The Mutiny Hotel and the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove have just launched a symbiotic relationship that is beneficial to both entities. The Mutiny has plenty of rooms but not enough conference space to entice out-of-town corporate business. The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, located next door has the space, but nowhere to hold a wedding ceremony. So when a wedding is planned the reception is held at the Mutiny’s Tropical waterfall pool area and then guests walk next door for the reception. And when the mutiny has a corporate meeting, guests walk next door to its conference space. It has worked out well for both facilities.
Tanya Aldana, Marketing and Event Coordinator at the Mutiny Hotel says, “This relationship is an advantage for us since we can now accommodate larger groups and out of town corporate business since we offer conference space, Bill’s catering for their receptions, as well as rooms.”
Sara Tuttle, who held her wedding there, also has nothing but positive things to say about the arrangement. She says, “It was perfect. My guests stayed at the Mutiny so they didn’t have to drive anywhere. The ceremony was held poolside at the Mutiny and then we walked next door to the Woman’s Club for the reception. I got all positive feedback about my wedding.”
Bill says, “It has been fabulous for us when we hold weddings since the area in the Mutiny is so beautiful and convenient. And in these hard economic times, we have to form partnerships that make it easy for our clients.”
Your “Fan”
Winston the Picky Peacock of Villa Woodbine
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
A Sigh of Relief
May 21 2011 -- I spent most of the day getting my bird house in order, getting ready for the end of the world at 6 PM tonight.. It was quiet around here today, with lots of activities planned for next week (I’m hopeful that aging preacher was wrong), and into the month of June….Bill says June will be a record month for his business…..Good for him…I hope he remembers me with fabulous tenderloin for dinner…medium rare…just the way I like it.
Bill and Terry attended the Marlins game tonight…they love the Beach Boys who performed after the game……Earlier in the week Bill was awarded Volunteer of the Year Award by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurism. This group helps high school and some middle school studies develop an idea, passion, interest or hobby into a business plan. Students then compete at the school level, then at the regional level at UM and finally at the national finals in New York. Bill has helped Jessica Cervantes, the 2008 national winner bring her Popsy Cakes to market. Check them out at www.popsycakes.com
I’ve overhead Bills’ staff talk about the celebrities they’ve catered for over the years….and this year’s lineup includes Fat Joe, Foreigner, Queen Latifah, and Miami's very own Pitbull. In spite of the celebrity lineup, I know that Bill and his team treat everyone as a celebrity…even me!
Have a great weekend…. LET'S GO HEAT!
-Winston the Picky Peacock of Villa Woodbine
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Party Crasher Everyone Wants At Their Party
COCONUT GROVE, FL—May 18, 2011—Party crashers are not welcome at events of any kind. But at Villa Woodbine, there is one that everyone hopes will show up at their party. It’s Winston the Peacock who lives at Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove. When he arrives and spreads his feathers he outdoes everyone in the room. (No designer gown holds a candle to his splendor.)
Through the years he has dined on some of the best food catered by Bill Hansen, the exclusive caterer at the facility, and met some interesting people. In a way, he has become a mascot of Villa Woodbine, says Hansen. “Of all the caterers in town, I am thrilled that he chose me”, says Hansen.
To show his appreciation Hansen brought in two pea hens for Winston but so far he hasn’t shown any interest in any of them. Maybe it’s because they are not pretty enough for him. However time will tell. After all you can’t tell a book by its colorful feathers.
FYI: How Winston got his name. It came from my landlord’s client, Crystal Caron who was married at Villa Woodbine 14 months ago on New Year’s Day. She loved fine jewelry from Harry Winston…..hence the name.
Through the years he has dined on some of the best food catered by Bill Hansen, the exclusive caterer at the facility, and met some interesting people. In a way, he has become a mascot of Villa Woodbine, says Hansen. “Of all the caterers in town, I am thrilled that he chose me”, says Hansen.
To show his appreciation Hansen brought in two pea hens for Winston but so far he hasn’t shown any interest in any of them. Maybe it’s because they are not pretty enough for him. However time will tell. After all you can’t tell a book by its colorful feathers.
