throw me a SLIDER!

[photos courtesy of my friend Noel Barnhurst at Bon Appetit]

The other day I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Anderson, Events & Catering Director of the Park Cities Hilton http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DALPCHF-Hilton-Dallas-Park-Cities-Texas/index.do , for lunch. If you have not been to this jewel of the Park Cities, I highly recommend having lunch and checking it out. It is one of the most wonderful boutique hotels you will find anywhere, and a well kept secret in the DFW area!

I was not at all surprised to see Sliders on the menu. Mini burgers have officially gone the way of the cupcake: delicious, über chic and ubiquitous. Instead of the usual ground chuck on a bun, chefs inovative fillings are now delightful and decadent! I selected Chef Billy's Pot Roast Sliders, yes...they are out of this world!

"It's all about changing up what's on the inside!" says event colleague, Susan Gage in Washington. Her catering company, Susan Gage, has the most amazing Ahi Tuna Sliders, while 10tation in Toronto is using everything from meatballs to Ancho-Chocolate Duck Confit with avocado salsa on a cornbread "muffin" bun! My friends at Taste Caterers in New York City have perfected the "lobster roll slider!" ...need I say more? The sky is the limit with these gourmet creatures!

Comfort foods remain center stage this season, and the slider has a leading role! I suggest you start getting creative and then invite a group of friends to watch the Super Bowl... and all of the commercials, of course!

As always, if you need me, you can find me at http://www.featurepresentationsltd.com/ or if you are getting married, check out http://www.beautifulweddingworkshop.com/ a diyF! [do it yourself, FABULOUSLY!] workshop for brides to be!

praise song for wine

It's funny how my thoughts connect. I was watching the Inauguration coverage of our 44th President of the United States of America, when some commentator mentioned the luncheon menu, and that it would be served with California wines. My heart swelled as I had yet one more reason to be a Proud American - our World Class Wine Production!

I get a bit light headed and wax nostalgic when I think of California Wine Country. If you've been, I know you understand what I'm saying... if you haven't been, I suggest you book a trip!

The natural beauty, organic majesty, great food and wine is only one part of what makes California Wine Country so wonderful! The cool fogs, the slow ripening of the grapes, picking grapes by hand, and hand craftsmanship all play their part in shaping the people who live there, and the wines they produce.

The sum of these parts can be found at, La Crema! www.lacrema.com As a specialist in Burgundian varietals, La Crema handcrafts ultra-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as a limited amount of varietal-specific wines. I am so fond of the Pinot Noir, myself!

La Crema was founded in 1979 and quickly established itself as a pioneer for intensely flavored Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from cool climate. Continuing this tradition, La Crema pursues the ultimate expression of the Russian River Valley, Carneros and Anderson Valley by handcrafting wines of distinctive flavor which achieve elegance and balance.

Don't be intimidated by wine, or the "fancy speak" of the sommelier, and forget the notion that wine has to be very expensive or very old to be enjoyed! Most stores have someone who can guide you in your selection. If you like to find things online, I recommend you peruse Robin Garr's A-Z list at http://www.wineloverspage.com/foodwine/ or check out www.foodandwine.com for information on pairing wines, inspiration and assistance.

I'd be happy to design your event and select your wines... find me at www.featurepresentationsltd.com

"Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy!"

Benjamin Franklin

size DOES matter!

We had a blast working with our friends from http://www.arnoldworldwide.com/ this fall. Our job was to create the exciting events at Pegasus Plaza surrounding the World Record Breaking Beach Ball Bounce and Television Commercial for Carnival Cruise Lines http://www.carnival.com/! I have to say I was caught up in all the excitment, and could not wait to see this beach ball I'd heard so much about.

The entire process made me think about two very basic event elements: Scale and Focus! When you do just one thing greatly out of proportion, you are on your way to a memorable event. What am I talking about? Imagine a floral arrangement at the entrance five times the size one would normally see...? Perhaps a floor to ceiling birthday cake? Imagine the look on your guests faces when real cowboys on horses greet guests to your next Barbecue? The Scale of just one element will then become the Focus of your event, and will be the topic of conversation for weeks to come!

Enjoy planning your next event with something out of scale, or get in touch with us to take care of it for you at http://www.featurepresentationsltd.com/

"I do"...asymmetrical!

The holidays were full of clever proposals, it seems, as the calls from brides to be for HELP are coming in like never before!

So, first things first, you have to talk about a budget, and then start thinking about your dress, if you haven't already been thinking about that iconic gown for the last 15+ years.

Let's talk about one of my favorite trends for Summer/Fall 2009, the Asymmetrical Gown. It seems like all the great designers have heard my plea and answered in exquisite style as you can see in the photos above [and the fashion show links from Brides.com] Bridal Designers, Monique Lhuillier http://www.brides.com/video/?video=2942485001 , Kenneth Pool http://www.brides.com/video/?video=2942486001 and my friend, Vera Wang http://www.brides.com/video/?video=2942372001 have all made an asymmetrical statement in their Fall 2009 Collections! My brides have often heard me say that some element "is perfectly balanced in an unbalanced - asymmetrical way!" Asymmetry adds a wonderful design element, great lines, and keeps things interesting. I find these gowns playful in a very elegant way. They will, no doubt, give the brides who wear them a certain je ne sais quoi! These gowns meet tradition at the aisle, and dance eloquently with old school rules all night long. I encourage you to ask your wedding designer to select a few asymmetrical gowns for you to look at, and who knows, perhaps the gown of your dreams will have a new asymmetrical twist in this new year! Do you want me to handle everything? Send me an email jeffrey@featurepresentationsltd.com

Just a heads up, I will be the host of beautiful wedding workshops this spring, with tentative shows in Tulsa OK, Columbus OH, and Little Rock AR. More to come on this as I get additional information to pass on to you. Learn more now by checking out the website: www.beautifulweddingworkshop.com ..and let me know what you think! www.featurepresentationsltd.com is the place to go for more information on our events and happenings!