Friday, September 26, 2008

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.

15 comments:

Sherry said...

I love weddings! Thanks for sharing.
I posted again on the Olive post about our plans while in CA.

That Girl said...

I love going to weddings in beautiful places I might not otherwise visit.

Peter M said...

That's a fantastic menu and just from tallying up the dishes...not cheap either!

All the best to your BFF!

RecipeGirl said...

Looks like it was a fun, fun time! Great place for a wedding.

Lori Lynn said...

Oh how fabulous! That is a magical place. Did you see the pink moment?
I was thinking oh, my fav is that ahi roll, and then I read on, and yours too. Best wishes to your friends.

Nicole said...

Sherry- I love weddings too. I wrote back to you on the Olive post. I will drop a line on your site.

Kate- Yes. Any good excuse to see a new and beautiful spot!

Peter- I know! We were trying to figure out the cost of the wedding. Including how many rooms the bride's mother purchased for the wedding party etc... She never EVER cuts corners and spends sooooo much money. Good thing she makes a lot.

Lori- It is a gorgeous place for a wedding ... if you have the money to do it.

Lori Lynn- It is fabulous and magical. I felt so good and relaxed all weekend. Of course it was my first time without the kids for more than an evening or unless working. I missed the pink moment... We were so busy watching the ceremony. It was beautiful.

Sherry said...

Nicole, Yep, that's the place. At 4:00 on Friday. We're hoping to get there, but of course will not be sure until that day. Do you want to leave me your e-mail at my site so we can figure out a way to get in touch? I know about naptimes - my second, Miss E, was not in to them at all and it almost killed me!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Wow, Now thats a wedding!!! I can just imagine the $$$$$$!!!

Darius T. Williams said...

That menu! Freaking awesome...bacon wrapped anything is great!

-DTW
www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

Robin said...

What a wedding! Wow! Hey I mentioned you in my blog today. I catered a gig last Sat and made your Le Grand Aioli, Wonderful! Thanks for the inspiration, everyone loved it all, so fresh and colorful as well as healthy and delicious! Thanks Thanks Thanks!

Nicole said...

Sherry- I left a comment on your most recent post!

Marie- We were trying to tally the numbers... and wondering. It may be close to 6 figures! It wouldn't surprise me.

Darius- Yeah! Like Emeril says: "It's a pork fat thing..." So good.

Robin- Yeah! I am so excited you made it and that you all liked it. I am going to check out your blog now.

Erin said...

I agree, weddings are so fun! I love getting dressed up, hearing cute toasts, eating good food, the whole event. Looks like this was an exceptionally nice wedding, and a fun getaway, too!

Jared said...

Looks like some good eating there!

Laura in Paris said...

What a feast!

Nicole said...

Jared and Laura- It WAS sooooo good! A total feast. I don't get this kind of fine dining much since the kids were born.