This year The Coronado Ballroom will host its 7th annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday May 9th, from 10-3pm. The hot and cold buffet selections will include plentiful seafood, a meat carving station, made to order waffles and omelets, homemade artisan breads and extravagant desserts.
The cost is $45 a person and $20 a child ages 4-10, plus gratuity and tax. Complimentary valet parking and a special “Mom”osa drink are included.
Call 314-367-4848 ext. 100 for reservations.
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 Hall of Fame
Over the years I have heard many wonderful stories of how people met. From high school sweethearts to the internet, people can connect in the most wonderful ways. Such was the case for my wonderful bride Kaetlyn Macauley. Kate is a St. Louis girl who went to study in Italy and found herself a husband. I really should travel more…
Francesco is a charming, soft spoken man and although my Italian is a bit rusty, I could tell instantly that he loved Kate just by the way he looked at her. Since Kate and Francesco lived in Rome, most of the planning was done by Kate’s parents, Bob and Geri Macauley. I adore Bob and Geri and I credit them for doing such an amazing job planning when their daughter was on the other side of the world. For Brides who do live long distance, e-mail and Skype are life savers and provide the opportunity for daily dialogue. For me, it seemed like Kate was just somewhere in St. Louis writing from her computer…minus the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain! We were able to make many of the decisions while they were in town for their tasting. The important thing that Kate did was to realize that a winter wedding needs to look like winter. I have seen photos and attended winter events that must have been planned in June or July…the look does not translate. Winter weddings mean less light and require a bit more sparkle. Kate chose deep red and eggplant purple for her event and the contrast of those rich tones against the winter night was striking. The addition of those colors added to the holiday decorations instilled the effect even more. With guests from all over the world, the Coronado Ballroom signature service and Limoncello Martini were hits. The incredible dessert buffet with home made Cannoli was the finishing touch on a frosty and fabulous evening.
Ahhhhh…La Dolce Vita…
Rob Schaefer
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.
I cannot tell you how many people compare me to Carrie Bradshaw. And when they do, I always smile and thank God they did not say Stanford. I love fashion, I love to write, I have a column and I have always been looking for Mr. Big. It seems like the entire world is in love with 4 women named Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte…4 friends who met in their 20′s, struggled with dating and relationships in their 30′s and found true love in their 40′s. So if I am Carrie, let me tell you about my Charlotte…
Jody and I have been friends for a long time and although life has thrown us both our share of drama, we have always been able to depend on each other. We watched as others fell in love and got married, spent New Year’s Eve together and shared the day to day adventures of life. However, we would never let each other feel bad about being single and both of us made the pact to wait for true love…not “make do” love…but heart pumping, tingle in the toes, “What color are we painting the nursery?” love. And this year Jody got to go first!
Normally, a wedding Saturday is all about me. However, this time it got to be all about her. We both love red, we hate plain cake, and neither of us likes to be jostled. This translated into pomegranate red flowers, a rich chocolate confection and the Horah without chairs. Despite the fact that red is my signature color, I graciously allowed her to use it knowing that it would be flattering for me as well. Roger and Susan Berent are like second parents to me and we had so much fun working together to create a most magical day. One of the things I love about Jody is that she knows exactly what she wants…she gets that from her father. Roger went “Wedding Planner” on me more than once and I just kept telling him that all would be perfect…love you Rog! It was probably 2 months out that I realized that as Honor Attendant (A Male Bridesmaid), I had to relinquish control and solely be the supportive friend for the day. I know you are not going to believe this…I can be a bit of a control freak. Suddenly the thought of not being able to leave her side and adjust the linens, peek at the ballroom, tell Chef that the guest count went up by 150 people…and then laugh hysterically…was frightening. Could I just be part of the wedding party?
Jody has always looked like an exotic Spanish beauty. She picked out a dress that was red carpet worthy which had no fussy goo. She wore no veil but had a custom designed hair accessory strategically place in her upsweep. Add a few diamonds the size of marbles and we had a look. I was honored to walk down the aisle and stand at the front of the room and I am sure that I captivated several people with my garnet red accessories and dashing good looks. From the custom created frozen raw bar to the towering chocolate cake drenched in black magic roses, the evening was a culinary masterpiece. We danced the night away with Galaxy Red and as I watched my dearest friend drive way and begin her life as a married woman, I shed a few tears.
Friends are the family that you get to pick yourself and I did a great job.
