WOD at Roppongi

(Photos courtesy of Lisa at Elle G Photography)

Wowza…is all I have to say about the wonderful luncheon that we all had the opportunity to enjoy at Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar located at: 875 Prospect in beautiful La Jolla, CA!

Chef Simon Lynn, along with Catering Sales Manager, Cruz Zahran, and her wonderful assistant, Timmery Pearl definitely knocked our socks off with not just one but SEVEN tapas and the most delicious dessert that I have ever had! We all met on the outside patio to enjoy the sun and network before lunch.

Roppongi Restaurant and Sushi Bar has fused together with their sister company, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza to create Mosaic Catering (all a part of the Ladeki Restaurant Group). In only 10 months, Mosaic Catering was nominated “2nd Best Caterer” in Ranch and Coast Magazine.

Famous for their Polynesian Crab Stack, Mosaic fuses together both restaurants and “puts all of the pieces together!” So if you are looking for the perfect establishment for groups from 30 (in the Buddha room) to 68 outdoors (enjoying the fireplace), Roppongi is it!

The first showcaser of the afternoon was the multi-talented Meleah, who quickly ran down the many, many, and did I mention, MANY talents that she possesses. Meleah started out in the fashion industry and currently teaches as an instructor at the fashion institute. She spends most of her mornings on the weekends creating just the right look for her brides and then dances at Marrakesh in La Jolla as a belly dancer. At Marrakesh, you will find “more hair and less clothing” than what you are used to seeing with Meleah. (yes, I did quote her on that one).

Meleah can also help you with many other areas of your life. As there were too many to talk about, I’m just going to list them in the order that we were told: Personal hair and makeup (specializing between the ages of 25 – 60+); photography; 1st dance lessons; home refurnishing (also known as makeup for your house) and, let’s not forget, once a month, Meleah sends out a newsletter and e-bulletin about different topics relating to ones-self.

Our other showcaser, Harpist Melissa Morgan, wasted no time blowing us away with her talent with the harp. She informed us that there are a number of different types of harps that vary on size and stings. You can find Melissa playing High Tea at the relatively new Grand Del Mar. Melissa is also a long time instructor, based out of her home, with many aspiring harp students.

The thing that I found the most interesting about Melissa is that she opens her home to brides-to-be for a day of relaxation in her home (I sure do wish that I was her neighbor!). They can come and enjoy her backyard garden while listening to her harmonious harp sounds and even take the music that they heard home on a cd. Now how cool is that?!?


Now for the informative announcements from the Board…

President Bob Brichmann of Artistic Productions wished Timmery Pearl (Mosaic Catering), Beryl Cotter (Officiate) and Karen Goslin (Authentic Flavors & Custom Catering) and Gloria Paris (Sterling Strings) a very Happy Birthday from us all!!!

Bob also welcomed our guests for the afternoon: Elaine from Sweet Cheeks Bakery, Somer De Frates of the Empress Hotel in La Jolla and Jeanna Grant and Erin Ritterbush from The Wild Thyme Company.

Vice President, and Flamenco Guitarist, Anthony Garcia announced that we will be at San Diego Wine and Culinary Center for our next month’s meeting. Please be sure to mark your calendars, we are all meeting again on Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Remember, we meet every fourth Tuesday of each month.

Membership Chair, Merrylin Brichmann from Artistic Productions, gave the ‘official’ welcome to our newest members David Wright & Karen Kluchonic of Plush Impressions (www.plushimpressions.com)!!!!

Filling in for our Marketing champion, Shannon Henry, of True Photography, was Bob. The makeover for our website is up and running. Please check it out. I cannot stress enough, Shannon truly does deserve a pat on the back for all of her efforts and, more importantly, time that she dedicates to promote all of WoD on the internet. If you have a picture that you would like to add to our library of pix, submit them to Shannon, her email address is: Shannon@truephotography.com. And last but not least, new brochures, they’ll be available soon!

Be sure to bring lots of business cards, happy faces, and see you all next month downtown at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center on Harbor Drive!