cuisinEtc - a culinary journey via catering

corporate and social holiday events

2012-01-19T01:11:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is always a busy one for all of us, caterers especially.
Shopping for gifts, sending cards and messages, baking and cooking for family and friends.

This holiday season the events produced and catered

by CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC

ran the gamut from intimate house parties

to festive cookies and hot apple cider for 250

attended by Mayor Mike Bloomberg,

a variety of Chanukah latkes and hot chocolate,

and culminating in an elaborate holiday event

for a favorite corporate client

with a bevy of delicious beverages,

hors d'oeuvres, an amazing variety of

buffet items spanning a 40 foot conference table

and fun passed desserts,

including Kaluha eggnog.

Enjoy the pictures and menu items posted below.

boozy brownies
delicious fudgy brownies with pipette shots
of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Caramel Liqueur
and Virgin Irish Creme

Blue potato latkes with indian spiced chutney

traditional Chanukah latkes

Individual Shrimp Cocktails in Sake Cups
CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events

Greek Salad Bytes
CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC

Grilled Shrimp with Blueberry Gastrique Pipette

Lobster Mac + Cheese
a much requested favorite of
CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC Clients

petit rosemary lamb chops

with dual dipping sauces

festive house party Christmas Day

loved the variety of rosemary wreaths
the design team at
CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC
produced for this years
New York City Metro Area holiday parties

zucchini rollups amid
the rosemary wreath

can we offer you a warm
organic roasted tomato
soup sip shot glass
with hanging cheddar star?

a trio of hot creamy dips were served

with house made savory biscotti

The team at CuisinEtc is known for our

attention to detail with beautiful displays

lovely signage, delicious food and decor.

pear balsamic gorgonzola
spinach salad in mini cosmo glasses

Guests enjoyed the filet mignon

+ mustard glazed loin of pork

accompanied by horseradish crema,

caramelized onion marmalade +

housemade sage apple mustard

offered with petit artisan rolls

holiday carving station

fabulous desserts including
cuisinEtc's signature Boozy Brownie Bytes
with Godiva chocolate liqueur pipettes

Fun, Feastive and Edible Holiday Decor

2011-12-05T21:50:00.001-05:00

Our culinary team was looking for holiday sweet treat inspirations and ran across these ideas. Easy to execute with maximum impact and minimum fuss.

www.foodiggity.com
recipe http://bit.ly/v4Z8J8

Santa's Hat

Ingredients:

Brownies

Fresh Strawberries

Marscapone Buttercream

Basically make a pan of your favorite brownie recipe

- use a cutter to make circles.

Make Mascarpone Buttercream (recipe here: http://bit.ly/v4Z8J8)

Pipe ring of mascarpone buttercream,

Top with strawberry that you have cut the stem off of

and pipe a dollop on top of the strawberry "hat" to finish.

Rudi

the Red Nosed

Reindeer Pop

Not sure where the CuisinEtc culinary team found this one but it seems to be a chocolate covered marshmallow with pretzel ears and red hot candy nose - you can get candy eyes in a candy supply store but if not a white candy with black food coloring should do the trick.

Sweet and Salty
Around the holidays you often find speciality shaped pretzels - this holiday treat is a riff on the buckeye cookie....made with tree shaped and bell shaped pretzels sandwiching a peanut butter filling and dipped in chocolate.

photo: http://bit.ly/tq7o3j

Use your favorite buckeye cookie recipe (smooth peanut butter, sugar, butter creamed together) and this no bake recipe could become a new family favorite.

Oh Hannukah Oh Hannukah

source: the Shiksa in the Kitchen
http://bit.ly/s1TOBl

A great miracle happened here...

How cute are these edible dreidels
Materials:

Marshmallows
Chocolate kisses
Nutella Hazelnut Spread
Pretzel Sticks
Sprinkles
Cake Decorating Gel

Festive and Healthy

source: www.gingerandgarlic.blogspot.com

materials:
..1 medium styrofoam cone (available at craft stores such as Michaels)
..toothpicks
..2-3 holiday shaped cookie cutters like gingerbread men, stars or bells,
..fresh fruit, - she used green + black seedless grapes, strawberries, kiwis, dried cranberries and cantaloupe melon.
..cilantro or parsley garnish

Edible SnowFlakes
They say no two snowflakes are exactly the same...
Here's a different take on the snowflake that our own
cuisinEtc culinary team
came up with for holiday events.

edible snowflake by cuisinEtc catering and special events nyc

Materials
fresh mozzarella balls - cherry sized
blue cheese stuffed olives
bamboo knotted skewers
bamboo tear drop mini plates

edible tablescape cuisinetc catering and special events nyc
mozzarella + olive snowflakes, rosemary tree, fruit + veg garnishes

Fragrant Edible Wreath

Make a wreath out of fresh rosemary sprigs
garnish with assorted olives, marinated peppadew peppers,
fresh mozzarella balls and baby cornichon pickles.

Happy Holidays from all of us
at CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events.
May your holidays be filled
with love, fun, friends, food and family.

P.S. Call us for your next special event.

We love to make your party a delicious one,
where you too get to be a guest !!!

hurray for Red White and Blues

2011-07-05T19:37:00.002-04:00

Happy to be back in our home away from home, Northern California
catering and helping to produce another great summer event, the CKA Ranch Red White and Blues Holiday weekend bash in Willits, California, a great spot in Mendocino County, just up the road a stretch from Sonoma and Napa.

the menu which runs the gambit from traditional
- bbq ribs,
   15 hour pit smoked brisket,
   buttermilk fried chicken,
   burgers and franks on the grill

to the exotic - tandoori chicken,
   lamb burgers,
   handmade puposas,
   lobster mash,

brussel sprout salad

blue cheese slaw,

deep fried stuffed olives,
(three kinds - stuffed with blue cheese,
stuffed with garlic and herb cured)

freshly shucked oyster shooters
shucked by sheriff Todd and served with vodka and hot sauce
....they went down a cool treat on a hot day...

cajun fish tacos, grilled local wild caught salmon with sweet pea sauce,
pistachio rogue river blue cheese risotto balls (ultra yum),

thai chili spiked strawberry pop tarts, nutella and summer bing cherry poptarts, and house made meyer lemon curd

silvermoon mango mimosa and pomegranite martini minis,

and lavender lemoncello lemonade to name a few.

Planeta ... an out of the world experience in Sicily with the International Caterers Association Learning Journey

2011-05-30T09:38:00.040-04:00

The almonds, pistachios and raisons were a delight - fresh is the first word that came to mind, the taste was pure, delicious inspiring and complimentary to the Planeta wines we were tasting in the rustic romantic wine cellars lite by flickering candles and surrounded by dusty treasures waiting to be uncorked.

Blogging and journaling are a process that don't always match the time frame of when things happened but are a reflection of what's on our minds and in our hearts.

