Vibrant Occasions Caters Origami Sake Grand Opening
Opening a business all begins with a simple idea. Putting your idea into motion can take a lot of work, time and effort. The founders of Origami Sake, did just that 15 years ago, and has now come to create the first and only sake brewery in all of Arkansas. With the help of several vendors, including Vibrant Occasions, the team of Origami Sake has cut their ribbon and held a grand opening party for the official announcement.
Founder Bill Bell’s simple idea was to perfect the art of creating sake. Sake, sometimes also referred to as Japanese rice wine, is created by fermenting sake rice. He traveled to Hanamaki, Japan where he worked as a sake brewer for two years. Hanamaki, Japan is very well known for its hot springs, which makes for some of the best water to use in sake.
Origami Sake opened up their brand new premium sake brewery in Hot Springs, Arkansas in May of 2023. Starting with just an idea, Ben Bell, Matt Bell and their entire team worked very hard to put it into action. With the help of so many amazing people, they were able to host their grand opening party and will start offering tours in July. Guests will not only be able to try the beautifully hand-crafted sake, but also enjoy this unique experience.
The grand opening event was held at the gorgeous, new brewery in Hot Springs. The event had everything from beautiful decorations, wonderful guests, a knowledgeable tour and delicious food from Vibrant Occasions. The menu was diverse and plentiful featuring large and artful charcuterie platters as well as a varying selection of passed hors d’oeuvres. House-smoked meats, European meats and assorted cheeses were served with fresh-baked breads, crackers, fresh fruit and condiments on beautiful chef boards. Hors d’oeuvres consisted of cheese-stuffed mushrooms, saucy Asian meatballs, spinach artichoke crostinis, as well as some unique bites such as Jamaican jerk chicken picks, bacon praline skewers, Cajun shrimp shooters, caprese pipettes and hummus shooters.
The event had beautiful photography from Mark Fonville, lovely rentals from Party Time Rentals & Events, a fun DJ and photobooth from Crown Entertainment, delightful balloons from Balloonish and transportation was even provided by Hot Springs Trolley for the event. Origami Sake with Lulu’s Events planned all the thoughtful details. Everyone had a wonderful time and it was an amazing way to kick off the start of an astounding business.
Vibrant Occasions is so excited that we were able to be a part of Arkansas’s only sake brewery, Origami Sake. We are wishing tons of success for their team and excited for things to come.
Vibrant Occasions Helps Create the Ultimate Wedding Experience
Dress…check! The venue…check! Invitations sent out? And…food…don’t forget the food! Wedding planning can put a lot of stress on brides, grooms, families and even the wedding party. Remembering everything you may need and every detail you need to tweak for your perfect day can be difficult. Knowing how to connect with vendors and what questions to ask can be a task. Finding a resource that could answer most of your questions and give you access to connect with all different kinds of wedding vendors, including Vibrant Occasions, could be the best choice you make in your wedding planning experience. We have this for you! The Grandeur House Wedding and Event Venue have teamed up with many different businesses to create an annual event that is worth it for every engaged couple. Eliminating the stress of finding vendors, getting questions answered and even getting inspired by several inspiration layouts of wedding tablescape designs is what attendees can expect. The Ultimate Wedding Experience took place on April 23, 2023 and left engaged couples with answered questions and the confidence to plan the perfect wedding.
Natalie Scott with The Grandeur House and Kaitie Gill with Kaitie Gill Weddings created this event to ensure engaged couples could go about planning their wedding to feel less overwhelmed and more prepared. Together, these two ladies have a combined 17 years of experience and are able to answer any kind of wedding planning questions you may have. The Ultimate Wedding Experience is an easy and efficient way to start the wedding planning process.
This year, the vendors that participated were Natalie Scott with Grandeur House and Natalie Scott Events, Kaitie Gill with Kaitie Gill Weddings, Briana Belton with Briana Belton Designs, Kristi Imbro with Party Time Rental and Events, Joe Snell and Joanna Perry with Central Arkansas Entertainment, Kayleigh Ross with Kayleigh Ross Photography, Joe Lane with Anointed media, Sarah Hobart with Hobart Prints Studios, Lindy Landford with The Bridal Cottage, and of course Chef Serge and Mary Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions. A very wide range of vendors can be extremely useful to engaged couples who are unsure of where to start.
