Tuesday 16 June 2015

How Do You Distinguish an Experienced Chef?

Have you ever watched the finesse of an expert chef as they maneuver through the kitchen like an accomplished dancer gliding across the floor? Perhaps you witnessed this expertise as you watched your grandmother concoct a beautiful dish from the contents of sparse cupboards. Even if you haven’t witnessed it first hand, you have likely watched culinary masters create art out of uninspiring ingredients on your favorite cooking show. Whatever the scenario, you have likely been left in awe, wondering how these brilliant individuals have acquired such finesse.

Experienced chefs share an intense admiration for food. However,these gourmets do not simply delight in the completion of a final meal, but they have a deep passion for every piece that contributes to their creations. They revel in the sensory detail of each element from a vibrant, green sprig of rosemary to a brown russet potato. They do not simply taste, but they mindfully engage with each aspect of an ingredient. They gaze at the vibrant colors and unique shapes, soak in aromas that ascend from pots and pans, caress the surface and texture of each component and listen to the resulting crackling, crunching, sizzling and steaming.

While an appreciation for all food is essential, an experienced cook also possesses a willingness to explore unique, exciting and uncharted territory. However, a their creativity must go beyond the quirky potato chip and peanut butter sandwich creations of a five year old. Instead a great chef knows classical recipes, rules, and techniques, and they set forth to elevate the traditional. Additionally, they must possess the audacity and determination to master and implement their experiments.

A chef’s genius stems from a clear concept of balance, anability to understand the complex chemistry and flavors of a variety of different foods. Theyare able to instinctually know which flavorsconflict and which fuse together. They fully understand a variety of recipe profiles and pull from their extensive knowledge to develop distinctive cuisine.

Finally, culinary experts must acquire a range of minute skills. They learn to seamlessly move from task to task, chopping, sautéing, and stirring. Learning to gracefully maneuver their hands, they are able to control even the smallest details with ease. Mastering even the most boring and tedious tasks, a great chef will spend hours skimming stock or stirring roux, perfecting and elevating even the simplest meals. Every little task and detail matters to the experienced chef.

For more information on a premier chef in El Cajon visit this website.

Monday 8 June 2015

Vendors' Failure to Deliver Tops List of Event Planner Worries, ISES Survey Says

A survey on risk, released this week by the International Special Events Society and specialist insurance provider HCC Specialty...read more

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Choosing The Best Dinner For A Quinceanera

Celebrate your quinceanera with loved ones while dancing and eating delicious food. Choosing the right dinner will keep you and all of your guests satisfied for such a special evening.
With the date of your quinceanera approaching quicker than you expected, there are still a few details that you may need to work on sorting through to ensure that the event turns out just the way that you want it to. One of those important details may be the type of dinner you will serve for your guests. There are both traditional and modern options to choose from. It really comes down to what you like the most because it is your special day and you deserve to eat what you want.

Some of the traditional dinners would often include whole roasted pork with a side of yellow rice, commonly known as arroz amarillo. Assorted beans, known as habichuelas, may also be served on the side or on top of the rice with a sauce that has a savory tomato base. Seasoned steak with sliced green and red peppers is yet another traditional option to consider. If you like the taste of these dishes, you may want to have them served at your quinceanera for your guests. However, you can take a different approach if that is something that you are willing to do too.

There are plenty of young women who have decided to choose foods that they love instead of sticking with anything that is traditional. You may want to have baked chicken, small red potatoes, seasoned vegetables and a bunch of buttered rolls. If you are a vegetarian, you may prefer to have a seafood dinner consisting of fresh crab meat, shrimp, lobster and salmon instead of having any meat at all.

If you are not quite sure what to choose for the dinner on your big day, consider having a buffet-style dinner that would allow your guests to choose what they want to put on their own plates. If you decide to do that, you could choose to have assorted salads, meats, fish, vegetables and even pasta dishes in hot trays that will keep the food warm while each of your guests gets to eat as much or as little as they want.

When you have the buffet-style dinner, everyone ends up happy, whether they do not eat meat, do not eat fish or hate their vegetables. You will have something to offer both picky eaters and those who love just about everything you choose. As long as you are happy with the food choices, that is all that is important because this event is about you turning fifteen years old. If you would like to find out more about event catering in Chula Vista, visit this website.

Monday 1 June 2015

Eating Perfect Portions



Control your portion size while eating hearty yet nutritious meals. Dishes with assorted vegetables, such as zucchini slices covered in sauce, are the perfect choice. Taste quality flavor with sauce mixtures and the blend of seasonings used in each dish.


