The Los Angeles Catering Division went to Manhattan Beach this past weekend to caterer to a lovely gathering with husband, wife and close friends.

This private residence in Manhattan Beach could not have been more inspirational and sweet.  The husband and wife along with their children are picture perfect with happiness and appreciation.  At one point their young daughter did an impromptu speech that brought happy tears to many eyes.  As guests arrived they were greeted by their daughter with a smile and a fun way for guests to find seating.  They had purchased rubber bracelets with various sayings printed on them.  The treat was on the inside where they wrote numbers ranging from 1 to 44.  The bracelet along with number you chose indicated where you were to sit during the seated dinner.  People loved this!!

After entering through the breathtaking foyer and into the main area of the home, guests made their way to the backyard where they were greeted by the Husband and Wife team and our Los Angeles Catering Crew.  The bartender shook cocktails and the servers tray passed delicious morsels to tease the belly:  Tuna Tar Tar in Cucumber Cups with Avocado Oil & Preserve Lemon, Southern Chicken Lollypops with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch (the crowd favorite), and  Fresh Bruschetta with Tomato Concasse, Avocado Oil, & Preserved Lemon.

As the sun went down and the gorgeous night fell, the amber lights the host had rented could not have been more perfect with all the decor she provided and the other rentals of linens and chairs.  It was truly a beautiful setting.  After guests found their semi-assigned seats we called the tables up for the dinner which was served buffet style.  Your Los Angeles Caterers began with Wild Arugula with Apples, Point Reyes Blue (On the side), and Apple Cider Vinaigrette.  Normally this salad is served with peaches and nectarines, but they were not satisfactory to the Los Angeles Catering Head Chef, so she picked apples.  The Main Dishes of Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Jus and Pan Seared Sea Bass with Cali-Crystal Beurre Blanc where a big hit.  The dishes, being served by your Los Angeles Caterer staff, along with the sides of Roasted Weiser Farms Potatoes with Marjoram & Thyme and Grilled Asparagus were cleaned out.

During the spectacular evening our hosts got up to thank all in attendance.  Event your Los Angeles Caterer got a nod.  Go Team!!!

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, heads to the beach in Hermosa for this company gathering.

We welcome celebrating any milestone. On this day, it was just to get co-workers together outside the office. A nice simple cocktail party in a private residence in Hermosa Beach. It is a huge stress relief for any host to have a catering company, such as our Los Angeles Caterers. As mentioned in other blogs, our kitchen staff prepares as much as possible in our kitchen then finishes the cooking on site. This is freshest way to do it. So when your guests arrive they find our staff in the kitchen working away and the amazing aromas filling the space. At this gathering they chose items from our Cocktail Menu. This is Stationary Hors D’oeuvres ordered by item count. For example, you can order 3 items or 5 items or 8 items from the list. The price varies on how many items you want and ultimately how many guests you have.

Our host worked very quickly and closely with our Event Coordinator to choose items that best fit the tummies of his guest list. Chef’s Choice Cheese Display with Market Fruit and Preserves is always a given. Our Los Angeles Caterers also suggested the Antipasto with Marinated Artichoke, Sweet Peppers with Arugula, Marinated Cherry Tomato with Mozzarella, and Mixed Olives. That is a lot of dishes which make up on item. Next we put out the Tuna Tar Tar in Cucumber Cup with Avocado Oil and Preserve Lemon. By now you must be thinking about presentation. If you are the first to book on the date of your event, you have first rights to our Los Angeles Catering stock. This means serving platters, utensils, bamboo risers, chafing dishes. We bring them in, use them to serve your guests, wash them and take then back. It is Eco-Friendly and very affordable for the client. Moving on…

The host wanted a hot item, so your Los Angeles Caterer suggested the Spicy Chicken Skewers with Marjoram Red Pepper Yogurt. Yummm! Next were Mixed Sliders. With the Cocktail Menu you can choose three out of the list to put on your display. This counts as one item. Today we served Albacore Salad with Nicoise Olives , Grilled Eggplant with Tomato, Arugula, and Marjoram Aioli, & Smoked Salmon with Olivade and Sauce Grabiche. That folks is a party by your Los Angeles Caterer with lots to choose from.

Eco Caters not only caters weddings, birthdays and other affairs related, but we cater to companies as well.

