Occasions Catering Blog

Autumn Treats

2011-10-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

EASY FALL HORS D’OEUVRES
Every fall, the creative juices start to run at Occasions. It’s time for new recipes, menus, and inspiration. THIS inspiration is our gift to you! Surprise your friends and family with an old idea gone MUCH BETTER. You can size it up or down. It’s inexpensive. It doesn’t take much time. You can innovate to make your prep time even less. It’s delicious with a glass of wine or hot cider.

MUCH BETTER PRETZELS AND DIPS
You will need:
- 1 lb. bag of Rold Gold Pretzels- Tiny Twists (the curled ones that almost look like hearts)
- 3 dips- recipes follow
- 3 mini pumpkins- different sizes. Put one pumpkin at a time in the microwave for 1.5 minutes. The cooking will soften the pumpkin just enough to allow you to cut into the top of the pumpkin without damaging your bodily parts. Remove the lid and seeds, scraping a little of the pumpkin meat out as well. The larger pumpkins will take 3-4 minutes. Cool your pumpkin containers before filling with dips.
- A flat basket to hold the pretzels and dips

We LOVE these dip recipies! You won’t believe how good they taste with the pretzels: (However, for speedy prep time, you can buy pre-made dips or make other types of dips. e.g.: Hot Mustard Dip, Onion Dip (recipe on back of the onion soup box), Artichoke Dip, etc.)

Wine-Cheese Dip:
2 cups sour cream (lite if you want)
2 t. garlic powder
2 t. onion powder
2 t. dried parsley
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1 cup shredded cheese
½ cup white wine (or beer!)
Mix all together and chill.

Cranberry-Honey Dip
1- 16 oz. can cranberry sauce
¼ c. honey
2 t. vinegar
½ t. ground ginger
½ t. stone ground mustard
1/8 t. ground cinnamon
1/8 t. pepper
In saucepan, combine ingredients, whisk over medium heat until smoothish. Chill.

Dijon-Bacon Dip
1 c. mayonnaise
½ c. Dijon
1/3 c. bacon bits or cooked bacon, crumbled (Save a tablespoon for garnish over the dip once it’s in the pumpkin.)
1-2 T. horseradish
Mix all together. Chill.

Put your dips in the cooled pumpkins and surround with the pretzels. Dig in. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Tip: Change the pumpkins to gold bowls and brighten-up your winter holiday party.

The Legislators are HERE!

2011-01-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

Olympia is a buzz with all the Legislators & Lobbyists back in town! Instantly, Olympia is bustling, and our fantastic restuarants are swamped at lunchtime. Also busy is the Occasions kitchen as it prepares for the many receptions and Capitol Campus luncheons.

An annual tradition is the Legislative Welcome Day that the Thurston County Chamber does...everyone gets together to stuff bags with goodies, and then delivers them to the Capitol offices. It's lots of fun for those of us doing the bag stuffing, but is no doubt most fun for the recipients!

Thank you Legislators & Lobbyists for all your hard work!

Christmas at Occasions

2010-12-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Along with 'delicious food graciously presented', we clearly have a poet in our midst with Kathy, our Supervisor to all the Occasions leads & servers. Kathy is a constant and calming presence in any situation, and we love her! Check out her heartfelt holiday poem about our team below...

T'was weeks before Christmas, and all thru the shop, chefs played the old game of 'Chop 'til You Drop'.

Big knives or small - just tools of the trade, as they perfectly diced each specialty made.

The cookbook they no longer need to employ, as they stirred up their tidings of comfort and joy!

The dishwasher ran with an outrageous hum, like the drummer boy's beat - a - rum-a-tum-tum!

In the office the phones rang a tempo of cheer, while the staff wondered how we will get through this year.

As 'How many vegans?' - 'Your guest count went where?' - 'Yes we deliver!' echoed in the air.

Some dates for the parties were booked in advance, but last minute callers were taking a chance - that we might have the time and servers enough, to grant them our help when their schedules got tough.

We said yes to their wishes and yes to their menu, and even provided a most festive venue - for the Heritage Room, just painted anew, silently awaited its Christmas debut.

The stagers were busy "twice checking" each list, carefully packing so nothing got missed; all linens and fabrics, the flatware and dishes, selected according to each client's wishes.

The servers were scheduled for every event, and loading the vans to the jobs they all went - to bring food to the hungry and smiles to the guests, who tasted each flavor and knew they were blessed -

For of all the caterers in the Northwest, Occasions was known as the best of the best!

