When I arrived at the reception site for my weekend wedding, there was Mr. John Shook of Caramelized Productions, looking more like an artist than a chef. He was seasoning salmon with a small TV camera filming his every move. That's when I was approached by a producer and was informed they would be filming the reception for a new show on the Food Network. I smiled and nodded. It seems weddings are a hot commodity for TV these days.
This wedding was different. Not only was the reception being held at a Downtown Los Angeles artist loft, but the food was being done family style. I loved the idea when the bride mentioned she wanted her wedding to feel like an intimate family occasion. As it came together, I loved it even more. It took some of the formality away and made for a fun and friendly evening.
The food itself was fabulous. It began with an eclectic combination of passed appetizers of garlic butter grilled cheese bites, a feta mixture on wonton crisps and sauteed lobster served in a Chinese spoon. The bar was serving French Champagne, a French red wine and an Italian white along with a selection of beers and Fiji water. The guests were shuttled in and were already pretty liquored up. Without having the burden of driving later, the drinking continued.
Then the meal began. Five long tables sat 80 guests. Giant bowls of delicious food were passed. It started with a mixed green salad with feta, grapes and balsamic vinaigrette. Then there was perfectly marinated and grilled prime rib, seasoned, medium rare salmon, a tasty potato concoction, green beans and, finally, a roasted corn salad. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of corn, but I devoured a large portion of the corn salad and debated going back for more. It was the stand out of the bunch followed by the juicy prime rib!
Dessert, of course, was a tasty cake provided by Lido Bakery.
John and his crew were so nice, accommodating and helpful throughout the reception. They all had smiles on their faces during the entire evening. They were an absolute joy to be around.
Caramelized Productions does not advertise, nor are they listed. They focus more on the quality of the food than on the volume of events they do. I had a momentary feeling of being in love when Mr. Shook told me that. I hid it by filling my mouth with another succulent bite of the corn salad. I have to admit, I'm smitten! read more