Looking back on the past year and all the weddings, birthdays, baby and bridal showers we catered was a blast! Towards the end of the year it was a welcome change to celebrate with various corporations and companies for the holidays. Some chose to host at a venue while others chose to walk down the hall to their conference rooms, just as this law firm did. It was a gloomy day, perfect for being in the office. Our Los Angeles Catering staff consisted of a Head Chef and a Server. Which is really all you need for a small gathering of 18 people. When we arrived, as the Server, I began setting up the buffet table in one room and the table where the employees would be dining in another. Meanwhile, our Head Chef was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the meal.

Your Los Angeles Caterer worked very closely with the Office Manager to be sure there was something for everyone. At this luncheon we had a vegetarian among all the meat eaters. She was very satisfied with what the Los Angeles Caterers chose and put out. We began with the Mixed Greens salad that had cucumber, tomato, carrots and croutons with House Made Buttermilk Ranch. That is right, I said House Made. For those of you who do not know Eco Caters, makes all their own dressing, sauces and a like in house with fresh, organic ingredients. Moving onto the main dishes. Your Los Angeles Catering staff had Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Cucumber Yogurt and Grilled Pacific Fish with Mango Papaya Salsa. When we say Pacific Fish, we mean what ever is fresh that day from the Pacific Ocean. Our chef only serves fresh, not frozen. The sides were a perfect fit of Herb Roasted Weiser Farm Potatoes and Grilled Balsamic Eggplant.

Everyone loves dessert, right?!?! I was so excited to see the host chose our Banana Cheesecake and Creole Brownies. Those are my two favorites. Yum!!

As everyone was enjoying their treats and playing some holiday games, I was on hand for the clean up and the head chef was cleaning the kitchen. That is the end of our story. So to sum it up. Our Los Angeles Caterers come in, set up, cook, serve, clean up, clean up some more, scrub and done. This way you can enjoy the party too! Next time you would like to be worry free, have amazing organic food, and your guests with smiles, contact your Los Angeles Caterer, Eco Caters. For more information or to request a quote, email info@ecocaters.com and one of our trained Event Coordinators will assist you.

At the Marvimon, a lovely bride and groom included their cat in the bridal party while Eco Caters, Los Angeles Wedding Caterers prepared for their big day.

It was a typically Sunday in Downtown LA. Bright, blue skies, not a cloud in the sky. The only gray we saw on this day was the furry little groomsman/ring bearer for our newlyweds to be. Yes, The Marvimon, a completely sustainable venue, allows pets. This was one of the main reasons our Bride and Groom chose this location, plus that Eco Caters, Los Angeles Wedding Catering Division, is on their preferred vendor list. I talk about this venue in its own blog. Check it out, because if you are an eco-friendly person and searching for a venue that shares the same passion, this is one of the great gems in LA.

This very health conscious couple chose items our Los Angeles Wedding Caterer is used to, as they were some of the most popular. Some items they chose to tweek an ingredient or two. Which for the Los Angeles Catering team, this was no problem at all. As an example, they ordered Eco Caters Organic beef sliders with caramelized onion and smoked chedder. We substituted the bread for lettuce. During tray passing of the sliders a few guests were asking for the slider without the smoked chedder. Another great reason our Los Angeles Wedding Caterers cook onsite. Our Executive Chef, Nick Brune, simply changed the items on the spot and our serving staff was able to tray pass half with cheese and half without. Satisfying the both sides of the spectrum of guests.

I mentioned some of the items they chose are items our Los Angeles Wedding Caterer is used to because they are so popular. You may want to know what those are when you are choosing your menu with us. Dumplings with Shrimp and Pork, Seared Albacore with Orange Grapefruit Slaw as tray passing items. A popular way to serve dinner lately is buffet style. Eco Caters, Los Angeles Wedding Catering makes sure each guest gets enough of every dish, so we have a member of the Serving Staff stand at each item. This day they served Honey Tamari Marinated Sirloin and Chicken Piccata. The sides were Grilled Farmer’s Market Vegetables and Roasted Weiser Farms Potatoes with Marjoram and Thyme.

As a reminder, every ingredient on all Eco Caters menus are completely Organic. Purchased at local farms and hand picked by our Executive Chef.

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, does a wine pairing for a repeat client.