With festivities over, the service crew flew - with their hands full of glasses and silverware too.

They swept all the floors, stacked the chairs chimney high, then turned to the lead who smiled with a sigh, "The crates are all packed, every saucer and cup. The lights are all out. Get the van started up!"

And the servers all sang as they drove out of sight "HEALTHY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE!"

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERY ONE!

Breakfast with Santa

2010-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

OCCASIONS CATERING & SPECIAL EVENTS

presents:

"BREAKFAST WITH SANTA"

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Join Santa from 9:00AM to 11:30AM for a fun morning with holiday activites, prizes and a delicious family friendly holiday buffet.

Ticket Prices:$10.00 Adults, $7.00 Child 4-12, and under 3 FREE.

Tickets may be purchased by calling Occasions at: 1.877.943.9494

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County.

Funds raised wil help support close to 2,000 low income and at-risk youth which

the clubs serve through their afterschool programs at four clubs in

Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Rochester.

Thank you to our participating vendors who are donating their time and resources

to make this a successful event:

Holiday Music by Music De-Lite

Photos with Santa by Dinea de Photo

(Pictures with Santa can be purchased deparately)

AA Party Rentals

Address to the Heritage Room: 604 Water Street Olympia, WA

Located on the corner of Water St. & Legion Way

Boys & Girls Club Thurston County - 360.956.0755/www.bgctc.org

Hosted by Occasions Catering & Special Events

http://www.occasions-catering.com/

Busy Busy Busy!!!

2010-10-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Our first Occasional Tasting event of the season was amazing with nearly 70 guests in attendance! We appreciate so much the vendors who shared the evening with us...'thank you' Robert from Music De-Lite, Colleen from Lynch Creek Floral, Dinea from Dinea de Phot0, and Suzi from Black Tie Espresso. Thank you also to the vendors who shared product but were not personally there...AA Party Rentals, Trendy Events and Celebrity Cake Studio.

We're onto the next thing...Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 11 at our venue the Heritage Room! For more info please visit our website @ http://www.occasions-catering.com/

A couple comments from happy clients:
Staff was very attentive and well organized. Food was FABULOUS! Everyone
complimented the choice and how good it was. Common comment was 'that was the best
wedding I have ever attended, it went so smooth, was fun and relaxing. ~ Mary Looker,
Mother of the Bride

Ashley, you and your team did a great job with our event. I was amazed at how quickly &
efficiently everything came together. The food was excellent with RAVE reviews for
the appetizers - especially the Salmon Torte, Chicken Skewers and even the sweet rolls that
accompanied the Hawaiian Sandwiches. Strawberry Lemonade was a BIG hit! Thanks
again for making this a memorable event. ~ Jane, Mother of the Bride

I wanted to take a moment and sincerely thank you for an excellent job. You truly are a gem
in the industry, as such prompt, customized service and genuine people are hard to find.
We fully plan to use you in the future. The food was delicious, the service spot on, and I can
tell you as well as your employees truly care about what you do. Thank you again.
~ Alexis Stanton, Olympic Pipeline Company

We just wanted to let you know that our wedding was amazing. The Occasions staff for the
event was great. Everyone was so attentive & professional. We couldn't have asked for
anything more. Please pass on our gratitude to everyone that participated in our day.
Thanks again! ~ Dave & Heidi Hoadly, Bride & Groom

We love supporting local businesses, and are enjoying the wonderful ciders that Lattin's on Rich Rd. in Lacey put out each fall. We use them in our fruit smoothies, and have lots of flavors to pick from this time of year. Blackberry was a hit at last week's Thurston County Chamber Business Showcase!

Stay tuned for more exciting news...

Fall has arrived at Occasions!!!

2010-09-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Our 'Occasional Tasting' event menu is ready for the kitchen!

The summer has been CRAAAAAAAZY, but we are so excited for our first 'Occasional Tasting' event on September 28th!!! Putting the menu together was a blast, and we can't wait to show it off.

Please check out our website http://www.occasions-catering.com/ for more info about it.

Occasions keepin' their brides & vendors happy!!!

2010-09-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

This comment was sent from a photographer who worked with us on a recent event -
the Hess/Christensen Wedding on 8/29/10 at Laurel Creek Manor...thank you Darel!

"Your staff did an excellent job...well planned, executed and presented.
Photographing weddings with such obvious professionalism is extra
pleasureable. Until next time..."
Owner & Senior Photographer
Darel Roa Photography - since 1974
Serving the South Sound from Edgewood, WA

Anytime Punch

2010-08-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

We hope you're enjoying summer!

