Gourmet Caterers Orange County

May 1, 2011

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Filed under: Appetizer event,Boat cruise,Conference Catering,Corporate Catering,Corporate Holiday Party,corporate Menus,Future plans,Holiday Parties,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,orange county catering,recipes,satisfied clients,Surprise party,Wedding Lunch — Tags: , , , , , — nancy @ 9:42 pm

Gourmet Caterers wishes you a Happy Cinco de Mayo!  What are you going to do to celebrate?  How about some fresh chips and salsa?  A refreshing Margarita? or treat your family and friends to Gourmet Caterers Taco/Tostada Bar or our Sizzling Steak or Chicken Fajitas?  It all sounds good to me!

Cinco de Mayo is literally the fith of May.  It is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.  It commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862,  under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. It is celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla and in the United States.    ”Cinco de Mayo is not a Mexican holiday—it is an American Civil War holiday, created spontaneously by Mexicans and Latinos living in California who supported the fragile cause of defending freedom and democracy during the first years of that bloody war between the states.” Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day,  the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

Like most holidays the United States celebrates, Cinco de Mayo is an occasion to enjoy eating and drinking.  Gourmet Caterers would like to help you celebrate.  When you place your order, mention this blog and you will receive a complimentary appetizer of chips and salsa  to enjoy with your guests.

Gourmet Caterers say Happy Cinco de Mayo to you and yours!

April 26, 2011

Mahi Fish Tacos

Filed under: Barrmitzvah weekend,brunch,Conference Catering,Corporate Catering,corporate Menus,Fundraisers,Graduation Party,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,orange county catering,recipes,satisfied clients — Tags: , , , , , — nancy @ 2:09 am

While surfing today, I came upon this recipe.  It sounded good to me so I thought I’d see if anybody else thinks it tastes good.

The ultimate taco recipe: a double-decker taco with a soft flour tortilla wrapped around a crispy corn taco shell, giving them a crazy texture.

My Oh Maui Fish Tacos

1/4 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion, one-quarter finely chopped, the remainder thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or finely chopped
  • One 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
  • Juice of 2 limes, plus 2 teaspoons grated peel
  • 1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (a generous handful)
  • Four 6-ounce mahi mahi fillets
  • 8 corn taco shells
  • 1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream

    •  

    Directions:

    1. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the jalapeño, chopped red onion and garlic and cook for 4 minutes. In a small bowl, mash the black beans with the cumin and season with salt and pepper; cover.
    2. In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons oil with the honey, hot sauce and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Add the sliced onion, cabbage and cilantro; toss.
    3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium. Coat the fish with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the lime peel. Cover and grill the fish, turning once, for 8 minutes.
    4. Warm the taco shells and tortillas on the grill. Spread a few spoonfuls of mashed beans (stir 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water into the beans if too thick) on the outside of the tacos, and wrap a tortilla around each one, pressing to adhere.
    5. Flake half a piece of fish into each taco shell and top with some cabbage slaw. Serve 2 tacos per person, with the crème fraîche and extra slaw on the side.

    Gourmet Caterers would love for you to submit your favorite recipe to share with our readers.  Do you have anything?

    April 4, 2011

    Buffet Flowers add so much to the presentation!

    Filed under: Appetizer event,Dessert Party,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,Networking — Tags: , , , , , — nancy @ 6:18 pm

      The appetizer buffet at the LeWinter Memorial, held in Corona del Mar yesterday was accented by a beautiful floral arrangement created by Gourmet Caterers using flowers from Mayesh Wholesale Flowers.  Beautiful white roses accented with a touch of red gave the needed punch to a classy appetizer buffet.

    The buffet set up consisted of black linens, accented by silver fabric, using glass platters and elevations to complete the look.  The appetizers were a great hit.  The guests especially enjoyed the Chicken Pinwheels and Ahi Tuna on a sesame chip.   All of the guests gathered were pleased with the food and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.   

    Are you on Facebook? We are! We would love to have you connect with us there so we can share recipes, specials, news about parties and events and much more. And don’t forget to share your food-related stories and pictures with us, too!

