Go To Caterer: Entertaining Company

Entertaining Company is my GO-TO caterer when I'm in Chicago.  I discovered them a few years back and I jump for joy everytime I get to use them.

I have a confession...when I'm looking for event space in Chicago, I only want to go to places that I can use them.  Yes, they are that good!

I know with ever fiber in my body, if I have Wendy and her team at the Entertaining Company with me, the food for my event will be flawless, mouth-watering and so über creative, guests will be talking about it for.like.EVER!

I came across this video that they posted and watching it just made me love her and her company even more.

I love the way she journals and listen to the way they talk about their food concepts.  It's all in the details people!

A Picnic Bag

I saw this picnic bag on A Cup of Jo's blog yesterday and of course, had to immediately put an event spin on it.

Such a fun idea for an incentive group (AKA event speak for a celebratory getaway a company offers to their sales folks that make their quota).  My vision: Whisking the couples off to a park or the beach and have their picnic bag filled with decadent delights.  Sounds like so much fun.

Want one of these bags yourself, head over to Apolis.

Images via Apolis website

Wood Pallets & Kinfolk

I love Kinfolk Magazine.  Have you ever flipped through the pages?  I came across this photo online this morning and loved the simplicity.  I'm a huge fan of wooden pallets.  It brings in that organic, earthy feel into events.  To me - they immediately set the tone.

Kinfolk does these community gatherings and other events all over the world.  This one in particular was hosted in Los Angeles.  In April - they are hosting a flower potluck in the US as well as internationally.  You get to play with fresh flowers, meet new people and enjoy some amazing food.  How can you go wrong?  Man - I wish one of these events would be in the Bay Area.  This is definitely on my bucket list to attend.

{image via Kinfolk Magazine}

The Inspired Table

From stunning florals and china to the menus and furniture, these images just ooze luxury.  Some are simple while others are ornate, but all have a common theme - gorgeous!

When I look at these tables, I get so inspired.  It makes me want to throw a party.  They would be beautiful for a wedding, a elegant soirée or intimate party for friends.  Which is your favorite?

{images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8}

Cheesy Adventures

This might come as a shock to some of you (except those that know me really well), but I’m a super picky eater.  I’ve got texture issues and when I order – I “create-a-meal.”  Picture the ordering scene from Harry Met Sally.  It’s totally me.

Well, one of my goals is to get out of my little box and start being adventurous.  Start trying things that I would normally turn my nose up to (for me).

I create some pretty amazing menu for client events.  I can picture the food in my head, I flip through cookbooks, I ask how it will be presented – the whole 9 yards.  I feel like I’m a breathe of fresh air for chefs because I’m very collaborative and allow them to get out of their everyday box and actually create.

I would turn my nose up to cheese, unless it was on pizza or tacos.  Eating cheese that wasn’t melted – was NOT happening for me.  I know…C.R.A.Z.Y.

A few months back, we worked on an event in Boston at an amazing restaurant Menton and we did a cheese tasting for dessert.  Now, I already knew that whatever she selected would be amazing.  But if I was going to dip my toes in the artisan cheese pool – I was going to let a master maître fromager select the cheeses.  One word – AMAZING!

A few weeks ago, I went to this little restaurant with a client and she ordered a variety of bruschetta.  One in particular sounded very interesting to me – Pear and Brie bruschetta.  WOW – it was so good.  I still think about it.

(mine was similar to this one)

This past Friday, I had lunch at Trace at the W San Francisco.  I ordered the sourdough grilled cheese (with bacon and onion jam).  Oh goodness gracious – I’m now a convert.  I know, it’s a bit wacky.

(pardon the blur, I was ready to dig in)

It’s all about progress not perfection…right?

Images: image one (taken by me), image two, image three (taken by me)