Vendor Spotlight: Absolutely Delicious Catering

Since opening their doors in 2000, Absolutely Delicious Catering (ADC), headed by owner Veronica Esparza, has grown to be one of San Antonio's most successful full-service catering companies. With NACE's Cater of the Year and President's Award in hand, ADC has set a standard in the catering industry with in San Antonio. So what exactly do they do that sets ADC apart from the other catering companies? Veronica feels that developing personal relationships with her clients, guaranteeing that ADC exceed expectations is why they have become so successful. She has also worked very closely with her staff to ensure that they are able to grow professionally and personally, making them better employees and happier individuals in the long run.

With nine years of experience, ADC has hit the ground running in the San Antonio market. You will find them in a few dozen venues, working private parties and holding down the fort at their restaurant, Old San Fransisco Steakhouse, where their corporate offices and kitchen are located. ADC can serve up to 7000 people per event and do on average 800 events per year. They are known for their delectable food, but they also can provide rentals (linens, place settings, tents, stages, dance floors, etc), decor (including floral, arches, lighting, drapery, etc) and entertainment. They fequent our facilities as often as possible and we love it when they are out here!

Some of their more popular dishes include their international cuisine, like their Tour of Italy or their South of the Border menu. Our favorite here at Plaza Lecea is their ever so popular Chicken Picatta, garlic scalloped potatoes and vegetable medley. Menu pricing starts at $13 a person and is inclusive a salad (we recommend the spring salad with a raspberry vinaigrette), a protein, a starch, vegetable, roll and either tea or water. ADC is also our exclusive caterer for corporate meals here at Plaza Lecea. We have special pricing for their menus when renting our space. We can offer their breakfast, lunch, snacks for breaks, cocktail hour menus and bar services.

While their food is honestly amazing and completely lives up to their name, we really feel that their service sets them apart. Time and time again, our clients rave about how they felt like they were at a fine dining restaurant when being served by ADC because of their impecable attention to detail and above-and-beyond attitude. Each of their servers that pass through the doors of our facility treat guests as if they were serving them in their home and all reasonable requests are always prompty attended to.

You have many choices for catering here in San Antonio, but we highly recommend you checking out ADC for your next event! You wont be disappointed! Check out their menu here: http://www.absolutelydelicious.com/abdelmenus.pdf or call them at 210.342.2321 for more details.

Your Perfect Dress for the Perfect Day...

Looking your best on your wedding day is ESSENTIAL to ensuring that your day is successful and full of lasting memories! As a bride, you want to not only ensure that your day turns out perfect, but that you also look your BEST— especially in your wedding dress!

The wedding dress is considered the prized and most valued commodity in any wedding… and although weddings are not only about the bride, many highly regard the bride to be the “centerpiece” of the wedding. As a result, brides often commence their wedding preparations by first selecting their wedding dress—which alone can be an extremely difficult task if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

There is such an abundance of dresses to choose from, and a bride can often become overwhelmed by the breadth of variety when shopping for this memorial occasion….so what better way to find the “perfect dress for your perfect day” than by experimenting a little!
Here’s where you can start! …

Linda Asaf Designs of Austin, TX carries one of a kind, unique designs known for their classic silhouettes with edgy details made from luxurious fabrics from around the globe. Brides and women alike are attracted to these works of craftsmanship because of their flirtatious yet powerful irony that sends a modern message of strength and glamour with no regrets. Her designs have been sold in world-class retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom as well as upscale boutiques nationwide.

Linda is a proud business owner in the state’s capitol with an immense passion and satisfaction for working directly with her clients. You can view more of her collection at http://www.lin/daasaf.com/. In the meantime, check out these pics…

We heart Maihar Designs

Being in the shadows of Austin and all of the amazingly creative work that comes of out that town, it is so refreshing to see a vendor team here in San Antonio that is far beyond their time. That team is Maihar Design http://www.maihardesign.com/ and they produce completely unique and one-of-a-kind ring bearer pillows and flower girl wands.

Sister duo, Melanie Ford and Ashleigh Davis established Maihar Design in 2008. They have since exploded on to the wedding accessory scene and haven't looked back yet. Soon to expand nationwide, Maihar Design pairs creativity with good business sense to offer brides a chic alternative to the cookie-cutter pillows seen in bridal boutiques, out-of-date catalogs and online showrooms.

Even better, these pillows are not only distinctive, they are gorgeous! Meticulously crafted, the pillows combine lightweight linen, embroidered silk and textural weaves and are all trimmed with the highest quality grosgrain ribbon. These pillows exude style, modern design and unparallel craftsmanship. Not only are you getting a product that will WOW your guests as your little man walks down the aisle, it’s definitely something you can showcase in your home afterwards (what a great memento from your wedding!).

Their current collection couples traditional and ornate design into a 10” square pillow. You can view the collection and purchase these pillows online at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6510071. You can find them this fall in San Antonio’s own Bella Bridesmaid store that will open in Alamo Heights this September. Maihar Design’s Summer 2009 collection will be debuting soon and these smaller, 8” square pillows are quirky and whimsical with new color combos—different shades of pink paired with lime green and more!

