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.

A Tasty Tasting

In our most recent tasting, we offered our clients a variety of hor d’oeuvres and a couple of appealing entrees. They first got to experience our steamed vegetable dumpings stuffed with cabbage, celery, carrots, onions, peas, scallions, tofu for extra protein, and sprouts. We also offered a dark citrusy ponzu sauce for dipping that adds a tart flavor to the vegetables.

Our miniature portobello quesadillas involve mushrooms with a rich, strong, earthy flavor, sliced red peppers, and carrots for color and taste on a lightly toasted corn tortilla. This dish is stylishly garnished peppers and white flowers for a summery look.

By soaking the chicken in lime, a rich zesty flavor is added to the meat making it nice and tender for our chicken skewers. After soaking, we grill the chicken which gives it a distinctive aroma. Our rich and creamy avocado dip has a lighter flavor but when paired with the skewers, they balance each other nicely. Perfect for a luau, BBQ, or summer pool party.

The first entrée we presented was a juicy, succulent sliced beef sirloin with gorgonzola cheese and bourbon sauce. What makes the sauce special is its ability to seep into the beef and give it a sweetly smooth taste. The green beans and rice on the side add variety and flavor for a complete meal. Lastly, they tried our delicious fresh wild salmon with a mustard seed horseradish crust. The mustard seed and horseradish give the salmon an intense flavor with a spicy, aromatic rustic taste. What we stress to our customers is, wild salmon is not only healthier for you, but it also tastes better. We pride ourselves in serving only the best to our clients which is why this tasting was a sensation.

Looking Forward to Warmer Months

This weekend we had a tasting for a couple getting married in August.  We created a menu for them to reflect the season; light, fresh and full of flavor.

  

Hors d’oeuvres included vegetable pot stickers, lime marinated chicken skewers with avocado cream dip and sesame California rolls to name a few.  Our guests especially enjoyed our house smoked salmon and dill spread in mini cucumber cups.  This hors d’oeuvre delivers a full range of flavors in just a tiny bite.  The smokiness of the salmon melds well with the smoothness of the cream cheese and the added dill gives it a touch of freshness at the finish.  To balance the spreads intensity is the cool, crisp, fresh cucumber.  The combination, though simple in concept, is complex in execution.

  

The first course was a red & green leaf salad with mandarin orange and honey balsamic vinaigrette.  This refreshing, light salad is perfect for a hot summer day.  It opens the palate for the decadent summer entrée that follows.  Sliced beef sirloin with bourbon gorgonzola sauce, fresh wild salmon with mustard seed horseradish crust and pan fried trout with pancetta and tomato ragout all gave the couple the feeling of enjoying a summer meal on a terrace under the stars. 

 

Their favorite though was the chicken sienna with sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and shallots.  The pan seared chicken, while a hot dish, was lightened with a tomato and stock based sauce, giving the illusion of a lighter dish while still holding fast to a full bodied flavor from the sundried tomatoes and mushrooms.  Entrees were accompanied by long grain and wild rice timbale and fresh haricot vert with almonds and brown butter.  Concluding the tasting the couple enjoyed a sampling of wedding cakes.

 Cooking in season and using local produce is just one way you can help reduce your carbon footprint.  At J. Scott we are dedicated to buying in season from local purveyors with the highest quality meat, dairy and produce.  Take the time to visit a local farmer’s market and see what is currently available.  You’ll be surprised at the amazing foods grown in your area and you’ll feel good for doing your part to help preserve our environment.