Archive for the ‘Appetizer/Wine Pairing/Cocktail Parties’ Category

Mama’s Day, 2010

San Diego’s most popular culinary and social event is a major source of funding for Mama’s Kitchen, the only organization that prepares and delivers three meals a day, seven days a week at no cost to San Diegans affected by critical illnesses such as AIDS or cancer. With the hard work of hundreds of volunteers, Mama’s Kitchen is able to achieve its mission every day because of the generous support of the community.

Dining Details supports Mama’s Day by providing the food in the VIP section of the event. This year we showcased Rosemary Lavender Lamb with Pistachio Mint Yogurt, Roasted Eggplant Bruschetta on Toastettes with Tapenade and Ricotta, and Flatbread Pizzettes with Arugula Pistachio Pesto, Fig, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese.

A special thanks to Sharon, of Organic Elements, for helping us make our table look gorgeous!

View the slideshow here…http://www.mamaskitchen.org/events/mamasday.php

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Betty Ann’s Big 50th Birthday Dinner Party

With her intense passion for fine food and taste for eccentric cuisine, Betty Ann was led to Dining Details to help her create her best birthday dinner ever.
She rented a beach house on Neptune Ave in Encinitas, and invited her 18 best friends from around the country. She worked intently on her menu selections with Chef Julie for several months, and had the wines paired perfectly by her expert sommelier friends.
Chef PJ turned out to be an ideal match for what Betty Ann was looking for- the food exceeded her wildest dreams and expectations. She loved having her friends oohing and awing over the flavors and artistry all night. the black cod was the best thing anyone had ever tasted (thanks to Tommy @ Catalina Offshore Products/ @fishforsale)
Here are the photos, see menu below.

To see all the photos from the evening, see our facebook fan page photos
http://www.facebook.com/diningdetails?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=195239&id=56812467462
The menu was:

Cocktail Hour Hors ‘D ‘Hoerves
Chorizo and Roasted Chicken Empanadas with Olives and Raisins, Paprika Aoli

Plated Appetizer
Braised Short Rib Bite with Rutabaga Puree and Spanish Rojo Reduction, Stilton and Glazed Heirloom Carrots

Salad
Fennel dusted Diver Scallop with Grapefruit Vinaigrette Mâché Salad with Avocado and Fresh Citrus and Asparagus

Entree
Seared Black Cod in Harissa Broth, Warm Jicama and Watermelon Radish Relish with Micro Cilantro

Dessert
Dulce de Leche Filled Chocolate Lava Cakes with White Chocolate Mousse and Fresh Berries

Happy Birthday, Betty Ann!

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“Romancing the Kitchen” Fundraiser for Mama’s Kitchen, 2010

“Romancing the Kitchen” was our second annual dining experience we hosted with Mama’s Kitchen.
The purpose of this event is to bring new people and potential donors into the space of Mama’s Kitchen to meet the faces and learn about the mission. Dining Details and a host of other wonderful vendors transform the industrial, raw warehouse and kitchen into an elegant dining room. We give a “sneak peak” of the actual harshness and primitive state of the kitchen by covering only half of the surroundings.
Dining Details provides the food and demonstrations. This year, our focus was on aphrodisiacs, or foods of love in folklore. Each course was filled with aphrodisiacs, and we discussed why each ingredient was considered as such. The guests really seemed to get a kick out of the topic of discussion.
We teamed up with Amber Regan, of Torrey Wines, who led the wine pairing and education, as well as secured the generous wine donations. Other gracious hosts included Jess and John Gillon of Events by Design, who managed the event set up, operations, lighting and sound. Concepts Event Design did the gorgeous linens, chairs, draping, and lighting. Dawn with Embellishmint really wowed the guests with her AMAZING centerpieces. The food was donated by Specialty Produce, Catalina Offshore Products, and Brandt Beef.  Thank goodness for TK&A providing all of our dinnerware and service- they carried out our food perfectly with style and grace! The musical entertainment was David Patrone, the most charismatic crooner in San Diego, see him at Prohibition every weekend for a real treat! David Wasserman provided his orgasmic coffee to follow suit with the aphrodisiac theme, giving a great end to the evening. While the entire night was captured by the amazing photography work of Sean Capshaw of Resolusean. .
It was a very successful evening- not only did we raise about $14,000, but we introduced a lot of great new people to the organization. We are confident that many of them continue to support Mama’s throughout the year, after such a warm and tasty welcome!
The menu was this…
Passed Apps
Blini with Artichoke Mousse and Smoked Salmon, Chives, Lemon Zest, Caper Vinaigrette
Strawberry Confetti with Basil, Brie, Balsamic Reduction on Herb Toasts

