The summer party season is in full swing! This time of year brings about so many special occasions to gather and celebrate: weddings, graduations, beach parties, and even extraordinary wine tastings. It's hot out, you're working hard, and you deserve a toast!
Our amazing Director of Special Events and Catering, Sami Fromer, knows the ins and outs of all the work it takes to pull off a flawless event - she's been producing events in Los Angeles for over ten years! We sat down with Sami to chat about her background in the events and entertainment worlds, her party planning essential tips, seasonal trends, and the breakdown of how our #WallysEvents private dining and catering departments work. Learn more about how Wally's can make your next affair unforgettable below!
Q: You've been with Wally's for 5 years now, how did you get your start in events? What drew you to it?
A: "My love for events began back when I was in college – I actually started out as a business management major until I was introduced to Sex and the City… and I became completely inspired by Samantha's job in PR and events. I remember researching “PR” because I didn’t know what that meant and reading up about the industry until I finally switched my major! Then after school, I worked at a bunch of different places within the worlds of public relations, event planning, and entertainment. In between jobs, I would work in restaurants so that I could travel. When the opportunity to work at Wally’s came along it was the perfect blend of atmospheres for me, and the rest is history!"
Walk us through the planning process - do clients usually come to you with a specific vision in mind, or is it oftentimes a collaboration?
"Half of the time it’s the customer’s vision, and the other half, the customer needs direction. The process is simple: they’ll reach out to me and we’ll chat about their event: what type, how many people will be attending, what special touches I can offer them to make this affair memorable. It’s so fun to work with people. My favorite thing is being hands-on with the planning, like with design, flowers, balloons, silverware color….the details are the best part. I feel like it's my creative outlet. I’m always suggesting to guests, “put up a photo booth!" or "put an arrangement of balloons," or things like that to dress up a space. At our locations at Wally's Beverly Hills and Wally's Santa Monica, you can really use our private spaces as a palate and dress it up how you want to - and I'm here to help!"
From tastings, to bridal showers, to corporate events, and birthdays, which would you say is your favorite type of party to throw?
"Birthdays are so fun for me because everyone comes ready to celebrate and have a good time. I also really love doing our wine pairing dinners. Honestly, my favorite party to throw include people who are excited to plan and celebrate a milestone because it gets my creative juices flowing! We get a lot of referrals that way, messages saying, “my friend had a birthday there and it looked so cool, I want to do my party there!”
What is your favorite appetizer off of Wally’s Catering menu? What food options would you recommend for say – a graduation party?
"My favorite appetizer – it is so hard to choose! Some of my favorites are our tuna tartare, Tokyo-style beef skewers, and truffle deviled eggs - they are delicious! You also can’t go wrong with Calvisius Caviar. Whenever I plan events that want to include a caviar station with all of the fixings, it’s always a huge hit!
For a graduation party, I would definitely recommend our platters – you can order platters of food from us that include either assorted gourmet sandwiches, farmer's market crudité, or assorted cheese and charcuterie boards. The platters can feed a large party and come with a wide selection of options so everyone’s happy!"
What’s more important at a good event: music or a good bartender? What do you look for in choosing the perfect entertainment for a party?
"Music is always important, but so is a good bartender. Once people have a drink or two, it certainly elevates their mood - and great music enhances it!
In choosing entertainment for a party, I would say what’s most important is to think outside the box! There are so many different possibilities when it comes to entertainment, all which we host, organize, or offer at Wally’s. One of my favorites is a classic photo booth, but we’ve organized everything from hiring a keyboardist/musicians to burlesque dancers to bringing out a giant parmesan wheel and cooking fresh pasta right out of it!
I love when I get to collaborate with our chef and the kitchen on food displays and experiences, like designing seafood towers, serving caviar in a custom ice-sculpture, a gourmet cheese cart, a master Jamon Iberico carver, or our custom bloody mary cart. We really love adding unique touches to a party. If you have an idea, I'd love to hear it and see what I can do to make it happen."
What are some hot décor trends you’re seeing this season? What are you drawn to?
"A big trend I’m seeing right now that I’m a fan of is the use of bright white lights, clean simple geometric details, and gold accents. Also, embellishing with flowers and plants. I’m very drawn to florals, they’re at the top of my list for inspiration for party décor. I love how they can guide the color scheme. I’m really attracted to violet, peach, pinks, yellows, blush summery tones that brighten and warm up a space, as well as green plants and succulents that serve as accents and centerpieces. I also look to local florists and event planners often for inspiration – I love seeing what my peers are up to!"
