Philanthropist, Friend, Wine Enthusiast, Restauranteur | Jeff Benjamin

Last month I blogged about a past ARAMARK colleague and friend Chris Santos who now is Executive Chef and Owner of Stanton Social on the lower east side in NYC.

Today I want to introduce you to another colleague who worked with us at ARAMARK and is also a graduate of the same Hospitality School I attended ; The University of Massachusetts, at Amherst.

Jeff Benjamin

Jeff has always stood out in my mind as a consummate professional with a refined taste and passion for fine service, food and wine. He also devotes a great deal of time and energy towards philanthropic pursuits.

 I once organized a holiday celebration for impoverished children in Brooklyn, NY and Jeff was one of the first people who said he would attend and assist in this effort. Our Brooklyn event was more than 10 years ago and I will never forget Jeff's generosity. I will also never forget him introducing me to "Jack on Ice", which I still enjoy today [wink].

Jeff pictured above at an Alex's Lemonade Stand event which he generously supports

Jeff enjoyed a successful career at ARAMARK and has continued to excel since leaving . He is now  co-owner of two of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. Vetri and Osteria

Vetri

" Probably the best Italian Restaurant in America" 

-Alan Richman, Bon Appetit 2005

When visiting Vetri make sure to try the Spinach Gnocchi , which are like little pillows of spinach and ricotta in brown butter.  Vetri is an intimate restaurant that offers the Chef's Grand Tasting on weekends.  Venture for a fabulous bottle of wine - there are more than 5,000 bottles in their wine cellar .  A great choice for a romantic dinner or intimate gathering of friends and family.

Osteria

James Beard Nominated BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2008

The Wood Burning Stove is the stand out at Osteria.  I will be visiting Osteria the first weekend in May and can not wait to try the Classic Margherita Pizza. They are also known for their Wood Grilled Octopus, which I am hoping my girlfriends will enjoy.  All of the Pasta is of course homemade and with enough notice you can request a seat at the Kitchen table which seats 14 for a special Private Dining Experience.

Congratulations on all of your success Jeff - Cheers!

For Reservations and Catering Inquiries

Vetri  | 1312 Spruce Street | 215.732.3478

Osteria | 640 North Broad Street |215.763.0920

Sara Gabriel Veiling and Headpiece Couture Event

Join us in welcoming Premiere Veiling and Accessories Designer Sara Gabriel as she makes a personal appearance in our Design Studio on Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th.

Sara's collection of headpieces and hair jewelry is meticulously crafted from fresh water pearls, swarovski crystals, hand sculpted flowers and glittering rhinestones. Each and every veil is individually cut by a professional milliner and finished by hand.






Sara and team will be on hand all day Friday and Saturday to select and custom design the best veiling and accessories for your wedding gown.

This event is will book very quickly... please ring the studio today to schedule your personal appointment with Sara Gabriel | 203.354.9791

Fabulous Ribbon Sale!

www.stranodesigns.com

The Bridesmaid Party || March 6 +7 featuring ......

...Dresses...

Lynn Lugo Bridesmaids and Mother of the Occasion Dresses. Always a favorite at TRE, Lynn is known for the amazing color selection she offers and the more than 100 ways you can design your own dress. Want one bodice and a different skirt- no problem! Looking for a contrasting hem or to add a strap in just the right place - no problem. Sashes is four sizes, jackets and wraps a plenty. Lynn dresses the modern bridesmaid to a tee.

Use her online Dressmaker to customize your bridesmaids look or have us create a custom look just for you. How fun!

Receive $25 dollars off of each dress purchased during this twice yearly event!

...Shoes...

To complete your bridesmaids look , select a great pair of metallic shoes from Blue Tux. We have many available in stock and can order anything we don't have in a matter of days.

We are currently loving the Charlotte Style , pictured below!

Styling is fun - so we want to offer you an additional 25% off of every shoe purchase when you buy your maids dresses during our Bridesmaid Party!

...Jewelry...

What would a party be without baubles? We say not a party at all! Find the perfect bracelet, necklace, pendant or brooch to complete your bridesmaids wedding day wardrobe or as a thank you for being one of your gals!

Join us Friday, March 6th and Saturday March 7th
Maids Mojitos for all!
10am -5pm
Ring a Stylist for your personal appointment || 203.354.9791

Alex Finds | A Quick Fix For Tired Eyes!

