Over the years I have attended many industry functions and often came away let down. That was not the case this past Wednesday night. It was a beautiful and talent filled night at the Coronado Ballroom when St. Louis Bride Magazine hosted the inaugural St. Louis Wedding Awards. Vendors from all segments of the bridal industry received top honors at this star studded event. The staff of Steven Becker Fine Dining played upon the rich history of the Coronado Ballroom and created an Spanish themed evening. Steve, Kathy, Jaci and myself wanted guests to know that the architect of the Coronado was Preston Bradshaw and he designed the Coronado building with a heavy Spanish influence. Actually when the Coronado was first built as a grand hotel, the fine restaurant was called…The Spanish Grill. We worked hard throughout the day and Chef Steve, Chef Katherine and the culinary team created a Spanish feast! When our guests entered the cocktail area, they found a huge display of Spanish cheeses and olives, grilled vegetables and marinades with crackers and lavosh set upon an alter of religious and Spanish art, statuary and novena candles. Spanish wines, cocktails and the beloved Spanish pre-dinner drink (Shandy) was served before dinner. Spanish guitarist Dan Hoerle carried us far away to old Barcelona during the cocktail and dinner period. Guests walked into the Coronado Ballroom to find it resplendent with azure tone crushed chair covers, Spanish inspired linens and floral creations from St. Louis top Florists. Each centerpiece was monochromatic (all one color) and designed with a high-style European look. It was spectacular! Both Red and White Sangria were served with dinner. Assorted crusty breads with Spanish olive oil and fresh ground pepper accompanied the tapas trio which featured a beef and pork meatball, a duck tartlet and a Spanish ham and cabbage empanada. Delicious! Traditional Spanish Paella was served as the entree and was brimming over with chicken, sausage, shrimp and topped with mussels. A Flan trio was artistically served for dessert with mango, hazelnut and traditional flan done in a Gaudy design. Alan and the SBFD wait staff did an impeccable job…service and style. Alan did refuse to wear the matador hat though!
It was a superb meal and set the tone for a wonderful award ceremony. Ethan and Nancy were the most charming hosts and Millennium Productions provided state of the art sound, lighting and video…I can see why they are an award winner! The Coronado was part of two teams nominated for Best Wedding of the Year and they were beautiful!
I am honored that I received the inaugural Wedding Professional Hall of Fame Award 2009 for my 25 years of service in the bridal industry. I was so proud that I was given this prestigious award in my “second” home – The Coronado Ballroom – and with my Steven Becker Fine Dining Family. Wow! However I am really mad at myself because I never cry at weddings…it is a Rob Rule. But I did tear up when my name was called and all of my peers stood and gave me a standing ovation. It was truly one of the most special times in my life. A special thank you goes out to Ethan Woods and Nancy Warden Slade for finally giving the St. Louis Wedding Community the recognition that they deserve. And to my right arm Jaci Burgess, of all life’s lessons, find your passion, learn your craft and do what you love. To the over one thousand brides I have worked with, I thank you and know that take a little bit of magic from your event and keep it in my heart.

Rob Schaefer
St. Louis Wedding Professional Fame 2009

Thursday, Nov 26 1:00p to 6:00p
Price: Adults are $50 per person, Children ages 4-10yrs are $25, 3 & under free, plus gratuity & tax
Phone: 314-367-4848 Ext 100

Join us for a spectacular Thanksgiving Day Buffet served in the historic Coronado Ballroom. Bring your family and friends, seating is every half hour from 1pm to 6pm. The menu will include fresh and seasonal items including all of your Thanksgiving traditional favorites and more.

There will be a carving station with Prime Rib, Baked Ham, and Roasted Turkey; a seafood display with Poached Salmon, Smoked Trout, and Shrimp; an exquisite salad buffet, cheese and fruit display, and of course a vast array of desserts. We’ll even have a special children’s buffet for the little ones.
Price includes one signature Champagne drink. Other alcoholic beverages will be available with an additional cost.
We will be validating tickets for Moolah Theater Garage Parking, which is located directly behind the Coronado. Street parking also available.
For reservations call us at 314-367-4848 Ext 100 and leave a daytime phone number we can reach you at.
Or email Jessica@stevenbeckerfd.com for more information.

