Advanced planning is key with any event and communication is going to play a vital role in making your event a success.  It is important to establish clear needs and wants early on in the catering interview process.  Here are a few questions to be thinking about that can help establish exactly what the needs of your event are:

• When and where is your event?
• Is it an indoor or outdoor event?
• Is there a kitchen on site?
• What is the style and/or theme of the event?
• How many guests are you planning to invite?
• What do your guests prefer to eat?
• Will alcohol be served at the event?
• Do you want your food served buffet, traditional, or family style?
• Cloth or paper napkins?
• What kind of drink ware and plates are wanted?

All the above questions are going to effect cost, so it’s important to have a clearly defined budget in mind.  In addition to these items, it is important to be aware of what each specific catering service would be providing for you.  Some catering services provide decorations, linens, tables, and chairs, while others provide food only. You also need to be clear with all menu selections and portion sizes, and inquire if the caterer is willing to be flexible.

Some caterers are style-specific, meaning that they specialize in one type of event or another.  Keep in mind, however, that just because the company only offers weddings, doesn’t mean they are the best at them!  In fact, many of the best caterers offer a variety of event types, and can adapt well to various styles of events.

Above all else, the food selection and quality is vital.  Questions like “fresh or frozen food?” need to be brought up for discussion with each caterer that is interviewed.  Be sure your expectations are clear to the catering service and that you both share a similar vision and quality standards.  Sample taste tests are always a good way to ensure your getting what you want.

Finally, inquire about the staff that would be serving your guests.  A friendly wait-staff with speedy service can go along way towards the success of an event.  You’ll want to ask for references from each caterer and follow up with questions of whether the staff and food met their previous clients’ expectations.

Catering can make or break an event, so be sure to spend the time you need to make a selection you’ll be happy with!  And remember – entertain deliciously!

Along with our chef-driven cuisine and hospitable staff, let Cuisiniers help you with any of the following services:

• Event Management
• Weddings, Corporate and Social Events
• Venue Selection
• Event Design
• Themed Events and Decor
• Event Florals
• Event Linens

We’ve also catered to such unique requests as private jet catering and yacht event management, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask us…We love a challenge!

Cuisiniers’ would like to thank Jason Ulm and Amanda Interlicchio for their outstanding contributions during their recent internship with Cuisiniers’ and The Gallery at Interlachen.  Our hope is that you’ve learned as much from us as we have from you!

On behalf of the entire Cuisiniers’ staff, we wish you the best of luck as you get your careers started!

Cuisiniers’ has been selected as one of “The Best Central Florida Wedding Vendors of 2010″ by TheKnot.com.  The awards and rankings are calculated according to user feedback and forums on TheKnot.com.  Jamie and the entire Cuisiniers’ staff would like to thank you all for your support!

Click here to view the rankings.

Jamie, Pamela and Cuisiniers would like to extend a special thank you to all that attended our Meet, Greet, and Cook last Saturday, March 13th – an amazing evening with fabulous friends and food!

Jamie and Cuisiniers would also like to especially thank Pamela Sheldon-Johns for joining us!

GALLERY AT INTERLACHEN

5510 Lake Howell Road
Winter Park, FL 32792

Schedule

5.30PM: Champagne Reception compliments of Best in Show Productions & Gallery at Interlachen

6PM: Cooking Class & Demonstration with Pamela. Hear Pamela’s stories and adventures all while learning about some of the best Italian appetizers and pastas.
Includes tasting

7.30PM: Q&A with Pamela & book signing. Her latest books will be available for sale on site.

8PM: Time to enjoy some of Pamela’s best recipes along with appetizers prepared by our co-host, Cuisiniers. Pair it with fantastic Italian wine.

100% of the Auction Proceeds will be donated to FEED THE CHILDREN.

$55/pers. $100/couple
FABCO MEMBERS: $45/pers

Including:
-Champagne Reception
-Cooking Class w/tasting
-Meet & Greet
-Appetizers and Wine
-A $200 Valued Gift Bag to include useful cooking items, recipes, Champagne, Tuscan olive oil, a gift certificate to Pamela’s B&B & much more
-Complimentary parking
-Photographer (complimentary photos)

Space Very Limited

Call 407.975.8763 for Reservations

Gallery at Interlachen venue information:

• 1200 square feet of meeting space
• Complimentary parking
• On-site audio/visual equipped
• Optional food and beverage packages

The Gallery at Interlachen is exclusively catered by Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine and Events.  For more information, contact us at 407.579.2219

The Gallery is located at:

5510 Lake Howell Road
“In the Interlachen Village”
Winter Park, FL  32792

Connie has created more memorable events than most people attend in a lifetime.  A graduate of the University of Missouri, Connie’s experience has included directing catering and event departments in major hotels and large facilities.  Whether an intimate dinner for 20 or a corporate grand event for over 4000, Connie’s organizational skills and creative flair bring something special to all of Cuisiniers’ events!

For more information, simply contact Connie directly at conniecc@live.com.

Most knowledgeable party hosts recommend sticking to “easy-to-prepare” finger-foods that are simple to eat and reduce on messy spills associated with things like chili.  Super Bowl favorites include appetizers like shrimp cocktail, potato skins, meatballs, and chips with dip.  Remember, though, easy doesn’t have to mean boring.  Get creative, prepare a seven layer dip or guacamole instead of the traditional store-bought dip.

Along with appetizer snacks, no Super Bowl party is complete without chicken wings.  It’s probably best to prepare both spicy and non-spicy wings to satisfy everyone’s individual taste.  In addition, try to get smaller wing cuts so they are a little less messy.  Wings can be thrown on the grill to cook, then placed in the oven to keep them warm for several hours.

Finally, make it fun!  If your favorite team is in the Super Bowl, you may want to have a cake made with their logo on it, or buy printed napkins and plastic plates.

Check out our recipes section for some great finger foods and appetizers with simple instructions!

Check out my Super Bowl Menu if you are interested in having your Super Bowl Party catered.

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Jamie McFadden/Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events

(Makes approximately 2 cups)

Cuisiniers’ Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt

In a large heavy metal pot or Dutch oven spread sugar in bottom of pot.  Place on medium heat and cook without stirring until the sugar around the edges starts to liquify.  Next, using a wooden spoon, gently stir the sugar.  As it begins to look like little pebbles, keep stirring until the amber color turns a deep brown.  Remember to not stop stirring!  Finally, remove the pot from the heat and carefully add in 1/2 of the cream.  Use caution as the sauce will bubble up dramatically.  Add in the remainder of the cream until the sauce is smooth.  Finally, stir in the butter and salt.  Serve warm over apple fritters, bread pudding, your favorite ice cream, a warm chocolate brownie, or a combination of the above!

Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

Executive Chef Jamie McFadden | Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events

5470 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park, FL

www.cuisinierscater.com