Fortunato Sparkling Wine

Amuse Bouche
Lobster Bruschetta with Caviar on Chinese Spoons over Rosemary Sea Salt

“X” Chardonnay, Carneros

Salad

Grilled Asparagus Salad with Roasted Fennel, Citrus Mustard Vinaigrette, Shaved Pecorino

Bliss Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino

Entree

Filet Medallion with Ancho Chile Chocolate Fig Glaze, Shrimp Skewer with Caramelized Leeks and Black Truffle Butter, Sunchoke Parsnip Puree

i
Brutocoa Merlot, Mendocino
ii
Cana Proprietarty Estate Red Blend, Contra Costa

Dessert

Butterscotch Pot De Creme with Gingered Cream and Chocolate Dipped Toffee

Brutocoa Port
A few photos from the evening…. (more will be posted on our fan page and flicker site, shortly!) BIG THANKS to Sean Capshaw for the incredible shots.

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A Well Traveled Wine Pairing!

A night of perfectly paired cheeses with voluptuous and energetic wines. Chef Robbie provided the food, John the Wine Heretic brought the show!

The Well Traveled Gourmet Presents:
A Wine and Cheese Pairing
Menu Prepared Especially for Bret Cleveland, Morgan Stanley and Guests
NV Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs Sparkling

Gruyere Gougeres

Cave-Aged Gruyere, EMMI (Gruyere, Switzerland)
Firm cheese made from raw cow’s milk.  This cheese is aged for at least 1 year in underground sandstone caves.  It has a
smooth texture and is slightly aromatic with a robust, assertive flavor.  Pairs well with big and fruity reds.

2007 Domaine Gros Hautes Cotes de Nuits Bourgogne Blanc

Roasted Pear Tartlettes with Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Brillant Savarin

Brillat Savarin, (Normandy, France)
Soft cheese made from cow’s milk.  This is a very rich triple-cream.  The aroma is lactic, with a whiff of mushrooms.  The
cheese has a fine-grained, rich pâte and is mild and slightly acidic.  Excellent with a rose or a fruity red, as well as
Champagne.

2007 Babcock Grande Cuvee Pinot Noir

Prosciutto Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Shropshire Blue

Shropshire Blue, Long Clawson Dairy (England)
Firm blue cheese made from cow’s milk.  This is essentially an orange-colored Stilton style cheese.  Annatto produces the
orange color and penicillium roquefortii the veining.  It has a creamy texture and medium-blue flavor.

2007 Two Hands Angels Share Shiraz

Spanish Chorizo and Olive Variety

Hooligan, Elizabeth MacAllister of Cato Corner Farm (Colchester, CT)
Semi-soft cheese made from raw cow’s milk.  This washed-rind cheese has a soft, creamy interior and a gorgeous orange rind.
The wheels are bathed twice a week in brine to encourage the growth of pungent, surface-ripening bacteria during the
minimum 60-day aging period that goes on in the farm’s underground caves.  Each wheel is made by hand; the milk comes
from a herd of 40 Jersey and Brown Swiss cows which are allowed to graze freely.

Served with Assorted Artisan Crackers, Gourmet Breads, Nut Variety

For more pictures Visit our Flickr Site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30698433@N02/sets/72157622545549083/

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Demian’s 40th Birthday Bash in Encinitas

Turning the big 4-0 is a reason to celebrate… and CELEBRATE they DID!!!

The host wrote…
“We thought you did an AMAZING job! The food and the service was outstanding, everyone was really impressed. We had so many compliments -it was incredible. We had so much fun and having you there was such a treat; I would love to use you again sometime. Thank you for setting up the left-overs in the kitchen, everyone sat around until 2a.m. munching:) ”

The host was quite a party decorator- it made our job easy!

