50 Shades of Gourmet

Are you wanting to learn how to cook like an actual chef in a real restaurant’s professional kitchen?

Are you curious if there is any truth to the idea of Aphrodisiacs?

Does the idea of an evening learning how to use Five-Star Cuisine to “spice” up your relationship intrigue you?

50 SHADES OF GOURMET

Z’s Cafe
Friday, October 12, 2012
6:45pm - 7:00pm: Arrive
7:00pm - 10:00pm: Fine Dining Cooking Class with Aphrodisiacs
$119/couple

Have you ever thought, “What would happen if you crossed Christian Grey and Top Chef?”  So many people want to learn how to cook like the pros.  This Date Night was designed for that very thing…to teach you how to make an amazing meal in a way that can easily be duplicated at home…over and over…for years and years.  We thought we would throw in a few “aphrodisiacs” to make the evening more intriguing.

The Romance CEO and Janet & Carlo of Z’s Cafe are partnering for ONE NIGHT ONLY!  On Friday night, October 12, 2012, only 11 couples will partake in this never-before-offered Date Night.  Not only will you learn how to make many amazing dishes, you will also master the art of making pasta from scratch, learn the meaning of what ingredients are aphrodisiacs and how to incorporate them into your meals.

Z’s Café is one of the best (not-so) secrets in Fort Worth.  Located in the heart of the hospital district, Janet Capua and her son, Carlo, are two amazing chefs who run this quaint bistro.  The best part:  We will have the entire place to ourselves!  Janet and Carlo will lead us through a menu designed for royalty.

Here is what the evening will look like:

6:45 – 7:00pm:
Arrival

7:00 – 10:00pm:
COOKING CLASS TO “SPICE” UP YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Alcohol

When registering, each couple will get a choice of one bottle of red or white wine.  This will be waiting for you when arrive.  If you feel like one bottle will not suffice, please feel free to bring whatever you two prefer.

Food

This combination hands-on/demonstration cooking class will feature an extensive menu.  All of which will be prepared and devoured that night.  This first-class menu will also include everyday items most of us often eat or cook with that are actually aphrodisiacs.  We will teach you what they are and their benefits.  The tentative menu is as follows:

Appetizers:

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus w/ pita toast points

Margherita Pizzettes - tomato, basil, mozzarella

Salad:

Arugula, figs, goat cheese, vinaigrette 

Entree:

Janet’s Famous Chicken Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan ala Capua

Side:

Lavender pasta (from scratch), mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil, sea salt, lemon zest

Dessert:

To be determined

Location

Z’s Café

Hospital District Location

1116 Pennsylvania Avenue

Fort Worth, TX 76104

This event will only accommodate 11 couples.  Here are the easy steps in securing your spot.

1.  Send me a quick e-mail to mike@theromanceceo.com letting me know you want to sign up and include both of your names.  There will be no refunds.  However, transferring to another couple is absolutely fine.

2. Please include if you would prefer a bottle of WHITE or RED wine.

3. You'll then receive a PayPal invoice by e-mail.  Once you pay, I'll be notified and will, in turn, send you a confirmation e-mail.  You will not be officially registered until you receive this confirmation.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!  WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THE 12TH!

Mike Bloomberg

Mixology 101 - Date Night

Did you see Cocktail with Tom Cruise?

 Have you ever wanted to learn the art of Bartending?

 Can you see yourself at your next party impressing your friends with your Mixology skills?

MIXOLOGY 101

The Premium Institute of Bartending
Friday, September 28, 2012
6:30pm - 7:00pm: Arrive/Setup
7:00pm - 10:00pm: Hands-on Bartending Class
$79/couple

How many times have you thought, “I wish I could make a drink like a professional bartender?”  Even better, “I wish I could look like a professional Mixologist when making my favorite concoction.”  Never before has a class like this been offered or a Date Night that even comes close. 

The Romance CEO and The Premium Institute of Bartending are partnering for ONE NIGHT ONLY!  On Friday night, September 28, 2012, only 15 couples will come together and partake in this memorable Date Night.  Not only will you learn how to make many of your favorite drinks, you will learn the basics of bartending, maneuvering your way around a bar and leaving with skills best described as “Professional Mixologist!”

The Premium Institute of Bartending is a real bartending school.  You will be taught by a real, certified bartending instructor.  The only thing not real is the alcohol that will be used to practice making the drinks.  For obvious reasons, colored liquid has to be used for learning purposes.  This is not to say that alcohol will not be served and consumed that night.

