Native Knowledge:
In establishing the location, BRICK’s primary focus was creating a space that clients, guests and vendors would love. In a centralized area of San Diego, there are waterfront views and free parking, and it is family friendly. The simple layout of the space allows any creative idea to be brought to life. How this space can be transformed is limited only by the imagination.
MENU Cipollini Onion Bisque: Sweet Cipollini Onion Confit, Spring Onion and Thyme Broth, Finished With Cream
Endive and Beet Salad: Beets, Blood Orange, Persimmon, Goat Cheese and Charmoula
Roasted Duck Breast:
From the Field:
With a Port Wine Reduction With Port Wine and Clove Reduction, Sweet Potato Pavé Gratin, Roasted Root Vegetables
Pistachio-Crusted Swordfish: With Pomegranate Reduction, Citrus-Whipped Potatoes, Garlic Kale
To set the mood, D ES S ERT STATI ON Mini Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate Pot De Crème: With Sea Salt, Peppermint Panna Cotta, Mini Chocolate Flourless Cake
lights were strung high in the rafters, creating a graceful blanket of twinkling stars. The walls were left intentionally bare to draw attention to the elegant tables. During the winter holidays, when most decor is over-the-top and ostentatious, a simple, classic design is like a breath of crisp winter air. Greenery against a white background embodies the spirit of the season without being obvious or cliché; it evokes a memory of pine trees in a field with freshly fallen snow. Instead of plain white tablecloths, tables are white with the scripted words “dashing through the snow,” written in shimmering gold. The green and white are accented with gold throughout the decor: golden utensils, candleholders, and even the trim on the chairs. The subtle interplay between the gold, white, and green make the look elegant yet not showy. Along with the white flowers and the green garland, a soft, clean, look has been achieved by selectively choosing items that vary in height. By placing the shorter items at the end and rising to the highest piece in the middle, the eye is drawn to the center and the table is evenly weighted. In design, it is important to stand back and look at the entire scene, much like an Impressionist painter steps away to take in the entire work. With added golden touches, the scene is perfect for a sophisticated evening event.
H OT T OD DY STATI ON Hot Tea or Ginger Ale: With Assorted Spirits and Garnish
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| DECEMBER 2015
When planned in conjunction with the decor and setting, the food becomes an extension of the scene. The 24 Carrots culinary and special event team continued the winter theme with a menu that accents the decor. Even the bar takes on a winter feel with hot toddies, ginger beer and Bourbon as featured drinks. The seasonally crafted cocktails, rather than just mixers and liquors, add to the festivities. Guests will enjoy trying special items they wouldn’t ordinarily order. A well-coordinated event is like an orchestral arrangement. Although every aspect has its own feel, they come together to create a harmonious scene. With a space like BRICK that does not place restrictions on creativity and a catering service like 24 Carrots that welcomes a challenge, a winter wonderland can be created even in sunny San Diego.
24 Carrots cooks all food on site from fresh ingredients. Even if the event space doesn’t have a kitchen, they will bring their own so virtually no location is off limits. All the chefs at 24 Carrots are professionally trained and experienced in event preparation so any menu or ingredient requests can be accommodated. At 24 Carrots, food is a journey; the chefs are always up for a challenge as it is an opportunity to create and expand their field of work.
Frosty Faves:
Communal meals, baked goodies, and hot beverages are perfect for the cozy holiday season. Consider using seasonally appropriate produce to make the most of winter meals. Comfort food doesn’t have to mean heavy dining—by incorporating tasty vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or parsnips you can make a hearty light meal.
Spoonful of Sugar:
Hot toddies or spiked coffees are great at a drink station so guests can mix and match flavors and experiment to make a drink that’s as sweet or boozy as they’d like!