Where in Sicily the grapes are grown for the Planeta Wines

Was recently reminiscing about last fall's fantastic delicious journey to Sicily, Naples and the Amalfi Coast and in talking about almonds and how the crops have become so polluted with pesticides and radiation, with an facebook and real life friend and organic farmer, Hope Hilby of Firelight Farms in Orwigsburg, Pa, started looking at the photos from September's trip, and knew it was time to share the experience with y'all.

The almonds that we nibbled on in the wine cellar of Planeta, grown on their own estates, and fresher than fresh, stand out in our minds and palates as some of the most memorable tastes of a trip with a very high bar in terms of tasting treasures.

The CuisinEtc Culinary Team travels the world exploring the culinary perspective in order to bring that back to our clients and to expand our understanding of global cuisines and trends. Places like Sicily are rich in multicultural blending of cuisines and history - influence from years of trading and conquerers .

Along the way we experienced the influence of North Africa with lesson in cooking fish "cus cus" aka cous cous from a personable expert

and charming restauranteur, Pino Maggiore in Marsala,

where we also toured the fabulous Cantine Florio, learning by taste that not only are there wines called Marsala that are delicious digestif high above the vin ordinaire of typical marsala cooking wine, but also why the Sicilian's created Marsala when the wars with Spain cut the English off from obtaining

the Port they had come to love from Spain and Portugal,

delicate almond pastries from such masters as Maria Grammatico in Erice,

Cannolis - the most eretheral

ever in Modico at L'Antica Dolceria Bonajuta

-the cannolis and the trip was a truly life changing experience .

It was the Arabs that brought sugar cane to Sicily in the 9th century - changing the game as far as sweeteners went away from the more traditional mediterannian honey sweetened pastries to the array of sweet treats Sicily is famous for up until and including today. No trip to Sicily is complete without experiencing a REAL cannoli .

But this post today will focus on the Planeta WInery and the incredible hospitality, knowledge and tastes the owner, Alessio Planeta and his family shared with us and we hope to share with you.

ICA culinary journey - wine tasting at Planeta

most tours ONLY take you to see the tanks
this one went WAY beyond and below
including the wine cellars, the kitchens, the library
and the processing centers.

Larry Levy, of Biddle Street Catering, Baltimore
+ Craig Mitchell, Mitchell's Catering, Raleigh, NC

Tom Preti, Joy Wallace and Kellie Woodward

An ICA Culinary

Learning Journey

“THE KINGDOM

OF THE TWO SICILIES”

LA FORESTERIA

MENFI

Antipasto

Maccu e ricotta

Primo

Pasta con le sarde

Secondo

Pancia di maialino nero dei Nebrodi e cipollotti in agrodolce

Dolce

Gelato di fichi e pistachio

our executive chef Andrew Alexander-Crossan
had just finished exploring the extensive dream of an herb garden
right outside these doors that made all the caterers "green with envy"

delicious food that paired
perfectly with the Planeta wines.

thank you to our most gracious and knowledgable host, Alessio Planeta

Planeta Winery is one of the premier wine estates of Sicily, and a true fine wine empire.
Planeta has vineyards and estates all over the island of Sicily including
- the Ulmo contrada and vineyards in Sambuca di Sicilia (their first winemaking facility and beautiful ancestral family home, located on the Arancio Lake);
the Dispensa base in Menfi that we visited and
where Planeta high end olive oils are also made nearby at the Capparina mill;
the beautiful Dorilli estate in Vittoria;
the Buonivini vineyards and underground winery near the Baroque town of Noto;
and Planeta's newest estate- Sciara Nuova
in the fashionable fine wine region of volcanic Mount Etna.

Planeta also runs an agriturismo
hotel in the property in Menfi beautifully named
La Foresteria

with fourteen large rooms with private terraces, similar to a country landowners’ home, resembling the style with their warm Mediterranean colours, which have various colours schemes and types of antique furniture, with lovely pastel tints on the walls, reds and ochres in the geometrically patterned carpets, and the yellow and the blue of the ceramics from nearby Burgio and Caltagirone.

Address:

Aziende Agricole Planeta
Contrada Dispensa, Menfi (AG)

Tel: +39 091.327965
Fax: +39 091.6124355
Email: planeta@planeta.it
Web: www.planeta.it

Winery Details

Appellations:IGT Sicilia, DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Hectares under vine: Founded:1995 first vintage
Owner:Planeta family
Winemaker:Alessio Planeta
Grape Varietals:Nero d’ Avola, Frappato, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Grecanico, Chardonnay, Fiano, Viognier, Carricante, Moscato Bianco

from hot dogs to haute dogs - not your father's BBQ summer outing

2011-05-10T00:32:00.000-04:00

Here's a menu concept the cuisinEtc culinary team developed for clients looking for something a little bit different
but truthfully we almost never do straight up picnics or bbqs -

any one else care to share some out of the chafer picnic and bbq menu ideas?

From Hot Dogs to Haute Dogs
Choose from the following selection:
∞ Cows in the Comforter
Mini Kosher Hot Dogs in Bagel Wrappers Displayed on a Field of Wheat Grass in Catchers Mitts
∞ Not Your Mama’s Sausage Rolls
Italian Sausage in Puff Pastry with Honey Mustard
∞ Chicken, Apple and Rosemary Sausage Bytes
Smokin’ Chicken and Apple Sausage on Bamboo Picks
∞ Guadalajura Dog
Chorizo Bytes with Salsa and Cheese Deep Fried in a Wonton Wrapper
∞ Ozzy Osbourne Dog
English Sausage, Nacho and American Cheese, Grilled Onions, & Chopped Tomatoes
∞ New York Dog
Red saucy pushcart style onions, mustard & kraut
∞ Mama Mia
Sweet Fennel Sausage with Roasted Peppers and Onions on Crusty Italian Bread
∞ Hot Diggity Tex Mex Dogs on a Stick
The No Carb Spicy Chorizo Sausage on a Skewer
∞ Kraut Dogs
Bratwurst with onions and spicy brown mustard
∞ Seafood Sausage Lollipop
Skewered Balls of Shrimp & Salmon topped with Cocktail Sauce and a Squeeze of Fresh Lemon
∞ Norwegian Salmon Sausage
Smoked Salmon and Flounder With dill and honey mustard
∞ Peking Seafood Eggrolls
Shrimp, Scallops, Ginger and Scallions – Dabbed with Hoisin Dressing

Cinco de Mayo - Holistic Body, Mind + Beauty Expo ..............................at Manhattan Lofts, NYC

2011-05-05T01:43:00.007-04:00

a healthy girls night out - a bevy of holistic vendors to pamper yourself, your friends and moms.