2023 Event Panel
Venue: Natalie Scott with Grandeur House
Food & Beverage: Chef Serge + Mary Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions Catering
Planners: Kaitie Gill with Kaitie Gill Weddings and Natalie Scott with Grandeur House
Florals: Brianna Belton with Brianna Belton Designs
Rentals: Kristi Imbro with Party Time Rental and Events
Entertainment: Joe Snell and JoAnna Perry with Central Arkansas Entertainment
Photography: Kayleigh Ross with Kayleigh Ross Photography
Videography: Joe Lane with Anointed Media
Stationery: Sarah Hobart with Hobart Print Studio
Wedding Gowns: Lindy Lanford with The Bridal Cottage
Catering the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Vibrant Occasions was proud to cater the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce banquet hosted on March 14, 2023, featuring Travis Mills as the guest speaker. Travis Mills is a motivational speaker, author, and retired United States Army Staff Sergeant who lost all four limbs in an explosion during his deployment in Afghanistan. Despite the challenges he faced, Mills has displayed remarkable resilience and a positive attitude. After his recovery and rehabilitation, he founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports wounded veterans and their families. He has also authored a book titled, Tough as They Come, which chronicles his journey from his military service to his injury and recovery. The book highlights his resilience and determination to lead a fulfilling life despite his physical limitations.
The banquet aimed to bring together members of the Benton business community and provide them with an inspiring and informative evening. Travis Mills shared his incredible story of resilience, determination and overcoming adversity, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset and the ability to adapt in the face of challenges. As a highly sought-after speaker, Travis Mills captivated the audience with his engaging and heartfelt presentation. He highlighted the power of optimism, teamwork and community support in both personal and professional life. Mills’ message resonated with the attendees, leaving them inspired and motivated to pursue their goals and aspirations.
The Benton Area Chamber of Commerce organized this banquet as part of its ongoing efforts to foster networking opportunities, support local businesses, and promote economic growth in the community. The event not only provided a platform for members to connect and engage but also offered valuable insights and lessons from a remarkable individual like Travis Mills.
Sponsors of the 2023 banquet are Jones Heating and Air, First Security Bank, Everett Buick GMC, Ashley HomeStore, Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors, CDI Contractors, LLC, McCauley Services, P. Clark & Associates, LLC, and Smith Benton Family Funeral Home.
Benton Chamber Banquet 2023 Dinner Menu
Grilled Mediterranean Steak Kebabs
Tender steak is marinated in a delicious blend of flavors including sliced onions, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, and fresh cilantro, then skewered and grilled over an open flame to perfection
Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs
Grilled marinated chicken kebabs brushed with Mediterranean chimichurri sauce
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Drizzled with EVOO and lightly seasoned then roasted to perfection
Roasted Broccoli
Fresh broccoli florets drizzled with olive oil and oven-roasted to create flavorful charred bits around the edges
Loaded Hummus
Topped with marinated feta, pepperoncini peppers, diced tomatoes, olives, and garlic infused
Baklava
A Greek favorite made with layers and layers of buttery, flakey phyllo pastry surrounding a center of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon and topped with a sweet syrup
Panna Cotta
Alternating Every Other Seat Topped with a berry compote
Thank you to the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce for allowing Vibrant Occasions to cater this special event!
International Dishes by Chef Serge: Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Grilled Mediterranean chicken is a dish that features chicken marinated in a blend of Mediterranean-inspired herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy chicken, and it has its roots in the Mediterranean region, which is known for its healthy and flavorful cuisine. Chef Serge originally presented his own take on this recipe on THV 11’s The Vine television show with Adam Bledsoe. Adam loved it and you will, too! Learn more about this dish and grab the recipe below.
The history of grilled Mediterranean chicken goes back centuries, as the Mediterranean diet has been in existence for thousands of years. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, as well as healthy fats such as olive oil, and lean sources of protein like fish and poultry.
The specific recipe for grilled Mediterranean chicken can vary depending on the region and the cook. Grilled Mediterranean chicken has become a popular dish in many parts of the world, and it’s often served with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy chicken, and it’s easy to prepare at home.
