Thursday, July 23, 2015

Details, Shmetails; what makes an unforgettable event?





Executing an unforgettable event is a beautiful thing.  To see each tiny detail fuse with one another to create the bigger picture is supremely satisfying!  That's what gets our blood flowing here at Highgrove.  Each week the managers meet to discuss, dissect, and plan each and every final detail for the upcoming weekend's events.  Then, we do it again the next week to analyze the execution of all those little details.  Why?  So that nothing falls through the cracks!  We've put together just a few of the key components that, over time, we've found to play a huge part in your event.

PEOPLE MATTER

Your event is extremely personal for you and us at Highgrove.  How is it personal for us?  I'll explain.  In order for us to give you the dream-come-true event you're looking for, we have to be bought into your vision.  We have to adopt and understand your ideas, goals, personality and everything in between.  That makes it personal for us.  And in order for us to carry that personal touch all the way through we must have the right people on our team.  Notice I used the word team. Our staff members are the driving force behind your event.  Not just a rotation of servers, bartenders, and dishwashers, our staff come in each week and are bought into your vision as well.  When you're bought in, it's easy to go the extra step; to carry an umbrella overhead for a guest who needs to walk across the patio in the rain, to write down step by step driving directions for an out-of-towner, to feel a sense of satisfaction when the guest is pleased. The right people are crucial for an unforgettable event!

WAIT, WHAT TIME IS IT?

Your guests are getting bored, hungry and hot. We watch the clock all night so that you don't have to.  Too much or too little time spent on one particular part has the potential to throw the whole dynamic off balance.  Too much time on dinner can make your guests bored, too much time dancing and partying can minimize the reason you're there in the first place.  A lull in between cocktail hour and introductions can leave that awkward time where your guests are wondering what's going on?  

LAY OFF!  I'M STARVING!

Everyone loves food.  Plain and simple. The awesome Chris Farley SNL quote above says it perfectly-people get "hangry!"  Handcrafted food made with lots of love is perfect cure.  Chances are, your friends and family have traveled from near and far to celebrate with you and what better way to do it than with fresh, delicious, fun cuisine! 

Don't miss out.  Details are huge.  They work together to create an experience and as we like to say at Highrove, it's the little things that count the most!

 

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Fresh, Fun, Summer Salsas from Chef Vicky





Salsas are great introductions to a meal as well as the flavor and color “pop” for a main dish. You don’t even need to turn on your stove – a big plus for summer-time recipes. 


Peach Pomegranate Salsa Recipe

THIS IS A QUICK AND EASY RECIPE. NOT MUCH TO SAY OTHER THAN IT IS THE PRETTIEST, MOST REFRESHING SALSA TO MAKE IT TO THE PARTY.


Blanche and peel the peaches 


Toss the crisp diced peaches and crunchy pomegranate seeds with some simple add ins and a simple vinegar and you are golden.

prep time: 10 minutes
yield: 3 cups

2 CUPS FIRM PEACHES, DICED
½ CUP POMEGRANATE SEEDS
¼ JALEPENO PEPPER, MINCED
¼ RED ONION, DICED FINE
¼ CUP CILANTRO, ROUGHLY CHOPPED
¼ CUP FRESH MINT, ROUGHLY CHOPPED
¼ CUP SEASONED RICE VINEGAR
1 TEASPOON SRIRACHA
1  TABLESPOON HONEY
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE


Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl, toss to mix well, taste and season if needed. Enjoy with tortilla chips, black bean or sweet potato chips, or top fish, chicken, pork, or turkey burgers off the grill for a tropical and fresh summer meal.