catersource trade show - a few highlights

As always there were some new and exciting catering products 

Chef Andrew and I saw this year at the Las Vegas Catersource Tradeshow

One company that always has great products is Indian Harvest

if you are looking for wild rice, that's just one of the many offerings they have

check out this green tea flavored Bamboo Rice in the gorgeous celdon green color

the jasmine blend has petit yellow lentils which add a nice contrast

we've used the products extensively over the years and are very

excited by some of the newer offerings.

www.indianharvest.com/Products

Although not a new concept - we can never resist 

the gang at Bedazzle My Bon Bons

CuisinEtc has used their bon bons at some of 

our Indian Fusion Weddings and Events 

even matching the colors of the bon bons to 

the colors of the ceiling at the Prince George Ballroom.

www.bedazzlemybonbons.com

Sasha is a doll to deal with and really comes 

through with enthusiasm for her clients

lots of little "disposable" hors d'oeuvre plates 

these  mini leaves are just darling...

Colored and Edible Cones were available from a few vendors 

and the pretty gold tone palate holder was extra incentive.

there was a definite theme of mini and edible vehicles 

for creative fillings  caterers like us love to work with...

empty egg shells - There is a tool to do this yourself 

but what a nice treat to just be able to 

buy the vehicle in and prepare our own yummy fillings.

 Truffled Eggs with Caviar anyone?

wildflower linens out of Southern California

very upmarket very fun and fru fru

edible spray on colors for desserts, chocolate and pastries

there were many other palates and colors available.

chef Andrew Crossan enjoying the show!

soul food inspired hors d'oeuvres

Soul food inspired
continuous hors d’oeuvres and short plates

aka strolling dinner

(in no particular order)

** denotes short plate/miniature entree presentation which is more than an bite sized hors d’oeuvres but less than a full sized plate of food.

Shrimp & Asiago Grits on an Edible Spoon

**Mac and Cheese Served On An Asian Spoon Or
A Short Plate Presented In an Antique Punch Cup
or golden mac and cheese lollipops

Cajun Catfish Critters

Absolut Shrimp Shooters – with Absolut Citron Vodka

Spicy Creole Fried Chicken Fingers

Jambalaya Tartlets - on Spoon Or In Mini Votive

Collard Green Empanada

Short Ribs Short Plate

**Mini Ribs – Southern Style, Jerk, Caribbean, Asian
With confetti coleslaw

Big Mamas Meatballs Served on Cocktail Forks with a Duo of Dipping Sauces

Orange BBQ Chicken “Satay”

Shrimp Filled Devilled Eggs

**Cornmeal Crusted Fried Green Tomatoes with Scallops/Shrimp/Crab

Crab and Corn Critters

**Southern Style Oyster Casserole In Mini Ramekins

Okra Beignets with Cilantro Sour Cream Sauce

Smithfield Ham Biscuits

Country Fried Steak

**Hushpuppies Topped with BBQ Chicken

Mini Po Boys – Shrimp, Chicken, Oyster, Etc

Hushpuppies with Rock Shrimp or Crawfish

**Jamaican Jerk Chicken Brochettes
over Island Style Pineapple Coleslaw
Served in a miniature
Good Luck Red Chinese Takeout Container

Twice Baked New Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese and Bacon

Rock Shrimp Remoulade in Martini Glasses

Tasso and Goat Cheese Triangles in Filo Pastry

BBQ Shrimp New Orleans Style

**Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf, Peas and Mash Potatoes Short Plate
Possibilities include Buffalo, Creole Style & Cheese Filled to name a few)

**Oxtail Shortplate over Mashed Potatoes

**Red Beans And Rice Served
in a miniature Chinese takeout container
or Antique Punch Cup


**Greens And Cornbread Wedge
(Greens Such As Turnip-Mustard-Spinach
Cooked Together With Bacon Drippings And Bits Of Crisp Bacon)
Passed With A Bottle Of Pepper Sauce!

