Carpe Diem

If you ever have the chance to fall in love, carpe diem! If you have the chance to marry your best friend, carpe diem! If you know what you want, really really know, then carpe diem and go after it!

And if you ever have the opportunity to go to Ojai Valley Inn and Spa then seize that day and GO! It is just gorgeous. The hills, the landscaping, the rooms, the golf course, the pools, the dining areas... I could go on and on.

Now if you are invited to a wedding, I say carpe diem! Many men I know say they are boring or that they find it an obligation. Excuse me? Gorgeous grounds or banquet halls, food, wine, dancing, conversation, music...... Weddings are FUN! I love them. And if you happen to have a wedding to go to at the Ojai Valley Inn--GO! You might just find yourself eating some delectable courses. The menu options are astounding. Such as:

Appetizer
Ahi Tempura, Nori Wrapped Ahi Tuna,
Jumbo Asparagus and Hijiki Seaweed Salad
with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Mustard

Salad
Champagne Poached Pear and California Goat CheeseSalad
on a bed of Butter Lettuce and Arugula, with Candied Pecans
and Fried Beets, with a Dijon Vinaigrette

Entrée of Duet of Grilled Marinated Tenderloin of Beef and Roasted Lobster
Applewood Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Paired iwth Maine Lobster
Basisl Essence Potatoes and Truffle Butter

Wedding cake of course ensued. I am sorry but I forgot to get a picture of the whole cake. It had layers of white cake with a chocolate mousse-like filling and vanilla creme frosting. Good coffee, champagne and wine were flowing liberally!

I do have to that the ahi appetizer was my favorite. A true work of art... It was amazing. There were four of those round tempura pieces on the plate. It was filling in and of itself yet somehow I wish I had had the idea to steal my neighbors who seemed to busy to eat anything. The thought.....

The salad was clean and flavourful and just the right mixture of texture and flavor.

The main course sounded and looked so impressive and really had nice flavors but the beef and lobster were a little over-done in my opinion. It is pretty hard to serve a crowd that size (around 150) and have everything come out perfectly.

The whole evening was one of beauty and class though. The centerpieces were the largest I had ever seen in my life. The music was a mix of classic and fun. And staying at the resort for 2 whole glorious days... Priceless!

Congratulations to Natalie and Cassidy. May you live a long, full and loving life together.