Join in the fun and celebrate CINCO DE MAYO in a new a vibrant and joyous way with so many wonderful and perfectly matched exhibitors coming together to experience this unique women’s wellness expo/girls night out. Together we can educate ourselves and each other and celebrate living a healthy life style.

CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events
is thrilled to be able to offer our unique

CUISINETC
***** POP UP *****
. VEGAN + VEGETARIAN CAFE

ARE YOU VEGAN, VEGETARIAN
OR DO YOU JUST LIKE GOOD FOOD ???

Come join us for a fun healthy LADIES night out coming up this Thursday May 5th, Cinco De Mayo,
and if you bring this ad, the admission is FREE.

With a bevy of interesting holistic vendors

focusing on pampering your BODY,
   intriguing your MIND,
   and enhancing your BEAUTY.

You will find gifts for Mothers Day from our specialist gift department, holistic practitioners, crystals and healing stones, massage, yoga and more... and come talk with us about catering your next event with a menu that suits your lifestyle.

The cuisinEtc food is delicious, fresh and all menus are bespoke, designed to your specifications,
your needs and your vision. Whether it's a graduation, a cocktail event, a wedding or milestone life celebration, we work with you to create an social or corporate event where you get to be a guest and enjoy your day with family, friends or get to spend the time shining to your boss and clients while cuisinEtc catering and special events does the work , creating a successful, smooth and flowing event that absolutely suits your vision!!

So celebrate Cinco de Mayo today, and come enjoy a taste of the CuisinEtc POP UP Cafe vegetarian and vegan offerings at Manhattan Lofts and Terrace,
267 5th Ave. Corner of 29th St.,

your culinary fashionista, Lisa Teiger
and favorite CuisinEtc Culinary Team
will be featuring our beautiful displays
+ fantastic vegan + vegetarian food offerings at the

CuisinEtc vegan + vegetarian POP UP Cafe

@ Midtown Loft & Terrace, Booth # 26
267 5th Avenue (corner of 29th Street
just steps from Penn Station),
Thursday May 5, 2011

Cinco De Mayo Adobe Sweet Potato Bytes
- kissed w/ Smoky Chipotle, Cumin + Pepito Seeds
...piquant, vegan and delicious!!
(made with vegan egg substitute
and organic whole wheat flour)

Tropical Cancun Nacho-tini
Fresh Masa Corn Tortillas Chips
from NYC’s own Tortilleria Nixtamal (Corona, NY)
corny goodness,
graced with

tropical pina y mango cherry tomato salsa

- kissed with fresh lime + cilantro

fresh, delicious, healthy !!
...vegan AND gluten free

12 Step Crack and Cheese

Addictively delicious
organic brown rice pasta
blended with Aged provolone
and fresh asiago peppercorn cheeses
...vegetarian AND gluten free

Asian Succatosh Salad
Organic Black Beans, Edamame,
Grilled Corn, Multi Colored Sweet Peppers,
Fresh Cilantro with Agave
Key Lime Vinaigrette
served over Organic Field Greens.
...vegan AND gluten free

a chance to sample a taste of cuisinEtc Catering's delicious food with a selection of tasting dishes at extremely reasonable prices. Keep in mind that while today's offerings are suited to the occasion - a holistic health fair, tomorrow we may be serving wild boar. Our bespoke menus always reflect what is appropriate to the occasion...

So come for a snack, a meal or just to say hello.

are you vegan, vegetarian
or do you just love GREAT food!!

Come on over to Midtown Loft and Terrace
and the Body Mind Beauty Expo Booth # 26 and experience some deliciousness today!

....LOVE ... LIVE.....LAUGH....EAT....DRINK....
.

a sit down dinner celebrating family, passover tradition + spring holidays

2011-04-17T17:52:00.005-04:00

hors d’oeuvres set out before dinner

... gingered smoked eggplant caviar

atop hand carved cucumber crowns

.. colorful root vegetable terra chips

...smoked salmon roulade with wasabi cream cheese

on mini bamboo plates or spoons

..spoons with voodoo + matza crackers

..triple crème brie slathered with apple and walnut goo

sit down dinner service

passover seder meal

in a non traditional style

soup course

fragrant chicken and dill broth

with baby carrots + mini matzoh dumplings

fish and salad course

please choose one of the following:

new wave gefilte fish

whitefish and salmon balls served with tender hearts of romaine

drizzled with creamy horseradish Caesar

(no wheat products: gluten free)

a duet of fish crowns

sesame salmon tatare and whitefish salad

perched in English cucumber cups

with arugula and grapefruit salad.

(no wheat products: gluten free)

salmon cigars

sliced smoked salmon and house made

herbed rondele wrapped asparagus

over arugula + roasted pepper salad

(no wheat products: gluten free)

dinner course

please choose one of the following:

wine and san marzano braised savory brisket or

lamb osso bucco moroccan style

tender lamb shanks braised with almonds, chickpeas,

dried plums, apricots and highlighted with citrus notes

served with quinoa pilaf and cumin + lemon kissed carrots + haricot vert

balsalmic braised short ribs

with baby bello mushrooms, pearl onions

and teenage farmers market carrots

served with truffled yukon gold potatoes, and

lemon zest asparagus

tuscan baby lamb chops

rosemary and garlic marinated baby lamb chops

served with creamy chipotle sweet potato anna

and sauteed watercress

dessert course

please choose one of the following:

fraise romanoff

... fresh spring strawberries macerated in liqueur and fresh squeezed orange juice and served with a topping of whipped cream, served in a martini glass, garnished with an almond macaroon “stirrer”

... matzo blintz cupakes served warm with fresh fruit salad

whipped cream no sugar

fresh fruit salad -

... passover flour less death by chocolate

Belgium chocolate torte with

dark chocolate mousse and sundried apricots stuffed with rosewater scented marscapone

... crustless signature cappuccino cheesecake

stratas of creamy coffee and espresso cheesecake

alternative for Ami:

bananas sautéed in butter topped with marscapone

passover 2011 - celebrating Pesach at the Actors Temple NYC

2011-04-17T17:03:00.001-04:00

In the footstep of Jack Benny, Actors Temple Second NIght Seder,

Services by Rabbi Jill, Catering by @CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events

find us on facebook: cuisinEtc Catering and Special Events

The Actor's Temple, Congregation Ezrath Israel,

is a place where spirituality meets creativity

Actors Temple Seder Buffet Tuesday April 19

..creamy tilapia with artichoke, lemon and leek sauce

served with Yemenite style sweet potatoes kissed with cumin

..zucchini pesach lasagna stuffed with cheese and capanata

..julienne vegetable salad with black walnuts + dill

..our famous Caesar salad with crunchy pumpkins seeds
and shaved parmesan

(no anchovies, and of course, no croutons)

includes our Fabulous Signature Dessert Finale: “Rivers of Sweets”

A bountiful display of ”flowing” rivers of kosher
for Passover chocolate Surrounded by dippable goodies such as

coconut macaroons, meringue cookies,
kosher for Passover Marshmallows, + fresh fruit

cheese glorious cheese...a fundraiser on the upper east side...

