Eco Caters takes care of corporate lunch meetings at The Mill in Santa Monica

When you are thinking of catering for a lunch meeting, it does not have to be the same unhealthy options you get with most Los Angeles Catering companies. You can have fresh and organic catering and still be reasonably priced.

Our Los Angeles Catering division caters lunch meetings at The Mill in Santa Monica. Their staff meet every other week for four straight days. They want a healthy menu, something that would not make them fall asleep in the afternoon. Everyday we put the menu together for them of fresh organic proteins, salads and fruit. One of our staff appears to fully set up their buffet and remains onsite. At the end of the meal, this staff member does all the clean up so you don’t have to. This is for a small fee, but well worth it. Next time you are looking for a catered corporate lunch that is easy to order, fresh and organic, contact Eco Caters.

Feeding your guests organically in your home just got a lot easier with our Los Angeles Catering Division.

We found ourselves in a private residence again helping the host have a more relaxing day with our Los Angeles Caterers in the kitchen. This time it was the Forth of July and the setting could not be more perfect. The spectacular view from the hilltops of the Pacific Palisades gave us endless wonder far past the horizon. Knowing the hosts expectations beforehand, our Los Angeles Catering staff got right to business as soon as we arrived. Setup was easy being the host had already topped the tables with red linen and placed American Flags in all the appropriate places. Their stationery buffet, pictured above, was a perfect selection of our Hummus Trio and Chef’s Choice Cheese Display which was opened to their guests throughout the celebration of our Nation.

The Los Angeles Caterers enjoyed interacting with the guests who were inquiring about our organic cuisine and bio-degradable plates, forks, knives, cups and napkins (see more information below). The setting was casual enough that the host welcomed our interaction with her guests and made sure our business cards were given to every single guest, even if they were a couple going home together. They feasted on Lemon Chicken (a request of the host not to have specialty spices), Vegetarian Lasagna, with sides of Mirepoix Quinoa and Grilled Corn on the Cob. Dessert seemed like the biggest hit of our New Orleans Bread Pudding with Vanilla Whiskey Sauce and Apple Pie with Cinnamon Ice Cream.

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Caterer and San Diego Caterer, use bio-degradable products from VerTerra and AspenWare. VerTerra’s production process is simple and transparent: after collecting fallen leaves that would normally be burned, they apply steam, heat and pressure to transform the leaves into durable products that will naturally compost in 2 months. VerTerra products are made in South Asia, where their employees receive fair wages in safe working conditions and are provided access to health care. If you are looking to use these products in your home, our Los Angeles Caterer suggests purchasing VerTerra at a Whole Foods near you. For the San Diego Catering area please visit www.verterra.com. Aspenware cutlery is made from birch and aspen — hardwoods that are ordinarily burnt or left to rot during regular industrial logging. Much like chop sticks from your Chinese or Japanese take out, be careful of splinters. You can see more about these products at myearth360.com.

Eco Caters, your Los Angeles Caterer, loves to cater Surprise Parties, even when the surprise turns and the guests receive the surprise.

Have you ever tried to throw a Surprise Party and the person who you wanted to surprise comes home early? Well, that is exactly what happened at this party. Even though our host was the one who was surprised, everyone was surprised at the delicious treats coming out of the kitchen. The setup was all Stationary Hors D’oeuvres, just enough to fill the guests tummies. Let’s chat about each item, so you have an idea of what we are talking about.

