Posts Tagged ‘cuisine’
Delightful Appetizers
Posted by: Chris Campbell
December 2nd, 2011 >> From the Kitchen, Notes from the Chef
New England Blue Crab Cakes
Abbey Filet Wellingtons
Appetizers are the first taste of food the guest have, so here at The Abbey we make sure they’re delicious. There are so many appetizers we have created and fine tuned, and I would like to share some of them with you.
Crab cakes are a huge hit at every party site we go to. The flavors blend together so well and once they are sautéed in a touch of butter the golden color makes them look and taste spectacular. Fresh cilantro, Dijon mustard, old bay and many other ingredients make our crab cakes a definite crowd pleaser.
Our new and improved shrimp skewers have been grabbing much attention as well. These skewers are paired with marinaded bell peppers and onions, char-grilled and finished with a freshly made spiced apricot glaze.
Next up are our Filet Wellington bites; a puff pastry shell that is stuffed with filet, garlic, cheese and upon request, bacon. There is so much flavor packed inside these bite size appetizers, and once topped with a homemade roasted garlic red wine reduction sauce most people just can’t eat one.
The last appetizer I would like to share with you is our Ahi Poki wontons. Minced mangoes and soy sauce, fresh herbs and much more are served on top of a flash-fried wonton round. When you let these flavors marinate overnight it brings together a colorful, delicious and satisfying appetizer.
There are so many more to speak about, so be sure to check back on our blog to see what the kitchen is making next week!
Chef Matt and the kitchen team are always cooking up new and fascinating menus. To be part of a tasting, contact us now and have your needs catered for!
Ahi Poke Wontons
A Small Taste from Our Catering Menu
Posted by: Quinn
July 29th, 2011 >> Events, From the Kitchen, Notes from the Chef, Other
The seafood menu has many dishes and this is one catered item for any event.
Whoever would have thought that picking food for your event could ever be so much fun? By scheduling a tasting with one of our event planners you have the opportunity to sample some of our chefs’ most delicious dishes and then share it with your friends and family when you have that dish catered at your event. Our chefs cook every day working to master new recipes and create dishes they can call their very own. Reading about food is making your mouth water isn’t it? That’s exactly what we want to happen. When you walk into our kitchens your senses are teased with a variety of savory smells. Some of our classics here include coconut crusted golden shrimp, the abbey signature salad with raspberry vinaigrette and even the lobster tail you see here. Are we missing something? Not a problem because we can work with you to create a menu of your choosing. Hungry yet? I’m off to the kitchen to try something new right now.
One of our favorite wedding dish appetizers for your catered menu.
The Art is Alive with a Myriad of Flowers and a Menagerie of Martini Mixers
Posted by: Chris Campbell
June 2nd, 2011 >> Art, Donations, Events, Preferred Venues
50,000 flowers from the best floral design teams dangled in every possible position as wonderful bouquets and artistic arrangements along the walls and halls of Baloboa Park’s Museum of Art.
Where to my delight the beautiful aroma of flowers wafted through the air welcoming me as I entered this scene of fantastic art and floral display. Many mingling and merrily refreshed onlookers wandered amidst surroundings which emanated an ambiance of an enchanted garden. It was In that moment I could feel this was an event put together with style, class and soul. Chilled martini glasses hung as forbidden fruit among orange and ruby roses which transitioned nature and play in a heavenly style, as if they were apples asking to be picked and savored.
As I turned from the menagerie and martini tree toward other delectables I was enticed to find the flavor of the artists and the flavor of the fine dining were in perfect harmony. Each taste from my avant-garde mashed potato martini possessed and mused with the visual taste of the décor and design. While each sip of my classic martini fulfilled my desire while I pondered the magic involved and thirsted for more time among this spellbinding Walk through the Arts. Unknowingly I came to the San Diego Museum of the Arts with an fantastical hunger and left full of wonder, filled in spirit, and rich in taste.
A Thank You from the Alzheimer’s Association
Posted by: D
May 11th, 2011 >> Abbey staff, Community Involvement, Events, Other
The Abbey Catering is thanked for their donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
The Abbey Catering and Event Design
Thank you so much for your generous in-kind donation of $1,615 of food to our Volunteer Appreciation Wellness Event, honoring the Alzheimer’s Association volunteers. We are truly grateful for your support. With your help, we were able to create a memorable evening for our volunteers and interns who provide support group facilitation, art therapy classes, education, outreach, helpline and care consultation assistance, special event planning and execution, board of directors, and much more.
Currently, there are 5.3 million Americans experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and 50,000 within San Diego and Imperial counties. 150,000 caregivers in San Diego and Imperial counties are impacted with the juggling of the needs of their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our free programs and services provide a lifeline for the caregivers and their loved ones. Our volunteers are the backbone of these services.
Our Volunteer Appreciation Wellness Event was well received and we could not have done it without your generous support! Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our families living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias by enabling our volunteers to take good care of themselves. We sincerely appreciate your generosity. Thank you! We hope you will join our cause at a future event.
