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  • Featured Wedding: Amy & Jeff
    Posted: February 14, 2012 at 11:36 am

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jeff knew that Amy was impossible to surprise, so he figured the only way to catch her off guard was when she was asleep. He woke Amy up to some of their favorite things, and after a few sweet moments, Jeff was on one knee. He planned a whole day of revisiting some of their favorite memories in NYC, including where they first met and where they had their first date. 

    Finding the right location for their big day came next. “After visiting multiple venues, we knew Tappan Hill was the right one for us because it had everything we were looking for – beautiful location, intimate, elegant and great food and service,” says Amy.

    The couple wanted to incorporate seasonal fall colors — like deep oranges, yellows, and greens — as well as both of their religions and cultures into their Jewish/Chinese ceremony. “We went with a soft, drapey chuppah, and as part of the ceremony, tied in many various Chinese influenced traditions and colors,” says Amy.


                   

    Amy: All the hors d’oeuvres — especially the blanketed franks

    Jeff: The Miso Glazed Red Snapper (with rice and poppy seeds), so good!

     

    “Our favorite moment was the first time we saw each other outside on the promenade where we then got married. It was really intimate and special for us,” says Amy. As for Jeff, the the most emotional moment of the whole day was when he laid eyes on his bride for the first time!

    The couple will also never forget when the lead band member asked everyone to form a circle and pulled in various people to dance. “The best part was when my brother broke down in a break dance and flipped up from the ground!” says Amy.

    “Our guests talked about how much fun they had at our wedding, and the really delicious food both at the cocktail hour and reception. And the great dancing!” says Amy. “Our wedding day was one of the best days of our lives! We couldn’t have done it without the team at Tappan Hill!”     

    floral design: Diana Gould | photography: BeCreative Photography | entertainment: Big Ric Rising of Brandywine Valley Entertainment | wedding dress: Pronovias | groom’s attire: Custom-made tuxedo | bridesmaid dresses: Melissa Sweet

  • Tools & Tips: Mac & Cheese Bites
    Posted: February 2, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Whether you’re psyched for the big game or just in it for the commercials, one thing all party goers are looking forward to this Super Bowl Sunday is the food!

    If you’re looking to jazz up your game-day menu with something other than wings and dips, Mac & Cheese Bites make for a simple but delicious appetizer.

    BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese Balls

    Special Cooking Equipment:

    Mini-muffin pan for bite-sized or regular sized muffin pan for a more hearty portions (fork required!)

    Directions:

        1.  Make a batch your favorite mac & cheese recipe (try this one out) – beat in one egg
        2.  Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray, cover base of muffin cups with a mixture of panko
             (or breadcrumbs) and your favorite  seasonings
        3.  Spoon small amount into muffin cups, sprinkle tops with panko and extra sharp cheddar
             cheese
        4.  Bake on 350 for 5-10 mins or until begins to brown & crisp
        5.  Allow to cool slightly before removing from pan
             (*Note: This recipe can be made in advance and reheated)

    Toppings:

    We serve our bites topped with a small spoonful of BBQ Chicken Confit, but other ideas of toppings include:

           • Salsa & guacamole
           • Onion dip & crispy onions
           • Tomato bruschetta, pesto & shaved Parmesan
           • Crumbled bacon, sour cream & scallions
           • Chili, Jack cheese & crumbled tortilla chips
         

  • Event Trends: Soothing Colors, “Farm to Fork” and More!
    Posted: January 26, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    We may be only a handful of weeks into 2012, but new event trends are replacing the old at a rapid rate. We’re seeing less of the illuminated bars and the industrial designs. Far fewer requests for family style dining have been heard around the company. And event-themed cocktails are few and far between.

    Take a look at the latest in the realm of event and menu planning for the new year.

     

    COLORS
    Neutral tones like earthy browns, greys, cool blues
    Accents of intense “POC” (pops of color)

    TEXTURES
    Less complexity, more soothing environments
    Metallic finishes, natural fabrics, small repeating patterns

     

     

    ETHNIC CUISINES
    Korean and Nordic dishes are the ones to watch

    LOCAL, LOCAL, LOCAL
    Mushrooms, honey, artisanal cheese
    It’s all about “farm to fork”

    DINNER BY THE BITE
    Presenting a wide variety of foods on the menu
    Greater opportunity to mingle with other guests and “graze”
    Heavy emphasis on unique individual serving vessels

    ANTIQUE EATS
    Long-standing recipes explored with pheasant, duck and venison

    PASTRIES
    Breakfast cookies, caneles, macaroons gaining traction

    HOME COOKING MAKING A COMEBACK
    Accessibility of ingredients and information

     

    ROMANCE WITH THE PAST CONTINUES
    Manhattans, old fashions, punch
    Our favorite – the Gin Gin Mule  

    IN THE SPOTLIGHT
    Herbaceous
    cocktails
    Bitters or bark/leaf infused
    Simple syrups made with pine, sage, lavender

    LIQUOR TO LOOK FOR
    Gin, aged tequila, craft beers
    Our new favorite – Titos Handmaid Vodka 

     

  • New York Botanical Garden’s Winter Wonderland Ball Enchants Manhattan’s Most Glamorous
    Posted: December 15, 2011 at 1:24 pm

     

    It was a night of whimsical settings, festive feasts and lively dancing for New York City’s elite social set over the weekend as the New York Botanical Garden hosted its 12th annual Winter Wonderland Ball on Friday.

    New York Botanical Garden Winter Wonderland Ball 2011Over 350 guests — decked in a couture dress code of “Winter White and Black” — began the annual black tie gala in the Palm Court with specialty champagne cocktails provided by Domaine de Canton and an assortment of butlered hors d’oeuvres including our Nuevo Sushi and Catsmo Smoked Salmon Crisp. And in keeping with the holiday spirit, we couldn’t help but add a little holiday flair to the presentation!

    One of the most unique aspects of the evening was the Holiday Train Show, which served as a backdrop for the cocktail hour, with more than a dozen toy locomotives zipping around and through 140 miniaturized New-York landmarks that were created from natural elements (think twigs, seeds and every type of vegetation imaginable.)

    Following the cocktail reception, guests — including Tinsley Mortimer, Nina Garcia and Charlotte Ronson — moved into a simple but elegant tent with floral event designs from Martin Jobes Designs and ambient up-lighting by Frost Lighting.

    And in keeping with the winter wonderland theme, we incorporated seasonal ingredients. Here’s a peek at the gala menu:

        

    Proceeds from the event were put towards the Garden’s Children’s Education programs that serve kids of all ages, particularly under-served children in the Bronx.

    (Photo Credit: HeyMrJason Photography)

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