You never have to wait for a new recipe blog post to learn how to cook from chef Serge! Just head over to his cooking show on Youtube, Cooking with the Kriks, and learn how to cook through step-by-step tutorials at the following link – hit that SUBSCRIBE button:
Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
2 Pound Chicken, bone in chicken pieces
3 Tbls oil, olive
2 Tsp garlic, minced
1 Each zest lemons 1/2 Each lemons
1 Juice from a lemon
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tsp pepper, ground black
1/2 Tsp cardamom, ground
1 Tsp paprika
½ Tsp cumin, ground
1 1/2 Tsp oregano, dried
1/2 Tsp coriander, ground
1/4 Tsp pepper, cayenne
Instructions
Mix all of the ingredients, except for the chicken, in a large bowl. Add the chicken and stir to completely coat the chicken on both sides. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least four hours, preferably overnight. Once the chicken has been refrigerated, you will need to heat your grill or oven. Cook the chicken on the grill or oven, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees. Pair with preferred sides. Garlic aioli can also be added based on preference.
CWTK OMG! French Toast Recipe
On season 3, episode 2 of Cooking with the Kriks we are happy to welcome back to the show chef Serge and Mary Krikorian’s son, Brian Krikorian! In case you missed the last episode, Brian just became the co-owner (with his new bride, Raechel) of Different Dough Pizza Co. in Bryant, Arkansas. Chef Serge and Brian are showing us how to make this unique recipe for a delectable French toast dish. Read on to hear more about the history of this sweet breakfast treat and don’t miss the tutorial found here on Cooking with the Kriks:
The history of French toast can be traced back to ancient times. It was likely created as a way to use stale bread that would otherwise go to waste – clever! The earliest versions of French toast can be found in Roman cookbooks that go back to the 4th and 5th centuries, but the modern name “French toast” originated in medieval Europe. In France, the dish was called “pain perdu,” which means “lost bread” in French, referring to the practice of using bread that was about to be thrown away.
French toast made its way to America with the early settlers. It became a common dish in colonial times and was often flavored with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Over time, it evolved into the breakfast staple that is enjoyed today. While French toast has been traditionally made with plain white bread, there are numerous variations and regional differences in its preparation. Today, French toast continues to be a beloved breakfast option around the world, enjoyed for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious taste.
Grab the recipe below and don’t forget to go SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and COMMENT over on Cooking with the Kriks – it really helps our channel, thank you!
OMG! French Toast Recipe
2 Servings
Custard Base:
2 Eggs, Beaten
½ Cup Heavy Cream
2 Tbls. Maple Syrup
For the Toast:
4 Slices Brioche Bread
½ Cup Mascarpone Cheese
2 Tbls. Heavy Cream
½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp. Sugar
Pinch of Salt
Lemon Zest
For the Coating:
4 Tbls. Unsalted Butter, melted
2 Tbls. Brown Sugar
2 Tbls. Maple Syrup
Vanilla Cream:
1 Cup Heavy Cream
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Garnish:
Caramel Syrup
Maple Syrup
Fresh Strawberries
Fresh Blueberries
Toasted Coconut
For the Custard: In a medium bowl, combine the beaten eggs, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 Tbls. maple syrup. Mix well and set aside.
For the Toast: Combine the mascarpone cheese with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, salt and lime zest and mix well. Spread the mixture evenly on two slices of brioche bread and top with remaining slices of bread.
On a baking sheet, combine the melted butter, brown sugar and maple syrup and spread evenly around the pan.
Dip the stuffed toast in the custard mixture to evenly coat and then lay on the sheet pan in the coating and then turn them over to coat the other side.
Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
Meanwhile, for the Vanilla Cream, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract in a mixture and whip until soft peaks form.
To serve, put the toast on a plate and top with the caramel, Vanilla Cream, maple syrup, fresh berries and toasted coconut. OMG! That’s good French Toast!!
Philly Steak Sandwich Recipe
You don’t have to live in or visit Philadelphia to enjoy a good Philly steak sandwich! Chef Serge Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions originally shared his own unique recipe with the public on THV 11’s The Vine television show with hosts, Adam Bledsoe and Ashley King. Now you can grab this tasty recipe here on our blog and try it at home. Read on to learn more about the original Philly cheesesteak sandwich and how it has evolved over the years.
The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. It is made with thinly-sliced steak and melted cheese, typically served on a long, crusty roll. The cheese is usually American or Cheez Whiz, and the traditional toppings include fried onions and peppers.
