party planner listings - Washington Jewish Week

Transcription

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B2
May 31, 2012 • Washington Jewish Week
PARTY PLANNER
formerly Dahan Caterers
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Washington Jewish Week • May 31, 2012
B3
Café Olé • 4000 Wisconsin Ave, NW • Washington, DC
Let Café Olé cater your next event.
We offer a unique Mediterranean menu including appetizers, small bites,
kabobs, hot entrees, sandwiches, desserts and beverages
… all at a great value! We can provide setups and delivery.
Check out our website for the catering menu www.cafeoledc.com
or give us a call 202-244-1330
B4
PARTY PLANNER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Advice from party pros...............................................................B6
Cupcake caps and graduation goodies..................................B8
Invites, lighting and tipping — oh my!................................B10
What to expect when you’re planning a baby shower....B11
Bark mitzvah...............................................................................B12
Throwing a party that really cooks.......................................B13
Wear beige and blend...............................................................B14
Picturing your big day ..............................................................B15
Bangin’ barbecue.......................................................................B16
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B5
Advice from party pros
Invitations & Calligraph1y1
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Exceptional Personalized One-on-One Service
Unique, Special Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Party and Wedding Invitations
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ven during these tough economic
times, people are still celebrating
milestones and want to do so without
too much stress and without breaking
the bank. So how do you plan the perfect yet affordable party while also juggling the day-to-day responsibilities of
a family or a job?
The answer is to consult a professional event planner to help you design
and execute your celebration.
“Using a professional party planner
can help save the client money, prevents
them from making mistakes such as
over ordering, doing something that is
not needed or trying to do something
that logistically won’t work. Event planners can also guide the client in choosing the proper alcohol packages from
vendors,” according to Patti Weiner
from Plan It Parties.
Cara Weiss from Save the Date
LLC/Events and Promotions Your Way
says that an event planner can help you
pick just the right venue that suits the
size, scope and even the spirit and mood
of your event. A party planner has a
working business relationship with local
vendors including lighting companies,
hotels, restaurants, musicians and transportation companies, to help you organize and arrange every detail of your
party.
“There are so many choices on the internet and in this area that it can be
overwhelming for the client,” Weiss
says. A professional party planner can
help you refine your vendor choices and
can actually match you to the right vendor for your budget and more importantly, to your personality and the
atmosphere you want to create on your
special day.
“It is more important to pick the right
vendor than to pick the most economical one,” Weiss explains.
Weiner notes that the biggest mistakes people make when planning
events include making final decisions
too far in advance, even before they
know their final numbers. “People also
make mistakes on the flow of the event
such as when to do the hora, welcome
speeches or photo montage.”
Planners can save you money by connecting you with vendors offering discounts and specials, but perhaps more
importantly, thanks to the special relationships they have with vendors, they
can save you money and hassles if things
don’t go as planned. Weiss agrees, “I usually can’t beat the internet prices for vendors, but I’ve got your back if something
goes wrong.” They sweat the details
come the day of the party so you can be
a guest at your own event and enjoy your
family and friends without worrying.
“On the day of the party, I am your
eyes and ears everywhere so you can
relax and enjoy!” Weiss said.
Even if you are a “hands-on” type and
want to “do it yourself,” party planners
can still provide guidance and suggestions, and give you the benefit of their
connections and even give you a list of
questions to ask vendors if you want to
do make your own connections. Weiss
suggests making two lists, a “long list”
and a “short list.” The long list includes
every detail, vendor and activity necessary for getting to the day of the event.
Each item on the long list is crossed off
See ADVICE, next page
An independent newspaper founded in 1965, successor to the National Jewish Ledger (1930-1965)
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EDITORIAL
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PARTY PLANNER
021012
A good party planner knows just which
vendor to use when choosing invitations.
Creating Magical Events
for Your Once in a Lifetime Celebration.
ADVICE
from previous page
as it is completed. The short list contains
all the things to do on the day of the
event. She describes these lists in detail
in her publication, The Mitzvah Guide.
According to Weiner, “Candy stations
are still very popular for bar and bat
mitzvahs. Purple or eggplant is a big
wedding color this fall as are ‘mocktails’
for baby showers.”
“Using photo booths for weddings,
communal tables rather than separate
tables, renting sofas and lounge furniture for alternative seating, and getting
away from traditional centerpieces are
all hot choices,” Weiss suggests.
And gone is the need for kitchy games
at bar and bat mitzvah parties. Weiss
says that kids today don’t need any encouragement to use the dance floor.
Event planners often must face unusual requests and challenges. Some of
Weiner’s most memorable include having large animals like elephants, bobcats, birds and other wildlife at parties;
covering up the recent earthquake damage at Union Station for a wedding; redesigning the bathrooms at event
facilities; and closing down streets in the
District for an event.
When choosing an event planner, it is
a good idea to make sure they have the
experience and expertise necessary to
run a business of this type.
Weiner suggests, “Choose a planner
who is a member of ISES (International
Special Events Society), has a food and
beverage background and years of experience.”
“You want more than just someone
who had a blast planning their own event
and then decided to start planning parties
for others,” Weiss says. She has worked in
public relations and has a degree in event
planning and stays current on new
trends, developments, and products in
the business by going to ISES meetings
with vendors and others in the field.
Whatever your celebration and
whether you use an event planner or
not, make sure it touches on the true
spirit and heritage underlying the event.
Weiss believes that to be a real success,
the true meaning behind the celebration
should be perceptible to all. At the bar
and bat mitzvah parties she plans and
manages, she finds a way to showcase
the mitzvah project and works with the
family to design a candle lighting ceremony that is personal, revealing and
shows more about the person they want
to become.
Remember, the warmth and meaning
you get sharing a milestone with those
you love is what is truly important.
443-394-8338 • 443-394-6646 • 800-459-0009
www.cateringbyalanweiss.com
Where to Stay
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B7
Cupcake caps and
graduation goodies
By Emily Jacobs
Staff Writer
A
little over a year ago my fellow classmates and I walked across the stage
in our caps and gowns at the University
of Maryland, College Park to receive our
degrees that we had achieved over the
past four years. With the official commencement exercises completed, it was time to attend the
multitude of graduation parties and
events that my friends’ parents had
planned. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love
a good graduation party, but by the fih
one, the routine was getting a little bit old. So, when the Washington Jewish Week’s
Party Planner deadline came closer, I
jumped at the chance to do some research
and find creative ways to make your graduation party unique in terms of the decor,
activities, gis and desserts. First, let’s talk about decor. One of the most memorable graduation
parties I attended le the streamers and
balloons behind, and instead blew up
photos of the graduate with her friends
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from their four years together. e photos
were funny, heartwarming and special,
and allowed the friends to reminisce on
their good times and celebrate their accomplishments. (Warning: they may
cause some tears, so make sure you have
tissues or napkins at hand). e photos
could also double as a gi for the graduate
to put in his or her new post-grad home. For a colorful and personal addition,
use the graduate’s school colors for tablecloths, plates and cutlery. (We used red,
white, black and gold and had plates with
Testudo- University of Maryland’s mascot, on them). Once you have the decor down, it’s important to plan a couple of activities to
keep your guests entertained at the party.