**Southern Fried Chicken Tender with Cream Gravy Dip or red eye gravy

**Fried Green Tomato Slices on Short Plate With Ranch Dressing Drizzle

**Gumbo served in Antique Punch Cups

**Oxtail Shortplate With Mashed Potatoes

Panko or Cornmeal Fried Okra
*Fried Onion Rings In Paper Cones

Soul Food Caviar With Tortilla Chips
(Black Eyed-Peas Marinated In Olive Oil,
Chopped Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic, Spices Etc.)


**Thinly Sliced Smithfield Ham Shortplate with Caper & Remoulade Garnish

Flank Steak Crostini with Watermelon & Red Onion Relish

Driving Ms Daisy Salmon Croquettes

Creamed Chicken Puffs

Pimiento Cheese Crostinis

Chicken and Apple Sausages Skewered with Rosemary
Sweet Potato Biscuits W/Country Ham,

Collard Green Stuffed Mushrooms

Mini Cornbread Muffins hollowed out to hold Cooked Greens, Corn or Black-Eyed Pea Salad, Stewed Tomatoes & Okra Etc.

Mini Tomato Pies

Deviled Eggs - Imaging Dashing Waiter Serving Deviled Eggs On A Silver Deviled Egg Tray - Nothing Says Southern More Than A Seasoned Deviled Egg Tray.

Sweets - Banana Bread & Pumpkin Breads are a must,
Individual Red Velvet Cakes

Assortment Of Pound Cakes,

Individual Banana Puddings,

Individual Coconut Cream Pies

Pecan Pies Or Pecan Tassies

Upside Down Pineapple Cakes

Pecan Cheese Tassies

Cupcake Wedding Cake Tiered

Lemon chess pie



short plates/miniature entrees are no different from what they sound. The concept is to miniaturize any sort of dish and display it on a small plates or some other unique petit presentation.



CuisinEtc, a boutique NYC caterer, serves short plates, winks and continuous hors d'oeuvres at stand up cocktail parties from chef manned stations which creates excitement in the room, as well as at sit down events, we will also pass them at times. The term "Small Plates" is also used loosely to describe a container. For instance, miniature chinese take out boxes, or paper cones or demitasse cups and plates.

Creative CuisinEtc…More Than Just Great Food ...646-932-3496

Hollywood Calling

some film inspired menus, cutting edge appetizers , short plates, creative hors d'oeuvres and healthy indulgences.

Butler Passed Hors D'Oeuvres

Menu A - Hollywood Hills
~ * Beverly Hills Smoked Salmon Biscuits
Imported Smoked Salmon with Dill Mascarpone Mousse
Or Wasabi Cheese Pate in a Mini Parmesan Buttermilk Biscuit

~ * Casablanca Moroccan Pinwheels
Julienne of Lemon Scented Carrots, Fresh Spinach & White Bean Tapenade

~ * MGM Golden Triangles (served hot)
Piquant Potato & Veggie Triangles
with Cilantro Coconut Drizzle

~ * Dorothy Lamour Lollipops
Skewers of Marinated Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Grape Tomatoes

~ * Lawrence of Arabia Dolmatis
Citrus Scented Dolmatis with Feta and Red Pepper

~ * Cecil B. DeMille Pizzettes (served hot)
goats cheese with grilled veggie capanata on garlic crostinis

~ * Abbott & Castellos Amusing Eggplant
Eggplant mousse nestled in cucumber crowns with red pepper garnish

Creative CuisinEtc…More than just great food…646-932-3496
a boutique NYC caterer

Menu B – Universal Studio Scenes

~ * Sea Hawk Biscuits
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon with Baby Greens
in a mini black Sesame Biscuit

~ * Casablanca Moroccan Pinwheels
Julienne of Lemon Scented Carrots, Fresh Spinach & White Bean Tapenade

~ * MGM Golden Triangles (served hot)
Piquant Potato & Veggie Triangles
with Cilantro Coconut Drizzle