The origins of the Philly Cheesesteak are somewhat disputed, but the most commonly accepted story is that it was first made by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in south Philadelphia. Legend has it that Olivieri was tired of eating hot dogs for lunch every day, so he decided to grill some steak and put it on a roll with some onions. A passing taxi driver smelled the sandwich and asked to try it, and soon Olivieri was selling cheesesteaks to customers at his stand.
The popularity of the Philly cheesesteak grew quickly, and by the 1950s, it had become a staple of Philadelphia cuisine. Today, it is a beloved sandwich not just in Philadelphia, but throughout the United States and even in other countries.
There are many variations of the Philly Cheesesteak, and different shops, restaurants and chefs have their own signature twists on the classic sandwich. Some popular variations include adding mushrooms, hot peppers, or different types of cheese. There is even a vegan version of the sandwich that uses seitan instead of steak.
Despite its humble origins, the Philly Cheesesteak has become a cultural icon and a symbol of Philadelphia’s food scene. It has been featured in countless TV shows, movies and songs, and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Don’t forget, you do not have to wait to learn new recipes from chef Serge! Just head over to our Youtube show, Cooking with the Kriks, and you will find an array of delicious dishes to choose from with step-by-step tutorials. Be sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, give our videos a like and comment:
Philly Steak Sandwich
1.5 tsp. Grapeseed Oil
6 oz. Thinly Shaved striploin Steak
Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
½ oz. Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
½ oz. Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
½ oz. Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
1 6-7” Hoagie Roll, halved lengthwise
1.5 tsp. Butter, melted
1.5 oz Jalapeno cheese sauce
2.5 oz. Au Jus (recipe below)
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Season the shaved strip steak with salt and pepper.
Working in batches, place steak in the skillet in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side, just until it starts to crisp around the edges.
Remove steak and cover to keep warm.
Put peppers and onions into the same skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
Brush the cut edges of the hoagie roll with the melted butter. Top the bottom half with the meat, the peppers and onions, and then the cheese. Place both halves of the hoagie on an oven-safe sheet pan.
Place in a preheated oven and cook until the cheese is melted.
Serve with the Au Jus as a dipping sauce.
Au Jus
½ Cup Beef Stock
1 Sm. Sprig Fresh Rosemary
4 Black Peppercorns
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half. Remove the rosemary and peppercorns to serve.
Jalapeno Cheese Sauce
2 cups Heavy cream
1.5 lbs White american easy melt
¼ lbs White cheddar cheese
1 Fresh Jalapeno fine diced
4 oz Pepper green chilis dice
Place all ingredients in a double boiler on low heat, stirring occasionally until melted.
Vibrant Occasions Awarded Heart Leader of the Year at the Inaugural MIBE Awards
Owners at Vibrant Occasions, Serge and Mary Krikorian, have been implementing compassionate company culture techniques learned after attending the MIBE Heart Leadership Workshop in Denver, Colorado last year. Serge and Mary Krikorian, subsequently received prestigious awards from the MIBE organization called Heart Leader of the Year at the Inaugural MIBE Awards ceremony in January 2023. MIBE focuses heavily on helping other business owners in the hospitality industry to live their best lives while running their businesses. It can be challenging to keep up with everything in your organization, whether big or small. Valuing your work, customers, employees and yourself can be a full-time job on its own. MIBE is an acronym for “Make It Better Everyday.” MIBE inspires leaders in the hospitality industry with these concepts so they can instill joy and fulfillment in their own and in their employees’ work and lives.
Coming from their own story of trying to make it in the hospitality industry with their business, Footers Catering, April and Anthony Lambatos created MIBE to lead, love, vibe and MIBE.
April and Anthony Lambatos of MIBE said, “At MIBE we are passionate about helping other companies create great places to work, where employees can truly thrive. By implementing heart leadership, we know that leaders can have a profound impact on the lives of their team members both personally and professionally. Most people spend a significant amount of time at their job and we want to inspire others to build work environments that bring more joy and fulfillment to the people that work in them.”
Serge and Mary have been learning so much from MIBE about how to Make It Better Everyday. Valuing people for more than just the job they do, understanding that everyone is at distinct chapters of their lives and everyone’s personalities are vastly different are some big things they have taken away from Anthony and April. They even created their own culture club called MIVE, an acronym for “Make It Vibrant Everyday.”
