After the first food of engage!11 post I felt like I needed to take a diet break, but that failed yesterday on my birthday with a delivery of Susie Cakes cupcakes!  So, here is a continuation of all the food at engage!11 :: the grand del mar.

Day Two: Cal-a-Vie

I have one word for Cal-a-Vie: out-of-this-world (ok maybe 4 words).  Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is a hidden gem in Vista (San Diego).  When you enter the property you feel like you’re suddenly driving through the rolling hills of the French Countryside.  Everything from the 400 year old chapel brought piece by piece from Dijon, France to the windmill and the historic buildings, Cal-a-Vie provided a perfect ambiance for our evening’s dinner (and a wedding!).We wined and dined under the culinary expertise of Executive Chef, Jason Graham of Cal-a-Vie and Advanced Sommelier, Joshua Orr of Vine A Gogo to the following menu: french lentil soup with turkey sausage & garlic croutons, seared local halibut with mushroom wehani rice, avocado, jalapeno vinaigrette and for dessert hazelnut phyllo crunch with homemade ice cream napoleon.

Day Three: The Last Day & Gala

In true fashion, day three: the last day, began with an even more delicious breakfast buffet filled with crepes, exotic fruits, lox & bagels, bakery goods and more!

After an afternoon of rest, it was time for the final Gala.  The photos speak for themselves… Mindy Weiss (the ultimate planner), Lehr & Black (the paper extraordinaire), Revelry Design (all the design details), Mark’s Garden (the floral genius), and West Coast Music (a band like no others) created an evening to remember! All the pretty details…

And now on to the 5 Course Dinner Menu!  1st course: truffle & corn custard with sweet potato pomme frites; 2nd course: Lola Rosa & mache salad; {break for a strawberry lemon drop shot!}; 3rd course: grilled Chilean Sea Bass with an almond-lemon & goat cheese cake and cherry compote; 4th course: lamb loin with an English muffin & Amish white cheddar bread pudding and brussel sprout leaves; and to finish a chocolate torte with avocado ice cream and coconut foam.  Hungry yet?And after ALL OF THAT FOOD… there was an after party with a dance party led by DJ Natchey and late night snacks from Fatburger!

A special thank you to Mel & Co. and Jessica Claire for photographing all the details.

For more engage!11 prettiness, check out Abby’s post on Style Me Pretty; Jasmine Star’s blog and Christine Chang’s blog.