The Social Butterflies: New Twist to Birthday Entertainment

Determining a theme or style of an adult birthday party is the easy part, but figuring out what to do entertainment wise that is unique and different is another story. Such was the case for Tim's 50th Birthday Bash given by his wife Shari. Shari had the theme colors she wanted - black and copper - check! We decided to go with an outdoor themed event around her pool - check! Why not do all black leather furniture for the guests instead of tables - check! But what are we going to do for entertainment? The ideas that were tossed around were the following: band - no, too cliche'; casino (great idea, but Tim didn't want one); no crazy girls popping out of cakes (to risque!); why not make the local celebrity Chef Wally Joe the entertainment! Tim loves his food and what better way to represent Tim's birthday than to have his favorite chef not only caterer the food for the event but also provide his guests with a culinary expericence. BIG CHECK! It was decided to make Chef Wally Joe the entertainment by having him give an interactive presentation of the food that was to be served. Each course that came out would be described and then passed amongst the guests.

The menu included: Roasted Baby Beets, Frisee, Spiced Wlanuts, Goat Cheese & Black Garlic Vinaigrette (on Forks); Berber Spiced Tomato "Tartar" on Chickpea Panisse with Baby Arugula & Cilantro Yogurt; Scallop Ceviche with Heirloom Tomato Taboleh (in Chinese Spoon); Butter Pached Lobster, Vanilla Lobster Roe Vinaigrette & Avocado Custard (Served in Egg with Demitasse Spoon); Duck Pistachio Terrine, Pickld White Cherries & Candied Fennel on Grilled Sourdoug Bread; Potatoe Croquant stuffed with Oxtail, Bone Marrow & Cantal Cheese (served in Potato "tube"); Seared Mishima Beef with Aro Dolce Wild Mushrooms on Farro Flatbread; Thyme Roasted Colorado Lamb, Wrapped Red Mustard Sprouts, Peppers, Olives & Benton Bacon-Anchovy Dressing (Bamboo skewered through middle); last but not least the ACTION STATION: Cherries Jubilee - Kirchwasser, Cherries, Oranges, Vanilla Ice Cream & Vanilla Financier Cake! Tim didn't want a traditional cake and since this was a culinary entertainment event - why not give him a flaming dessert instead!

The night was a success on all accounts - Shari who loves decor got her black leather furniture and flowers and Tim got an awesome dinner with a twist - an interactive culinary delight!