Mallard Island Yacht Club

On Sunday, August 31st, 2008, Mallard Island Yacht Club made its debut into the wedding scene, as a new, high-end New Jersey wedding venue. Since then it has proven to be a New Jersey wedding location that has been creating much buzz within the past few months. This is primarily due to its unique wedding location features and commitment to bringing a luxurious ambiance to any wedding. The truth is one would not have to look too far to find out about the splendor surrounding Mallard Island Yacht Club after conducting a simple search. Talk is surfacing about this New Jersey wedding venue primarily because it is something new, something fresh and something much more unique than many of the other wedding venues in New Jersey.

Mallard Island Yacht Club is a New Jersey waterfront wedding location where the natural elegance of the waterfront will be present throughout every aspect of one’s special event. With the Barnegat Bay at Mallard Island’s doorstep there will be no escaping the water’s allure. From the ceremonial bayside Boathouse to the waterfront wedding reception area to any one of the 10 water-view suites, the unique incorporation of the water as a feature, and highlight, to one’s wedding will prove to be quite rewarding.

Even more so, brides and grooms-to-be should be aware of one of the superior options available to them when it comes to top-of-the-line wedding cuisine and menu choices. At Mallard Island Yacht Club, Merri-Makers Caterers is the perfect preferred caterer to choose. With a gourmet style of catering, Merri-Makers will be sure to compliment the luxurious atmosphere present at Mallard Island Yacht Club. Merri-Makers Caterers is a multi-faceted catering and food service organization that has established itself as New Jersey’s pre-eminent caterer, providing quality food and service for weddings and other occasions for over 30 years. The expert chefs and service personnel at Merri-Makers will be able to deliver every aspect of one’s perfect wedding vision, both through the wedding menu and the various details involved in the wedding planning process.

The photographs taken of Mallard Island Yacht Club speak for themselves when one tries to understand the appeal that is created from being a New Jersey waterfront wedding location and a wedding location that creates a luxurious ambiance all-around.

http://merrimakerscatering.com/locations/mallard-island-yacht-club.html

Keep in mind, with the holiday season at hand, the increase in engagements among couples will be occurring as the New Year is fast approaching. As a result, wedding planning will be at its peak in the coming months. This notice of the upcoming influx of brides and grooms-to-be is a reminder for anyone looking to have a wedding in the near future to begin the planning process promptly. In order to truly have a perfect wedding, something important to remember is that booking the perfect date comes to those who act first!

With that said, one should be encouraged to contact a Merri-Makers wedding consultant to ensure being at the forefront when it comes to picking a date for a perfect New Jersey wedding at Mallard Island Yacht Club. In addition, taking the initiative to contact a Merri-Makers consultant will allow those looking to have their wedding at Mallard Island Yacht Club to better understand the services, venue, and cuisine options that are available.

Please call a Merri-Makers wedding consultant at to learn more about having the perfect New Jersey wedding at Mallard Island Yatch Club in Long Beach Island:

732-225-0009

Merri-Makers began their catering business in 1978 and have facilitated countless weddings and parties, both on-premise and off-premise, over the past 30 years.

Today Merri-Makers Catering is the exclusive caterer on some of New Jersey’s premier wedding properties including: Bonnet Island Estate in Long Beach Island and Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Somerset County. Merri-Makers Catering is also on the recommended catering list for top wedding destinations that include Grounds for Sculpture, Morris Museum, the Mallard Island Yacht Club properties on Long Beach Island, and The Berkeley Hotel.

Information on their catering facilities can be found at:
http://merrimakerscatering.com/locations

Brides looking to plan an oceanfront beach wedding can book their exclusive event at Merri-Maker’s “Waters Edge” property in Sea Bright New Jersey. With a number of the Merri-Makers exclusive locations overlooking the water, brides considering a waterfront wedding can indulge in a barefoot tented reception on the beach or a lavish celebration in a ballroom with panoramic water views.