In addition to the pillows, Maihar Designs also offers flower wands for your delightful little flower girls! These fabric wands are made from a quality silk material and are hand-sewn. Their colors and design will correspond with several of the pillow lines. Can’t you just see your adorable little ring bearer and flower girl walking down the aisle now?

Till next time…

Signature Drinks!

Now-a-days it’s easier than ever to customize your wedding. Customized extras can range from monogrammed cakes or table napkins, uniquely “you” invitations with custom artwork, distinctive lighting displays, expansive dance floors, or even your choice of over-the-top chocolate fountain!

This year signature drinks are in! Brides and grooms are having fun with customizing their signature drinks to connect their reception to their distinctive personas. Giving your drinks a unique name or choosing drinks with colors which match your wedding theme can give your wedding reception that extra flair. A “Sultry Susan” could pair nicely with a “Mega Mike Vodka Surprise!” for example. Top off the details of your own creation with customized stirrers, or by adding small flags with customized messages. You’re guests will be amazed at how much effort you put into your wedding reception, so wow them every chance you get. Another fun fact is even though it’s unique and memorable to have signature drinks on your wedding day, but can actually cut costs from your alcohol bill by only serving beer, wine and your signature drink!

And remember; try to choose a signature drink that will appeal to most of your guests. Ladies should aim for something for the girls while the men may find offering 2 or 3 or their favorite beers is not only fun but your guest will love the variety from light and dark beers.

Have fun with it, mixing, stirring and shaking different drinks in search of your perfect signature drink!

Cheers!!!

Welcome to Plaza Lecea’s Blog!

Starting today, we will be posting Monday’s Tips and Trends. You’ll find tips on DYI projects from fixing your own hair to planning your own unforgettable event—just a little insight to help lessen your stress with tips to make your planning process go as smoothly as possible. We will be covering vendor relationships, ways to de-stress, fashion trends and more.

After finding the dress that is perfectly you, your hair is the next most important thing to complement your look. During the summer months, many of us highlight our hair or cut it shorter to keep cool in the South Texas heat. From full-on bangs to funky short hair, more and more brides are thinking outside the bob. To complete that short do, lots of brides are turning toward jeweled headbands versus tiaras and even adding Velcro gemstones for that added glamour. Don’t be dismayed by the chunky highlights either. Brunettes do have more fun, especially on their wedding day!

At least for 2009 tiaras are completely out! Art deco inspired hair pieces, vintage fashion jewelry, feathers (a la Sarah Jessica Parker in SITC) and even leather bands are the rage for the fashion-forward bride. If you are a little timid to try these things or if you would like a more timeless look, try loose flowing hair or a low bun off to the side.

For those of you who are doing your own hair do here are a few tips:

• The natural look is in, so keep it simple: flowing and wispy over “big” hair.
  
• Go for a look that isn’t too far from your normal style. You don’t want to look like a completely different person when walking down the aisle.
  
• Work with the climate—your curls doused in hairspray might not look so well in warm climates prone to humidity.
  
• Have short hair and want an up do? Curl or wave your hair and pin backward towards the base of your neck.
  
• For those who don’t want to get rid of your long locks, a lightly undone pulled back chignon will give you the hottest hair style this wedding season.
  
• Remember to wear a button up shirt so you don’t mess up your fabulous hair do.

Vendor Spotlight: An Event to Remember/The Wedding Connection

Each month we will feature one of our approved vendors for

Plaza Lecea brides. For our first vendor spotlight we wanted to showcase An Event to Remember/The Wedding Connection, our exclusive linen provider.

An Event to Remember offers full service catering, linens and decor for the modern or traditional bride. One of the most important elements for an event is ambiance and they create the best environment to entertain your guests. They focus on the details that will set your event apart all the while creating delicious food and unforgettable decor. From their innovative plating techniques (for your hors'duerves and entrees) to their intricate floral designs, An Event to Remember has become a forerunner in the catering/event market in San Antonio. To top it off, their dinner pricing starts at only $9 per person.

A complete linen package is included with every evening package from Plaza Lecea, and our brides have over forty colors to choose from in satin or organza. Most brides will find a color to match their theme and they have the option of upgrading their linen package as well. Some of their upgraded fabrics include crushed velour, pintucks, and patterned satin and organza.

More and more of our brides are turning to An Event to Remember because of their full service catering packages that include floral centerpieces. An Event to Remember team member will carefully help you incorporate your colors/theme into an original floral design to add the finishing touches to your reception. Using a vendor for multiple elements will surely help simplify your wedding planning process.

For more information about An Event to Remember, please visit their website at: www.saaneventtoremember.com or their blog at: www.caterersanantonio.com for more trends and informative tips for your next event.

Greetings!

Hello and welcome to our blog! We are very excited to share with you our experience in event management and some fun new trends and tips that will make your event a memorable one! 

The Event Center at Plaza Lecea