~ * Dorothy Lamour Lollipops
Skewers of Marinated Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Grape Tomatoes

~ * Northwest Passage Treasures Short Plate
Salmon Caviar with Sour Crème & Chives on Baby Red Potatoes

~ * Frank Sinatra’s Aubergine Bytes (served hot)
Eggplant Cutlet with Tomato Coulis in a Mini Biscuit

~ * South Seas Fusion Nacho Short Plate
Shrimp, Black Bean and Mango Salsa atop Wonton Crisps




Creative CuisinEtc…More than just great food…646-932-3496

Menu C – Universal Movie Memories
~ * Fred Astaire’s Kickin Cajun Critters (served hot)
Cajun Spiced & Breaded Catfish Bytes
with Louisiana Remoulade Dipping Sauce

~ * Krakatowa East of JaVA Lotus Cups
Miniature gado gado - Dice of Potato, Haricot Vert and Hard Boiled Egg,
Dolloped with Peanut Sauce in a Crispy Wonton Lotus Cup

~ * MGM Golden Triangles (served hot)
Piquant Potato & Veggie Triangles
with Cilantro Coconut Drizzle

~ * Humphrey Bogart Bloody Mary Bytes
Skewers of Vodka Soaked Cherry Tomatoes Dipped in Celery Salt

~ * Charlie Chan Wontons
Asian fusion wontons with edame and smoked tofu (served hot)

~ * Lawrence of Arabia Dolmatis
Citrus Scented Dolmatis with Feta and Red Pepper

~ * the Lady Sings the Blues
Roquefort Cheese and Creamy Mascarpone Mousse that Melt in Your Mouth
Topped with Sundried Cranberries in a crispy mini Lotus Cup




Creative CuisinEtc…More than just great food…646-932-3496

Across the Pond - British American Theme

farewell to New York
at the Residence of Sara and Chris
14 East 63rd Street

Continuous Passed Hors D'oeuvres,
British and American Canapes and Contemporary Short Plates

***A Whimsical Fusion of British + American Traditions with a touch of Creative CuisinEtc Twists + Appealing Presentations***

Send-off Party for Chris and Sara

Butler Passed Canapes - unique hors d'oeuvres and finger foods

· Beef Wellingtons – A Classic Bite Sized Rendition of Tender Filet Mignon
+ Rich Mushroom Duxelle wrapped in Flaky Puff Pastry
· Britain's Best - Mini Yorkshire Puddings of Roast Beef, Horseradish Cream & Gravy
· G + T Olives - Gin Infused Giant Olives Wrapped in Puff Pastry
· Dungeness Crab Critters drizzled with Wasabi Cream
· Scottish Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches
on Black Cocktail Triangles with Dill served atop the Financial Times
· Classic Two Bite Burger - Mini Opened Faced Angus Beef Burger
with Pickle Chips & Heinz Ketchup
· Bangers and Mash – English Sage & Herb Sausage with Piped Mash Potato
Passed on a Silver Spoon
· Bloody Mary Shrimp Shooters - Passed in Vodka & Tomato Infused Shot Glasses
· Stilton Bytes - Stilton and Sundried Cranberry in Puff Pastry
· Rosemary Lamb Satay with Mint Jelly
· Cows in the Comforter - Kosher Beef Hotdogs in Pastry with Ball Park Mustard Dip served out of a Catcher’s Mitt in a Field of Wheat Grass
· American Gigilio Quesidilla - Grilled Cheese, Crispy Bacon, Tomato & Scallion
-best grilled cheese ever!!!
· Chelsea Mushroom Risotto Bundles - Luxurious Flavors in a Filo Package
· Brighton Fish and Chips - Passed in Individual Paper Cones