Warm Regards
Jeannine – Volunteer Resource Manager
To our friends over at the Alzheimer’s Association, we send our warm regards and know it was our pleasure to be of service. Till next time, best wishes to all your new endeavors.
The simplest show of gratitude goes a long way, have you been involved with your community lately…..
Client Gives Props to Chef and Staff
Posted by: Quinn
April 20th, 2011 >> Abbey staff, Client Testimonials, Events, From the Kitchen, Notes from our Clients, Other
Event Design wedding decoration for San Diego wedding.
The Abbey is absolutely the best catering and event design company in the region. My fiance and I chose the Abbey after doing a bunch of research, and we have not been disappointed! We booked their wedding package, and went in for our food tasting today. Everything was marvelous! Matt, the chef, created an amazing assortment of dishes for our big day, and everything was delicious. I loved the appetizer selections and main course choices – they were so different from traditional wedding cuisine. We ended up choosing a bunch of different appetizers for the cocktail hour, including ceviche that will be served from a martini tree. For dinner, Matt suggested (which we loved) that we go with stations. I am super excited about the shrimp mac&cheese station. The sample was hands down the best gourmet mac&cheese we have ever had. I was a bit picky in telling them what I wanted, and the Abbey Catering and Event Design created the perfect meal. Our wedding isn’t until September, but I am so looking forward to the real thing in a few months! Everyone is so helpful at the Abbey and I have enjoyed working with their entire team. — from client posted review 4/19/2011
La Jolla Garden Club Event Set Up
Posted by: Quinn
April 14th, 2011 >> Abbey staff, Events, From the Kitchen, Other, Preferred Venues
The members of the La Jolla Garden Club arrive with decorations fully setup, the tables stocked with food, the Abbey servers patiently await to refill platters and answer questions as the event moves toward great success. How did all this happen? Preparation for all our events start many hours before and sometimes even a couple days before the event actually takes place. We want to make sure the food tastes just right and that the layout looks just like what our clients have envisioned.
Event Design for woman's garden club having gourmet food catering.
Center Table Setting for Special Event created by an event planner.
This specific event belongs to the ladies of the La Jolla Garden Club and was hosted at the Cuvier Club in beautiful La Jolla, CA. There was plenty of food for tasting and a book signing or two for small talk as the ladies began to stream in the door. As they walked in they were met with beautiful standing flower vases and red luxurious quilt. Entering the event hall the ladies gazed at tables filled with such things as scones, individual cakes and a variety of finger sandwiches. Ornate, red umbrellas placed in stands floated overhead and fun decorative flower arrangements filled the center of the guest tables. All was in place and the event begins.
Modern Meets Traditional
Posted by: Chris Campbell
April 5th, 2011 >> Abbey staff, Events, Other, Weddings
Getting married was the first step, having a beautifully catered reception second.
Diversity at your event is simple with a little help from the Abbey. Two-Hundred and eighty guests enjoyed this ceremony which was held at the North Chapel at Liberty Station and decorated with the simple elegance of yellow roses near the alter. The reception was held downtown at the Culy House, and brought a pizzazz that enlightened the occasion with the brilliance of a modern look, without losing its traditional roots! Located in the heart of the Gaslamp district in downtown San Diego, this venue was originally built in 1914 as a truck company, and its brilliants remains today as a warehouse for events special enough for this couples Wedding day!!
Short chianti braised short ribs and panko crusted chicken breast with gorgonzola cream sauce filled the guest rumbling stomachs and was accompanied with delectable sides of truffled rosemary mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables! Overwhelmed with a dinner fit for kings, there was nothing that could hold these guests from a beautiful wedding cake prepared by flower power, decorated in gorgeous fresh yellow daisies, lilies, and hydrangeas! . It was displayed under spotlights which laminated its beauty from the moment one walked through the door
This extravaganza was not done alone however, Rick and Bernadette from Narrative Images, Tareq Zataari Photography, and Dj Tim Altbaum all worked together to make this special day one filled with luminous and vibrant memories not only for the wedding couple but for every attending guest to remember for lifetimes to come!
Event design is fun and makes your wedding photos look classy.
Classy should bring a smile to your face every time you see it in action. The old trends when given a modern flare make strange, positive statements, click ahead and make your statement known for your event…
5 Questions for Cuvier Club…
Posted by: Chris Campbell
April 4th, 2011 >> Abbey Vendors, Events, Other, Preferred Venues
The perfect venue and catering spot for the after wedding party.
Top 5 questions for the Cuvier Club… and Abbey preferred venue.
1: How many guests can fit in the ballroom?
A: As many as 240 guests can be comfortable seated in the main ballroom, including a dance floor, but with the use of the two adjacent connected room, the guest count can be 300. Cuvier can accommodate up to 500 for a standing room cocktail party.