While speeches are allowed and encouraged, one of my fellow graduates’ mothers
put together a trivia game about the grad-
uate and her friends, creating an interactive way for the guests to get involved and
share a laugh with one another. Next comes the gi, which can be
tricky to find. While most graduates will
tell you that money works best, I actually
found that getting practical things for my
up coming “real world” job was extremely
helpful and memorable. Business card
holders, coffee mugs, gi cards to Starbucks, personal planners and shopping
trips to get “business professional” clothes
were my favorite gis. Additionally, having guests sign a classic book like Dr.
Seuss’s Oh the Places You’ll Go, can create
a special gi for the graduate to read
while they embark on their new postgrad journey.
And finally, my personal favorite,
dessert. What could be better than a graduation cap that you can actually eat, that
costs way less than the cardboard one you
get for the ceremony? Here’s a recipe and
how-to guide to create the perfect graduation party treats, complete with chocolate cap and Twizzler tassel. Congrats, grad!
Step 1
Here’s what you’ll need to create these graduation cap candy cupcakes: lollipop sticks,
which can be found at your local cra store; individually wrapped Reeses Peanut Butter
Cups; individually wrapped chocolate squares, we used Ghirardelli chocolates but any
square chocolate will work; mini-cupcakes with any color frosting; Twizzlers Pull ‘n’ Peel
for the tassel; and black decorating gel to stick the chocolate square to the peanut butter
cup. e gel can also be found at your local cra store.
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Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Take your lollipop stick and cut it so that
it’s about 5 inches high. Push the stick into
the middle of the peanut butter cup, making sure the ridged end is facing down.
en place the other end of the lollipop
stick into the middle of the cupcake.
Next, take your decorating gel and squeeze
a small dot onto the middle of the chocolate square. If the chocolate square has a
decoration or brand name on one side, just
turn it over and use the blank surface.
Place the chocolate square onto the peanut
butter cup, making sure it’s centered.
Lastly, rip a 2 inch size piece off of a Twizzler and dab one end into some extra frosting from your mini cupcakes. Place the
frosting covered end in the middle of the
chocolate square and let it hang over the
side like a tassel.
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B9
Invites, lighting and tipping — oh my!
Find out the Hebrew date of your
child’s simcha and the Torah portion for
that Shabbat; (hebcal.com is a great place
to convert Gregorian calendar dates to
the corresponding Hebrew dates). You’ll
be glad you did this when people start
asking you what your child’s Torah portion is and you actually know the answer.
It’s easy to find resources for invitation
wording. It’s not as easy to find samples
of wording for inserts that explain the
b’nai mitzvah to non-Jewish guests, particularly your child’s friends who may
have never been to one before. You have
to let guests know how to dress appropriately, including wearing a kippah. You
also have to let guests know that in most
cases, cell phone and camera use is prohibited.
Decor is discussed oen in our group.
Photos are uploaded and shared without
attaching the child’s name, simcha date or
any other personal information. You can
see how certain colors work together, or
how different sized centerpieces look in
proportion to the table and room. Simple
tips can make tremendous differences
By Joanne Zeidman
Special to WJW
I
was the first of my friends to plan a bar
mitzvah. With no one to turn to for advice, I started a Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/MagicalMitzvah) and
got great ideas, support and inspiration.
Complete strangers joined the group to
share pictures of their decor, wording of
their invitation inserts, photos, links to
referrals and advice. To my surprise, professionals joined the group, and offered
up much more than self-promotion.
Here is a sampling of the best information garnered from the group.
Organization is key. To begin, get a
three ring binder with lots of page protectors for contracts, seating charts,
guest lists, and vendor contact information. Start collecting magazine and
newspaper articles, advertisements, and
actual invitations, envelopes and inserts
that you receive from friends. The group
also shares useful printouts ready-todownload including seating charts for
the adults and creative arrangements for
kid seating.
without affecting a budget. For example,
black tablecloths can transform almost
any space to look incredibly upscale and
highlight your centerpieces. People post
questions and answers about uplighting,
LEDs, where to buy them, where to rent
them, and whether or not it’s worth the
cost. Group members have such unique
and clever ideas that they happily share,
like using flowers or candy in place of the
candle lighting, using fabric squares and
permanent markers to create a sign-in
quilt, and great ideas for mitzvah projects
that coordinate with various themes.
ere are also links to newsletters that
specialize in b’nai mitzvah planning and
resources.
I have been overwhelmed at the helpfulness of the many professionals who
have joined the group. They provide insight into their jobs and what to look for
in a photographer, videographer, decorator, coordinator, dj/mc, caterer etc.
They have generously answered questions such as: how to keep a good flow
of events during the party, what questions to ask when meeting with potential
vendors, and what’s important when as-
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signing certain honors to friends and
family members. Some professionals
have even given honest feedback about
tipping. Our group has some very well
known and respected local photographers and videographers who occasionally share their work. Group members
have found this very helpful when making lists of potential photographs they
want for their own simcha (I recently
saw some beautiful rehearsal photos of a
father handing the Torah to his son in
front of the Ark). Our group also includes some of the area’s most popular
entertainment groups who give tips on
what to look for in your contract, like
whether ‘giveaways’ are included, what
quality giveaways you should expect,
and where to look for your own if you
have to provide them.
New members are always welcome, and
are encouraged to ask lots of questions.
Find us at facebook.com/groups/MagicalMitzvah.
Joanne Zeidman is an area educator and
the owner of Maybe Sew, an Etsy store that
sells unique, fun, spirited kippot for all occasions and all ages.
What to expect when you’re planning a baby shower
E
stamps. en preprint the address of
all the guests to make her life a tad
easier.
Celebrities have baby showers too.
Babyzone.com has the scoop.
Katherine Heigl threw former costar,
Ellen Pompeo, of Grey’s Anatomy
fame, an outdoor baby shower at her
home in Los Angeles. Pink floral
arrangements and umbrellas decorated picnic tables. Victoria Beckham, already mother to three boys,
decided to have a pink baby shower
this time around. Hosts Eve Longoria
and hair stylist, Ken Paves held Beckham’s tea party themed shower at the
private rooop Butterfly Bar at the
Hotel Le Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood. Nicole Ritchie had an over
the top Wizard of Oz themed baby
shower at the Beverly Hills Hotel
complete with a live band, ruby slipper centerpieces and a yellow brick
road paved with candy.
No matter what kind of baby
shower, whether glitzy or traditional,
eco-friendly or co-ed, everyone is New ideas take baby showers
beyond rubber duckies.
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xpecting to host a baby shower for a
relative or friend? Are you laboring
over planning the details?
“It is always easier to plan a party
around a theme,” says baby shower hostess Stacy Goldberg. Try to choose a
theme that fits the new mommy. Design
a green baby shower for the eco-conscious woman or one with a farm theme
for an animal lover.
Internet website, BabyShower101.com,
has suggestions for choosing themes, decorating and serving. For the green
shower, there are tips on how to decorate
with potted plants and flowers that can be
given as favors. ere also are details on
how to go paperless with e-vite.com or
suggestions on printing invitations on recycled paper.
Going green also includes serving organic and healthy snacks from a local
farmer’s market.
For eco-friendly baby gis, try Organicbabygiboutique.com, where there are
hundreds of natural fiber, organic clothes,
eco-friendly baby gear, BPA-free pacifiers
and bottles at reasonable prices.
