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UncategorizedBy aspencateristg

Antipasto, Antipasti, Charcuterie and now Grazing Tables? What’s that all about?

Antipasto, Antipasti, Charcuterie and now Grazing Tables? What’s that all about?

Antipasto is a singular offering like cheese. Antipasti features multiple items served at the same time like cheeses, cured meats and olives and led to the birth of the Charcuterie board. Charcuterie Boards have traditional cured meats, several cheeses, olives, nuts, fruits and vegetables, all served with crackers, party breads, jams, jellies and other condiments based on what items are on the board. Then along came the Grazing Table, a variety of snacking favorites all in one place.

Why have a Grazing Table?

A Grazing Table is a great interactive eating experience because of the visual appeal, and the ease of grabbing a bite or two, allowing guests to mix and mingle easily.  These Tables are suitable for all kinds of events including weddings, cocktail parties, business gatherings, and celebrations. They can be tailored to food preferences, budgets, dietary considerations, and the time of day they are served… breakfast, afternoon snack, evening appetizers, or dinner.

Grazing Tables that WOW!

Grazing Tables can have just about any snacking favorites you wish to have.  The items should be smaller and bite-size, making it easier for guests to sample, or graze, the variety of foods presented. Though a less formal presentation, the items should be

artfully presented directly on a paper lined table, actual boards, marble slabs, platters or a combination of these. Also, it is very helpful for your guests that the item descriptions be written on the table cover itself or on cards.

It’s important to include a variety of foods that have different colors, textures and flavors. A Charcuterie Board can be part of the table, or the table can be designed to include cured meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, crackers, breads, pickled items, mustards and even chocolates or other sweets. The presentation is key. You might want to add decorations such as candles, flowers, etc. or incorporate other types of decorations to accommodate a theme.

Here are some of the popular foods for Grazing Tables. However, just about any snacking favorites can be used.

Cured Meats – Prosciutto, Salami, Ham, Sopressata, Mortadella

Other Proteins– Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Shrimp

Cheeses – Cheddar, Gouda, Goat Cheese, Provolone, Boursin, Fresh Mozzarella, Brie

Fruits – Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Red Grapes, Green Grapes, Apricots, Figs

Vegetables – Baby Carrots, Celery Sticks, Snap Peas, Grape Tomatoes

Pickled items – Sweet or Dill Pickles, Green Olives, Black Olives, Kalamata Olives

Dips/Spreads – Hummus, Ranch, Fruit Dip

Nuts – Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts

Breads/Crackers – Assorted Party Crackers, French or Italian Bread Slices, Pita Chips, Bread Sticks, Pretzels

Condiments – Dijon Mustard, Stone Ground Mustard, Fruit Preserves, Marmalades

Sweets – Chocolates, Mini cookies, Party Brownies

For a custom quote for your grazing event served anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, please contact us so we can get started!

Catering TipsBy PJ

How to get the best catering quote

how to get the best catering quoteHow to get the best catering quote you can

  • How many guests are you expecting?
  • What style of catering do you want?
  • What venue will you be using?
  • Will you need beverage service?
  • What is your budget?

Caterers can provide much more accurate quotes for meetings and events when they receive catering quote requests with as many specifics as possible.  So, before you contact a caterer, gather basic details about the meeting or event and be prepared to share all of that information with them. The more details you provide, the more realistic your quote will be. Those details include:

How Many Guests are you expecting?

There is a huge difference between a meeting for 10 executives and a wedding reception for 300 people. Typically, caterers will have volume discounts for larger groups which is why the caterer needs to know approximately how many people are attending. Depending on the policies of that caterer, there can be some adjustments to the headcount but you should ask what happens to the price if only 200 guests are confirmed when the quote was for 300 people.

What style of catering do you want?

Do you want a buffet, action stations, passed appetizers, or a plated and served meal? You can mix and match these styles of service. However for the quote, you need to tell the caterer what you want or, have them offer suggestions based on your menu and the purpose of the special event. For example, because different catering styles require different staffing levels and culinary skills, there is most likely a price difference between a wait-staff managed buffet and a culinary trained chef executing an action station.

What venue are you planning to use?