ISES and HCC Specialty Event Insurance

A risk survey, carried out by the International Special Events Society (ISES) and specialist insurance provider HCC Specialty (HCC)...read more

3 Tips for Choosing a Caterer for Your Bridal Shower

You are the bride-to-be who wants to have a good time with your friends before your wedding day approaches. If you are having a large group of people come to your bridal shower, having it catered would be the best option. Although you may need a caterer, you may not know how to choose the right one for your shower. These tips may help you:

Take a Look at the Menu

If there are a few catering companies that you are considering, ask to see their menus. Check out what kinds of appetizers, main course meals and desserts they are offering. You may want to choose a company that offers more of a variety, especially if you know that your guest have all different kinds of preferences.

Find Out If Additional Services Are Offered

Ask the companies that you are considering if they offer extra services. For example, some companies just deliver the food and then you have to do the rest. There are some companies that will send out a courteous employee to serve each one of your guests. You should also if they offer a buffet-style catering option where guests can just serve themselves.

Get an Estimate for Your Bridal Shower

Once you know how many people are planning to attend and what kinds of food you would like served, ask for an estimate from each company. Compare the cost with the services and the menu before you decide on anything. If you would like to learn more about catering companies in Chula Vista, visit this website.

Tuesday 26 May 2015

Delectable Artichoke Hearts



Hidden treasures inside layers of leaves, artichoke hearts bring back memories of childhood. These have been taken to a new level of sophistication, topped with beautiful vegetables and herbs.   

Monday 25 May 2015

3 Advantages of Hiring a Caterer for a Baby Shower

You have taken on the grand task of planning a baby shower, and while you adore the mother-to-be, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed as you skim the dreaded to do list: guest list, invitations, location, games, decorations and of course food. Catering companies provide tremendous convenience, which could ease your anxiety immensely.

Restaurants are often crowded, noisy and impersonal.Instead, hosting at home provides a private venue with greater flexibility, as you have more room to experiment with decorations and to adapt to an expanding guest list. In addition, a quieterenvironment providesgreater opportunity for more meaningful conversation and fun games. Essentially, catering allows you to provide restaurant quality food in the intimacy of your home.

You’ve likely left a home shower disappointed and ravenous from the uninspired finger food. With a caterer, you are able to serve a wide range of more complex and impressive dishes without adding extra time and preparation, leaving you time to entertain your guests and the mother-to-be rather thanspending the shower stuck in the kitchen.

Depending on your budget and needs, caterers can provide more than just food. Many will provide start to finish set-up and clean up, which often includes tables, linens, wait staff, and even some decorations. In many cases, they can provide bar services, which may be particularly desirable for a co-ed shower. Overall, a caterer can save you substantial time, energy, and effort.

For more information on a caterer in El Cajon, visit this website.

Wednesday 8 April 2015

The Main Dish



When choosing your main dish, pick what will fit with your event. Keep in mind what your attendees will enjoy and feel free to select a beautiful plate.


Tuesday 7 April 2015

A Guide to Selecting an Event Management Company

Are you planning on hosting a major event or party? Do you have to organize invitations, catering options and finding the location? Hiring an event manager can significantly reduce your stress so you can focus on other tasks like contacting VIPs or running your enterprise. If you are planning on having a large-scale event, enlist an event management company approximately three to six months before the day of the event.

What Does an Event Manager Do?

Simply put, the event manager handles the administrative and logistical details of the planning phase. The hired contractor will organize catering services, find the venue and book any necessary transport like shuttles or valets. Depending on the individual or company that is hired, the manager may market the occasion and manage the budget. Negotiate to establish an appropriate means of providing reports and debriefings.

Things to Consider

One of the major advantages to have an event manager is his or her established network of contacts. This often translates to better rates and deals. Additionally, it may be easier to get desired venues or entertainers. However, there are certain things they will not do. Finding a graphic designer, designing logos and making websites will be your responsibility. The manager will likely help with promotion, but extra marketing will be done at the expense of the host. Before signing a contract, know what you want and what you need. These details will help you find a manager with an appropriate skill set.

For more information on event management in Chula Vista, please visit this website.

Monday 6 April 2015

Tasting Desserts



Desserts can make or break any party or event. When hiring a caterer, don’t forget to ask for a tasting to be sure the service can provide the quality you need.