Elegant Touch Catering Company & Special Events

Happy Summer

2011-06-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here as of 1:30 today, gardens are coming along a little better now that we had a break on all that rain. Actually have about 20 tomatoes already growing. Our blueberries are only doing so so this year, blackberries are coming along great will be using them on this weeks wedding, we are making a blackberry barbecue sauce.

Have some great events this week, beautiful brides looking forward to creating the perfect day for them.

Graduations are also flurishing, have some fun h-d going out and we have been playing for the past month on some great new dishes. will follow up with some pictures of our events and some pictures of some fun h-d.

Want to thank all of the brides and grooms we met at the Altamont Manor a few weeks back, was a beautiful day and great turn out. Happy Healthy Summer.

Tasting

2011-05-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

This week we hosted a testing for 10 clients, over the past few months we have been playing with a few new menu ideas, from French macaroons to tomato marshmallows. We have purchase a dehydrator which we have been creating some great granola, also been playing with creating dusts from citrus to strawberry to mushroom. Some great powerful flavors that have been enhanced through the dehydrator. We also purchase a new cotton candy machine and through the dusts have made some great tasting savory cotton candy. I will be posting some new recipes shortly so you to can follow us on our .
Thank you to all of our events this week, what a great week, and the weather up to today was picture perfect.

Expanding our gardens

2011-05-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

Okay middle of May we have been working in the gardens. So far we have our own chives,oregano and thyme. lavender is starting to grow, ground has been turned. Come along with us in the next few months through are gardens and some local farmers and enjoy recipes for farm to table foods by Elegant Touch.
Also join us for wedding open house at the Altamont Manor and enjoy some great food, beautiful location and some local ideas. June 5 at 12:00 more information to follow

New year eve h-d

2011-01-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

Well some popular h-d for the new years was our coconut shrimp and our cheese herb phyllo
Recipes to follow. Check us out on face book Kim Lauria

New Years

2011-01-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

Well what a great fall we have had at Elegant Touch, some great weddings, corporate events holiday parties and more. We have been creating some new and inspire dishes and this month in between events our culinary team will be working on some new dishes and h-d. I will be posting some new recipes on this blog so that way we can inspire you to to get cooking. I am making a conscious effort to post more of our recipes and pictures to better serve you

So let's get cooking

October in North East

2010-11-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well, October has come and gone and wow what a month. Wedding Wedding and more weddings, not a open day, my staff did a unbelievable job and the events were just fantastic. Had the honor of doing my cousins daughters wedding which started the month and what a blast. Great event at a great venue. Weather somewhat cooperated this month some good some bad, pictures of events to follow.

Once october comes the rest of the year flys buy. We are working on some holiday events and looking forward to creating some great events. More to come

saying thanks

2010-09-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

The day has come and gone and all of the months of planning are finally over. You day went quickly but it was all worth it and the wedding was a great success. Its hard to believe how quickly, it all goes by. Now that you're married, there are many people to thank who helped make your dream a reality. From the caterer and florist to the band or DJ, each deserves a note of thanks for all they did to make your wedding a success. Each and every person that helped create the memories you now will cherish, deserves a special appreciation for making your day so special. Relive the feelings and emotions of the day, and put what you feel in writing by sending a note. You would be amazed at how something as simple as a thank you card can bring a smile to those people that help your day a success.

caterbuzz

2010-07-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

Hey we had a great event last month and a catering buddy came and took some great pictures and blog it for me. Would love for you to take a look at it.

www.caterbuzz.blogspot.com
enjoy

July 22,

2010-07-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

Well what a great month had some many great events, some great food and great clients.
Blog spot to follow with pictures. But very excited as I have been blogging we expanded the gardens this year at work, so we have been enjoying an array of fresh herbs and yesterday was our first picking of homegrown tomatoes. So of course I made some nice salsas for and event this weekend.

Mango Salsas with fresh home grown tomatoes

Tomato and peach salsa

Roasted Pepper and Tomato Salas

As you can see the stars of this show were our tomatoes. Our basil and our peppers.

Summer is the time to enjoy the freshest ingredients, which will only enhance your tastes buds. so Go Pick some tomatoes and enjoy.

email me for recipes< hopefully will post them soon. But if you can not wait email me

Style for your Wedding

2010-05-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Since wedding season is approaching, I thought it would be time to talk about real style. I believe that real style is not about what car you drive, or how big your ring is or even where you live. True style is about the way you act, and treat your friends and guests. I believe you wedding is the opportunity to show your guests your confidence and it's an opportunity to show your guests your style both as an individual and as a couple, to be the best host and hostess.

Remember, do not keep guests waiting more than 15 minutes for your ceremony or reception. This day is about you but you have ask friends and family to help celebrate your day, if you invited someone to dinner would you not answer the door for 30 minutes. Having a vegetarian meal for vegetarians, trying to answer to any ones dietary need is a nice way to show your guests that you are appreciate them coming. A small basket in bathroom offering a few amenities is a nice touch.

There are so many ways to make your guests feel welcome, even though it is your day. You need to be gracious, considerate and conscious of your guests at all times. By making your guests feel welcome you are truly showing your style. Enjoy your day and the people you have chosen to help celebrate it.

Pricing for Wedding

2010-04-30T12:37:00.001-07:00

With the economy still in a stand still we have decided to try to explain what is involve in a wedding and event.

I have enlisted the help of a catering friend.
Pricing, with the economy still a little sluggish we thought it might be a good time to post this reference to all of our brides on how whats involve in your wedding. Being a High Quality Caterer in large part is about the food and the presentation and creating the perfect atmosphere from start to finish for your event. This does not happen over night, there is time and many of hours of work that helps produce a successful event.
Lately I have been reflecting on price, I stop out a chain Hamburg establishment,(not the fast food places) I was with my daughter, for two burgers with cheese nothing else one order of fries one of onion rings and two soda the cost 26.00 yes I am not kidding. You go to the counter order wait for your order then sit, everything is serve on paper products and no tip is involve that is just for the food.
Stop out for breakfast bagel, two bagels and two cups of coffee 15.25
Dinner at upscale restaurant< two steaks, two salads, potato come with steak two glasses of wine 157.00 plus tax and tip.
Ok to make my point I have clients that want a wedding menu with h-d for first hour 4-5 passes, open bar (wine and beer for five hours) and three course entree, salad, coffee and they would like it for 30-35 dollars per person.
Please understand all food is house made, we create the h-d, we do the salads, entrees, desserts and everything else that is involve in creating the perfect event.
Trucks are loaded, unloaded, loaded and unloaded and reloaded for every event.
Please take a moment to read the following, its from a friend who is a catering professional that also is involve in one of our catering organizations. It will give you a little insight on what it actually is involve in creating a event the right way.

THE ANATOMY OF PRICE
What goes into a typical catered event
By carl jones

The Call: Our receptionist takes the call asks questions to collect information for an overview of the event.
If the prospect is a “qualified prospect”, ( they have selected a date and time we are available to produce the event, they understand the price ranges, the event falls within the parameters of our requirements.)

If one of our event planner is available, the receptionist will give the profile to him (her). Otherwise, the receptionist may be able to answer general questions and e-mail the appropriate information to the prospect.

Initial Appointment: If the prospect wishes to meet with the event planner, an appointment is scheduled. The first meeting usually lasts one hour. At that point the prospect may wish to reserve our services for their event. A deposit is collected, all the paperwork is completed and an agreement is signed which determines how future situations will be handled if they occur. The office manager creates the event file.

Site Survey: If the event is in a home or unique location, the event planner will visit the location, do a survey and sketch out. Along the way, the client will stop in, phone, e-mail with questions or changes,

One Month Before: The client finalizes menu and event details. Our operations manager plans, confirms rental reservations such as linens, and rental items for the event.

One Week Before: Client is called to get the guaranteed number of guests, which is due. There usually are more phone calls from the client wanted to go over everything, again. The client may call to add more guests even the day before the event.