At the MIBE Summit and Inaugural MIBE Awards ceremony, several businesses won awards. Vibrant Occasions included! Owners at Vibrant Occasions, Serge and Mary Krikorian, won the Heart Leader of the Year awards for the commitment to their community and employees.
“We recognized and celebrated 5 Heart Leaders of 2022 at our Inaugural MIBE Awards this past January. The Heart Leader of the Year award goes to those who have created an exceptional place to work and have dedicated their lives to better serve their teammates and employees in their organizations. It is no doubt that Mary and Serge Krikorian have all the characteristics of a Heart Leader. They have made a significant impact on the leaders in their company, and have been continuously challenging themselves to be even better for the future. It has been an honor to see the profound changes they have made and I really do believe the sky’s the limit for the team at Vibrant Occasions as long as they are being led by Mary and Serge,” says Colleen Hartigan, senior program manager with MIBE.
Growth, innovation, balance, awesomeness and integrity are Vibrant’s Values. At Vibrant Occasions, employees are asked to share moments when they see their co-workers implementing these values. We cheer each other on and recognize one another for doing great deeds, even in the smallest ways. Making the workplace effective, fun and stress-free for staff and customers are always on Vibrant Occasions’ radar.
Community and culture are staples in the way that Serge and Mary run their businesses. They offered free services to those involved in the tornado in central Arkansas in March 2023, cooking meals and food for hundreds of families and thousands of people who no longer had a way to cook their own meals. They raised awareness and donations centered around the EMpact One Foundation, an organization dedicated to making the lives of our youth better. They have teamed up with EMpact One Foundation several times for this organization in their community. They have volunteered at the Benton Chamber of Commerce over the years including last year, volunteering for bingo night to make sure the bingo fans had a great time. They never miss the opportunity to create a good experience for anyone who needs it.
By receiving this award, Vibrant Occasions has shown effectively that we lead with heart. Being active in the community, valuing employee relationships and ensuring we can do our best every day is top of mind. Continuing to grow upwards in every aspect from self-growth to career-growth has been a large part of what Serge and Mary do, and will continue to do.
Congratulations to all the MIBE award recipients!
Inaugural MIBE Awards Event Vendor Team
Venue | Social Capitol Events
Catering & Bar | Footers Catering
DJ/Entertainment | TH Entertainment
Marquee Letters | Alpha Lit
Photography | All Digital Photo and Video
Ice Sculpture | Colorado Ice Works
Photobooth | MiHi Entertainment
Videography | Garlic Media Group
Labneh and Raspberry Chipotle-Glazed Pork Loin Recipes
Looking for an appetizer and entree combination that creates a lovely presentation together? Look no further than labneh paired with pita for dipping as the perfect starter dish. Labneh is a soft cheese, similar in texture to cream cheese. It is made from strained yogurt and is a very popular cuisine in the Middle Eastern regions. At about half the fat and calories of standard cream cheese, it’s a healthier alternative. Raspberry chipotle-glazed pork loin will keep the fruity vibes flowing as the entree of your meal. You will love all the fresh herbs included in the rub and although it may look hard to make…it is not at all! This makes a great spread around the holidays or any day. It will quickly become your favorite pork recipe. Pair these two dishes together and you are sure to impress your friends and family.
Chef Serge Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions showcased these two dishes on THV 11’s The Vine with Ashley King and Adam Bledsoe. We will be updating this blog with recipes featured on The Vine, so be sure to check back now and again for some of your favorites from the show.
Don’t forget you can always watch new episodes of chef Serge Krikorian’s cooking show over on Youtube called Cooking with the Kriks! Learn to cook all of chef Serge’s favorite dishes along with various guests of the show including other event industry professionals, interesting people and creators of all kinds. Remember to hit that subscribe button to stay up-to-date:
Labneh
1 Qt. Greek Yogurt
1 tsp. Kosher Salt
Combine the yogurt and salt in a medium bowl and mix well.
Line a colander with a paper towel. Set the colander inside another bowl. Pour the yogurt into the colander and cover with another paper towel. Place the yogurt in the refrigerator and let it drain overnight, preferably 24 hours.