2011-03-23T13:55:00.000-04:00

Our client approached us to create a beautiful display of food that evoked the feeling of spring, nature and deliciousness... This was for a organizational fundraiser on the upper east side and many people would be stopping by to pump the machine up and raise money for a good cause.

enjoy the photos of the cuisinEtc culinary catering teams beautifully crafted breads and spreads table featuring an array of international cheese, pates and spreads along with artisan breads such as olive + rosemary ciabbatta, onion fiselle and the real deal french baguette from TomCat Bakery.

The amazing breads besides being delicious to eat also served as bowls for olives and platters for the fantastic cheese display.

fresh garlic scapes and vegetables from the Union Square farmers market completed the natural look the CuisinEtc catering and special events culinary team was hoping to acheive.

How beautiful and enticing does this food look??

Purim...a biblical mandate to get blitzed..dress in drag, dance your heart out while eating hamantashen + nibbling snacks

2011-03-19T10:36:00.009-04:00

The New Shul, 272 W 10th St at Greenwich St (212-284-6773, newshul.org

Saturday March 19, 2011 doors open at 7pm; $10 general admission, members free.

rated as one of the top five Purim parties in NYC by Time Out New York

Read more: Five best Purim parties - This week in New York - Time Out New York

What happens in Shusan ??

You know what they say,

What happens in Shusan, Stays in Shusan

- here's your chance to come find out for yourself...

- along with a sneak preview of tonight's
Purim Mishloach Manot - ...stations of light nibbles

to enjoy while watching Miss Candy Samples
+ her fabulous Drag Kings + Queens perform

"Folies Esthere," an extravaganza unlike any other.

Food! by C uisinEtc Catering and Events

abundant Wine & Beer ! Dancing Girls and Boys!

Purim - the Jewish holiday that is
a cross between the debacle of Mardi Gras
and the fun of Halloween

- According to an article on
the Top Five NYC Purim Plays + Parties
in this week's Time Out New York

"On this holiday , you're commanded to get so drunk that you don't know the difference between right and wrong"

says Amy Golding-Eichenwald,
executive director of the New Shul,
a progressive Greenwich Village Temple
that puts on a yearly Purim extravaganza
that includes professional drag queens,
mixed with congregants dress in costume

- of course you also can't tell
who are the boys and who are the girls

- the costumes and revelry is just that good !!

Complimenting the Mardi Gras meets Persian Palace theme,
CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events
is delighted once again be the caterer
for this fun packed evening
and
will be offering the following stations:

Trojan Horse Station

.. haman’s quesadillas griddled to perfection

by chef Andrew Alexander-Crossan

at the cuisinEtc "infamous" Trojan horse station

.. esther’s cumin + cardamom

kissed sweet potato knishes

Aleph Grazing Station

.. hand held cones of

voodoo cheese with

sesame bread sticks

.. royal cucumber crowns

with smoky baba ganoush

+ red pepper tapenade

..mordechai’s rondele cheese

torta surrounded by torn pita

.. roasted pepper sunflower

with carrot + yellow squash petals,

rings of sweet mini peppers

+ colored cauliflower

.. queen vashi’s

lemon scented dolmatis

Sushan Station

.. hand held cones of

voodoo cheese with

sesame bread sticks

.. royal cucumber crowns

with baba ganoush

+ red pepper tapenade

.. mahne yehudah

– sweet san marzano tomato

+ mozzarella foccaccia

.. sushan inspired popcorn

- choice of decadent truffle scented

or tandoori sweet + spicy scented

kettle popped buttery organic popcorn

.. ying yang of roasted pepper

+ edamame hummous sunflower

with carrot + yellow squash petals,

rings of sweet mini peppers

+ colored cauliflower

Mishloach Manot Sweets

..queen esther’s house made

fruit filled hamantashen

with pink + orange daisy cookies

Liquid Libations

beer

red and white wine

provided by New Shul

soft drinks

provided by CuisinEtc

fresh apple cider

seltzer

assorted sodas

pitchers of water

Purim food + station decor:

cuisinEtc catering + special events

Shusan Purim Drag Queens: Candy Samples

WHAT HAPPENS IN SHUSHAN STAYS IN SHUSHAN

"Folies Esthere"

produced by New Shul, Melanie Sylvan,

and coordinated by Natalie Stella Judelson.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

... CUISINETC CATERING and SPECIAL EVENTS

stayed tuned for photos which should be posted following the event...

www.newshul.org

a Rock the House Bar Mitzvah Celebration... Elvis Lives! fun and creative Bar Mitzvah ideas

2011-02-13T13:56:00.004-05:00

a bar mitzvah dream come true

- these kids rocked the house

with great music,

fantastic food

and fun loving family + friends

Our Client, a warm + fun loving family
in Connecticut were looking on line for
fun and creative bar mitzvah concepts
and stumbled upon a link on the
Mitzva-licious Blog that featured
some of CuisinEtc's creative work
and absolutely feel in love with
the fun presentations they saw there.
When we got the call,
they asked if CuisinEtc Catering
would be willing to travel from NYC
to Northern Connecticut
to cater their son's upcoming Bar Mitzvah
which they were looking to create
a rock and roll club like atmosphere for
serving kid friendly eye appealing delicious food.
Of course the answer was YES.
Our motto is: CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events
is located where ever our clients need us to be

So please take a look at
this fabulous Bar Mitzvah Celebration
and tell us in the comments section below,
what do you think ???
did the CuisinEtc Team rock our client's vision?

The CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events

Signature Presentation

Cows in the Comforter

All Beef Kosher Hot Dogs

in a Pastry Blanket

nestled in a catcher's mitt

in a field of wheatgrass

a big thank you to Kersten of Shadow Lounge Productions

for the fabulous food and decor shots he was able to pull off of his videos.

He is our newest fav photographer and videographer of choice!

cones of sweet potato chips

waiting to be drizzled with

herbed ranch dip

Elvis rocked the house

with this kosher style version

of his favorite banana and peanut butter

pinwheel.

these centerpieces looked amazing
when the lights went down low
flashing colors and adding
the perfect nightclub touch!

love love love

the tie dye balloons

This fun filled Bar Mitzvah Celebration at Temple Mischan Israel in Connecticut was set up club style with tall top bar tables draped in black floor length linens and tall chivari bar chairs, with blinking light up centerpieces and tie dye balloon arches that enhanced the club atmosphere.

The evening kicked off with hot dance music by DJ group Prime Time Party Crew (PTPC) and EmCee C-Tip and passed hors d'oeuvres by CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events.

One of the most popular hors d'oeuvre selections with adults and kids alike were the CuisinEtc smoking panko chicken tenders drizzled with Asian chili jam
+ sprinkled with shaved coconut.

