It is imperative that J. Scott Catering constantly strives to be innovative and unique when it comes to the décor layouts we use for our many events. When walking into a wedding reception or corporate social event, one of the first things noticed by guests is the general ambiance of the room. We want to ensure that through our combinations of color and décor, attendees at each and every one of our events feel the positive energy and recognize the J. Scott creative flair.

This week our team was working at full throttle preparing for one of our fall showcases. Held at a local Philadelphia institution of higher learning, the event was an opportunity for party planners around the area to observe some of J. Scott’s latest designs and layouts on display.

Upon entering the event, our planners where greeted by an impressive sushi bar display. A strong representation of the counter of an upscale sushi restaurant, the bar provided ample space for a “made-to-order” preparation of dishes guaranteeing freshness. This layout is extremely portable and adds a unique cultural dynamic to any social or corporate event. The main bar area was book ended on either side by raised seating, offering an ideal location to look out over the magnificent Philadelphia skyline. The vibrant hand made floral arrangements worked well to offset the black and white Asian décor.

Moving forward, the main serving table was outfitted with an eco-friendly display. Earth toned platters and utensils, along with lush green centerpieces created and calm relaxing feeling in the room. Seating tables were covered with green and chocolate striped satin linens and accented by centerpieces containing fresh apples and artichokes.

The third layout on display was our fall harvest. The patchwork collage of various shades of orange and yellow in a way created a sense of anticipation for the upcoming change in seasons. The sweltering summer heat outside may have also played a part in those feelings as well. Cascading butterflies mimicking falling leaves hung from the tree displays blending nicely with the orange linens and dishware.

The planners were greatly pleased by the day’s displays, and were enthusiastic about including these new designs in upcoming events. Keep and eye peeled as next week’s blog entry will detail some of the delectable dishes that completed the event’s ambiance with savory smells and tastes that were definitely unique to J. Scott.

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Last night we participated in a Groom’s event at Greystone Hall in West Chester, PA. Greystone Hall is mansion at the center of an English style country estate that’s ideal for unique events. Unlike a typical bridal show, this open house focused on the grooms. At this event we had the opportunity to showcase a few passed hors d’oeuvres that would appeal to any man. After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Although driscoll long stemmed strawberries with aged balsamic vinegar may seem like an odd combination, they’re actually very good. Balsamic is sweeter than most vinegars and when properly aged, its consistency is thicker and more syrup-like. When drizzled on the strawberries, it brings out their beautiful red color and enhances the strawberry through the contrast in flavors. Fresh cracked black pepper finished off the dish with just a touch of heat.

Our miniature chicken tacos are a bit more “manly” yet served in a way that brings elegance to any wedding or event. Each mini taco includes chicken with taco seasoning, queso blanco guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh lettuce. This last picture shows our boneless BBQ pork riblets on bamboo knotted skewers. Grilled meat, especially when paired with BBQ sauce, is always perfect for men. This hors d’oeuvre is ideal because it satisfies everyone and involves less mess when served on skewers.

All of our pass hors d’oeuvres went over very well with “the guys” and we had a lot of fun serving them. Thank you Greystone Hall for hosting the event and thank you to everyone who participated!

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This Saturday was the 3^rdannual Chester County Bridal Showcase.  Together with the Phoenixville Foundry we put on another fantastic show of all the latest in food, fun and fashion for your wedding.  This year we decided to go with a fire and ice theme which turned out to be a big hit. 

The fire station, on large farmhouse tables, had three large vases filled with red and orange bell peppers with a large flower arrangement by Sommerfield Designs on top.  The table also had many apothecary vases filled with different types of vibrantly colored peppers.  Food for this station included chipotle grilled shrimp skewer, srirachi and honey glazed diver sea scallop skewer and Korean beef bulgogi. 

The ice station consisted of a twenty four foot long table covered in silver shimmer linen.  On the table were iron trees with crystals and at either end were two tiered ice sculptures.  On the ice sculptures were this stations food options.  These included three types of ceviche: shrimp, conch and crab in a lemon, lime and orange shell.  Each sat on top of a shot glass rimmed with sugar or salt and filled with traditional, mango or pineapple margarita.  On plates was a delicious crying tiger salad. 

Brides, grooms and their families were able to sit down at the J. Scott Catering conference table to discuss their ideas for their wedding and how J. Scott could help make those ideas into reality.  Fresh squeezed lemonade was offered to clients as light refreshment during their conference.

The grooms who came were treated to a room all to themselves in the Schuylkill River Heritage Center.  There they enjoyed beer sampling, and a few snacks provided by J. Scott including mini grilled cheese and bacon slider, lump crab cake slider with old bay chips and mini chicken tacos.

We had a great time at the event, watching the fashion show, dressmaking contest and getting a chance to meet so many great brides.  Thanks to the Foundry for once again holding the showcase, and to all the vendors who came out and helped, for the third year, make this event a great success.

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On February 27^th, J. Scott Catering, along with The Phoenixville Foundry, Proud to Plan and Sommerfield Designs, hosted this stunning show. There were also 25 other vendors that are on the Foundry’s preferred vendor list. More than 60 brides and their guests attended to sample our cuisine, partake in wine and beer tastings, and view the live runway show.

J. Scott presented three distinctive food station displays. The first look was the “Eco Chic” table, incorporating an earthy, rustic feel with a nod to environmentally friendly practices. We used 100% recyclable bamboo tasting plates to showcase Braised Boneless Short Ribs, Bell & Evans Slow Cooked Potted Chicken, and Pale Ale Battered Haddock and Chips.

The Second Station was a monochromatic  green table that featured a plethora of glass vases filled with limes, lady apples, green grapes and artichokes. This station was intended to highlight simple, easy to pick up and easy to eat fare. This was accomplished with single-use, dual-compartment containers which featured vegetable crudite and dips.  This table received much acclaim due to its streamline look, stunning floral arrangement and unusual food presentations.

The third Quesadilla Station showcased three varieties of quesadillas: Cuitlacoche, Grilled Corn & Jalapeno; Grilled Oregano Shrimp & Black Olive; and Chipotle, Smoked Chicken & Wild Mushroom. Assorted granite slabs heated from beneath displayed the finished quesadillas and a multitude of vessels held the toppings.  Our chefs were on site to sauté the quesadillas while the guests stood in amazement. Contemporary sunflower arrangements put in metal containers and sat high on our eight-foot-tall backdrop to frame the station.

Lastly, since we felt the grooms always get neglected at these events, we wanted to do something special for them. Along with the beer tasting, free facial shavers and fresh cigar rollers, we set up a buffet of assorted wings, jalapeño poppers and popcorn shrimp, much to the enjoyment of the future grooms.

To all of our dedicated staff who made the event a success, and our event partners – including Proud to Plan, Sommerfield Designs and The Phoenixville Foundry – thank you for all your work.

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