Yield to Temptation

Picture this …


You arrive to the beautiful Mandarin Oriental for the celebration of your wedding weekend. We have long since attended to all the details, so you are at leisure to relax and enjoy the best of Miami, and be absolutely pampered!

Upon arrival, serenity surrounds you. With refreshment in hand, we will lead you into a different world… The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. As Miami, and Florida’s, only Five Star Spa, we invite you to step into a space where tranquility pervades and where the boundaries of East and West blend in harmony. Your senses will be stimulated through textures of bamboo, rice paper, natural linens and golden stones. Luxury surrounds you and time stands still. Allow the deep sense of relaxation to wash over you.

This is not a dream, it is our goal! So whether it be for you in blissful solitude, an intimate gathering amongst your bridal party, or you and your husband the day after your wedding celebration, our luxurious suites are designed with sheer luxury and relaxation in mind. They are ideal sanctuary for privacy, pampering and personalized service.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Think Big...

We explored some of the small details that go into making an event very unique, so now I feel it only fitting that I share with you some “over the top” ideas that can leave a lasting impression.

Imagine fireworks going off when you proclaim the words “I do”. Snowflakes gently falling around you while you embrace on the dance floor. Think confetti canons exploding with the start of the celebration, or a celebrity guest performer taking the stage. Most of all, picture an undeniable love and passion for one another that leaves an entire room breathless.

Actually… you don’t have to imagine it … I invite you to see it. Congratulations Natasha and Steven – I was honored to be a part of this incredible celebration. And a special thanks to the very talented Alain Martinez, who beautifully and artfully brings their celebration and memories to life:

http://www.lifestyle.alainmartinez.com/highlights/Weddings/NatashaAndSteven/

It's a Piece of Cake...

I have a delicious treat to share with you from the kitchen of our award winning Pastry Chef, Frederic Monet. His customized wedding cake designs are magnificent, however it is his impressive signature flavors and confectionary creations that keep everyone asking for seconds!

Frederic’s personal favorite, a Berry Fraisier cake, makes for the perfect summer selection. The brilliant layers of color are indicative of the season, the strawberries and raspberries are at their freshest, the cream is light and enticing and pistachio paste is blended in to give the cream a hint of “nutty” flavor. Before starting, Frederic soaks the lady fingers in Grand Marnier, infusing a light citrus flavor. Last but not least … he removes all the fat and calories before consumption (just kidding – he is a renowned pastry chef, not miracle worker!)

I hope you enjoy it as much as our brides, and our Mandarin Oriental family!

Strawberry-Raspberry Fraisier Cake

Lady Fingers

10 Egg Yolks
1 Egg
6 ½ oz Sugar
8 oz All Purpose Flour, sifted
8 Egg Whites
3 ½ oz Sugar

• Mix egg yolks, egg and sugar in the mixer to ribbon stage
• Fold in sifted flour
• In a separate bowl, mix the egg whites and the 3 ½ oz sugar to meringue stage
• Fold in meringue to egg yolk mixture
• Spread mixture over parchment paper on sheet pan
• Bake 350 F for 12-15 min.

Light Pastry Cream

2 Cups Milk
½ Cup Cream
4 oz Sugar
2 oz Cornstarch
1 Egg
2 Egg Yolks
Vanilla Extract
3 Cups Whipped Cream
1 Tbsp. Pistachio Paste
6 Gelatin Leaves, softened in cold water

• Boil milk and cream together with vanilla extract
• Mix sugar with cornstarch, egg and yolks
• Temper hot milk to egg mixture
• Put back into pan and cook until “pastry cream” consistency
• Add pistachio paste and soften gelatin into hot pastry cream. Let it cool
• Whip 3 cups of whipped cream and fold into cooled off pastry cream

Assembly

• Cut lady finger into 2 pieces
• Soak the bottom lady finger with some Grand-Marnier simple syrup
• Put some of the light pistachio pastry cream
• Add berries (strawberries / raspberries)
• Pour rest of the cream on top of the berries
• Add second half of lady finger over cream and berries
• Soak with Grand-Marnier simple syrup
• Put a thin layer of cream on top of lady fingers
• Chill in refrigerator for about 1 hr.
• Spread raspberry jam on top of cake and cut into squares with a sharp knife

Bon Appetit!