Arthritis Foundation Fundraiser at the Grand Lodge

The annual Arthritis Foundations fundraiser

The annual Arthritis Foundations fundraiser

 

Putting on the Ritz had the privilege of catering the annual Corks & Forks fundraiser hosted by the Arthritis Foundation (learn more about it here) at one of our favorite Baltimore wedding venues, the Grand Lodge.

Boasting a marble foyer with a fantastic staircase, a gorgeous ballroom for 320 guests with hardwood floors and twelve gleaming brass chandeliers, and featuring a lovely courtyard and outdoor space for cocktail hours and wedding ceremonies, the Grand Lodge was the perfect setting for this black-tie-optional station-style event.

Guests were greeted in the courtyard with an array of passed hors d’oeuvres reflecting the travel-inspired theme that was carried throughout the evening’s food stations and wine pairings.  Our Asian Beef Salad in a Homemade Eggroll Wrapper Cup, Caprese Skewers, and New Orleans-Style Barbeque Shrimp with Cheddar Cheese Grits delighted the 150 attendees, who then proceeded to the ballroom for dinner and dancing.

 

Passed Hors D'oeuvres -- Caprese Skewers

Passed Hors D’oeuvres — Caprese Skewers

 

A variety of small plates from around the world were represented by our four stations, which included the following: a Gourmet Carving Station showcasing thinly-sliced New York Strip topped with a red wine demi-glace, gorgonzola cheese, and fried leeks, and accompanied by our renowned Garlic Mashed Potatoes; a deconstructed Paella Station allowing guests to select from a variety of ingredients that our chefs prepared with paella rice in an interactive table-side presentation; an Italian Station featuring Chicken Bruschetta and Char-Grilled Eggplant; and a Grilled Salmon Station offering whole sides of the fish and complemented with creamy risotto and asparagus.

Courmet Carving Station at the Grand Lodge

Gourmet Carving Station at the Grand Lodge

 

While guests danced to live music and continued to bid on an extensive silent auction, we treated them to an assortment of passed mini French pastries.  The Arthritis Foundation’s 2013 Corks & Forks Gala was truly a success, and Putting on the Ritz is proud to have played a role in helping the foundation improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

 

— Bobby Mitchell, Owner