Trends Archives - Crave Catering

Local Austin Eats

July 1, 2015

It’s hard to keep up with the many local restaurants that pop up at a rapid-fire pace in our city, but as we continue our Austin Eats segment we want to remind our readers of the importance (and fun) of supporting local businesses really is. From entrepreneurial spirits to culinary masterminds, Austin has the cream of the crop. Speaking of cream, we have THREE local ice cream vendors that are sure to help you beat the heat this summer. We (Crave Catering) scream, you scream, we ALL scream for ICE CREAM!

Sweet Ritual

Sweet Ritual is nestled inside the Juiceland on on Duval Street in the middle of a bustling Hyde Park. Perfect for ice cream lovers of all kinds, this artisanal ice cream is dairy free! (Lactose intolerants unite!) Some of their classic flavors include Toasted Coconut and Cubano Coffee

(Photo credit: Sweet Ritual/Austin, TX)

Nada Moo!

Another local and dairy-free favorite is sold by the pint and the flavors are nothing short of coconut creamy goodness. These are available at Whole Foods, Wheatsville Co-op and a variety of other local grocery stores.

(Photo credit: Nada Moo!)

Be sure to beat the heat with a classic ice cream cone, with an Austin twist— no milk involved!

April: National Soft Pretzel Month

April 21, 2015

Let’s talk about pretzels. Some are salty, some are sweet, and April is the month we celebrate a particular kind of pretzel— the soft kind!

Some centuries ago, the first pretzels were created by Catholic monks. Using all the leftover scraps of dough not used when baking loaves of bread, the unique knotted shape came to fruition as a symbol for the Holy Trinity. This symbol has since evolved to have other meanings over the course of history. The phrase “tying the knot” originated from the same basic pretzel shape during the 17th century signifying the bond of marriage. Today, we see soft pretzels anywhere from sporting events to festivals and even weddings that we’ve catered!

Crave has been able to incorporate the soft pretzel into many of our dishes whether they are main courses or mini versions served as passed appetizers. They are extremely versatile and can be presented as a snack with salt and mustard or a sweet treat when rolled in sugar and cinnamon.

These soft pretzels are stuffed with philly cheesteak and topped with sea salt and mustard, a perfect snack at a reception or event!

Trending Tuesdays: Foods in Cones

April 14, 2015

A trend in the catering world we have started to see in the past couple years puts a smile on our faces because it’s a geometric shape that we tend to use quite a bit at our events. The cone. Perfect for ice cream, or chips or French fries! This trend has made waves with the food truck scene as well. (Check out Mighty Cone, taking the tortilla and the sno cone cup to another level)

Crave Catering has gone so far as to shape our own cones to create unique appetizers that are perfect for standing events where networking is a must. Check out the pictures of some of our cone-creations!

Sweet Potato Fry Cones

Tuna Tartare Cones

Truffle Fry Cones

April Fools Food Pranks!

April 1, 2015

The first of April- a day for jokesters to play pranks on their gullible friends, who you can also call the fools of April. While not a public holiday, people from all over the world partake in silly hoaxes, fake news stories and sheer silliness on the unsuspecting public. Some may fall for their tricks, while others know to have their guard up. Either way, it makes for an exciting hump day!

We searched the web and found some food inspired pranks that we thought were pretty comical. Hoping none of the Crave Team is thinking of doing these to each other later!

1. Mayo Filled Donuts

photo credit: Rene Schweitzke

Warning: making these might make you squeamish, but we can bet that the look on the persons face after the first bit will be priceless.

2. Chicken not Pie w/ Vanilla Custard and Starburst

photo credit: spoonful.com

Looks like a savory and warm meal when in fact, it is a vanilla and starburst treat!

3. Mashed Potato Sundae

photo credit: iVillage

Trick your kids into thinking they’re getting away with eating ice cream for dinner.

4. Pound Cake Grilled Cheese

photo credit: iVillage

Step aside sharp cheddar, pound cake and icing are stealing the show. Learn how to make it here.

What are some of the best April Fools pranks you’ve pulled? Comment below!

Wedding Etiquette FAQ’s

February 20, 2015

There are so many looming questions on what to and NOT to do when it comes to weddings. Whether you are a guest, groomsman, bridesmaid or the bride and groom the process can get a bit convoluted. Check out some of these frequently asked questions that might give you some clarity.

1. If Someone Asks Me to Be in Their Wedding, Do I Have to Ask Them to Be in Mine?

– There is no obligation to reciprocate an offer to be in someone’s wedding. If there are some feelings of guilt they can always fill a different role in the wedding, like a reader or similar position.

2. Can I Tell My Bridesmaids What Kind of Shower I Want?

– If there is a particular shower you are expecting, it would be advised to talk with your bridesmaids about the overall planning for the shower. It is definitely okay to request certain things, but avoid demanding anything especially if it means increasing the cost of the shower altogether.

