Old Friend, New Venue

Wednesday afternoon, Laura, Amy and I had the pleasure of visiting our fantastic friend Michael Deltette at his new home away from home, the contemporary, sophisticated Park Hyatt. After just over a week on property as Director of Catering, Michael seemed comfortable and excited as he showed us some of the hotel's little know spaces, including a mezzanine level PERFECT for a fun family style rehearsal dinner, and told us about the exciting renovations and upgrades coming to the hotel in 2011.



We had a fantastic lunch at the Blue Duck Tavern where renowned chef Brian McBride concentrates on farm to table service. Everything is organic and one of Laura's favorite features of the menu is that it tells you where in the country everything you will order has come from. It's amazing to think the same preparation we had for our lunch for 4 is what each and every meal produced for an event guest has. Brian personally takes care of every detail in the kitchen.


One of the bonuses of using the Park Hyatt's ballroom space is that the whole floor is yours for the evening. No competing with other receptions going on in the hotel or other rowdy party guests. (Just your own!)


So, if you're around the West End part of town, stop in to the Park Hyatt, check out the stylish reception space, stop into the Blue Duck Tavern for the apple pie and home made ice cream--my favorite!-- and say hello Michael!


Sara

Fluffy Thoughts {Grand Opening!}

Last night, we were lucky enough to join Lara Stuckey of Fluffy Thoughts for the grand opening of her new store in McLean, Virginia. Her new shop is so chic and stylish and is chock full of amazing things to eat. We got to see her sister, the fabulous Carine of Carine's Bridal Atelier, and lots of other wedding industry friends so it was a fun evening!

We have long been fans of Lara's amazing wedding cakes and now she offers cupcakes, coffee and other sweet treats out of her store. Now we can get our fix anytime!



I love her carrot cake and vanilla/vanilla and my husband raved about her chocolate cake. The fun thing about Lara's wedding cake tastings are that she lets couples design their own flavor combinations of cake and fillings. You'd be surprised at what fun creations our couples have come up with: white chocolate cake with blackberry and green tea fillings, chocolate cake with passion fruit, and banana cake with peanut butter and chocolate!

Not only are her cakes delicious but they are works of art. Lara is such a talented artist and every cake is more amazing than the next!



So if you're in the area, be sure to stop by and visit Lara and her talented team at 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean Virginia. But if you want a wedding cake consultation, be sure to call ahead and make an appointment: 703.942.5538. Now I think I'm going to go find that cupcake I saved from last night!