On April 16th, at the Log Cabin, eleven Western Massachusetts high school seniors were awarded scholarships by the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation in memory of Carl, a victim of bullying, at the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Scholarship Gala. 

Guests were welcomed with a flowing display of fruits and vegetables, and the menu consisted of sampling stations. These included a salad station (House Garden Salad with House Vinaigrette, Chop Chop Salad with Creamy House Dressing Accompanied by Croutons, Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Vegetables), an Italian station (Gorgonzola Macaroni & Cheese, Tortellini Alfredo with Broccoli, Baked Penne and Garlic Breadsticks), a pizza station (BBQ Chicken Pizza, Cheese Pizza and Meat Lovers Pizza), a Mexican station (Soft & Hard Tacos with Grilled Chicken, Sauteed Beef, Refried Beans, Red Beans & Rice, Cheese and Assorted Toppings) and the dessert of chocolate cake, and coffee.

Around 8:00pm, the program started. The students had been told that only 5 of the 11 finalists would be awarded the scholarships, but instead, all of them were given the award. The students (Peter Nasser Jr., Longmeadow High School; Payton Shubrick, Springfield Central High School; Susan Skaza, Ludlow High School; Angelo Liquori, Westfield High School and Jason Dinnall, Cathedral High School) were awarded $1000 each to further their education. Gwynetta Sneed, founder of the foundation also presented Carl’s mother with a posthumous admission from Morehouse College for Carl, the school that he wanted to attend in the future, and the school that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. attended. The event also featured a caricaturist, and an auction, and the night raised $11,000 for the Foundation in memory of Carl.

In mid-March, the Ronald McDonald House held a special event at the Log Cabin…a 20th Anniversary roaring 20’s Murder Mystery dinner. The interactive evening had guests starting the social hour in the Southampton room, with an array of hors d’oeuvres including the Special Welcome (a flowing display of domestic and imported cheeses, fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, dip and fancy snack mix), and then hand passed by the servers were apricot chicken salad in pastry cups, asparagus fries with horseradish sauce, BBQ salmon with red onion jam, mini Philly cheesesteaks, sweet potato and maple turkey risotto, vegetable potstickers, Gorgonzola croquettes with chive dipping sauce, and peppercorn bacon scallops.

These hors d’oeuvres are some that we don’t see often, which just goes to show the variety that the Log Cabin kitchen can prepare. The social hour came to a hault with a scream, beginning the murder mystery performance, which continued through the seated dinner.

Dinner began with the signature breadsticks and french onion soup, followed by the Savannah Bell salad (exotic mixed greens, spiced nuts, grape tomatoes, grapes, crumbled bleu cheese tossed in a champagne-walnut vinaigrette).

After the salad came the first entree of bayou scallops lightly dusted in a cajun spice, pan seared on a bed of asparagus with horseradish cream sauce. This was followed by the second entree of petit filet beaujolais which is grilled filet medallions with sauteed spinach and mushrooms finished with a tarragon demi-glaze, accompanied by a chef selected starch. 

If guests had room for it, the dessert course was served family style and consisted of cheesecake lollipops, fresh fruit tart, and chocolate mousse, and of course coffee and teas.

While the food menu and interactive entertainment were party enough, there was also something exciting featured on the beverage side of things. Aside from the cash bar, and a martini bar, there was a martini glass ice luge that guests enjoyed.

Check out some great photos from the evening, taken by Dani Fine Photography!

This past weekend, myself and a group of family members went to The Mick for dinner. Handling a group of 8 lively individuals can sometimes be a hard task. However, the waitress and her trainee did a great job. Things were busy, and they kept their cool the entire time. Many of us ordered off of the Prix Fixe menu, which is an amazing deal! Soup or salad, entree, and dessert, all for $20.

I, personally, started with the Chop Chop salad. If you haven’t been to The Mick or Delaney’s Grill, this salad alone is reason enough to go. It’s always my go-to, and I’m never disappointed. The salad consists of chopped iceberg lettuce, assorted fresh vegetables, bacon, and a Gorgonzola ranch dressing with big chunks of Gorgonzola. This salad has to be one of the most popular items on the menu. 

From there, I had the Pilgrim Turkey Dinner. As a college student, something I crave often is homecooked food. When a restaurant meal can give you that feel, you know your money is well spent. The turkey was cooked perfectly, the mashed potatoes were great, and the cider gravy complimented the gigantic portion in a fantastic way.

Others at the table had salmon, Margherita pizza, Gorgonzola sirloin and Filet Mignon (which was cooked PERFECTLY!).

For dessert was the Tuxedo Mousse cake. This piece, no mountain, of cake was decadent, rich, and accompanied by a raspberry drizzle. My mother, who also had the cake said, “Delish! The portion was large, the drizzled sauces on the plate added so much to the rich chocolate mousse layers of the cake. The cake itself was very moist.”

