The "Spirits of Liberty " were alive and celebrating at Drexelbrook Catering on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 as the International Special Events Society Philadelphia Chapter (The Founding Chapter) celebrated their 2011 Liberty Awards. This years theme "Spirits of Liberty" featured a travel through time with visits to the 1920's, 1940's and 1960's. It was a true pleasure to work with Marci Mathis and her planning team on the creation of this very special celebration.
The Evening began with a a "Speakeasy" themed cocktail hour complete with Flapper Girls from the Creative Juice Group and an incredible "Zoot Suit" from Sagets Formal Wear. The Classic Cocktails with a twist, were coordinated with great Philadelphia Distilling products as well as wines and beers from Franks Union Wine Mart.
When the South Ballroom doors at Drexelbrook Catering opened to guests for dinner, they were transported to the 1940's with Mark Kingsdorf as our Master of Ceremonies and "The Spirit of Liberty" provided by American Historical Theatre as his co-host. Incredible linens from Gala Cloths combined with perfectly designed floral and center pieces from Eventricity accented the chairs from Select Rental and the tabletop from Party Rental LTD. Drexelbrook Catering provided an incredible three course dinner matched with wonderful beers. Brian Toner and the Eventions Productions team coordinated all the lighting and sound with some assistance in video from Cinemacake. Jean Valentin was on-hand to document the evening on camera and Cinemacake once again rose to the occasion to provide a video record of this great evening.
Mark Kingsdorf from "The Queen of Hearts" was a truly amazing host for the evening and was an award winner in addition. The Gala Chair Marci Mathis started the evening off with a wonderful welcome and thank you. Throughout the presentation many past ISES presidents took the stage to present awards and congratulate scholarship winners. A wonderful presentation to the outgoing board with made by outgoing President Sharon Dachino.
The 2011-2012 ISES Greater Philadelphia Chapter Board was then sworn in by Nancy Bauman a Past President and committed sponsor of Ises. Congratulations to Tom Presti the New President, Jason Cataldi who is President Elect, Sharon Dachino Immediate Past President and the entire 2011-2012 ISES Philadelphia Board.
No Trip through the "Spirit of Liberty" would be complete without a tribute to the 1960's. When dinner ended and the after party was revealed, the guests were transformed to the era of Peace and Love. Eventions Productions provided amazing light and sound with Brian Latocha spinning on stage. Truly creative lighting and visuals designed by the Eventions Productions Team set the tone.
Complete with a 40 foot by 20 foot mural the South Ballroom took on the look of a 1960's lounge with great furniture and pillows from AFR as well as linens from Gala Cloths and beverages from Drexelbrook Catering, Philadelphia Distilling and Franks Union Wine Mart. Big Bold Wines rounded out the Dessert Pairings featuring an incredible Bacon & Vanilla Cupcake, Dark Chocolate and Chipotle Cupcakes. Apple & Cheddar Muffins and Proscuitto Muffins. Many thanks to Maki Evans of Cupcakes Gourmet and Kathy Wolper for working with Drexelbrook Catering to create these incredible flavors. In addition there was some very flavorful homemade water ice with a touch of "Spirits" and miniature desserts from Chef Wade Harvin at Drexelbrook Catering. I cannot say thank you enough to Chef Wade and his team for all their cooperation and inspiration on this project. 
What journey into the 60's would be complete with the dancers. The Creative Juice Group once again rose to the occasion with amazing Go-Go Cages and dancers that truly embraced the era of freedom and love. All this accented by great indoor pyrotechnics and streamer guns from Tonz of Fun. The evening ended with some fantastic raffle awards being given out and cigars on the patio for those who wished to relax in the beautiful night air.
-Thank You To Our Many Sponsors-
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-THE EVENINGS MENU-
*COCKTAIL HOUR*
Phillips Farm Three Mushroom Tart with Goat Cheese & leeks
Smoked Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla
Petite Cones with Maple Walnut Chicken Salad
Mini Lump Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aioli
Herb Crusted Baby Lamb Chops with Plum Ketchup
Scallops Wrapped in Pepper Bacon
Coconut Shrimp with Citrus Dipping Sauce
-Paired With-
Cantina del Garda Pinot Grigio
The Vesper~Gin, Vodka & Lillet with Lemon Peel in a Martini Glass
Death in the Afternoon~Prosecco & Absinthe
Classic Gin Collins
*DINNER*
1940's style Classic Ceasar Salad with Samuel Adams Summer Ale
Duet of Beer Braised Short Ribs & Miso Glazed Salmon Served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Braised Baby Bok Choy Paired with Smithwicks Irish Ale
A Tribute To Cows Milk~ Aged Cheddar, Black Sesame Crusted Boursin & Triple Creme Brie paired with Brooklyn Brewing Pennant Ale 55'
Dinner Wine Was Alfredo Nora Pinot Noir
*DESSERT*
Dark Chocolate & Chipotle Cupcakes
Maple Bacon & Vanilla Cupcakes
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Proscuitto Muffins and Apple & Cheddar Muffins
Homemade Water Ice with a Touch of Spirits
Butler Miniature Desserts
Paired with 2010 Entrada Malbec & Vueve Carrie Absinthe
*CIGARS*
Avo Piramides Dominican Republic
Bar from Philadelphia Distilling & Franks Union Wine Mart
Executive Chef: Chef Wade Harvin
Menu Design: Gene Blum
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE LIBERTY AWARD WINNERS
Best Wedding Event: Mark Kingsdork and Queen of Hearts
Best Table Design: Joanne Hulme
Best Tenting Production: Ed Knight & Eventquip
Best Photography: Sandy O & The Creative Juice Group
Best Cuisine: Meryl Snow & Feastivities
Best Videography: Dave Williams & Cinemacake
Best Entertainment Production: Sandy O & The Creative Juice Group
Best Event Decor: Kris Sumey and Event FX
Best Corporate or Public Event: Nicole Mirachi and GEP Philly
Best ISES Team Effort: Sharon Dachino(Team Leader), Natalie Hirsch, Bob Mills, Kathy Straley
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE GALA COMMITTEE
Marci Mathis (Chair)
Gene Blum, Marianne Blum, Natalie Diener, Sandy O, Joanne Hulme, Phyllis Jablonowski, Susan Kennedy, Bob Mills, Rishonna Myers, Thomas Presti, Marlene Sider, Kathy Straley, Sue Werb(CSEP), Rian Winther
THANK YOU TO
Drexelbrook Catering Executive Chef Chef Wade Harvin for your Support & Inspiration
Drexelbrook Catering CEO Domenick Savino(CPCE) for your Support and Generosity
The Drexelbrook Catering Culinary, Operations & Service Team For All You Do
Susan Kennedy for your support of my time, your ideas and inspiration
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