NickSpace

Thanks!

2009-11-03T14:39:00.001-08:00

Thanks everyone.

It's been a pleasure working for Bella Sera and with all the great clients I've had over the years.

Looking for...

2009-09-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

I was looking through someone else's special liquor order in the back of the state store today and came across Alchemy Ginger Infused Vodka.

I've never seen this before. Has anyone else? I'm going to search for it because you can never have enough ginger flavored spirits!

More to come!

Wedding Tips

2009-09-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Check out these great wedding tips from Jason:

http://www.getmarried.com/video/index.php?id=Bella_Sera

Absolut Rock Edition

2009-08-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

The new Absolut Vodka skin will be revealed this Monday (Aug 10th).

Those on the Absolut Collector message boards believe it to be a collector's skin like masquerade and disco.

The rumor is that the unofficial launch is September and the official release will be in December.

Check out these leaked photos!

President Obama's Beer Summit

2009-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

We've been saying this for years here...beer is a legitimate drink!
Too often beer is religated to a drink exclusivly thought of as a binge drinkers choice or something to just "throw down the hatch" regardless of flavor or pairing potential.

Craft beer, especially in the United States, has really done a great job elevating the whole beverage to compete with wine as a dinner pairing option as well as a drink to savor throughout the night.

The recent "beer summit" put on by President Obama is a great example of how much beer is part of our lives in the U.S. Granted, the choices of beer that those who took part in this talk were not any afficianato's choices! Still, the fact that beer was the chosen beverage...says a lot.

Local Beer expert and blogger, Douglas Derda, talks to KDKA about the "beer summit" -

Check out their blog Should I Drink That? and his BLOG.

If you want to learn more about craft beer and beer in general, check out the Craft Beer School starting September 15 at Theater Square Cabaret. Click HERE for more information and to buy a ticket. The first is hosted by Should I Drink That and the rest are taught by Tony “The Beerman” Knipling. I've worked with Tony on a number of events and I've never met someone more passionate about beer!

Thank You Cards Are The BEST!

2009-08-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

The best type of mail that I get!

Today's Wedding

2009-08-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today is EASILY the nicest day of the week!

To celebrate Natalie and Negley's wedding (and this sunny Pittsburgh day), we're making a Mango and Mixed Berry Mojito. It's going to be a great summer drink for everyone tonight.

Here's what they layout of the facility will look like today for the reception.

Guests arrive at 5:00pm for the ceremony (which is taking place here).
The ceremony will begin at 5:30pm followed immediately by the cocktail and hors d' oeuvre hour.

The dinner is a elegant four course sit-down dinner followed by a dessert buffet (including the traditional Pittsburgh Cookie display).

We're all looking forward to another great event at Bella Sera!

Photos from July 11th

2009-07-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Check out these amazing shots from photographer Terry Clark:

Check out more of Terry's photos of the wedding!

July 11th Wedding

2009-07-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

Sasha & Giuseppe's Wedding on July 11th was really unique!

The evening started off with a signature introductory drink of a Bellini for all the guests.
There were multiple hors d' oeuvre stations with items like:
Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Plantain Chips
Shrimp Scampi
Breaded Calamari w/ a Spicy Orange Sauce
Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon Caper Remoulade

After the announcements, the four course meal started off with an insalata caprese salad.

One of the best features of the wedding was the wide variety of desserts!
Check out what we had:
Mini Cannoli Platter
Cheese Cakes w/ Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Mousse Desserts:
Strawberry Cheesecake, Mocha, and Peaches and Crème
Bite-Sized Dessert Platter:
Lemon Bars, Brownie Bites, and Strawberry Shortcake in Asian Spoons

The only way to complement such a spread was for them to add our Gourmet Cappuccino & Espresso Coffee Bar (with a GREAT assortment of cordials).

This wedding had EVERYTHING! Even a Disc Jockey who drove all the way from New York City who was singing in Italian throughout the event.

I'm going to post some amazing shots from the photographer, Terry Clark, tomorrow!
Stay tuned!

July 4th Wedding

2009-07-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

We've been really busy at Bella Sera!
19 Weddings on premise since May and MANY more to go.

Here are some pictures from our July 4th wedding. All these shots were taken by Dan Speicher.

Everyone really enjoyed the Wildberry Mojito signature drink as well as the special Red, White, and Blue Cocktails.