The menu…
“Welcome Cocktail” 6:30- Mojito

“Gourmet”- Dining Details Signature Artisanal Cheese and Tapas Spread


“Chillin’ Out”
Caprese Skewers with Baby Heirlooms, Fresh Mozzarella, Micro Basil, Truffle Oil Drizzle
Smoked Salmon Bar with Blinis, Bagel Chips, Sliced Red Onion, Dill Creme Fraiche
Sliced Seared Filet on Toasts with Brie & Gorgonzola, Horseradish Cream

“Grillin’ Out”
Grilled Prawn with Chipotle Mango Marinade, Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Pesto
Mini Kobe Style Beef Burgers on Fresh Baked Poppyseed Buns with Gorgonzola Port Demi & Wild Mushrooms
Tandoori Chicken Skewers, Mango Ginger Chutney
Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Drizzle over Arugula with Fog Lights Cheese
Grilled Mixed Veggies Platter

“Passed Out”
Crab Cakes with Coconut Chili Sauce
Smoked Chicken Quesadillas with Avocado Crema
Truffled Wild Mushroom Tartlettes with Ramps, Herbs, and Goat Cheese

“Sweet”
8:30
Dulce De Leche Marscapone Cheesecakes with Ginger Bread Crust and Pecan Brittle
Toasted Coconut Cupcakes with Kaffir Lime Frosting
Mixed Fruit Garnishes

Cake- German Chocolate, from “Cake”
Coffee Bar

The evening was complete with a great mix of music by one of our favorite DJs, DJ Rooster…

Who had the party ROCKIN’ and everyone shakin’ it into the wee hours!

It was a GREAT party!

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Estate Wedding’s Balinese House Grand Opening

Dining Details could not be more honored to have been added to the very exclusive vendor list of Estate Weddings. We had the opportunity to get some of our summer favorites into the hands and mouths of some of our favorite vendors and coordinators, and to meet a host of new friends! Our set up was bright and summery, showcasing locally grown corn, watermelon, peaches, tomatoes, and more.

THe menu included:
…Watermelon, grilled prosciutto, mozzarella sticks with balsamic gastrique and micro mint

…Summer bruschetta with grilled corn, peaches, heirloom tomatoes, opal basil on goat cheese toasts

…Peach Chipotle Prawns with Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Pesto

….Sweet Corn Soup with Truffle Oil Drizzle and Chives

… And (not pictured), Lavender Lamb Pops with Pistachio Mint Yogurt, which had everyone smiling!

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Party in La Costa; Couples Bridal Shower

Memorial Day weekend, a gorgeous afternoon on the golf course at La Costa. A million hors’d'hoerves to satisfy 52 hungry guests…

The menu;
Passed Hors’D’Hoerves
Mash Potato Martinis with Lamb Chop, Braised Cherry Merlot Sauce
Mini Burgers- some with cheddar cheese, all with Chipotle Thousand Island Style Sauce
Coconut Shrimp with Honey Dijon Cilantro Vinaigrette
Crispy Spring Rolls
Smoked Chicken Quesadillas with Avocado Crema
Duck Wontons with Lemongrass and Thai Purple Basil

Dinner Station
Penne with Italian Sausage and Portabello Mushrooms in Red Sauce
Mixed Greens Salad with Strawberries, Spiced Pistachios, Fog Lights Cheese, Champagne Vinaigrette

Dessert
Bananas Fosters in Mini Waffle Bowls
Lemon tarts
Cupcakes, provided by CAKE

Smoked Chicken Quesadillas

Smoked Chicken Quesadillas


"Lamb Martini"
Duck Wontons with Lemongrass and Thai Basil

Duck Wontons with Lemongrass and Thai Basil


PJ workin' the barbie

PJ workin' the barbie


Future's so bright... gotta wear BIG shades

Future's so bright... gotta wear BIG shades


A little nervous before getting completely MALLED by the guests for those LAMB MARTINIS!!!

A little nervous before getting completely MALLED by the guests for those LAMB MARTINIS!!!


And of course, in case the hors'd'hoerves weren't enough... there is always the pasta bar!

And of course, in case the hors'd'hoerves weren't enough... there is always the pasta bar!


Strawberry Endive Salad

Strawberry Endive Salad


One of the MANY desserts of the evening...

One of the MANY desserts of the evening...

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Bloomingdales Pre-Wedding Wedding Party

Bloomingdales Registry Department hosted a pre-wedding wedding party for brides-to-be to come learn about products from product reps. One vendor from each category was selected to showcase at the event, and Dining Details was lucky to be selected as the caterer for the event.

