The Duel of The Design

The Duel of The Design 2010

2010-03-12T09:41:00.001-08:00

The Duel of The Design 2010 was filled with creativity, drama and fun.

After last year's showstopping dessert buffet, The Edible Garden, topping it was tough.

I pitched the idea of doing an "upside down cheesecake" to Muddy Paws Cheesecake. Although Tami seemed hesitant at first, she was game for giving it a try.

With 30 pounds of sugar "water" and schools of fish created by Jessica's Cakes and Muddy Paws Cheesecake creating an island, the Desserted Island was definitely a talking (and tasty) piece for the guests.I thought the graham cracker crumbs emulated sand quite well.

Guests were able to dig into the island and have some Muddy Paws Cheesecake.

Jessica's Cakes went so far as to research "Wilson" from the movie castaway. Unfortunately, by the time we created the island, Tom Hanks had been rescued already so he was nowhere to be found.

Alex, son of Create Catering's Director of Sales and Marketing, participated in the mini-competition, Tabletop in Ten.

Letting the guests have a crack at competing in the "Battle of the Bouquet" was fun. Flowers were flying!

Guests were having a great time socializing and all of us were on the edge of our seats trying to guess who would be the winner!

The rules of The Duel of The Design:

The competing designers are randomly paired with a florist and a chef. They are to create a tabletop decor for eight with items provided by Apres Party Rental, who has sponsored The Duel of The Design since the beginning.

Apres Party Rental provided two duplicate multiples of tables, chairs, table linens, decor and table accessories. The wide selection gives the designers plenty of room to design the perfect table.

The Style Laboratory provides all the botanical.

The competitors see what is available to them for the first time once they are introduced.

As Master of the Field, Fox 9's Todd Walker, introduced the designers and explained the rules, he also announced that the type of event the designers were designing for a birthday party. The designers had to integrate pebbles into the design, the florists had to integrate bamboo into their arrangements and the chefs had to integrate leeks into all five courses.

Todd Pinzuti of Bungalow 6 Design appeared relaxed, but intense. Sadie Gardner of Sadie's Fine Floral Design was nervous. Extremely nervous.

Scott Delage of Event Lab seemed a bit apprehensive, while Steven Ward of Arts and Flowers Design Studio was definitely nervous!

La Belle Vie Chef Michael Decamp and his Sous Chef were relaxed and having a lot of fun.

Create Catering Chef Philip Dorwart and his Sous Chef concentrated on their menu to match the tabletop design.

The Secret Ingredient of Leeks, which had to be used in all five courses, wasn't as much of a challenge as I would have liked. I thought the dessert course would trip them up, but it was a breeze.

Both designers had to integrate gravel into their design and the florists had to integrate bamboo into the design.

Bungalow 6 Design had a sophisticated design that was aesthetically my taste. The table looked finished and the menu matched well with the design.

Event Lab's table definitely had a lot going on. During the competition phase, I did a lot of head scratching because the concept did not come through until the very end.

Judges Amy Steil of Mi Mi Design, Amy Fuerstenberg of Mi Mi Design, Geri Wolf of The Style Laboratory and Chef Asher Miller of Wolfgang Puck Catering had some tough questions for the competitors.

Amy Steil: Who is your client?

Bungalow 6 Design: A sophisticated, elegant foodie who has an appreciation for food and wine.

Event Lab: Lady Gaga

Amy Fuerstenberg: Where is a birthday candle?

Bungalow 6 Design: (pause) I didn't mean for the table to be so literal. (pause) I forgot.

Event Lab: We have one candle here.

Bungalow 6 Design's table was gorgeous.

The linens provided by Apres Party Rental were used in a fashion driven way with layering and integration of embellishments. Bungalow 6 Design is definitely known for their use of lighting and the candles were a tribute to that.

Event Lab had a fun table that was definitely vibrant.

The metal tree provided by Apres Party Rental and how it was embellished was fun and creative. The chivari chairs were covered with slipcovers made from a bedspread purchased at Ikea brought by the designer.

