An interview with John Crisafulli of Behind the Scenes Catering, who's catered for 13 Olympic Games John Crisafulli—ECEP founding member, and president and CEO of Behind the Scenes (BTS) Catering in San Diego—has produced food at 13 Olympic Games. He’s seen it all, from Covid restrictions to frustrating red tape to perhaps the most exciting challenge—preparing a culinary … [Read more...] about Olympic-Sized Lessons
Industry Leaders
Rocco DiSpirito Talks with CFE
In an exclusive interview, Rocco DiSpirito opens up about his latest cookbook, favorite ingredients, food TV and why he’s inspired by other culinary pros By Sara Perez Webber Ten ingredients, 30 minutes or less. That’s the ethos of Rocco DiSpirito’s latest cookbook, Everyday Delicious: 30 Minute(ish) Home-Cooked Meals Made Simple. The idea for the book grew … [Read more...] about Rocco DiSpirito Talks with CFE
A Tale of Two Kitchens
How top caterers on the East and West coasts realized the need to gut the past to make room for the future (not to mention cold blasters) By Liese Gardner Picture this…you’re envisioning the future of your business over the next five years. It’s brimming with exciting possibilities—increased client satisfaction, large-scale events, a cohesive team, fruitful brand … [Read more...] about A Tale of Two Kitchens
The Power of Community
Caterer members of ECEP share best practices to help each other succeed By Liese Gardner In 1937, author Napoleon Hill coined the term “master mind” in his influential book Think and Grow Rich, which has sold more than 20 million copies. “Success does not come without the cooperation of others,” said Hill—a concept that has motivated generations of business leaders to … [Read more...] about The Power of Community
A Charming Tale
Pauline Parry, the award-winning founder and CEO of Good Gracious! Events, shares recipes and memories in My Culinary Love Story By Sara Perez Webber Award-winning caterer Pauline Parry made good use of the downtime brought on by the Covid pandemic—she wrote a book. Los Angeles-based Parry was inspired to pen a memoir after visiting her family in England. “My nephew … [Read more...] about A Charming Tale
A Taste of Tradition
How my family’s heritage influenced my love for Latin cuisine—and our menu By Robin Selden, managing partner and executive chef of Marcia Selden Catering Lucky for me, I grew up in a family where food was an expression of love. My Cuban grandmother affectionally referred to us as “Cubish” (Cuban and Jewish), which meant that we had some serious food coming across our … [Read more...] about A Taste of Tradition
Mixing It Up
By Sara Perez Webber Chris Tucker worked as a hair stylist for nearly a decade before pivoting to a baking career, drawing on a love instilled in him as a child by his Southern grandmother. A turn as a contestant on ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show” led him to opening Betta With Butta, a Los Angeles-based bakery. Like many others in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, … [Read more...] about Mixing It Up
Long Live Greek Cuisine
Cooking show host Diane Kochilas educates an international audience on Greek food’s history, variety and health benefits By Sara Perez Webber With roots on the Greek island of Ikaria, Diane Kochilas knows first-hand the health benefits of a Greek diet. Ikaria is one of five global Blue Zones—identified by author Dan Buettner as a region where people live longer, … [Read more...] about Long Live Greek Cuisine
Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
