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Do I Really Want To Eat A Rooster’s Beak?

August 13th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering | Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Even if the anatomy of a beak doesn’t sound appetizing, you still might like New York catering that serves beak of rooster. That is, even if you don’t like the intermaxillary bone and its three prongs, and even if you can’t bring yourself to consider the minuscule digastric parts attaching things to the face, and even if you’ve never desired the thin and thorny keratin sheath called rhamphotheca wrapped around the beak, you still very well might like to eat beak of rooster.  In fact, you may have already…and liked it.

But how?

“Beak of rooster” is the literal English translation of the common and delicious Mexican cuisine called “Pico de Gallo,” often served in NYC catering. Pico del Gallo is, technically, a raw condiment, similar in fact to a concasse (which is served on Brooklyn catering service favorite, bruschetta), and is made typically of diced tomatoes and other herbs and vegetables. Standard fare includes cilantro, onions lime juice and chili peppers. That may very well sound delicious, but why on Earth is it called “Beak of Rooster”? None of those ingredients bring to mind the keratin sheath.

The etymology betrays that “beak of rooster” refers not to the ingredients but the method of consumption, which traditionally meant using the thumb and index finger to pick up the food, mimicking the shape and function of a beak, such as the one on a rooster’s face. That’s one origin story. Another is that this condiment simply looks like birdfeed, all chopped and tiny, so it looks like a rooster’s beak could show up at any moment.

Whatever the origin of the name, if you like Pico de Gallo, you like “beak of rooster.”

BBQ By Region

August 6th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Barbecue is a longstanding American tradition, but depending on where you live, the exact tenets of that tradition may vary, and are often proclaimed with righteous authority as the only true way. The fact of the matter is that barbecue means different things in different places, and the definitions are even more varied than the word’s spelling.

Take Texas and Southwestern barbecue for example, as compared to East Coast. You can’t do Texas barbecue without beef brisket or spicy sausage, and you’d really disappoint in the Southwest without a jalapeno pepper based sauce; but on the East Coast it has to be chopped or sliced pig in vinegar. In some parts of the South, in fact, to call anything but pork barbecue would be like calling Celine Dion heavy metal.

Yet, a New York Caterer has to mitigate the fact that the city is a hub for people from all over the country. This is a great problem, as it means we get the best of all worlds. Brooklyn catering especially has to work within the high standards set by a throng of groundbreaking and popular barbecue establishments opened over the past decade in the borough, places where regional differences are brought together under one roof.

Likewise, New York catering is special because it reflects the diverse influences of city life and it’s people. So, the next time you enjoy barbecue from Brooklyn catering or restaurants, consider the varied roots and differences united in one delicious offering, all mouthwatering and tender.

 

 

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The Best in NYC Catering: Harold Pratt Mansion

July 31st, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

Subsequent to founding and endowing the Pratt Institute, the New York businessman and philanthropist Harold Pratt served for many years as a board member. In addition to numerous philanthropic endeavors throughout the area, one of his most important contributes to the city is his 4 story mansion on the corner of 68th and Park. The Harold Pratt House has housed the Council on Foreign Relations, one of the most influential international policy think tanks, for more than half a century. Today, as well, the mansion is available for receptions, social events and weddings. In the world of NYC catering, there’s nothing better than this iconic home on the Upper East Side.

The double-height windows in the gorgeous ballroom offer stunning views of Park Avenue, perfect for adding definition and a luxurious sensibility to any event. New York catering here can accommodate up to 130 dinner guests, all of whom will be impressed by the inlaid floors, majestic antique chandelier and cathedral ceiling. Other rooms on the premises, from the drawing room to the library, and from the sitting room to the reception room, all are adorned with unique and impressive features, dating back to some of the most classic design periods in NY architecture and construction history. For NYC catering, there is no better way to house an impressive event than at the Harold Pratt Mansion.  That’s why it’s one of our preferred vendors.

New York Catering for New York Lit

July 25th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

I never thought I’d say it, but I saw Brooklyn catering save the day once.  Here’s how it happened:

When my friend put together a fundraiser for her literary journal she had a lot to do, as is expected, but she’s a very ambitious person and frankly, she bit off a little more than she could chew. With just a week left in her Kickstarter campaign she’d promised to feed and entertain a large gathering of donors, both confirmed and potential. Between the technical specs, the management of people to read material, the printing of a sample issue, and the arrangement of a venue (on top of which she had a full time and very demanding teaching job, to which she gave nothing less than 150% 7 days a week), there was little time left over to get a 50+ person meal together.

A NY caterer is a lot more affordable than you might think and certainly worth what it saves in time and groceries. She managed to pull off an amazing fund raising event that honored the readers, showed off the design elements of her journal, entertained her paying contributors, and recruited new backers — all because she used a New York caterer, allowing her to focus on literature and her journal rather than pasta and sauces.

Brooklyn Catering at the Prospect Park Picnic House

July 19th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

For over a century, the Prospect Park Picnic House has been a sought after spot for park visitors. With its spacious halls, access to the Long Meadow, and view on to a grove of gorgeous hillside trees, the Picnic House is a fantastic location for Brooklyn catering.  Recent renovations have added even more amenities, too. The terra-cotta tile roof is impressive from near and far, and the 4000 square foot glass and brick pavilion is a stunning piece of New York architecture. The natural ambiance drawn from the knoll atop which it rests makes the Picnic House a wonderful place for weddings, parties and fundraisers. A great NY caterer knows how to take advantage of such luxurious and exultant surroundings.