     Please become a fan of our Facebook page. All you have to do is follow this link and click the ‘like’ button at the top of the page.

    http://www.facebook.com/GourmetCaterers

    If you have attended one of our events, we would love it if you would also click on the ‘reviews’ tab and tell us what you thought.

     ****** We’ll be giving away a special breakfast to a Facebook fan very soon – so don’t miss your chance to be in the drawing. Everyone who ‘likes’ the page is automatically entered! *******

    March 7, 2011

    Pesach Menus are ready!

    Filed under: Holiday Parties,nationality buffets,orange county catering,PESACH — nancy @ 9:29 pm

    Gourmet Caterers is getting ready for the holidays and so should you!  See our menus here.  We are taking orders and our last day for orders is April 14th.  If you have any questions, either Nina or Ruth will be happy to assist you.  Gourmet Caterers is happy to be a part of your holidays and we always strive to create the finest food for you and your guests.

    October 3, 2010

    Gourmet Caterers had a busy week but outdid themselves again!

    Filed under: Appetizer event,barmitzvahs,brunch,Conference Catering,Corporate Catering,Corporate menu Brunch,corporate Menus,Dessert Party,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,orange county catering,satisfied clients — Nina Varkel @ 11:47 pm

    Gourmet Caterers had a crazy busy week.  It started with 4 days of Mission & Mentoring for St Joseph’s Health System.  Each day started with a Continental Breakfast with fresh fruit, bagels and a Zucchini Frittata on the second day.  Lunch was wonderful sandwiches and salad with lemon bars for day 1 followed by a deluxe appetizer event to finish off the day.

    Day 2 had a Harvest Lunch of Butternut Squash Soup and Asparagus Salad.  It was both a treat for the palate and the eyes.

    Friday brought us to do a BBQ lunch for Kerr in Anaheim.  Kebobs and BBQ’d Chicken provided by Gourmet Caterers pleased all the palates on site.

    Saturday took us to Temple Beth Tikvah for a Kiddush Lunch and the Best Rugelach served warm from the oven.  Guests feasted on Kugel and Fritatta, frsh Fruit Display, Cream Puffs and Chocolate Mousse Cups.

    This week Gourmet Caterers again outdid themselves.  See our pictures at

     http://www.picturetrail.com/gid23518544

    http://www.picturetrail.com/gid23518547

    September 20, 2010

    Stein Birthday was a hit!

    Filed under: Appetizer event,Birthday,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,satisfied clients — Nina Varkel @ 5:33 pm

    Happy Birthday Robyn!

     

    Gourmet Caterers was there to help celebrate this milestone birthday!  The yard was beautifully decorated in Pink and Black.  Gourmet Caterers tray-passed Appetizers that delighted every palate.  Turkey Schwarma cooked in front of the guests and served with Felaffel,  Pita Bread, Cabbage Salad,  Hummus, & Babaganoush was so inviting and the guests loved it.

    The Beef Kebobs, Couscous, Meditteranean Vegetables, Israeli Salad & Mixed Greens Salad completed the buffet.  What a wonderful feast!

    The featured dessert was a Red Velvet Cake and fruit filled sorbets.  All had a good time!  Gourmet Caterers scored big again!

    See pictures at http://picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/23499110

    August 2, 2010

    Rosh Hashanah /Yom Kippur is almost here

    Filed under: Future plans,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,Shabbat Dinners,Uncategorized — Nina Varkel @ 7:40 pm

    Gourmet Caterers is gearing up for the holidays.  Our new Holiday Menu is ready!  We can take all the work out of your holiday meals so you can celebrate just like you remember childhood celebrations!  Remember what Grandma used to make……

    Gourmet Caterers will be happy to take your orders now from our menu.  See menu below!

    2217 South Grand

    Santa Ana, CA 92705

    Call: Nina – (949) 633-3628/(949) 786-0882

    Ruth – (949) 293-4688/(949) 551-4123

    Fax: (949) 786-0882

    Varkel@gmail.com

    ROSH HASHANAH/YOM KIPPUR ORDERS

    Hello All!