Triple Berry Topping for Labneh
1 pint of fresh red raspberries
1 pint of fresh strawberry, sliced
1 pint of fresh blackberries
1 cup sugar
Peel from orange
1 Tbls. lime juice
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
Mix all of the ingredients together in a saucepan over low heat.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Spoon over the labneh and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Labneh with Agrumato Lemon Olive Oil and Za’atar
Agrumato Lemon Olive Oil
Za’atar Seasoning
Lightly drizzle oil over labneh and sprinkle with za’atar seasoning.
Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Pork Loin
3.5 lbs. Pork Loin
3 Tbls. Minced Garlic
2 Tbls. Fresh Rosemary
1/2 Tbls. Ground Sage
1 Tbls. Fresh Thyme
1 Tbls. Kosher Salt
1 Tbls. Ground Black Pepper
1/4 Cup Grapeseed Oil
1 Cup Chicken Stock
1 Cup Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (recipe follows)
Combine the garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt and black pepper.
Score the fat side of the pork loin with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern. Spread the oil over the untrimmed pork loin and rub the seasonings over the pork loin and into the meat. Put in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Place pork tenderloin on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up, and cook in an oven at 325 degree uncovered, for 1 1/2, or until internal temperature reaches 150 deg.
Turn the loin over fat side down and spread Raspberry Chipotle Sauce over the top of the loin and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, place the roasting pan over medium heat and deglaze the pan with the chicken stock. Serve pan sauce over pork.
Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
1 Jar Raspberry Preserves
3 Tbls. Distilled White Vinegar
2 canned Chipotle Chile Peppers
1 Tbls. Chipotle Pepper Adobo Sauce
1 1/2 Tbls. Minced Garlic
Combine ingredients in a food processor and puree.
Pan-Seared Sea Scallops Recipe
Have you ever wondered how to get that beautiful golden brown crust on sea scallops? It is actually super easy to prepare, especially when compared to some of their seafood counterparts like lobster or crab. Scallops have a mildly sweet flavor and delicate texture that bursts in your mouth. They can be very healthy, too!
This recipe was first presented by chef Serge Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions on THV 11’s The Vine with Adam Bledsoe and Ashley King. Be on the lookout for future episodes featuring chef Serge and check back here on our blog for the written recipes as updated.
Scallops are an excellent source of several trace minerals, including selenium, zinc and copper. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can balance your cholesterol levels, reducing risk of heart disease. The high magnesium content in scallops can contribute to heart health as well. This mineral helps relax blood vessels, which could lower your blood pressure and improve circulation.
For more amazing recipes by chef Serge Krikorian, visit our Youtube show, Cooking with Kriks, and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button:
Pan-Seared Sea Scallops
12 Sea Scallops
1 Tbls. Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Clarified Butter
1 Lemon
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Pat the scallops dry then season on both sides with salt and pepper.
When the pan is smoking hot, gently place the scallops in the pan, making sure they are not touching each other.
Sear scallops for 2 minutes until they are caramelized and have a golden crust. Turn over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the middle becomes translucent.
Drizzle with melted clarified butter and a drop of lemon and serve.
International Dishes by Chef Serge: Building the Best Taco Bars
When it comes to hosting an event, trying to make sure everyone is happy with the selection of food and drinks can be tricky. Feeding a large crowd, accommodating to their dietary needs and also trying to be an active host doesn’t always have to be difficult, though. There are many ways that a host can make things a little bit easier on themselves while making it even more fun and entertaining for their guests.
Food bars have become an increasingly popular trend during parties and events, making dinner more casual for the hip host. Creating a self-serving buffet, or even hiring caterers to come and prep and serve for your food bar will save you loads of time, stress and planning. It’s easy, oftentimes more economical than planning a full-course meal and it can accommodate almost any type of guest. Some of the most popular kinds of food bars for parties and events are nacho bars, pizza bars, charcuterie bars, chip and dip bars, an ever-popular salad bar, and our favorite…taco bars! Taco bars come in a very large variety, can be served in several different ways and are overall delicious.
Make Your Choices
There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to planning an event already, but luckily setting up a taco bar is easy! You’re going to want to decide your theme, decorations, lighting and music for your event in an effort to decorate your food bar around that. If you are wanting a cohesive look for your event or party, it would be the best choice to start there.
