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