1. Your Los Angeles Caterers popular Antipasto which is four separate dishes that create not only amazing tastes, but beautiful colors on the table. We have Marinated Artichoke, Sweet Pepper with Arugula, Marinated Cherry Tomato with Mozzarella, and Mixed Olives.
2. The host asked for an item that can be both stationary and tray passed, so enter the Tuna Tar Tar in Cucumber Cups with Avocado Oil and Preserve Lemon. Everything down to the Preserve Lemon is organic. Your Los Angeles Catering company makes its own preserve lemon juice, which adds just the right zing to this dish.
3. Your Los Angeles Caterer is frequently asked to serve Mixed Sliders. I am not sure if it is the individually handmade buns on each slider or the interesting options our chef has put together. At this event our host chose the Curry Chicken Salad with California Golden Raisins, Poached Asparagus with Hard Boiled Egg, and Grilled Eggplant with Tomato, Arugula and Marjoram Aioli.
4. Next we added more protein to the table with our Thai Chicken Skewers with Marjoram Yogurt. Here is that ingredient again: Marjoram. Your Los Angeles Caterers love this herb. Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive under shrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours.
5. To complete our gorgeous display, the final item was Vegetable Pad Thai. This is a very flavorful dish that has a texture which goes perfectly with the other dishes.

If you have a party coming up and are stuck on the menu, let your Los Angeles Catering staff take a crack at it. Your guests too can be surprised by the outcome. We can be contacted at info@ecocaters.com.

Your Los Angeles Catering Crew adds a special treat to an office-warming party in Manhattan Beach, CA

As the employees arrive to see their new digs, they were welcomed by your Los Angeles Caterers with delicious treats. The company they work for, E-Cycle Environmental, has a “vision of corporate America becoming green at all levels of their business.” Their mission which sounds simple enough and it is for the willing. They provide “simple turn-key solutions that promote green practices throughout the workplace.” This is something Eco Caters, your Los Angeles Caterers, does on a daily basis. How we are Green is posted on our site. You can read more about E-Cycle at www.ecycleenvironmental.com.

Let’s get into the goodies. Your Los Angeles Catering crew set up a Stationary Hors D’oeurvre display with all our popular treats. We began with our Chef’s Choice Cheese Display with Market Fruit and Preserves. I will note that the preserves are homemade by your Los Angeles Caterer. A great accompany dish to this is our Mezze Platter with Hummus Trio, Tabouli, Olives Salad, and Grilled Flatbread. In keeping with the cocktail themed celebration we added the Vegetable Crudite with Roasted Onion Dip and House Ranch.

Our Los Angeles Catering crew did not stop there. The Southern Pasta Salad with local olives, celery, onion and lemon was brought out next. To complete the display, the host chose Mixed Sliders. The ever popular Curry Chicken Salad with California Golden Raisins, also the Muffoletta with Olive Salad and Provolone. One that is not as popular, but still a mouth watering option, is the Smoked Salmon with Olivade and Sauce Grabiche slider.

Your Los Angeles Caterers had a great time at this event and encourage you to check out E-Cycle Environmental www.ecycleenvironmental.com

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, got to over look The Staples Center this past weekend while catering a private business cocktail party.

When we mapped the directions beforehand we knew we had to be strategic in our driving plans. It was a Friday and The Lakers were playing at home. Upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised to be overlooking all the lights of the new LA Live. Being a cocktail party most of the guests were on the patio taking in the view of Downtown Los Angeles. Catering here was equally enjoyable for our staff who also got to take in the sites through a large window in the kitchen.

As guests arrived they were greeted with an open bar of specialty wines and stationary hors d’oeuvres whipped up by your Los Angeles Caterer. The popular Chef’s Choice Cheese Display with market fruit and preserves, always a big hit. Something I have not seen in a little bit is the Tuna Tar Tar in Cucumber Cup with Avocado Oil and Preserve Lemon. The preserve lemon gives this morsel that special zing you do not always get with an hors d’oeuvre. Next was our Spicy Chicken Skewers with Marjoram Red Pepper Yogurt which speaks for itself.

It seems that our Los Angeles Caterers should be able to prepare our Mixed Sliders in their sleep. They are so popular! For those of you who do not know, if you chose this item you actually have three on your table. This time our host chose Curry Chicken Salad with California Golden Raisins, Grilled Eggplant with Tomato, Arugula and Marjoram Aioli & Smoked Salmon with Olivade and Sauce Grabiche.

You see above the table was filled with more. A dish that deserves it’s own paragraph which has protein for our vegetarians is your Los Angeles Caterers’ Cold Quinoa Salad. We mix red onion, Italian squash, Mint, Basil, Dried Cranberries, and a Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Even if you are not a vegetarian, this is a perfect addition to your buffet plate.