I wish Teressa and Kyle the very best!

Ice Capades

2009-06-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

On Adam's 14th hour of work today after 3 catering jobs, an on-premise wedding, and an on-premise class reunion...he started carving ice!

Check some of these pictures out:

The best e-mails

2009-06-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

These are always my favorite e-mails.
It's the reason we do what we do!

Mother of the Bride from 6/19/09 -

Hi Nick,
I want to let you know that I was extremely pleased with everything for the wedding. Your venue is exceptional in the attention and service you showed all of us. All the guests commented on how beautiful everything was and how fantastic the appetizers were. They were very impressed that the appetizers never ran out and the servers kept passing around the hot appetizers until it was time to sit down for dinner. I personally did not get to see much as I was busy socializing, but I know those who commented to me and they would not have said much if they were not impressed. Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. My daughter chose the best place for the wedding!!!!

Oh and by the way, my other daughter Kelly is already planning to have her reception at Bella Sera. All she needs now is a boyfriend!!

Once again, thank you for the best wedding reception my daughter could ever have had.

Sincerely,
Peggy

Pimms Cup

2009-06-22T10:44:00.001-07:00

2 Great weddings here this weekend and 3 coming up this week!

Busy, busy, Busy!

I wanted to quickly post this link for some great ideas for drinks using Pimms No. 1

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/fashion/21shake.html

Check these out...I will be!

Great Articles

2009-06-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some great beverage articles I've read that I'd like to share with you:

Craft Beer in Cans
We've used Mama's Little Yella Pils and Ten Fidy for different events here. Mama's Little Yella Pils is my favorite summer beer this year!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061600881.html

Local Produce in Cocktail Recipes
I can't stress this enough when making cocktails. Buy local and buy seasonal. Just like in the kitchen.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/food-and-wine/ci_12601727?nclick_check=1&forced=true

Sangria for the Summer
We're always making Sangria here!
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=92553168790&h=wWiub&u=kqf7y&ref=mf

Interesting Liqueurs
St Germain is one of my all time favorite creations!
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=91873211903&h=Ni8cl&u=hM2eN&ref=mf

Make Your Own Sodas
Not all great drinks have alcohol in them!
http://www.mercurynews.com/recipes/ci_12546148?nclick_check=1

I hope there's something there for everyone!

Update!

2009-06-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is probably the longest I've gone without an update to this blog. Sorry to everyone!

What I've been doing is producing some of the best weddings we've ever had at our facility.

13 Weddings have taken place here since May 9th and each has been sooo unique!

Really, no wedding has been the same...and that's great!

I've been using Domaine de Canton and St Germain for some great signature drinks.

We've had some great passed late night snack concepts (sliders, baguette pizza bites, and many more). We've had espresso stations, flambé stations, and martini bars.

It's been so much fun and we've only just started the season!

Here are some photos from Terry Clark of last Sunday's wedding:

Check out the rest of the pictures from Terry's wedding blog here: http://terryclarkweddings.blogspot.com/

Amanda & Brad - Photos by Terry Clark

2009-05-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

Everyone NEEDS to check out these shots from last night's wedding of Amanda & Brad by Terry Clark!

Some of the best shots I've ever seen of his (which are then the best shots EVER taken here).

I echo Terry's statements about this group. Such a joy to work with and almost unbelievably good natured. Their happiness just burst out of everything they did!

Terry's Blog

Give Grappa A Chance!

2009-05-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just read a great article on Grappa that I think everyone who hasn't had a great first experience with Grappa should read...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/05/25/ST2009052502158.html

The most impressive grappa presentation I've seen is at Chef Mario Batali's Carnevino in the Palazzo. They bring out a cart with a variety of Grappa from many appellations and styles (like the 12 year old oak aged choice Jason and I enjoyed).

In short, like anything...there are good and bad Grappas. The good ones though, are really worth experiencing!

Wedding Season is in Full Force!

2009-05-24T16:51:00.001-07:00

Bella Sera's Wedding Season has really begun!
We've had four weddings on premise so far this month and two more this week.

Here are photos from the last few events. (Keep in my, I shot them with my cell phone!)

