a good hydration routine can increase performance in sports and better one’s own appearance and health, and as the changing  temperature creeps up, we will find more reasons to stay hydrated and refreshed. Water suppresses hunger and helps digestion, meaning calories are burned off more efficiently and help us stay trim… The perfect excuse if you have a busy wedding season ahead and need to look good in that little black dress.

The recommended amount of water to be consumed every day changes depending on the literature you are reading, but is generally between 8-10 glasses(64-80 ounces).  A good rule of thumb is to keep a water source on you and take sips constantly through the day. This helps your body absorb and make use of the water without feeling bloated and sluggish. If hydrating before exercise, make sure you do not consume a large amount just prior to starting, as this will cause you to get a stitch. Instead, drink a few glasses two hours before, and then maintain this with smaller amounts leading up to the exercise.

If you’re having difficulties consuming so much water, look at a new angle. Water is present in everything we eat and drink, so you can make up the last few ounces by eating fresh, moisture filled produce like strawberries or watermelon. Avoid cutting out salt. While it can seem to make you more thirsty, our bodies actually need salt to retain water, although the amount should be capped as too much salt can also harm the body.

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What an amazing event we had this past weekend. As part of  The Abbey Catering Fine Dining  Division,  Au Bon Abbey serves

Southern California with highly refined dining and event design services for only the most discriminating of palettes.

Chocolate fountains with homemade dipping desserts, Filet Mignon chipotle pesto kabobs, pear potatoes stuffed with bacon

and Parmesan cheese,  chicken roulades, and of course some jumbo cilantro honey shrimp were the delectable delights that

were on hand for this party.  The food received great reviews along with all of our professional staff that were on site.  The

event took place in a spectacular residence. The kitchen was amazing, the bar was phenomenal, and the people were

overjoyed with their evening of fun.  Despite being a smaller, more intimate “appetizer party”, it  was complete smash hit.

I am so thrilled that I had the opportunity to work with such a wonderful client in their  lovely home.    It is great to be able

to provide such high quality service to clients who expect every little detail to be accounted for meticulously.  It is parties

like these that remind me just how great it is to be  a professional chef in San Diego.  Thank you for calling on Au Bon Abbey

to help make that night…one for the ages.

Chef Matt

To find out more about Au Bon Abbey’s services, menu and philosophy…check us out here.

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Bankers Hill is a truly beautiful part of San Diego, and nestled quietly in it rests a venue that brides dreams are made of. Britt Scripps Inn has a fairytale charm which isn’t just contained to the inside, and stood on the corner of Maple St and 4th Avenue, it’s impossible not to notice this strangely enchanting building. Every inch of the exterior is perfectly sculpted to show an authentically restored example of luxury living in the late 1800s.

And the beauty doesn’t end there, throughout this 9-room hotel you will find antique furniture, treasured textiles and rich woodwork carefully filling every inch the hallways, common areas and boutique guest rooms. Staff are attentive to your every need and all the rooms include flat-screen TVs, heated towel racks in bathrooms filled with high-end toiletries and 1,000 thread-count linens in beds you will never want to leave. If you do manage to tear yourself away from your room, the chef will be sure to reward your efforts with a full breakfast cooked to order, and free fine wine and cheese later in the night.

If you’re looking for a fairytale castle to retreat to, bring your prince charming to Britt Scripps Inn. From the welcome-chocolates on the pillow to the ‘anything you need’ 24-hour butler service, you’ll wish you could stay here happily ever after.

To learn more about how The Abbey can help make your fairytale wedding come true…contact us here for more information.

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We’re not going to lie, every bride will experience that one-month-to-go panic about their weight, the dress and how the photos are really going to look.  It makes perfect sense to be concerned, after all, it is your special day and you deserve to look perfect for it. The chances are you’ve probably already thought about a crash or fad diet, but is it really that good of an idea?

For starters, crash diets are detrimental to the condition of you skin, hair and nails on the big day. Essential vitamins come from fat which keep you glowing, so cutting these out may cause a few pounds to disappear, but you’ll also have to say goodbye to that healthy glow too.