Rob Schaefer
I have known Debbie and Gary Chervitz for a long time. Years ago when I designed Maddy’s Bat Mitzvah, we thought we had set the bar…dramatic fushia and pink tones that celebrated love eternal. The heart was our symbol and it was a night that made my heart overflow. And then along came Lindsey…
Lindsey was a 12 year old going on 24 when I really started working with her. I will save you the drama, as every teen event has a little, and just tell you that defining the look was not the easiest decision in our process. OY! Finally inspiration took hold and she embraced not only a fabulous concept but a stunning look. I think Debbie and I cried but I can’t be sure. Add one part Tiffany blue to two parts Rob and the combination was “Lindsey and Co.”.
Diamonds truly were a girl’s best friend on this glittering night filled with sparkle and world famous signature colors. From the moment that guests walked into the Lobby, the tone was set for a dazzling evening. The Lobby Attendant was decked out as a Grand Dame and dripped in ropes of pearls and costume jewelry. Escort cards were lined up on sterling silver holders designed to look like high-end earrings. Placed on black velvet linens, they had the look and feel of a jewelry case. A huge ice sculpture dominated the bar bearing the guest of honors name in the signature “Tiffany” font of her favorite store. Decadent signature drinks were at every bar. “The Silver Sensation” was a Tiffany blue hypnotic martini served in a glass with a thin film of edible silver leaf and the “Lindsey Frenzy” was garnished with silver sugar. A tiny piece of dry ice in the drink caused it to fog. Hors D’oeuvre trays with real lights, black and white feathers and cut crystals glittered as servers walked about the room.
When guests entered the young adult dining area, they were stunned by the dramatic Tiffany blue and black color story which was reversed in the adult area. From the chandeliers, multiple strands of black diamond beads hung above the young adult’s heads and sparkled brilliantly. A towering display of chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing was prominently displayed with a white chocolate garnish featuring the letter “L”. A spun sugar diamond from France adorned the top of each cupcake. Black feather strands ran down the length of each table and hung from each wall sconce to the floor.
The adult dining room was resplendent with black on black linens sprayed with loose rhinestones, black satin chair covers with Tiffany blue sahes, silver chargers and a Tiffany boxed favor at each placesetting. However, instead of the ribbon stating Tiffany and Co., it bore Linsey’s name in the same font! Tiffany blue sashes were woven through all the sconces around the ballroom and giant silver art deco vases held masses of white calla lilies and greenery. The entire ballroom had a glamorous art deco feel!
I of course looked stunning with my black suit and shirt and my Tiffany blue tie and SHOES. Yes…it is a long story that I’ll save for another time. Lindsey was in a gorgeous silver and Tiffany blue party dress and we looked like runway models as we compared our good jewelry. Feasting and merriment continued throughout the evening and the night concluded with Marilyn Monroe’s song, “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend”.
So am I.
Rob Schaefer
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
Debbie Heutel has to be one of the nicest people in the world. She ranks high on my Mother of the Bride favorites! Jim and Debbie Heutel are hardworking, sincere people who built a local business based on integrity and customer service. So it was no wonder that they came to the Coronado for their daughter Jennifer’s wedding reception. The Heutel Family radiated a quality so lacking among today’s wedding set…GRATITUDE. And that made a difference throughout their entire experience.
When vendors are good to you, you need to recognize that. When people are good to you, you need to be grateful. Kindness bestows kindness and becomes a never ending circle. A grateful heart is a full heart as my Grandma always says. I have drawer full of notes and photos from Debbie Heutel thanking me for over a year. Unbelievable.
I cannot tell you how much a note or kind gesture means to all of us connected to this industry. Although I want eveyone to have a fairy-tale day, God’s gifts flow a lot easier when you are appreciated.
I have heard stories from other wedding professionals of how families spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an event and have the perfect day with the best of eveything but still aren’t happy. They tell ridiculous stories of how they saw a valet attendant accept a dollar from a guest who was insistent and that “ruined our day”. The shade of red in the signature drink was too bright or the leaves in the centerpiece were not as large as they expected. Here is a thought, “LET IT GO”.
My name is Rob Schaefer. I have seen close to a thousand weddings over the past 23 years. People tell me that I have something called “Rob magic”. Let me tell you something about magic. Magic is something in your heart. If you feel loved, grateful, content and blessed on your wedding day, you will feel the magic. If you think you can be a monster to everyone and some magical transformation will take place and make you feel special, it won’t. Your just a monster in a veil.
Jennifer Heutel felt the magic. She looked like a princess, walked like a princess and danced like a princess. All the forces of the universe combined that night to make it a magical. The incredible floral creations from Randy Shamel, the organization of Sarah Grus, the talent of Robert George, the inspiration of Arvell, Chef Patrick, Banquet Manager Alan and maybe a little Rob magic thrown in for good measure.
If you need a new car, see Jim Heutel at Sunset Ford. If you need an amazing event, see me. We both are built Ford tough.
Rob Schaefer
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.
