Our April Meeting
by Chris Agrippe, CPCE

Service That Sizzles

TIME: 5:30pm
DATELINE: 04-04-05 San Diego
LOCATION: Bahia Resort Hotel

NACE members and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the Mission Ballroom of the Bahia Resort Hotel on the Bay at our April meeting, followed by an entertaining, interactive, and fast-paced presentation provided by Professor Ian Maksik, founder and owner of the School of Formal Table Service. Professor Maksik was brought to us courtesy of Debbie Thomas who is the incoming President of ISES, and represents Metallic Design Studio, creators of the versatile Vertical Buffet system.

The room was dressed in shades of celadon by Dreams Do Come True, who supplied chair covers, sashes, and satin stripe linens for a spring-come-softly feel that was both airy and light. Centerpieces were beautifully arranged Casablanca Lilies and White Roses in a simple and elegant setting donated by Stephen of Gardenia Design. Our pianist was provided courtesy of Bernie Kay of Entertainment Solutions, who added a strolling magician, just for fun.

A selection of wines from the list of Young’s Market was served, and the every-popular Arlan Arnsten of Stone Brewing provided ice-cold handcrafted beers.

Upon arrival, we enjoyed delicious trays of passed hors d’oeuvres, donated by Cathy Carpenter of Appetizers & Inc, and an assortment of fresh, semi-soft, and ripe cheeses displayed on a tapas-style buffet. Dinner followed, and was presented on three individually designed buffet stations by Executive Chef David Greene, who included salads tossed to order, classic Italian pastas, grilled salmon, and carved roast pork, dressed with mandarin orange glace.

Earlier that evening, Professor Maksik had challenged each of us to lift an oval tray stacked with eight standard banquet plates and covers. As his program began, he rated us on our ability to properly lift and carry. His point? Our service teams do this hundreds of times a day, yet how many of us have actually done it recently? Mr. Maksik told us of how his family rose from humble beginnings to become the owners of the largest nightclub in the world, hosting the likes of Clark Gable, Judy Garland, and the glamorous set of the era. His trademark style of high-energy delivery delighted everyone, as he reviewed service techniques and standards that remain the very focus and foundation of our industry to this day. Just for the record, it’s still "serve food from the left, clear and serve beverages from the right."

Community Service Chair, Geneene Thornton collected gowns and business attire to be distributed to the less fortunate by Mary Kidd of "Prom Dreams", and Affiliate Rep Mike Ryan introduced (and gave us the inside scoop) on longtime NACE member and supporter Keith Danon, owner of "Music as You Like It", who showcased his company.

To say that the service throughout the entire evening was flawless would be an understatement. The seasoned team of the Bahia had just undergone Professor Maksik’s intensive 8-hour A to Z’s of Customer Service Training Course. Choreographed by Jorge Vasquez and Banquet Manager Bob Vigil, the accomplished and newly polished group of professionals under the direction of Banquet Captain Cheryl Smith obviously delighted in exceeding our expectations, and provided a seamless ballet of perfection and grace, until the last sip of coffee and the final bite of dessert! Bravo to all, and well done!

Respectfully submitted by: Chris Agrippe, CPCE

Affiliate's Corner
by Mike Ryan

Keith Danon of Music As You Like It

The April fifth San Diego NACE dinner meeting at the beautiful Bahia Resort was to feature two interesting affiliate showcasers, however due to time constraints we gently asked the charming Harriet King of San Diego Bride and Groom magazine if she wouldn't mind presenting at the next meeting. As the affiliate chair I explained to her that she's really getting more show-for-her-case by again returning with displays and magazine P.R. info! She agreed! Wait til you hear the fun "dirt" I have on her - it'll slay you. In the meantime check out her magazine, it's beautifully presented.

Keith Danon (pronounced da-NON... not like the yogurt - sorry Keith) did get to showcase his business: "Music As You Like It". His lovely assistant, Laura, filled me in with fun "dirt" about the Duke of Mobile DJs - if you missed it, he is: an avid tennis player; "anytime, anywhere"; loves tropical fish and likes to race cars!  Last I checked he was sporting two: a Porsche and a bodacious black Ferrari.  Keith started in show business by pulling "bunnies-for-babes" out of a hat as "Danon the Magnificent" . . . reportedly he still has his magician's cape and suitcase full of magic tricks.

Not much magic to his business, just hard work. Starting in the late eighties with KGB radio as the station's Mobile Music service, Keith has built probably the most suscessful and well known DJ and talent agency in southern California. You can contact Keith and Laura at: 619-223-5732 or mayli@musicasyoulikeit.com.

Until next time - (dj) Mike on the mike
Affiliate Chairman

Community Service Update
by Geneene Thornton

What's up for 2005?

Your community service committee is planning what we will do for the community in 2005. We are busy on an April Clothing Drive, as well as thinking about little bunnies for our annual Bunnies for Babes campaign. HOWEVER, the biggest project we are working on is about to begin.

Back by popular demand, the Taste of NACE, is scheduled for Fall 2005. Not only will our food and beverage purveyors want to be involved with this event, our affiliate members will be encouraged to join in as well. Location and details will be forthcoming.

March - "Bunnies for Babes" — SDNACE delivered 131 stuffed bunnies to The Polinsky's Children Center in time for Easter

April - Clothing Drive — we are continuing our clothing drive and ask all SDNACE members to get into their closets and donate any mens or womens gently used business clothes to be given to the "From Welfare to Work Program". Clothing accessories are welcomed as well.

New Members

Mary Kidd-Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino

Bobbie Ohumukini-Red Lion Hanalei Hotel

Patricia Brydon-Officiate

Cris Joseph-Classic Party Rentals

Christina Rios-Holiday Inn Mission Valley Stadium

Marci Doss-San Diego Marriott Gaslamp

Christian Behl-San Diego's Choice Entertainment

Tricia Pucci-BBJ Linen

Dee Becker-The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo

Didi Zack-The Lodge At Torrey Pines

Laura Hambleton-The Lodge at TP

Brant Bender-Phoenix Photography

Todd Gabello-Westin Horton Plaza

Lisa Douglas-La Jolla Beach and Tennis

Manuel Otero-Insane Diego Productions

Courtney Mahoney-Shelter Point Hotel

Raffle Kudos
by MaryAnn Quinto

A special thank you to all those of you who donated to the April meeting:

A beautiful gift basket from French Gourmet courtesy of Nancy Baron

2 bottles of Falkner Winery signature wines courtesy of Loretta Falkner

Sweet delicacy from CJ’s Confections courtesy of Carl Jerris

1 bottle of wine from The Country Club at Rancho Bernardo courtesy of Dee Becker

Dinner for 2 at the Padres Pub, Hilton San Diego Mission Valley courtesy of Judith Simmons, Cheryl Fletcher & Judy Pratt

Dinner for 2 at the Blue Pearl, The Dana Marina courtesy of Angie Kemp

Dinner for 2 at Classic Malt Shop courtesy of Mike Ryan from Mike on the mike

Starbucks card from courtesy of Philip Burge, Ballonatics

Grand Prize: 1 Night Hotel Stay, Round of Golf, Dinner for 2 @ Steakhouse at BARONA Hotel & Casino courtesy of Maria Jenina De Leon-Ambrosio

If you would like to make a raffle donation, contact MaryAnn Quinto, 619-252-7874

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