Our Los Angeles Catering Division handles all sorts of requests. When one of our regulars contacts us to put together a menu to go along with various wines, we are delighted to accommodate. There are two ways to go about putting together a wine pairing dinner party. One way is to: Step 1: purchase the wine and provide the varietals or blends to your chef making sure to include any allergies or food requests. Step 2: Your chef creates the menu for your to review for approval. The other way is to Step 1: Ask your chef to put together the menu with your specific needs and provide varietal suggestions. Step 2: Shop for your wines. Easy!

For this dinner party our Los Angeles Catering Chef provided the menu and made suggestions on the varietal. Side note: When you have an event such as this, you want to be sure you have enough glassware for each course. It is very important to change the glass. Here we go!!

Course 1: Mojo Shrimp with Pineapple and Chive – Crisp Sauvignon Blanc

Course 2: Truffled Grilled Cheese – Buttery Chardonnay

Course 3: Argentinean Lamb Skewer with Chimmi Churri – Rose

Course 4: Wild Arugula with Smit Farms Apples, Pumpkin Seeds, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette – Dry Riesling

Coming out of the kitchen next was the main dishes and sides which were served Family Style by your Los Angeles Caterer. This way the guests were able to take what they wanted in the portion size they wanted. The suggested wines for this portion was Cabernet Sauvignon, Rioja or Tempernillo. The dishes that our Los Angeles Caterers presented were Herb Crusted Stand-up Rib Roast with Red Wine Pan Sauce, Grilled Salmon with Smoked Chili, Sauteed Winter Greens, and Truffle Cauliflower Gratin.

The final Course that your Los Angeles Caterer set out was dessert: Homemade Cheesecake with Grandma’s Drinking Chocolate. This dessert pairs very nicely with Framboise.

So, next time you are searching for wine pairing ideas and have concerns or questions, contact Eco Caters, your organic Los Angeles Caterer. info@ecocaters.com

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering, cooks for a cause, this time: Off The Mat (OTM), Global Seva Challenge.

Your Los Angeles Caterers were asked by OTM to support a cause that has been around for decades, but seems to be forgotten lately, HIV/AIDS in South Africa. How do they do it? “OTM uses the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change. They do this by facilitating personal empowerment through leadership trainings, fostering community collaboration, and initiating local and global service projects. They see yogis everywhere taking their yoga off the mat and into the world.” So, when your Los Angeles Caterer got the call we did not think twice and said Yes!

Each year, OTM sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge. The Global Seva Challenge is a transformational journey that builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis. In their first two years, the Global Seva Challenge has raised over one million dollars for NGO’s in Cambodia and Uganda and has left a powerful legacy in the communities they have served.

OTM empowers Seva Challenge participants to raise a total of $20,000 each and asks them to do so through collaborating with their local communities. Engaging directly in the Seva grassroots fundraising process builds leadership skills and cultivates dedication and passion to the core mission of the project. Which is exactly what your Los Angeles Catering crew did this past weekend for our client through a cocktail party. We served our Chef’s Choice Cheese display, Antipasto with Marinated Artichoke, Sweet Peppers with Arugula, Marinated Cherry Tomato with Mozzarella, and Mixed Olives. Along with those items, our Los Angeles Caterers put out the Vegetable Crudite with Roasted Onion Dip and House Ranch. Please know both of those dips are housemade. You may be asking “where is the main protein”, well here it is: Spicy Chicken Skewers with Marjoram Red Pepper Yogurt. Which our Los Angeles Caterer notices is always a crowd favorite!

Upon reaching their fundraising goal, participants embark on the Bare Witness Tour, a journey abroad where they will spend two weeks working directly with the organizations their funds support.

The Results…
2008 | Cambodia Seva Challenge: $524,000
2009 | Uganda Seva Challenge: $577,000
2010 | South Africa Seva Challenge: You decide!

It is never too late to get involved in such causes. To learn more about this and other efforts by OTM, please visit their website: http://www.offthematintotheworld.org/global-seva-challenge.html

Catering a Global Green Event in Santa Monica for the Grand Opening of Essentia, world’s greenest mattress company, was not taken laying down.

As you walk up to the completely glass enclosed store front, you are greeted by a group of lovely ladies to take your name, your donation, and asked to celebrate with Essentia, Global Green and their Oscar Kick-off. Essentia is the world’s greenest mattress. Much like the Temperpedic bed, it comes in various levels from soft to hard. Unlike its’ predecessor, this bed is 100% chemical free. It promotes health on so many different levels. While your Los Angeles Caterers do not suggest consuming this bed, we do encourage anyone to get consumed in this bed. It is absolutely fabulous and with a 20 year warranty, how can you go wrong!?! As you enter, you immediately notice the modern and simple setup. For this event, there were fortune tellers on hand for entertainment. I thought this was a great idea.