So if you are putting together a large dinner party or a small intimate cocktail party such as this, let your Los Angeles Caterer take care of all the details. To obtain your personalized proposal and menu options, please email info@ecocaters.com with your details.

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, joins forces and jingles with Tejon Ranch Staff at Audubon Center at Deb’s Park in Pasadena

We were lucky to have another clear day in Southern California for this gathering of professionals and enthusiasts. Tejon Ranch staff contacted our Los Angeles Catering crew to serve their lunch meeting followed by a meet and greet with members of the chosen venue. The venue being Audubon Center at Deb’s Park. If you want to learn more about Audubon, an environmental education and conservation center, you can read our blog or go to their website at http://ca.audubon.org. This blog is about Tejon and their gathering.

Tejon is a nearly 270,000 acres making it the “largest continuous expanse of private land in California.” It is almost as large as the City of Los Angeles running at 422 square miles. The land was founded in 1843. Many partnerships have occurred throughout the decades. The most recent being a plan to build an entire, self-contained, sustainable community consisting of about 23,000 homes, along with schools, medical facilities, police and fire stations. Please see more about this amazing piece of California at www.tejonranch.com.

As mentioned this event was a two part deal. Our Los Angeles Caterers came in shifts to be able to cover all the details. There were about 25 guests for the lunch meeting. Upon their arrival our Los Angeles Catering crew had set up the Organic Coffee station. The host brought morning snacks and teas. A great idea to conserve the wallet. While in the meeting your Los Angeles Caterers tip-toed in to setup the lunch buffet. This was a hearty meal of our Wild Arugula Salad, Porter Marinated Tri-Tip with Green Peppercorn Sauce, and Pan Seared Sea Bass with Cali Crystal Beurre Blanc. The sides were simple and of course filled with flavor. They chose Roasted Weiser Farms Potatoes with Marjoram and Thyme & Grilled Farmers Market Vegetables.

After the luncheon the clients decided to end the meeting rather then continue it. They mingled in the courtyard where your Los Angeles Caterer set up the bar and stationary hors d’euvres. There were about 25 more guests expected to attend the cocktail party. They snacked on Chef’s Choice Cheese Display, Hummus Trio with Tabouli, Olive Salad, and Grilled Flatbread. Along with these items to pick at were mixed sliders. Your Los Angeles Caterer whipped up Curry Chicken Salad, Grilled Eggplant and Smoked Salmon.

Towards the end of the event the guests gathered back in the meeting room for final information and a big thank you song form a few of the attendees. Just before the big send off, one of the singers approached our bartender stating she wished they could actually sing. Then it began! By the time the four singers got up in front of their fellow enthusiasts they had three of our Eco Caters staff in toe with them. They sang a version of Little Drummer Boy which had verses of thanks to all who contributed throughout the year to their cause. This was such a fun experience!! Especially for me who was behind the camera recording every tune.

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Crew, prepared delicious eats for one of our annual clients in her home in Manhattan Beach

Every year our host themes her party. This year she did research to find what dog shelters are in need of for the colder months of the year. She took that list and sent it to her guest list along with the invitation. What a fantastic idea! Your Los Angeles Caterers thinks these types of events are a great way to get the community together during the holidays. There were all sorts of things brought in: a stocking as big as a small person filled with goodies, portable crates, food, toys, sweaters, blankets, you name it, it was there. Even our chef’s got involved and will be donating.

Being a holiday party each room was filled with red sprinkle dusted candles, napkins with snowflakes, seasonal flowers, and on and on. In the main sitting room your Los Angeles Caterer set out the Hummus Trio with Tabouli and Olives Salad. There was also our Organic Coffee Station set with desserts from Becker’s and Smuffin’s. In the a joining room complete with high top tables, a glowing fireplace and grand piano playing holiday jingles, your Los Angeles Catering crew set out sliders which were replenished all night. The host chose the Eggplant, Curry Chicken, and Grassfed Beef.