Our take on the ubiquitous chicken finger passed on a middle eastern
tea tray bellowed smoke
... surprising + delighting guests !

Other passed kid friendly temptations
butlered by the friendly staff included:

...grilled cheese quesadillas

...our signature cows in the comforter
- all beef mini hot dogs in pastry blankets

...Elvis' kosher style
peanut butter/banana wrap + roll bytes
garnished with a toy guitar
and served on a record like spin disk platter

...cones of sweet potato chips
drizzled with herbed ranch dip

...queen of hearts my oh my

Italian lollipops perched

atop an artist palate

and

...cumin kissed veggie empanditas
with housemade basil + marinara dip.

Lisa Teiger, Culinary Fashionista and Event Food Stylist, of CuisinEtc's design department, along with team member Hong Mei Pang, created modern club like decor for the three food stations using red and black form fitting linens that present a sleek look .

Following the candle lighting ceremony and touching tributes to from the Bar Mitzvah boy to his family and close friends,

CuisinEtc Catering + Special Event Staff opened the food stations
and let the feasting begin...

High Bar Tables + Chivari Bar Chairs

helped create a club atmosphere

and balloon arches + centerpieces

by Katie's Hot Air Balloons

popped the room with color + fun!

each guest customized their own
martini toppings - how fun is this!

decor details from the Square Martini Glass
to the retro wooden truck

Natan's Bar Mitzvah was just such a fun filled event

the food + decor created by CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events

helped enhance + create

the fun club vibe the client envisioned.

Kudos to Natan's Mom, Dafna,

for choosing a menu

that suited her guests,

both kids + adults perfectly !!

and for pulling together the party details

with grace + style!!

Natan's Bar Mitzvah rocked the house!

Thank you for allowing

CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC

assist you in making your vision come true !!!

retro TV frames announced the menus
at each of the Bar Mitzvah Food Stations

the CuisinEtc signature orange bbq glazed meatballs
with pretzel skewers were the "olives" in the martini
Mom, Dafna raved about the taste !!

organic natural food decor

vibrant eye popping displays created by
CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC
Design Decor Team,
culinary Fashionista, Lisa Teiger
+ assistant Hong Mei Pang

Adding the WOW factor that enhances each customized event menu
that CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC
creates for our clients + guests enjoyment
During the event, both Mom + Dad and Grandma too
made it a point to tell us
how CuisinEtc's fantastic food
+ eye catching imaginative presentations
exceeded their expectations in every way.
... praises + heart felt emotions like that make all the hard work
+ challenges of catering well worth the efforts !!
We love our job !!

yummy colorful toppings for the mashed potatoes
...shredded cheddar, colorful terra stix,
scallions + creme fraiche...

Med Rim Station Signage

ordinary pasta transforms into
elegant + whimsical design decor
speaking to the food that is
served at Natan's med rim Bar Mitzvah food station

...roasted garlic hummous
sunflower towers

Not hard to get folks to eat their veggies

when they look as enticing as this...

It was a very popular choice for many guests

and the staff kept busy continuously refilling

and replacing the platters of delicious farm fresh vegetables...

Triangle shaped bowl
for the kid friendly yet adult worthy
San Marzano marinara +pasta

Grandma Daniella brought guests to see the cuisinEtc catering
med rim food station setup
before the food even came out of the kitchen.

how to spot a culinary food designer ...
someone who uses pasta
+ natural food elements
for design decor
as well as eating pleasure

Catering is not just the business
of CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events,

Catering + Events are
our PASSION!!!

Med Rim Station design decor details
such as Jewish Star pasta under a glass riser,
grilled veggies display nestled into a retro wooden truck
and table top covered with greens
to resemble a field of vegetables,
tall elegant vases bulging with shaped pasta + veggies
delighted the guests senses,
along with the delicious aromas
of the rosemary foccacia pizza bytes,
San Marzano tomato sauce
with shaved Parmesan,
and long fusilli pasta,
Towers of hummous sunflowers,
olives displayed in hand carved artisan bread baskets
and the beautiful farm fresh grilled + roasted vegetable displays
created a comfort food with an attitude ambiance
that hit a home run for the bar mitzvah guests' enjoyment.

the Asian Station was the centerpiece of
the three dinner food stations
designed by CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events.

TV signs announced the food stations menus.

Coordinated Black Asian Takeout Boxes
personalized with the bar mitzvah boy's
name and the date
... fun ... fresh ... user friendly ...

love the clean stream lined look of the
form fitting table linens

cold sesame noodles in personalized Asian boxes
and Auntie Dai's chicken + veggie dumplings.

Dessert- the final indulgence -

Rivers of Belgium Milk Chocolate and Housemade Buttery Caramel
were surrounded by a bevy of dippable delights.

It was a blast for the kids and adults alike to find various goodies from fresh fruit and berries, to fanciful twinkies to european happy hippos, classic oreos, oh so yummmeeee cream puffs, multi colored marshmallows and sooooo much more !!!!

As with the rest of this fun event, we used very cool triangle shaped high end disposable plates for the dessert offerings.

european happy hippos and fanciful twinkies were dipped + devoured

Event Credits:

Catering and Food Design:
Lisa Teiger
CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events NYC
www.cuisinetc.net
lisa@cuisinetc.net
646.932.3496

Balloon + Centerpiece Decor:

Katie's Hot Air Ballons

kateshotairballons@gmail.com

Event Venue:

Congregation Mischan Israel

Hamden Connecticut

Gary Mitchell, Event Supervisor

www.cmi.urj.net

cmibuilding@yahoo.com

DJ, Lighting + MC Services:

Prime Time Party Crew, Virginia Beach

Lisa Mason

Big Day Entertainment

Lisa@bigdayevp.com
www.bigdayentertainment.com

Video Productions & Photo Design:

Kersten H Schriel

www.ShadowLoungeProductions.com

kersten@shadowloungeproduction.com

thank you to Kersten for generously sharing his fabulous photos
(featured here on this blog post) with CuisinEtc Catering. It's a joy to have such professional representation of our artistic efforts documented with attention to detail
and we will happily and highly recommend using Kersten's video and photography services for future events.

And thank you as well, to all the other event professionals for working together to create seamless and outstanding service for the bar mitzvah boy, his parents, their family + guests.

Mazel Tov to Natan

+ his entire family

and

a BIG THANK YOU

for letting

CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events

participate in your special day!!

Celebrating the holidays - NYC style - a holiday cocktail event

2010-12-29T19:32:00.003-05:00

One of the highlights of this years holiday events for the culinary and service team of CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events was this fun and delicious holiday soiree we created for one of our financial clients on the festively decorated Fifth Avenue by the Park. A virtual feast of holiday catering for corporate clients was well received and a great way to end the corporate catering holiday events for the CuisinEtc team.