Meanwhile, your Los Angeles Catering staff was tray passing delicious treats. Along with Eco Caters treats there were other participants that used this opportunity to promote their sustainable product. There was wine from Casa Barranca from Ojai and vodka from 36O http://www.vodka360.com/. There was a DJ spinning tunes and a rep from Santa Monica Tribune taking pics. I am sure you are wondering about the food by now. It was simple and delicate. Seared Albacore with Orange Grapefruit Slaw which is served in individual spoons for one glorious bite. Your Los Angeles Caterers version of Bruschetta which is Grilled Garlic Rubbed Baquette with Tomato Concasse, Avocado Oil, and Preserved Lemon. The final item was Curry Chicken with California Raisins and Toasted Coriander on Celery Boats. Our Los Angeles Catering Crew could not get five feet passed the entry door. Not surprising, they were perfect bites.

Eco Caters principals and staff of the Los Angeles Caterer encourage anyone interested in a greener planet to go to Global Green’s website – http://www.globalgreen.org. It is very informative with tips for the home, school business. It has articles and event updates that are worth checking out.

This event was coordinated by Ballantine PR http://www.ballantinesbiz.com/Essentia/Essentia_MemoryMatress_010311.html along with your Los Angeles Caterer.

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, took the drive to El Monte for this Not Just Another Cancer Fundraiser.

Your Los Angeles Catering Division of Eco Caters was contacted to by the funds coordinator to put together a menu with stationary hors d’oeuvres and dinner buffet for some 200 people invited to raise funds for Cancer Research.  The keynote speaker from MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, gave a presentation that was both informative and shocking.  The stats made my eye brows rise and my heart go sad.  They called this Not Just Another Cancer Fundraiser for a few reasons.  One being it was fun!  They had the room decorated with lots of color and great prizes.  There were raffles, music and of course great food.  If you would like to read more about the Fund and its’ event, please go to http://notjustanothercancerfundraiser.org/index.html.

On to the eats!  Your Los Angeles Caterer started light with the Hummus Trio, Tabouli, Olives Salad and grilled pita.  I will say it again just incase you have not read my other blogs: Eco Caters makes its’ own Hummus’, Tabouli and Olive Salad.  There are no store bought containers in this kitchen!  Along with these treats was Homemade Roasted Tomato Salsa with tortilla chips.  After guests were done snacking they danced a little and sat down for a short presentation from the organizers.  Meanwhile, your Los Angeles Catering crew was setting up the dinner buffet.

Let me get into the venue for a moment.  The venue location was The Center at Founder’s Village which is a great location for an event in this area.  They have a full commercial kitchen that is key when you are on a tight budget.  I mentioned this event was for 200 people, a band, dance floor, and a presentation stage with a projection screen.  So you can imagine how big the banquet room is. HUGE!

Ok! Now we will get into the menu that your Los Angeles Caterers prepared and served.  We started with The Farmer’s Market Salad and added pumpkin seeds with our homemade Herb Citrus Vinaigrette.  Next down the line was Jasmine Rice, followed by Braised Beef Brisket with Tomato and Garlic – mouth watering.  Some of the guests asked our Los Angeles Caterer (who were serving each person as they went through the buffet) to put their Orange Chicken with Green Pepper and Onion right on top of their Jasmine Rice – not a bad idea!  The final item was Grilled Farmer’s Market Vegetables.  After hearing the presentation everyone got a second helping of the vegetables.

Dessert!  Yes, they had it, even at an event such as this.  But, they were smart about it.  The host asked your Los Angeles Caterers to make her desserts with Agave instead of sugar, which we gladly did.

Eco Caters, Los Angeles Catering Division, goes back to Agoura Hills for a Surprise 50th Birthday Party!!

One of our regulars contacted us to put together a Surprise Birthday Party for her husband’s 50th. Being our Executive Chef and the birthday boy are both from Lousiana, your Los Angeles Caterer suggested a Shrimp Boil. The pictures included in this blog set the tone: Casual, Fun and Steamy!! As guests arrived they were greeted with an array of drinks set out by our host and one server. We do suggest if you are planning a boil like this, have more then one Server. As for the kitchen, set outside of course, was a Head Chef and one Kitchen Assistant. This is for a party of 40 people. If you are going to have more people, then the staff count will of course be a little different.

