That's right, BREAKFAST. I don't know if our intern, Hilary, knew the internship included 7:15am meetings. Well, at least they serve breakfast. The managers ath the Bellevue Collection meet monthly to review, "What's New", "What's coming", and other cool stuff.
From "cake pops", balls of cake coated in frosting on lollipop sticks, to the best BBQ in the world. It was overwhelming the number of reps trying to sell their products and network with other companies. I will definitely be going back next year, and my roommate Tia, has proclaimed that "it is the place to go when planning a wedding", (which I completely agree with). From wineries and galleries, to nightclubs and hotels, everyone there is trying to get their company or business recognized and they really have to bring it, because the competition is fierce. Walking around the hall and gazing at the different catering companies really reinforces my dream of going to culinary school and having my own restaurant one day. And by looking at these people, it is a lot of work!
Wednesday was Gracie's first day back. I didn't come in until 10am, which is unusual for me because I am usually here at 8 every morning. At lunch time, we walked over to the Parlor to have lunch with Kayce, the Sales Manager. I had never been there and just assumed it would be typical bar food, nothing special. I was wrong! To start, we had amazing waffle fries with a gorgonzola sauce, pretty much to die for and coconut prawns with a marmalade dip. By the time we had to order, I was already full. I got the pineapple and prosciutto pizza, Gracie had the chop salad, and Kayce had "The Break" pizza, which consisted of many different things including artichoke hearts, chicken and bacon. Needless to say, we had to get to-go boxes because these pizzas could have fed at least 2-3 people. Dessert was fantastic, a fudge sundae with toasted coconut ice cream for Gracie, chocolate tuxedo cake for me, and classic vanilla cheesecake for Kayce.
It was amazing to hear about everything that these people do to market and promote their businesses, all the while learning about what to do and what not to do. The Hyatt, Palomino, The Parlor, and The Melting Pot managers and sales people were all in attendance and all were interested in promoting their business together. I got a lot of information that day, and as this happens quite often, I hope to be able to go back and learn even more from them.
Friday entailed a lot of emails back and forth between Gracie and myself, trying to get the final design for the Bellevue Collection cards ready, but we finally did it, and I can’t wait to see how they turn out! This was my first design project and I think it went very well, with the help of the Kinko’s design program of course. I also went to different Event Rental Stores and picked up catalogs and linen samples to show the customers of our new catering service what each has to offer.
Next, I learn that we will be having lunch with Kayce and Crystal from “The Parlor” and discussing the co-marketing promotion through Facebook. It’s all about technology now, and I need to whip out those eye-catching tweets and inspirational status updates! Get ready to be drawn into Ruth’s Chris for those sizzling steaks and delicious chocolate sin cake. 
RC (Ruth’s Chris) is currently working with the Bellevue Collection on multiple projects, one being the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk in Downtown Bellevue. By offering 10% off Lunch or Dinner to the participants, RC is able to get great exposure as one of the contributors to the charity. In addition to the walk, we are working with the Bellevue Collection to participate in their VIP Passport, a marketing tool showcasing different stores in the Bellevue area and I have been put on the project of designing the “promo card” RC is offering. Putting my design skills to the test, we shall see how it works out. And, with the help of my roommate Lanai, I will design a card that will be included in a package given to guests at hotels in the area. Can’t wait!!!
Friday night, Gracie and I headed over to the Bellevue Club for the Project Greenlight Fall Fashion Show. Benefitting “Hope For All”, an organization that grants bucket list wishes to terminally ill cancer patients, the show was incredible. It showcased local designers as well as Jimmy Choo, Piazza Sempione and Built for Men.
We enjoyed the cocktails and apps before the show began, especially the two types of bruschetta, one with blue cheese and the other a more traditional style. Along with that, there were crab cakes, bacon wrapped sirloin, and other delightful goodies. I had to enjoy them for the both of us, as Gracie had just had her wisdom tooth pulled.
Tuesday was a great (and early) first meeting day! Gracie and I went to the Downtown Bellevue Association meeting, the topic being the new Puget Sound transit system, running through Capitol Hill to Downtown Bellevue. It was an interesting meeting and the food made it so much better! A sort of Steak Eggs Benedict with fruit from El Gaucho completely hit the spot, much better than the Yoplait I gulped down driving over 520. Wish I had snapped a picture, but now I know to bring my camera everywhere, so as not to have you followers miss a beautiful meal!
One of the projects Lisa worked on before she went back to school was organizing the Covey Run 5k/10k.
Beautiful sunny day and we all had a great time. Half of us ran the 5k and the other half the 10k.