    It’s Holiday time! 

    Please place orders as soon as possible.  Last day for orders for Rosh Hashanah is Sunday, September 5, 2010.  Last day for orders for Yom Kippur is Monday, September 13, 2010.  Any changes and/or additions after that date will incur $1.00 extra per person for each item ordered. 

    Orders for Rosh Hashanah to be picked up before noon on Wednesday, September 8.  Orders for Yom Kippur to be picked up before noon on Friday, September 17, from Gourmet Caterers at the address listed above. 

    Chag Sameach – Nina and Ruth

    +++++++++++++++

    Name: _________________________   Address: ______________________________

    Phone No.: _____________________

                                                                Cost                            Quantity                       Total $

     

    Herring:

     

    Chopped Herring                              $17.00 per lb.            _____                         _____

    Kichel                                                  $20.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Danish Herring                                    $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Parev Pineapple Cream Herring         $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Mustard Herring                                  $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Fish:

    Fish Balls                                            $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Fish Balls Curried                               $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Curried Fish Fillets                              $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Fish Fillets in Soy Ginger Sauce        $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Mock Crayfish                                     $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Salmon Lasagna                                 $36.00 (serves 12)      _____                          _____

    Honey/Orange Fillet of Salmon           $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    With Soy and Fresh Ginger

     

    Chicken and Meat:

    Herb-Roasted Chicken with

    Pomegranates                                                $19.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Honey Citrus Chicken                         $19.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Chicken Provencal (with

    Tomatoes and Olives)                                    $19.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Sweet & Sour-stuffed

    Mustard Cabbage                               $30.00 (for 6)              _____                          _____

    Brisket with Portobello

    Mushrooms & Cranberries                 $21.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Brisket and Tzimmes                         $21.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Pepper Crusted Roast Beef

    in Mustard Wine Sauce                      $21.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Sweet and Sour Meatballs                  $21.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Chopped Liver                                     $17.00 per lb.              _____                          _____

    Perogen                                              $16.00 per dozen        _____                          _____

    Meat Blintzes                                      $24.00 per dozen        _____                          _____

    Kreplach                                              $10.00 per dozen        _____                          _____

    Soup – Chicken Noodle                    $11.00 (serves 4)          _____                          _____

                Roasted Red Pepper  $11.00 (serves 4)                    _____                          _____

                Butternut                     $11.00 (serves 4)                    _____                          _____

    Kneidlach (Matzo Balls)          $1.75 ea. (min. 6)                    _____                          _____

     

    Vegetable Sides:

    Roasted Vegetable Tzimmes

    With Prunes                            $26.00 (serves 12)                  _____                          _____

    Grilled Chipotle Vegetables     $30.00 (serves 12)                  _____                         _____

    Potato OR Sweet Potato

    Kugel w. Red Peppers            $26.00 (serves 12)                  _____                          _____

    Honey-Roasted Red

    Potatoes                                  $20.00 (serves 12)                  _____                          _____

    Butternut Squash and Yams  $20.00 (serves 12)                  _____                          _____

    Barley (or Rice) with

    Butternut, Apples & Onions    $20.00 (serves 12)                  _____                          _____

     

     

    Dessert:

    Majestic Moist Honey

    Cake                                        $18.50 (serves 10)                  _____                          _____ 

    Apple Squares with Honey

    And Walnuts                           $20.00 (serves 10)                  _____                          _____

    French Silk Chocolate Tart     $25.00 (serves 10)                  _____                          _____

    Spiced Pear & Pomegranate

    Strudel                                     $20.00 (serves 10)

    Yom Kippur:

    Mini Noodle Kugels with

    Onions and Poppy Seeds       $24.00 per dozen                    _____                          _____

    Bulkes (plain)                          $16.00 per dozen                    _____                          _____

    Bulkes (raisin)                         $16.00 per dozen                    _____                          _____

    Bulkes (chocolate)                  $16.00 per dozen                    _____                          _____

    Babkes (plain, chocolate or

    raisin)                                      $14.00 (serves 10)                  _____                          _____

