catering and food ideas

In 2011, graphic designer Jamie Arlin transformed her passion for baking into a full-time job. Her new company, Cake Bite Girl, specializes in bite-size desserts that can be served at meetings or events, or packaged into customized gift sets. The treats come in flavors such as carrot-spice, banana, and cherry vanilla, and are coated in white or dark chocolate and topped with topping like sprinkles, coconut and caramel drizzle. For a summery option, try the "Sundae Bite," which comes topped with cherries. For catering, the average cost $1.75 per cake bite with additional fees for extra toppings, delivery, and setup.

A food truck specializing in Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches, Duck n' Roll can deliver catering to offices in the city and suburbs. Chef Amy Le’s menu draws on her own family recipes, and includes baguettes filled with fresh herbs, veggies, and meats such as five-spice duck, miso-braised short ribs, and Thai chicken curry. Depending on the menu, the average cost is $7 to $40 per person, and Le can serve groups of 25 to 400.

Inspired by the food truck craze, Abigail Kirsch in New York created roving carts to bring guests desserts and beverages, like gelato with dipped miniature cones and toppings, or sangria and punch.

Chef Todd Erickson, known for innovative molecular gastronomy, creates liquid nitrogen bites such as Grey Goose ice cream treats.

The blue-hued bite was Parisienne potatoes topped with blue-dyed whitefish mousse and blue sea salt.

Other dessert options included bites of cotton candy that, with LED lights, looked as though they were glowing in the dark.

Chicago-based catering firm Boutique Bites serves British-inspired hors d'oeuvre pairings of beef-and-potato puffs and mini shots of Guinness.