Around the world, the New Year is filled with many symbolic traditions.

Austria has one of the most glamorous New Year’s celebrations. At the Imperial Ball, a tradition of the Hapsburg dynasty that has continued for hundreds of years, dancers wear white gowns and black jackets. At midnight, “The Blue Danube,”is played. The Strauss operetta, “Die Fledermaus, is performed each New Year’s Day

People around the world consider pork to be the luckiest food to eat on New Year’s Day. Pigs are rotund, which represents prosperity. They also “root forward” with their noses, which is supposed to symbolize progress. Yes, bacon counts!

In Greece, a pomegranate is smashed on the floor in front of the door to break it open. The seeds represent prosperity and good fortune. The more seeds, the more luck you will have in the months ahead.

In Japan Soba noodles are eaten. These long buckwheat noodles symbolize long life, and are therefore lucky – but only if you eat them without chewing or breaking them.

The Greek bake a special lemon-flavored cake called a Vasilopita or St Basil’s Cake. It’s baked with a silver or gold coin inside. Whoever finds the coin gets a year of good luck.

In the Southern United States, it’s traditional to eat black-eyed peas or cowpeas in a dish called Hoppin’ John. There are even those who believe in eating one pea for every day in the new year. This traces back to the legend that during the Civil War, the town of Vicksburg, Mississippi, ran out of food while under attack. The residents fortunately discovered black-eyed peas and the legume was thereafter considered lucky.

Traditional wisdom warns that it’s best to avoid certain food. Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks. Chicken is discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Another theory warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.

Whether you follow any of these traditions or have a few of your own – all of us at Pryor Events wish you a happy, healthy and memorable 2012.

The Butter End Cakery in Santa Monica produces absolutely gorgeous and delicious cake and other sweet delicacies.

The Butter End’s enchanting holiday dessert display. From French macarons to handmade caramel corn to pear galette and farmer’s market apple pie…
These delectable treats and so much more are available to order for the holidays. You can even take in your favorite baking dish and Kimberly will bake a perfect apple pie to pick up.

Aren’t these little elves adorable! The fact that they are chocolate, bourbon and coconut means they will taste as amazing as they look.

Kimberly Bailey calls herself the owner, baker, artist and dishwasher at her cake boutique – The Butter End. I call her incredible. You will find Kimberly baking to her heart’s content at her boutique cakery – tucked in an alley off of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica. As soon as you enter you realize you are in for a wonderful experience. Kimberly truly listens to her customer’s needs and desires. She enjoys being creative and she is always up for a challenge. In addition to using rolled chocolate instead of the standard fondant, Kimberly uses only the purest and most natural ingredients. You can taste the difference in every heavenly bite! Pryor Events are fans of The Butter End. View their site at www.thebutterend.com or give Kimberly a call at (310) 943-9241

Whether you call them submarines, subs, hoagies or heros – there is only one place to enjoy this tastiest of all sandwiches.

The White House in Atlantic City, N.J. is home to the world’s best subs.

One of the reasons the subs are far superior to anyplace else is that the bread is incredibly fresh. Large bags brimming with just baked bread are delivered to The White House twelve times a day.

This “regular” sub is in production.

Their cheese steak is the best I have ever eaten.

Whenever I am on the east coast I try my best to pay a visit to The White House.
The White House has been making these delicious sandwiches since 1946. The quality of their products is amazing. Some of the employees have worked there over 40 years and they take great pride in assembling each creation.

The decision is never easy – the regular sub that’s filled with tasty Italian meat and cheese or the cheese steak which has hot, tender sliced steak, melted cheese and grilled onions. The chicken steak made with sliced breast of chicken is also very popular. Make sure to ask for their signature hot peppers that add the perfect amount of zing. Whichever sub I choose, I am never disappointed. Pryor Events are big fans of The White House.

If your travels take you to Pennsylvania or New Jersey – do yourself a favor and visit The White House.