The menu was:
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Seared Filet, Port Peppercorn Demi, and Crispy Fried Leeks on Chinese Spoons
Asparagus Soup with Meyer Lemon Truffle Oil, Dungeness Crab, and Purple Basil Flowers
Ahi Tartare in Avocado Tomato Ponzu on Wonton Crisps with Edamame Hummus and Tobiko Caviar
Roasted Pear, Sour Cherry, Gorgonzola, Walnut Tartlettes with Prosciutto and Fresh Thyme

Everyone seemed to really enjoy the tastes… and at some points in the evening, we could not get the food out fast enough! We were 5 deep at the kitchen counter… passing through the store was impossible. Some shoppers who serendipitously ended up at the event parked themselves at the belly up tables to enjoy dinner!
Here are some photos from the event;

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Voices for Children/CASA Fundraiser in Rancho Santa Fe

Wining, Dining, and Fundraising was the purpose of this event at a beautifully remodeled home on La Bajada. The party was the kitchen’s “coming out” party, said Steve, the host.
The menu was:

Passed Hors d’Oeuvres
Grilled Prawn with Chipotle Peach Sauce, Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Pesto
Pancetta, Roasted Pear, Caramelized Onion, Gorgonzola stuffed Filo Bites

Stationary Hors d’Oeuvres and Wine Pairings
Champage or Sauvignon Blanc
Creamy Spring Pea and Watercress Soup with Dungeness Crab in Demitasse Cups
Pinot Noir
Wild Mushroom and Leek Risotto on Chinese Spoons
Cabernet Sauvignon
Skewer of Pepper Crusted Grilled Filet Mignon with Port Peppercorn Demi
Zinfandel
Mini Bittersweet Chocolate Cakes with Fresh Berries

A lot of true foodies showed up for the event, and recognized and appreciated the quality of the food presented. We LOVE it when that happens! Dining Details definitely made some fans on this one!

Emulating the famous Chez Panise Style Asparagus

Emulating the famous Chez Panise Style Asparagus


Ready for Cocktail Hour

Ready for Cocktail Hour


Fresh Pea and Watercress Soup with Dungeness Crab and Creme Fraiche

Fresh Pea and Watercress Soup with Dungeness Crab and Creme Fraiche


Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Essence

Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Essence


Peppery Filet Bites with Port Peppercorn Demi- MMMMM

Peppery Filet Bites with Port Peppercorn Demi- MMMMM


Hovering over the soups... some guests just couldn't get enough!!

Hovering over the soups... some guests just couldn't get enough!!

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Traveler’s Aid Springtime Soiree

Chefs PJ, Julie, and Natalie whipped up a delicious spring-inspired line-up of appetizers for the Traveler’s Aid Fundraiser, Spring Soiree.
The event, which hosted about 80 guests, was held at a volunteer’s home in Rancho Santa Fe. The guests were invited to wine, dine, and view a series of demos in the estate kitchen. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to taste, watch, and ask questions while the chefs demo’ed the appetizers.

Spicy Crab Cakes

Spicy Crab Cakes

Dining Details' Hostess with the Most-ess!

Dining Details

Ahi Tartare

Ahi Tartare

Green Papaya Salad Spring Rolls

Green Papaya Salad Spring Rolls

Lamb Kabobs with Rhubarb Currant Chutney

Lamb Kabobs with Rhubarb Currant Chutney

Garnishing with Melon Mint Salsa

Garnishing with Melon Mint Salsa

Cheers to the Chefs!

Cheers to the Chefs!

PJ demo-ing the Spring Rolls

PJ demo-ing the Spring Rolls

PJ flambe-ing the pineapple

PJ flambe-ing the pineapple

A captive audience!

A captive audience!

Voila! Crab Cakes all dressed up and at their best

Demo-ing how to wrap a Thai Papaya roll

The menu…
Hors d’oeuvres

Sliced Filet on Sourdough Toastettes with Brie, Roquefort, and Port Peppercorn Demi Glace

Spicy Crab Cakes with Mint Melon Relish

Crisp Taro Chip with Fresh Chevre, Figs, and Truffle Drizzle

Ahi Tartare with Tomato Avocado Ponzu and Edamame Hummus over Wonton Crisps

Tomato and Prosciutto Caprese Sliders with Basil Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella

Grilled Lamb Kabobs with Rhubarb and Currant Chutney

Thai Papaya and Cucumber Salad Rolls with Sweet Chile Peanut Sauce

Desserts

Mini Almond Cakes with Roasted Pineapple, Bourbon, and Vanilla Cream

Ghirardelli Chocolate Lava Cakes with Kahlua Centers and Fresh Berries

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