2: Can I get married there?
A: Yes, Cuvier recently poured a brand new concrete fan pattern slab for an enclosed ceremony or cocktail site.
3: Can I bring my own alcohol?
A: Certainly, you’ll need to get bartenders through your selected catering company and see what they can each offer.
4: What can The Abbey Catering provide for the Cuvier Club?
A: All Abbey confirmed clients will be given 150 mahogany chivari chairs to be used indoors for the reception. Also, the use of the Cuvier Club kitchen complimentary. Other caterers need to pay additionally for this.
5: Are tables and chairs included at Cuvier Club?
A: 60″ round tables are included as well as standard metal/plastic chairs. Additional rentals need to be arranged individually.
The Cuvier Club has lots of history on and around the property, so why not become apart of its history and use this venue as your next place to party, click ahead and make your event one to remember for your history books…
The Britt Scripps Inn FAQ
Posted by: Chris Campbell
April 2nd, 2011 >> Abbey Vendors, Events, Other, Preferred Venues
Nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill in San Diego, rests a hidden jem, the Britt Scripps Inn-Before you confirm this exquisite Venue, please consider….
1. I love your Venue but how do I determine if it will accommodate my guest count?
-The Britt Scripps Inn can comfortably accommodate 100 guests seated and 120 for a cocktail standing reception in their side garden.
2. What ammenities are offered with your Venue?
-At the Britt Scripps Inn, exceeding your expectations is our mission-all-day venue rentals come complimentery of 9 rooms for your guests who would like to stay the night. This also includes a complimentery breakfast for those attendees including our world famous home made scones.
3. What if I’m looking to hold just me ceremony or perhaps a lunch and don’t require use of your rooms?
-For a discounted rate, the Britt Scripps Inn offers a two hour ceremony-only or lunch between the hours of 12-4pm.
4. Are you pet-friendly?
-Yes we are! At the Britt Scripps Inn we welcome our four legged friends to participate in ceremonies and receptions. We ask guests to tend their needs and regrettably we don’t allow overnightt stays for our littlest family members.
5. What do you offer regarding parking for my guests?
-For any of your guests that will be staying the evening, we offer adequate parking spaces . Aside from that there is ample street parking and garages that offer all-day parking within a few blocks.
6. What if my guests want to stay the night before or after?
-They simply need to contact the concierge to book the room or you can certainly book it on their behalf. Another consideration is that you may want to extend the Venue Rental so that your guests are guaranteed the opportunity to enjoy the grounds and maybe even plan a night before coacktail reception or a day after brunch.
7. Do you have any Packages?
-Yes, the Britt Scripps Inn offers Catering Packages as well as All-Inclusive Wedding Packages that can handle every aspect of your day. From your flowers to cake, dj, videography, limo service, and coordination. We can also handle all of your rental needs.
8. The Britt Scripps Inn is over 100 years old, does it have handicap access?
-Yes, of course. The ceremony and reception site both are on level ground. Should any guest require the need to enter the house, there is an elevator located on the front of the property that opens onto the main patio.
9. Will my guests have access to the house during my reception?
-Yes but this does need to be contained to mainly your overnight guests and those who require the restrooms. We certainly encourage your guests to come in and view the beautiful salon and dining room however these rooms only accommodate up to 25 guests at a time so the mass of your event will take place outside.
10. It’s San Diego, but, what if it rains?
-It’s always important to consider the possibility and be prepared with a contingency plan. For smaller events less then 25 some consideration may be offered. For larger events, tents are certainly available for rental that will completely cover your reception.
Britt Scripps Inn wedding catering venue and party planning spot.
This venue is perfect for the perfect party of just the right size but not too big now, click ahead and tell us how your intimate but not too intimate party is laid out in your mind…
Because Everyone Has a Birthday
Posted by: Chris Campbell
March 21st, 2011 >> Abbey staff, Abbey Vendors, From the Kitchen, Other, Preferred Vendors, Preferred Venues, Trends
A birthday is always a wonderful reason to celebrate. Family and friends joined us on this special occasion for Mr. Drew’s… 40’th birthday. This celebration took place in a stylish and beautiful private residence in Mission Hills with a stunning view.
The Abbey catering served the most amazing & signature hor dourves, on silver platters. Just to name few, Ahi’ Poke’ served on cucumber rounds, Beef Sliders, miniature Beef Wellington Bites and more were a hit that won’t be forgotten for a long time, all 75 guests raved about the food and service. Spectacular drinks mixed by Best Beverage Company kept the party going and champagne pouring. Even on a rainy day, The Abbey was able to put together a spectacular event that pleased all! We wish Drew many happy years and celebrations to come and we are grateful for making us a part of day, it was nothing short of perfection.
Beef Sliders
Ahi Poke served in cucumber rounds
Click here to find out more about how The Abbey can help make your birthday wishes come true by giving you a perfect event in which you and your friends will be raving about…