Monday, November 17, 2014

Sandy Spector on Thanksgiving Menus

A note from caterer Sandy Spector regarding Thanksgiving menus intrigued me, and I asked her to answer some questions for a blog post. I'm sure many family gatherings nowadays will include dietary options that our grandparents never imagined. Here is the Q&A:

Q. When and how did you decide to broaden your menu?
A. We have always provided holiday menus with specialty items, food for major sporting events shared around the TV with friends and family, children's parties, High Holiday observances and so much more.
Because many of our clients have special dietary needs, allergies to certain food items, dietary choices eliminating certain food categories, we have done extensive study and research with recipe testing to be able to delight their culinary senses.

Q. Which alternate category (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or raw) is most popular? What are some examples of the choices in each category?
A. "Vegetarian" items are probably the most requested...we do our with no fake flavored replacements. There is a growing call for "Gluten Free" items as can be seen in the ever increasing shelf space provided to items that can be included in the diet of Celiac Disease sufferers and those who just feel better by eliminating certain food from their diets.. "Vegan" dishes are a distant third place. "Raw" items are definitely the least requested.
Vegetarian...Eggplant Rollatini with fresh Tomato Concasse
Mushroom and Walnut Pate with Crisp Herbed Croustades'
Gluten Free...Lemongrass Shrimp Soup with Spaghetti Squash
Kale Salad with Butternut Squash and Toasted Almonds
Vegan...Pumpkin and Cashew Curry
Quinoa Fritters with Grilled Pineapple and Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
Raw...Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
Corn Salad with Tomatoes, Avocados, Shitaki Mushrooms and Fresh Herbs

Q. Can a client split menus for different needs? (Example: Parents like traditional, adult children are vegans).
A. Absolutely!! We recommend it...we also recommend that everyone share these special dishes.

Q. How does your service work? Is food delivered in advance or served on Thanksgiving? Besides food, what else can you provide for a holiday gathering? (Tables, chairs, waitstaff, décor, etc.)
A. We do both. The client can get a delivery before the holiday or arrange a pick up. We also do special holiday deliveries with set up.
We can arrange for rental of tables, chairs, linens, tableware, glassware and flatware. Our clients have hundred of items from which to choose. We also provide staff, upon request. Holiday rates apply.

Q. How much advance notice do you need and can clients arrange it all by phone, online, in-person meeting?
A. We need as much advance notice as possible as we stop taking orders when we feel we our "dance card" is full. Staffing takes more notice than menu. Clients can arrange everything on the phone. (908) 400-9979 We send proposals for client confirmation...upon which we add them to the roster.

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