Will your event be held in your current office space, residence, rented venue or outdoors? This matters because of the amenities that may or may not be available for your food and beverage. Many “behind the scenes” details can be provided by a rented venue which is why the caterer needs to know where you’re planning on hosting your event.

  • Are there tables and chairs?
  • Do they provide linens?
  • Do they have ice?
  • Is there a sink, running water, staging area, and/or a caterer’s kitchen?
  • Is there reasonable parking, ample access time for event set-up?

Venues can also dictate other specifics that include:

  • Do they require non disposable place settings, meaning only china, glassware and flatware are to be used?
  • Do they require eco-friendly place settings only?
  • What are their delivery rules and times for caterers?
  • What is lead time caterer can gain entrance?
  • What time do guests need to depart?
  • Does the caterer have to complete the room set-up and clean-up or does the venue’s staff?
  • What is deadline for event clean up?

All of these requirements affect how the caterer will produce your event and why your caterer needs to know where you’re hosting your event.

Will beverage service be needed?

Some offices may have their own coffee, water and soft drinks, but can’t provide it in the meeting room. Some venues won’t have anything. Some venues will allow caterers to provide non-alcoholic beverages, but no alcohol. Some venues will allow full bar service, some will limit alcohol to beer and wine only. Your caterer will more than likely know what venue allows what, so tell them exactly what you want to provide and they’ll know what they can include on your quote.

What is your budget?

So many people are fearful of providing any kind of budget information with a caterer yet, this is one of the most important pieces of information you need to share with your caterer to get an accurate quote. The budget will indicate what level of service will be most suitable for your event. Knowing your budget, no matter how modest or lavish it is, is vital for any caterer so they can provide suggestions, alternatives, or creative ideas to produce your ideal end result – the meeting, party or reception you imagined.

So, now you’re ready to contact a caterer about your next event.

Happy planning and have a successful event!

UncategorizedBy aspencateristg

Catered Food Stations

Catered Food Station – What is that?

Catered food stations are a great way to provide food for your guests while allowing them to mix, mingle, and enjoy the event. Typically, the portions are smaller at food stations, enabling you to offer more menu variety than you could with a traditional catered buffet or plated meal. The best way to present these is to situate different stations throughout the venue, allowing guests to move around and chat with other guests.

No matter which you select, your guests will be treated to an extraordinary event!

Italian Theme Food Station
Mexican Style Food Station
Around the Word
Fun Holiday Activity Stations

Stations are designed for 50 or more guests.  Volume discounts are available!
We can also compliment your theme with beverages, party rentals, and place settings.

Italian Theme Food Stations

Appetizer Pasta Bar Station
Grilled chicken, beef meatballs, bacon, rotini, and bow tie pasta, pesto cream, and marinara sauce, sautéed veggies
Parmesan Chicken Medallions
Chicken breast medallions with our signature Parmesan breadcrumb mix served with marinara sauce
Caramelized Flatbread
Fresh zucchini slices and red onion accented with fresh basil, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese baked on flat bread
Charcuterie Board
Prosciutto, salami, ham, provolone, Havarti, and gouda cheeses, assorted olives, and grapes. Served with mustard, crackers, and party breads
Caprese Skewers
Marinated fresh mozzarella skewered with fresh grape tomatoes and basil and drizzled with balsamic
Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Fresh Hawaiian Gold Pineapple Chunk and Strawberry
Party Sugar Dusted Lemon Square
Mini bars of creamy lemon custard baked on top of a shortbread crust, dusted with powdered sugar
Party Cheesecake Cups
Individual cup creamy cheesecake on graham cracker crumbs, garnished with whipped topping and sprinkled with more cracker crumbs. Add fresh berries for a special touch

Mexican Theme Stations

Street Tacos Station
Select fajita beef steak, chicken, or veggie tacos served with a fresh lime wedge
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Chicken breast tenders and a strip of fresh jalapeno pepper all wrapped up with bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Sweet and spicy marinated shrimp and fresh jalapeno slice wrapped in bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Queso & Chips
Tortilla chips, Queso, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes sliced jalapeno peppers, and sour cream
Pineapple Mango Salsa
Tropical mango and pineapple salsa served with cinnamon flatbread strips
Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Fresh Hawaiian Gold Pineapple Chunk and Strawberry Kabob
Caramel Flan
Sweet custard with caramel sauce