Fusion Food Stations


Late Night Takeout Station, from NY to London and back
plated in individual sized Chinese take out containers
· Auntie Dai's Steamed Chicken Dumplings atop Julienned Sesame Carrots
· Sesame Udon Noodles
· Chinatown Fried Rice
· Sassy Samosas - Crispy Piquant Samosas with Vegetarian Potato Fillings
· Tandoori Chicken Drummers



Crudite Display with Cheese and Fruit Station
Stilton, Darby, Rondele, Grapes and Strawberries



Sunday Lunch in a Martini Glass
Sheppard's Pie
Over the Pond Grilled Salmon with Bow Tie Pasta
Watercress and Spinach Salad
Classic Devilled Eggs

Indian Fusion Catering- a night of continuous hors d'oeuvres, stations, and short plates - an east meets west feast & a 40th Birthday celebration…

Now here’s an event that started out to be an Arabian Nights Feast and ended up being an Indian Fusion Hors D'Oeuvres Menu with Silver and White Décor. The client and I worked together over the course of a few monthes while she decided on what the theme was going to be. It was a surprise 40th birthday – we seem to get a lot of those in the 21st century– big milestone birthday for this generation. The party was held in Harrison - a Westchester suburban bedroom community

.

The couple, both highly successful business people had a guest list was a combination of family and friends with over 20% of the guests being strict vegetarians. These clients are both Indian- American (not American Indian) and it was important to bring a new vibe to the food in both presentation and taste. Thus the concept of Indian fusion hors d'ouevres and Indian fusion catering was the guiding light for creating this customized menu.

The hostess and her family (who were "consulting" behind the scenes) wanted some traditional Indian food to make the traditionalists happy, yet with a cutting edge spin to the food to bring new life to this important milestone celebration – ultimately the client decided that the Arabian/Moroccan theme décor was too similar to the vibrant beautiful colors that are often associated with Indian events.

We decided to work on a brilliant white and silver theme with touches blue enhanced by wheatgrass and all white flower arrangements.

CuisinEtc was able to handle both the food and décor/event styling. Despite some near mishaps, - it was an outdoor party and the client only agreed to a tent at the last minute when rain was eminent and then we had to go back and get sides and rig up a temporaty looring for the canopy that saved the day when the rain actually started. We were sloshing through it, but as usual the show goes on and it was a absolute success. We knew we had hit the mark when the hosts mom was shocked that an American company had been able to replicate unusual regional indian foods with complete authenticity.

Here's an excerpt from the lovely handwritten thank you note our client sent following the event.

"Dear Lisa

I wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful job you did for my husband's surprise 40th birthday party. The Indian fusion food was both very creative but also delicious!

My family was so impressed that an "american" caterer was able to do these dises with the authenticity of an indian chef while adding some great twists to the food.

Not only did everything taste great but the presentation was very special. It is one of the biggest reasons I choose your firm. My Mom especially loved the risotto in the coconut spoons and the elegant antique cups of behl puri.

The decor was what I was hoping - simple, elegant and beautiful. Thanks so much for working with me on that.

Thanks again for making the event special and memorable and for rolling with the punches and our weather conditions. Looking forward to working together again soon!

Thank you,

Rupal

Harrison, New York 10528

Before the rain started, it was a lovely August evening -- as the guests entered the backyard, they were offered a glass of cheer and asked to join the others in waiting to surprise the guest of honor. Guests nibbled on a variety of Ethnic Breads and Spreads.

Once the festivities began, the air waffled with the aroma of Grilled Filet Mignon, Tandoori Shrimp, and Kerala Crab Pompadoms, to name a few.

Throughout the evening CuisinEtc waiters were circulating among guests with an alluring array of passed hors d’oeuvres. This served to create a seamless party, where there was no interruption for the “main course” to start, and yet was delicious, filling and chic for guests to eat while standing and chatting.