Overall, it was great, and we even got to get a bit of the live music that was started just when we were wrapping up. The best thing about the entire experience was the atmosphere. Going to The Mick is relaxed, and everyone has a great time. As we were leaving, my aunt said how should couldn’t wait to come back and what a great time she had. When you have that experience with family, there isn’t a price you can put on it. If you haven’t been yet, don’t miss out!

I know I’ve written before about some of the monthly events that happen at the Delaney House, such as the Lift Your Spirits event and Martini, Manicure, and Massage night. However, something I seem to have overlooked thus far is the weekly special menus at The Mick. The Mick offers casual dining at the Delaney House, often with live music and a relaxed atmosphere always. 

Almost any night of the week you can find something special at The Mick, and today, I’m going to be talking about Tuesdays.

Tuesday is Burger Day— Every Tuesday, The Mick offers a sensational burger menu, and many are only $5! I think a common misconception not only at the Delaney House, but anytime people go out to eat is that you’re going to have to drop TONS of money. With this menu, you don’t have to worry about that. You can play it safe with the Classic burger (tomato, lettuce, cheese), mix it up with the Gorgonzola burger (the Cajun burger with melty gorgonzola cheese on top), or maybe, just maybe, you’re in the mood for something epic. Then, you have the Pounder. This burger is big enough for a hungry party of four or take “the Challenge”: one person only. If you can clean your plate, your meal is free. Here’s how the burger adds up:

 a whopping 2 pound burger topped with 8 slices of cheese, 8 slices of bacon, fried onions, lettuce and tomato, on focaccia bread, one pound of french fries and a side of pickles. 

 This monster comes to $25 (or free if you’re successful), and it’s well worth it.

Check out the full Burger night menu here.

In keeping up with the ongoing events that happen at the Delaney House, a favorite among many are the Learn to Drink Like a Pro events. Each month, the four course meal is designed to be paired with a specific type of beverage. This month, on February 21st, it’s a Sam Adams beer dinner.

The 4 course dinner and sampling of four beers is only $35. This is a great night out and an awesome way to try some new food and beverages. I’m loving the cajun inspired meal for the Sam Adams dinner, and I know guests won’t be disappointed. It’s super easy to get tickets, simply call or go online. If you haven’t experienced the Drink Like a Pro event before, or if you’re a long time fan, don’t miss this one!

 The Log Cabin & The Delaney House has been chosen to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards^™ 2011. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate quality and service excellence in the wedding industry.

Check out the Log Cabin and Delaney House on WeddingWire here

Every second and fourth Monday of the month, the Delaney House hosts an event called “Lift Your Spirits” which features a manicure, a massage (both provided by Brooks & Butterfield Day Spa), and a martini…all for just $20. This event makes for a fun, and affordable, girls night out! 

To have your wedding on a holiday such as New Year’s Eve, you have to be ready to make it extra memorable. For Karen and Jim, that was no problem. The Grand Edna Williams ballroom was transformed for over 280 guests into an enchanting atmosphere to ring in not only a new couple, but the New Year as well.

Following a ceremony at Holy Cross church in Holyoke, where both bride and groom grew up attending, guests came to the Log Cabin. The social hour menu consisted of the Special Welcome, complete with cheeses, crackers, vegetables, and dips. Passed hors d’oeuvres included Kobe beef sliders, asparagus fries with horseradish sauce, beef teriyaki with pineapple, Edna’s bleu cheese bread, cumin seared tuna with mango relish, griddled chicken satays, scallops wrapped in bacon, and vegetable spring rolls. The couple created a social hour menu that would please any palette, while maintaining the elegance every wedding deserves. Not only was the food great, but there was also entertainment provided by Ireland Parish for the social hour!

Once guests were seated, they viewed the spectacular tables in front of them. Touches of gold completed the look in chargers, chairs, and in the linens. Menu cards were placed at each setting with the monogram “W”. This monogram was also featured in an ice sculpture, as well as in a Gobo on the dance floor. Monograms are a great way to add personal touches to any event!

Next to the place settings guests saw a glass of champagne for the toast, adorned with a strawberry wedge. Centerpieces were done by Durocher Florist, and they consisted of red roses, holiday berries, and mixed greens in gold cylinders. CJC Event Lighting also did amber lighting around the room, and Marx Entertainment provided entertainment throughout the reception, including playing the couple’s first dance “Grow Old With Me” by John Lennon.

As far as menu for the reception, after the signature breadbaskets, the first course was a tomato gorgonzola soup, followed by Caesar salad prepared tableside. For the main entrees, guests had the choice of the Orchard Chicken (with roasted Fuji apples, brie cheese and a demi glaze), Coconut White Fish (Panko and coconut dusted scrod, served with a citrus cream sauce), and the Petite Filet Beaujolais (grilled filet medallions with sautéed spinach and mushrooms finished with a tarragon glaze). All served with homemade mashed potatoes with caramelized onion, and a Julienne vegetable medley. The vegetarian option was a Stuffed Eggplant (slow roasted, marinated eggplant with a white bean tomato ragu and wild rice stuffing served with grilled vegetables).

