Meet Janice

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19September2011

Janice has worked for Molly Pitcher Inn for almost 17 years. Outgoing and hilarious, she truly is the “Janice”-of-all-Trades when it involves the banquet department.

When she’s not working, she loves to visit her granddaughters, who live in Maryland, as much as possible. Janice has an excellent sense of humor, and loves to make other people smile. She explains,

“Some people don’t think I am as humorous as I think I am, but I do enjoy a good laugh and share that with others around me. If they don’t laugh, so be it, but if they do, I put a smile on someone’s face and maybe lightened their day. And if only for a moment, that’s a good thing.

A particularly hilarious moment at work was our first Dorchester Package. It was an adjustment to our norm. The pace was a little more that we anticipated. All was going well – everything perfect – but my timing on the Viennese was off and I was determined to make sure it went out on time (as everything else did). I flew to the kitchen and picked up the first tray of pastries – sliding into a perfect split that split my pants from knee to knee. Saving the pastries, I locked my thighs and knees together, hobbled through the room with only moving my calves and feet. There was an additional 6 or 7 trips back and forth through the dining room while there were diners in the restaurant. Needless to say, despite my incapacity to walk normal, the Viennese was opened right on time.”

When Janice isn’t busy dealing with things like hilariously unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions, she enjoys playing Sudoku, watching Hell’s Kitchen and Master Chef. Being a true blue Jersey girl, she loves Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, but says John Mellencamp and the Beatles are her favorites.

Janice tells us her favorite “Jersey Shore” (not to be confused with the popular MTV program) things to do are: laying on the beach, catching waves, walking the boardwalk to grab a hotdog & a beer, as well as some funnel cake for the ride home.  Or maybe a lemonade if you’re driving. She also thinks that there’s nothing better than sweet Jersey white corn in the summertime, or a fresh Jersey tomato on white bread with mayo (we couldn’t agree more).

The next time you’re at an event at Molly Pitcher, keep an eye out for Janice. If she’s trying to hold back laughter…there’s probably a great story behind it.

 

 

Let Allaire Take YOU There!

Posted by admin in Red Bank, The Molly Pitcher, The Oyster Point, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
19August2011

Molly Pitcher Inn and The Oyster Point Hotel would like to present a friend of ours. Punctual and professional, Allaire Transportation is our #1 preferred method of travel in the Monmouth County area. Their top-of-the-line limo services are virtually unmatched in comfort,  courtesy, and convenience. We encourage you to give them a call and take advantage of the 10% discount offered to all of our guests!

Allaire Transportation is devoted to providing first class ground transportation, featuring the ultimate in comfort, courtesy, reliability, & punctuality…100% of the time.

  • Established in 1976
  • Fleet consists of Lincoln Town “L Series” Sedans, Mercedes R350 BTC, Stretch Limousines, SUVs, Vans, Executive Vans, Mini Buses, Limo Coaches, Motor Coaches, and Hybrid Vehicles.
  • 24/7/365 on site Staff
  • Meeting & Special Event Specialist
  • Wedding Coordinator
  • Latest technology; tracks weather, FFA flight information & DriveCam Vehicle Security in all vehicles. Multiple options for making reservations, online, telephone, & fax
  • COMING IN SEPTEMBER: Complimentary use of WiFi internet & iPads

For more information:

CONTACT US: (732) 938-4700 or (800) 255-2473

www.allairetransportation.com

info@allairelimo.com

2011 Resorts Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park

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29July2011

This year marks the 44th annual race named for Armory Lawrence Haskell – the first president and chairman of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club. The Haskell is the biggest race of the summer at Monmouth Park & rumor has it Shackleford, the winner of this years Preakness, has already arrived for the occasion!

The Haskel Invitational will run this Sunday, July 31st, 2011. The gates open at 10:00 a.m. & first race will begin at 12:00 p.m. sharp.

All paid admissions will receive a commemorative Haskell Hat (while supplies last). Grandstand admission is only $5. All reserved seating tickets may be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling  (732) 571-5563 during live racing hours. (Fri-Sun 12-5pm)

For tickets, history, and more information visit monmouthpark.com.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Meet the Artists Reception: Friday, July 8th

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7July2011

Come Meet the Artists at the Opening Reception!
The Oyster Point Hotel presents: ArtVentures
Friday, July 8th 2011 at The Oyster Point Hotel 6 – 8pm

ArtVentures was founded in 2009 by a group of select, award-winning and diverse professional artists. Our distinctive creations range representational to abstract in style, and incorporate several mediums. Our work is showcased in a variety of settings, displayed by the artists – and at affordable prices.