FYI: How Winston got his name. It came from my landlord’s client, Crystal Caron who was married at Villa Woodbine 14 months ago on New Year’s Day. She loved fine jewelry from Harry Winston…..hence the name.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Where is Winston's Invitation??
Once again, Winston, Villa Woodbine's picky peacock, was seen rummaging through Bill's mail here at Villa Woodbine, finding nothing but bills, bills, and more bills. There was an issue of Catersource Magazine in the mix, but that's not what he was looking for. He was searching for Melissa's wedding invitation...the sweet bride-to-be whom he met a few months back. She planned on having her wedding ceremony underneath his oak tree in the up and coming month. He thought for sure she would invite him... Maybe the invitation was lost...was it addressed properly? Perhaps she needed some help? Thinking this was the case, he quickly scratched down a few invitation writing tips he once saw in a back issue of The Knot...
Wedding invitations (besides providing the basic who, where, and when) offer guests a sneak peek at what's to come. Make that vision something truly special to behold. Give this precious piece of paper your all!
When to Order
Aim to order your invitations when your wedding guest list is final (about three to four months before). How do you reach that point? Follow this game plan: Dream up your design concept about seven or eight months before, start to scout out stationers at the six-month mark, and nail down specifics during all subsequent visits.
Do Overcompensate
Don't order the exact number of invites you'll need -- get twenty or thirty extra. Or a better rule of thumb: get 25-percent extra. It's better to have leftovers than to have to reorder more later, which can get pricey. Also order extra envelopes to leave room for addressing errors. (If you're hiring a calligrapher, he or she may request a certain percentage of extras.) Note that you'll send one invitation per household (not per guest), but a child over eighteen living at home gets his or her own.
All in One
Think of your invitation as a tote-it-with-you tool for guests. So you'll want to provide them with the information they'll need. Translation: names of wedding hosts/sponsors (usually parents), names of bride and groom, day of the week, date, time, address of the ceremony and/or reception, and RSVP info (unless you're including response cards). A few words about enclosures: You're not expected to nclude any, though response cards tend to save trouble and map cards are an ultra-considerate touch. You have your pick of response cards, menu cards, reception cards, map cards (with directions), rain cards, and pew cards. Choose only what makes sense.
Go Formal
It is customary in a formal wedding invitation to spell out everything, including the date and time of the wedding. For example, the invite should read Five o'clock in the evening not 5:00 p.m.
Also, lightly mark (in pencil!) a number on an upper corner on the back of each response card. Keep a numbered list with corresponding names. When you can't read someone's handwriting, you can use your code to uncover the mystery attendee.
Considering Costs
Prices depend on the kind of invites you choose, where you order them, the ink, the typeface, the printing process, and, of course, how many you need. You'll spend anywhere from $1 to $50 (seriously). If you're hiring a calligrapher to handle envelope addressing, response cards, and more, account for that extra cost in your invitations budget.
Cutting Costs
Keep it simple. Top-of-the-line papers, color ink, and custom designing will jack up the price. So will decorative envelope linings and multiple enclosures. Try using response postcards instead of cards and mini-addressed envelopes, or set up a toll-free number for guests to call. If you're concerned about postage, stay away from oversize or bulky styles. Paper boutiques have beautiful wares, but working with a mainstream house or mail-order outlet will save you cash.
Be Careful, Not Carefree
Be sure to inquire about written errors. If your calligrapher/printer spells your Aunt Millie's name with a "y," will you have to pay for the correction or are re-dos done free of charge?
Get Proof
Give your calligrapher/printer a typed address list (handwritten lists, even if legible, may introduce errors). And be sure to check your list twice and make sure that someone else familiar with the names takes a careful look as well. Just before your invitations go to print, the stationer/designer should forward you a proof of the actual version for review. Sometimes you'll receive a copy via fax, where you'll check the text for spelling errors and confirm the accuracy of date, time, and other pertinent information. Sometimes you'll receive a true-to-life template where you'll be able to check colors, graphics alignment, resolution, etc. As you carefully review, double-check the date, just to be on the safe side! Always have a bridesmaid, mom, or someone else with hawk eyes take a look, too.