Check out this amazing dinner plate from Chef Adam from last night's meal:

(Grilled Fresh Vegetables, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Beef Tenderloin w/ Port Wine Portobello Demi-Glace, and Chicken Saltimbocca)

Great simple and elegant centerpiece design.

Bill (the father of the Bride on our May 16th wedding) and I after the wedding at Jackson's.

Matt (Groom from our May 24th wedding) and I at Jackson's after the wedding.

Tonight's wedding...right now!

Grill'n and Swill'n '09 - 10th Anniversary of Greco's Gourmet Catering

2009-05-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the 10th Anniversary of Greco's Gourmet Catering as well as my Birthday!

What better way to celebrate then with an event!

Seats are still available for Grill'n and Swill'n 2009. I'll leave the menu teasing to Chef Adam's Blog...

As for the beers, check out what we have in store for you!

Intro beer - Mama's Little Yellow Pils, Oskar Blues brewery Lyons Colorado. This crisp golden brew is their version of the beer that made Europe famous.

Schell's Zommerfest, August Schell Brewery New Ulm Minnesota. Introduced on Memorial Weekend, 1998, and only available in the summer, Zommerfest is brewed in a 'Kölsch' style, which originates from Cologne, Germany.

Ben Gleason's White Ale, Wolaver's Organic Brewery Middlebury Vermont. An all organic Belgian style wheat (wit) ale. Brewed with raw wheat, barley, oats and spices.

Yards IPA, Yards Brewery Philadelphia PA. This India Pale Ale has a firm malt background & lots of hops. Brewed to pair with beef dishes.

St. Boisterious Heller Bock, Victory Brewing Downingtown PA. A very full bodied blond lager brewed with all German malts and hops, smooth and malty.

Cinco de Mayo Party w/ Tapas & Tequila

2009-04-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 5th - Cinco de Mayo Party w/ Tapas & TequilaDon’t miss our Cinco De Mayo party with a margarita, tequila and tapas fiesta, Corona beer and many fun Spanish and Mexican foods and drinks!

Come as you are and enjoy happy hour with great food, prizes and fun for all ages! We will be performing cooking demos and other fun activities throughout the evening...$35 per person

All over the Internet, Bella Sera by Greco's!

2009-04-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

We are taking the Internet by Storm! Bella Sera and Greco's have created strong followings on Facebook in recent weeks. Make sure to add us to your friends list.

Our new website design by team member Matt Gaydos is up and running!

Our cooking class website, Meet Me in the Kitchen, is going strong. Now with it's own Twitter page - http://twitter.com/MMITK

Make sure to check out Chef Adam's new blog:

Also, make sure to check out Jason's blog (where he has been posting pictures of his recent trip to Mississippi):

Check out all these pages for different aspects of what we're up to.

We're always busy coming up with new ways to innovate and impress our clients!

See you on the Internet!

Gordon Food Service Event

2009-04-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

We hosted a Gordon Food Service Showcase this afternoon.

Area chefs were able to learn new tricks while checking out the latest trends.

Chef Adam also had his birthday today and you can give him a Happy Birthday message on his new blog he started today.

You can also find out more information and pictures from today's event.

Table Design Ideas I Saw in Vegas

2009-04-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some great table designs we saw in Vegas!

Natural Pharmacy

2009-04-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

My mom sent this to me and I thought it was really amazing to think about...

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All o f the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

And here is one for the guys. Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Collecting Wine

2009-04-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Artist Series 2004

93 points / SLO / only 2,146 cases made

Rich and spicy, intense and concentrated, with full-bodied currant, cedar, blackberry and black licorice fruit that's impeccably balanced and well-structured, offering firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Excellent length.
—James Laube

Why Collect This Wine? Sometimes what's on the outside of the bottle can make a difference in a wine's collectibility (see: Mouton). The David Lance Goines designed "Naked Lady" label for the 1975 Kenwood Artist Series, which depicted a reclining nude, was met with great resistance in receiving label approval from the then-titled Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and ultimately had to be redesigned. A three-bottle lot of the 1975 original "Naked Lady" label wine last sold in November of 2008 for $536.

The 2004 label celebrates the 30th anniversary of the series and was designed by Shepard Fairey, the artist who created the now famous Obama campaign poster. The 93 point score at a release price of $70 provides an attractive buying opportunity compared to other California Cabernets and offers perhaps another piece of wine history.