Archive for June, 2010

First wedding in the River View room

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

 

The James River was the backdrop for the wedding ceremony.

Saturday, June 19 2010 was historic! At least for the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. Alexis and BJ were the first couple to have a wedding in our new Special Events space, the River View room.

White gauzy curtains framed the ceremony area: one of the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the James River. The wedding guests were part of the decor for the White Wedding them of the day, arriving for the event in everything from white sundresses to white suits.

With a heavy hors d’oeuvres menu, the reception had a fun, friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Some of the guests’ favorites were the Jerk-style Chicken Skewers, Petite Crabcakes, and a Mashed Potato Martini Bar.

Wedding and Groom's cakes from Cakes by Graham

The white Wedding Cake and the vide0-game inspired Groom’s Cake were from Cakes by Graham http://cakesbygraham.homestead.com.

Assisting the bride and groom with their wedding celebration was their wedding planner, Windy Jennings of Weddings by Windy http://www.weddingsbywindy.com. With Windy on hand, the bridal couple were able to relax and enjoy their special day.

Congratulations, Alexis and BJ!

- by Anne Roy, Director of Sales for the Boathouse

Posted in Rocketts Landing, Special Events | No Comments »

Meet the Staff: Michael Avery

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

In 2008, the Boathouse at Sunday Park received a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the quality of our wine list. With over 100 labels, and wines from around the world, the wine list needs continuous revisions and updates to maintain these high standards. The task of caring for the wine lists of both Boathouse restaurants is the job of Michael Avery, our Director of Wine.

Michael Avery, Director of Wine

Michael has been with the Boathouse since 1999 (back when we were Sundays Waterfront Restaurant). With our makeover to the Boathouse in 2006, the decision was made to expand our wine offerings and put increased emphasis on having a great wine list. Michael has been increasing his knowledge of wines through continuing education. He is currently pursuing his certification as Master Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers education program.

Recently, Michael has taken on another new role with the Boathouse. Besides coordinating the Wine Wednesday featured wines and once-a-month wine samplings at both locations, and holding weekly wine classes for the restaurant staff, Michael is now in charge of our entire bar inventory for both restaurants, including our private events.

Under Michael’s direction, I believe the Boathouse has one of the best wine lists in town. There is sure to be a bottle to suit every taste, and to complement every meal.

 - by Anne Roy, Director of Sales

Posted in Wine Wednesday | No Comments »

Tasting wine on Wine Wednesday

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

One of the most popular events at the Boathouse is the monthly Wine Wednesday Wine Sampling. On the first Wed of the month at the Sunday Park location, and the second Wednesday of the month at Rocketts Landing, our Director of Wine, Michael Avery, hosts a wine sampling. Each month Mike features different wines from our Wine Spectator Award Winning wine list. A great learning experience for me has been the weekly wine class Mike holds for the Boathouse staff. I have learned about different varietals; discovered why I like the wines that I like; and most importantly, been taught how to taste a wine.

The first thing a person normally does when tasting wine is to look at it. Why look at the wine? To experienced wine connoisseurs the color, clarity and opacity can indicate the age of the wine. Since I am not serious a student of wine, I look at the wine to see if it is clear or hazy, and if there is any sediment.

After looking at the appearance, swirl the wine in the glass to release more aroma. Mike has taught us to sniff by getting the nose close to the wine and inhaling deeply. Then stop and think about what you can smell before tasting the wine. Often the wine smells like very unexpected and unusual things. Since there is no right or wrong answer, you might smell plums and cherries while your tasting buddy smells tobacco and oak.

Enjoy wine with a great city view at the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

Then it is time to taste. Take a small sip and let it roll around your tongue before swallowing. Take a minute to identify what you are tasting. You may be surprised that what you have smelled is not always what you taste.  Before moving on to the next wine that is being tasted, consider cleansing your palate with some water, especially if the wine you just tried is very full-bodied and distinctive.

The goal of wine sampling is to find wines that you enjoy drinking while trying something new. Visit Mike at the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing tonight and expand your wine horizons. Have a great Wine Wednesday!

- by Anne Roy, Director of Sales for the Boathouse

Posted in Restaurant Happenings, Wine Wednesday | No Comments »

Meet the Staff: Julia Wingfield

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

One of my favorite things is getting a note or card in the mail from a bride or her mother saying that everything at the Boathouse wedding was wonderful and perfect.  I love reading the notes, and passing on the compliments – because I can’t take any of the credit. We have a fabulous event staff at the Boathouse, and the star of the show is our Senior Event Coordinator: Julia Wingfield.  

Julia, Our Senior Event Coordinator for the Boathouse at Sunday Park

Julia joined us at the Boathouse after being with the Event Departments at the Jefferson and Virginia Crossings Resort (now Wyndham Virginia Crossings). Julia draws on her wealth of experience as she helps bridal couples turn their visions and dreams into reality. Her patience and professionalism help them and their families relax and enjoy the wedding day.

Many people who choose the Boathouse for their event ask what the Staff Coordinator will actually do.  No job description could really explain the amount of care and attention the coordinators give to their events. At the Boathouse, the Event Coordinator is the main point of contact for the hosts of the event. This ensures that details are not overlooked, and all questions are answered by someone who is familiar with the event.  The Coordinator meets with the hosts and planners of the event, communicates the needs of the event to the Boathouse crew (Chef, Operations Director, Banquet Captain and Event Staff), assists the officiant at the wedding rehearsal, verifies the setup on the day of the event, helps get the bridal party in place for the wedding ceremony, and acts as a liaison between the hosts, wedding professionals, and the Boathouse crew during the reception.  

Being an Event Coordinator is an exhilarating – and often exhausting – job. We appreciate the time and the attention to detail our Event Coordinators give to the Boathouse brides, grooms and their families. Thank you, Julia for all you do to make the events at the Boathouse a success and for giving our guests wonderful memories of their time with us.

by Anne Roy, Director of Sales for the Boathouse

Posted in Special Events | 2 Comments »