Tell us a little bit about the difference in space options at Wally's - (there are a few!) What would you suggest to party sizes who are looking to host an intimate 8-person dinner vs. a big 40-person birthday party?
"It depends on the needs of the event. For Beverly Hills, I would suggest our semi-private Barrel Room located next to our wine vault for small groups. If an event needed complete privacy, I would suggest the Private Dining Room in the back, which can fit mid-sized groups and is great for multi-course dinners and wine pairings. In Santa Monica, I would suggest the fully private upstairs Green Room for very large parties, as it has its own private elevator entrance, full bar, and is fully customizable in table arrangement & decor.
It does depend though: some people prefer to be in the center of the scene with the rest of the restaurant, and if that's the case, I would secure for you one or more of our high-top tables in the back dining room of our restaurant. We really have a lot of options, and I always walk guests through all of them beforehand to ensure that we pick the perfect spot for their event's needs!" For more information about all of our private dining space options, click here.
What has been one of the most memorable events you’ve thrown to-date?
"One that really sticks out was a Domaine Romanee-Conti themed birthday party. Every guest had to bring a bottle to get admitted to the event. It was at the host’s home so it was fully catered by Wally’s. There were balloons in the front of the house coming down and floral arrangements. I worked closely with the host’s event planner to pick everything out. We set up so many different food stations, and it’s the most epic wine in the world... so it was quite a memorable party!
Another special event was a recent cookbook launch party. Our chef re-made a few of the author’s selected dishes for the guests and I got to do a lot of event design which I really loved: there were white roses and white walls and gorgeous food. Everything was so clean and sharp, really lovely. We did it at an art gallery in DTLA with some truly incredible live musicians. It was a completely empty space when we showed up and it was completely a blank palate that we were able to transform. It was a wild evening because we were cooking out in the back alley and the power kept going out, but we pulled it off!"
For general event inquiries or to receive a personalized consultation, contact Sami Fromer and the Wally's Events Team at privatedining@wallywine.com
To Book or Learn More about Wally's Catering, CLICK HERE
To Book or Learn More about Wally's Private Dining, CLICK HERE
To Download our Catering and Event Planning Package, CLICK HERE
#WallysEvents
Editorial
The two discuss the debut release 2008 La Grande Dame....
His journey began sweeping the floors at Wally's at 18 years old...
This may be one of our favorite days of the year... it's National Caviar Day! Join us in celebrating with the best of the best, Calvisius Caviar! Watch below to learn from Wally's Specialty Foods Director, Kurt Gurdal, about the history of Calvisius, how to choose from their range of caviar to best suit your taste, and how it should be plated and served to enhance its natural flavor! And don't miss our top recommendations of products listed and linked below!
Calvisius Tradition Prestige 50g
Wally's price: $130.00
Tradition Prestige is a caviar extracted from the White Sturgeon, a native species of the Pacific Ocean found in the North American West coast, from Alaska to Southern California. It is one of the longest-living sturgeons, reaching up to one hundred years of age. They may grow to 800kg or 1760 Lbs and can be as long as 6m or 19’. High in protein, this lean fish is particularly refined and so is its exquisite large roe ranging from 2.8 to 3.0 millimeters in diameter and varying between dark grey to black in color. The taste of this caviar is perfectly balanced with round notes, combining delicate nuances of the sea with light, buttery flavors of pastry. This caviar attracts the most discerning palates from any age or culture. To truly appreciate its nature, enjoy it simply by itself or as part of an exciting tasting with other styles of caviar. Best when paired with a Brut (dry) or silky sparkling wine. - Producer Notes
Also available in sizes: 28g, 125g, 250g
Calvisius Siberian Royal 50g
Wally's price: $140.00
Siberian Royal is a caviar extracted from the Siberian sturgeon. A medium-sized fish with a weight between 8 and 40 kg (17.6 to 88.2 lbs). Originally found in the fluvial basins of Siberia (from the Ob to the Kolyma rivers) and Lake Baikal. The best and largest roe (more than 2.7mm) are selected for this caviar. Quite versatile with a bold pure taste, it pairs well with potatoes, sour cream, crème fraiche, soft bread or in the purest Russian tradition, with blinis as well as by itself to fully appreciate its qualities. Suggested pairing: Brut champagne or dry white, mineral driven wines and vodka. - Producer Notes