E-how.com is full of hints on giving a
farm-themed shower. Ideas include serving drinks in mason jars, cupcakes
topped with farm animals and using silver galvanized buckets filled with flowers
for centerpieces. On a nice day, set picnic
tables up outside with gingham or checkered tablecloths and serve fried chicken,
potato salad and watermelon. For an authentic farm atmosphere, set out bales of
hay, which can be bought at local garden
stores, for extra seating or gi display.
Another BabyShower101.com idea is
Noah’s Ark for the mother with twins.
Decorate by using twin stuffed animals as
centerpieces. Guests can collaborate and
bring two of each gi including all the
necessary little practical things like baby
spoons, pacifiers, bottles, rattles and the
like.
A costume baby shower in which
guests arrive in costumes depicting nursery rhymes or book characters is popular.
Baby showers started in the late 1800s
as a tea party given by female friends and
relatives. ey would shower her with
love and gis. And that’s been pretty
much the tradition ever since.
According to both Cara Weiss, professional party planner at Save-e-Date
LLC/Events and Promotions Your Way,
and many of the web sites previously
listed, co-ed showers are becoming the
latest craze. Invite the father and his
friends to the shower, thereby including
him in every aspect of the pregnancy.
Sports and barbeques are popular themes
for coed parties. ese sites suggest that
co-ed guests incorporate more manly activities rather than the more traditional
games like Present Bingo.
Besides co-ed showers, another recent
trend is communal seating at long, rectangular tables for more socializing and
sharing.
Why not have guests bring two of
something small, like a diaper, pacifier or
rattle to the party. e new mom keeps
one set and the rest can be donated to a
local women’s shelter.
Or try having everyone write a happy
note on the outside of a disposable diaper.
Place them all in a bag marked “midnight
changes only.” ese may help the new
mom when she is up in the middle of the
night.
Another nice touch is to give the new
mom or dad a box of thank you notes and
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B11
Bark mitzvah
By Jacob Kamaras
JointMedia News Service
F
luffy Shindler barks when he sees Friday night candles and understands
that on Shabbat, it’s quieter than usual
around the house. It was only natural
then, for the Shindlers to throw Fluffy a
“bark mitzvah.”
About eight years ago in Monsey, N.Y.,
the perceptive bichon frise donned a yarmulke and placed his paw on a Chumash
(Bible) before 10 kids and a few neighbors
"Elvis" Best performs his "arf-tara" at a bark mitzvah.
Photo by Molly Kravitz
at the Shindler household. e menu included cake for the crowd, and for Fluffy,
a cookie decorated like a Torah scroll.
“We didn’t do a big spiel, but it was
cute,” Wendy Shindler said.
While Fluffy’s bark mitzvah was a lowkey affair, some bark mitzvahs have rivaled the extravagance of their
human-focused counterparts. at was
the case in December 2004, when New
York cabaret singer Mark Nadler treated
his dog, Admiral Rufus K. Boom
(Boomie), to a party that included a
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chopped liver sculpture, bartenders
and a lavish buffet in his Riverdale,
N.Y. home.
According to the New York Times,
Boomie’s bark mitzvah featured
yarmulkes for guests with the dog’s
name and the date printed inside, as
well as “many checks” written for $50
or more as gis—though some attendees gave Boomie rawhide chews.
e party invitations, sent to dozens
of friends, said the bark mitzvah’s
purpose was “to share a special day
in our lives when my dog, Admiral
Rufus K. Boom, will celebrate his
bark mitzvah in the tradition of our
ancestors.”
In response to one guest who
claimed Boomie “doesn’t look” Jewish,
Nadler responded “he chanted his arf-tara
this aernoon,” a play on the haara portion read at traditional bar mitzvahs, according to the New York Times.
In August 2008, David Best, CEO of
e Doctor’s Channel, organized a
$10,000 bark mitzvah for “Elvis” and 100
guests, according to Fox News.
Footage of Elvis’ bark mitzvah on
YouTube shows the canine motioning on
the bima in a synagogue sanctuary,
flanked by two men serving as the gabbaim and stuffed dogs “watching” in front
as a human reads the “arf-tara” in sync
with Elvis’s movements.
“He has a great personality and everyone loves him,” David Best said of Elvis,
according to Fox News.
e bark mitzvah routine, however, isn’t
always jovially received. Responding to a
New York Times article in 1997—the year
when the term “bark mitzvah” was first
used—Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff of Temple
Emanu-El in Westfield, N.J., wrote a letter
to the editor expressing that the practice
is “nothing less than a desecration of a
cherished Jewish tradition and degrades
some of the central principles of Jewish
life.”
“I enjoy a good time as much as the next
person,” Kroloff wrote. “But not at the expense of religious traditions that need
strengthening, not desecrating.”
California-based author Shari Cohen
said that she was “exceptionally aware” of
the concerns surrounding bark mitzvahs
when writing Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah (Five
Star Publications, 2007), a children’s book
on the subject. She consulted with Conservative rabbis on the project, asking
them if bark mitzvahs were too much of a
“boundary pusher.”
Most of the rabbis were enthusiastic
PARTY PLANNER
about the idea of the book or at least open
to it, Cohen said, but a select few “told me
what I already knew—‘maybe you should
not go in this direction.’” erefore,
Cohen said she was extra careful before finalizing the book, re-working it several
times with publisher Linda Radke.
Cohen, a longtime dog owner herself,
said the goal of Alfie’s Bark Mitzvah is to
teach kids about traditional bar mitzvah
themes in a fun and different way. e
book comes with a CD of songs by Cantor
Marcelo Gindlin, who along with Cohen
continues to promote the book at fairs and
synagogues five years aer it hit shelves.
“I wanted to do [the book] not only
with warmth and humor and teaching,
but also with song,” Cohen said, explaining that she gave Alfie human-like senses
such as the nerves a bar mitzvah boy feels
before reading his Torah portion.
e People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA) slogan says animals “are
not ours to eat, wear, experiment on or use
for entertainment,” but PETA does not
condemn the bark mitzvah practice. On a
webpage titled “Let’s Have a Dog Party!”
(features.peta.org/DogParty/photos.asp),
PETA asks “Did Bingo get a bark mitzvah?” and encourages users to “show
everyone how to throw a bash to bark
about” by uploading their party photos.
Fluffy Shindler, now 9 years old and living in Bergenfield, N.J., received his bark
mitzvah at the age of one and a half, but
most male dogs have been known to celebrate the occasion at either 13 months or
13 years (the equivalent of 91 in dog
years) old.
Despite Fluffy’s usual perceptiveness
when it comes to Jewish tradition, he
merely barked and “didn’t understand
anything” at the party, Wendy Shindler
said. It was more about simple fun than
anything else.
rowing a party that really cooks
WJW Intern
MELETTE
®
Mr.
melette®
W
hether you are planning a special
anniversary party, birthday celebration, or just a get together with
friends, a hands-on cooking party may
leave you hungering for more.
Linda Sommer, a former Montgomery
County Public School teacher, hosts
cooking parties for 12 in her Bethesda
home.
Party planning begins with a menu
customized to your needs, tastes, diet,
and cravings. Sommer said she learned
everything she knows about cooking
from her 90-year-old mother, but she
has honed her culinary talents through
training at the C.I.A. (Culinary Institute
of America) in both Napa Valley and
New York. She applies her considerable
expertise to create, modify and streamline recipes to make them foolproof for
even the culinary novice. “I tweak them
to make them simple and more userfriendly,” Sommer said.