Cutting your intake is also a bad idea. Why? Because the body has a setting we like to call ‘starvation  mode’. As soon as you limit intake to the body, it will think there is a problem and slow down the metabolism to counterbalance it. Not only will this limit fat burning, but will leave you sluggish and fatigued. Not a good idea for anyone who’s still got last minute planning to do.

Finally, denying yourself the little pleasures life allows could also add more stress to the rest of your week. While you might have the willpower to last a few days without any chocolate or alcohol, eventually any craving can make you snap, given the right amount of pressure. Instead of cutting out your favorite tastes altogether, limit them and replace them with healthier alternatives. Try a chocolate health shake or replace beer with wine.

Dieting isn’t always easy, but it is something you can achieve with a little willpower and a lot of common sense. The weight-loss equation is simple, burn more than you consume. Work in some of the exercises previously recommended in this blog for real and achievable results to get wedding day ready in a snap!

To get some healthy alternatives to traditional wedding reception fare…come over to the Abbey to ask us some questions.

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When the confetti has been swept up and the honeymoon whirlwind has past, every bride wants to be able to look back on perfect memories of her wedding day. Deborah J Shields Photography of San Diego is a top choice for happy couples who want their photographs to capture every carefully planned moment of their big day. Her cinematic style will show all your special moments with the silver-screen lining they deserve.

The Abbey Catering & Event Design chooses to work with Deborah for her professionalism and attention to detail. She has worked in the field of wedding photography for many years which will show in the perfection of her images. Evocative, romantic and treasured, any bride and groom who choose Deborah will be delighted with their photographic memories of their special day together.

Choosing a photographer for your big day is a difficult task, and you want to choose someone who leaves no margin for error while being personable and kind to work with from beginning to end. Our photographers are all exclusive, award winning photographers that we have invited on our team after years of experience with them on a contractual basis. As one of their biggest clients, we demand nothing short of perfection for our clients, and know that Deborah Shields and The Abbey will work together to ensure the memories of your perfect wedding day stay crystal clear forever.

If you would like to talk more about Deborah or any other of our preferred vendors…please get in touch with us and we can go over all the components of our All Inclusive Wedding Packages.

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It was a beautiful sunny day in La Jolla

California on May 30th when Mr. Dutton

opened the doors to his vacation rental,

over-looking the ocean and his wife

walked in to a room full of special friends

and family.  SURPRISE!!!  It was Sharon’s

50th birthday and boy was it ever a

surprise. The room was full of tears of joy

and laughter. We couldn’t find the Kleenex

box fast enough.  After everyone dried

their tears they were welcomed with trays

of champagne and beautiful golden coconut

crusted shrimp. As the sun started to set

we escorted everyone up stairs where a formal dining room was set by candle light on the deck over looking the ocean. What a

spectacular view. While the guest were enjoying their Salmon en Croute the birthday toasts began a flow of tears again. The

Duttons truly are a loving and remarkable family. With good food, a beautiful setting, wonderful people I couldn’thave picked a

better place to be then on May 30th.

Surprise parties, weddings, and anniversaries are our specialty. Contact us to find out more about the type of event we can

for your next get together.

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For Bob and Kathy, the second time around, they wanted a large family affair with a touch of style. For a majority of the guests traveling, they wanted to make it a vacation and picked the seaside village of La Jolla to do so. Exchanging vows at La Jolla Presbyterian, the couple directed guests by cute little signs down the street to the La Jolla Woman’s Club where guests were greeted by a butler and directed to the North Patio for tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and hand selected Napa wines by the groom. The groom had a fair share of input in the event, picking the black and white color scheme- which the ladies (myself, the bride and florist) complimented with bright Fushia and Lime florals. For the belly bars and cocktail tables, we chose to dress them in black and white damask linens from Best Rentals- which matched the runners on the dinner tables. While guests mingled, they enjoyed a gourmet nut and chocolate station (which stayed open all night) and a nostalgic table with an abundance of family pictures and every time I walked by, all I could hear where “oohs and aahs”, needless to say it was a hit! For dinner, guests were invited to the candle lit dining room that was filled with tall Manzanita branches and dripping with Fushia orchids and green Amaranthys, and assorted glass cylinders with submerged and floating Dendrobium orchids. After the salad course, the Event Captain-Robert Battoe invited individuals, table by table, to the Chef-presented station with a dual entree of Chianti Braised Beef Loin and Natural Chicken Breast with a fresh Gorgonzola Cream Sauce, Parmesan Risotto and Grilled Market Vegetables. To burn the dinner off, the bride and groom invited everyone to the dance floor for some tunes from the 50′s and 60′s..including classics like Frank Sinatra. After noshing on cake and enjoying the gourmet coffee station with Baileys and Grand Mariner- the guests created a a tunnel of lit sparklers as the happy couple ran through to their Bridal Suite at the La Jolla Bed and Breakfast right next door…. Perfect ending for a classy affair in La Jolla!