Here is what the evening will look like:

6:30– 7:00pm: Arrival and set-up

7:00 – 10:00pm: MASTERING MIXOLOGY

Alcohol

When registering, each couple will get a choice of one bottle of white or red wine.  This will be waiting for you when you arrive.  If you feel like one bottle will not suffice, please feel free to bring whatever you two prefer.  Also, the bartending school has said that if you would like to bring your own alcohol/mixes to “practice” with, you are absolutely free to do so.

Food

To keep this Date Night class at a much lower price, we have decided to let each couple bring their favorite bar food/finger food/appetizer.  It’s your choice whether to make this or buy it.  If it needs a dish or a serving spoon, please bring.  Utensils and plates will be provided.

Location

The Premium Institute of Bartending

Fort Worth Location

6080 S. Hulen St. #340

Fort Worth, TX 76132

The inside of this school looks like a real bar…without the smoke and obnoxious drunk guys.  It even has a disco ball and a sound system, so your favorite tunes will be playing all night. 

This event will only accommodate 15 couples.  Here are the easy steps in securing your spot.

1.  Send me a quick e-mail to mike@theromanceceo.com letting me know you want to sign up and include both of your names.  There will be no refunds.  However, transferring to another couple is absolutely fine.

2. Please include if you would prefer a bottle of WHITE or RED wine.

3. You'll then receive a PayPal invoice by e-mail.  Once you pay, I'll be notified and will, in turn, send you a confirmation e-mail.  You will not be officially registered until you receive this confirmation.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!  WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 28TH!

Mike Bloomberg

One Intention is Worth a Thousand Pictures

Several years ago, when thinking about what my next step in my business would be, I knew I needed a stronger online presence.  This includes a rebranded, professionally done website, the launching of a brand-new online product website, the creation of online videos and some new pics.

My promotional pictures weren't terribly old and I really liked them, especially since I am not one who had really ever spent time in front of the camera.  However, over the recent years, when it would come up with others and would be asked what I envisioned for the theme of my dream photo shoot, I kept coming back to one thing. I want something 1920's to 1940's, in a tux, bow tie undone and in an unconventional setting...like a warehouse.

Move forward to this year, March 2012.  Through a friend whom I used to volunteer, I was introduced to a photographer who had expressed interest in meeting me based on what he told her I did...plan and implement the world's greatest marriage proposals.  Within a few weeks, we scheduled a meeting.  She was attractive, energetic, passionate, well-spoken and professional.  And, in the words I often use to describe a person, place or thing I like...Great Energy!

A few weeks later, I believe it was Friday night, April 6th, when I received an e-mail from her.  It starts off with "You can say 'No.'" And proceeds to tell me of a training she's doing with one of the world's premier photographers...some other stuff..."Would you please be my model?"

I did chuckle as "model" is far from how A) have ever viewed myself and B) have never thought others perceived me.  She mentioned that she would start thinking of ideas and, if I had any, please share with her.  And, of course, I'd get copies of the pics. DUH!  How can I say no to that???

I e-mailed her back, told her I was in, told her my concept and the next day, she responds with that she had been thinking the exact same thing.  That she didn't know me well enough to ask, but, basically...LET'S DO THIS!!!

On April 30th, we scheduled a planning session and on Monday, May 21, 2012, with a tux in hand, headed out to The Cotton Mill in McKinney, TX (http://www.mckinneycottonmill.com).  I just got my hands on a few of the pics and was told I could share.  Click on each pic to enlarge.

A BIG thank you to the amazing photographer, Rhonda Brunson!!! (http://www.snapshotsbyrhondakay.com).  Grateful does not even come close to how I feel about being asked to do this.  And, the final product is beyond what I could have ever imagined.  I'm proud to now call her "Friend!"

It's so great how the Universe can deliver exactly what we set our intentions on.  The very first pic I get back is the picture that has been in my head for several years.  The rest are just gravy!

Rhonda mentioned she wanted to add a "high fashion" edge to these pics.  The above required an interesting pose. It's a good thing I do yoga!

This was taken from a distance.  When I look at these, I can't help but notice the personality and the nuances of the old Cotton Mill.

I'm not sure what to call this one.  I really wasn't angry.  But, I do love the black and white.

When I received this one, Rhonda mentioned it might be her favorite.  I feel like when my book comes out, it  would belong next to the author's blurb.  I love the patina of the equipment in the background.

This one captures the oldness and uniqueness of the building.  Again, the layers are intriguing.  From the tux, to the equipment, to the interior brick.

The above might be my favorite.  This was also a dangerous area.  Part of the room had no floor, with only a makeshift catwalk to get across.  Again, the equipment, the junk in the back and the windows really pop in black and white.