Our host truly used every inch of her home. Your Los Angeles Caterers set up the bar in the garage where all the donations were being placed as well. She even had an awesome red corvette parked to act as Santa’s sleigh. Our host is a true giver. The wine she served donates a portion of its’ proceeds to Breast Cancer awareness. The guests enjoyed their stationary appetizers on bio-degradable products she chose through Eco Caters and she made sure everyone had a name tag for their wine glass to conserve waste. It is so refreshing to see so many people in one place holding their plates for reuse and bringing their empty glasses for refills.

While guests were snacking on the stationary items, our Los Angeles Catering crew was tray passing more delicious treats. We started light with Mojo Shrimp with Pineapple and Chive, then Seared Albacore with Orange Grapfruit Slaw. Once more guests arrived we added the Spicy Black Bean and Watercress Cilantro Shooter with Tortilla Julienne. Your Los Angeles Caterer knew there were chicken eaters arriving, so we continued with Grilled Chicken Shawarma Skewers with Cucumber Coconut Milk. Once all had checked in so did the Truffled Grilled Cheese. A crowd favorite whenever served.

At the end of it all everyone was fully satisfied. They sipped wine, snacked on amazing food and donated to local shelters. All in all, a successful evening.

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, caters J Brand Jeans Holiday Party for the third year in a row with our favorite treats including a Taco Bar

J Brand Jeans started in NYC and came to LA through its co-founder, Jeff Rudes back in 2004. Over the past 6 years they have become an industry leader and is featured all over the world at specialty stores and luxury retailers. The annual celebration is one that is upbeat and fun, your Los Angeles Catering staff loves being a part of it. They are a wonderful group of people and truly know how to get together and enjoy each others company out of the workspace. If you want to learn more about J Brand and their products please visit one of their distributors or go to www.jbrandjeans.com.

As the staff arrived to their holiday celebration they were greeted by their planning host, photographed and then directed to the open bar featuring specialty wines, beer and soft drinks. These were provided by the company. A great way to save on budget. While sipping on their chosen cocktail our Los Angeles Catering crew tray passed a few delicious treats to get the appetite rolling. We started with the crowd favorite Truffled Grilled Cheese. Then we moved into the Roasted Chicken with Avocado, Sweet Corn, and Fermented Black Bean. We finalized the cocktail portion of the evening with Turkey Slider with Apricot, Apple, Arugula and House Mustard, along with Cucumber Cups with Mango, Jicama, Chili, and Lime.

Last year, our Los Angeles Caterers did something a little more fancy, so this year, we went for a more casual, but still amazing menu. It is all in the ingredients! The Salad was the Best of Market Vegetables with Mixed Greens and House Vinaigrette which was served two different styles for those with allergies to specific items. Mexican food is all over Los Angeles, this caterer has great fun putting together the spread for taco bars. The proteins were Smoked Chili Rubbed Jidori Chicken Breast and Cochon Carnitas. The Taco Bar itself had a make your salsa starting with two different types of salsa bases then you have a long list of fixings to choose from Fire Roasted Jalapeno to Mango. The typical options of cheeses, grilled pepper and onions, sour cream, roasted garlic guacamole were also on the menu from your Los Angeles Caterer. We can not forget the sides of Black Beans with Orange and Mexican Chocolate & Heirloom Tomato Rice with cumin and coriander.

We look forward to catering for J Brand again next year. Did I mention their venue was the beautiful Marvimon? Lovely setting for any event. http://www.miguelnelson.com/smogshoppe.html

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, put together another successful Thanksgiving Dinner – this time on Mullholland Drive.

This event was a little different then the others we had this day. We call this a “drop off”. Our Los Angeles Catering staff prepares as much as possible in our kitchen. Depending on how large of an event you are having, our staff then goes to your venue which could also be your home and puts the final touches on the meal. This could mean some cooking, which will depend on the menu being served. There are several ways to present the meal to your guests. On this day, for this event, the host chose to provide her own platters and your Los Angeles Caterer simply filled them with delicious goodness. They then cleaned up the mess they made and headed back to the kitchen.