The Abbey Catering & Event Design would be thrilled to be able to be a part of your special day too. Contact us for more information…here.

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As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing memory loss  and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.  The Abbey Catering & Event Design are more than proud to be helping in an upcoming  event being held at the Japanese Friendship Garden on June 9th to thank all the volunteers at the  San Diego Alzheimer’s Association.  We believe strongly in giving back to the community and the valued older members of our society.  For more information on this dreaded disease and how each and everyone of can help in the fight, click here to see some newly published facts and figures.

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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.

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We were invited to participate in the Arts Alive event at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park again- which was such a pleasure for us! As soon as you entered the front doors- there were extravagant floral displays everywhere you looked. For our food station, we wanted to feature a light menu that was also entertaining….so we did our fabulous Shaken…not Stirred Salad Station. Guests were presented with our Abbey signature chopped salad with feta, organic greens, candied walnuts shaken in a large martini shaker with our Raspberry Vinaigrette by none other than our owner, Chef Zapher- who loved a chance to interact with all 600 attendees. We topped the spring salad with marinated, char-grilled natural chicken breast and herb crostini- which was a perfect compliment! For the decor, I wanted a bright, spring look – so I choose Fushia and eggplant taffeta linens from Elegant Events. On our wrought-iron martini tree, I intertwined asparagus fern and added hot pick Gerbera heads into water filled martini glasses. The whole Abbey team was there to help, including Event Sales Specialist Rob and Event Captain Linda Senescall. It was an amazing night- Sarah and the museum staff are ALWAYS a pleasure to work with! The Abbey loves SDMOA!

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For the La Jolla Bridal Show, Arturo and Nathan of Artquest Florals, designed this eye-catching decadent gold tablescape. With shades of gold and champagne (who needs more than that ladies!) and heaving beading, this tablescape got the royal treatment. To contrast the golds, Artquest created the queen of all focal points- the high centerpiece of bright shades of garden Roses, Calla Lilies, and Thaitian, Dendrobium and Cymbidium Orchids- continuing the contrast with the large white roses. Even the candle holders, crystal, charger plates and chairs were dressed for the occasion and dripping in gold. This table belonged in a ballroom of a fairytale castle, with the royal couple dancing the night away…how can we make your fairytale day happen?

Ornate gold etched stemware and gold beaded chargers added to the splendor of the table

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For 3 years, I have had the distinct

pleasure of working with one of the most

influential organizations- Equality

California. For this May Day Gala, 362

amazing supporters were treated to a

3 course dinner- including a Caprese

Stack and a Surf and Turf Entree of

Chianti Braised Superior Beef and

Sauteed Shrimp Skewers. As one of

the biggest fundraisers of the year,

this years’ silent auction included the

“Art of Equality” which featured the

art of the community.

The always fabulous Travis at the

CULY Warehouse gave us a splendid

space to work in, us to paint the

walls white to feature the art-

what venue does that?

To support the cause, I donated my

craft and made the centerpieces for

the guests tables- all 36, which were

dressed in alternating fabrics and

colors- ‘Ruby’ and ’Rust’ crushed

taffeta linens from Elegant Events who

always do an amazing job!

Preston and his team at VSP Music

provided the intricate sound and

lighting forthe event- which high-

lighted Eric McCormick making a

moving speech.

Our Abbey team does many events,

that we are all proud of, but what a

special night to be a  part of such an

important movement.

Abbey <3 Equality!

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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.

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