Catering Tips from Caroline

"Either run the day or the day runs you"
— Jim Rohn

If the term "business function" conjures a room of professionals in similar suits discussing the quarterly report over a platter of sandwiches, we'd like to challenge that image and expand the possibilities for your next event.

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art."
— La Rochefoucald

Almost 2,500 years ago, the great physician, Hippocrates asserted that good food is medicine and bad food could cause harm. He emphasized the power of a healthy diet and regular exercise in achieving optimal wellness.

"The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations."
— John Paul ll

"Nothing is better than going home to family and eating good food and relaxing."
— Irina Shayk

Once again, the winter holidays are right around the corner. If you're looking for practical ways to manage the merry-go-round of planning, errands, prepping and cooking, you're not alone!

Food is one part of the experience. And it has to be somewhere between 50 to 60 percent of the dining experience. But the rest counts as well: The mood, the atmosphere, the music, the feeling, the design, the harmony between what you have on the plate and what surrounds the plate.
— Alain Ducasse

If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.
— Katharine Hepburn

Yes, It's that time! Summer is gently winding to a close as the "official" party season beckons! Fall and winter can be demanding. Once again, we are faced with the challenge of throwing Halloween, Thanksgiving, office, Christmas and New Year's parties.

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
– William James

Successful charity events should be tailored to elicit maximal giving and foster future loyalty. A well-executed function will impress your guests and put them at ease, driving positive word of mouth and inspiring generosity. It is time-honored wisdom that "It is in giving that we receive."

"May the roots of your family tree grow deep and strong."
— Irish Blessing

Beautiful summer weather coupled with the lingering evenings of July and August are the ideal time to plan family reunions. It's so important to celebrate and honor our families and renew the ties of love! So often, we postpone these meetings and let opportunities to create priceless memories slip away.

One morning, as I went to the freezer door, I asked my wife, 'What should I take out for dinner?' Without a moment's hesitation, she replied, 'Me.'
— anonymous

The summer solstice brings warmth, light and longer evenings, inviting us to shake off the doldrums, engage and play outdoors, once again. It's the season of impromptu get-togethers, cookouts and road trips. Summer offers the opportunity to escape the grind and experience the new and exhilarating. It's a great time to create the wonderful memories that will carry us through less generous seasons.

"Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start."
- Anthony Bourdain

Summer's silent clarion has sounded! In still spring moments, you can hear the subtle rumble as grills are dragged into their rightful stations.  Cookout season is just around the corner. BBQ lovers and grill masters everywhere are making serious plans. Everyone loves a good cookout! They're simple, classic and easy to execute.

“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”
– Tom Landry

"Logistics" refers to the precise details of the delivery of goods and services.  In catering, it is the planning of the how, when, where and what of your event. Miscommunication and poor logistics are the most frequent cause of difficulties during an event.

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."
— C.S. Lewis

All seasons carry their own ineffable energy and perfection. The gentle glide from spring to summer shakes us from hibernation. The transformation of Spring is an infusion of hope. It breathes possibility and joy into our lives. It makes total sense that graduations are held in May and June.

Corporate events differ from private events in that they are generally based around an objective and not a celebration. The meal should be tailored to the practical needs of the meeting type. Building a relationship with a reputable caterer will prove invaluable and simplify matters. The caterer you choose should be well-reviewed and have a proven track record serving corporate clients.

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”
– A. A. Milne

Yes, it's that time of year, again, gentlemen! So, how are you planning to show the woman in your life that you love and appreciate her this Valentine's Day? Did you make reservations at that expensive restaurant? Buy a sentimental card?

"Do not save what is left after spending but spend what is left after saving"
— Warren Buffet

It's no secret that we are living through exciting and challenging times! The prices of staples have risen across the board and food is no exception. Challenging times drive innovation. They spur us to pivot and to create new solutions. We asked Caroline's Fine Food owner and CEO, Caroline Arend, for advice on how to keep catering costs down without compromising quality.

"Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way" — Booker T. Washington

It's no secret that finding the right caterer can be a challenge. Placing your special event in the hands of others can be a leap of faith! How do you know who to trust or who to pass on? The experts at Caroline's Fine Food offer the following guidelines drawn from long experience. These suggestions will help you navigate your next event with flying colors.

"Smile, breathe and go slowly" — Tich Nhat Hanh

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of planning a holiday gathering? Are you wondering how you'll get it all done in time and do it well without sacrificing your sanity in the time allotted? It's ironic that with all the time-saving devices we have at our fingertips today, we still find ourselves caught in the headlong rush Thanksgiving and Christmas bring. We asked executive chef Caroline Arend of Caroline's Fine Foods for some creative recommendations and tips to ease your way.

Are you wondering what a special events caterer can help you with and how to go about finding the right catering company? We interviewed the special events manager at Caroline's Fine Foods for a helpful breakdown and some expert tips to take the guesswork out of your next event.

Thanksgiving is almost here! Even if you aren’t planning to head out to be with family and friends this year, you can make a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner at home. Roast these lovely autumn squashes for a special occasion, or just make them part of your autumnal family dinner. We go over our favorite autumn squashes and how to roast them to perfection.

Ready to make this next Thanksgiving dinner a little less stressful? Try these tried-and-true tips from our kitchen and homes to yours, complete with a detailed timeline!

Wedding food bars or fix-it-yourself bars are all the rage right now and for good reason. They allow your wedding guests to show their creativity and customize their food. Plus, they’re just fun! Fall and winter in particular lend themselves to food bars, and there are tons of seasonal options available that can add another layer of atmosphere to your wedding.