    Babkes (chocolate or raisin)   $14.00 (serves 10)                  _____                          _____

    Creamy Cheesecake              $20.00 (serves 12)                   _____                         _____

    Items Listed Below Can be Ordered Individually

    Full Meal – $38.00 per head (minimum 10 guests)

     

    Chopped Liver

    Mixed Greens Salad with Apricots and Toasted Pecans, with Champagne Vinaigrette OR Spinach, Orange and Pomegranate Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette OR Mixed Greens Salad with Toasted Corn, Sliced Red Onion, Hearts of Palm and Caramelized Walnuts, with Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Chicken Soup with Matzoh Balls

    Pepper-Crusted Roast Beef in Mustard Wine Sauce OR Portobello Mushroom and Cranberry Roast Brisket

    Herb-Roasted Chicken with Pomegranates OR Chicken Provencal (with Tomatoes and Olives)

    Barley OR Rice with Butternut, Apples and Onions OR Honey-Roasted Red Potatoes

    Roasted Vegetable Tzimmes OR Grilled Chipotle Vegetables

    French Silk Chocolate Tart OR Spiced Pear and Pomegranate Strudel

    DEADLINE: Orders to be received by Sunday, September 5, 2010 for Rosh Hashanah and Monday, September 13, 2010 for Yom Kippur!

    July 19, 2010

    St Joseph’s Health System Honor Mission & Mentoring Grads

    Filed under: Appetizer event,brunch,Conference Catering,Corporate Catering,Corporate menu Brunch,corporate Menus,Dessert Party,Graduation Party,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,Planning that party,satisfied clients — Nina Varkel @ 8:42 pm

    Gourmet Caterers assisted St Joseph’s Health System in honoring its Mission & Mentoring Grads last week.  It was a two day event which celebrated the completion of a year-long course. 

    http://www.picturetrail.com/gid23371241

    The day started with a Continental Breakfast including Spinach Frittata, fresh baked Bagels & Cream Cheese, Fabulous Fresh Fruit and Baked Pastries & Breads.  Topped off by Fresh Brewed Coffee and Orange Juice.

    Lunch was an amazing assortment of Salads which provided a light meal for such a warm day.  The day finished with a wonderful reception of appetizers before a dinner of Chicken in a Wine and Hern Sauce and finished by a the Creamiest Chocolate Mousse Cups and Warm Apple Crisp.  We ate until we could eat no more.

    Wednesday morning began with Gourmet Caterers providing Egg Salad added to a Continental Breakfast which enhanced the Bagels and provided a good start to the day. 

    After all the presentations were completed there were the cutest box lunches with the best Wraps along with Sweet Potato Chips, Fresh Fruit & Chocolate Dipped Biscotti.  We left the event both feeling refreshed and proud of our accomplishments.

    Gourmet Caterers would like to provide our Congratulations to all the Graduates and we look forward to providing our great service to the next group of attendees.

    Greece comes alive

    Filed under: Appetizer event,Corporate Catering,corporate Menus,Dessert Party,Miscellaneous,nationality buffets,orange county catering,satisfied clients — Nina Varkel @ 8:21 pm

    Gourmet Caterers teamed up with Best of the Best Event Productions a few days ago to creat a visit to Greece for The Colony in Fashion Island.  We served Meditterean food including Spanakopita, Gyros, Yogurt Chicken Kebobs & the best Baklava ever.  The baklava was described as so tasty it will give you an orgasm of your taste buds. 

    See photos at:

    http://www.picturetrail.com/gid23371240

    The guests enjoyed the evening while dining pool side enjoying the cool breeze and tasty delights.  There were raves on the decor and fabulous food. 

    Gourmet Caterers again out did themselves in taste, presentation and service.

    February 18, 2008

    Multiple parties on one weekend

    Filed under: nationality buffets — Nina Varkel @ 4:31 am

    Stressfull and successful, making all parties as excellent as the previous one. You are only as good as your last party.

    Keeping the buzz going – amazing catered parties. Amazing nationality catering, with exceptional theme buffets.

    Powered by WordPress