There’s no question that food and drink are the typical stars of the show at any catered event. But all too often, bar service can be a little lackluster — with the usual offerings, vodka, bourbon, standard mixers, a specialty drink, beer, and wine. When you think about it, bar service should be center stage
The mid-day catered event is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, impress a client, or show your appreciation for employees and colleagues. It can also be a little easier on the catering budget as lunches tend to be primarily food-centric and don’t involve a hefty bar bill or expansive dessert displays. Plus, lunches
We all know about cheese and meat charcuteries and even seacuterie boards filled with ocean fare, but a new trend is emerging that’s the sweetest of them all. Sweet tooth, meet the dessert charcuterie board, an inviting collection of confections that can fit virtually any catered event and any theme that is one of the
Two-Martini lunches. Mint Juleps on Derby Day. Mai Tais on the beach. These iconic cocktails conjure up a simple and often more indulgent experience. But they are making a comeback at many catered events and for a good reason. They were good back then, and they are just as satisfying today. The Originals As mixology
It’s no secret that an open bar will add to the festivities for any catered event or a wedding. Sure, Uncle Bob is prone to Maker’s Mark and ginger ale, or your corporate guests might order a Moscow Mule because it’s trendy, but offering a limited drink menu that pairs each with a specific appetizer
You are fortunate indeed if you are lucky enough to have inherited your grandmother or great-grandmother’s stained, annotated, and lovingly worn recipe cards. Those heritage recipes are often staples of your family’s kitchens for generations. You may not know who first introduced authentic Mexican tamales or Greek spanakopita to your familial table, but you’re certainly
While COVID may seem to be in the rear-view mirror as more and more people get their first, second, third, and even fourth vaccines and the infection and hospitalization rates continue to decline, some of its side effects are here to stay for a long time. That includes individual servings on catering menus, a trend
Parties are supposed to be about having fun, but that doesn’t apply to the host all too often. Especially if you’re trying to tackle it yourself, they are a lot of work, and hosting a celebration comes with its challenges. First, there’s the planning. Is there a theme? Who’s on the guest list? What’s the
According to Technomic’s Center of the Plate: Seafood & Vegetarian report, 41 percent of those surveyed say they are eating more vegetables than they did a year ago. Of those, 16 percent say they eat more vegetarian and vegan options. Some call it more mindful eating and have a renewed focus on better quality ingredients.
When many of us think of Cinco de Mayo party themes, we think of Corona and guacamole. However, Cinco de Mayo can lend itself well to a grand catered event with the proper preparations, catering menu planning, and some authentic Mexican estilo (style). Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day.
New Orleans is a cultural gumbo and one of America’s most diverse yet blended cities. You see it in the architecture, taste it in the food, enjoy it in celebrations, and hear it in the dialects spoken only in the Crescent City. Understanding the difference clarifies how each origin has indelibly left its mark on
If 2021 has taught us anything, it’s “you can’t always get what you want,” also lamented by the Rolling Stones more than 50 years ago. Supply chain issues have impacted everything from grocery store shelves to restaurant kitchens. Still, there is one place you can find ingredients that exceed your greatest expectations and are readily
What started as a treat for French and Spanish royalty, the infamous King Cake is now the signature confection served all over New Orleans during Mardi Gras season. But what is king cake, why is it so popular, and what different varieties does it come in? At Messina’s Catering and Events, king cakes have graced
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
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
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