Catering Chronicles – Food for Thought

Don’t you just love this time of year? The day’s are getting longer and warmer, the flowers are in full bloom, and IT’S BERRY SEASON! Here are just a few of the yummy treats our Chefs have created with this season’s berries. Enjoy!

This last week we hosted a spring-time, garden baby shower… indoors. As the seasons change the weather can be quite unpredictable. Planning an outdoor event isn’t always possible. So, garden tables were set with cheery spring colors and market umbrellas, in a quiet little room with windows.

Guests were able to quench their thirst with a Tropical Iced Tea and Lemonade Station. Drinks were dressed with goodies such as berries, pineapple, lemons, oranges, mint, and mango.

The feeling of an outdoor garden was brought in by adorning the market umbrellas with flowers, vines, BUGS, and birdhouses.

Polka dots were a great accent. Square menu cards dressed each plate and a sweet little flag atop each straw declared “and baby makes 3″.  Centerpieces included brightly colored buckets of wheat-grass and favorite candies. Our Mom-to-be invited her guests to fill their little bags with sweets to take home.

A luncheon was served in our garden and the first course was an appetizer trio of Roasted Tomato Basil Bisque topped with a Fried Mushroom Ravioli, an Apricot Mascarpone Almond Tart, and a Bacon Wrapped Banana (NOTE- this is my favorite appetizer).

Followed by a plated lunch of Chicken Caesar Salad with a Parmesan Crisp, Tomato Tortilla Grilled Vegetable Wrap, Asparagus Quiche in a Savory Shell, and a Fresh Fruit Kebab.

THE BEST PART–> Build your own Ice Cream Sundae Bar.

Homemade Praline Bowls drizzled with Chocolate. Sprinkles, nuts, candy bar pieces, and fresh berries.

Mini pies for A La Mode.

Hot Fudge, Warn Caramel, Bananas, Cookie Crumbles, and Whipped Cream.

Such a beautiful day in our indoor garden. Can’t wait to meet the newest little member of The Jay’s Family when she arrives next month. Best wishes to Dad, Mom, and Grandma.

What is an Intermezzo you might ask? Used throughout Europe as a way to cleanse the palate in-between courses, intermezzos are usually small, light and refreshing. Sorbet is commonly used, as is a light sparkling wine such as Prosecco. My perfect Intermezzo? The sorbet and the Prosecco. Here is an Intermezzo Chef Kevin served up  at lunch the other day. Refreshing, cleansing, and pretty. One of my FAVORITE things.

Some of our fabulous French Desserts, Pastries, and Signature Cocktail Kir Noir, are featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs today. It was so much fun working with Desiree Patterson of Social Creative as her vision came to life. She pulled together a fantastic team to create this elegant French table at The Grand Del Mar. Who wouldn’t want to sit in a beautiful room, at a gorgeous table, and eat pastries and drink cocktails? Check out the full post HERE. Photos by Callaway Gable, Florals by French Buckets, and rentals from Found.

GIRL PARTIES… I know what you are thinking. They are either wild and everyone is sworn to secrecy OR they are needlessly tamed to where you count the moments. NOT ANY MORE. This sweet bridal shower combined hilarious fun, fantastic food, and sage advice. Watch as we celebrate the bride to be and incorporate elements for all age groups. That’s right.. we have even kept a few secrets.

Champagne just SCREAMS celebration. I love how our bride-to-be chose to pour each glass for her guests.

How much fun is this simple photo booth? Shyness is thrown aside if you can put on a costume. This is silly entertainment for ALL ages. Not to mention great memories.

Add some interest to your beverage table with fresh fruit, berries and mint.

Although a plated dessert was served, a candy table was available while games were played.

Chef Kevin prepared an incredible lunch. Starter course was a tomato bisque with a mini grilled cheese sandwich. Lunch was not only a feast for the eyes but also the taste buds…  broiled tomato, filet, basil, and cheese stack, artichoke quiche and a field green, mushroom, and pinenut salad. Lastly, a dessert of chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream.

The decorated backdrop to the gift table served several purposes. Guests were asked to leave  a few words of wisdom for the bride-to-be, ALWAYS… and NEVER… This is where sage advice is PRICELESS and it was pinned to the ribbons. Now the other purpose for the backdrop has been sworn to secrecy and the photos have been secured.

Games are always fun and who doesn’t like winning? Choose a few familiar favorites.

Find a way to make the gift opening entertaining. Sorry I can’t tell you what we did. SWORN to secrecy.

LOVE you Lyssa Rae. Thanks for letting us celebrate with you. Looking forward to the wedding.