As the festivities began, Guests were offered a glass of sparkling Prosecco with fresh raspberries along with other refreshing beverages from the glowing satin gold bar.

Tall gold and glass stands
with colorful Terra Chips
provided a tasty munch
to accompany the holiday drinks.

The office space positively glowed with the holiday spirit and decor.

The large board room where the party was held is a beautiful space with an old world feel that overlooks the winter wonderland of Central Park.

To compliment the warm and rich feeling of the room, CuisinEtc Event Stylist Lisa Teiger embraced natural decor such as fresh rosemary trees surrounded by blood red pomegranates and baby artichokes, farmers market wreathes with fresh leaves, gold indian corn, dried flowers and beautiful holiday touches such as fresh cabbage roses.

Clusters of nuts sprayed with gold, and triangular bowls floating red votives and fresh cranberries accented the satin gold napkin rolls and long green linen runners that spanned the 24 foot table making the buffet look like a giant wrapped present!

holiday cheese and fruit display

love the olive and mozzarella snowflakes

One side on the immense table featured our beautiful hand hammered copper cylindrical chafers hosting a bevy of delicious hot food

.. Wild Mushroom Risotto

.. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

with Blue Cheese Dip

and Pretzel Skewers

.. Citrus Sauteed Chicken

with White Wine,

Artichoke and Leek Fonda

Guests were able to help themselves to a festive variety of fork friendly foods

which besides the chafing dishes

and cheese display included

a trio of cocktail sandwiches

bbq pulled pork,
smoked salmon with wasabi cream cheese
+ rare filet of beef with roasted pepper pesto

a delicious display

individual jumbo shrimp cocktails

in white china sake glasses

who doesn't love jumbo U16 shrimp?

CuisinEtc's ever popular Indian Fusion Cuisine Samosas

kept warm on a copper triangle riser with a duo of red and green chutneys displayed on the wrought iron holiday tree.

touches of holiday abound

and lump crab Asian and fresh spinach noodle salad

served in black take out boxes

accented with red chopsticks.

The Asian take out boxes was an ode to the tradition
of NYC Jews eating chinese food on Christmas Day!

and as if this wasn't already enough to satisfy a variety of appetites and tastes, butler passed hors d'oeuvres and short plates were also offered for the guest's pleasure - and from the comments the favorites were the lobster mac and cheese in mini pots

not your mama's
lobster mac and cheese
in individual serving pots
with cocktail forks

and the rosemary lamb lollipops atop a bed of fragrant rosemary with dual holiday colored dipping sauces (pomegranate chili sauce and fresh mint jelly)

but there was still more on the hors d'oeuvres menu that night ... a literal groaning board of delicious and enticing small bytes and short plates.

housemade
green veggie dumplings
with edamame filling

steamed edamame

and smoked tofu

vegetarian dumplings

in spinach wontons

fingerling potatoes
creme fraiche
and panchetta
made these
"potato skins"
EXTRAORDINARY

not your average

potato skins

tri colored fingerling

potato cups

with creme fraiche,

chives

and crispy panchetta

presented

on bamboo squares

atop a "jingle" platter

a new and exciting bite-lyte this holiday season

is the Oaxacan Mole and Duck Tamale

Oaxacan Mole and Duck Tamale
handmade in the CuisinEtc Kitchens
and presented in doll house sized ceramic dishes

Swanky Kobe Beef Hot Dog Coins
served from a catchers mitt
in a field of wheat grass

thai peanut chicken in lotus cups

organic bloody mary soup sips

with vodka, roasted tomato and pepper soup

served in glass demitasse cups with a skewered olive.

after enjoying the buffet and passed hors d'oeuvres and listening to speeches from company leaders, and a brief respite a trio of desserts were passed... Corporate Holiday Catering in NYC never had it so good!

fresh hot out of the oven

chocolate chip and fudge filled

warm cookies with ice cold milk shots

grand marnier orange

chocolate mousse

on petit china spoons

dotted with fresh raspberries

and

wild blueberry

and organic banana tartlets

along with a Kahlua enhanced

Eggnog shots with cinnamon stick stirrers.

hot cookies and cold milk
served with retro oven mitts
oh what a treat, Santa would be jealous!

here's a toast from the team at
CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events!!

HO HO HO - HAPPY HOLIDAYS and ENJOY THE NEW YEAR!!

do the light thing... celebrating Chanukah with latkes in Washington Square Park NYC

2010-12-04T15:17:00.004-05:00

Tis the season to eat latkes, tra la la la la la la la...

Join CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events and the New Shul for

"do the Light Thing and Latkes"

a Chanukah celebration in NYC's Greenwich Village

Lighting the menorah, in Washington Square Park

Tonight, December 4th, 2010
in Washington Square Park at 5 p.m.
open to all -

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and nosh on a latke
while we light the menorah,
sing songs and enjoy the holiday season.

Washington Square Park
- Arch Plaza,
between the fountain
and the arch.

here's the recipe for the delicious latkes we served tonight

thanks to my Facebook Friend and cookbook author Norene Gilletz for sharing this fabuloush recipe.

see other latke recipes by Norene on her website

here

We opted to fry the latkes for that extra crispiness and golden color

(although Norene pointed out that they could be broiled for a few minutes for extra color)

PS we did not peel the potatoes after washing them, and found the taste and texture to be perfect.

No-Fry Latkes
Source: Healthy Helpings

Enjoy! If you prefer to fry latkes instead of baking them, don't add oil to the latke mixture as directed below. Use a non-stick skillet and fry latkes in a little oil, about 2 tsp. per batch. Drain on paper towels to absorb oil.

One no-fry latke contains just 1 gram of fat, compared to 2.7 grams for the fried version!

4 tsp. canola or vegetable oil, divided
4 or 5 medium Idaho potatoes (2 lb./1 kg.)
1 medium onion
1 clove garlic, if desired
1 tbsp. fresh dill (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 egg & 2 egg whites (or 2 eggs), lightly beaten
1/4 c. flour (white or whole wheat)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

*1. Place oven racks on the lowest and middle positions in your oven. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil. Spray each baking sheet lightly with non-stick spray, then brush each baking sheet with 1 tsp. of oil. (This provides a crispy exterior to the latke.)

2. Peel potatoes or scrub them well if you don't want to peel them. (we did not peel) Grate potatoes. (The processor does this quickly.) Transfer them to another bowl. Use the processor to finely mince onion, garlic and dill. Add potatoes, egg, egg whites and remaining 2 tsp. of oil to the processor. Mix using quick on/off turns. Add remaining ingredients and mix briefly. If over-processed, potatoes will be too fine.

3. Drop mixture by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon to form latkes. Bake uncovered at 450°F for 10 minutes, or until bottoms are nicely browned and crispy. Turn latkes over. Transfer pan from the upper rack to the lower rack and vice versa. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes longer, or until brown. Best when served immediately.

