Working for a culinary production firm definitely has its moments. For instance, today I was able to throw away the sub-par lunch I had packed while half-asleep this morning and savor some artisan flatbread pizza and a grilled chicken salad instead.

Being around food like this is a continual reminder of the “importance in indulgence,” especially on your birthday! Thank you for making it a special one for me, team!

Right out of the AFE kitchen…

Just in case you were too busy sleeping in (wouldn’t that be nice!) to pick up Sunday’s Chronicle, here’s what you missed:

An exclusive interview with A Fare co-owner, Rachael Volz, and some dazzling coverage of our Ladies of CAMH event.

Underneath a gorgeous snapshot from one of our most memorable private events (below), Rachael discusses the prominent party trends of the season, rehashes the pride we take in our 24-hour Buffalo Bayou challenge and explains the importance in trusted vendors and preparedness.

In Gloss, a favorite shot of our beautiful dining tent (below) draws attention to the already glossy pages and featured ladies!

Thank you to Amy Vogel for her always fabulous photography and, of course, our friends at the Houston Chronicle.

When busy season came to a close, I would have expected the collective sigh of relief from our office to resound all the way against the sandy shores of Galveston. I mean, 83 events in 31 days is no easy feat. 

Call us workaholics, but this was not the case. 

Haven’t you heard, December is “the most wonderful time of the year!?” Wonderful because of the manageably cold weather that cuts us a break from the Texas heat, because of the sentimental traditions that somehow surprise you with their warmth every year and for a million and one other reasons, mostly centered around close friends, family and the heavy consumption of food and wine. It is bittersweet at A Fare Extraordinaire when we stop and realize that this special time of year, once again, has come and gone.

There is one upside to December ending (well, two, if you count the luxury of sleep we regain), and that is the undeniable surge of resolutions, hope and excitement sparked by January that circulates amongst the office. We’re only one week in, and 2011 is already proving to be a year that will challenge and ultimately define our company. The start of a new decade and the start of A Fare’s 26th year (our next quarter-century) marks a very special time, indeed.

We resolve to blow you away with our ability to keep our finger ahead of the pulse in culinary and event production trends.

We hope you, too, will resolve for a 2011 extraordinaire, because if the last 25 years have taught us anything, it’s that you more than deserve it! We will be in touch!

I hope everyone more than enjoyed their Thanksgiving, as in my opinion, it is the best holiday of all. No presents pressure, Christmas music becomes officially appropriate and you consume copious amounts of  food and wine with nothing but a good, long nap to follow… I mean, what more can one ask for?

At A Fare Extraordinaire we like to put a spin on the traditional Thanksgiving fare, and yesterday some very special clients were able to witness such feasts. We roasted traditional turkeys, then whipped up sides of root vegetable mash, corn and spinach souffles, chicken apple sausage dressing, pumpkin creme brulee and whiskey croissant bread pudding, just to name a few items.

Taking a modern approach to holiday cuisine is something you see more and more of in today’s world. Last Sunday, this concept was the final challenge for two talented chefs on The Next Iron Chef, and the winning Marc Forgione even chose to leave turkey off his Thankgiving menu altogether!

Though I wanted to stop watching this Food Network hit when Houston chef, Bryan Caswell (pictured), said goodbye on week 6, I continued to tune in. I still support Caswell’s impressive creations at Reef and Stella Sola, but I must say I’m glad I stuck around for the holiday-inspired season finale. The pumpkin risotto, chestnut filled spiced venison, duck sausage and cranberry sorbet only made me love the third Thursday of November that much more.

From all of us at A Fare, Mr. Caswell, we will continue to follow your restaurant genius across the city, and everyone else, Happy Belated Thanksgiving! Now on to Christmas…my second favorite holiday, only just by a hair!

Inspiring Caswell creations from the season featured below.