After dinner, accompanying the wedding cake made my Log Cabin, guests enjoyed a Viennese Table complete with chocolate, carrot, and cheese cakes, layer mousse cake, pecan pie, apple pie, fresh fruit board with berries, tiramisu, a variety of trifles and mousses, build-your-own ice cream, bananas Jamaican-style, and a candy display. The couple also cut the cake with the same knife that Jim’s parents used at their wedding 48 years ago. Adding some tradition to a wedding can make it extra memorable, especially for Jim’s parents.

While guests were enjoying the evening, at 11 pm a display of finger sandwiches and cheese and crackers was brought out. Since the evening was going extra long, this was a great way to keep guests sustained and enjoying the evening.

Just before the countdown began, party hats and favors were distributed, as well as a champagne toast (sparkling cider for the kids), and the entire party rang in the New Year together. It was an evening that everyone in attendance will definitely remember. Sometimes it can be hard to have such a big event on a holiday without being pushed to the side. This couple didn’t have that problem. By incorporating the New Year into their event, and not the other way around, guests were kept entertained and excited while remembering what they were actually there for.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Woods!

Big thanks to our wonderful bride for providing the pictures featured!

Winter weddings all too easily fall into kitschy themes…and fast. Many feel that using some snowflakes and icicles are the combination for a winter wonderland, but your guests won’t be surprised, and you’ll end up feeling that you’ve fallen short of spectacular. Using The Knot’s list of 10 Winter Wedding Ideas, here’s a sure-fire way to make sure your wedding doesn’t fall through the ice.

1. Your Colors

All too often, the use of red and green (if your wedding falls close to Christmas), or red and white happens over and over again. For a winter wedding, think simplistically. Silver, blue, and white can create a feel of walking into a snow=covered paradise. Use crystals to add sparkle and the glistening snow effect. The Knot suggests using a white velvet runner for your ceremony, and using dangling strands of white orchids.

2. The Flowers

Red roses? Too easy. What about trying some hydrangeas? White flowers can add pop against a black tux for a boutonniere, tied simply with a white ribbon. IF you’re dead set on using roses or calla lilies, do it! However, don’t feel as though you are stuck in a narrow group of these classic flowers, just because it’s winter.

3. Invitations

If you’re wondering whether or not your winter wedding calls for more formal invitations or not, this is the time to go for it. Winter weddings are the perfect time to go for the grandiose ballroom reception. Heavy cardstock in black, navy, or chocolate brown, with white or silver accents will be the precursor for your black tie event.

4. Centerpieces

Though warm candles are a tried and true staple for wedding centerpieces, The Knot suggests that there are more exciting options to choose from. Picture white branches in a crystal (or an ice-carved) vase towering over your tables, creating an enchanted forest feel. Using crystal creates the illusion of snow, and votives in frosted glass will create a warmth.

5. Escort Cards

The standard here would be to stamp your escort cards with a bit of holly or snowflakes, but let’s think out of the box a little bit here. The Knot puts a twist on the popular escort card tree. How about hanging your silver-calligraphed cards from a crystal candelabra centerpiece? This will leave guests awe-struck and excited for the rest of the evening.

6. The Music

This option really only comes into play if you’re deciding to go with live music instead of a DJ. Instead of a classic pianist during dinner, try an acappella quartet, or a cellist.

7. Cocktail Hour

For a winter wedding, hot chocolate and apple cider are perfectly suitable, and will surely warm up guests. But why not go the extra mile here? The Knot suggests white hot chocolate in espresso cups, and egg nog served punch bowl style for your guests. As most know, I’m a huge fan of the signature drink, and the winter is as perfect a time as any to create something of your own. Think about peppermint, cranberry or apple. A red drink will pop against a white and silver backdrop. Sugar rimmed glasses also add a touch of fun!

8. The Cake

A classic winter cake is often topped with red roses and lined with red or green ribbon, but again, this is classic. What about a white, vintage-inspired cake dusted with silver powder to add shimmer? Add some crystals to the cake to keep up with the motif, and you’ll have a winter inspired cake that isn’t what you see everywhere.

9. The Favors

Food favors are always a win. You know your guests will use it, and it won’t get thrown away or in their junk drawer. Instead of truffles or cookies, try chocolate covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts.

10. The Honeymoon

Most people will want to get away from cold weather and into a tropical location for their honeymoon, but don’t disregard some snowy escapes. Think about Aspen or a cabin at Lake Placid!

To see The Knot’s list, with their full commentary, click here!