Occasions is busy trying to keep our brides & grooms cool & happy during this busy and HOT wedding season! We're doing that by giving them LOTS of our refreshing punch...here's our recipe to use when you need an easy new beverage to cool off with. ENJOY!

'Anytime Punch'

1 lg. can pineapple juice

1 can cream of coconut

1 lg. bottle of 7-Up

Ice

Combine pineapple juice, cream of coconut,

7-Up and ice in container. Serve in

fun summer glasses garnished with

mint leaves or fruit of your choice.

(for an adult beverage, may add rum.)

What one happy mother of the bride had to say...

"Thank you so much for the excellent meal and service. Everyone had a wonderful time and all were impressed with the food. Your staff was efficient, while hardly seen, and were friendly and helpful. We all felt like royalty for a day! As mother of the bride, I was able to relax and enjoy the event knowing everything was completely taken care of."

Sincerely,

Margot & Randy Brand

Happy 4th of July!

2010-06-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

Are you entertaining a 4th of July crowd, but are overwhelmed with the idea of pulling it all together? No worries. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive to be fun! Here are some tips...

1. Use colored paper plates/napkins/cups to bring out a color theme.

2. Visit your local discount store & get some of those little flags we all like to wave at parades.

3. Fill clear jam jars or votive cups (also found at a discount store) with sand, put flags inside, and cluster together as little centerpieces.

4. Change up your burgers & dogs by offering different types of condiments...how about Tex/Mex stuff like salsa & quacamole, or Hawaiian ingredients like pineapple slices and a sweeter sauce?

5. Who doesn't LOVE old fashioned sugar cookies??? Something as simple as star cut-outs with red/white/blue sprinkles make all the difference on a pretty platter.

6. Not into cutting cookies out? We hear 'ya...how about simple cupcakes made festive with patriotic food picks?

7. For a more elegant dessert like in the picture shown, a simple vanilla pudding, cheesecake mix or ice cream with berries poured over the top makes a show stopper your guests will think you worked on for hours!

Those are just a few ideas to get you thinking, but the possibilities are ENDLESS! The most important part of any holiday is enjoying it with your family & friends...

Have a "Safe & Happy 4th of July Celebration!!!"

FOOD Quote:

Good food ends with good talk. ~ Geoffrey Neighbor

'Green' News & Corn Tidbits!

2010-06-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

All of our 'dumpster diving' has paid off! Occasions Catering was recently recognized as a top honoree for 2009 with the Green Business Distinction from the Thurston County Chamber. Woohoo!

When you plan your summer picnic with us, the grilled corncob won't be your only corn source...did you know our eco-friendly flatware is made of, you guessed it, CORN??? We'll make sure we've got plenty of the cob kind tho' so you don't have to nosh on your fork.

FOOD Quote:

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~Jim Davis

'Breakfast with Santa

2009-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 12, 2009
9AM to 12 Noon
Heritage Room at Capital Lake
604 Water Street Olympia, WA 98501

Enjoy a fun morning with Santa, holiday activities, prizes and a delicious kid
friendly holiday themed buffet.

Ticket Prices: $8.00 Children age 12 & under
$5.00 Adults age 13 & up
Family of 4 to 8 $25.00

For Reservations contact 1-877-943-9494

A portion of the proceeds go to the Junior League of Olympia and their “Kids Count” program.

Pictures with Santa can be purchased separately.

Rhenae & Steve's Wedding Day

2009-11-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Dearest Ashley & Crew,

How can we thank you for making our wedding the event it turned out to be? No detail was over looked. The food was fabulous, staff attentive and the Heritage Room looked amazing! You were the Best to work with. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect group of people to work with. I have been telling friends that you are the events people to go to for their catering/event needs. 5 Star in my book! Thank you from my heart for everything!

Rhenae & Steve

Chef James and his bride, Hannah tied the knot!

2009-09-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Our very own Chef James and his bride, Hannah, with guests from around the world celebrated their wedding day like no other wedding we've ever been too! Because both are from Kenya, there was a joyful noise throughout the entire ceremony and reception. Powerful singing, Great Kenyan food and a very happy gathering! Congratulations to our Occasions newlyweds!

Summer Nuptials

2009-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Nuptials - the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed.
Congratulations:

Sara & Kurt
Rachel & Ladd
Brenna & Alan
Thacady & Chris
Kimberly & Chris
Kathryn & Derek
Alicia & Joe
Anna & Adam
Tammy & Damon
Jennifer & Chris
Ashley & Richard
Christelle & Kevin
Kristine & Tony

Tea & Scones Anyone?

