How Spectra empowers its chefs to innovate, sparking a passion to create dishes that meet the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian dishes By Scott Swiger, vice president, culinary excellence, Spectra Keeping up with trends and innovating is always a challenge, but it’s vital to the success of caterers and foodservice companies today. At Spectra, we empower our culinary … [Read more...] about Planting the Seed
Food Trends
Station Sensations
Creative food stations that bring the fun and the flavor By Sara Perez Webber Resolved to banish the boring in 2020?Take a cue from these caterers, who’ve come up with food stations that are as fun as they are flavorful. Imaginative twists on traditional concepts, clever containers and colorful displays draw guests to these photo-worthy concepts—while the delicious … [Read more...] about Station Sensations
French Twist
How caterers are adding a nouveau spin to this classical cuisine By Connie Jeske Crane When it comes to American and French food, the relationship hasn’t always been sympathique. There was a time when we viewed French cuisine and starchy traditions like flambé and tableside service as the epitome of fine dining. Over time, though, we drifted away, curious and eager to … [Read more...] about French Twist
Healthy Hotels
Meeting travelers don’t have to put their diets on hold, as properties step up to the plate with good-for-you catering options By Sara Perez Webber Red quinoa with edamame beans and sweet peppers. Kale smoothie with cocoa nibs, goji berries, yogurt and honey. If these aren’t the type of menu items you think of when you think “hotel meeting catering,” think again. “We … [Read more...] about Healthy Hotels
Holiday Recipes from The Classic Catering People
Owings Mills, Md. • classiccatering.com The Classic Catering People provides catering for about 500 events each holiday season. The company, outside of Baltimore, has been serving the area for more than 40 years, with a philosophy of honoring food traditions while embracing new tastes and techniques. Executive Chef Alan Maw designs seasonally appropriate menus for these … [Read more...] about Holiday Recipes from The Classic Catering People
Stand Out from the Crowd
Tips for setting yourself apart from your catering competition By Meryl Snow, Snowstorm Solutions and Feastivities Events As the events industry becomes increasingly saturated, it’s essential for every catering company to take efforts to stand out in a crowded market. Of course, standing out isn’t as simple as throwing advertising dollars everywhere. While a marketing push can … [Read more...] about Stand Out from the Crowd
Forecasting the New Year
What foods and flavors are trending for 2019? Here are two expert predictions. By Sara Perez Webber National Restaurant Association • restaurant.org/foodtrends What’s Hot—that’s the name of the National Restaurant Association’s annual trend survey, and that’s what it aims to determine. The survey, created in conjunction with the American Culinary Federation, asks Culinary … [Read more...] about Forecasting the New Year
Expert Panel Predicts 2018 Culinary Trends
On Oct. 16, 2017 Les Dames d’Escoffier New York—a chapter of the preeminent professional women’s culinary organization—presented “The Next Big Bite: How We Will Eat & Drink,” with expert panelists predicting what’s next in food. Moderated by Dana Cowin, DBC Creative, host of Speaking Broadly, and former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, the panel included Melissa Clark, … [Read more...] about Expert Panel Predicts 2018 Culinary Trends
Cauliflower Ravioli with Smoked Bacon, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Leek Butter and Crispy Kale
A favorite fall recipe from Executive Chef Mark Alba, Legendary Events in Atlanta YIELD: 6 servings INGREDIENTS 1 head cauliflower (florets only, cut into 1-inch pieces) ½ quart heavy cream 6 whole eggs 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups semolina flour 2 cups all-purpose flour 6 ounces smoked bacon slab (cut into 1-inch by ½-inch pieces, rendered crispy) 3 ounces … [Read more...] about Cauliflower Ravioli with Smoked Bacon, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Leek Butter and Crispy Kale
Gluten-free Catering 101
By Beckee Moreland, Beyond Celiac What to consider to ensure you’re safely serving gluten-free food Gluten-free food continues to grow in popularity, resulting in increased options for people living with celiac disease. While more options plus better-tasting varieties are welcomed by the gluten-free community, food safety—especially when eating outside the home—remains a top … [Read more...] about Gluten-free Catering 101