Their brand new artwork will be showcased at

The Oyster Point Hotel 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank, NJ
July 1st until August 30th, 2011.

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to HABcore.

To view more artwork, please visit

www.artventures.us

Meet Bill

Posted by admin in Red Bank, Staff Spotlights, The Molly Pitcher, The Oyster Point, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment
30June2011

The lighting was just right. The champagne was chilled and quietly passed around the room by servers wearing white gloves. The Best Man’s toast was heartfelt, yet hysterical. There was just enough elbowroom at your seat. The filet was excellent. The bride looked like a princess, and the groom was very dapper in his neatly pressed suit. The music was wonderful, and you danced ’til your feet hurt. Maybe you had one too many and currently can’t find your shoes, but only because you were caught up in the magic of it all…

We’d like to introduce Bill. A Banquet Sales Manager with the Oyster Point Hotel for over ten years, he is no stranger to all the drama that comes with planning a wedding. Ultimately, it is his job to make sure that the things listed above are exactly what you (and all of the other guest) remember the morning after an event. Bill is responsible for the details. From the tour to the tasting, he works behind the scenes to delegate, organize, and plan everything with the catering team so precisely that each couple’s wedding day is absolutely seamless from start to finish. His objective is to make you feel comfortable with every single decision, be it finances, flowers, or frosting.

Despite all of the disorder that is expected during the summer months, Bill remains unruffled, and is an expert in passing that cool energy off to others. Maybe it’s because he enjoys the little “Jersey” things like grabbing a Cream-sicle style Italian Ice at Strollo’s Lighthouse with his twin. Maybe it’s as easy as pausing every once in a while to daydream about vacationing in the Galapagos Islands (or perhaps Tanzania?) that helps him stay composed in the pandemonium. Who knows?

Come to think of it, you should call him. He might have your shoes.

Jersey Shore Icon Contest

Posted by admin in Contests, Events, Red Bank, The Molly Pitcher, The Oyster Point | Leave a comment
16June2011

The Icon to the left is one we’ve been seeing an awful lot of around Monmouth and Ocean Counties lately!

The Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau has set up locations all over the county for contestants to text in the unique code at each different location, or e-mail a photo of the icon as proof that contestants have seen it. Easy enough, right? The contestant who submits ALL of the locations first, or who submits the most locations by September 30th, wins!

Here’s a hint: We know where 2 of them are   :)

Get your cameras out! Aside from the Grand Prize of a 7 day 6 night stay for 4 within Monmouth and Ocean Counties (including transportation, entertainment, and 2 meals per day) there will be weekly, random prize drawings for fun prizes such as tickets to amusement parks, boardwalk activities, and local festival entries. All of the prizes are offered by the contests sponsors and members, so you know they’ll be great!

If you have mobile device capabilities, all you have to do to enter the contest is text in the codes at each location. Data and messaging rates may apply. If you are unable to use the mobile feature you can enter by e-mailing jerseyshorecvbmarketing@gmail.com your name, address, and phone number (which doubles as your account number, so no fakes please!!).  Each time you happen upon a participating location, write down the text code, and e-mail the address given above along with your phone number. For more information and official rules, click on the Jersey Shore Icon on the left hand side at www.visitthejerseyshore.com.

GOOD LUCK!

Have you heard?

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10June2011

What are these tremendous tunes of traveling troubadours? Sweet symphonies of strolling minstrels? Streetlife has invaded Red Bank! Every Saturday evening from 6pm until 9pm the sounds of local artists can be heard throughout the town. The Dublin House, Surf Taco, Jonathan Salon, RB Chocolate Shoppe, Teak, and Danny’s Steak House are all hosting small concerts in June.

