The Royal Wedding!!

In the spirit of my recently proclaimed quest to “do something fabulous everyday” – today did not disappoint. A few weeks ago I received a coveted invitation to view the wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. and Miss Catherine Middleton at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.  If you’ve never visited this bay area landmark you really must add it to your short list of to-do’s.  The Palace Hotel, a historic downtown San Francisco hotel, holds a fabled past steeped in grandeur.  For over a century, the Palace Hotel has been the site of important and regal events ranging from formal political gatherings to the exclusive galas of high society and private parties.  The Palace Hotel today maintains the hotel’s tradition of excellence and sophistication.

On December 15, 1909 the Palace Hotel re-opened its doors, completely rebuilt after the devastation of the April 18, 1906 great quake of San Francisco. Since its 1909 reopening, the Palace Hotel has remained the Grand Dame of historic San Francisco hotels, sharing its many treasures with the loyal citizens of San Francisco and visitors from around the world.

I met my friend and fellow wedding industry insider, Colson Griffith in the lobby just before 9:00 a.m. and was instantly greeted with champagne.  A great way to start a Friday!  We were seated near the front (thanks to Catering Manager, Kate Taffel!) and found a menu inspired by English tradition to commemorate the marriage of the Royal Couple.

At the table

Ported Stilton Cheese

Appointed Majesty Jams & Thick Cut Bitter Marmalade

English Pickled Onions

~ First Course ~

Steel Cut Oatmeal

with a shot of Irish Whisky & Cream

(to which Colson said “butter & brown sugar is so 2010!”)

~ Second Course ~

Cottled Egg, Back Bacon, Grilled Tomato,

Vol-Au-Vent filled with Baked Beans

~ Third Course ~

Palace Hotel Wedding Cake

Carrot Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Filling

When you enjoy a glass of champagne with a shot of the King’s Ginger (one of the morning’s sponsors) in it, you might as well just go for it and have whiskey on your oatmeal.  Surprisingly, it was pretty yummy and it might find it’s way onto a garden party menu in the future…

Since I was already in the city, and had responsibly taken public transportation to get there, I decided to meet Colson at his next stop of the day, Batter’s Bridal Boutique.  Jen Musty of Batter was hosting an event in her pop up shop at 555 California.  Partnering with Heritage & Craft for vintage furniture and decor, Floral Theory and Colson Griffith Photography, she created a confection wonderland.  Whoever thought of putting cupcakes in the sections of a desk!  Brilliant and yummy ~ that is this wedding planner’s professional opinion of Jen & Batter!

I wanted to support Batter and their bridal boutique so I left with a box of mixed goodies.  I wish I could say that I practiced great restraint and waited until after dinner, but I cannot tell a lie.  Here is the box, on my lap, on BART, the envy of everyone on that train. Shameful, I know, yet shameless