Party menus include appetizer, first
course, vegetable, main course and
dessert. You and your guests are greeted
with appetizers ready for nibbling as you
gather in her kitchen—designed especially for Sommer by her architect husband. Her kitchen has floor-to-ceiling
cabinets, organized drawers filled with
every kitchen gadget imaginable, and a
6-burner stove top on a granite covered
island. You can bring your own wine to
compliment your menu choices, but
Sommer will also have several homemade tea infusions chilling and ready to
whet your palette. Guests should arrive
with apron in hand, but consider providing aprons as favors for your guests,
preprinted with clever cooking sayings
that will add to the the festive mood.
As the guests assemble, Sommer explains the menu and preprinted recipes
MR.
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• Hors d’oeuvres • Pasta Stations • Fish Platters
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• NY Rugelach • Pastries • EGG-CETRA
Under strict kashrut supervision
Cooking classes with Linda Sommer can be a delicious way to celebrate any occassion.
Photo courtesy of Linda Sommer.
and then assigns guests to cooking stations that are set up around the kitchen,
already prepared with measured ingredients and utensils. Sommer and her
long time assistant, Patty Valdez, walk
around the kitchen supervising and providing assistance when needed as each
pair of “sous chefs” begin to cook. As
each course is finished, guests retire to
the dining room with the table set for
the feast to come. Each set of guests talks
about the course they prepared, and
then everyone enjoys eating it.
Sommer also teaches cooking classes
in her home on Wednesday nights for 12
– 14 people during the fall, winter and
early spring.
“Linda’s classes are always filled by
word of mouth and there often is a waiting list of people ready to substitute at
the drop of a hat for an absent cooking
class attendee. That’s how I first got
started with Linda,” said Jen Sisco, a repeat cooking class participant.
Cooking classes cost $180 for three sessions and are similar to her parties, except
that Sommer demonstrates and prepares
each course instead of the guests. Cooking class participants take notes and ask
questions while Sommer cooks.
Bon Appetite!
To register for a cooking class or to
arrange a cooking party contact Sommer
at [email protected].
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B13
Wear beige and blend
WJW intern
W
hen parents divorce and remarry, a
child’s extended family grows to encompass many new members. While it can
be challenging to incorporate new family
members into traditional family rituals, it
can also broaden the experiences you
share. But, stepparents can complicate
plans for a wedding especially when the divorced couples don’t get along. ere are
rules of etiquette that will help you walk
this potential minefield unscathed and
have the event you want.
e website Etiquetteguide.com outlines
guidelines regarding attire, seating and
photos for stepparents. If everyone gets
along well, stepparents should be included
in all aspects of the wedding from engagement parties, invitations and the ceremony
and reception, especially if they are contributing to the cost of the events.
If the stepmother and the groom are
close, she should be included in the wedding party, head table, photos and reception line. She should be given a mother’s
corsage and be attired in a gown similar to
the bride’s and groom’s mother. Stepfathers
can walk the bride down the aisle along
with the father of the bride as long as all
parties agree. Each father walks her half the
way down the aisle, or one on either side of
the bride.
However, ill will or uncomfortable feelings may make for difficult arrangements
and hurt feelings, which should be avoided.
In some situations, it may be best to keep
family separated during the reception.
Seating can be arranged with two head
tables, for example, or the head table can be
for bridesmaids and groomsmen only with
all parents sitting with their respective family members at separate tables.
e photographer can be made discretely aware of the situation and call family members and bridal party up separately
for picture taking. Just be sure there are
photos taken of all interested parties. You
don’t have to order or include every photo
in your album.
Finally, if stepparents are not to be part
of the wedding party, they could be given a
special reading, or allowed to make welcoming remarks, a blessing or special toast
at the reception. By giving all parents and
stepparents a role to play during the preparations and reception, the bride and groom
Yekta Kabobi Restaurant
Authentic Persian Cuisine
will give each of
them a feeling of
importance and
belonging.
All the parents
with their current
spouses
could be announced as the
reception begins.
And the bride
can split the father-daughter
dance half with
her father and
half with her
stepfather.
ere’s an old
saying that “If
you are the
mother or stepmother of the
groom,
wear
beige and blend.”
But it’s about
more that what
color your wear.
Positive communication and acting
in
a
It’s good to find a place for both mom and dad
non-competitive
and step-mom and step-dad at a child’s wedding.
way will diffuse
Complicated Families by Dr. Margorie Entensions. “Ask the bride or groom how best
gels. Dr. Engels is a past president of the
you can fit in, what role to play, and even how
National Step Families Association of
to dress for the event,” party planner Cara
America and is the currently a member of
Weiss of Save the Date says.
the Council of Step Family Experts at the
“e mother of the groom or stepmother
National Step Family Resource Center
of the groom should ask the bride what
(NSRC) at Auburn University.
color scheme she wants her to wear. She
No matter what kind of wedding you are
should also always be positive to the bride
planning, whether it is a small destination
when the bride shows her something she
wedding, a big catered reception with a
has selected. e mother of the groom or
band at a hotel or synagogue, or even just a
stepmother of the groom can host a shower
meeting with a rabbi to be married in his
with her friends – just ask the bride if she
study, it is better to be inclusive rather than
wants one. She should just be very helpful
exclusive, and it is better to accept rather
to the bride if she asks for it,” Patty Weiner
than reject. And most stepparents, mothers
of Plan It Parties adds.
of the groom or adoptive parents would
Other resources for brides and grooms
agree that anything is better than wearing
of divorced parents include Carolbeige and blending into the background.
Wells.suite101 and the book, Weddings for
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Picturing your big day
By David Holzel
Senior Writer
F
ocus on the professional first, the fee
second, photographers say.
When people choose a party photographer, most first decide how much they
want to spend and then try to squeeze
everything they want into that budget.
Photographer Michael Kress believes
that such people will be disappointed
with the outcome.
“People need to look at their budget
and pay for the highest level of photographer they can get,” and not focus primarily on the package of services they
want, he says.
Whether for a party, bar mitzvah or
wedding, Kress and other area photographers believe that it’s the quality of the
shooter that counts. An experienced
and knowledgeable photographer will
help guarantee the value of the finished
shoot in. There’s the traditional style of
posed shots. But she also works in photojournalism style—“capturing the moment, the shining eyes, the tears. These
are the pictures that can’t be posed. As
photographers we can combine these
two styles.”
Resaat tries to blend in at an event
and not become the focus of attention.
But just how unobtrusive the client
wants a photographer to be should be
discussed before the event. Imagine a
party, says videographer Cliff Matheson,
where it’s time to dim the lights for
dancing or dinner, and then suddenly
the videographer turns on his big lights
to compensate “and the place lights up
like a stadium.”
As with photographers, people should
not go by price alone when choosing a
videographer. “Get a referral from
friends. Look at some of the videographer’s work,” Matheson says.
“I spend a lot of time on
rapport-building. On the day
of the event I want to be like
a relative.
— Photographer Michael Kress
product—“pictures that will last a lifetime,” he says.
A good rapport between photographer and client is important to assure
success. “It’s one of the most important
reasons to hire that person,” Kress says.
“I spend a lot of time on rapport-building. On the day of the event I want to be
like a relative.”
And both photographer and client
need to be comfortable with the fit. “If
they have the right to choose the photographer, we have a right to choose the
client,” says photographer Naz Resaat.
