Showing posts with label CA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CA. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Focus on Meetings




Every business has its resources.  Churches use the Bible, fellowship and history books.  Executives for the YMCA have certain manuals they use to run their programs.  Attorneys use tons of law books.  We all need assistance in our everyday life.  We get ideas from one another to sustain our businesses, our relationships our being.  Without new ideas our lives grow dull, quiet and alone.

In the industry of event planning one of my favorite resources is “Meeting Focus”.  It is a guide for destination in North America.  It is a source I refer to often to assist my clients.  There are many other ways to accomplish the same goal.  There are companies and resources I can pay for but there is something in picking up a book and reading it that gives me a sense of self that no computer can give me or a company can give me.  Maybe it is because I learned to read from a book with pages, paper, and print.  It helps all the senses; they are hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste.  You know everyone knows not to taste or eat a book.  It saddens me that they are trying to teach children to read on computers rather than books.  Teachers know and understand the more of the senses you can incorporate in teaching the faster and quicker children learn.

I still remember my first reading book and how important I felt.  “Dick and Jane” Do you remember your first book?  Then I remember my first devotional book my parents bought me.  Do you remember yours?  Then when I was older, I remember my dad teaching me how to read the Bible, something he read daily. Do you still read what your parents taught you to read, whatever faith that is?  I am not trying to push my believe system on you; just want you to know that there are certain things that make each industry better for having it.  Quick references are great and serve their purpose, but there is still nothing better than going through a book, looking at each reference and thinking of the person you are going to refer to that resource.

I always ask myself questions about the client who, what, when, where, likes, dislikes.  Then, I think to myself would I want someone to refer me to this venue?  If it doesn’t meet my expectations why would I refer a client there?  My level of integrity is important not only to myself, but to those around me.  If I expect the best and I strive for the best, so will they.  There are no guarantees we will get it, not even in the Bible, but there are promises we can hang onto.   Hopefully the people we associate with make us better than being by ourselves.  That’s the only truth there really is.  That if we treat others like we want others to treat us, we get the best there is relationships built on trust, respect and maybe an agape love.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Restaurant Critic I Am...

  Maria Garcia-Kamon
                                                                                              MK Pure Diamond Events  www.mkpurediamondevents.com
Restaurant Critic I Am...

It is a funny thing about being a meeting and event planner/wedding planner.  Part of our job description is to go on tastings.  Food tastings that.  Restaurants and chefs know that it a meeting and events planners’ best interest for our client to find the right type of food to be served at our client’s event.  For some people it is simplistic flavors, for others it is all about the mixology (mixing of different drinks to become a new flavor) and fusion (mixing of different food flavors or cultural food flavors).  Organic, non organic all of this plays a role when it comes to food.  You have to enjoy food, the character of the food making process and understand what it brings to the event or takes away.

Many of us attend events where we do not know anyone other than the guest of honor.  Focusing on the food gives us conversation starters.  If it is a dish prepared with care and an understanding of flavors, it allows the person people to feel comfortable and can be the subject for conversation.  Once that begins then it is a matter of time before friendships are formed.  Friendship or business acquaintances lead to many possibilities.  In a world where we are always on the texting, Internet, and into our own selves (and I am guilty of this as much as anyone one else) food has always been a bridge to bring people together, creating relationships, business deals, families and all that is good.  If our tummies are full, then our bodies can create.
 View from Vigilucci Restaurant, Carlsbad CA
Often I get asked what my favorite restaurant is. I don’t just have one.  Every once in a while I like to go out to eat all by myself and enjoy the quite time.  One of my favorite restaurants is Vigilucci’s Restaurant.    They have several restaurants in North County, San Diego.  Why this restaurant, one might wonder.  Honestly, because it doesn’t matter which one of their restaurants I visit, from Carlsbad to La Jolla, I am treated with respect. 

The food is always delicious.  Today, I treated myself to a lovely salmon lunch.  The salmon had a pink (Vodka/Pomegranate) sauce I had never tasted before. Wow, what great flavor, although I had plenty to eat and left full, it left me longing for more.  The side dish of spaghetti and vegetables were also amazingly flavorful nothing else needed to be added.  Normally we add salt, pepper or cheese, but I am telling you the chef did an amazing job.  Perfection!  Unfortunately, today I had another appointment so I didn’t get to eat dessert. I did see others enjoying themselves, and when you see others enjoying themselves then you know it must be as amazing as the meal I just ate.  I do have to say, I was so enjoying my time and my meal I requested something they don’t normally do, coffee to go.  The waiter was so respectful he. I didn’t want to be too relaxed for my next appointment.  That is one thing the environment a Vigilucci’s Restaurant did create.  The Carlsbad’s Vigilucci’s Restaurant creates a sense of relaxation while you are ordering, eating and just time to enjoy their lovely environment and your meal.

As I watched others hassle in getting things ready for the Carlsbad Beach fest I was grateful I could enjoy the sunshine, ocean view and the summer breeze from their protected patio area.  Had I been dressed a little more fashionable I would have enjoyed myself just as much in their indoor seating area.  I am very thankful for the clients I have, knowing what it is like to be hungry makes going out to lunch so much more special.

New 2022 Blogpost will begin In June