Pretty in Pink

Last week the Phoenixville Foundry was bathed in vibrant colors for the wedding celebration of one of our most recent clients, a young couple from Delaware. Pretty in Pink was the theme of the night, as the newlyweds to be were interested in a more contemporary and modernized décor for the evening. The black and hot pink linens proved to be a dynamic and exciting color combination. Tables were surrounded by a set of chic silver chairs accented by hot pink satin cushions. The table setting was made complete by a splash of bright colors courtesy of the ornate, hand crafted centerpieces.

The color scheme came together especially well in the stationary cold hors d’oeuvres display. Outfitted with a collection of garden crudités, the color of the fresh sliced vegetables, along with the floral arrangements and candles accompanied the linens perfectly.

Our event planners were anxious and excited to see how the design scheme would come together. Compliments made by the bridal party and guests in attendance were ample reassurance that the layout was executed beautifully. A touch of color goes a long way in adding a unique flair to the most special of occasions.

Lunchtime Tasting

In last week’s post we detailed some of our latest décor layouts that were showcased at a recent event for Philadelphia party planners. Although décor is of the utmost importance, J Scott Catering was not named Best Caterer of the Main Line for being talented interior decorators! The tasting dishes were without a doubt the highlight of the event. Chef Erin Morrison ensured that each and every guest in attendance left with a healthy grin on their face.

As the planners filed into the venue, they were greeted by an assortment of various passed hors d’oeuvre. The crowed favorite appeared to be the smoked salmon tartare with a caper chive crème fraiche. Servers were barely able to make it through the doorway with the platter before eager guests hurried over to assist in lightening their load. That being said, that salmon’s popularity in no way overshadowed the other three delightful appetizers. These included a seared tuna with mango salsa on top a lotus root, curried shrimp salad with grilled endive and candied lime zest, and last but not least, wild mushroom goat cheese crostini with peppered honey. Needless to say that even with a long list of assorted entrees still to come, the planners made sure that none of these delicious appetizers went to waste.

Like the themed décor layouts, this showcase’s dishes were broken up into the categories of Asian Fusion, Eco-Chic, and Fall Harvest as well.

The sushi bar would not be complete without a sushi chef preparing sashimi and various combinations of veggie and seafood rolls. Guests were able to observe the chef’s talent and precision with the knife as he prepared each platter by hand. For those attendees that preferred hot Asian cuisine, the station also featured my personal favorite, braised beef short rib dumplings with a Sriracha infused dipping sauce. There was a spicy Kung Pao chicken on fried rice dish as well as a citrus braised baby bok choy.


The next station was our enviro-friendly Eco-Chic display. The key word was freshness as each dish was highlighted by garden enriched flavors. First up was a pan seared Halibut on top a seafood risotto cake with asparagus and sofrito. Next, a savory roasted tenderloin of beef topped with celery root, parsnip puree, and caramel fennel with espresso mocha demi glace. Finally, for the true veggo’s in the room, we served a summer vegetable Portobello tower accented by herb goat cheese and fresh tomato sauce.

Our last set of entrée samplers was a collection of fall harvest inspired dishes. A variation on the Asian braised beef short ribs, in our first dish they were barbequed and served with a cheesy polenta and crispy shallot rings. The second platter was a pan roasted organic chicken medallion with Kennett Square Mushrooms, a collection of herbs and Madeira. The last entrée of the afternoon was a Cape May pan seared jumbo scallop paired with smoked gouda, and chive risotto with hickory onion cream.

No meal is complete until the all important sweet tooth has been satisfied. The final display was a colorful desert wall filled with a variety of apple, pumpkin, and blackberry cobbler cups. Like a slice of pie in the palm of your hand, these colorful and tasty treats were the perfect way to finish off delightful event.

Showcasing our Décor

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.

Philadelphia Catering Tradeshow

Yesterday at a prestigious, well-known Philadelphia University, we were selected to participate in a catering tradeshow. The décor at our table was titled “fallen leaves” which is based on our fall inspired cocktail menus and also hints at our environmental friendly service ware that was used. Our “green” plates were made from fallen palm leaves and are fully biodegradable. The forks used are made from bamboo and are also fully biodegradable and compostable. We covered our table with tasteful orange linen and stylishly garnished with vivid orange and yellow flowers that drew people in.

We offered two hors d’oeuvres, two small plate entrees, and our well received mini dessert wall. The first hors d’oeuvre was a sweet butternut squash shooter garnished with a rim of toasted walnuts for added texture and appeal. Our seared yellowfin tuna was presented with mango salsa on a crisp lotus root chip. A lotus root is a vegetable that is native to Asia and found underwater. When baked, this vegetable has an earthy taste and is a healthier alternative to potato chips.

The first eco-friendly plate consisted of a BBQ braised short rib with cheesy polenta and garnished with crispy shallot rings. Polenta is an Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal that adds a brilliant yellow color to any meal. Next, we offered pan roasted organic chicken medallions with locally grown Kennet Square mushrooms, herbs, and drizzled with Maderia, which is a Portuguese wine. To end on a sweet note, there was a dessert wall with three fall-inspired miniature treats; apple pie and ice cream, pumpkin pie and spice, and blackberry cobbler.

The J. Scott Catering team had a great time and would like to thank everyone involved in making this event a success!