The Manitou Experience Fundraiser

What an honor and pleasure it was to have been a part of the Manitou Experience Fundraiser. The MANITOU (deterMination,  pAssion, selflessNess, prIde, inTegrity, brotherhOod, boUndless)  Experience Camps are camps that provide both boys and girls who have either lost a family member or a loved one, “with a program that helps build confidence, encourage laughter and navigate their grief through friendship, teamwork, athletics, and the common bond of loss.”

The Manitou Experience Fundraiser was held on May 2^nd, 2015 at the beautiful LMNT Arts Gallery and Event Space in Wynwood. As fitting to the date, this year’s theme was the Kentucky Derby, a two-week horse race with its kickoff on the first Saturday in May, held annually in  Louisville, Kentucky. The guests, ladies especially, were all invited to match the theme by wearing their finest outfit and most elaborate and elegant hats.

 

Activities throughout the night included a live screening of the race, a live and silent auction held by our very own Laura Rodriguez from NBC6, southern- styled food and of course, the traditional beverage of the race, our show stopper of the night; the Mint Julep, an iced drink made with bourbon, mint, and simple syrup (a sugar and water solution).

 

The Menu for the night consisted of:

Butlered Hors D’Oeuvres passed on Platters accented with Fresh Foliage

Petit Lamb Lollipops  accented with our Chef’s Signature Asian-Orange Glaze

Mac & Cheese Fritters presented with Red Pepper Aioli

Mushroom Crowns stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan

Skewered Grilled Bourbon-barbecue Shrimp

Beef Roulade with Horseradish Sauce

Buffet Stations

Tapas Bar

Lamb Meatballs with Mildly Spiced Tomato Sauce accented with Crumbled Feta

International and Domestic Cheeses accented with Fresh Fruit

presented with Gourmet Crackers

Spanakopita – Feta Cheese with Spinach Baked in Phyllo

Key West Conch Fritters served with Mango Remoulade

Petit Chicken Dijonnaise Croissants

Mashed Potato Martini Bar

Creamy Mashed Potatoes to include:

Baby Red Skin and Sweet Mashed Potatoes

Topped With a choice of:

Picadillo, Chicken Fricassee, sautéed Mushrooms, Grated Cheddar

Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream Served in a Martini Glass

Sushi Station

Sushi Boats abundantly presented with handcrafted Sushi and Sashimi,

Served with Wasabi and Pickled Ginger:

California Rolls

Tuna Rolls

Vegetarian

Assorted Nigri

Assorted Sashimi

Steamed & Pan- Fried Dumplings.

Following the event, we received a heartwarming review from the Manitou Experience:

Francine,

Thank you again for making our event incredible. It’s the second year in a row that people are raving about the food. I know we had a little miscommunication on the timing of the event, but it only proved that you guys are beyond incredible to make it all happen.

On behalf of Manitou Experience, I just wanted to say thank you for everything you guys did.