And in a surprise upset, the winner of The Duel of The Design 2010: Event Lab! Judges felt that the design really was clearly for a birthday party and that tributes of how the napkins were wrapped around square tables to emulate birthday presents, the integration of candles for a birthday and that the table looked very fun and festive.

Congratulations Scott, Steven and Chef Decamp!

Thank you to Studio Laguna, Apres Party Rental, Jessica's Cakes, Muddy Paws Cheesecake, Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry, Pazzobello and Crave.

Countdown Begins

2010-03-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Who are you rooting for?

Venue Change

2010-03-03T06:06:00.001-08:00

Please note that due to circumstances out of our control, we've had to move The Duel of The Design to a different venue.

Metropolita Ballroom
5418 Wayzata Boulevard
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We're looking forward to a great night of competition!

March 11th Comes Up Fast!

2010-02-25T13:19:00.001-08:00

Challenging Todd

2009-12-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

So far the only brave souls willing to challenge Todd Pinzuti of Bungalow 6 Design is Richfield Flowers & Events and Event Lab.

We'd like to get a couple more brave souls to throw down a challenge so that Todd has three or four challengers to pick from. On January 1, 2010, we'll know who Todd selects, as well as which chefs and florists will compete.

I can't wait!

Tickets are for sale at www.theduelofthedesign.com. We're expecting a great crowd for The Duel of The Design 3.0!

Tickets Go On Sale!

2009-11-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

The Duel of The Design 3.0 tickets are now on sale.

General Admission Tickets are $25.00 in advance ($30.00 at the door) and include entrance into The Duel of The Design, heavy hors d'oeurves and cash bar.

VIP Tickets (limited seats available) are $35.00 ($40.00 at the door) in advance and include entrance into The Duel of The Design, heavy hors d'oeurves, one signature drink ticket and a Duel Gift Bag.

March 11, 2010
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
International Market Square
275 Market Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota

To purchase a ticket, please visit www.theduelofthedesign.com or http://ezregister.com/events/953/

Crowning the Champ!

2009-03-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Given linens and decor items provided by Apres Party Rental, decor items by Platinum Party Rental and tons of luscious flowers by Koehler & Dramm, Bungalow 6 Design and MiMi Design engaged in a head to head competition that resulted in a razor thin winner.

Todd Pinzuti of Bungalow 6 Design did a repeat win with Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry and Chef Asher Miller of 20*21.

Bold colors and design by Bungalow 6 Design captured the visual interest of guests. The added branding element was spot-on for event trends.

Amy Steil and Amy Fuerstenberg of MiMi Design worked with Pazzobello Flowers and Chef Chris Damskey of Chambers Kitchen to create a gorgeous table.

Judges and guests alike repeatedly referred to it as the "Martha Stewart" table. It was a table that blended their high design and organic sensibility and looked as if it should have been in a magazine layout.

Jessica's Cakes applied a classic art "paper quilling" and turned fondant into a "paper quill'd" cake.

Branding an event, sometimes involves using items in a manner different then their intention. After all, HER Energy Drink cans as vases were much more affective than having posters of their logos all over the place.

The Edible Garden was a huge crowd favorite. It took a little while for someone to sneak a bite, but once the first bite, many followed!

Jessica's Cakes beautifully designed and carved mushroom cupcakes matched her Happy Gnome cake perfectly.

Not only did Thomasina contribute her fabulous Thomasina's Cashew Brittle to the Edible Garden, she belted out a song to entertain the guests.

Special thanks to the following sponsors for donating to the VIP Bags: Dick & Jane Letterpress, HER Energy Drink, Platinum Party Rental, Apres Party Rental, Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry, Pazzobello Flowers, Chambers Kitchen, 20*21 and DIVA Glass Slipper.

Thank you to La Vie Photography for the photos and The Digital Arthouse for producing the soon to be available video of The Duel of The Design 2.0.

Judge Lisa Marie Borchert

2009-03-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Lisa Marie Borchert is currently serving as the President of the ISES (International Special Events Society) Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter and was a key contributor to the chapter's back-to-back International Chapter of the Year wins in 2006 and 2007. She is also a member of MPI, Meeting Planners International and FICP, Financial & Insurance Conference Planners.

Career highlights include managing a three-month cross country AIDS bike ride that went from Los Angeles to Atlanta and up the Eastern Seaboard to Boston, being a national nominee for Support Professional of the Year by Event Solutions magazine in '01, working for the Olympic Committee during the ’02 Salt Lake City Games and more recently, being a member of the team to win Allianz's Partnership and Innovation Award for 2006 and again in 2007.

Like a lot of planners she fell into the event industry. Her B.A. is actually in Fashion Design, and she attended college in London and LA. She had a friend in marketing who started working in the industry, called her and said, “I think this job is for you.” She interviewed, got the job as set crew loading trucks, learned the tactical to compliment her creative, and here she is today, planning meetings for Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, part of the 14th largest corporation in the world, and her former client.

Laura Mullen Wins!

2009-03-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

I got a message on Facebook from Laura Mullen of Laura Mullen Event Design and she guessed that the trend cake that Jessica's Cakes is making is the Happy Gnome! Unfortunately, Mr. Chubby is too heavy to make it down the runway, but he will be on display at the event.

Congrats Laura for winning two tickets to The Duel of The Design!

Judge Lindsay Graves

2009-02-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Lindsay Graves, Founding Partner, Content Farm Creative

A writer at heart and also by trade, Lindsay considers herself extremely blessed to be able to meld her creative and social passions with her business so that no day feels like work. As a founding partner of Content Farm Creative, a creative copywriting company, Lindsay brings to the table an adept understanding of language, an application of successful business principles and a commitment to creating content that impresses and delights her clients.

Understanding the importance of life balance, Lindsay values time spent with her husband Benjamin and their three children. Committed to social justice, she is actively involved in non-profit committees, board service and fundraising initiatives for a wide-range of causes. She seeks out fun experiences which broaden her perspective and allow her to stay physically, socially and intellectually active. Lindsay remains inspired by the understanding that each day brings many blank pages, and the words with which they are filled have a power to educate, influence and entertain in a way that extends far beyond her into the world.

What in the World?

2009-02-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what this is going to be?

Jessica's Cakes is creating a cake for The Duel of The Design Trend Runway Show. If you can guess what this cake is going to be before we post additional photos of her creation, you can win two general admission tickets to The Duel.

HER Joins the Fray!

2009-02-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

The very pink, very yummy energy drink HER is placing a can of HER in The Duel of The Design VIP Gift Bags.

The drink is available at SuperTarget, Lund's/Byerly's, Kowalski's, MGM Liquor Store adn a number of other liquor stores throughout the country. You can mix HER with liquor, but I prefer to drink it as it is.

Meet Judge Jim Leighton

2009-02-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

Jim Leighton has worked as a nonprofit event planner for 10 years. Currently as the Director of Events & Programs for Children’s Cancer Research Fund, he oversees some of the largest and most profitable events in the Twin Cities. Jim is also the Immediate Past President of the ISES, Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter.

Auction This!

2009-02-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

I received a call from a friend saying he wanted to purchase some VIP tickets for The Duel of The Design to donate to a silent auction at a Junior League event that his girlfriend is helping organize.

He sent me an email the next day and said it wouldn't work as they wanted donated items that the guests couldn't just go buy themselves.

After about 30 seconds of thinking about it, I pitched him the idea of auctioning "An Evening as a Television Personality" and being Fox 9's Todd Walker's sidekick for the night. That is definitely not something money can buy!

Personally, I think it will be fun to see Todd working with someone who probably has not done this kind of thing before!

Learning About Letterpress

2009-02-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled when I asked Dick & Jane Letterpress if they would consider putting something in the VIP Bags for The Duel of The Design. They immediately said yes!

I've always been enthralled with letterpress. Not just the look of the finished product but the whole printing process. Maybe it the idea of getting your hands dirty...not sure.

In any case, I've been following their blog as they are discussing how they are going about creating a product for The Duel of The Design bags.

Here is a start with the packaging!

You may want to follow their blog, as well, to see what the final product ends up looking like! Dick & Jane Letterpress Blog.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

2009-02-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

I had to laugh as I was thumbing through the current Minnesota Bride magazine as my eyes fell on table designs by Bungalow 6 Design and Mimi Design. Is it just coincidence that the piece would be running at the time we are getting ready for The Duel of The Design?

Consider it a bit of a preview to the level of talent of the competitors of The Duel of The Design.

Table by The Duel of The Design 1.0 Winner, Todd Pinzuti of Bungalow 6 Design

Table by the The Duel of The Design 2.0 Challengers, Amy Steil and Amy Fuerstenberg of Mimi Design

Photos by Danielle Gernes for Minnesota Bride

I Know It's Not a Food Event....

2009-02-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

Granted, The Duel of The Design is not a food event, but we're having some internal debate as to what hors d'oeuvres we should serve the guests. Since the ticket prices are so low, it's not financially feasible to serve enough food to fill everyone up.

So I thought I'd go to the public with a question.

Do you prefer hors d'oeuvres butler passed at events or set up as a station?

(Don't you love it when the event planner turns to the tables and asks for your help?)

Whoa!

2009-01-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

Executive Chef Chris Damskey's response to the jab from Executive Chef Asher Miller:

"Hell ya. Talk is cheap just like his picture. He doesn’t need to pay off any of the judges (unless he really is that insecure). Just pay attention to making. Bring your “A” game, fool!"

Watching the two of them go toe to toe is going to be fun!

Who will you be cheering on?

The Gloves Are Off!

2009-01-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

Saturday night I ran into Sara Glassman of Star Tribune and she mentioned that if she judges The Duel of The Design, she can't cover it for the paper and she really wants to cover it.

So I sent an email to the participants about the change in judges and it looks like Chef Asher Miller is going to be the first to draw blood!

He responded to the email: "Indeed, thanks for the heads up. I'll have to ask her for the pay-off money back.... Oh wait, just kidding. Like I need to pay off anyone to kick that Schmamsky guy's ass!"

Chef Chris Damskey, care to comment?

Ready. Set. Cook!

2009-01-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

I'm not entirely sure what I am more excited about...watching the designers of The Duel of The Design battle it out or watch the competing chefs battle it out. After all, everyone knows I am all about food!

Chef Asher Miller joined Wolfgang Puck's 20*21 in April 2005. He took over the helm as executive chef about a year ago, lending his strong leadership skills and creative talents to the Asian inspired restaurant and Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Chef Miller, a New Hampshire native, seemed destined for a culinary career from childhood. His mother, a school teacher, planned many activities for the children she taught in their home, including one called “mystery cooking.” Chef Miller and the other children experimented with ingredients in tiny tin foil pans using candles for heat. This is his first — and favorite — memory of cooking.

According to Chef Christopher Damskey, he was ultimately destined to work at Chambers Kitchen inside the Chambers hotel. Originally an art major, Damskey finds cooking inside the art-laden hotel gives him an opportunity to express his creativity while being literally surrounded by contemporary masterpieces.

Chef Damskey joined Chambers as Chef de Cuisine when it opened in 2006 and was promoted to executive chef in May 2008. Before joining the Chambers Kitchen team Damskey had worked his way up through the restaurant world working at some of the Twin Cities most critically acclaimed restaurants, including Five, Solera and Aquavit, as well as Goodfellows, W. A. Frost and Table of Contents. At a national level, Damskey has cooked at NOLA’s, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, and both NoMI and Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. Damskey has an ACF (American Culinary Federation) degree in Culinary Arts from St. Paul Technical College and attended the Scottsdale Culinary Institute.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the chefs create, as they are so evenly matched from a talent and temperament-level, that it could be a night filled with drama!