This might also rank as a favorite, too.  It reminds me of an old private investigator movie.  My dad suggested it looks like a "high-dollar cologne ad...like Stetson." :)

O.K., change of clothes and I was forced to smile.

The light plowing through the windows is interesting in the above pic.  We'll call this "Buddha."

When I first saw this one, it appeared like I was in 3-D. Or floating.

With the massive size of the room, I love how this pic captures all of the interesting layers of this space.

The columns that run the span of the room, when taken at just the right angle, appear to be a wall.  Very cool effect from a long distance. There was glass and debris all over the floor.  I had to watch the bare feet.

As always, I love to hear your comments, suggestions or just to say "Hi!"  Thanks for stopping by!

Mike

Fort Worth Date Night: In Vetro

by Michael Bloomberg
November 3, 2010

They say that all good things must come to an end. But, what about all beautiful things? Why do those have to come to an end? For example, flowers. I've attended many weddings where tens of thousands of dollars were spent on the budded beauties. Only to know that they will soon wilt.

Or what about a Chocolate Lava Cake? Once the first cut is made, the perfectly cylindrical treat is overwhelmed and flooded by the river of chocolaty greatness. Three bites later....all gone. And, this week, it's glass that has to end.

It's time to head to Grapevine this Saturday night from 6-10 p.m. The uber cool glassblowing studio, Vetro Glassblowing Studio and Gallery, is hosting their annual holiday party. It's intriguingly dubbed, "Glass on the Tracks."

First things first, there will be wine, beer and Hors d’ouevres. Whew! Food and drink are covered. Now on to the entertainment. The "Fate Lions" will be entertaining the crowd. For those not in the know, they are described as a "lush, bright and melodic pop group that takes its listeners though landscapes of 80s riffs and 60s fillers." Sure to be a crowd favorite.

At this event, raffle tickets will be on sale for 75 one-of-a-kind handblown ornaments. This is sure to fill up your tree and then some. The retail value for this boatload of creative holiday glassyness is $1500.00. Tickets are $20.00 for 1 ticket, $30.00 for 2. The drawing will be held November 26 at 10am. The winner need not be present to win. Also, tickets may be purchased without attending the Glass on the Tracks party.

Speaking of the party, it's time to reveal the Belle of the Ball. Perhaps the real reason for attending this cool event is to witness something called the "Truth or Consequences" Auction. According to Vetro, here's how it plays out. "Everyone puts his/her name in for a drawing. If your name is chosen, David Gappa asks you a question about Vetro. If you get the question correct, it's yours for nothing. However…If you get the question wrong, it is held for ransom for 30 seconds, and the piece goes up for auction. It is awarded to the highest bidder, IF the secret reserve price is met. So what happens if the reserve price is not met? The piece is crushed in Vetro's proprietary "Glass Guillotine". That’s right…it dies. It’s intense, it’s wild, and it’s even a bit overwhelming for some."

Which leads us back to my opening sentiment about the quote, "They say that all good things must come to an end." I'm not sure who "they" is. Who "they" are. Editors, if you can take it from here.

For complete details on Vetro, please visit: www.vetroartglass.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Halloweenie

by Michael Bloomberg
October 27, 2010

This weekend could already be spoken for. It's the weekend where we throw together a costume at the last minute, try to remember what we wore last year so we don't repeat the same faux pas or try to squeeze into that superhero outfit (thank goodness for lycra). Whichever you can relate, there is no mistaking that Halloween falls on a weekend this year.

As it turns out, so does some great sporting events in the DFW area. TCU is just climbing up the polls and remains undefeated, the Texas Rangers are hosting their first-ever World Series appearance and the Dallas Cowboys are....have I mentioned that the Baylor Bears, just down the road in Waco, have cracked the Top 25 in the college football polls?

The Halloween options are endless this weekend. You may want to take in any of the many great haunted houses in the Metroplex. Or, maybe a scary movie is more your style. For those who have been keeping score, the 7th movie in the Saw series is opening this weekend. What makes this one different? It's in 3D. I may or may not have seen them all and may or may not see it on its opening weekend.

Perhaps, you have little ones or just the two of you want to get out for a bit on Sunday night. From 6-8pm, a great option is "Treat Street" hosted by the Fort Worth Stockyards. Stockyards Station has teamed up with Radio Disney to bring Fort Worth a safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration in the Historic Stockyards. Highlights of this event are trick or treating the Stockyards Station shops and free hayrides.

