Across the country, demand for barbecue—no matter the style—remains hot, hot, hot By Sara Perez Webber Spring has sprung, and that means outdoor events are ramping up in many parts of the country. So, after a tumultuous couple of years, are clients still craving the down-home comfort of a plate of barbecue? We asked pitmasters and caterers from across the country, who … [Read more...] about Still Smokin’
Food Trends
Dynamic Stations
Caterers are designing food stations with two goals in mind: safety and eye-catching presentation By Sara Perez Webber Savvy caterers thoughtfully compose dishes to look good and taste good. When guests walk through an event and pick up their food from stations—rather than wait for their food to come to them—presentation is especially important. Attractive set-ups lure … [Read more...] about Dynamic Stations
Plant-Based Products Take Root
The recent Plant Based World Expo in New York shows the category is expanding and diversifying By Deanne Moskowitz When the Plant Based Foods Association proclaims that “The future is plant-based,” it may sound self-aggrandizing. But the organization’s second annual trade show, Plant Based World Expo North America—which returned to New York City’s Javits Center on … [Read more...] about Plant-Based Products Take Root
Small But Mighty
Packing tons of flavor in perfectly presented packages, caterers are revving up the creativity in their appetizers and small bites By Sara Perez Webber Good things come in small packages—especially when it comes to the starters creative caterers are serving up. Packed with flavor and thoughtfully presented, these appetizers and small bites give catering companies the … [Read more...] about Small But Mighty
National Restaurant Association Releases What’s Hot Culinary Forecast
What do chefs think the hottest culinary trend will be in 2022? The top five answers of chefs surveyed by the National Restaurant Association are: SustainabilityPlant-based foodsComfort foodsHealthy and immunity-boosting foodsGlobal fare and flavors “In addition to a return to health-focused menu offerings and more eco-friendly, improved off-premises packaging, all of … [Read more...] about National Restaurant Association Releases What’s Hot Culinary Forecast
Plant-Based Revolution
With flexitarian diets on the rise, caterers find investing in plant-based cuisine is good for business By Connie Jeske Crane Back in 2008, when Cristina Carolan launched Chef Veggie, her plant-based personal chef service in Austin, Texas, she admits, “It was a lot harder for me to find clients who would be happy with not having any animal products in their meals.” Today, … [Read more...] about Plant-Based Revolution
Festive Feasting
Caterers and chefs share holiday food and drink ideas By Sara Perez Webber It’s almost that time of year—when events are extra festive and the food extra indulgent. To help inspire your holiday menus, we asked caterers and chefs to share tips, strategies and recipes. Sweet Hot Chocolate Bar Bill Hansen Catering (billhansencatering.com) Bill Hansen Catering in … [Read more...] about Festive Feasting
Green Is Good
By Sara Perez Webber Your customers are most likely paying attention to whether the products you use in your business are environmentally friendly. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund published in May, internet searches for sustainable goods worldwide increased by 71 percent in the last five years. Another study—the 2021 Buying Green Report, published by … [Read more...] about Green Is Good
Boxing Up Some Excitement
How COVID spurred a reimagining of grab-and-go By Connie Jeske Crane Like many caterers before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Anne Lloyd—who owns Nolavore Catering and Commissary Kitchen in New Orleans—was mostly focused on traditional event catering. To be sure, Lloyd always stocked some grab-and-go items. In the heart of the city, Nolavore, which is flanked by historic … [Read more...] about Boxing Up Some Excitement
Delivering the Goods
How three caterers grew their prepared meal delivery business By Sara Perez Webber There’s no doubt about it—people will pay for convenience. The global meal kit delivery services market is expected to grow from $10.26 billion in 2020 to almost $20 billion by 2027, according to Grand View Research. The pandemic accelerated the trend, with more people eating and cooking … [Read more...] about Delivering the Goods