Also available in sizes: 28g, 125g, 250g
Calvisius Ars Italica Sevruga Royal 50g
Wally's price: $265.00
Sevruga caviar comes from the Starry Sturgeon, a small sized species which rarely exceeds 25 Kg (55 lbs). It can be found in the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the Azov Sea and in the respective tributaries, and it is also in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Ionian Sea. It’s a full-bodied caviar with a fresh silky taste (yolk), and a slightly aromatic sea note at the end. It is characterized by medium eggs (2.3mm / 2.6mm) with a color that varies from light to anthracite grey. It requires minimum 9-12 years of the sturgeon life cycle and is extremely delicate to breed. - Producer Notes
Also available in sizes: 28g, 125g
Calvisius Ars Italica Oscietra Royal 50g
Wally's price: $240.00
Oscietra Royal is a caviar extracted from the Russian Sturgeon, a species originally native to the Caspian Sea, Black Sea and Azov Sea. This medium-sized sturgeon can weigh between 20 to 60kg or 44 to 132 Lbs.. Only the largest roe are selected for this elegant caviar, with a subtle fruity and nutty flavor and with tones of dark brown to beige in color. Considered to be one of the more notable caviars, enjoy it on its own. Suggested pairing: top quality Brut and silky sparkling wines. - Producer Notes
Also available in sizes: 28g, 125g, 250g
Calvisius Ars Italica Oscietra Imperial Gold 50g
Wally's price: $375.00
Oscietra Imperial is a caviar extracted from the Russian sturgeon, a species originally native to the Caspian Sea, Black Sea and Azov Sea. This medium-size fish can weigh from 20 to 60 kg (44 to 132 lbs). Only the best and largest eggs (more than 3mm) are selected for this delicate, complex and slightly nutty caviar. With dark brown and beige nuances, this is the cream of the crop. Its superior flavors are best appreciated by tasting it simply on its own to slowly savor all its regal nuances. Suggested pairing: top quality Brut or elegant sparkling wines. - Producer Notes
Also available in sizes: 28g, 125g, 250g
Click here to shop our full range of Calvisius Products!
On behalf of the entire Wally’s Team, we are honored to be recognized by Wine Spectator in this year’s 2019 #WSRestaurantAwards. These prestigious and selective awards celebrate achievements in outstanding wine programs world-wide and we’re proud to announce that both of our locations have been honored. Wally’s Santa Monica, open for less than a year, has won a ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ Award, and Wally’s Beverly Hills has won the Grand Award, representing the highest level of world wine service, for the third year in a row.
Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.
To qualify for an award, a wine list must present complete, accurate information, including vintages and appellations for all selections. Complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory, and the overall presentation of the list is also considered. Lists that meet these requirements are judged for one of our three awards. - Wine Spectator
Grand Award, Wally's Beverly Hills 2017, 2018, 2019
100 winners total
Our highest award, given to restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine programs. These wine lists typically feature 1,000 or more selections, and deliver serious breadth of top producers, outstanding depth in mature vintages, a selection of large-format bottles, excellent harmony with the menu, and superior presentation. These restaurants offer the highest level of wine service. - Wine Spectator
Best of Award of Excellence, Wally's Santa Monica 2019
1,244 winners total
These wine lists display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Typically offering 350 or more selections, these restaurants are destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team. - Wine Spectator
Thank you Wine Spectator! Our Team is celebrating this tremendous achievement!
Discover more about the Restaurant Awards here.
The first day of Summer is HERE! Welcome to the season of garden parties, bridal showers, backyard barbecues, and the delicious food and drink that accompany these gatherings. Whether you're hosting a party or attending, give the grillmaster some competition and wow your friends by following our guide to building the ultimate crowd-pleasing gourmet appetizer, the infamous Charcuterie Board. Watch as Wally's Specialty Foods Director, Kurt Gurdal, walks you through how we build our renowned deluxe Boards here at Wally's - and shares some tips about how you can shop for, and build your own at home. The three major components to a perfect board are cured meats, accoutrements, and bread, but the variety in each category is endless and completely up to you! Shop our favorite linked products list below to get you started! Have fun, enjoy, and cheers to Summer!