Is too much stress making your eyes look tired? You must try Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask - I swear it works!!! These little pads for your eyes contain antioxidant vitamin C, 3 forms of oxygenation, and cucumber extract that instantly make your eyes brighter and less puffy within 15 minutes. Perk up your eyes for perfect wedding photos by applying a pad the night before your big day, or even the morning of, for a dramatic difference and distinguishable glow that will last all day long- Its like instant Botox for your eyes :)

Box including four energizing eye mask pads $54 http://www.blissworld.com/product/skin+care/shop+skincare/eyes/bliss+triple+oxygen+instant+energizing+eye+mask.do

Banchet Flowers

Julie , Alex and I were thrilled to attend a recent Soiree at Banchet Flowers in New York City. It was a great night that highlighted many of our favorite wedding professionals including Ron Ben-Israel, Shiraz Catering, and Something Different Party Rental.

Banchet Jaigla is not only an extremely talented floral designer in the city but she also has an amazing space to host events. With over 18,000 square feet of modular space it is ideal for : fashion shows, weddings, photo shoots, private parties and so much more.

Erik Ekroth, from Erik Ekroth Photography captured the highlights of the event and was kind enough to share the photographs included in this blog. Erik is a new friend to TRE having just met this past Fall at a Bridal Fashion Show he was shooting in the city. We look forward to working with Erik in the future.

It was a great party, thank you for inviting us!

For your party!

Our friend Sari at For your Party just sent us a great email that we wanted to share... We love working with Sari and know you will too.

.........................................................................
ForYourParty is excited to announce...
Friends and Family Fridays!

During this time of economic uncertainty we want to offer those closest to us a discount so that fantastic parties can go on. Beginning this Friday (2/13) and periodically through-out the year we will send discount codes to be used on specific Fridays. Dress up your party for the small price of $29.00 with 100 cocktail napkins. Your guests will be impressed by your attention to detail and creativity you’ll display with personalized product. Also remember to get your Green Napkins for St. Patrick’s Day, your Tea Favor gifts for Mother’s Day and Colorful napkins stamped with your graduates name for a festive graduation party.

Our Valentines gift to you... 20% Discount Code FFF29

Friends and Family Friday this Friday, February 13, 2009"

Amy Kuschel Bridal Couture Trunk Show | February 20-21

Please join us February 20th -21st as we feature more than thirty exquisite Gowns from the Amy Kuschel Bridal Collection. This is a always a very popular event for us , and appointments will book quickly. All brides who purchase a specially priced gown during this couture event will not only become a member of our bridal rewards program but will also be entitled to a complimentary cleaning and preservation of their wedding gown.

Please ring a stylist to schedule your personal appointment | 203.354.9791

Alex Finds | Luxury Honeymoons for Less!!

Let's face it, these days the economy is "Not Good", to say the least. Still want to go on a luxury vacation for your honeymoon, but can't spend as much? Take a look at Luxury Link.... This website offers a variety of vacation destinations and packages for a fraction of the price offered directly by the resort/hotel. Luxury Links also offers many auctions where you can actually bid on their offers. After you have purchased or won your acution, Luxury Links will put you directly in touch with the resort/hotel. Some of the destinations offered include; Hawaii, Bora Bora, Thailand, Caribbean, and Europe. Take a look to see if you can find the perfect destination for your honeymoon! www.luxurylink.com

Here is one example of a package offered on this fabulous website:

Le Meridien Bora Bora Bora Bora, French Polynesia

5 nights, air included, top Bora Bora hotel, roundtrip transfers...
Retail Value:
$9,583
Your Price:
$7,773
View Offer

Stanton Social

I moved to New York City immediately upon graduating from college-- right into my first job at Viacom as a professional " butter pointer". That is the girl in the Company Cafe that answers all the questions of the guests - " where is the ...?" " is there soy milk...?" It was a self proclaimed title that I rather enjoyed. There were a group of about 10 of us who were all hired from Hospitality/Culinary Schools to all work in NYC for the same company - ARAMARK. We were young , wide eyed and eager to to succeed. One of the other new hires and part of our newly formed butter pointer group was Chris Santos. Years after meeting Chris, he actually became one of our roommates. While I focused on Hospitality, Chris focused on Culinary. He was a graduate of Johnson and Wales and had a fiery passion for great food. Most of our original group has gone on to do phenomenal things with their careers and Chris is no exception.

Chris is owner and Chef of Stanton Social in New York City. It is one of my favorite restaurants and not just because Chris is the Chef. Check it out for yourself. On the menu is an eclectic and international tapas selection- make sure to try the Maine Crab Cake " Corn Dog" and the French Onion Soup Dumplings.

I am excited to be taking my team there tomorrow night for a late dinner after we attend a cocktail party at Banchet Flowers.