The office manager enters all the information into the computer, prints 3 copies of the event sheet. One goes to the chef, one to the event captain, one to the operations manager. The Operations manager, the Chef and Carl Jones hold a meeting to discuss the event and determine any special needs or circumstances, which need solutions. Our well-trained staff for the event is contacted and scheduled for the event. This process takes several hours.

Three days Before: The Chef analyzes each items selected from the menu and calculates the needed ingredients to prepare for the event. He must calculate a percentage over in the likely event of a last minute change in the number of guests expected. A complete inventory of ingredients is taken. The chef calculates the quantities of ingredients needed. Several suppliers are contacted and the Chef meets with each to order the necessary items.

Two Days Before: Delivery trucks arrive at various times with the various items ordered. The Chef must stop his work and check in each item to assure that the correct item has been delivered in excellent condition. Kitchen staff must immediately move the items from the delivery area to the proper cooler, freezer, dry storage, linen room, smallwares, or paper goods storage. Each item must be marked with a date. They must pulled the existing items and place the incoming item on the shelf then place the existing item in front. This is called rotation of stock.

The day before the event:
The chef creates prep lists for each item ordered by client.
He assigns time schedules and prep lists for the kitchen prep staff.
The prep staff goes to the proper storage area and pulls the ingredients listed.
They slice, dice, mix, and follow strict recipes procedures.
Each prepped pan of food is then labeled, dated and place in the proper cooler or storage area.
The kitchen is completely cleaned and sanitized. Floors are swept, sprayed, scrubbed, rinsed and mopped. The day is complete.

The day of the event:

The chef creates a timeline schedule to assure food will be ready at the proper leave time.
The chef assigns tasks to each of the prep staff who places foods in state of the art equipment, sets precise temperatures to assure the food temperature is at a safe level for holding.
The pans of food are placed in an insulated storage box, placed on wheels, labeled moved to staging area.
The event captain prepares a detailed checklist to assure each necessary serving piece, service ware, plates, glassware, silverware, ( many more items too numerous to list here ) has been pulled, packed, labeled, and moved to the staging area by the catering staff.

All of these items are carefully loaded on the vans and rechecked. A driver transports these items to the event venue. The catering staff drives in other vehicles to the venue.
The catering staff unloads the items from the vans, carries each item to a staging area inside the venue. Depending upon the event, the staff may be required to place linens on tables and set the tables with silverware, napkins, glassware several hours before the event so the decorator can finish the tables.
They cover the buffet tables with professionally cleaned linens; and place each service piece in a pre-designed format. They fill the chaffing pans with water and place sterno under each.
They light the sternos just before the food arrives.

Meanwhile at the Kitchen. trays are garnished and finished and all food to the staging area.
The Staff loads and carefully checks to assure all food and remaining items are loaded on the van.
The driver transports to the event venue.
The catering staff unloads the items from the vans and carries to a staging area inside the venue.
The food is placed on the buffet. A buffet artist properly garnishes and finishes the buffet.
The service staff completes several tasks.
Now we wait. Sometimes guests arrive at the appointed time, sometimes early, sometimes late.
Everyone must be in uniform and ready to begin.
We must pay our staff from the time they arrive and throughout the event, even while waiting.
As guests arrive, the catering staff attends to the buffet assuring it is full and appealing.
The service staff pours and refills beverages, removes plates and attends to the guests.

The event is over? Hardly, now it’s clean up time!
Dishes are rinsed and repacked. Silverware, glassware, linens are packed and moved to staging area. Buffet is cleared.
Chaffing pans are extinguish, cleaned, sanitized, repacked and moved to staging area.
All items are carefully loaded on the vans and transported back to the kitchen.
All dinnerware must be washed, sanitize and dried before sorting, wrapping and returned to their proper storage location.
Van is swept and cleaned.
The hot storage containers, ice coolers and any other platters, trays or props are cleaned, sanitized and returned to storage.
The kitchen equipment and surfaces are sanitized.
Floors are swept, sprayed, and mopped.
The employees clock out and go home after a job very well done!