Just because it was Thanksgiving, does not mean your Los Angeles Caterer had to present all traditional items. This host in particular created a fantastic meal with some nice surprises. As guests arrived they snacked on Duck Confit Spring Rolls with Apricot Mustard, Chef’s Choice Cheese Display and Organic Sliders. Keeping mind one of the guests is gluten free, your Los Angeles Caterers made signs so everyone knew what had gluten and what did not. The slider selection, which is normally three options, this host chose 4. Changes such as this are not a problem for our Los Angeles Catering crew.

After a few cocktails and tasty morsels to stir the appetite, we moved into the salad, main dishes and sides. Being a party of 6 and Thanksgiving, it was only natural to serve Family Style. Your Los Angeles Caterers made sure everyone, was able to taste the roasted turkey, so they made one gravy gluten free and one gravy regular. To go along with the Turkey, the host chose Herb Crusted Stand-up Rib Roast with Red Wine Pan Sauce. Yummy! The sides were more on the traditional, as they should be on this holiday: Traditional Stuffing, Traditional Smashed Potatoes, Southern Yams, Orange Scented Cranberries Sauce, and Grandma’s Gouda Mac-N-Cheese.

Dessert…ahhh dessert! Remember those gluten free, your Los Angeles Caterer whipped up – literally – fresh whipped cream on top Pumpkin Pie and Banana Cheesecake with Ganache. Needless to say that by the time our crew headed out it was nap time for the guests. After all what is Thanksgiving without a nap?

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, was called upon to create a Build Your Own Pizza Party on New Years Day at a home that is sustainable

This blog is going to be about the event and some of the efforts one family has made to be eco-friendly. We will start with the family. It took five years of planning and building to create this sustainable home, but in the end completely worth it. From the outside the home looks like your typical LA residence with a garage, a gate and multiple levels. Once you get to the other side of the gate the world around you changes and you do not feel like you are in Los Angeles. Catering here was a delight. Walking up the stairs outlined with stones, similar to the stones used in a hot rock massage, immediately feel a zen come over you. Just before stepping through the front entrance you can not miss the koi pond which is not just outside. This pond flows into the foyer adding to the gorgeous entry way. The next thing you notice is the flooring throughout the first floor of the residence. It looks looks it is glossy cement or shiny concrete, but ask the home owner and she will tell you it is recycled glass. Absolutely beautiful! Once you enter the kitchen, the cabinetry takes a hold of your eyes, which we found out is completely bamboo. The design and set up was a perfect fit with the flooring.

The entire backside of the home is glass with sliding doors from the kitchen to the outside. You want to go outside, even on this brisk day. It is complete with a sustainable playground for their daughter and a separated adult patio with two lounge areas both with sustainable furniture. When you turn back to view this breathtaking home again you notice the roof lined with Solar Panels. The look of the panels adds to the sleekness of the home and the design. I can go on and on, but it is party time!

Our host has a Build Your Own Pizza party every year on this day. This time they chose your eco-friendly Los Angeles Caterers, Eco Caters. It is what you think: par cooked dough with sauces and toppings made your way, then completely cooked by your Los Angeles Caterers. Our Head Chef made the dough from scratch, the only way we know how. He also made the sauces from scratch: Classic Tomato Sauce, Aged Gouda Beschemel, and Mortar & Pestle Pesto. The toppings filled the entire center island of the kitchen. Your Los Angeles Caterer chopped everything from Mozzarella Cheese to Button Mushrooms, from Jidori Chicken to Pepperoni, and from Black Olives to Artichokes. All organic and purchased locally, of course. Dessert was simple Fresh Fruit along with treats that some of the guests brought.

Doing a Pizza Party is great for kids and adults. It is interactive and keeps the flow going. Did I mention this home was also equipment with a wood burning pizza oven? The aroma was unbelievable and a great way to warm the house without the use of electricity or gas. This Los Angeles Caterer personally loved this home and welcomes any questions about sustainability.