Mind your Beeswax!

The two hives on the fifth floor terrace spit out not one, but two swarms into the toppiaries that hang over the valet drive that goes into basement parking decks. Chef Robert, Jack Vaiden (HR Manager, right!) and I managed to wrangle them into two vacant hives from the winter. Thanks to Rachel Owh for the photos.

The larger of the two is just there above Chef's hand.

The first thought was to clip the branch, but it proved to be too large and had to be pulled back and down until it snapped.

The swarm and queen are being shaken into the waiting container. They have been doused with simple syrup to make them a bit less aggressive.

Who said that pastry chefs are...

Once the swarm is deposited, the brood hanging out on the porch.

We did this twice, with the second being a much longer and more precarious reach over a straight drop of about 100 feet onto concrete.

The Auction at The Destin Charity Wine Event

Truly an amazing spectacle to watch so many patrons and sponsors contribute so much in and around the Destin Community. The wines weren't all that bad either.

Destin Charity Wine Auction 2013

Many thanks to Jack and Candis Wilson, their family, friends, and the remarkable vintners, Joseph Phelps and Paul Hobbs who provided Chef Robert and myself an opportunity to entertain them this weekend. Thanks to Carvel for the invitation, as well as Matt, John, Roberta, and Jennifer. I am looking forward to next year.

Charles

Destin Charity Wine Auction 2013

Destin Charity Wine Auction 2013

Destin Charity Wine Auction 2013

Destin Charity Wine Auction 2013

Spout Springs Elementary

What a special day. Last week we hosted Mrs. Angel's cluster class that made a special trip to the hotel for a chocolate presentation. We discussed the origins, varieties, and production of chocolate, showcased a couple simple uses for chocolate - ganache and mousse - and finished a simple showpiece to illustrate tempering and "tumbling" couverture. The kids even finished their own mousse cones with the tempered garnishes .

At the end of the program we also presented chocolate bars from our "bean to bar" program featuring a beautiful Peruvian criollo.

Pictures coming soon.

What can I do for Brown?

Amenity program for a special client.

Classic Southern Wedding

The bride chose the classic white wedding cake with simple buttercream and a graceful, composed design for the cake.