Team Work
When you order your invitations, see if you can take the envelopes home immediately -- or at least request that they be delivered ASAP if you're having a return address printed on them -- so that you can start addressing these (or having a calligrapher do so) while the invites are at the printer.
Keep it Neat
Ask the post office to hand cancel each one of your delicately crafted invites to keep it in tip-top shape. Running them through a stamping machine may cause smears or crinkle your design.
Scaled Down
Go to the post office and weigh a complete invitation so you know exactly how much postage to put on each one; your mailing costs might be relatively high if you have lots of inserts. Having your invites returned for insufficient postage can throw your wedding planning schedule for quite a loop!
Get Personal
Looking for "Love" stamps for your invites? Or perhaps the perfect beach scene for your seaside celebration. Don't waste time running from post office to post office. Just visit the U.S. Post Office online and browse through their entire inventory of stamps.
Saying Thanks!
Keep in mind that the thank-you note project begins way back when you gather your guests' names and addresses to send the invitations. Do yourself a big favor: Save that list! When you start opening presents, record each gift next to the giver's name and address.
When to Order
Aim to order your invitations when your wedding guest list is final (about three to four months before). How do you reach that point? Follow this game plan: Dream up your design concept about seven or eight months before, start to scout out stationers at the six-month mark, and nail down specifics during all subsequent visits.
Do Overcompensate
Don't order the exact number of invites you'll need -- get twenty or thirty extra. Or a better rule of thumb: get 25-percent extra. It's better to have leftovers than to have to reorder more later, which can get pricey. Also order extra envelopes to leave room for addressing errors. (If you're hiring a calligrapher, he or she may request a certain percentage of extras.) Note that you'll send one invitation per household (not per guest), but a child over eighteen living at home gets his or her own.
All in One
Think of your invitation as a tote-it-with-you tool for guests. So you'll want to provide them with the information they'll need. Translation: names of wedding hosts/sponsors (usually parents), names of bride and groom, day of the week, date, time, address of the ceremony and/or reception, and RSVP info (unless you're including response cards). A few words about enclosures: You're not expected to nclude any, though response cards tend to save trouble and map cards are an ultra-considerate touch. You have your pick of response cards, menu cards, reception cards, map cards (with directions), rain cards, and pew cards. Choose only what makes sense.
Go Formal
It is customary in a formal wedding invitation to spell out everything, including the date and time of the wedding. For example, the invite should read Five o'clock in the evening not 5:00 p.m.
Also, lightly mark (in pencil!) a number on an upper corner on the back of each response card. Keep a numbered list with corresponding names. When you can't read someone's handwriting, you can use your code to uncover the mystery attendee.
Considering Costs
Prices depend on the kind of invites you choose, where you order them, the ink, the typeface, the printing process, and, of course, how many you need. You'll spend anywhere from $1 to $50 (seriously). If you're hiring a calligrapher to handle envelope addressing, response cards, and more, account for that extra cost in your invitations budget.
Cutting Costs
Keep it simple. Top-of-the-line papers, color ink, and custom designing will jack up the price. So will decorative envelope linings and multiple enclosures. Try using response postcards instead of cards and mini-addressed envelopes, or set up a toll-free number for guests to call. If you're concerned about postage, stay away from oversize or bulky styles. Paper boutiques have beautiful wares, but working with a mainstream house or mail-order outlet will save you cash.
Be Careful, Not Carefree
Be sure to inquire about written errors. If your calligrapher/printer spells your Aunt Millie's name with a "y," will you have to pay for the correction or are re-dos done free of charge?
