Monday Mashups: Meet The Best Famiglia Around

My mom's side of the family is huge! They are the epitome of that big, loud and fun Italian family; where your cousins and cousins' cousins come for Sunday dinner of spaghetti and meatballs with homemade gravy. My Grandpa is one of eight so as you can imagine he is very accustomed to this tradition and has instilled his beliefs to continue this in us. His siblings did the same for their kids and grandkids. Which leads me to the point of this post; Salvucci's. From East Coast to West Coast meet part of the best famiglia around at the newest restaurant to grace the East Village in San Diego.

(Do you recognize Grandpa?)

Salvucci’s is the new Italian sister to RMD Group’s growing roster of venerable venues. Mom's cousin's son, Mike Georgopoulos, the “M” in RMD Group, (which also owns and operates FLUXX, Side Bar, Ciro’s Pizzeria, Don Chido, Rustic Root and Pop’s Liquor Cabinet), has been dying to do Italian. This stems from his childhood, growing up just like me, in an Italian family where meals at Grandmother Carmella Salvucci Renzella’s house were daily delights. It is near and dear to all of our hearts how just one meal can bring everyone together. Something we all strive to do every evening.

At Salvucci’s, located by Petco Park at Ninth Avenue and J Street in East Village, the menu exudes rich flavors and rich family history. It’s where recipes from generations of the clan (which first laid domestic roots when Loreto and Pasqua Salvucci emigrated to the U.S. from San Donato, Italy, in the 1930s) live on. Their daughter, Carmela, married Peter Renzella and together, they raised this large, East Coast Italian-American family. So here we are, my extended family is bringing our traditions to San Diego for the West Coast to experience a taste of what family truly means. And at this restaurant, you bet there’s an on-site matriarch to make sure they do so.

To maintain his grandmother’s culinary standards, Mike recruited the next logical choice: his mother, Darlene Renzella, who has joined the team as host, ensuring patrons receive a warm welcome from a loving Italian mother. Darlene is my mom's first cousin so of course she knows how to make the gravy and meatballs just right and will give her opinion when she feels it needs a little more fresh basil. We love Darlene! Salvucci’s food is rooted in our family's culture and traditions. It’s recipes, passed down from generation to generation; each adding their own unique touch while still honoring the integrity of the original flavors. You'll be able to see the bonds that are built and strengthened around the kitchen table just like our family experienced while satisfying your fix for real good Italian cuisine!

(I'm on the left!)

Get to know my famiglia and mangia at Salvucci's for a true big-Italian-family-feel. Make sure to check out our family photos posted throughout the restaurant and congratulate my family on another successful restaurant. Saluti! Can't wait to visit!

Six Whimsical Ways to Celebrate with Alice Through the Looking Glass

Though we do not stand for domestic violence or condone the rumored behavior of Johnny Depp, we cannot ignore the fact that Alice Through the Looking Glass hit theaters in May. If you haven't gone to see it yet, you need to do so! The imagination and creativity of Tim Burton shines through this production. We are so inspired by the whimsical characters, outrageous storyline and standout designs that we thought we should share some ideas on how to incorporate Alice Through the Looking Glass inspirations into your next event. Check out what we came up with!

We're All Mad Here Cookies

Perfect Blue Butterfly Cupcake Toppers

Alice Serving Glasses

Decorative Mirror Display

Wonderland Wander-lost Signage

Become a Character with these Photobooth Disguises

Enjoy these six whimsical ways to celebrate with inspiration from Alice Through the Looking Glass and devour the details of being the Tim Burton of your next event!

Wedding Wednesdays: Bachelorette Fans Rejoice!

We've got some glorious news for all the Bachelorette fans out there. If you recall on Monday night's episode, this season's bachelorette star, JoJo Fletcher, participated in a hot yoga class with potential match Chase McNary, and things got steamy! They finished off the date with a romantic dinner and drinks at a private venue. It's undeniable that we all love watching shows like this and somewhat live vicariously through the story that unfolds. But if you're like me and also love the details that are not necessarily part of the plot then you might've noticed that the location of their intimate dining experience was absolutely stunning. And guess what ladies? You can totally tie the knot there!

Tucked off a private road in Malibu Valley against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains lies the sprawling Triunfo Creek Vineyards, a quaint but lush 55-acre estate. The vineyards were purchased as a family property in 1999 with the intent to develop horseback riding stables. However, as the potential for the land was uncovered, the vision for the property expanded. In 1999, Triunfo’s first vintage grapes were planted and then harvested in 2003. The owners realized it would make a one-of-a-kind location within Malibu Valley, and a part of the Malibu wine trails, conveniently within reach of LA, for an array of events including weddings, private or corporate event rental, filming, photography and charitable endeavors to support the local community.

The heart of the property is a charming, French country farmhouse settled upon a rolling emerald landscape and nestled amongst eucalyptus, California Oak and Sycamore trees. A truly elegant and romantic setting for the most unforgettable pictures. Triunfo is proud to be first and foremost a family-owned place, a legacy that carries over in the attention given to every one of their clients, the appreciation of even the smallest details, and the dedication to creating the most intimate events. We hear their wine is also incredibly tasty!

Sigh, when JoJo and Chase danced under the stars to Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum singing "The Only One Who Gets Me" (normal first date night activity, am I right?), we could totally picture a dance floor underneath the two, with family and friends gathered around for the couple's first dance. Just breathtaking! And we all know that JoJo loves her wine, so maybe Triunfo Creek Vineyards will end up being a possible location for their grape-inspired wedding. We can see it now! Deep plum gowns, beautiful tall centerpieces filled with shades of greens and blues, and wine for all. Maybe we'll get an invite!

Devour the details of your wedding venue selection and check out Triunfo Creek Vineyards as a beautiful option for your special day. Cheers!