But, is there really anything bigger than the Texas Rangers representing the DFW area in its first World Series appearance? And, it just so happens that the 3rd, 4th and 5th home games begin on Saturday and run consecutive days through Monday. I'm excited to see what our creative home team's fans come up with for costumes on Halloween night.

No matter what you end up choosing, there is not a wrong answer. Just remember that if you do celebrate on Sunday night and do have a "real" job, Monday morning will arrive very quickly. So, if you choose to get completely spooked and take in a scary flick or haunted house or if you're a sports nut and passing up baseball and a hot dog is not an option, either way, you are sure to be called a "Halloweenie." *cue the crickets* Is thing on? I'll be here all week.

Happy Halloween! Go Frogs! Go Rangers!

Fort Worth Date Night: Orange you glad I didn't call you banana? Or, chicken?

by Michael Bloomberg
October 20, 2010

It has become my life's mission to find the area's best holes-in-the-wall. From the city's best unknown dessert, to the search for the tastiest Pad Thai, to a martini that has been flying under the radar. One of my favorite things in the world is to introduce friends, both old and new, to these off-the-beaten path locales.

So, when the tables were turned recently when I was taken to Bangkok House (438 S Cherry Ln.), I immediately knew I had a new best-kept secret. During the week, from 11-2, Bangkok House offers up a lunch buffet that you won't easily forget. Also, not easily forgettable is one half of the owners who is referred to as "Mama." She is worth the price of admission as she makes sure everyone is enjoying themselves and/or is making sure she is enjoying herself. It's hard to tell.

Back to the buffet. While it's not a super buffet with 100's of choices, the food is actually super. It has an interesting selection that many buffets don't cover. Some of these items are Pad Thai, Thai fried chicken and various curry dishes. However, what sold me was something that most buffets do offer.

This was the Orange Chicken. I know what you may be thinking. Orange chicken is orange chicken. And, until I went to Bangkok House, I subscribed to the same theory. This is absolutely THE best Orange Chicken in the world. To answer "why" might be difficult. It's the chicken. Or, the marinade. Or, the preparation. Or, perhaps, just the planets align and each piece is just crispy and sweet, yet, a touch spicy, but, consistent. My second visit to this buffet was pretty much an Orange Chicken-fest. If I wasn't concerned about the other patrons, I was tempted to pull a chair up to the buffet and just eat the entire dish of Orange Chicken. It's that good.

Bangkok House offers up a full menu when dining at night and on the weekends. Pad Thai,Massaman Curry and many other Thai selections are fantastic. But, how do I not cheat on the Orange Chicken? While ambiance and romance is not part of this locale, good food definitely is. And, you really know that you that you have made it when you enter the restaurant and "Mama" greets you with a slow, sultry, drawn out, "Hey, Baby..."

Fort Worth Date Night: Kiss a Frog

by Michael Bloomberg
October 13, 2010

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and have been living under a rock, then you might be the only one who hasn't heard all the buzz about TCU's football team. Ranked #4 in the country, the Horned Frogs are halfway through the season and 6 games remain. Out of those, only 3 are home games.

It's that time of year that the weather is what we in Texas call, "perfect football weather." The stadium is easily accessible with plenty of festivities going on. Whether it be a pre-game tailgate, hitting up Fuzzy's for the best tempura fish burrito or eating at the game, it's never too late to get on the Horned Frog bandwagon.

While being #4 in the country is impressive, it's become a little clearer when you truly understand the actual number four. You can now see why it's a little more fitting why TCU has that particular rating. Defining the number "four" in Numerology will shed some light.

According to Numerology, the number four "is the rock and cornerstone of an enterprise, does not give up easily, is perseverant and a hard worker." This pretty much sums up TCU football. From Coach Patterson, his staff, the players, the school and the fans. So, for the fans, there is an annual event coming up that might make going to a game even more enticing.

The weekend of October 22-23 is TCU's Homecoming. Friday evening, the 22nd, from 6-9pm, marks the return of FrogFest. A family-friendly evening, but also great for a date night, which include fun activities such as: Giant inflatables, huge slides, face painting, crafts and a live band. Food will be available and a cash bar featuring purple margaritas.

Pick a game, get your tickets, pull out your purple attire and be prepared for football greatness. Equally impressive is the energy of not only TCU coming together, but the whole Fort Worth community uniting for a great cause. It's been exciting the last few seasons watching our Horned Frogs rise to the elite of college football.

It was French politician and philosopher, Charles de Montesquieu, who said, "To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them." Go be with the Frogs and cheer them on to greatness. Not to mention, another undefeated season. Followed by a bid to an exciting bowl game. Fingers crossed.