Get Proof
Give your calligrapher/printer a typed address list (handwritten lists, even if legible, may introduce errors). And be sure to check your list twice and make sure that someone else familiar with the names takes a careful look as well. Just before your invitations go to print, the stationer/designer should forward you a proof of the actual version for review. Sometimes you'll receive a copy via fax, where you'll check the text for spelling errors and confirm the accuracy of date, time, and other pertinent information. Sometimes you'll receive a true-to-life template where you'll be able to check colors, graphics alignment, resolution, etc. As you carefully review, double-check the date, just to be on the safe side! Always have a bridesmaid, mom, or someone else with hawk eyes take a look, too.
Team Work
When you order your invitations, see if you can take the envelopes home immediately -- or at least request that they be delivered ASAP if you're having a return address printed on them -- so that you can start addressing these (or having a calligrapher do so) while the invites are at the printer.
Keep it Neat
Ask the post office to hand cancel each one of your delicately crafted invites to keep it in tip-top shape. Running them through a stamping machine may cause smears or crinkle your design.
Scaled Down
Go to the post office and weigh a complete invitation so you know exactly how much postage to put on each one; your mailing costs might be relatively high if you have lots of inserts. Having your invites returned for insufficient postage can throw your wedding planning schedule for quite a loop!
Get Personal
Looking for "Love" stamps for your invites? Or perhaps the perfect beach scene for your seaside celebration. Don't waste time running from post office to post office. Just visit the U.S. Post Office online and browse through their entire inventory of stamps.
Saying Thanks!
Keep in mind that the thank-you note project begins way back when you gather your guests' names and addresses to send the invitations. Do yourself a big favor: Save that list! When you start opening presents, record each gift next to the giver's name and address.
The Name Change
Don't forget -- you're not married yet! Save your new monogram for the thank-you cards and opt for your initials (full initials or intertwining first letters, for example) for the invites.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
Ready to send? If you're having a destination wedding or marrying over the holidays, send out invites early (10 to 12 weeks before the wedding). For local affairs, the standard time frame is six to eight weeks before.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Winston Returns for Rave Reviews
I know this is late, but Bill and his team have been very frustrated this past week with limited Internet
and e-mail service. Three AT&T technicians have yet to solve the issue. It looks like it’s time for Comcast at Villa Woodbine!!!!
I came back from London to learn that our April 23rd bride, Erika, loved her wedding and gave us all 10’s for Bill’s work…she loved it. By the way, Bill keeps a running average of all reviews from his clients and he’s currently at 9.6 out of 10, and trending upwards.
Bill calls this customer-focused management….he puts the customer first. He trains his own staff, many who are students and former students of his at Florida International University. Even Executive Consulting Chef Tim Andriola was a grad student of Bill’s at FIU. Bill only hires and trains those who will be 100% focused on guest satisfaction.
Sorry, but need to keep this short! Another AT&T tech just pulled up the driveway for another attempt to repair the DSL…ouch, he just ran over one of my feathers….shame on you, phone guy…
Regards, Winston
and e-mail service. Three AT&T technicians have yet to solve the issue. It looks like it’s time for Comcast at Villa Woodbine!!!!
I came back from London to learn that our April 23rd bride, Erika, loved her wedding and gave us all 10’s for Bill’s work…she loved it. By the way, Bill keeps a running average of all reviews from his clients and he’s currently at 9.6 out of 10, and trending upwards.
Bill calls this customer-focused management….he puts the customer first. He trains his own staff, many who are students and former students of his at Florida International University. Even Executive Consulting Chef Tim Andriola was a grad student of Bill’s at FIU. Bill only hires and trains those who will be 100% focused on guest satisfaction.
Sorry, but need to keep this short! Another AT&T tech just pulled up the driveway for another attempt to repair the DSL…ouch, he just ran over one of my feathers….shame on you, phone guy…
Regards, Winston
Friday, May 6, 2011
Winston Plans the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner - Part 2
Greetings from Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove! I've received lots of letters asking more about rehearsal dinners. I've seen and learned much from being perched high above in my oak tree. Here are some answers to the more commonly asked questions regarding rehearsal dinners....
What happens at a rehearsal dinner?
What happens at a rehearsal dinner?