Last Tuesday, nearly 300 women strutted their fantastic fall fashions, impressive art sense and competitive drive at the Contemporary Arts Museum’s Another Great Night in November. Thrown in the home of Marita Fairbanks, the night kicked off with a wild art chase as women in teams scoured the Fairbanks home to answer questions on an extensive cultural quiz. With prizes, dinner and entertainment waiting, the guests eventually found their way to part two of the evening…

This ladies-only event hit its 20th anniversary, and fresh out of its teen years, the celebration rose to a new high in sophistication, fun and ingenuity. The sponsor Tory Burch provided the inspiration, seen in the orange floored tent, funky DJ tunes, retro chic models on platforms and, of course, the food.

We built an architectural dessert, played up the orange in the entree and kept the drinks flowing all night!

The event was a raging success that generated a record-breaking $207,000. First Buffalo Bayou breaks records, now CAMH! Just call us Midas, because everything A Fare touches turns to gold…even the macaroons.

Thank you to Amy Vogel Photography,  Bergner and Johnson, Bright Star and Aztec for your impeccable work and to the ladies of CAMH for allowing us to take part in ANOTHER GREAT NIGHT!

You may have noticed a slight dwindling in blog entries. Well, let me tell you just why that is… BUSY SEASON HAS ARRIVED! The second a cool breeze blows through this town, our event calendar knocks into high gear. One special occasion in particular tends to kick us off each season…a stampede of buffalo!

The 6th Annual Buffalo Bayou Ball took place on November 4th. We were proud to be asked back to help execute this annual gala, and were beaming with further pride when Sunday’s Chronicle reported the  “record-setting crowd of nearly 600 raised more than $400,000.”  

Situated in a tent on actual Sabine Street Bridge, guests were able to enjoy and admire Buffalo Bayou in all its glory. We partially closed down this high-traffic bridge to build this spectacular venue on the morning of the event, and while again ambitious and dangerous, we knew the efforts would be worth it in the end. Boy were they…

“Happy Trails to You” was the theme of the night, which we incorporated into our Happy Trails Salad. 

And our Camp Fire S’mores were enjoyed just before guests broke into the closing song of “Happy Trails to You,” let by BBP Board Chair Chuck Carlberg and Gala Chairs Lorraine and Ed Wulfe.

It was a night to remember, and we were thrilled to again partner with Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Your efforts continue to transform this city and keep the meaning of outdoor conservancy alive.

Credit must also be given to our friends at Karl’s Event Services, Bergner and Johnson and Kalina Broadbent Photography.

Last week A Fare Extraordinaire executed a seated dinner with a purpose that far exceeded the perfectly plated entrees and attentive staff. It was a dinner honoring Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, world-renowned childhood psychologist. Although I typically take every chance to brag upon the culinary creations of our kitchen, I must say, the food was excellent, but it was the company that was truly extraordinary.

Dr. Brazelton is known for many things: a pediatrician, an author, the host of the cable series, What Every Baby Knows, but most of all, for the immense change he has brought to the world of childhood development. Dr. Brazelton developed the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), which assesses not only the physical and neurological responses of newborns, but also their emotional well being and individual differences. This test has helped parents across the world understand their children’s earliest interactions, catching problems and prescribing treatments we hardly knew existed before.

After a lengthy and insightful presentation, guests were seated to a cozy meal.

Our team of chefs tucked themselves away in the private kitchen of this modern home to prepare three courses, which included a sizzling rack of oven roasted prime rib.

Not one plate left the kitchen anything less than perfect. Here we are adding the manchego to our green apple salads!

We were thrilled to be a part of this intimate dinner that brought the 92-year-old legend down from Philadelphia to spend time with Houston friends, family and colleagues. What a privilege.

Houston Chronicle reports: “Early voting surges in Harris! After four days of early voting, numbers are up sharply in Harris County and across the state, prompting analysts to suggest that Texans are getting used to the convenience, are enthusiastic about their candidates or both.”

Well, at AFE we’re just as enthusiastic! We’ve had a blast putting together the campaign party parties that have arisen from this Houston voting fever!

Jazz up your political party with color coordinating passing trays…

Or buffet presentations…

And don’t be afraid to go bi-partisan!

After all the fun campaigning, be sure to go out and make your vote count!