2009-09-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Time Out! Tea and Scones anyone? Jennie's been in the kitchen perfecting her scone recipe. Yesterday, it was with fresh diced peaches incorporated into the dough with a brush of egg & milk and a sprinkle of sugar on top just before baking. Tester, (husband, Jim) deemed them the best. Today, she got 'the bug" to do it again and made the same basic recipe doubled- one with poppyseeds and lemon zest and the other with chocolate chips. Served as treat for about 15 guests. The scones dissapeared within minutes! This scone recipe is the best yet! A bit of crunch on the outside and moist on the inside, not dry. Perfect for a late afternoon respite with tea or for mid-morning snack. If you would like the recipe (there is an unusal, perfect, secret ingredient), please email Jennie at jennie.hannah@occasions-catering.com. She'll be happy to send it right away.

Occasions Host Nace Chapter Meeting

2009-09-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

Occasions was host for the chapter meeting of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) at the Heritage Room last Tuesday. 'Gluten-Free' was the topic and what a wonderful way to educate professionals in the catering industry about the overwhelming incidence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease in the US population. Occasions designed an elegant gluten free dinner menu that featured our signature champagne bar, jerk pork loin, gingered sweet potatoes, locally grown vegetables and a pumpkin panna cotta (heaven)- served with chocolate dipped, gluten-free lady fingers. Look for our gluten-free menu items soon to be featured on our website.

Alicia & Joe's Wedding Day

2009-08-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Marie!

Joe and I were SO happy with everything on Saturday - the food, drink and service was amazing and our guests could not stop raving about how fabulous the buffet was!

Kathy, Colleen and Ashley did such a great job with the food and the bartender was just terrific!

Thank you to all of you at Occasions for making our wedding celebration wonderful!

Alicia & Joe

Anna & Adam's Wedding

2009-08-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Jenny, Luan, Cathy, and all the catering staff and chefs at Occasions,

Our guests totally enjoyed your catering of Anna and Adam's wedding.

The food was delicious and beautifully served. Your punch was the most popular drink.
The serving staff was efficient and gracious. I believe every guest remarked on the food and the service.

I almost wish we would be planning another wedding with you.

Thank you for your part in making Anna and Adam’s day so special.

Kathleen and Carl

2009-08-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS To our new Mr. & Mrs.:

Alex & Amy - Blair Acres

Courtney & Brad - Lakewold Gardens

Nikki & Danny - Historic Hotel Washington

Liz & Ryan - Lakewold Gardens

Sara & Aaron - Lacey Community Center

Courtney & Dusty - Private Home

Kearra & Justin - Laurel Creek Manor

Barbara & Jason - Heritage Room

Happy Clients

2009-08-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Posted 7/30/09 at the time clock: Re: Client comments for Munson Wedding, 7/25/09:
“It was fabulous!! It was beautiful!! It was the best!! The food was delicious, they received comments like “This is the best wedding I have ever been to!”, many following just like that! They were so pleased, everything flowed smoothly, everything was seamless, it was awesome, our staff was the best, they were so pleased!!!” Jennie says: “Our operations manager, Ashley and the whole crew are outstanding in making this wedding and all our events we do a success.” YA!

Romance and the Staff

2009-08-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

The most recent in-house romantic news I’ve heard regards our chef and his bride to be. Yes, that would be James Gatonyo who will be married September 13, 2009, to his sweetie, Hannah Kamau. We all send our congratulations and best wishes to these two very special people. Blessings on this marriage!

Trash Action

2009-08-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Our recycle diva and occasional dumpster diver- is your go-to source for all things recycled and composted. Dianna Kallerges is the pro for where the plastic, paper, and food scrapes go. When in doubt, ASK Dianna. Don’t just dump your “garbage” without knowing which receptacle it goes in. Otherwise, Dianne will start assigning YOU the task of diving for the plastic that is mixed in with the compostable paper and food scrapes! The owners and management of Occasions are serious about our commitment to being responsible users and helpers of the environment! Our recycle/compost practices are part of the Occasions culture and will not be compromised.

Another way to think: Want to stay out of the dumps (literally and psychologically)? Separate your job trash immediately whether on the job site (we have bins) or in the office. This will save you time and energy and make me (us) happy.

Dianna: An added assignment for you: Monthly recycling/composting training reminder sessions (5 minutes) for all staff. Try to do in the Occasions parking lot at the LeMay receptacles.