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Category Archives: New Orleans Holiday Event Planning

An Around the World Rehearsal Dinner

The bride and groom were huge travelers before they fell in love with one another.  Their romance grew as they exchanged stories of each other’s adventures.  Therefore it seemed fitting that as soon as they were married they would set off on yet another jet setting memory.

The night before the wedding the groom’s parents hosted the rehearsal dinner in their home.  It was a lovely affair! The home was easy to work with as we incorporated it all into the dinner theme and event décor.

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The meal itself was quite a journey as each course held true to the couple’s desire to travel.  Take a look at the menu:

Around the World Passed Hors d’oeuvres

Crabcakes; Crabmeat Ravigote

Sherried Mushroom Duxelles with Chèvre; Brioche Toast

Medjool Dates, Smoked Bacon; Marcona, Valdeon

Grilled Pork Satays, Butternut Squash; Crisped Sage

Local

The Bleu

apples, cashews, red onion

France

Crab Meat & Brie Gnocchi

shaved parmesan; truffle oil

Italy

12- Hour Braised Beef Short Rib “Osso Buco”

forestiere sauce, polenta; cippolini onions; sweet corn muffin

USA

Mile High Pie

chocolate pie crust, layered ice creams; (peppermint,chocolate, vanilla)  meringue

The night concluded with toasts congratulating the soon to be married couple.  We were so lucky to be apart of such a memorable night!

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-Bridgette

A Holiday River Front Wedding!

It doesn’t ever snow in Louisiana, right? Well this is what most brides think as they plan an outdoor wedding in December down south! But… mother nature doesn’t always stick to her typical plans. So when snow falls and temperatures drop.. we rent heaters!

During the first week of December I had the pleasure of working with an amazing bride who selected a back drop of stunning cypress trees, the Tchefuncte River and a gorgeous plantation style home. Guests sipped on sparkling wines and nibbled on items such as pates, gnocchi and perfectly cooked beef tenderloin as a jazz trio played familiar tunes.

Colors and flowers held a classic holiday theme while having a touch of bridal bliss.  Many congrats to the new couple as they begin their lives together!

It was the perfect backyard reception!

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I’ll let you in on a secret…

Thanksgiving is next week and I’m sure you’re still scrambling for the perfect recipes to please each and every family member. Have no fear… The Dakota Restaurant’s crab and brie soup will be a crowd pleaser for all ages! The crab and brie soup has been a signature item since we opened our doors over 19 years ago!  Enjoy!
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DAKOTA’S LUMP CRABMEAT AND BRIE SOUP

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Louisiana blue crabs

2 ounces olive oil

2 medium yellow onions (chopped)

1 medium carrot (chopped)

3 ribs celery (chopped)

1 pod fresh garlic (chopped)

2 each Bay leaves

1/4 cup Brandy

1 cup white wine

2 quarts water

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 quart heavy whipping cream

8 ounces Brie cheese

1 tsp. white pepper

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. salt

1/2 lb. Louisiana jumbo lump crabmeat (picked from shell)

Using a meat mallet or hammer, crack open blue crab shells until meat is exposed. In a 1 gallon stock pot, heat olive oil, add cracked crabs and saute for 5 minutes. Add chopped vegetables and bay leaves, continue to saute for an additional 5 minutes. Add brandy, white wine and water, bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 30 minutes. Using a skimmer, remove crabs and vegetables from stock. In a separate small saute skillet, melt butter, add flour and blend with a wire whisk until smooth and creamy, simmer over low heat for one minute. Add flour and butter mixture to stock using a wire whisk until all the roux is dissolved. Add heavy cream and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove outside rind from Brie and discard, cut Brie into 1 inch cubes, add to stock while constantly stirring until all the cheese is completely dissolved. Season soup with salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Strain soup through a fine strainer, add jumbo lump crabmeat and serve. Yields 3 quarts.

And of course, you can add additional flavor with a few shakes of TABASCO brand Pepper Sauce!

Best wishes to your  family during this holiday season!

-Bridgette

Everything that sparkles is CARTIER!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to work with Sak’s 5th Avenue New Orleans in a fabulous collection expo celebrating 100 years of Cartier.

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The event emphasized the glamour of Cartier men and women through the precious jewels, customized champagne, models and of course my favorite: food.  The event’s theme was ‘games’ and was topped off with Cartier pages greeting guests, beautiful low profile flower arrangements by Perfect Presentations of New Orleans and an overall elegant ambiance.

ml_image.1245461Get your mouth water by taking a look at a few of the items guests snacked on:

Lobster Rillete… Lobster, Cauliflower Puree, Caviar; Potato Gaufrette

Fromage Grill… Fontina, Brie, Bleu, Pepperjelly; Brioche

Beef Tenderloin Frico… Beef Tenderloin, Lemon-Aioli, Arugula Pesto; Parmesan Frico

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A big thanks to my new friends at Sak’s for asking me to be apart of this great affair!

-Bridgette

It’s that time of year!

As the fall weather tells us to all pull out our chilly weather clothes it’s also a reminder that holiday season will be here before we know it!  Whether you are looking for a small gathering in your office or an over the top to-do at a local venue let me assist!

Our three restaurants allow us to have flexibility in cuisine selection, budget and style.  We truly can work with anyone.

This year I want you to enjoy your company or personal party… Let me do the work!

-Bridgette

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