In our price, there is a lot more than food you are getting. Many things happen before, during and after that most people are not aware. A special staff of trained professionals will set up, serve and clean up. There will be many types of specialty equipment, which must be pulled, loaded, transported to reception, unloaded, set up, reloaded, transported back, unloaded, cleaned, sanitized and restocked. These specialty items had to be purchased, maintained and will be replaced after a number of uses.

Catering requires long hours, weekends away from family, hard work, serving people who are sometimes less than cordial and occasionally verbally abusive while the caterer must smile and continue to serve people. It is hard to understand why many nice people treat other people who are serving them abruptly and rudely. This is true in not only the catering business but many other businesses as well.

Evening At NY State Bar

2010-04-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

We were happy to create a small reception at the NY State Bar this past Wednesday evening. Small event for 40 with some passed H-d and station. I found a great serving piece at Ikea a few months back and finally got to play with it. See what you think

April Showers

2010-04-30T11:31:00.001-07:00

April is almost over, excited about expanding our gardens this year to
better serve our clients. We will also be offering "Farm to Table dinners" coming in the late summer early fall to share our harvest.

Putting together cooking classes which will be starting in June.

I have increase our herb gardens we have three kinds of thyme, rosemary, lavender, parsley, basil, Thai basil, lemon basil to name a few. Very excited.

We will be planting zucchini and when the flowers start blossoming we can not wait to try a few new items to stuff them. My patience is getting the best of me, just want to start now, but of course living in Northeast we have to avoid those temptations, two nights ago the temp went down to mid-20's what that about.

I will have pictures to follow me on bulldozer working the land. Had a great time and thank you to the Laurie and Gerd for letting me play with there equipment.

Being that its spring I will be posting a few soup recipes on our Asparagus, and a nice spring pea soup.

Please feel free to email me, will be happy to forward some recipes for spring hord-

tasting

2010-03-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

tasting for a few clients this weekend and I am excited got two and third looks good. Its always and honor to be able to help celebrate such and important day

March Madness

2010-03-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

Had a great event this weekend a birthday party for a client,exciting food consisting of tapas platter, gaspachio with fresh crab shooter, garlic shrimp, pizzettes with fresh basil, mozarella. Fresh ricotta cheese that you caterbuzz friend for recipe.
We also had three tasting this week and are excited that we will be sharing there special day.

Valentines Day

2010-02-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

Lovers, friends and family, valentines day is not just for lovers, I believe its a time to be grateful for the people in our life that we can not live with out. People that make our days and nights a little more bearable or easier.

So this weekend, if you have that one special person you want to spend the day great, but if you do not at this time have one special other, then why not take advantage of this time and holiday to say I love you to those special friends, family members or children that make everyday special.

Recipes to follow

Jan 9 Holiday Event

2010-01-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Well it was cold have to say, it took me a day to defrost, but we enjoy a successful event last Saturday Evening. We had the pleasure of doing Our Lady of Assumpitons first and hopefully annual Christmas party.

Two hundreds and seventy guests enjoy a nice sit down meal. The gym was transform and guests scatter in braving the cold. The band was terrific, guests enjoy dancing, socializing and eating. We thank all who participated in the planning, and our team for the executing. I hope you all warmed up and thank you for your hard work. Pictures to follow..

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well another year has come and gone. We would like to thank all of
our clients that continually support us and allow us the honor to serve them.

To our team, thank you with out you we are nothing, your service, dedication goes
above and beyond. Thank you to the families of our team, with out your support they would not be able to do such a wonderful job. We know sometimes the hours and times are hard for a family and we appreciate your support.

aha another year, new trends, new idea and a time to create. That is one of the things we enjoy, at least here in upstate. It is not a normally busying time, holiday are over, the last of the January Holiday parties are winding down and we take that time to re organize, regroup and create.

I am busy coming up with new menu, new stations and hopefully 2010 trends.

Elegant Touch did a lot last year with fresh local ingredients and try to reflect that in our menus and presentations.

We had some fantastic events and clients and we thank you all for your continual support and the honor to serve you.
Looking forward to a wonderful exciting year.

