It! Interview: The Sugar Monkey

Name: Jennifer Reed

Profession: Pastry Chef, The Sugar Monkey

What she's obsessed with: Freshness!

What is so 2009: Edible prints- never liked them anyway!

What is unique about your products? I use all natural ingredients. All products (with few exceptions) are made in house from scratch. The products I purchase are of the highest quality.

What should a bride and groom already have decided on before they meet with you for a wedding cake consultation, and what materials should they bring to the meeting? An idea of the style and flavors is nice — a consultation can be a waste of time if nothing has been discussed beforehand. Definitely know your budget! Bring any pictures or ideas you may have to the meeting — don't be shy!

What are the most popular flavor combinations, and what have been your most far-out requests? Chocolate cake with cream cheese buttercream and fresh raspberries, vanilla butter cake with lemon scented buttercream. Requests? Nothing too far out— a 2-foot-tall Louisiana hot sauce bottle for a groom's cake.

Where is the best place to stage a wedding cake during the reception, and what are some fun ways to dress up the table? Away from the bride and groom! Rose petals are so 2009, too! Dress up the table by dressing up the cake. Get rid of the silver-pated stand and go for one with character to match the cake.

What are three cost-cutting tips for those on a budget? Cupcakes! A retro dessert buffet with whole desserts. Old school layer cakes and pies. Use 8" cakes as centerpieces for the tables.

Escape to Palm Beach for a pre-wedding getaway or Babymoon!

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club - Members of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce can enjoy a fabulous staycation at The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club now through September 30th. Take advantage of this special exclusive chamber members' rate of $149 a night for a luxurious studio & complimentary parking. Restrictions apply. The Brazilian Court & Beach Club was a 2008 & 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List recipient, as well as one of Travel + Leisure’s 2010 “World’s Best Hotels” achieving a ranking of No. 1 in South Florida & No. 3 in the state. For information & reservations - 561.655.7740. Ask for the PB Chamber member rate. www.thebraziiancourt.com.

The Chesterfield Hotel - Into dinosaurs? The Prehistoric Getaway starts at $265 for a family of three & includes 2 days/1 night in a Luxurious King Junior or Executive Suite, Continental Breakfast for each guest, 3 tickets to the Norton Museum of Art's 'Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney', a picnic lunch & a copy of James Gurney's 'Journey to Chandra' from the Dinotopia series & other fun dinosaur memorabilia in your room upon arrival. Additional children $30 each. Call 561.659.5800 for reservations. Lunch in the Leopard available Monday - Friday 11am-2pm at $11.95. www.chesterfieldpb.com.

The Colony Palm Beach - 10th Anniversary Season at the Royal Room Cabaret. Guests will include: Ann Hampton Callaway, Peter Cincotti, Christine Ebersole & John Oddo, The Four Freshmen, Clint Holmes, Jack Jones, Andrea Marcovicci, Marilyn Maye, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Will & Anthony Nunziata, Tony Sandler, Avery Sommers & Steve Tyrell. Tony DeSare performs August 13-14 & 20-21; Mary Foster Conklin August 27-28 & September 3-4. Friday nights are Motown nights with Memory Lane from 9pm to closing. Saturday nights are Rob Russell's Cast Parties. Call for details - 561.655.5430 or visit www.thecolonypalmbeach.com.

Chamber Guide - View the 2010 Guide & Phone Book in its entirety or sign up for membership at www.palmbeachchamber.com

It! Inspiration: RED

The bold color of love is commonly passed over when choosing a theme for a wedding. We love these shades of red for the eye-catching, confident and romantic aspects it brings to an event.

Red silk crinkle chiffon strapless bridesmaid dress by Watters; White cake with red ribbon and roses from Project Wedding; Red table setting by Rebecca Thuss; Bouquet of red calla lilies and dahlia roses from Project Wedding; Steve Madden sandals found on Project Wedding; Wild Hibiscus Royale champagne garnish by Wild Hibiscus; Red velvet and vanilla cupcakes on The Knot; Neha Stationery by Ceci New York

xo

Kelly

Event Destination: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

There are many reasons we love The Waters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (no, it's not the cheese — though we do adore a good fromage). There's the intricate moldings, the glittering gold chandeliers, and the endless water views... But mostly, we relish in its storied foundation.

Overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Winnebago, The Waters dates back to 1903, when noted architect William Waters built the Georgian Revival building for the Oshkosh Yacht Club. Regarded as the finest clubhouse in the Midwest, it opened just two days before the year’s Inland Sailing Championship. These regattas became the social events of the summer season.

The City reclaimed the building during the Great Depression and later sold it to American Legion Post 70, who owned and maintained the property as their clubhouse for more than 60 years. The facility was completely renovated and converted to a special events facility in 2008 by current owners Bill and Beth Wyman, who paid careful attention to historic details. Accommodating up to 300 guests for private events, The Waters is still home to the American Legion Cook-Fuller Post 70 and the Oshkosh Yacht Club.

Here, a gorgeous setting combines with Midwestern hospitality combine to create the ideal atmosphere for wedding ceremonies, receptions, board meetings, awards banquets, reunions or celebrations. Check out www.thewatersoshkosh.com for more information.

It! Interview: Bill Porter Music

Bill Porter, music agent/promoter

Describe the range of musical acts you represent: Bill Porter Music specializes in wedding music, representing Palm Beach variety dance bands of all styles and genres for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

Which are the most popular acts for Palm Beach weddings? The Bobby Pruitt Show, SOLID☆GOLD, The Shop Band, Hot Brass Monkey.

How can a couple incorporate specific song requests into the reception when working with a live band? Always review special song requests with the band in advance. Never assume a live band knows your special songs. A live band will normally learn 3 to 4 new songs. The most important is the first dance. Once you have decided on the band, ask for their play list to start your selections.

Tip: A family friend should always be with the bandleader to assist with names during the wedding party entrance.

Check out this video clip of SOLID☆GOLD by clicking on the picture! To listen to The Bobby Pruitt Show and more musicians represented by Bill Porter Music, visit http://www.billportermusic.com/artist_sample.html.

Spirited Sweets from the "Boozy Baker"

The It! Girls are not known for turning down a glass of champagne or a delectable dessert. Combine the two and we just might start planning our own weddings! Lucy Baker, author of "The Boozy Baker: 75 Recipes for Spirited Sweets" has all the right moves for the home hostess who loves to end a fabulous meal on a high note.

Heart not fluttering yet? Here's a sample recipe:

Plum Biercake

Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 large egg
* 3 tablespoons molasses
* 1 cup German doppelbock beer
* 4 small plums, halved lengthwise, pitted, and cut into wedges

Preparation

This cake is a grown-up version of gingerbread that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The cinnamon and molasses lend it a festive note that’s perfect for the holidays, yet the plums are decidedly summery. Beer, of course, knows no season. Doppelbock is a very strong German lager with a dark color and rich, malty flavor.

The recipe comes together fast, and the cake will last for up to three days well wrapped on the countertop. Leave a knife nearby for easy snacking.

To make the plum biercake:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter, or spray it with nonstick spray. (A square pan will work too.) Dust the pan with flour and tap out the excess.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and the molasses. Alternately add the flour mixture and the beer to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat just until smooth and combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the plum wedges in rows on top of the batter. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack and then cut into squares and serve.

Tips
Shake it up: Can’t find doppelbock? Substitute another dark, richly flavored beer, such as a porter or stout.
Serving Size

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Meri Meri, quite cute for a party!

At It! Weddings & Events, we generally leave the baking to the pros, but I can't help falling in love with these new designs from Meri Meri. For the DIY host or hostess, bespoke paper goods are a must, adding an air of sophistication, polish — and even good humor.

Children's parties will get a stylish boost from these themed — yet cartoon-character free — cupcake sets, centerpieces, plates and napkins. And the guest of honor is sure to adore their lovey dovey selections for bridal and baby showers.

Find them at Sur la Table, or order online from Meri Meri.

xo
Aime