Around The World Food Stations

FRANCE

Mini Chicken Cordon Blues (French)
Breaded chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Sliced smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh lemon, and dill on toasted garlic crostini toast
Almond Crusted Brie
A wheel of buttery soft brie smothered with toasted almonds served with flatbread strips
Party Cream Puffs
Chocolate Eclairs

MEXICO

Street Tacos Station
Select fajita beef steak, chicken, or veggie tacos served with fresh lime wedges
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Chicken breast tenders and a strip of fresh jalapeno pepper all wrapped up with bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Sweet and spicy marinated shrimp and fresh jalapeno slice wrapped in bacon and marinated with a sweet and spicy glaze
Caramel Flan
Sweet custard with a caramel sauce

GREECE

Spanakopita
Phyllo triangles filled with spinach, feta, cream cheese, and a touch of garlic
Greek Veggie Tarts
Plum tomatoes, Greek olives, cucumber, onion, and feta tossed with Greek vinaigrette and served in party phyllo cups
Marinated Olives
Jumbo green olives, pitted kalamata, and mixed olives
Baklava
Crispy phyllo dough layered with honey and nuts

ITALY

Cocktail Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Parmesan Chicken Medallions
Chicken breast medallions with our signature Parmesan breadcrumb mix served with marinara sauce
Caramelized Flatbread
Fresh zucchini slices and red onion accented with fresh basil, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese baked on flat bread
Charcuterie Board
Prosciutto, salami, ham, provolone, Havarti, and gouda cheeses, assorted olives, and grapes. Served with mustard, crackers, and party breads
Caprese Skewers
Marinated fresh mozzarella skewered with fresh grape tomatoes and basil and drizzled with balsamic
Party Tiramisu
Sponge cake, espresso-flavored mascarpone mousse and whipped cream

AMERICA

Party  Sliders
An assortment of beef steak, chicken, veggie, and brisket slicers  served with cheddar cheese
Macaroni and Cheese Station
Served with diced ham, bacon, and shredded parmesan and cheddar cheeses
Mashed Potato Bar
Country mashed potatoes or whipped sweet potatoes served with a host of toppings
Parmesan Kettle Chips
Our signature house-made parmesan chips
Mini Fudge Brownie
Decadent fudge walnut brownies studded with dark chocolate chunks

Fun Holiday Activity Stations

We even created some Holiday Activity Stations where guests can create their take-away gifts as a special treat from you…just for the holidays!  Let them eat, enjoy, and make a gift to take!

Make and Take Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Guests will layer ingredients for chocolate chip cookies in a gift bag, tie with baking instructions and a bow
Make and Take Cranberry Cookie Mix in a Bag
Guests will layer ingredients for cranberry white chocolate  cookies in a gift bag, tie it with baking instructions, and a bow
Holiday Trail Mix Gift Bags
Guests can make custom trail mix with Chex mix, Cheerios, pretzels, white chocolate chips and M&M’s
Holiday Hot Chocolate Gift Bags
White, Mexican, or regular hot chocolate mixes assembled in a mason jar or a container you want to use
Cookie Decorating Station
Giant sugar cookies guests will decorate with icing, sprinkles, colored sugars, cinnamon candies, M&M’s, and peppermint S’mores for Two Treat BarBaskets of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars wrapped in a holiday gift bag complete with a bow
Ornament Painting
A clear ornament guests will decorate with acrylic paint, swirling their color choices inside the ornament

Holiday Catering Tips UncategorizedBy PJ

How To Set A Proper Dinner Table

party table settingConfused about how to set a proper dinner table?

Here are some details to get your table perfectly set!

Your menu, level of formality and the number of courses being served all help determine the proper table setting for your meal. The more formal the meal and the more formal the place setting means the more utensils will be needed. So how do you arrange everything for a formal meal?

Guest Space

The spacing of all of these items matter. The typical formal place setting requires about 15” per guests to allow enough elbow room at the table.  The actual plate should be 1” from the edge of the table, and the bottom of all the utensils should line up with the plate bottom.