Here’s a look at the line up:

Saturday, June 11th

  • Dan & Riley @ Surf Taco
  • Swampgrass Jug Band @ Dublin House
  • Noah Rauchwerk @ Teak
  • Heart of NJ Chorus will be all over town
  • The Angel Tones @ Danny’s Grill & Wine Bar

Saturday, June 18th

  • Avery Manderville @ Surftaco
  • The Wag @ Dublin House
  • we are. @ Jonathan Salon
  • James Dunigan @ RB Chocolate Shoppe
  • Astronaut Jones @ Danny’s Grill & Wine Bar
  • Saturday, June 25th
  • Men in Gray Suits @ Surf Taco
  • Clan Suibhne @ Dublin House
  • Standard Jazz Duet @ Jonathan Salon
  • Jeanne Westendorf @ Teak
  • Kati Beddow Brower @ Danny’s Grill & Wine Bar

Speaking of Saturday’s, Barbara Rose will be tickling the ivories every week at the Oyster Point’s Pearl Lounge from 7pm on.

…And don’t forget:

LunchMusic in Riverside Gardens Park is a series of lunchtime concerts every Wednesday from 12pm – 2 pm throughout the month of June. Bring your brown bag and relax on your break while listening to the Cool Blues Duo, Tor Miller Band, and Sibling Rivalry. Forgot your lunch? You can also loosen up a little with John Nies Power Center’s East West CHI-Camp Class and Dancing Foot Yoga’s free hour long classes. LunchMusic is a wonderful way to just plain chill out during the warm (and busy!) weeks of June. We hope to see you there!

June begins a Jersey Fresh Summer

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2June2011

The aroma of fresh fruits and vegetables, bakeries, and newly cut flowers, are something that simply cannot be ignored on a sunny, summer, Sunday morning in New Jersey. It is the start of the season for brightly colored produce. Just baked, crusty breads can be found effortlessly around every corner. The ambiance of a gathering like this is a friendly one, where the same familiar faces can be seen each week with different groceries to sell, ripe for the occasion. The Galleria Red Bank Farmers Market is in full swing.

New Jersey Summers seem to be synonymous with plump, beefsteak tomatoes, and August’s sweet corn, but there is so much more to be taken in as of late. The Farmers Market scene in Monmouth County is growing exponentially.

Thursday through Sunday there are four different markets to be visited at the Shore alone. Red Bank boasts the Galleria’s Market Sundays in May until Mid-November. The Highlands hosts their Market on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues each Saturday from the end of June until the start of November. The West End of Long Branch’s version takes place on the corner of Brighton and Kossick Ave. on Thursdays, and Fireman’s Park in Asbury is lined with kiosks every Saturday beginning June 18th until the end of October.

The key to getting the most out of your local market is to know which produce is at the peak of its season. Chef Bill and Chef Chris of Molly Pitcher Inn and The Oyster Point Hotel are no strangers to this concept. They know that the freshness of the ingredient will ultimately determine the quality of a dish. It is then the chef’s job to bring the ingredients together in a way that they will enhance and compliment each other.

June is best for greens like lettuce, Swiss chard, kale, Brussels sprouts, peas, scallions, and broccoli. Strawberries, rhubarb, and spinach are also harvested in June. Garlic is prime in July just like summer squash, apples, cucumbers, cherries, celery, and romaine lettuce. August brings famous Jersey sweet corn, raspberries, plums, cauliflower, blueberries, hot and sweet peppers, and eggplant. Root vegetables like turnips, and beets can flourish towards the end of August into early September. Fall crops like squash, beans, and pumpkins are best in mid-September. Herbs and flowers, tomatoes, most onions, and radishes are likely to peak throughout the summer months from June into September. Market vendors are knowledgeable and usually happy to answer any questions you have about their specific produce.

For more information on where you can find a New Jersey Farmers Market nearest you, visit www.nj.gov/jerseyfresh/searches/urban.htm

For more information on the Markets mentioned here, check out:

www.TheGalleriaRedBank.com for Red Bank (under Events)

www.highlandsnj.com for the Highlands (on the right hand side)

www.restaurantpassion.com for Long Branch

www.cityofasburypark.com for Asbury Park

When it comes to summer, there’s nothing like a good backyard BBQ with fresh ingredients. When it comes to the community, there’s nothing like the feeling of giving back by supporting local businesses. They truly appreciate seeing new faces every week. So, help us spread the word!!

Bravo and Comcast are bringing Top Chef to the neighborhood!

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23May2011

May 26th fans of Bravo’s hit show Top Chef will be able to watch and connect as two of their favorites compete head to head in a cook-off at Marine Park! Red Bank is just one of the 20-city stops on Top Chef: The Tour. This flavorful fourth annual tour will bring Top Chef to a new level of fan interaction with a meet and greet, food samplings, gourmet cooking tips, and the chance to participate in a variety of Top Chef activities. Season 6 All Star Jennifer Carroll and Season 7 Winner Kevin Sbraga will compete to see whose palatable perfection comes to fruition first!