That’s why Bon Soir Caterers consider it one of their preferred venues, having worked with the Picnic House many times in the past. This existing and positive relationship between the classic spot and amazing New York catering ensures that your event will be professionally and efficiently handled, with every detail accounted for.  With capacity for 175 dinner and dancing guests, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the immaculately prepared food and service of a trusted NY Caterer, celebrating effortlessly.

And don’t forget: before you arrive or on your way home, take a stroll through one of the most beautiful parks in all of New York City.

 

Setting Up a Wedding Menu

July 9th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

Wedding menus can seem overwhelming and stressful. You want to make sure everyone is happy, but beyond that you want an elegant menu  from your catering company that is going to cover all the bases. When it comes to a basic wedding menu, there’s a tried and true setup that works well.

  • Appetizers: These are a must, especially when the main meal won’t be served until after the beginning of the reception. You never know who is hungry and who isn’t, but appetizers can help hold off those who are starting to feel the affects without forcing people to eat their main course just yet.
  • Cocktails: These are great to have on menu, because having a separate bar can be a tough call. An open bar can be expensive and a cash bar can be considered tacky (to some people, certainly not everyone!) so sometimes it’s safe to have a few drink offerings on the menu.
  • Salad: A salad option is great, depending on how long the reception is going to be held for. It’s good to have before the main course.
  • Entrees: Of course your entrees are important. These should include a few different options, including a vegetarian choice. Having a mix of various proteins as well as a pasta is a good choice.
  • Desserts: The yummiest part of the meal, desserts can range from your actual cake to smaller, finger food style baked goods.

Catering and Special Needs

June 25th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

There are times when you throw a party or set up an event when you need to take into consideration the special needs of your guests. This is especially true when it comes to the catering menu. Obviously, you want a menu that is going to be loved by all but you want something that will also give options to people. There are plenty of different special needs when it comes to food.

First thing to consider is if anyone in the party may be vegetarian or vegan. It is one of the most common issues you’ll run into, so most likely you’ll want to have at least a vegetarian option on your menu. It’ll be great for those who don’t eat meat but also those who might want to opt for a lighter, healthier meal.

The next thing is to consider a gluten-free menu. You don’t have to make the whole menu gluten-free, but it actually isn’t as hard as it seems. There are plenty of gluten-free, delicious meals that everyone would enjoy.

Lastly is to consider allergies. The most common food allergies, like peanuts and shrimp, should be kept in mind so that you can alert any guests to dishes that may contain these sorts of foods. If you can keep these sort of special needs in mind, you’ll have a successful event.

Brooklyn Catering Outdoors and Keeping Food Fresh

June 18th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

When you have an outdoor event that you need Brooklyn catering for, you may worry about the food. After all, if you are going to be serving outdoors, there are some kinds of food that just aren’t going to hold up well in hot summer weather. That is why it is so important to get experts who know how to deal with that kind of weather. They know what menu you should have so that your food will last longer. They also know how to take care of it in the mean time, setting it up so it is the right temperature and won’t just spoil while you enjoy the fresh air.

If you are not sure if something you want on the menu is going to last out in the sun, ask. The best thing you can do when it comes to catering is have a good, long conversation with the company about what you want and expect. You can come to a compromise over what will and won’t work. The right NYC catering will be able to both satisfy what you expect as well as adhere to food safety with the outdoor temperatures. You’ll end up having a great event!

NYC Catering: How Much Food Is Enough?

June 12th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

It’s a question that everybody asks themselves when they have NYC catering done for their event in the city; how much food is enough? The truth is, most people have no idea how to answer this question unless they have had experience in the catering business themselves.

There are two different things that will tell you exactly how much food will be needed. One is the obvious; the amount of guests attending your event. You clearly need to take care of everyone. But the other is how long an event will be. The longer it is, the more food you’ll need to hold people over, especially if it is a few hours. It is good then to pick menus where there are  few courses or a variety from appetizers to dessert that can be stretched out over the course of the entire event.

When it comes to NYC catering, professionals are going to know exactly how much food to cook and prepare. They can figure out how many drinks each person may want in the course of an event and usually be prepped to provide even more, if need be. That’s how you know you are working with a great company, because you won’t be worried about running short!

NYC Catering and Birthdays

June 4th, 2012 | Posted by christinem in NY Catering - (0 Comments)

Birthdays are always a big deal, no matter the age. Whether you are celebrating a major milestone, like 50, or even just something in between, (that 28th birthday I hear can be pretty great!) it’s fun to throw a party for it and get NYC catering to really make that last impression.

First you need to think about venue. Is the whole family plus friends going to be there, or just a smaller gathering? Dance halls and ballrooms are pretty popular rental choices, especially for smaller groups. Outdoor areas are particularly nice, now that the weather is getting warmer.

Then you need to think about the menu for your NYC catering. Think about the person you are celebrating and what they really love. Consider their favorite foods; it’s a nice surprise to see a menu full of all of the things they love. It truly shows you thought about them. And of course, you need a great  birthday cake for dessert to close out the party! But having multiple dessert options is great as well, especially for those who may be watching their weight or can’t have sugary desserts. Fruit is always a great go to.

Make this next birthday party a blast with full catering!