Merri-Makers Catering has become famous for their unwavering passion for the culinary arts and an obsession for detail. A Merri-Makers event is known to have flawless execution made possible by an abundance of professional and attentive staff. New Jersey brides planning the wedding of their dreams find exceptional distinction in their creative menus and artful presentation.

In addition to being awarded as Best Caterers by The Knot magazine in 2007 and 2008, Merri-Makers was also selected by Asbury Park Press as Best Caterer for four solid years. The New Jersey caterers were the exclusive caterer for the President George W. Bush NJ GOP Reception in 2007, NJ Governor Jon Corzine’s inaugural ball for 4,000 people and NJ Governor Jim McGreevey’s inaugural ball for 5,000 people.

With their high-end catering division, M2 Caterers, coupled with their Food Solutions division, MM365, this multi-faceted catering and food service organization has established itself as New Jersey’s pre-eminent caterer providing quality food and service for all occasions including weddings, corporate events, social celebrations, and gourmet contract MAP food preparation.

Mark B. Murphy
VP Business Development and Mktg
Merri-Makers Caterers
97 Sunfield Avenue, Suite CEdison, NJ 08837
877-625-3770
732-225-0009
info@merrimakerscatering.com

The grand hotel is one of the newest venues for Merri-Makers catering which is on the preferred and recommended list at many of New Jersey’s premier wedding properties.”

The wedding reception included 200 guests enjoying fine dining in the lavish ballroom which overlooks sandy beaches and the beautiful blue ocean in Asbury.

M², the high-end catering division of Merri-Makers, executed the flawless event.

Merri-Makers began their catering business in 1978 and have facilitated countless weddings and parties, both on-premise and off-premise, over the past 30 years.

Today Merri-Makers Catering is the exclusive caterer on some of New Jersey’s premier wedding properties including: Bonnet Island Estate in Long Beach Island and Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Somerset County.

Merri-Makers Catering is also on the recommended catering list for top wedding destinations that include Grounds for Sculpture, Morris Museum, the Mallard Island Yacht Club properties on Long Beach Island, and most recently, The Berkeley Hotel.

More information on wedding reception catering by Merri-Makers is available at: http://www.merrimakers.com/locations/index.html

Merri-Makers Catering received awards as “Best Caterers” by The Knot magazine, a national bridal magazine, in both 2007 and 2008, and has earned its reputation as one of New Jersey’s most trusted and respected catering enterprises.

With their high-end catering division, M² Caterers, coupled with their Food Solutions division, MM365, this multi-faceted catering and food service organization has established itself as New Jersey’s pre-eminent caterer providing quality food and service for all occasions including weddings, corporate events, social celebrations, and gourmet contract M.A.P. food preparation.

For more information about the company and their services contact:

Mark B. Murphy
VP Business Development and Mktg.
Merri-Makers Caterers
97 Sunfield Avenue, Suite C
Edison, NJ 08837
877-625-3770
732-225-0009
info@merrimakerscatering.com

The Jersey shore has been a popular wedding location choice for New Jersey brides for years. There is something unique about the natural aura of the waterfront alongside a bride on her wedding day- with the rolling waves and sound of the water, an appeal to crave is created. Outdoor ceremonies and ballrooms with waterfront views have become ever so popular. Long Beach Island is an ideal destination wedding location for a bride and groom to experience all the magical aspects associated with a waterfront wedding experience.

Mallard Island Yacht Club, is one of two impressive locations, in the Long Beach Island area that will be sure to appeal to the bride looking for a waterfront wedding location. Surrounded by the natural brilliance of the Barnegat Bay, this destination wedding location proves to be stately yet intimate.

http://merrimakerscatering.com/locations/mallard-island-yacht-club.html

In itself, the prestigious exterior is enough to move you to a satisfied state of mind, with its dynamic red roofing set atop a crisp white structure. Even more so, the presented interior will be sure to amaze brides with its perfect execution of elegance in both the ballroom and bridal suites.