Insert fine/formal dining restaurant service techniques into a banquet setting serving 150 – 300 guests and you get a new standard for banquet service.  Imagine every guest greeted and pampered as if it was their event being hosted.  Every server’s uniform pressed, crisp, clean and shined.  Every server well groomed.  Every server presenting food and beverages to you and your guests with a service finesse, grace and style that makes him feel like a King and her feel like a Queen.  The service staff delivering the meals with perfect synchronization at each table.  Coffee and desserts served to guests in a fashion rarely seen in banquet service.  Servers that have a passion for service.

This is what I witness at every event served by the Crown Servers of Steven Becker Fine Dining.  I want to give the guests something special, something different, something they have not experienced.  The Crown Service is a form of entertainment.  It’s an elegant style of service.  It’s an added dimension to service that gives the guest a unique and memorable dining experience.  When we perform special presentations to head tables at weddings or VIP tables at other events, the enjoyment I receive seeing the guests’ responses; the look on their faces and reaction, (many times an applause), is fuel that keeps Crown Servers happy with their jobs. Passionate about this business from the “git go”, this feedback is food for the service soul.

I have seen banquet service many times, in many places.  None have the style, grace and finesse of the Crown Service.  Not only with the look of the server, but also the service techniques employed to deliver food and beverages, clear tables, articulate with guests, interface with guests, answering questions and helping them in any way possible.  Our guests feel SERVED when attending a Steven Becker Fine Dining event.

All of this service ideology and technique of Crown Service results in a “Service with a Style”.  At the end of the day, when a bride and mom hug me and say, “This was much more than I could have expected,” …  I sit back, relax… and smile.  On to the next event!!!

It is in my contention that service extended to customers and guests at fast food, casual, semiformal, formal/fine dining restaurants and at banquet facilities all differ.  The one common effect or end result that must be prevalent in all of these services is; MAKE THE CUSTOMERS’ / GUESTS’ EXPERIENCE OUTSTANDING.

Alan C. Sevier, Banquet & Service Manager, Steven Becker Fine Dining Companies

Steven Becker Fine Dining featuring exceptional catering and venues, is pleased to announce in cooperation with Glazer Midwest, Trinity Oaks Wine, and in collaboration with Trees for the Future a fabulous new way to help the environment at your next special event.

For every bottle of our house wine we serve to your guests a tree will be planted….It’s just that simple. There is no limit to the number of trees we will plant. Enjoy great wine and support a great cause, at no extra cost!

So, plan your next event at our exclusive venue, The Coronado Ballroom. Or choose another unique St. Louis venue where Steven Becker Fine Dining is a preferred caterer such as The City Museum, The Rialto Ballroom, The Touhill at UMSL, and The Purser Center at Logan College.

We can also bring the party to your office or to your home. We’ve got some great new Holiday Catering menus for every budget. So, give us a call at 314-367-4848 to speak with a Catering Sales Manager about your next event. Visit our website for more information.

For more information about this program please visit Trees for the Future.

Hello Everyone. I am sorry that I have been away from the Blog for so long. Since fall, I have been swamped with weddings, holiday parties and new clients. As we focus our attention fully on the client, I had to let something slide.

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the numerous calls, e-mails and letters I have received from the readers. I am glad that you miss me and like what I have to say.
From being voted one of the top 20 Sexy and Successful Young Professionals in St. Louis by ALIVE Magazine, my fall feature spread in St. Louis Magazine At Home, Sauce Magazine and the amazing article in the January copy of St. Louis Magazine, I have had a lot of wonderful things going on. Check out the new edition of St. Louis Bride Magazine and learn a few of my trade secrets. The Coronado continues to be the premier venue in St. Louis and we appreciate your business!

Now to the thinner part…I decided to get a trainer and seriously start working out in 2007. Now granted, I hardly show any wear and tear but even the hottest sports car needs some fine tuning. I am a member at St. Louis Work Out and my trainer Aaron is seriously military. Despite the fact that I have been waking up in severe pain and letting out girlish screams when I move, he just won’t let up. I don’t mind the weight lifting but all the diet lectures and the tread mill…yeek…I think I may have a palpatation.

I really liked him before the feeling of being dragged by a truck set in.

Anyway, here is to a new and better body and blog. I expect each of you to keep up with my progress.
Rob Schaefer