Unique food and drink pairings are more inventive than ever and have added a special “wow” factor to any full-service catering event. With the nationwide explosion in the number of microbreweries, craft distillers, and U.S.-based vintners, America’s palette for both food and drink is more adventurous than ever. What this means to the catering industry
In many cultures around the world, gluten-free is the norm rather than the exception. While gluten-free catering menus are a relatively recent phenomenon in the U.S., in countries like Mexico, Thailand, Greece, Italy, and India, gluten-free foods have been a staple of the diets around the world for centuries. If you’re planning a full-service catering
Barbecue is hot right now—not just coming off the grill, but on catering menu at events around the country. New Orleans is at the epicenter of this trend, fueled by its history and penchant for spicy, regional foods and plethora of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s now quite common to see caterers roll in everything
January 18, 2020 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch
Well, except for the bride, of course. At any wedding or event, incredible food makes for lasting memories. By putting menu items and their presentation front and center, you can craft an overall experience that will linger long after guests depart. In New Orleans, food has stolen the spotlight for centuries. Today’s catering trends call
January 9, 2020 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails
Recently the term “Dry January” has been all the rage. But for some, skipping booze is more of a permanent decision. They call themselves the “sober curious” and they are reshaping event planning like never before. More than 1.2 million people posted #soberlife on Instagram in 2019, and the non-alcohol beer industry is expected to
January 6, 2020 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer
Self-proclaimed foodies all agree – bowl food is in! It’s hot (and cold), trendy, and so the thing to do at special events. Even the Royals are in on bowl food. What food? Bowl what, you ask? Don’t worry, Messina’s Catering and Events gives you the scoop on the ins and outs of bowl food.
January 1, 2020 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married
You’ve found your soul mate and have selected one of America’s most romantic and fun-loving cities for your destination wedding. In a city steeped in history and bejeweled by stunning architecture, breathtaking views and upbeat traditions, choosing the right venue in the Crescent City can seem daunting – unless you know where to look. Here
November 12, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday
It’s pumpkin spice season. Soon to follow, gingerbread season. Sweater-weather brings with it the desire for food and drinks that make the oncoming holiday season extra special. After all, the holiday season is a time for celebration! And celebration means great food and drinks! No one is questioning the importance of ham, roast turkey, oyster
November 7, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday
One of the region’s top food and music festivals, Boudin, Bourbon & Beer brings together over 70 of the nation’s best chefs and a star-studded music lineup to New Orleans on November 8, 2019. Messina’s Catering and Events is proud to have been selected to provide beverage management services as well as coordinating the on-site
October 31, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday
It’s sweater weather and those crisp, cool fall days have us mesmerized by the changing leaves and all things autumn. When planning your event, bring in fall’s magic with seasonal drinks that give a more powerful kick than pumpkin spice lattes. From hot drinks to warm up the festivities to cool libations with an autumn
October 25, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday
Most events start out with a welcome, or cocktail reception. Whether it be for a wedding, where guests await the bride and groom to return from their photos. Or at a corporate event, where it’s a chance to network before being seated for dinner. Regardless of the type of events, guests use this as a
October 21, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday, Halloween
Fall is in full swing and we all know what that means – the holidays! Halloween starts off the holiday season, and it’s not just for kids. Adults love this spooky holiday too. So instead of waiting for Christmas to throw a sophisticated grown up bash, impress this holiday with an adults-only Halloween party. And
October 4, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday, Halloween, Tea
As the great author Henry James exclaimed, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” We agree with Mr. James. If you’ve ever fancied a cup of tea, you’d agree too. Tea events are quite the treat, oozes sophistication and can be bloody fun
September 30, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday, Halloween, Tea
Cheers! Santé! Prost! Sláinte! Salud! It’s joyous, it’s celebratory, and it’s a must to celebrate your special day. No matter how you say it, libations are an important part of your wedding. Messina’s Catering and Events shares some of the top wedding bar trends to get those glasses clinking! Satellite Bar Trending now are satellite
September 16, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday, Halloween, Tea
Farm to Table events are quite the rage. Everyone wants in on them. Why? Aside from being a new and unique trend, farm to table events are beautiful with a focus on community, connection, and of course food. Messina’s Catering and Events shares some helpful tips when planning a catered farm to table event. Locally
September 4, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday, Halloween, Tea
Cheese and entertaining go hand and hand. Go to a cocktail party at a friend’s home, and you’ll usually find a beautiful cheese and cracker display. Visit a local restaurant, chances are there is a rustic charcuterie and cheese board on the appetizer list. Cheese is versatile, there are countless varieties with varying textures and
August 30, 2019 |
Bar, Beverage, Brunch, Catering Menu, Wedding, Best Chefs in Louisiana, Catering and Events, Gluten-Free, Meat-Free, Lunch, Cocktails, appetizer, Beer, Place to get married, Cheese, Holiday, Halloween, Tea, Wine
“Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures” notes Michael Broadbent, British Master of Wine and critic. Wine is an integral component of any occasion. With so many varieties, selecting the right for your event may seem daunting. Before calling on your nearest sommelier, Messina’s Catering and