Lunch in the afternoon, "rock mitzvah" at night! 

Planning his recent bar mitzvah in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Pablo -- a drummer in a rock band, a lover of burritos, a demon on a skateboard -- wanted a party that captured his style. He and his mom also wanted a celebration that would appeal to both their extended family and his friends from school. Rather than trying to do both things at once, they decided to throw two bashes: an afternoon luncheon for family and his close buddies and a "rock mitzvah" later that night for all his school friends.

The afternoon luncheon -- at Prospect Park's Picnic House -- was a Mexican-themed taco party, served family style. Cactus and aloe vera plants, in terracotta pots, graced the tables. A mariachi band played while guests sipped sangria and Pablo's friends sampled a colorful array of Mexican sodas. Guests mingled and munched on chips and dip from a salsa bar, danced the hora, and watched as Pablo skateboarded on the sidewalk out front. Afterward, the kids relaxed with cups of Mexican-style hot cocoa -- the guest of honor's favorite beverage.

Later that night, Pablo's extended circle of friends gathered in a local saloon to dance to DJ-spun house music, feast on finger foods and hear Pablo's band play. The highlight of the night? Moshing to the hora. And the perfect party favors: monogrammed knit beanie hats.

Pablo's Bar Mitzvah Feast

Specialty Cocktails
Margaritas with Fresh Lime Juice

Pitchers of Red & White Wine Sangria

Bottles of Mexican Sodas

Snacks at the Bar
Guacamole & Fresh Salsas with Homemade Chips

Passed Hors d'Oeuvres
Chicken Tamales with Mole

Cheese Tamales with Tamatillo Sauce

Quesadillas with Refried Beans, Oaxaca Cheese & Cilantro

Quesadillas with Oaxaca Cheese, Corn & Roasted Red Peppers

Cecina-Style Meatballs with Habanera Sauce

Luncheon served Family Style
Chicken Mole Enchiladas with Mexican Cheese

Vegetable Enchiladas with Wild Mushrooms & Kabocha Squash

Grilled Swordfish with Cilantro, Lime & Chillies

Spiced Flank Steak with Cumin Savory Spices

Refried Red Beans with Green Peppers & Jalapeños

Black Bean with Chorizo & Cilantro

Yellow Rice Pilaf

Hard & Soft Shell Tacos

Sour Cream, Guacamole, Fresh Salsa & Salsa Piquante  

Lettuce, Tomatoes & Radishes with Wedges of Lime

Desserts
Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache

Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

Passed Mini Caramelized Flans & Mini Rice Puddings

Mexican Sand Cookies with Confectioners' Sugar

Passed Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream 

Piñata Celebration with Assorted Candies

Coffee & Assorted Teas 

Pablo's Rock Mitzvah!
Location: Rocky Sullivan’s Tap Room, Red Hook

DJ: Shaky, aka Julie Covello 

Bands: Pablo’s Band, Jetlag & Bonzai

Party Favors: Beanie Hats

Kids' Feast
Homemade Pizzas: Classic, 3 Cheese & Pepperoni

Spiced Waffle Fries Served in Paper Cones with Ketchup

Hot Dogs with Relish, Sauerkraut & Mustard

Homemade Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Sauce

Mini Burgers with Ketchup & Spicy Mustard

The Ultimate Ice Cream & Sorbet Bar! With All the Fixings