5J Jamon Iberico de Bellota
Wally's Price: $171.00
Acorn-fed 100% ibérico ham par excellence, in original format and brought to you directly from our centuries-old curing cellars. Every ham is unique and lives up to the highest expectations of flavour, texture and aroma to seduce each of your senses from the very first bite. An authentic Cinco Jotas ham, well carved, is like a work of sculpted art, and astonishes ham lovers everywhere with the unique nuances of the most exclusive ham in the world. - Producer Notes
Charlito's Cocina Trufa Seca 5 Oz
Wally's Price: $16.99
This deliciously sensual incarnation of cured goodness will surely arouse your senses. Made with pasture raised, heritage breed pork and Seasoned with black truffles and mineral rich sea salt, this is a striking example of how minimal ingredients can produce a world unto itself of complexity. Dry-Cured for up to two months. Not heat treated or smoked. Enjoy with leisure! - Producer Notes
Fermin Iberico Chorizo Chub
Wally's Price: $14.99
Enjoy the Jewel of Spanish Gastronomy! Recognized as one of the 4 aces of global gastronomy along with caviar, foie-gras and truffles, FERMIN Iberico Acorn-Fed Ham is an authentic treasure from Spain. Also known as the “Kobe beef of pork” because of its intense marbling, flavors and uniqueness, the FERMIN Iberico ham is the first authentic Iberico to enter the US market. Cured for a minimum of 36 months, this Iberico ham…melts in your mouth. - Producer Notes
North Country Hoguera
Wally's Price: $17.00
Best enjoyed on a baguette or added to a favorite Spanish recipe, our Sobrassada hits your tongue with a sultry surprise and fiery finish. Mixed with Hot Paprika, Chipotle and Cayenne, all from North Market Spices(Columbus, Ohio). We use 100% Berkshire pork for all of our chorizo. - Producer Notes
Fabrique Delices Truffle Mousse
Wally's Price: $9.99
Fabrique Délices offers the best and the most versatile line of Charcuterie in the United States. The Fabrique Delices Truffle Mousse is extremely decadent - containing Creamy chicken livers, Truffles and Cèpes (Porcini) marinated in Sherry wine. It's best paired on a traditional French Baguette and a glass of Merlot, Tawny Port, or Madeira Wine. - Producer Notes
Salame Di Manzo Wagyu Beef
Wally's Price: $48.00
Fabrique Délices offers the best and the most versatile line of Charcuterie in the United States. The Fabrique Delices Truffle Mousse is extremely decadent - containing Creamy chicken livers, Truffles and Cèpes (Porcini) marinated in Sherry wine. It's best paired on a traditional French Baguette and a glass of Merlot, Tawny Port, or Madeira Wine. - Producer Notes
Pio Tosini 20mo Prosciutto Di Parma
Wally's Price: $38.00
This sweet ham, cured in the town of Langhirano, bears the honorable mark of the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma signifying its exceptional quality and rigorous curing processes. In the traditional process, hams are cured for 400 days. At Pio Tosini, a curing time of over 500 days produces slow and even salt penetration, assuring the sweetest hams of uniform texture. - Producer Notes
Big Chet's Salami Red Table Meats
Wally's Price: $40.00
Styled after an Italian Finnochiona salame, Chet's is a creation of the charcuterie geniuses at Red Table Meat Co. in Minneapolis. This spicy red salami is crafted out of premium pork meat blended with spicy fennel, seasoned with spicy red pepper flakes, and a touch of white wine, all encased in a beef middle casing. The succulent pieces of buttery fat are silky on the tongue, tempering off the heat of the salame. - Producer Notes
Angels Savory Gourmet Duck Salami
Wally's Price: $38.00
Made with 100% Duck, French-style with a rich flavor and seasoned with red wine & black peppercorn. Dry-cured and fermented, aged for 2 months. Certified Cage-Free, Antibiotic Free, Hormone Free. For us to create high-grade products, we start with the finest quality ingredients directly from the source. Our artisanal products are made with the finest natural meats available and enriched with nuances of European and Mediterranean flair. - Producer Notes
Let's have a toast to July 4th! Planning to attend a bash by the beach or firing up the grill yourself; but aren't sure what drinks to pair with this year's fireworks? Whether you prefer red wine, white wine, champagne, or cocktails we've got you covered on everything we'd pick to serve during your Independence Day Celebration!
Virginia Black American Whiskey
Wally's Price: $40.00
Nothing says the 4th of July like superb classic American Whiskey. Virginia Black is a collaboration between Brent Hocking, founder and creator of the original Deleón Tequila: an award-winning artist, songwriter, rapper, and actor, Drake. A personally selected collection of two, three, and four-year old bourbons finished with a decadent profile.
NV Gosset Brut Excellence
Wally's Price: $50.00
For nearly three centuries the house of Gosset has been perfecting the art of making wine in France's Champagne region. Their Brut Excellence over delivers for its entry-level price. Dry and racy on the palate, the Excellence is accented by inviting aromas of candied lemon peel, sliced almonds and freshly baked bread. A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier from Premier and Grand Cru classified vineyards.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne
Wally's Price: $85.00
Everything you would want in a glass of pink Champagne, Billecart-Salmon's Brut Rose offers beautiful notes of wild strawberry and cherry biscotti to accompany its sleek, velvety texture. Make no mistake, these are ultra fine bubbles that slide gently across the palate. The perfect summer-time sparkler for sipping by the pool or to cool-off by the grill.
2017 Smith & Sheth CRU Wairau Sauvignon Blanc
Wally's Price: $30.00
A more zesty style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the Cru by Smith & Sheth has got it all... freshly sliced limes, crunchy pineapple, hop flowers and fresh herbs. What a pairing with fresh seafood, summer salads and grilled vegetables. So crisp and refreshing, it is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who twists the cap.
2015 Muller-Catoir Burgergarten Muskateller Trocken
Wally's Price: $33.00
Here is something new to bring to the table! Dry German Muscat. The aromas are sensational... fruit cocktail, honeysuckle, orange blossom, papaya, mandarin oranges. It just goes on and on. Then on the palate the wine comes across as dry, fresh and crystal clear. Each sip more delicious than the last. Perfect on its own or alongside ceviche or grilled shrimp. Your friends will be snapping pictures of the label to recreate the experience!
2016 Vasse Felix 'Filius' Chardonnay, Margaret River
Wally's Price: $22.00
Western Australia has been hitting home runs with their elegant, softly textured Chardonnays that offer lovely fruit flavors, freshness and a hint of creaminess as well. Vasse Felix offers one of the best examples for a terrific value. The Filius is the complete package with just a hint of oak and vanilla spice accenting what is otherwise a very focused, crisp Chardonnay. This style will please fans of California and French Chardonnay alike.
2014 Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello Di Montalcino
Wally's Price: $89.00
Fans of Tuscany's most famous wine, Brunello di Montalcino, have to try the 2014 Canalicchio di Sopra. A wonderful combination of power and poise, this Brunello would find a perfect home beside anything off the grill: ribeye steaks, lamb chops, even cheeseburgers. The wine is remarkably sleek and evocative for a young Sangiovese. It has the stuffing to age but is also singing at the moment.
2015 Mordoree Chateauneuf Du Pape Reine Des Bois
Wally's Price: $100.00
From the legendary 2015 vintage, Domaine de la Mordoree's top wine is the Reine des Bois. This Grenache-based blend is one complex sipper. From ripe fruit notes of raspberry jam and fig paste, to cinnamon, clove, licorice and black pepper, this full-bodied wine offers it all. Grenache wines from the Southern Rhone Valley pair well with a wide array of foods, but chief among them is grilled meats basted in barbecue sauce. Try this gem of a wine with baby back ribs for an unforgettable experience.
2012 Chateau Lynch Bages
Wally's Price: $125.00
One of Bordeaux's most respected, collected and cherished wines, Chateau Lynch-Bages crafts a divine wine vintage after vintage. Here we feature the 2012 for its excellent value and ability to be drank young. While you let your 2010 and 2014 develop in the cellar, enjoy this fresh, perfumed expression of a Pauillac legend. Roughly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in supporting roles.
2016 Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Wally's Price: $99.00
The king of California wines, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, might just be the ideal wine to celebrate the 4th of July. For many vintages in a row, Lewis Cellars has been producing one of the valley's most impressive Cabernet wines. Rich and concentrated, with oodles of dark fruit framed by spicy, cedary oak, the wines are as good as they are hard to come by. There are no shortage of Lewis fans especially with all the accolades the winery has garnered in wine publications. But worry not, Wally's has you covered!