*Note: Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, such as Chefs Select. Bake uncovered at 425°F for 12 minutes. Ensure the paper does not extend beyond the baking sheet or touch the walls of the oven.

Yield: 2 dozen medium latkes or 6 dozen minis.

Serve with applesauce, low-fat sour cream or yogurt topped with minced lox and chives. Latkes freeze well.

Nutritional Information:

36 calories per medium latke, 1 g fat (0.1 saturated), 9 mg cholesterol, 1 g protein, 6 g carbohydrate, 92 mg sodium, 143 mg potassium, trace iron, <1 g fiber, 10 mg calcium.

NO-FRY SWEET POTATO LATKES
Prepare latkes as directed above, but use 1 large sweet potato, 2 Idaho potatoes and 2 eggs plus 2 egg whites (or 3 eggs). One latke contains 50 calories, 1.3 g fat and 18 mg cholesterol.

in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month ............................................................. ..................A fusion of Tapas and Latin American Art

2010-10-06T23:33:00.001-04:00

Latin American Art and Tapas

Tonight, a prominent law firm in lower Manhattan hosted an event to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month with a beautiful display of Latin American Artists curated by Artists of America founder Astrid Amaya.

CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events was honored to be able to create an eclectic menu of delicious tapas, all beautifully displayed with tastes and colors that compliment the evening of Hispanic art.

The array of tapas included ...

gambas al ajillo -- garlic maderia shrimp tapas
cuisinetc catering and special events

,,gambas al ajillo- garlic maderia and honey glazed shrimp

,,grilled chicken + sherry pepper tapenade
in byte sized biscuits

,smoked paprika,

anchovy and cream cheese

piped on cucumber crowns

,,spanish olive and artichoke
tapenade with crostinis

,,ajillo champiñones - garlic mushrooms

bravo spicy potato empanaditas
served in cherry red ceramic pans

,,serrano ham cigars-

breadsticks dipped in honey

and wrapped with serrano ham

,,tortilla española

– spanish egg + potato pie

topped with spanish stuffed olive

gazpacho andaluz shooters
served in mini espresso cups
on a glass chess board

,pinchitos morunos - tender moorish lamb skewers

accompanied by roasted pepper dip,

served at room temp.

Desserts

,,churros con chocolate  long spanish doughnuts

with a thick, warm belgian chocolate dipping sauce.

,,apricots stuffed with rosewater scented marscapone

fruity sangria was well received by the guests

international tapas party - a life celebration with friends - food - laughter and love

2010-08-03T15:17:00.001-04:00

baby octopus cerviche shortplates

with flowering chive garnish

the lamb "lollipops" were a huge hit

our dry rub flavor profile was moroccan

with a housemade demi glace

laced with fresh mint + oregano

check out our twist on the caprese skewer

fresh mozzarella, organic tomato

+ smoked (yes smoked) EVOO

we're calling it the "Italian Splash"

Italian Splash Pipette - the CuisinEtc Catering + Special Events

take on the traditional caprese skewer

the spanish theme prevailed

not only the tapas style food, but

the guests, the entertainment, and decor

celebrating tradition- NYC oneg shabbat in Manhattan

2010-05-25T07:24:00.007-04:00

Although CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events is not a kosher caterer, we do a lot of work with various synagogues throughout NYC and recently CuisinEtc was honored to be asked once again, to cater a special Oneg Shabbat for one of NYC historic congregations.

Oneg Shabbat

Pronunciation: (ō'neg shä-bät'), [key] Hebrew.

a Jewish celebration in honor of the Sabbath that takes place on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon and usually includes a program of songs, a lecture, and refreshments.

This particular Friday night the Oneg Shabbat refreshments included a stunning and bountiful display of hot and room temperature food offerings provided by the talented team of the NYC boutique catering firm, CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events . After the traditional shabbat services and blessings CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events, a NYC boutique caterer was proud to present these lovely and delicious food offerings for the enjoyment of the congregation.

menu for a festive oneg shabbat

Culinary Fashionista Lisa Teiger

of NYC Boutique Catering Company

CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events

fabulous terrarium displays by stylist
+ culinary fashionista Lisa Teiger, CuisinEtc owner

CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events received
many many accolades that night
on both the food and the presentation.

Room Temperature Platters

pretty in pink cherry cranberry goats cheese kugel bytes
displayed on an green apple riser

Just when you thought there couldn't

be anything different about hummous

we went and made it green...

...festive edamame hummus sunflowers surrounded by pita and carrot petals

edamame sunflower hummous display

with terrarium botanicals and fruit platters

...citrus scented stuffed vine leaves with feta + red pepper

and italian lollipops with fresh mozzarella balls cherry tomatoes and basil

... persian marcapone filled apricots
with the cherry kugel bytes
and
pretty rose hip spring flower display

cream puff and assorted coconut + chocolate covered kosher marshmallow forest

displayed in wheat grass

surrounded by trays of byte sized nut free sweet tea breads and other baked goodies

it's always amazing how popular these skewers are with adults and children alike. They bring out the kid in all of us!

....smoked salmon pate in mini cones displayed in solarium vases nestled into white beans

the wasabi sprouts came from

the union square farmers market

and had a lovely bite to them

Hot Food Offerings ....

..panko crusted
rosemary chicken bytes

..orange BBQ glazed
all beef meatballs

with pretzel stick skewers

thank you for giving CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events
the opportunity to serve your community once again!
It was a pleasure as always!!

72 years young - happy birthday Doc - what's up...

2010-05-16T11:55:00.006-04:00

In the early days of our Republic, older Americans were highly respected and in fact people went out of their way to look older even powdered their wigs to make them look gray.

Fast forward to today's obsession with youth.

How refreshing it was to have a client who proudly proclaimed his true age - and who garnered the respect and love of his family and friends.

72 years young was the motto of this wonderful celebration that brought together life long friends, family and diverse and interesting New Yorkers of every shape, size and age... The menu followed suit and offered tastes of eclectic New York cuisine.

Doc as many of his friends call him loves all sorts of good food, from the traditions of his Jewish upbringing in Brooklyn to the sophistication of the many diverse cuisines NYC has to offer such as Thai, Indian, Greek, Turkish, Korean and more.

CuisinEtc was thrilled to be able to cater for a client who gave us the opportunity to shine and produce a lovely array of offerings that was enjoyed by all.