2009-09-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

August Weddings

2009-09-03T04:28:00.000-07:00

Well we survive the weekend and what a great couple of days. We thank all of our brides and grooms for allowing us to be part of such a special time.

Saturdays weather was not as bad as it could have been we dodge in and out a few drops, but nothing to ruin the day.

Doing a event to day with a southwest theme, will post menu and a few recipes.

Whats coming ahead

2009-08-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

I will be posting a few great summertime recipes in the next few days, I hope you will enjoy them and email me back what you think.

kim@theeleganttouch.com

Out Door Events Things to Consider

2009-08-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Outdoor wedding are great especially in the Upper NY State region, summers are normally warm and somewhat dry (except for this year), fall is beautiful and romantic.
Here are some things to think about when planning and out door reception.

First you need to inform your guests so they can dress appropriately. (dresses, shoes)
You may want to prepared with water, bug spray, umbrellas and even paper fans (which are a great favor)

Things to think about:
Is there privacy if you are using a public space make sure to reserve a secluded spot to prevent unwanted guests

do you have a back up plan in case of bad weather

Will you be able to hear you may want to rent a sound system or mics

Decor Idea's
Let the setting help you don't compete with mother nature but instead enhance it, let it also be your color palette and get your decor ideas from it.

Flowers
outdoor wedding calls for flowers that can handle the weather both hot and cold, you may want to stick with mums, calla lilies, sunflowers even alstromeria. use loose arrangement in galvanize pots, wood boxes, pails even bird baths and urns.

Most of all when planning and outside event you need to lighten up and go with the flow, if you are the type of individual that needs to control a situations and out side reception might not be your best way to go. Hiring the right team is extremely important and makes the event go much easier. But enjoy nature there is no prettier setting.

July 18

2009-07-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

have had a great couple of weeks some great events
tapas bars
lobster martini bar
we done pasta stations in the last couple of weeks
small plates reception
some great barbecues
and six sit down receptions and that has been since the 18th of July.

in that time we had a great experience at cater arts which was presented by International Catering Association in Kentucky,
brought back some great idea's got to play with some talent chefs and really had a great time.

we Return home to a wild weekend but all went well and I am totally excited.

We have four wedding this weekend so that should be fun and looking forward to a special tasting on sunday afternoon.

all in all I love what I do and what a great month. looking forward to august in up state ny, saratoga and some great events coming up.

2009-07-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

July 4

2009-07-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Had a great wedding yesterday, what an enjoyable couple, guests were pleasant and a pleasure to serve. Great 4 menu: Grilled salmon with mint salsa, pulled pork sandwich, bbq ribs with our strawberry bbq sauce, barbecue chicken with our traditional bbq sauce, roasted corn with basil butter, salad bar, penne with fresh basil and tomato, potato salad and some great desserts.

June 30, 2009

2009-07-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Had a open house at Appel Inn Last night with a few cooking demo.
Guests seem to enjoy everything and I think we had a good turnout.

I love doing these types of events, its a fun way to get out and meet
clients.

We are starting our cooking classes up again. This month I am going to do a mom and daughter class, so while mom is getting a few techinques so will there daughter (or son) I think this will be a great class and I can not wait.

More dates to follow.

June 27,

2009-07-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

What a great wedding, Michele and Kevin were the nicest couple, and we enjoy being a part of such a wonderful reception.

There menu consists a numerous stations from Our China Town to Mardi Gras. The weather semi co-operated, the ceremony got in in time. What a pleasure it was to serve them. Pictures to follow

weekend

2009-04-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well what a nice week we had, last week between events we headed to Filmore museum in Cooperstown to check out the site for an upcoming wedding, what a beautiful spot on the water. The wedding is going to be beautiful.

Had a number of events through out the week, also had a shower for my brother-in laws sister, carole, it was a baby shower that we had a great time doing. Pictures to follow. It was in Jamestown which from us is 5 hours, but it was well worth the drive.

Have to say NY State is beautiful state full of many great cities and attraction, as a caterer I love being able to work out of so many. The spot was an historic home that is a B&B, beautiful simply beautiful.

