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
Coffee is a mainstay at just about any event, and is usually relegated to the end, served with desserts and cordials. But coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world with more than 400 billion cups consumed annually. So, why not make it shine? Customized coffee sleeves Most coffee shops have them
We all know the saying “good things come in small packages”. This definitely rings true in catering! Miniature foods are a great way to amp-up visual impact and give your guests more to talk about than the standard passed apps. Whether the theme of your menu focuses on Americana classics, or exotic flavors from afar,
So, you want to throw an exotic destination-themed event? Few places in the United States encompass so much variety in culture and charm as New Orleans. It is a city comprised of so many distinct cultures. NewOrleans.com describes the city as “offbeat, unusual, loud and proud – all part of the gumbo that has simmered
As COVID made us all a little leery of sharing anything—especially food—boxed meals rose dramatically in popularity and started popping up in socially-distanced board rooms and bridal showers all across the country. Even with the pandemic’s spread now under greater control and a large chunk of the population vaccinated, boxed meals are here to stay
In these post-COVID days of touchless restaurant menus you access from your phone and boxed lunches in place of buffets, single-serve dishes are more popular than ever. Done properly, it also greatly reduces waste by removing the need for plate ware. This post explores those one bite wonders that go way beyond the tried-and-true deviled
To say that 2020 was a long, lonely year is quite the understatement. As of June 7th, almost 42% of the population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. While that means a lessening of restrictions for the vaccinated population, the risk still remains for the 58% who have yet to get their shots. The good
If you search the hashtag #jarcuterie on Instagram, you’ll get more than 300 results. That’s just one indication of how popular “grab-and-go” options are on catering menus, and the trend will likely continue in 2021. Jarcuterie is just one trend, others include skewers, shot glasses, waffle cones and popcorn buckets. Sweet to savory, the individual
Oftentimes the hors d’oeuvres are guest’s favorite part of an event. So, why not make them the star? Make your next event a cocktail hour that doesn’t end. Forget the full meal, serve a large variety of hors d’oeuvres for your event. This allows guests to mix, mingle, eat and drink; all without the formality
Mid-May into June marks graduation season. Whether you’re applauding a student for earning their PhD or a young teenager leaving middle school for their high school career, it’s a milestone moment for the student as well as their family. With so much to look forward to, graduation is a reason to celebrate! And what complements
Want to really impress your guests with something different? How about a catered event solely designed to please the sweet tooth? Dessert-only events are gaining in popularity and for good reason. They’re colorful, visually stunning (hello Insta!), and oh so much fun! Dessert-only Variety When desserts are the star of the show, the key is
Move over charcuterie, there’s a new kid in town – the seacuterie boards. While this may be a new concept to some, the first seacuterie was served by Brooklyn Chef David Burke in 1988. It featured gravadlax – that cured salmon that’s been a Scandinavian staple for centuries – with a distinctly American twist. Burke’s
Spring will soon be upon us here in the Crescent City. The azaleas and dogwoods will be in bloom. Courtyard dining in the French Quarter will be in full swing, and tourists and residents alike will go are window shopping up and down Magazine Street to enjoy the fresh, spring air. It’s also festival and
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
Appetizers at catered events are nothing new. They have been a favorite component of successful full-service catering menus for more than a decade. Today, caterers are thinking beyond the stuffed mushrooms and peeled shrimp. Whether passed or served at stations, appetizers are a great way to give guests a wide range of flavor sensations that
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
Every new year brings new trends to catering menus. This year is no different, with a smorgasbord of exciting changes taking shape. Caterers like Messina’s Catering and Events is among the Top New Orleans caterers embracing these trends, which will be adding a unique flavor to everything from destination weddings to corporate retreats. Skip the
If your child is about to graduate, congratulations! It’s a huge milestone in your lives. Other than their wedding, this will probably be one of the biggest parties you throw for them. It’s a celebration that will create memories that last a lifetime. New Orleans caterers like Messina’s Catering and Events can help you host
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
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