Lovin' Warner Music Group

2009-01-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it. One of the highlights of my week was accepting a delivery from Warner Music Group.

Boxes and boxes of goodies for The Duel of The Design VIP Gift Bags!

Love it!

The CD's, pins, coasters and stickers are just some of the items that are being included in the bag. Jessica's Cakes cookies, stationery from The Style Laboratory, issues of Metro Magazine and Minnesota Meetings & Events will also be included.

Thanks Warner Music Group! You're always so much fun to partner with on events!

What to Expect?

2009-01-12T17:15:00.000-08:00

So what is The Duel of The Design all about?

Well, when I was coming up with the concept, I was thinking it would be a great way to show the general public what it is we event designer/planners do.

Now, some would say that it is just stressful because of performing in front of an audience under a time constraint. However, when you think about it, that is what we do for a living. We design / plan for an audience (guests of the event) under a time constraint (sometimes we are only given a couple of hours to set an entire event).

The designers will find out what party rental items, flowers, food ingredients, beverage options and music selection when they are introduced right before the competition commences.

In other words, they can't really plan anything ahead. They have to come up with a design on the spot.

Last year, the designers came up with such drastically different designs from each other that it was rather shocking. Believe me, when I say deciding on a winner was not an easy task at all! The winning design from Todd of Bungalow 6 Design is below:

It was fun to hear feedback about the designs from the audience.

I think that The Duel of The Design 2.0 promises to be filled with even more drama and surprises than the first duel.

General Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

VIP Seating is $30 in advance, $35 at the door. VIP tickets offer reserved seating and a Event Trend Runway Show Gift Bag (goodies, such as a CD from Warner Music Group, Jane Jenni pins, cookies and much more).

All the guests will have the opportunity to participate in some mini-competitions throughout the night for some great prizes.

I hope to see you there to join in the fun!

Click Here to Buy Tickets.

The Duel of The Design Rematch!

2009-01-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Todd Pinzuti of Bungalow 6 Design will be meeting the Amy's of Mi Mi Design in a rematch!

Todd is an event planner, stylist, visual guy, all around creative sort. Owner of Bungalow 6 Design, an event décor company, he spends his time “making pretty.” While he started his career in visual merchandising and display, Pinzuti moved into photo-styling, then product development, and finally into event design.

While corporate events are its primary focus, Bungalow 6 produces social gatherings and weddings as part of its design services.

As one of Metro Magazine’s four Style Force Guys he regularly passes along tricks of the trade to its monthly readers.

Todd will be defending his winning design title against the talented duo at Mi Mi Design.

Amy and Amy of Mi Mi Design collaborated on numerous occasions for family friends. They discovered they had a knack for creating innovative alternatives to traditional wedding details.

Together, they wanted nothing more but to work for themselves and for an industry that demanded talent.

Hence, Mi Mi Design was born.

The Duel to Take Place at Graves 601 Hotel

2009-01-06T06:38:00.001-08:00

Remember all the hoopla when Le Meridien opened in Minneapolis? It was one of the most cosmopolitan moments to happen in the Twin Cities!

Since the hotel opened, it has hosted a fair share of the city's hippest, stylized events. And although, they don't have the name Le Meridien anymore, but rather Graves 601 Hotel, it is amazing how consistent in service the hotel has been since opening.

I'm excited to announce that The Duel of The Design 2.0 will be taking place on March 5th at Graves 601 Hotel. The event begins at 5:00 and promises to be filled with lots of design and drama!

Todd Walker of Fox 9 to Emcee The Duel of The Design

2009-01-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to announce that Todd Walker of Fox 9 has agreed to emcee the next duel on March 5th!

Fox 9's Man About Town, Todd's television experience includes acting as features reporter for Fox 9, on-air host for many different TV related projects including Home Shopping, Infomercials and various TV Commercials. Todd has also worked as an on-air radio host and as a print model.

You may also recognize Todd from his three year run as the host and executive producer of the nationally syndicated TV show “Million Dollar Idea”.