Utensils

Utensils are placed so that the more outward utensils are used first. For the left side of the setting, if you’re having a seafood appetizer, that fork would be the furthest out, salad fork would be placed next to that and then the dinner fork would be closest to the actual place where plate will go. The dinner fork should be 1” away from the plate area. On the right side of the setting, if you’re offering soup, then a soup spoon would be the furthest out, then a teaspoon and then the dinner knife is closest to the actual place where the plate would be with the knife blade facing the plate. The dinner knife should be 1” from the plate area.

Dessert spoons and forks are placed directly above the area where the plates go so they’re easily accessible once dessert is served. The spoon handle should face right and the fork handle should face left. Coffee cups and saucers can be placed on the table if you so choose, placing it the right of the spoon however those are typically not placed until dessert is served.

If you’re using a Bread and Butter plate, then  that should be placed on the left side, arranged above the forks with the butter knife placed on the plate at an angle with the blade facing the edge of the table.

Glasses

The water glass should be placed as the most inside glass with the wine glass placed to the right and about 1” below the water glass.

Napkins

Napkins can be placed in the center of the place setting or to the left of the most outside fork. They can be simply folded or you can get creative with a fancy folded design. See how here.

To start actually setting the table:

If you’re using a charger,  place that centered in from of where each guest will sit 1” from the table edge. If you’re not using a charger, use the dinner plate on which the main meal will be served.

Place the Dinner Fork 1” to the left of that charger or plate with the bottom of the fork lined up with the bottom edge of the charger or plate. Measure 1”to the left the Dinner Fork, and place the Salad Fork with the bottom lining up with the Dinner Fork. If you’re using  a seafood fork, that would be placed 1” to the left of the Salad Fork with the bottom of it lining up with the other utensils.

Measure 1” to the right of the charger or plate and place the Dinner Knife with the blade facing the charger or plate and so that the bottom is lined up with the bottom edge of the plate. Measure 1” to the right and place the Spoon so the bottom of the spoon is aligned with the bottom of the Dinner Knife.

Place the wine glass about 3” from the Dinner Spoon and to the right a wee bit. The second wine glass would be placed to the left of the first wine glass and slightly higher. The Water glass goes about 3” to the left of the second wine glass and slightly higher so that when all are placed they’re angled as shown here:

holiday table setting

And now you’ve set the table in grand style!

Happy Entertaining!

UncategorizedBy PJ

Appetizers are All Aboard!

Appetizers all set for a train ride!

Taking a pre-dinner train ride means you have to have some appetizers to nibble during the ride. We were asked to prepare these custom boxes – one for each passenger, individually sealed and ready for their eating pleasure.

Since there isn’t much room on a train, and no actual dining table, we created these hand held appetizer boxes with a collection of treats passengers could easily eat while holding a beverage. One to two bites and no utensils needed either! And, to minimize moving about on the train, each passenger appetizer box included a hand towelette to avoid any rush to the rest room for hand washing.

Minimal trash is a must on a train, we chose menu items that were easy to eat, required no heating and packed in boxes that, once emptied, could easily be stacked and stowed in one small trash bag. Here’s how we made them:

UncategorizedBy PJ

How to Build a GREAT Salad

Building a great salad is easy to do.
Get the freshest ingredients you can buy, mix and match lettuces, veggies, fruits, nuts, cheeses and other salad items and start building your perfect lunch or dinner today.
Here is more information on the most popular salad ingredients to consider adding to salad today.

Best Salad Lettuce Choices

See pictures and all the details about them

Leaf Lettuce
Romaine
Iceberg
Boston
Bibb
Kale
Arugula
Spinach
Radicchio
Endive
Frisée

Most Common Vegetable Salad Ingredients

See how your favorites rank

Cucumbers
Carrots
Tomato – regular, cherry or grape tomatoes
Red Onion
Avocado
Bell peppers – any color or use several
Broccoli
Purple Cabbage
Celery
Cauliflower (keto friendly)
Portabello Mushrooms

Meats and Proteins
Best Cheeses To  Include
Other Fun Things to add

Bacon

 Cheddar Croutons

Ham

Parmesan

Nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds

Turkey

Swiss

Sunflower seeds

Chicken

 Feta

Olives
Tuna Blue Cheese

Apples

Salmon

 Strawberries

Hard Cooked Egg

Dried Cranberries
Shrimp

See how we made ours: