A Graduation Celebration Fit For a Princess

The guest of honor, Kirsten a.k.a. Kikee is a vegetarian. But her parents and some other family members are not. A Bite of Heaven came on board about one month before the event and worked closely with Kikee and her mom, Sherry. Together, we created a menu that would please both- with a Mediterranean twist.

We were all excited about Kikee's high school graduation party. Tragically, about one week before the event, the family suffered two terrible tragedies- a death in the family and sudden illness. Everyone was devastated, and needed a festive event to elevate spirits even more now. The morning of the event, A Bite of Heaven staff members decided to pack twice as many linen tablecloths (an unusually large amount for 'just in case') but I didn't bother to object. Our staff is the best in the world and I trust each member's judgement. Upon arrival at the location, my party coordinator, Vladimir noticed a number of tables (DJ tables, beverage tables, gift table, etc.) that were being covered with plastic table cloths. Although additional linen was not part of the agreement, A Bite of Heaven truly wanted the event to look amazing and help the guests feel special. Voila! the double packed linens were not only used for Kikee's party but really helped tie the black and purple theme together. The guest tables were draped in alternating colors of black and purple linen, the napkins were folded in the pyramid technique and were also alternated black and purple on each guest table. The room looked absolutely amazing.

Menu

Chicken Souvlaki- Tender Marinated Chicken Breasts with Feta Cheese, Diced Tomatoes, Onions and Green Peppers with Lemon Juice and Olive Oil, Presented with Flatbread Pita and Tzatziki Sauce (which wound up being Kikee' father, Larry's favorite)

Asparagus Mushroom Pasta- Penne tossed with Asparagus and Shittake Mushrooms in a Rich Gruyere and Boursin Cheese Sauce

Fried Eggplant

Spanakopita

Hummus

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Greek Salad

Assorted Dinner Rolls

Fried Eggplant- Tender Slices of Sweet Eggplant, lightly breaded and Fried to a Golden, Crispy Finish, Topped with Parmigiano- Reggiano

We originally were going to make Veal Milanese, but decided on Eggplant instead...Kikee's favorite which wound up being Sherry's favorite

Basket of Fresh Baked Rolls consisted of Pumpernickel, Rye (without seeds, they can be a bit pungent to some), Sesame Seed, Plain and Seven Grain - Presented with Butter

I came up with the flower arrangement on the spot- Vladimir purchased white hydrangeas and tall green stalks with tiny clusters of purple flowers at the top. I felt it needed more to really stand out on the long buffet (18 ft). So I cut some of the foliage plants, which consisted of lilac hanging flowers, from the hostas growing in front of the test kitchen facility! I had no idea how I would arrange them or if I'd even use them. But they looked fabulous!

Spanakopita with Grape Tomato Halves, Kikee's favorite

Greek Salad

Hummus Sunflower Presented with Pita Angles, Carrots and Black Olives

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Sherry's mom's favorite

Sherry put together these fantastic centerpieces that glowed in the dark! With every one's bellies full, the lights went out and the dancing began! The glow sticks in the vases doubled as necklaces for the guests.

The dance floor was illuminated- It really looked beautiful.

Sherry and Larry- Kikee's kind and generous parents

Sherry sent me a letter a week after the event. They really enjoyed themselves, their guests were quite impressed...and most importantly Kikee had a blast. Sherry exclaimed A Bite of Heaven really exceeded her requests and expectations for the affair. This story has an even more beautiful ending though; Jaquan, who lost his only living parent one week before the event, was able to be added to the head table due to Vladimir's quick decision making and flexibility. In the end, Jaquan had a smile on his face, even if it was only for a couple of hours. A smile is a smile.