Along with eating, of course, the bride and groom offer up thanks and toast their families and the wedding party. There are often many other informal toasts. Sometimes this toasting becomes a roasting of the bride and groom – but it's all in good fun. You may also plan ice-breaking games or other activities including poker, pool, darts, a short funny home-movie, or backyard games. If you're not having a bridesmaid's luncheon, this is also an appropriate time to give bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts.
How do I invite my guests?
How do I invite my guests?
Typically, printed invitations are sent a few days after you send the wedding invitation. These don't need to be elegant and expensive – the easiest thing to do is to get the templates to print on your home computer.
Do I have to invite out-of-town guests?
Once upon a time, a rehearsal dinner was only for the wedding party and the immediate family of the bride and groom. Now, wedding magazines will tell you that you have to invite all of the out-of-town guests. Here's my opinion: it is a nice gesture, so that you don't leave them at loose ends in a strange town the night before the wedding. However, if you don't invite them, you can include a list of restaurants or things to do in the area on your wedding website. Also, you can hold the rehearsal dinner on the early side, and then include a note in your invitations saying "If you're in town the night before the wedding, we'd love to see you! We'll be at the East Side Pub after 9 pm – please join us if you can make it." A nice touch is to get the bar to provide pub snacks and appetizers to your guests, which will still be less expensive than providing them dinner.
What if I can't afford a rehearsal dinner?
First, reexamine your expectations – it doesn't have to be some grand formal thing at a restaurant or catering hall. Some of the best rehearsal dinners I've seen are relaxed backyard barbecues which allow people to really get to know each other. Set up volleyball net or get a game of touch football going. It can even be a potluck. But do have one – it's your opportunity to thank all the people who made your wedding day possible.
Feathers and Fanfare,
Winston
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Winston Returns from William and Kate's Royal Wedding With A Surprise Recipe
What a flight!! Battling those head winds across the Atlantic was rough, and boy I’m glad to be back home with Bill at Villa Woodbine. My wings are “fried”, but I can’t wait to get back to work, helping Bill and his business grow. On Saturday we have a huge wedding at Villa Woodbine with hip-hop star Fat Joe making a guest appearance...along with a surprise birthday party on Miami Beach...and another wedding down the street at the Coconut Grove Woman’s Club!! I just hung out all night long in my oak tree until the guests left and it was safe to come down at dinner time They had my favorite at Villa Woodbine, the Sliced Tenderloin of Beef.
Friday morning in London, my heart fluttered as I watched William and Kate share their kiss on Buckingham’s balcony and later on my stomach growled as I snuck into the Royal Bakeshop to sneak a peek at Prince William’s Biscuit Cake to be served at the wedding reception. And guess what? I found a copy of the cake recipe outside in the garbage!! I guess they forgot to shred it up, too much commotion I guess….so here it is:
For the cake
1 box graham crackers
¼ c. raisins
¼ c. nuts, chopped
5 oz. dark chocolate
5 oz. milk chocolate
1 stick butter, room temp.
1 14-oz. can condensed milk
1 box graham crackers
¼ c. raisins
¼ c. nuts, chopped
5 oz. dark chocolate
5 oz. milk chocolate
1 stick butter, room temp.
1 14-oz. can condensed milk
For the topping
5 oz. dark chocolate
1 tsp. milk
5 oz. dark chocolate
1 tsp. milk
1. In a large metal bowl, crumble graham crackers into bite-size pieces. Add raisins and nuts.
2. In a saucepan, melt chocolates, butter, and milk. Stir frequently so chocolate doesn’t burn.
3. Add melted mixture to crackers and stir until dispersed.
4. Line an 11-by-7-inch pan with waxed paper. Pour mixture into pan; spread evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
5. For the topping, combine ingredients in a saucepan; stir until melted.
6. Remove cake from fridge and cover with topping. Cut into squares and serve.
Enjoy the cake and think of me and all the work I went through to get it for you. By the way, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. I’ll be celebrating with my mother Paulina the Peahen at the Charles Deering Estate where Bill Hansen Catering will be serving Brunch on the Bay. We hope to see you there...
Cheerio!
Winston the Picky Peacock
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