Pimms Cup

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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.