3. How Much Should I Tip My Wedding Vendors?

– Depending on the service and relationship, a small gift or cash gift can be given. Vendors whom you have a contract with don’t normally expect a tip. Tips for musicians and servers are appreciated.

A Crave Chef Showcase

January 20, 2015

The “Do-it-yourself” (DIY) philosophy has become a very popular trend across a lot of industries the past couple of years. There is an important facet to this philosophy that involves learning and growing as an individual. Take cooking for example— in the hope that people stray away from buying processed, frozen food or even fast food, cooking for yourself and teaching others in your family how actually empowers them for the rest of their life. Now when it comes to catering, there are a variety of ways to do things yourself, per se. We have set up anything from DIY bloody Mary bars to build your own dessert stations that allow guests to let their imagination run wild with their food. Crave Catering also features a chef showcase for smaller gatherings that want to see how our dishes are created. One of our chefs comes out to the event to demonstrate how to make one of our dishes or appetizers for the guests to gain more insight into the catering world. There is something about seeing chefs create masterpieces with food that gets us really excited todive in and try them for ourselves!

Check out our chef showing some guests how to make tuna tartare!

Eco-Friendly Catering in Austin, Texas

October 7, 2014

In keeping up with the local theme of “Keep Austin Weird,” we thought we would share some of our eco-friendly products we use at some of our events. Unique and elegant, bamboo-pressed cones, ramekins and dinnerware are perfect for hors d’oeuvres, desserts, or any delicious treat. They are actually made from the bamboo sheath on newly emerging bamboo plants. As the plant matures, the sheath falls to the ground and most often is unutilized. The bamboo is then collected and the sheaths are then cleaned, boiled, and pressed into shape. The result is disposable/reusable dinnerware that is elegant, strong and 100% biodegradable.

We also use compostable cups and flatware made from corn. Corn and sugarcane based disposables can be used in place of traditional petroleum based products. Using these products can decrease the amount of waste being sent to our landfills and will help reach our goal in Austin of a zero waste future. The goal is to only send five percent of all waste to landfills by 2040. That starts with recycling and composting!

Catering Trends seen in 2014

September 8, 2014

Although trends in the catering industry change with the seasons, we accept them all with open arms. This year we have seen a very wide range of trends, a lot of which we at Crave absolutely love. (Our clients seem to love them too!)

Cheese Sommeliers

Honestly, this trend will never go out of style. Where do we even begin with cheese? With the immense styles and varieties, you really can never go wrong. Check out one of our charcuterie boards chalk full of brie, white cheddar and roast beef slices.

Mini Drinks + Mini Appetizers

Anything mini is so “in” at events these days. Not only are they the perfect little sampler to sink your teeth into, those tiny cups are so fun to hold! Check out our butterscotch brownie and mini root-beer float duo. (Add some vanilla vodka to the float for a bit of a twist on an old favorite.)

Push Pops for Dessert

We are a HUGE fan of the push pop trends. They make us reminisce on our childhoods and are not only fun but absolutely delicious. Perfect for receptions or even an alternative to a groom’s cake. Pictured are Crave’s strawberry shortcake push pops. Yum!

Stay tuned for more trends and catering tips of 2014 from the team here at Crave Catering!

Traits of a Great Catering Service

August 26, 2014

I’m often asked what qualities make a great catering service. There are a lot of things that all great caterers possess, but for us, nothing is more impactful than the recognition of a client’s needs and the flexibility to meet them.

Whether a catered lunch for a business meeting or a full-service wedding reception, each person who reaches out to a catering service wants an event that conveys a message. If you have a vision for your event, seek out a catering service that will serve as a collaborative partner.

There are a few qualities you should look for in a catering service to ensure they have the ability to cultivate your vision and execute an event that exceeds your expectations.

Experience

The greater the importance of your event, the more important it is to seek professionals with a proven track record of success. The best way to research any service provider is to seek out people who have used them in the past, whether a friend or an online review. Catering is no different. The longer a caterer has been in business in your area, the easier it is to find a wide range of quality feedback.

Full Service Capabilities

It goes without saying that you expect great food from your catering service, but it is important to have equally high standards for the “service” element. Regardless of how thorough the plan, the day of your event will undoubtedly present stress. It’s important to find a professional caterer with full-service capabilities to absorb any stressors so you and your guests can focus on enjoying the day.

Accessibility

Never underestimate the value of returned calls. Hiring a catering service is just the first step of a long, and hopefully collaborative relationship. You want to find a service provider who will be available at your convenience. If you have an idea or a change of heart about any element of your event throughout the planning process, you want a catering service that will readily accept and apply your feedback.

Flexibility

This is at the heart of any collaborative relationship. You do not want to settle on a catering service that will attempt to shape your event based on their strength, you want a catering service whose strength is the ability to shape an event around your desires.

Don’t settle on a cookie-cutter option. Use these criteria to find a partner to collaborate with you to deliver the event you have always envisioned. The key to finding the right caterer for you is finding the caterer that places the greatest value on YOU!