The format was an open house with passed and station hors d'oeuvre, short plates and delicious nibbles throughout the evening. And since the Doc's apt reflects his love of all things asian and collections from years of travel and NYC street finds, CuisinEtc enhanced the decor with colorful Budda's and asian accents.

scallop spoonful - thai coconut diver scallops

seared and sauced

with fresh curry + ginger coconut sauce

passed on asian spoons

Luscious green edamame bean hummous
with pita and carrot petals
and black olives "seeds"

five bean and olive bruschetta surrounded by

artisan multi grain bread chunks

voodoo cheese pate ...gorgonzola dulce cheese pate with pecan, cranberries, scallions + topped with spell inducing voodoo sauce served with wheat thins

(thank you Dianne Evans)

the music was cool jazz as the food was flowing

...just one of 4 tables of food offerings

mamas chopped liver with Israeli kimmel crackers

grilled pineapple salsa with tortilla chips

gefilte fish endive boats

cranberry goat cheese

piped in cucumber crowns

garnished

with fresh mint leaf

the Budda's gave their blessing

to this delicious vegetarian offering

not quite your mama's gefilte fish

old school homemade gefilte fish

drizzled with wasabi crema

bow thai pasta with cilantro lime pesto

displayed in mini cones

budda looking out over

blue cheese, sun dried pear + spiced pecans in filo tartlets

Vietnamese crab salad in takeout boxes

with lime, cilantro mint and chili jam

wheatberry edamame +smoked tofu on asian spoons

herb feta cheese with EVOO and garlic and herbs with black olives

grilled salmon – teriyaki – lime zest and chives

displayed on fish platter with grilled pineapple salsa

marinated broccoli, carrots + pepper rings – ranch yogurt dip

mini peppers stuffed with Rondele cheese

Korean meatballs with carrot slaw in lettuce leaves

asian inspired pomegranite short rib sliders

in mini buttermilk biscuits with flaxseed topping

garnished with enoki mushrooms

our imfamous sassy samosas

always a hit with party peeps

mac and cheese lollipops

...Italian finger pastries

...pignoli cookies

...polish chocolate covered marshmallows

with strawberry center

...fancy chocolate dipped strawberries

and asian pink jelly rolls

...bonelle chocolate strawberry + cream birthday cake

chef andrew alexander-crossan

cuts the birthday cake

Culinary Fashionista Lisa Teiger
chats with one of the guests

the beaming birthday boy

with his lovely girlfriend Mary

a musical note dinner with an asian fusion flair

2010-05-15T08:13:00.001-04:00

Last night CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events was called on to cater a dinner in a private eastside Manhattan apartment for a Cantors musical group. These folks perform every week for a large audience of 300-1000 shabbat observers and are lead by their Cantor, a lovely jewish asian woman.

...edamame hummous sunflower with pita petals & black olive seeds

...sundried cranberry goats cheese mousse

piped onto hand carved cucumber crowns garnished with fresh mint

...freshly made gefilte fish bytes with wasabi drizzle and sesame seaweed salad garnish on endive boats

...basket of colorful terra chips with grilled pineapple roasted jalapeno salsa

...grilled teriyaki salmon plattered with asian long beans on a nest of japanese cut diakon and carrot

...bow thai salad of haricot vert and colorful teardrop grape tomatoes tossed with bowtie pasta tossed with fresh lime cilantro vinaigrette.

...green wheat berry salad with Japanese cut asparagus, slivers of scallions, smoked tofu, brightly colored Edamame beans and a touch of sesame oil. surrounded by a diakon and carrot nest

...asian style broccoli salad – marinated florets of broccoli with sunflower seeds, rings of baby peppers in a sweet and zesty vinaigrette.

...baby spinach salad with carrots & mandarin scented sesame dressing.

dessert provide by the guests and the Cantor was delicious and complimentary...

hazelnut gelato

pink grapefruit sorbeto

chocolate covered pretzels

homemade chocolate frosted brownies

and biscotti

a delicious and fun evening was had by all.

(sorry no photos on this one - you will have to use your imagination

we be blogging...

2010-05-01T18:27:00.003-04:00

So exhilarating to be producing my FOURTH blog,

this time the focus is not on

cuisinEtc catering and special events, NYC

but rather a professional catering group

that I co- founded called

caterBuzz.

The caterBuzz blog highlights

talented caterers around the globe

and their incredible events.

Coming to you from NYC but certainly going beyond

which has been one of my many tag lines

as a culinary fashionista and observer of trends

has taken on a new meaning.

I like to think of myself as the Faith Popcorn

of the catering world -

OK a bit presumptuous

but I have always been a keen observer of

catering trends and now have a vehicle

to promote them with the help of many colleagues and buzzie buddies.

The blog is open to the public as well as to caterers to view

and will give you a glimpse into many creative ideas

that are being produced in the catering world by

talented professionals and their hard working staff.

Please feel free to sign on as a follower to the new

caterBuzz blog, or to leave

comments with your own name if possible,

it's nice to know who's looking and cookin!!

Furthermore, if you are a professional caterer interested in

networking with other professional caterers around the

globe, please join us on the facebook group

"caterBuzz" - it's a private members only forum

and once you've told us a bit about yourself and your

catering business, we will welcome you to post questions

and answers among professional peers,

ogle and post eye candy photos

of amazing food and events, and participate in

ongoing discussions of issues that pertain to the

catering world.

caterBuzz, both on and off facebook,

aims to be the social media hub for catering professionals.

You and your catering company

need to be on the cutting edge

of catering trends

including social media and by joining caterBuzz,

you will have access to great experiences

of a vast array of catering professionals.

budget catering - still fresh and delicious

2010-04-17T10:40:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we get requests from clients who are on a tight budget for drop off service. That is we make up platters of food - could be finger foods, platters of desserts, cheese and fruit platters, simple crudite - the goal is to feed alot of people on a tight budget and still give them healthy and delicious food. Here are some examples from a recent drop off catering order CuisinEtc catered this past week for 200 plus guests after a religious service.

these two platters were also drop off but for the smaller segment of the event.

we offered homemade goodies including

apricot hamantashen,

vanilla bean cream puffs (some drizzleed with chocolate + some plain for those "plain jane" eaters who *gasp* don't like or cann't eat chocolate,

blackberry bytes with chocolate chip chantilly cream,

chocolate dusted cannoli bytes in filo tartlets,

double chocolate walnut brownie cookies

- more than a cookie or brownie could ever hope to be,

hand formed coconut macaroon pyramids,

chocolate drizzled rice krispie treats,

freshly baked mini chocolate chip cookies,

minted oreo bombe truffles,

and my personal new favorite,

apricots piped with rose water infused marscapone

- did I say this wasn't fancy? hmmmmnnn.... guess we just cann't help ourselves when it comes to great food...

the rose water infused marscapone apricot flowers are just sublime...

hand made coconut pyramids blackberry bytes and chocolate drizzled cream puffs

simple crudite platters with fancy cut veggies and low fat raspberry dip

our client requested cubed cheese with toothpicks + fresh fruit

- we added the herbed rondele wontons

grilled asparagus tips + rondele on cucumber crowns

a low carb hors d'oeuvre platter

in our fun apostrophe platters