Flash back to being a bar owner at 23..

By 23 years old I had opened 15 restaurants.

12 for Universal Studios

1 on the roof of the Gramercy Park Hotel that revitalized the hotel.

and 2 restaurants of my own on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

When I was in NY last, I stopped by my old place on Rivington to just document it.

Since then I have opened countless other restaurants as a menu and bar consultant, helping business owners with everything from build out consultations for a bar or kitchen to productive work flow to how to book heavy metal shows without the neighborhood complaining and lots of food and drink concepts in between.

And I still have some availability for consultations in 2024 if you want to open a bar, restaurant or consumption lounge but need some guidance or assistance in bringing your dream to life!

You can watch the full video on my

Tiktok @cheflivvasquez 💚

or on Instagram @livviesmalls

#restaurantconsultant

#foodandbeverage

#youngentrpreneur

#Chef #restaurant

Behind the scenes of my latest dinner collaboration in Portland Oregon







This weekend I taught about terpenes at a local private cannabis pop up.

I added in some terpene infusions into 4 dishes and used those as talking points for education.

The menu was a true collaboration amongst cooks and chefs.

This was a Cajun menu

FIRST COURSE

Stewed Red Beans and Rice

With a terpene bell pepper relish

The bell peppers themselves have a natural terpene called Delta-3 Carryophyllene that I paired with an extracted Cannabis derived Beta-Carryophyllene

This terpene has a rich black pepper flavor that is great for inflammation and helps to quell any cannabis induced anxiety. So this is the best way to start off a cannabis infused dinner.

SECOND COURSE

Frozen Lemon pop pallet cleanser

With additional Limonene terpene spritz to enhance the lemon flavor and add in an uplifted, bright feeling.

THIRD COURSE

Crabcakes with a smokey aioli

With this dish I made a Lemon Sour Diesel terpene vinegar to make a shallot mignionette to accompany the seafood flavors and add in all of the wonderful affects of Lemon Sour D.

FOURTH COURSE

Pineapple tart with lime enhanced coconut whip

To this dish I added a brown sugar, rum Pineapple sauce that I infused with an Alpha-Pinene terpene that helps with bronchial dilation that helps you take deeper breaths and the pine flavor is naturally found in Pineapple so it just punches up the flavor and added some extra Pineapple sweetness.

Which of these dishes would you be excited to try??


Lets talk Micro weddings!

The Rise of Luxury Micro Weddings in Oregon: Intimate Affairs with Big Impact

In recent years, the wedding landscape has witnessed a notable shift towards smaller, more intimate celebrations. Particularly in Oregon, couples are increasingly opting for micro weddings over traditional large-scale affairs. This trend is not only changing the way we perceive weddings but also redefining what it means to celebrate love in style.

Intimacy Redefined

Micro weddings, typically defined as weddings with fewer than 50 guests, offer a plethora of benefits that resonate with modern couples. At the heart of this trend lies the desire for intimacy and authenticity. In a world where meaningful connections often take precedence over grandeur, micro weddings provide the perfect setting for couples to exchange vows in the presence of their closest friends and family.

Personalized Experiences

One of the standout features of micro weddings is the ability to curate a truly personalized experience. In Oregon, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse culinary scene, couples have the opportunity to infuse their special day with local flair. From exchanging vows amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge to hosting a reception at a charming vineyard in the Willamette Valley, the options are as unique as the couples themselves.

The Role of Luxury

While the term "micro" may imply a scaled-down affair, the emphasis on luxury has not diminished. In fact, luxury micro weddings are on the rise, offering couples the opportunity to indulge in bespoke experiences that rival those of larger weddings. Key to this trend is the inclusion of premium services such as private chefs and event planners, who play a pivotal role in elevating the overall experience.

Culinary Delights

In Oregon, known for its farm-to-table ethos and world-class cuisine, the presence of a private chef adds a distinct touch of luxury to a micro wedding. Imagine savoring a gourmet meal crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, perfectly paired with exquisite wines from the region. From intimate multi-course dinners to interactive food stations showcasing the best of Oregon's culinary offerings, the culinary experience becomes an integral part of the wedding celebration.

Seamless Execution

An event planner is instrumental in ensuring that every aspect of the wedding day is flawlessly executed. From orchestrating logistics to coordinating with vendors and overseeing the timeline, their expertise allows couples to relax and immerse themselves fully in the moment. With meticulous attention to detail, an event planner transforms the couple's vision into reality, creating a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.

The Shift Towards Luxury Micro Weddings

So, why are couples increasingly opting for luxury micro weddings in Oregon? The answer lies in the intersection of intimacy, personalization, and elevated experiences. In a world where meaningful connections reign supreme, couples are prioritizing quality over quantity, opting for intimate celebrations that reflect their unique love story.

Intimate Atmosphere

Micro weddings foster an intimate atmosphere that allows couples to focus on what truly matters – their love and commitment to each other. By surrounding themselves with their nearest and dearest, couples can share their special day in a meaningful and authentic way, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Flexibility and Freedom

Unlike traditional large-scale weddings, micro weddings offer couples greater flexibility and freedom in planning their special day. With a smaller guest list, couples can allocate their budget towards premium services and personalized experiences, ensuring that every detail is tailored to their preferences.

Sustainability

In an era where sustainability is increasingly important, micro weddings offer a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional weddings. With fewer guests and reduced resource consumption, couples can minimize their ecological footprint while still celebrating in style.

Conclusion

The rise of luxury micro weddings in Oregon reflects a broader shift towards intimate, personalized celebrations that prioritize quality over quantity. With the inclusion of premium services such as private chefs and event planners, couples can create unforgettable experiences that are as unique as their love story. In a world where meaningful connections and authenticity reign supreme, luxury micro weddings offer the perfect blend of intimacy, personalization, and elevated experiences, setting the stage for a lifetime of cherished memories.

If you’d like to hire me to help you plan your micro wedding or cater your special day just go to the HIRE ME tab on my website.