Event Kings: summer parties

Long Overdue Event Recap

4:43 PM

Ok, I admit it; we at Event Kings are NOT the best photographers. But we can produce an event like nobody's business!! Here is proof positive of both counts....

Belmont Race Track's western theme was a big hit despite the rain. As always, when there is rain the event still goes on because we bring everything inside. It really is a run day for all, especially since its free!

Western themed inflatable...yeeehaw!

Bay Shore had their annual summer fair and we were lucky enough to decorate Smokin' Al's. I think we may have been paid in ribs but it was worth it. if you are in the Bay Shore area run don't walk to Smokin' Al's. You can just follow your nose. The ribs, briskest, fried pickles (what can be better than a fried pickle???) are all amazing.

Check out this great soiree we did for a social client. Wicker furniture gave a great laid back-beachy vibe to the lounge area. This event featured the previously mentioned burger bar idea, complete with yummy toppings like guacamole, hummus, and sprouts.

Loving the burlap linens and farm bar? Thanks! So do we.The lanterns were provided by the client and they look so simple and chic.

Every now and then you have to give a shout out to the big guys...and with these guys its super easy to do! Terry and Steven Vogel are the dynamic duo behind Event Kings. They are the best of the best when it comes to event planning, producing and designing. Oh, and they are the funniest people you'll ever meet which makes working for them a hoot!

Stay tuned for more event recaps with better pictures. Summer is here which means picnic season is upon us. Event Kings will be busy beavers planning great corporate and social picnics all over Long Island!!

burger

Real Event Spotlight: Burger Bar!

3:39 PM

Nothing says BBQ like the burger and this weekend I decided to take a spin on the summer staple and make a bunch of sides for guests to build their own fabulous burger! It was a hit and everyone loved to express their culinary creativity with a combination of toppings.

Have to have lettuce and tomato and plain old buns, but feel free to get more gourmet versions like sourdough or ciabatta.

We kept the side dishes simple with some corn on the cob, pasta and potato salad.

Labels are key for avoiding "what is this?" questions. As you can see, we had caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, blue cheese sauce and garlic basil aioli. See recipe for the sauce and aioli below. One guest asked for the blue cheese sauce for Christmas so I'm thinking he liked it.

Blue Cheese Sauce
1 Shallot
2-3 tablespoons of Butter
6 Ounces blue cheese
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Pepper

Saute Shallot with couple tablespoons of butter until brown. Take off heat. Add 4-6 ounces blue cheese and mash until pasty.Add 1/4-1/2 cup heavy cream and put back on medium heat and stir until blended (don't let cream boil). Add pepper to taste.

Garlic Basil Aioli
2 Heads Garlic
1 Bunch of Basil
3/4 Cup Mayo
1 teaspoon lemon rind
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt

Roast 2 heads of garlic in skins on 400 degrees for 25 min-1/2 hour till soft.
Chop a handful of basil in the food processor until fine. Add garlic, mayo, lemon rind and squirt lemon juice in food processor and blend until smooth. Add a pinch salt.

memorial day

Welcome Summer - Memorial Day Party Ideas

1:07 PM

Summer is here, well almost. But technicality aside, get out your flip flops (maybe a pedicure first) and celebrate the beginning of summer with family and friends this memorial day weekend! (Photo courtesy of La Tartine Gourmand. Awesome blog with amazing recipes and photos) Here are few tips on how to throw i all together...

What to eat.

Leave the grilling to the men and whip up some yummy sides. Here are two cole slaw recipes that are tried and true. One supplied by the hubby and the other from my fabulous neighbor.

Asian Slaw

Ingredients

1 head green cabbage, shredded
1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon chile paste
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 carrots, shredded
1 cup bean sprouts
4 scallions, julienned on the bias
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Toss the cabbage together in a large colander and set in the sink. Sprinkle the cabbage with salt and let stand for 15 minutes. The salt draws out some of its moisture so that the slaw remains crunchy.

In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, oil, chile paste, peanut butter, and ginger. Toss together with the cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts and scallions; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Super Slaw
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic

5 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
2 large red or yellow bell peppers, cut into matchstick-size strips
2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into matchstick-size strips
8 large green onions, cut into matchstick-size strips
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Whisk first 7 ingredients in small bowl to blend. (Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before continuing.)

Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

What to drink.

Ice Tea anyone? The Long Island version has long been associated with quick inebriation but as grown ups maybe we can drink this version a bit slower.

1 part vodka

1 part 1800® Tequila

1 part rum

1 part gin

1 part triple sec

1 1/2 parts sweet and sour mix

1 splash Coca-Cola®

Mix ingredients together over ice in a glass. Pour into a shaker and give one brisk shake. Pour back into the glass and make sure there is a touch of fizz at the top. Garnish with lemon.

What to play.

I'm a big advocator of games. They break the ice and get the fun started quickly. I recently picked up my hubby's Men's Journal and it had an article "Throw a Righteous Bash." Here is what they told us to play and since I aim to be righteous, I'm gonna play it! V:King medieval block game... go figure.