“We have to evaluate each other.”
She encourages clients to compile a
wish list of must-be-taken photos,
which a party planner or family member can use to gather people for picturetaking during the event. Resaat also
discusses with clients the hours she will
be needed at the party, the time line of
the event and whether the client is interested in indoor or outdoor pictures.
She also talks about the styles she can
That due diligence includes the quality of the video: “Cakes don’t move, so it
looks unusual if the cake is shaking. The
videographer needs to use a tripod.”
And audio: “This is often overlooked.
If the sound is fuzzy or distant, the
video is going to be pretty awful.”
The four-to-five hours a videographer
spends at the event is just the “tip of the
iceberg” of what the fee buys, Matheson
says. “The videographer might spend
another 20 to 30 hours in editing and
post production.
What all photography and videography comes down to is light. “That may
be the biggest reason to hire a photographer,” Kress says. “Lots of people
know how to Photoshop a picture. That
doesn’t mean they know how to light a
subject.”
In the end, the relationship between
photographer and client helps predict
the value of the finished product.
“If they like you, they will probably
like your pictures too,” Resaat says.
PARTY PLANNER
Where Traditions Continue & New Ones Begin ...
Weddings & Receptions in a Traditional Setting!
Convenient Location, Complimentary Parking
10710 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854
301-983-8838 www.popovers.com
B15
Bangin’ barbecue
By Emily Jacobs
Staff Writer
I
t’s 10 a.m. on a summer Sunday morning and you decide last minute to have
a few friends over for an aernoon cook
out.
On your way to the grocery store to
pick up the usual hot dogs and hamburgers, you decide that this time you want to
show off your grillin’ skills and leave the
usual barbecue recipes behind. But what
should you make?
Garen Minton, Chef de Cuisine at a
soon-to-open restaurant in Georgetown,
has some easy recipe suggestions that are
perfect for the grill and will definitely
have your friends asking for seconds.
Try Chef Garen’s Not Your Average Beef Burger at your next summer cook out.
1 stalk of lemongrass (Put in whole. If
you start to break it down, it will release
hairs that will make the meat unpleasant.)
10-12 oz. of flat iron steak (You can get
one big steak or two/three smaller ones.)
Procedure:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
and whisk together. Place meat in a zip
lock bag and pour marinade over it. Remove extra air in bag and seal tightly. Rub
meat through the bag to make sure the
flavors of the marinade get infused into
it. Marinate 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. Remove from marinade and put on
grill for 3-5 minutes on each side depending on desired doneness.
Summer Fennel Slaw
Marinated Flat Iron Skirt Steak
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 limes juiced and thrown into marinade (Don’t worry, you’ll be throwing
them out later.)
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
6 cloves of garlic, smashed
1 inch of fresh ginger, roughly chopped
(yields 1 to 2 quarts)
1/2 head purple cabbage, thinly sliced
1 large head of fennel, stalks removed,
thinly sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 to 1/2 cups of mayonnaise
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground celery seed
1 teaspoon black pepper
After 25 Years in Bethesda....
Is Closing!
EVERYTHING MUST GO
salt to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Procedure:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and
mix well. Cool for 1 hour in the fridge before serving.
Not Your Average Beef Burger
(yields four 4 oz. burgers)
1 lb. of ground beef
1/2 cup of red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
1 quarter cup finely chopped chives
Procedure:
Fill shaker half way with your favorite
lemonade, followed by iced tea and a
handful of ice cubes. Add vodka and orange liqueur, shake, pour, garnish with
half a lemon and enjoy!
Procedure:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and
mix well. Form into 4 oz. patties. Grill
until desired doneness, approximately
four minutes on each side for medium,
depending on heat of grill.
To dress up your burger with some
grilled veggies, Chef Garen suggests cutting 2 onions and 2 green bell peppers in
half, covering them with a light layer of
olive oil and salt and pepper. Place them
on the grill flat side down until grill
marks appear and then thinly slice them
and place them on top of your burger for
a hearty crunch.
Strawberry Watermelon Slushie
(Kids and adults will go crazy for this
sweet beverage that can be made without
alcohol.)
1 pint fresh strawberries, tops cut off
2 cups watermelon, seeded, cubed
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup unflavored vodka
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups ice cubes
Procedure:
Combine all ingredients, except for the
ice in a blender. While blending, add ice
until smooth. Serve immediately!
$)&'
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( ) & # # $ $ ! - $ $ ! $ )%
%% ( , &'- $" " # ( $#'- $)' % !'-$ )%'
50% OFF TICKETED PRICES WITH MENTION
OF THIS AD IN WASHINGTON JEWISH WEEK
B16
Sweet Tea Lemonade
(is recipe can be made alcohol-free
for the younger set.)
1 1/4 oz vodka (either unflavored or
sweet tea flavored)
1/4 oz orange liqueur
5110 Ridgefield Rd O (301) 656-4505
• Infant to Pre-teen Boys & Girls Clothing
• Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Dresses/Suits (up to size 22)
• Special Occasion Youth Dresses
• Accessories and more!
Chances are you’re going to get thirsty
from all the delicious grilled food. Here
are some drink suggestions to enhance
your aernoon cook out.
PARTY PLANNER
# # + ' Catering Available
$ *!! $ *!! PARTY PLANNER LISTINGS
LISTINGS ARE PROVIDED AS A COURTESY TO OUR ADVERTISERS
so all you'll have to do is sit back, relax, and
enjoy! Call us at 301.652.0955 today!
seated events. This room has a private balcony
and a private bar.
BOWLMOR LANES
CAFÉ OLE BISTRO
CLYDE'S OF TYSONS CORNER
(Formerly — Strike Bethesda)
301-652-0955 x231
Fax: 301-652-0957
Julie Lavallie
[email protected]
www.strikebethesda.com
A party at Bowlmor is lots of fun for everyone,
with non-stop bowling, great food and drinks
and a whimsical atmosphere. Ideal for family
outings and children’s birthday parties, Bowlmor offers several party packages that accommodate both adults and children. Our
extensive catering menus and party packages
are completely customizable, you can even select premium options, such as a personalized
cake, invitations and a souvenir bowling pin
for the birthday child. Our professional party
planners will ensure the planning is super easy,
4000 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-244-1330
www.cafeoledc.com
Let Cafe Ole cater your next event. We offer a
unique Mediterranean menu including appetizers, small bites, kabobs, hot entrees, sandwiches, desserts and beverages … all at a great
value! We can supply setups and delivery.
8332 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182
703-734-1907
Kristin Young
Four private rooms that open into one large
ballroom to accommodate up to 175 seated
guests. Decorated in Art Deco pastels, Clyde's
Overlook Room is the perfect setting for Bar
and Bat Mitzvahs, as well as other joyous occasions. Allow us to assist you in all aspects of
your reception.
BANQUET FACILITIES/VENUES/
RESTAURANTS
CLYDE’S OF GALLERY PLACE
707 7th St., NW
202-349-3700
Tim Gabel
[email protected]
The Piedmont Room accommodates up to
200 for cocktail receptions, and up to 140 for
IL PORTO
245 Muddy Branch Rd.
Gaithersburg, MD
301-590-0735
www.ilportogaithersburg.com
Family owned since 1996, serving pastas, fresh
seafood, veal, poultry, pizza, homemade Italian
bread and desserts made fresh daily. Carry-out
service available.
FIRESTATION-1 RESTAURANT
8131 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring MD 20910
301-585-1370
www.firestation-1.com
The only one of its kind in the area. From
planning your menu to the execution of your
event, so you feel confident that your experience will be a great success! Three floors for
your needs - first floor dining area, second
floor lounge and 3rd floor event room with a
full-service bar. Buffet style, butlered food
service, and food stations available. Make sure
you book your next event in the most spacious
meeting and party accommodations of any
restaurant in the city. Contact Christine Knisley at 301-585-1370 or 703-220-5851 or
[email protected].
8100 boone blvd.
vienna, va 22182
tel.: (703) 760 0690
www.nostosrestaurant.com
Best Restaurant Award 2012
—Washingtonian Magazine
Family Owned Since 1996
“ample portions of good food at reasonable prices...”
-Gazette Papers
Pastas, Fresh Seafood, Veal, Poultry, Pizza,
Homemade Italian Bread & Homemade Desserts Made Fresh Daily
Full Bar
Open 7 Days A Week
Mon-Fri 11:30-10pm
Sat 12-10pm • Sun 12-9pm
Carry Out
Available
Nostos, from the owners of the twenty year successful
Mykonos Grill, is now open in the Tysons Corner area,
specializing in traditional Greek cuisine with an emphasis
on fresh fish and ‘mezedes’ small plates.
Private Party
Room Available
245 Muddy Branch Rd., Gaithersburg
Festival Shopping Center
301-590-0735
301-620-7480
www.ilportogaithersburg.com
200 South Market St. Frederick
121 congressional In.
rockville, md 20852
tel.: (301) 770 5999
www.mykonosgrill.com
Take Diamondback Dr. to Muddy Branch Rd. Make Right turn into Shopping Center. Just 5 minutes away!
PARTY PLANNER
B17
LJ'S CAFE & CATERING
9210 Corporate Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20850
301-258-9894
[email protected]
LJ's Cafe- a family owned and operated full
service deli has proudly been serving the
Washington area for over 25 years. We pride
ourselves on great food, great service and great
prices. We cater to your needs. Big or small,
fancy or casual let us make your occasion one
to remember!
MYKONOS
121 Congressional Lane
Rockville, MD 20852
301-770-5999
Mykonos Greek Restaurant has been
noted by the Washington Post for
“Greek Cooking at its best” and by
Washingtonian Magazine as one of its
“100 Very Best Restaurants.” The
extensive menu offers roast lamb,
chicken, Hellenic seafood, vegetarian
dishes and daily specials including
mezethes, two separate presentations
of fifteen unique dishes.
NORMANDIE FARM
10710 Falls Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
301-983-8838
popovers.com
Cary G. Prokos, Chef/Proprietor
Since 1931. Where the tradition of hot golden
popovers and fine country cuisine continues.
Nestled in the heart of Potomac, Normandie
Farm’s distinctive and rustic French decor creates an unforgettable ambiance. Enjoy house
specialties that include Beef Wellington, Veal
Oscar, Grilled Swordfish and Rack of Lamb.
Open Tuesday through Sunday including Sunday Brunch.
NOSTOS
8100 Boone Blvd.
Vienna, VA 22182
703-760-0690
www.nostosrestaurant.com
Nostos, from the owners of the twenty year
successful Mykonos Grill, is now open in the
Tysons Corner area, specializing in traditional
Greek cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish
and mezedes (small dishes).
TED’S 355 DINER
895 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
301-340-0088
Teds355.com
The real diner is back at Ted’s 355 Big City
Kitchen. Our menu features fresh fish, Greek
and Italian specialties, salads & more. Our private party room includes 100” big screen projector and accommodates up to 100 people.
Our full service bar is now available. Celebrate
your special occasion with us!
THE ADVENTURE PARK
AT SANDY SPRING
16701 Norwood Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
www.inthetreetops.org
240-389-4386
Zip into Spring! This will be the most memorable adventure for your family. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is the largest
B18
tree-top climbing and zipping park in North
America. 13 aerial trails, 6 difficulty levels, 190
challenges and 26 zip lines off endless fun and
fitness for every family. Ages 5 and up. A great
venue for family outings, parties and events!
See www.InTheTreeTops.org for details.
YEKTA KABOBI RESTAURANT
1488-B Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
301-984-0005
www.yekta.com
Offering the finest in Persian Cuisine Yekta is
capable of providing just about anything for
your special event. Our food speaks for itself
and our service will impress! Can accomadate
parties up to 200 people. You enjoy the party
and we will deliver, setup, and cleanup. Also
have a beautiful dining room that can be
rented out for private events up to 90 guests!
CATERING
CATERING BY ALAN WEISS
443-394-8338
800-459-0009
240-393-9073
www.cateringbyalanweiss.com
Contemporary, traditional and gourmet
kosher cuisine all designed to give you an event
for the ages. Event planning at no additional
charge. Under the Rabbinical Council and Star
K supervision.
GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.
301-770-8544
http://www.greatharvestrockville.com/
Our purpose and passion at Great Harvest is
to provide you and your family with the freshest and most flavorful baked goods you’ve ever
tasted. Come in for a free slice of hot-out-ofthe-oven bread or a taste of legendary sweets.
Enjoy them yourself and bring your children.
We’re family owned and community focused.
We offer large Challah's for that Special Occasion, cookies, scones, mixes and much much
more. We also offer you a fun place to hang
out. Come see for yourself.
seasoned staff at Parkway hustle to make sure
your deli experience is tops. And the deli lovers
keep coming back, again and again.
POTOMAC 18 CATERING
(Formerly Dahan)
14670 Southlawn Lane, Suite 1
Rockville, MD 20850
301-294-8445
www.potomac18.com
With an all-star team, Potomac 18 is reinventing kosher catering. Potomac 18 understands
the importance of each event, whether it’s a
formal ceremony, an intimate dinner or a
grand celebration.
WINDOWS CATERING
5724 General Washington Drive
Alexandria, VA 22312
www.catering.com
703.519.3500
[email protected]
Windows Catering Company is one of DC’s
premier off-premise caters. Windows’ culinary
creations are abound with inventive interpretations and modern designs based on the
finest traditions of American, regional, and international cuisine. We offer Kosher and
Kosher-Style cuisine while combining our exquisite food, presentation, and service for your
memorable event.
YARDEN CATERING
2850 Quebec Street NW
202-670-4308
Karla Rosenfeld Azachi, CMP
[email protected]
www.yardencatering.com
We at Yarden Fine Catering believe every event
is a momentous one. Your event should not
only be flawlessly planned and seamlessly accomplished, but also memorably delicious.
Yarden has the experience to bring together an
event from the overall theme to the finest details. We are creative, forward thinking and detail oriented with a single focus to deliver
unique experiences tailored to your event and
your guests.
MR. OMELETTE CATERERS
8600 Dakota Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-340-2800
David & Jennifer Model
www.mromelettemd.com
Kosher dairy caterers offering complete
party packages including pasta stations,
crepes, pancakes, waffles, mini French
pastries, fresh assorted breads, Espresso,
cappuccino coffee service and fresh fruit
smoothie bars. Full party rental services
also available. Mashgiach services available.
PARKWAY DELI
301-587-1427
Fax: 301- 587-2675
www.theparkwaydeli.com
[email protected]
For over 48 years, Parkway Deli has been
Washington's favorite place to nosh. Whether
you're eating in or looking for smoked fish to
go, you'll be sure to find something you love. If
you can make it past the dessert case, you'll
find lots of other enticing goodies from our
deli all the way back to our dining room.
Family run and now in its third generation of
operation, Danny, his brother Gary and the
ENTERTAINMENT
A MACHAYA KLEZMER
6220 Wagner Ln
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-6272
301-404-6273
Barbara Hess or Jay McCrensky
[email protected]
www.machaya.com
NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED Klezmer and
rock band. Enjoy authentic,
moderately-volumed Klezmer, swing, classical, and rock from the 40's to 2000's. Involve
all the guests in Jay's famous Klezmer dancing. Unique and exciting games for Bar/Bat
Mitzvahs. Rely on our experience and quality. 2-10 musicians. Hear us at the Klezmer
Club™. Clients praised, “Everybody raved
about the band! You made me famous!”
CARBONE ENTERTAINMENT
Maryland — DC — Virginia & beyond
301-572-7717
Toll Free: 888-590-0039
Fax: 301-572-7716
[email protected]
PARTY PLANNER
www.CarboneEntertainment.com
Airbrushing! Tattoos! FotoBooths & FotoNovelties! Patch Hats! Fortune Tellers! Actors &
Characters! Jewelery Making & Crafts! Caricatures! Hairwraps! Bling Stations! Face Painters
& Balloon Twisters! Plus MUCH MORE! We
add the FUN to your event!
DEALERS CHOICE CASINOS
Serving the DC Metro, Baltimore, Northern
Virginia and Richmond, VA areas
301-648-6030 - Metro area
804-747-9109 - Richmond area
[email protected]
www.dealerschoicecasinos.com
Easily your best bet for Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties as well as Corporate Events, Fundraisers,
Holiday, Birthday and Anniversary parties.
We feature the finest up to date and cleanest
tables in the area. Dealers are appropriately
dressed, professional, personable and ready to
entertain you. Make sure your next event is a
Dealers Choice event!
EARTH TREKS
CLIMBING CENTERS
725 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
240-283-9942
www.earthtreksclimbing.com
[email protected]
Earth Treks Climbing Centers are state-of-theart indoor climbing gyms located in Rockville,
Columbia, and Timonium, MD. With more
than 38,500 square feet of climbing, our
Rockville facility is the largest indoor climbing
wall in the country!
Earth Treks offers youth programs, competitive climbing teams, private parties, summer
camps and climbing instruction for all skill
levels. No experience is needed to get started!
FOTOGRAPHIX PRODUCTIONS
Get Flipped! Washington, D.C.
301-928-2240
[email protected]
www.GetFlipped.com
Get Flipped! Washington, D.C. is an event
photography company that specializes in providing premium photo favors LIVE at your
event. Call Sam at 301-928-2240 to discuss
how Get Flipped! Washington D.C can help
you have the most memorable event possible!!!! Please view our website at www.GetFlipped.com
GAMES2U ENTERTAINMENT
Serving Maryland, D.C. & NOVA
443-996-4263
www.Games2U.com
Games2U takes you where no games have
gone before with unique, interactive mobile
entertainment like our mind-blowing Video
Game Theaters; Mobil Gaming Carts; Virtual
Graffiti Walls; high-tech Laser Tag; life-size
Hamster Balls and so much more. With exciting activities for every age, we can bring out
the kid in just about everyone.
ORGANICALLY GROWN PARTIES
301-975-0099
www.oggym.com
Let’s Get it Started! Our experienced planners
will organize whatever you need into one
budget-conscious package. From 1 to 100, you
can include Bounces, Crafts, Prizes, Photographers, food and more. Select one of our
themes or choose one of your own. We’ll plan
it all, from start to glorious finish!
KOL CHAYIM ORCHESTRA
Gary Honick
410-764-8676
[email protected]
For three decades Kol Chayim has been the
band of choice for those who want the best entertainment, most diverse of music,and the
most fun at their affair.Winner of Baltimore
Magazine’s “Best”award.The most memorable
affairs are possible with entertainment by The
Kol Chayim Orchestra.
GIFTS
ISRAELI ACCENTS
4838 Boiling Brook Pkwy
Rockville, MD 20852
301-231-7999
www.israeliaccents.com
Importer of Israeli giftware and Judaica.All items
discounted 20 percent daily, including invitations
and personalized yarmulkes for weddings and
bar mitzvahs.The area’s most outstanding selection of Judaica, jewelry and gifts.
FASHION
SILVER SPRING JEWELRY
DESIGNS BY NICOLE
18115 Georgia Ave
Olney, MD 20832
301-570-4720
Designsbynicoleonline.org
Established in 1988, New York trained Nicole
and staff can fit any size or shape with custom designed garments. Tailoring of off-therack garments will fit like a dream, from
bridal to men’s suits. A large selection of
fashion jewelry and evening bags will finish
your look. Be prepared for five-star personal
service!
J. MICHAEL THE SALON
Great Hair. Always.
5268 Nicholson Lane, Suite F
N. Bethesda, MD 20895
301-881-6511 Salon Line
www.jmichaelthesalon.com
Email: [email protected]
Find us on facebook: J. Michael The Salon
J. Michael The Salon is committed to providing superior customer service. Plain and simple, we know hair. We take a very personal
approach with each client, creating the perfect
cut, color, and style to suit each client's needs.
In addition to hair styling services, J. Michael
The Salon offers expert skin, nails and makeup
services for your next party or event. Michael
J. Chreky, Creative Partner & Director, is accomplished and well-known in the beauty industry and with over 15 members of the
family in the business, it’s clear that styling
great hair comes naturally! Michael’s clients
are his #1 priority. Michael is most comfortable behind the chair, not in the spotlight, so
that he can focus his full attention on making
his clients look fantastic and feel great. His
philosophy is simple: Great Hair. Always.
SALON FUSION
1401 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
240-430-0415
salonfusionrockville.com
At Salon Fusion, we are delighted to have the
opportunity to lift your spirits while attending
to your personal care needs. We pride ourselves
in taking the time to listen to our clients while
taking into account personality, life style and
maintenance. Our goal is to create a salon
where not only do you leave looking and feeling
great, but where great things happen because of
it! Through integrity, commitment to education, and dedication to our team, we at Salon
Fusion are determined to give you the service
you deserve and look forward to meeting you!
Come visit us before your next simcha!
9421 Georgia Ave and
11205 New Hampshire Ave
240-432-4946
silverspringjewelers.com
Are you in the market for Jewelry? Choose Silver Spring Jewelry, the only complete jewelry
manufacturer in the DC area. Silver Spring
Jewelry has been family owned and operated
since 1971. Silver Spring Jewelry is direct importer of EGI and GIA certified diamonds.
Save $$$ buying diamonds direct! Silver
Spring Jewelry will trade your unwanted gold
jewelry for a new piece of jewelry or we can
buy your gold for cash. Jewelry repairs and replacements of watch batteries can be done
while you wait. Design Your Own Jewelry- let
us help you design the perfect pair of earrings,
pendant, or ring using our exceptional certified diamonds. Authorized Watch Dealer for
Movado, Accutron, Wittnauer, Bulova, Seiko,
Citizen, Caravelle, Pulsar, Kenneth Cole. Now
open in downtown Silver Spring as well as
White Oak. Stop in today!
HOTELS
THE BETHESDA COURT HOTEL
7740 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-656-2100
[email protected]
www.bethesdacourtwashdc.com
Ideally located in a charming neighborhood
outside of Washington DC,
the Bethesda Court Hotel provides elegant European hospitality in an intimate, gracious environment. Enjoy the first-class amenities and
accommodations of this stunning hotel, combined with the warmth and comfort of a traditional bed and breakfast. Few other
Washington DC area hotels offer such an
inviting experience.
THE FAIRFAX AT EMBASSY ROW
2100 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC, 20008
202-293-2100
theluxurycollection.com/fairfax
Cecilia Mojica
[email protected]
The elegant Fairfax at Embassy Row is a beautiful hotel which is nestled among the stately
mansions of Massachusetts Avenue. Located in
Dupont Circle, one of Washington, D.C.’s
most vibrant neighborhoods, the luxury hotel,
which offers both ceremony and reception
spaces, embodies the grace and elegance of a
bygone era.
THE HOTEL AT ARUNDEL
PRESERVE
7795 Arundel Mills Blvd.
Hanover, MD 21076
410-796-9830
Thehotelarundel.com
Stylish and welcoming, our full-service, luxury, boutique hotel offers everything you
need to plan the perfect event. The elegant
grand ballroom accommodates over 500
guests. For smaller events or receptions, the
ballroom can be divided into three individual
rooms. The outdoor terrace is the perfect location for your cocktail hour. Conveniently
located with complimentary BWI airport and
local shuttle service.
INVITATIONS
LETTERING BY LYNNE
3315 Carolina Pl.
Alexandria VA
703-548-5427
Lynne Sandler
[email protected]
www.LetteringByLynne.com
Unique invitations: elegant papers,
thermography, engraving letterpress
printing.Hebrew too. Beautiful addressing
envelopes and place cards, picture frames, kippot, benchers, ketubot. Customized ceremony
programs. Beautiful framed seating chart and
gold or silver table number stands to rent.
Colorful personalized 3-D sign-in books.
One-on-one customer interface.
PARTY PLANNING
SAVE THE DATE
301-983-6222
[email protected]
www.SaveTheDateMD.com
Whether your event is next week or next year,
our award winning event planning company
can work out the right plan for you. From invitations, favors, theme design, to vendor referral, we have all the resources you need to
successfully plan your next event.
SYNAGOGUES
SHAARE TEFILA CONGREGATION
16620 Georgia Ave.
Olney MD 20832
301-593-3410, ext 101
Jill Goldwater, Executive Director
www.ShaareTefila.org
www.facebook.com/ShaareTefila
Have your dream party gala in Shaare Tefila's
brand new setting! Our social hall comfortably
seats more than 200 guests, with room for a
dance floor and band. Generous-sized Kosher
kitchen, free on-site parking. The Winer
Gallery is a beautiful large gathering hall with
natural light and stained glass windows, perfect for receptions and hors d'oeuvres, leading
into an elegant, roomy sanctuary with easy access to a chapel seating up to 70 guests. Located off Georgia Ave., near the ICC, between
Emory Lane and Emory Church Road.
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VOTED & NOMINATED
FOR BEST OF BETHESDA
2007-2008, 2009-2010,
2011-2012
INDEX OF
ADVERTISERS
A Machaya Klezmer ............................................B18
Behnke Nurseries ...............................................B13
Bethesda Court Hotel ............................................B7
Bowlmor Lanes ....................................................B2
Briar Patch.........................................................B22
Cafe Ole Bistro .....................................................B4
Carbone Entertainment........................................B10
Catering by Alan Weiss..........................................B7
Clyde’s Restaurant Group ....................................B21
Dealers Choice Casino.........................................B11
Designs by Nicole .................................................B8
DoubleTree Hilton Silver Spring ..............................B5
Earth Treks Climbing Center.................................B15
Fairfax Embassy Row..........................................B21
Firestation-1 Restaurant........................................B9
Fotographix Productions .......................................B3
Games2U Entertainment ......................................B10
Great Harvest Bread Co. ......................................B14
Hotel at Arundel Preserve ....................................B12
Il Porto Restaurant..............................................B17
Israeli Accents .....................................................B6
J. Michael The Salon ...........................................B22
Kol Chayim Orchestra..........................................B10
Les Enfants ........................................................B16
Lettering by Lynne ................................................B6
LJ’s Cafe .............................................................B9
Mr. Omelette ......................................................B13
Mykonos............................................................B17
Normandie Farm.................................................B15
Nostos...............................................................B17
Organically Grown Parties ...................................B23
Parkway Deli......................................................B24
Pho Nom Nom ....................................................B16
Potomac 18 Caterers.............................................B3
Salon Fusion ......................................................B13
Save the Date.....................................................B20
Shaare Tefila ......................................................B23
Silver Spring Jewelry ............................................B8
Ted’s 355 Diner ....................................................B5
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.......................B4
The Cakery ..........................................................B9
The Yellow Balloon..............................................B11
Windows Catering...............................................B12
Yarden Catering....................................................B2
Yekta Kabobi Restaurant .....................................B14
B20
PARTY PLANNER
The Fairfax At Embassy Row
Events that dazzle.
But no one shines brighter than you.
When you plan an event at The Fairfax at Embassy Row, a Starwood Luxury
Collection Hotel, you and your guests become the center of our world. From
weddings to Bar Mitzvah’s, our professional staff handles your every whim.
Make your day an affair to remember – and one your guests will never forget.
Call our sales team today at
202.293.2100 to learn about our 2012
Wedding and Special Event Packages.
WWW.FAIRFAXHOTELDC.COM
follow us:
PARTY PLANNER
B21
J. Michael ơ
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Welcome
J. Michael The Salon
to the Neighborhood!
Now Open
5268 Suite F Nicholson Lane
White Flint Plaza Shopping Center (Across from Shoppers & HomeGoods)
North Bethesda | MD 20895
301.881.6511 | www.jmichaelthesalon.com
Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn is an ideal
location for all your simchas!
Breathtaking County Setting ... Exceptional Service ... Outstanding Accommodations
We offer:
• Weddings & ceremonies
• Birthday & anniversary celebrations
• Family reunions & graduation parties
• Weekend getaways, family vacations
• Retreats
23130 Briar Patch Lane
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
Owners: Ellen Goldberg & Dan Haendel
www.BriarPatchBandB.com
[email protected]
703.327.5911
Don’t Forget! We are also a perfect location for board & business meetings. Kosher Caterers Welcome!
B22
PARTY PLANNER
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Contact Jill Goldwater, Executive Director, 301-593-3410, Ext. 101
Shaare Tefila Congregation, 16620 Georgia Avenue, Olney MD 20832
www.ShaareTefila.org or www.facebook.com/ShaareTefila
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Located between Emory Lane & Emory Church Road, on the west side of Georgia Ave., about 1.5 miles north of the ICC highway
PARTY PLANNER
B23
Parkway Deli & Restaurant
Amazing Party
Platters!
PLATTERS
• Lox & Cream Cheese • Sandwiches
• Fresh Fruit
• Fish & Cheese
• Pastries
• Buffet
GREAT FOOD FOR OVER 47 YEARS!
8317 Grubb Road • Silver Spring, MD
www.theparkwaydeli.com • 301.587.1427
Open 7 Days a Week!
B24
PARTY PLANNER