Let’s get into the table set up. Easy! Ideally, you have the space to set up one long table as shown in the pictures. Your Los Angeles Caterers suggest lining the table with a cloth that is absorbent, then cover that with inexpensive disposable biodegradable covers. You will not want to use them again. Set out rolls of paper towels and paper plates thick enough to hold the delicious juices. You will also want to have empty bowls scattered around for the shells of the shrimp to be dumped. As the chef pulls the goodness out of the boiling pot, you smell the amazing aroma. Good thing he is right nearby to pile it directly on the table. Then your guests have at it!

What was in the boil you ask? If you look closely at the photos, you will see it all. Gulf Shrimp (brought in from Lousiana), Andouille Sausage (brought in from Lousiana), Corn on the Cob, Whole Potatoes, Onion, Mushrooms and Artichoke. You must also have Homemade Cornbread. That is what is in the baskets, in case you were wondering. As an added touch, our host also ordered a Fried Turkey from our Los Angeles Caterers. Now with an event such as this, your Los Angeles Caterer must serve a Creole Injected Fried Turkey. Of course!!

So, if you are looking to do something a little different from the usual, contact your Los Angeles Catering Division of Eco Caters. Our Executive Chef would love to put together a special boil menu specific to your guests.

Eco Caters’, Los Angeles Wedding Catering Division, goes back to Malibu for another breathtaking wedding.

If you have never heard of the Adamson House and are interested in the History of California, this is definitely a place you should visit and tour. You do not have to be getting married or throwing an event to see these grounds. They have private tours with trained docents or you can be on your own time and stroll through the many locations of the estate. On this day, your Los Angeles Wedding Catering Division had the grounds all to ourselves. We were taken care of by State Park Troopers which were great to have on hand for any questions or concerns. The Adamson House Loggia – This classic Malibu home was built in 1930 for Rhoda Rindge Adamson and her husband, Merritt Huntley Adamson. The house shares its location with one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. During the early 1900s, before this now museum was built, the land was said to be the most valuable single real estate holding in the United States.

Today, the property, not the home, can be “rented” for the day and be the backdrop for your Los Angeles Wedding. Catering on this property is fun and different. The Bride and Groom really tried to use all the locations on the property they could, even joining their guests during pre-ceremony and providing guided tours of the home. As guests arrived they were ushered to The Front Courtyard to be greeted by our Bride and Groom with hugs and kisses. Upon entering this inviting courtyard filled with hidden gems, your Los Angeles Wedding Caterers were on hand with Mimosa’s, Sparkling Cider and a couple of tray passed items. Our darling couple chose Fresh Bruschetta with Tomato Concasse, Avocado Oil, and Preserved Lemon. Also being passed were Melon Basil Skewers with Pistachio Oil. Something our executive chef, Nick Brune, felt would go great with the refreshment choice.

While our Bride went into hiding in The Bride’s Dressing Room, the ushers were gathering all the guests towards ceremony which was at The Star Fountain Lawn. On their way, place-rocks, instead of place-cards, told them which table to go to. The next stop on their journey was to find a chocolate fountain from Le Chocolate Fountain at www.LeChocolateFountain.com and an open bar including our Organic Beverage Station of Sage Lemonade and Chai Iced Tea. The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt being officiated by the Bride’s Great Uncle.

As for the spread, your Los Angeles Wedding Caterer pulled out all the stops. On the station was our Mezze Platter with Hummus, Baba Ganouj, Roasted Red Peppers, Olives Salad and Fresh Pita. The very popular Antipasto which you can find the full details at the top under Organic Menus. Spicy Chicken Skewers, Mixed Sliders, Truffled Grilled Cheese, and Samosa’s were also part of the fun. The salad was a simple Wild Arugula with Peach, Nectarine, Chevre and Apple Cider Vinaigrette. The B&G were concerned about the guests waiting to go through the buffet, so our Los Angeles Wedding Caterer decided to tray pass the final item which was the Beef Wellingtons. Perfect!!

At the end of it all, the Bride, Groom and guests were “thrilled with the food and the service”, “the flow of the entire day was on point”, “could not have asked for a more perfect affair”…except for the rain drizzle that ended the day early. But they say, that rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck!