Of course, we all expect exceptional food and drink at any catered event. But what if how it’s served is just as important as what’s being offered? In 2022, we’ll see more catering menus come to life with interactive experiences that elevate the overall guest experience. The goal is to make the preparation and service
A highly civilized ritual established in Britain in the early 1804’s, afternoon tea was more than just a way to stave off hunger before an evening meal, it was a celebration of elegance and sophistication. Initially developed as a private event for ladies climbing the societal ladder, Queen Victoria elevated it to a more formal
We are all guilty of it–snapping a quick pic of our food before we dive in. That’s why Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are loaded with food imagery. Plus, food-based social media accounts have huge followings that help drive food-related hashtag trends. At Messina’s Catering and Events, we follow these what terms people are tagging and
It’s no wonder that some of America’s most unique wedding venues can be found in one of its most colorful cities–New Orleans. A city at the edge of a rich river delta with a myriad of rivers, lakes, bays and bayous, water views are just a small part of the city’s alluring charm. With a
The cocktail category is huge, and different cocktails serve a different purpose at social events. There are aperitifs that are served before a meal. There are cocktails meant for drinking with food. There are slow sippers meant as a night cap. Then there’s a whole other category of cocktails, called dessert drinks, that are rich
The childhood favorite for lunch is all grown up. Americans have graduated from tomato bisque to global soup flavors, and on many catering menus, the trend is to make soup the star of the show. For good reason. Soup’s versatility, unique flavor profiles, and fun serving options make it a natural item on catering menus.
Anyone with a big budget can throw a catered event with Wagyu beef, caviar, foie gras or lobster on the menu. An event like that is sure to turn heads! But what if you don’t have a budget that opulent? It certainly doesn’t mean you are relegated to budget caterers that serve rubber chicken. The
Vegetarian, vegan, meat-free, plant-based….however you refer to it, the number of Americans that are eating more vegetables has been on the rise for some time. Some do it for health reasons, some religious convictions, and others do it for concerns over animal welfare and the environment. The best New Orleans caterers have been on the
Desserts are much more than just a way to end a meal and satisfy a sweet tooth. While sweets dominate when most people think of desserts…things are changing. The fastest growing ingredients on dessert menus is bacon. Yes, you read that right. Bacon is up 137% on dessert menus according to a report by Datassential.
As we all know…charcuterie is all the rage. Artful charcuterie boards populate our Instagram feeds and show up at the top of restaurant menus. Cured meats, gourmet cheeses, toasted nuts, pickled veggies, and seasonal fruits all coexist as artwork together on a charcuterie board. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the taste
Lunches are fun, and often less formal social events than their dinner counterparts. Whether celebrating time with family and friends or a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, bridal or baby shower, lunch is in! “Let’s do lunch” has been a common business practice for decades in the working world whether it’s to woo
With the holidays right around the corner, most are in the process of planning their holiday parties. With COVID still on the radar, many are opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings to celebrate the season. But small doesn’t have to mean simple. Often smaller gatherings allow more room in the budget for high-impact touches, they
Have you ever thrown a party where you way over-bought everything? You had liquor in the cabinet you’ll never drink following the soiree, and leftovers that would feed a professional sports team. We’ve all been there. Live and learn. The most foolproof way to avoid this is by hiring a professional to cater your next
According to Brides Magazine, the number one reception detail guests value most (and the one they pay the most attention to) is food. Bar and drinks are number four on the list, right behind music and décor. As one of the best in New Orleans wedding catering, we have a long history of making the
Hors d’oeuvres have been a celebration staple since first being introduced in France in the late 17th century. Literally translated from “outside the work”, the modern-day version of hors d’oeuvres grew from their predecessors called entrements, which meant “between servings” and ushered in a new era of small bites. Although used interchangeably, there is a
During the pandemic, we’ve all gotten a lot more used to doing things at home. And many of us have been spending our time at home renovating and updating our homes. Now that many of us are back to entertaining, some may still prefer the comfort and familiarity of home. And some may want to
Alec Waugh insists in a 1970 Esquire essay that he invented the concept of drinks before dinner in the 1920s. Fast forward just a couple of decades and the art of cocktails has a culture all its own. From specialty mixologists that prepare cocktails with the flair of stage performers, to cocktails with ingredients as
In any negotiations, there’s always three possible answers–yes, no or maybe. When working with a caterer, don’t be afraid to negotiate. By asking simple questions and doing a little homework, you can negotiate the quality, quantity and budget-friendly pricing that will make your next catered event a success-both in the impression you make on your
Covid-19 put many events on the waiting list for 2020 and early 2021. But for couples who were eager to commit their love to one another, many opted to go ahead with their wedding plans–often before a Justice of the Peace or by eloping rather than professing their love before a large and loving crowd
In-person events are carefully coming back to life and bringing with them exciting new trends on the catering menu. These new trends are also being coupled with some cautionary steps to keep guests, hosts, and catering and venue staff safe. While it’s true that the pandemic reshaped the way we think about gathering, eating and