Well Hello, Mr. President!

Thursday, 11/13 was the date of the big St. Mary Medical Center President's Society dinner, a celebration of appreciation for the hospital's major donors ($5K+ annually). After our success with June's Cyclefest (my first major event for the Foundation), I was asked if I'd like to be involved in the planning of this annual dinner. Oh sure, I said... bring it on. I'd love to be "involved."

What the powers that be hadn't discovered yet is that I am a bit of a control freak and involvement in my warped little brain means "stand back, look out, comin' through, here are my ideas, here are photos of my ideas, a prototype or two of my ideas, here are a list of vendors along with diagrams, charts and spreadsheets detailing how they will bring my ideas to life, and thanks everyone, you can all go home now because I have it all under control -- see you at the event."

Thankfully, everyone seemed to like my concept and no one got their hackles up about the fact that I essentially rattled off the game plan at the first meeting and then just ran with it, straight up the middle and directly into the end zone.

Last year they rolled with a Tuscan theme and the year before, a Brazilian Rodizio (which I admit I'm glad I wasn't there for because I probably would have gotten all old school authentic and gone for the wax too). So, this time around, in a year that boasted a monumental Presidential election as well as bottomless pit of Olympic medals, I thought it would be nice to bring it back home. This year's theme: A Taste of Classic America.

The overall feel was that of the America we miss (or have only heard about from our parents or grandparents) -- antique decor, centerpieces in old fashioned containers featuring timeless florals, fresh apples and a single 45 rpm, and a classic jukebox for the evening's entertainment.

Hors d'oeuvres were spectacular and consisted of Trenton Country Club's most requested appetizer -- Kobe sliders (mini burgers), table-seared and prepared along with mini hot dogs, sauteed shrimp and scallops, and a host of other passed nibbles.

Entrees were served at 4 separate stations, representing 4 regions of America: The Pacific Coast (Fisherman's Wharf), Southwest, New Orleans, and New England. Each station featured classic regional fare -- my favorite of which was the New England lobster tail, clam, potato and corn creation, which was steamed in individual nets and cut open directly out of the pot and into your bowl. Other entrees included pan seared salmon and tuna, pasta primavera, beef fajitas and jambalaya.

Dessert was not only delicious, but fun! Mini apple and cherry pies along with a foot-long banana split to pass around the table and dig into. The guests loved it! And if that wasn't enough to satisfy every one's sweet tooth, guests were treated to caramel apple favors and big jars of soda-shop penny candy on their way out.

The night was a huge success with the only down side being that it took place two nights before our own big Kitchen Reveal party. I really rode that burst of energy for all it was worth, only coming down this past weekend where I essentially did nothing but watch movies and decorate mini Christmas trees. But that's another post for another day.

I already have a few ideas for next year's PS dinner, but if you have any you'd like to share, please post a comment! See more photos of the event here (and use the password president).