Staff had wedding that they did a fantastic job on all and all it was a fantastic week.

2009-04-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well spring is showing its signs, wedding are blooming, economy is still slow, but like the growth of new flowers I have high hopes that we too shall all bounce back.

We have almost completed our New Tasting Room and very excited out it. Have been working on a couple of new station using Hot Rock (like in the 80) and having some great luck with them.

I love spring it represents new beginnings and everyday is an adventure.

Spring is it coming

2009-03-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

ok took a walk out side, snow is melting slowly, a bit cold today,have to say not the nicest time of year, everything is gray, muddy and yuck but whats that I see to my excitement popping out of the cold ground, some sage and fresh thyme,,, ahhh, is winter slowly coming to and end and are fresh herbs not long off, I wonder if its may-be the spring flowers are not far behind, my pussy willows are blooming,,,I can not wait to see spring and hopefully clients coming out of there winter hibernation..

Wedding Blog

2009-03-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Congratulations and what a year already.
2009 Hot Colors
Well so far Blues and browns are still hot, green (lime) is still hanging in at least locality. Nationally it seems purples are going to be hot with splash of deep pinks.

Linens again I say it, what a great way to bring color and theme into your reception. Remember mixing colors looks great, have a two or three tone wedding brings glamor and class to your event.
Venus
There are some great locations in and around up state NY. When looking for a unique venue you do need to keep a few things in mind.Does the venue provide tables and chairs as part of their rental? Some do have tables and chairs and some you have to rent.

Depending on the look you are looking for there are some great options. We have been playing with Square Table for the past year and I love the look. I like the matching of Round tables with Square tables and even some 6 foot, can bring a whole new look to your venue or tents. But remember this will effect the total costs.

If tables and chairs are provided, who sets them up and takes them down? Most venues require the caterer to set up and break down.
Is there free parking available? Some brides may want valet service this is an additional costs.

Is the venue large enough to accommodated your guests count.

Do you need to rent a tent if the weather is poor? Do you have a back up plan for rain.
If you would like some suggestions on Venues please check our web site out under venues.

Drinks
Signature drinks are still hot and what a great way to have your personality in to your reception. Want a blue drink, how about a purple drink, unique vessels to serve them in brings a fun to your reception.

How about a Signature Champagne Toasts, this is also hitting the wedding season for 2009. Its a great way to bring elegance and to personalize your wedding reception.

Make your toast unique by adding a drop of a flavored liquor to the champagne flute. You can choose a flavor or color that fits your theme. Some suggestions are: Suggestions: raspberry, amaretto, passionfruit, mango, lime,pomegranted to name a few.

For summer wedding you can drop some fresh blackberries, in, strawberries, blueberries a great way to bring local ingredients in to your reception.

Alternative Centerpieces
We have been working with a local venue on creating some great new centerpieces to help bring some value into your reception and your budget, I will be posting pictures soon.

Week Day wedding< A unique and creative approach, from elopements to receptions on monday and thursday. those people that love you will be there, and why not take advantage to those days that are open and the venue and caterer will be willing to work with you on a great value. We have been having a great responce from these receptions. Again not for everyone, but we have seen a trend for relax lay-back receptions even barbecue wedding, this gives you a great alternative. Its a win win for everyone.
Give us a call or email for more information.

2009-01-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

have some great pictures and more to come. Follow the link

Happy New Year 2009

2008-10-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year to you all. We are excited about the changes that are underway and the new members to our family.
We also have been working on some great new menus for the upcoming season.

Over the past few months we have been attending some great eduational seminars and conferences to bring to our clients some of the latest trends.

We are proud of our new additions to our culinary kitchen, and bring them to you. We had some great feed back from our last two tastings and look forward to our January tasting to WOW you all.

We know start of 2009 and end of 2008 has been tough for a few of our clients, and as always we have been listening and have worked up some great value menus, that we are excited about and we think you will be also.

We have up our corporate incentive program also and we know its going to be an exciting first quarter for us all.

Look forward to talking with you, please feel free to email me.