Lastly, The Boathouse is what will be the dealmaker in booking this location for your special day. The Boathouse is a place where couples will exchange their vows amidst the calming breeze of the bay and magnificent waterfront vistas. Just imagine making a grand entrance on a rented yacht to commence your wedding ceremony at this brand new wedding location. The idea is lavish and so is this venue!

Bonnet Island Estate, the second Long Beach Island wedding location, is truly the essence of classical elegance. Inspired by the great coastal mansions along the east coast from Nantucket to Charleston, the estate proves to have a unique feel of grandeur.

http://merrimakerscatering.com/locations/bonnet-island-estate.html

The ballroom at this location is what will truly amaze you. It is defined by 30-ft high cathedral ceilings and resembles an inverted hull of a classic sailing ship. Even more so, the ballroom encompasses a perfect number of windows to ensure all-around views of the waterfront to satisfy any bride, groom and guest by day or night.

Even more so, The Boathouse Chapel, although similar in name to Mallard Island’s ceremony site, is one-of-a-kind and known as the jewel of the location. It is an original post and beam barn that gained almost an elite status as it was transported from Vermont to Bonnet Island Estate. Located on its own private island, this destination location will be sure to provide a wedding characterized by seclusion and intimacy.

During the recent economic state, one may think that having a destination wedding, and even more so a waterfront wedding, is unrealistic at this time. However, Merri-Makers Caterers has come up with a solution to put brides and grooms at ease when it comes to the tangible price of their wedding in order for them to focus on what their day is really all about.

In order to ensure solidifying a couples’ love and finding a place to do so in a location that is unique and representative of them, Merri-Makers Caterers has established “A Wonderful Wedding” menu package where the food, beverages and service come out to $99.00 per guest (the price does not include 7% New Jersey Sales Tax). This wedding package is available for usage at the destination wedding location of Mallard Island Yacht Club. Spending a little more on that rented Yacht grand entrance just became a little more realistic!

http://www.merrimakerscatering.com/weddings/wonderful-wedding-value-package.html

Merri-Makers Caterers has been providing quality food and expert service for wedding events for over 30 years. They are the exclusive on-site caterer for Bonnet Island Estate and the preferred caterer for Mallard Island Yacht Club, as well as being one of the latter for several other facilities around New Jersey. Also, they have been the recipient of many local, State and National awards, most recently being awarded Best Caterers by readers of “The Knot” magazine for both 2007 and 2008.

Laura Daly
VP of Corporate Sales
Merri-Makers Caterers
97 Sunfield Avenue, Suite C
Edison, NJ 08837
732-225-0009
info@merrimakerscatering.com

Many brides dream about an outdoor wedding under the stars, however never make it a reality because they simply cannot find a location.  Well the search is over…. there is a perfect outdoor wedding spot located right in central NJ.

Merri-Makers at Neshanic Valley Golf Course is located in the hills of beautiful Somerset County.  It truly has views that you need to see to believe.  You will be absolutely blown away by the landscape and surrounding Sourland Mountains. 

The view is unsurpassable and it is the ideal location for an outdoor wedding and ceremony. 

Worried about mother nature? Don’t.  Our majestic tent, “Splendor in the Grass” can accomodate up to 500 guests in comfort and will sheild your guests from the outdoor elements.  “Splendor in the Grass” is a tent set up right on the Neshanic Valley Golf Course property.

This outdoor tented location is perfect for a variety of events….. galas, fundraisers, company picnics, and more!

With it’s centrally located location and outstanding views it is definitely a MUST SEE!

Imagine your wedding under a tent like this……

 

One of the changes to this premier NJ Country Club will include renovations to both the interior and exterior of the Clubhouse.  Renovations are set to begin January 1st when Merri-Makers officially takes over the contract.  Construction is set to be completed in early February so the Clubhouse will be event ready for the 2009 season. 

Merri-Makers plans to give this public golf course a private country club feel.  You will have the convenience of a public course with the amenities of a private NJ country club.  Decisions are being made on the final design choices in the coming weeks.  Once the design choice is finalized, images will be added to the webpage and display boards will be set up in the Neshanic Valley Clubhouse Lobby.

Interior Decorater and Event Specialist, AnnaMaria Mannarino, owner of Mannarino Designs Inc. in Holmdel is heading up the renovations at Neshanic.  AnnaMaria, being a wedding planner herself, knows what a bride and groom are looking for and is sure to create a banquet facility that is appealing to all. 

Plans include, new carpeting, paint, tables, chairs, dance floor and decor in the upstairs banquet room, as well as a new bridal suite, updates to the outdoor veranda (making it more weather resistant) and other great changes.

There will be no detail untouched.  This NJ Country Club will be the premier golf course and wedding venue of Somerset County.

Please check back often to see renovation updates and images added.

Merri-Makers, New Jersey’s pre-eminent caterer for 30 years, announces that they have entered into an exclusive 5-year partnership with the Somerset County New Jersey Parks Commission to manage the food & beverage operations of the award-winning Neshanic Valley Golf Course, starting in January of 2009. Merri-Makers is a pre-eminent caterer of large upscale banquets, servicing well-known New Jersey clients for thirty years.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course is the gem of the Somerset Park System and has been rated in the top five public golf courses in the State of New Jersey, while garnishing national recognition, as well. Replete with 27 PGA championship holes, Neshanic Valley GC also has, on site, a world-renowned Callaway Learning Center, with its own 9 hole course. The facility is completely open to the public.

The Clubhouse at Neshanic Valley contains a main room available for parties, seminars, benefits , golf outings, weddings and private parties for up to 200 people. Merri-Makers plans on re-decorating this beautiful catering facility and opening the panoramic-beauty of “A Room with a View” in time for the 2009 season. Plans also include the installation of a fully serviced tent on premises, “Splendor in the Grass”, able to accommodate up to 500 people.

For more information you can contact:

Mark B. Murphy
VP Business Development & Marketing
markm@merrimakers.com
732-225-0009, ext. 121
732-225-0009

In their ongoing relationship to provide the region with world-class historical and dining experiences, Merri-Makers, in partnership with the Morris Museum offer a unique venue within the State of New Jersey for people to enjoy the finest food and beverage services among some of the most important articles of history within the United States of America..

Merri-Makers and their newly named off-premise division, M2 Caterers, continue their 30 year tradition of providing the highest quality food in the most unique venues around the state of New Jersey.

Contact Merri-Makers for more information on the M2 Caterers divsion:

Mark B. Murphy
VP Business Development and Mktg.
Merri-Makers Caterers
97 Sunfield Avenue, Suite C
Edison, NJ 08837
877-625-3770
732-225-0009
info@merrimakerscatering.com

Visitors to the park can enjoy the outdoor permanent collection, indoor seasonal exhibitions, and learn about contemporary sculpture through a variety of educational programs including workshops for adults and children, artist residencies and lectures, tours for adults, schoolchildren, toddlers, as well as touch tours for the blind. In addition, the park also offers various events, a 35-acre arboretum, shopping and dining,. In 2007, over 100,000 people visited Grounds For Sculpture.

In their ongoing relationship to provide the region with world-class artistic and dining experiences, Merri-Makers, in conjunction with the Grounds for Sculpture offer and unique venue within the State of New Jersey for people to enjoy the finest food and beverage services among some world-class pieces of contemporary art.

Merri-Makers and their new off-premise division, M2 Caterers, continues their 30 year tradition of providing the highest quality food in the most unique venues around the state of New Jersey.

You can contact M2 Caterers by calling the sales team at:

732-225-0009

M2 Caterers is led by Chef de Cuisine, Jack McCann, a recipient of the industry-acclaimed “Chef of the Year”, awarded by the International Caterers Association. The M2 Catering Division continues the Merri-Makers legacy of providing world-class catered events to notable people and organizations including the NJ RNC’s fundraising dinner, featuring President George W. Bush, the inaugural balls of Governors McGreevy and Corzine, as well as the various food and entertainment needs of a number of Fortune 500 Companies the reside in New Jersey.

M2 can provide all that is needed for a beautiful wedding or glorious party at any location throughout the tri-state area.

You can contact M2 Caterers by calling the sales team at:

732-225-0009

Along with the popularity of cooking shows for people of all ages, are supporting statistics that show that brides today on average are a few years older than they used to be. They exude confidence and are unabashed at creating celebrations centered on their personal preferences and individual styles. Brides are no longer as concerned about conforming to traditional expectations. They understand that the wedding reception is an opportunity to indulge in their individuality. And no element of a wedding day shows this more than the reception. Dining at a catered event is now exciting, delicious and entertaining like never before.

Brides Want A Unique, Personalized Wedding

Chef McCann – winner of the national 2006 Chef of the Year awarded by International Caterers Association – said the recent craze for brides to have their receptions reflect their individual tastes and preferences has changed the culinary trends for the better. Their joie de vivre philosophy allows him to be more creative; and catering chefs love the opportunity to create a reception dinner that leaves guests exclaiming, “!”

Some brides are opting for theme menus that express their personal concerns like environmental. For example, Merri-Makers has devised menus that utilize local food sources emphasizing fresh, fresh, fresh! While others want fun spirited menus that are based on the bride and groom’s favorite foods. These menus feature familiar foods with an upscale twist like macaroni and cheese gone “adult” prepared with semolina pasta, lobster and artisan cheeses.

The static buffet table has hit the road and in its place are more interactive chef-attended culinary kiosks and food bars. These allow for more guest interaction and a more vibrant flow to the room. One example for a food bar is the popular Chips Bar that features several varieties of tasty chips made from sweet potatoes, beets and other non-traditional vegetable roots and tubers. These bars also feature several different types of fresh house made dips. Another example is Merri-Makers’ Seviche Bar featuring a variety of fish served in savory cones. The idea is to create a food event that is delicious and interactive.

Another trend is to feature what chefs call the high-low epicurean creations like a full flavored braised short rib paired with a succulent tenderloin, or fresh Maine lobster with mini Italian meatballs.

Premiere catering chefs like Chef McCann are emphasizing dishes that focus more on flavor and presentation. Gone are “big” dishes and in their place are several tastings stocked with more flavorful choices. “Trios” are one of Merri-Makers flavor sensation specialties. These dishes have one food item that is served three ways like tuna, which on one plate includes individual servings of Tuna Tartare, Tuna Seviche and Porcini Dusted Seared Tuna.

People’s tastes are becoming more sophisticated, said Chef McCann. Food is entertainment and now guests are playing a starring role to help “finish” dishes like deconstructed salads. Instead of pre-mixing salads like a Caesar, Merri-Makers serves salads that are deconstructed with Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, white anchovies, croutons and dressing served in a shot glass and placed in the middle of the salad. It creates a more interesting presentation, keeps the salad fresher and allows the guests to add what they want.

Changes Create More Stylized Table Settings

Many of the cutting edge options also help the bride to create more stylized table settings that are more artful and less cluttered. Mineral water bottle service is replacing the sweating, dripping water pitchers. Thin, long and elegant crostini sticks are replacing bulky bread baskets.
Family style pastas are served for all guests at a table creating a fun sharing experience. China service is more elaborate and now offers plates with several compartments to serve a trio of different versions of one featured item rather than one large plate.

Other vessels offering a fun twist for table presentations that are a Chinese restaurant “To-Go” box with chop sticks for Asian-style dishes, edible spoons and clear cellophane containers.

Culinary Trends Are Hitting Another Stratosphere

Rocket science is literally on the horizon of wedding reception cuisine. The art of molecular gastronomy is the next trend to hit the catering culinary scene. It is the art of applying scientific studies to cooking, which has devised edible menus, foams that are sauces turned into froth and foods that taste similar, but look different like shrimp noodles.

Chef McCann welcomes change and as an award-winning chef known for turning an idea into a dinner for 3,000 he is up for the challenge. Brides bring it on!

“Overall, the wedding industry has grown and options have changed,” said co-owner Rick Bott. “But, one thing has remained the same for us regardless of the evolving trends, we make sure that this special day is the absolute best it can be from start to finish,” he added.

“The name Merri-Makers is synonymous with trust. We are successful and celebrating 30 years in business because couples know that we have delivered perfect memories for 30 years,” said co-owner Andy Bott.

Merri-Makers, was voted one of the best caterers in the nation by “The Knot” magazine’s Best of Wedding Picks 2007 & 2008. Merri-Makers, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008, is a premiere catering company and has exclusive catering rights to some of New Jersey’s most prestigious wedding sites. Merri-Makers is well known for the distinctive food service and trusted, professional service for all types of social and corporate events. Merri-Makers, has catered the past three Governor’s Inaugural Balls, as well as President George W. Bush’s political fundraiser in May 2007. Top corporate clients include Lockheed Martin, Sanofi Aventis, Washington Mutual and IBM to name a few.

Merri-Makers Catering Locations:

Merri-Makers at NJ Convention & Expo Center, Edison - MAIN OFFICE – (732-225-0009)
Merri-Makers at Bonnet Island Estate, Manahawkin (609.494.9100);
Merri-Makers at The Chapel on Sandy Hook (732.264.3355);
Merri-Makers at the Reception Center – PNC Arts Center grounds,- Holmdel (732.264.3355);
Merri-Makers at Water’s Edge, Sea Bright (732.842.1714).

Co-owners and brothers Rick and Andy Bott are pleased to announce that their New Jersey catering business, Merri-Makers, was voted one of the best in New Jersey by “The Knot” magazine’s Best of Weddings Picks 2007.The magazine, one of the most popular among brides-to-be, reports that more than 25,000 brides participated in the survey for the Best of 2007 issue. In order to win a Best Picks, vendors were required to score a minimum 85 points out of 100. Merri-Makers scored 94 – from “start to finish,” said participating brides.

“We are very pleased to receive this recognition from our brides,” said Rick Bott.

“None of this would be possible without our savvy wedding couples expecting the very best and our team members meeting and exceeding their expectations,” Andy added.

Merri-Makers, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008, is a premiere catering company with several premium and waterfront sites – Merri-Makers at Bonnet Island Estate, Manahawkin; Merri-Makers at The Chapel on Sandy Hook; Merri-Makers at the Reception Center (PNC Arts Center grounds), Holmdel; Merri-Makers at Water’s Edge, 1465 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ.

Additionally, Merri-Makers is well known for the distinctive food service and professional service for all types of social and corporate events. Merri-Makers has catered the past three Governor’s Inaugural Balls, as well as President George W. Bush’s political fundraiser in May 2007. Top corporate clients include Lockheed Martin and Sanofi Aventis, Washington Mutual, Tiffany’s and Freehold Raceway Mall and many others.

The recognition from “The Knot” follows a prestigious culinary award received by Jack McCann III, Merri-Makers’ Chef de Cuisine. McCann was voted Chef of the Year 2006 by the International Caterers Association. The International Caterers Association (ICA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, mentoring and service for professional caterers and promoting the profession of catering to clients, industry members, vendors and the public.

The Knot
Best of Weddings 2007
NY & NJ Caterers
Merri-Makers Caterers, Edison

Score of 94.0:
For “phenomenal” food and service “from start to finish,” celebrate your nuptials with these “excellent” caterers. Their “wonderful” and “professional” staff will make your “special day the very best!”

www.Merrimakerscatering.com (732 225-0009)