The next thing you will want to decide for your taco bar is your presentation. There are a couple different options here from self-serving to hiring someone to cater and serve for you. Creating a DIY taco station or action station for your guests allows for extra creativity and allows your guests to pick-and-choose as they come and go. This also gives the host the ability to be totally hands-free, other than the set-up and preparation for the food. Another choice you have is to serve the tacos yourself. This will give you the chance to see and talk to every guest that comes through, but has a downside. Being totally hands-on when it’s time to eat will result in only being able to man the bar temporarily, instead of the duration of the event, before getting back to activities. Your last option is to hire a caterer. Many caterers will take care of everything like plates, cups, silverware and napkins. They will prepare, cook and serve food as guests come and go. They also have amazing chefs who know how to cook some of the best food you might ever taste!
The biggest decision when creating your taco bar is choosing what kind of tacos you want to serve. There are hundreds of different meats, toppings, condiments, and garnishes that you can stuff into your tacos. Classic, street or custom tacos are loved all around the world and can be altered to fit anyone’s tastes or needs. It can be hard coming up with the perfect recipe for tacos, so here are a few of our favorite kinds of tacos that you may enjoy, too.
Shredded Brisket Tacos
The brisket taco is a staple street food in Texas. Bringing together two of the tastiest cuisines, tacos and juicy brisket, your mouth is sure to water at the sight of these. Consisting of a shredded brisket cut of beef, fresh cilantro lime slaw, pico de gallo and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Meaty, hearty, juicy and delicious are the only words to explain this taco.
Pork Carnitas Tacos
Carnitas is one of the most perfect meats for a taco. Meaning “little meats” in Spanish, it’s the best meat to perfectly fill your taco. Simmered in oil or lard until tender allows for the pork to be easily pulled apart. This leaves us with a very tender, juicy and flavorful pork meat for our tacos. These tacos are able to be topped with slaw, onions, avocado, really anything your heart (and stomach) desire. We love to top ours with a lovely chimichurri sauce to give it that extra punch.
Pollo Asado Tacos
If you’re looking for something perhaps a little healthier or maybe you don’t don’t prefer red meat, our pollo asado tacos will have your guests lining up for seconds. Meaning grilled chicken, this street taco can be jazzed up with many different sauces and vegetable fillings. For our pollo asado tacos, we marinate our chicken in orange and lime juices for a kick and extra flavor. Topping with cilantro lime slaw, pico de gallo, as well as our cotija cheese.
Bulgogi Tacos
A Korean-Mexican fusion taco as well as the ever-popular Los Angeles created street taco. Bulgogi is a Korean beef barbeque, made of thinly-cut marinated beef and is often grilled on a barbeque or stove-top griddle. For our bulgogi tacos, we top them with a tangy and sweet Korean barbeque sauce as well as our fresh Asian slaw. A unique and tasty taco for a unique and food-loving host.
Mediterranean Chicken Tacos
The Mediterranean chicken taco is the perfect way to get a quick taste of Greece or Italy. It’s quite simple and doesn’t involve an overwhelming amount of preparation. The filling and sauce are just delicious in this kind of taco, with crumbles of feta cheese, fresh cucumber, crisp onions, glistening tomatoes and finally topped with a piquant tahini tzatziki sauce.
Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Fish tacos of all kinds have been on the rise for the past 60 years, originating from Mexico and taking over the street food trucks of America. These tacos can be juicy, smoky, earthy, tangy and even spicy. Although it doesn’t seem like fish would give a lot of forgiveness in a taste palette, there are many savory garnishes and fillings you can use. Traditional taco fillings such as cheese, sour cream, lettuce and tomatoes are perfect. For our favorite Cajun shrimp tacos, be sure to have your bayou bengel sauce and top it with a fresh lime slaw.
Choosing the best kind of food doesn’t have to be as difficult as choosing which lighting will be best or what playlist your guests will love the most. Everyone loves a tasty taco, an easy set-up and economical alternatives. The taco also compliments a variety of drinks from margaritas to cocktails to beer. Impress your guests with a plated dinner or give them taco-filling freedom by setting up a self-serving station. Trendy and simple is just too hard to beat.
Special thank you to Cameron and Elizabeth Photography for all photos used in this blog post.
Vibrant Occasions Catering
Address:
1305 Hot Springs Hwy., Ste. 102
Benton, Arkansas 72019
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Our Offices:
1305 Hot Springs Hwy., Ste. 102
Benton, AR 72019
Phone: 501-408-2111
Email: mary@vibrantoccasionscatering.com
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