For those of you not familiar with the premise of the show, Top Chef “offers a fascinating window into the competitive, pressure-filled environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. The series features aspiring chefs who compete for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title of Top Chef.” (c/o Bravotv.com)

The chefs compete weekly in “Quick Fire Challenges” which consist of prickly-paired ingredients the judges select for the contestants to test their epicurean skills – to be prepared in 30 minutes or less. The outcome of which can be a sear-ious determining factor at the judge’s table. During the feared “Elimination Challenge”, the chefs can be asked to do just about anything, such as creating their dish, to actually peddling their product to the public to prove their worthiness of the revered title of Top Chef. The panel of judges, includes Host Padma Lakshmi, Chef Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, as well an assortment of weekly guest judges who truly seem to surprise fans every episode with their caustic decisions.

Marine Park is firing up the grill on Thursday, May 26th: 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m – 1 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

What we really want to know is…will you be there to watch one of your Top Cheftestants get flambéed on May 26th?

Spring and Summer Wedding Tips

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13May2011

Choosing Your Wedding Color Scheme

There is one magical sentence that almost every bride says when she walks into our showroom, “I want my wedding to be unique!” What makes a wedding unique? It is a combination of many different aspects, but primarily it’s the theme of a wedding and color scheme. The colors you choose for your wedding set the style and atmosphere for the entire event and reflect your personality. Coordinating your theme with the location of the event will help save you money, a theme that works against the location, might entail a hefty décor budget. In other words – transforming a Victorian Manor into a modern Manhattan style lounge can get quite costly.

The color trends change every season. This spring and summer colors are turquoise, coral, black & white, yellow, fuchsia, deep red chartreuse, slate gray, purple and latte. However, this is just a guideline. If you want the guests to remember your wedding as truly unique, use your own favorite colors, and create a memorable design, as Preston Bailey says “It’s all about design!”

There are three easy ways to create a color scheme for your event.

A color wheel consists of three primary colors: red, blue and yellow, plus a blend of in-between colors. Here is how it works; you can choose any one of the three options:

  • “Complementary” colors – these are opposite each other on the wheel, such as red and green.
  • “Analogous” – the colors lie next to each other on the wheel, such as red, red-orange, and orange.
  • “Monochromatic” means variations of the same tone, such as bright red, dark red, etc.

 

1.      Color Palette GeneratorTool

Color Palette Generator Tool – This fun tool allows you to upload your favorite photo and generate an instant color palette. You can then print and select your favorite colors from the chart.

 

1.      Pantone Wedding Design & Inspiration Board

The easiest way to design a color scheme is to create your own inspiration boards. One of my favorite websites for inspiration boards is http://www.dessy.com. Not only does this site help with color coordination but also covers every phase of the entire wedding planning process. Click on http://www.dessy.com/pantone/gallery and browse thru their inspiration boards, then create your own. Finding your favorite bridesmaid’s dress and creating your own floral inspiration board around it has never been easier. Choose from hundreds of dress colors and styles, then match flowers to them right from their website, or upload your own favorites.

Here is a sample of an inspiration board.

 

Now that we covered the basics of how to create your very own color scheme, it’s time to start thinking about the theme, design and production of your event.

Overview, Tips & Trends of the Season

Bouquets

  • Wedding bouquets need to complement the wedding dress, not overpower it!

Modern-vintage would probably be the right term to best describe today’s bouquet trends – a touch of classic combined with a modern color palette.

 

  • Majority of wedding bouquets are hand-tied, “a just-picked, loose, garden look” has replaced the more tightly-bound bouquets of recent years.

 

Ceremony

Don’t be afraid to implement silk flowers. They look so real and are weather tolerant! For half an hour beach or garden ceremony, renting silk flowers will save you a lot of money!

 

 

Reception

Gone are the days where all the centerpieces had to be the same. Now, the tablescapes can vary and it is OK to even have 3-4 different arrangements in the same room as long as they all work together. Choosing the right linens and up-lighting will make your reception pop; use of different textures in flowers will add depth to the arrangements.

 

Kristina Valdmaa
Flowerful Events
Full Service Event Design & Production Firm
www.flowerfulevents.com
tel. 800.640.1930

 

Have Fun.