Each platter of temptations and short plates was artfully & whimsically presented echoing the food and theme. The overall ambiance was trademark CuisinEtc upmarket service, taste and quality reflecting the elegance and blend of traditional vs. cutting edge that this 40th surprise birthday celebration merited.

notice the "matching flooring" Since the rain was eminent, we had to have tarps brought in at the last minute to create a floor - as a caterer, I insisted on it, because I knew that both the guests and staff would have trouble walking on the wet grass - and as it was navigating the steps became a bit treacherous at times as the lights kept blowing due to all the lighting in the tent. Cann't tell you how appreciative I was of my crew who worked so hard both setting up, Thank you especiallly to John McDermott, party chef and set designer extraordinaire. We are a multi talented group and John and I spent most of the afternoon stringing up the hundreds of lights the hostess had purchased for the event. We draped silver material from the ceiling, made pillow covers for the lawn furniture and brought the whole event together with the use of white, silver - as well as sparkling cut glass display pieces for the breads and spreads table, and elegant white floral arrangements, styled by yours truly. I am always so happy when I get to work with florals and fauna.

ethnic breads & spreads station

ready by 6:30 pm for your guests to enjoy in the tent before the birthday boy arrives

-flowering crudité of freshly cut veggies

with raita dip

- brie topped with mango chutney & pistachios
- mango & black bean salsa surrounded by black and golden tortillas
- cucumber crowns topped with eggplant mousse

and spicy tomato relish
- crispy indian snacks
- lemon scented greek dolmatis garnished with feta and roasted peppers
- sunflower hummous with pita petals and black olive seeds
- assorted olives in martini glasses
housemade flatbreads, european crackers and more…

butler passed hors d’oeuvres
– a selection of 15 tempting delights

…kerala crab (served hot)
gingery crab medallion mini pompadom

with tamarind chutney

…auntie dai’s dumplings (served hot)
steamed chicken dumplings passed

on asian spoons with wasabi- soy sauce

…thai chicken satay cups
thai style chicken, peanut sauce and scallions

in a crispy lotus cup

…wasabi smoked salmon

smoked salmon wrapped around wasabi cream cheese pate cut sushi style

…tandoori lemongrass shrimp shooters
with black pepper, coconut milk & citron vodka

…tandoori chicken pompadom
tandoori chicken, granny smith apples, mango chutney

& more atop a mini pompadom

…saalom samosas (served hot)
spicy crispy baby potato & chickpea samosas

…moroccan butterfly pinwheels
cumin & citrus scented carrots, white bean tapenade,

and fresh spinach pinwheels

…very veggie biscuits
grilled vegetables with spicy red pepper & eggplant tapenade

…pav bhaji crostinis (served hot)
a medley of sautéed vegetables and indian spices

atop tomcat semolina crostinis served on moroccan tiles

…fusion risotto bytes (served hot)
mint, coconut & cilantro risotto with crispy shallots

served on coconut spoons

…bhelpuri chick pea & potato chaat

in antique glass punch cups

…jewels of siam

cucumber crowns filled with strips of marinated filet mignon,

slivers of red pepper, cilantro, mint & scallions

in a soy ginger glaze served on a gilted antique mirror

…asian tigerhead meatballs (served hot)
korean ginger, lemongrass & scallion meatballs

skewered into wheatgrass

…bombay biscuits
garam masala glazed filet mignon

& sweet chili jam in a mini black sesame biscuit

served in an armadillo pewter basket

Petit Desserts, Finger Food Delights and Fruit Display…..

...fresh fruit display with melons, pineapple, berries and other seasonal fruit

...rosewater scented cream puffs dipped in belgium chocolate & pistachios

...mini bytes sized baklava and middle eastern pastries

...and a medley of vibrant cupcakes displayed on tiered stands and risers

Late Night Comfort Food

– to sober up before the ride home

nothing like a curry after an evening of drinking

.... a selection of favorites

basmati rice......pompadoms & nan.......west indian pumpkin & soy curry......

......spicy curried chicken with chickpeas and zucchini

presented by CuisinEtc, a boutique NYC caterer

646-932-3496