The Baptism

Don Corleone would have been right at home in this wonderfully lavish and highly detailed celebration titled, “The Baptism”! The Betty Reckas Cultural Center was transformed into setting befitting the infamous Godfather. Each and every element of the party was perfectly orchestrated to instill the theme and transport the guests into a set worthy of a box office film.

The outdoor courtyard was set up with an old world feel with dark wood tables, stools and bars.

The cocktail reception started out with “The Nosh” station which included a cheese and olive display of baked brie en croute, aged parmesan, greek feta and herbed goat cheese served with Athenian marinated olives and crackers. Homemade hummus and Babaganoush was served with fresh pita bread. In addition guests delighted in Marinated Grilled Octopus and Marinated Baby Lamb Chops.

As guest enjoyed the cocktails and appetizers, there was no shortage of fun to be had with entertainment and games for old and young alike.

The entertainment coordinator kept the kids enthralled with a balloon twister, Lego Station provided by Play Party, hula hoops and games of all kinds.

The back patio was transformed into a Cigar Lounge with real cigar rolling by Lovo Cigars and premium Whiskey and Scotch Bar.

The Foyer was transformed into a retro Las Vegas style lobby with neon signs, marquees and Rat Pack Props. The interior dining room was old and old school set up with long tables in rows and VIP booths in the back of the room for the “Family and Clergy” in true Godfather fashion. The set up which framed the stage allowed for optimum viewing of the dinner show which was enjoyed as dinner was served.

The lighting was vintage style and we created custom GOBO’s of the Old Sands Hotel “S” on each side of the stage with the help of OC Audio Visual Solutions.

The table design with the help of BTB Event Productions was kept simple with small floral arrangements and little lampshades. Servers also preset the tables with old school bread baskets and relish trays to keep the retro Italian mood and to compliment the throwback surf and turf meal.

1^ST COURSE

BABY ICEBERG WEDGE SALAD

Topped with Campari Tomatoes, Finely Diced Red Onion, Bacon Crumbles, Blue Cheese Crumbles Finished with “The Old Man’s Roquefort Dressing

Served with

RUSTIC ARTISINAL BREADS & BREAD STICKS

Butter

ENTREE

PEPPERCORN CRUSTED NEW YORK STRIP STEAK

10oz Served with Brandied Shallot Sauce

&

6oz LOBSTER TAIL

MINI TWICE BAKED POTATO

With Gorgonzola & Chive

&

VEGETABLE BUNDLE TIE WITH A CHINESE LONG BEAN

Green Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Red Bell Pepper, Asparagus, Haricot Verts

The fabulous dining entertainment included live vintage and retro music from The Rat Pack and Mark and The Martinis along with a Robert DeNiro impersonator at the MC.

Not to be outdone was the dessert!

DESSERT

LEMON & BLUEBERRY MERINGUE COCKTAIL

Mini Meringue Layered with Homemade Pound Cake, Lemon Curd,

Fresh Blue Berries and Fresh Whipped Cream

Served in a Cosmo Glass

A special thanks to Elise Souza for her amazing photography!