With the many moving parts and pieces involved in planning and executing a memorable evening, collaborating with multiple partners becomes critical to success. For more than 27 years, Windows Catering Company has subscribed to this recipe with great results. And after months of collaboration with one of Washington, D.C. 's best event planning companies, Bravo! Events, and numerous other partners, Windows Catering was able to flawlessly execute a spectacular gala celebrating the launch of a new community health facility.
From the very first meeting, the event designers and culinary teams at Windows Catering directed the conversation with Bravo! and the client to provide the appropriate look and feel for the evening as well as a gastronomic experience to satisfy even the most discriminating of palates. After a few revisions of the menu, and bringing everyone together for a final tasting, the details were set. A selection of passed hors d’oeuvres, including Norwegian salmon lollipops, Hudson Valley foie gras with hickory-smoked bacon, and Maine lobster pancakes with a ginger carrot emulsion set the tone for what promised to be an extraordinary night of celebration. To take the chill out of the cool autumn evening, the first course consisted of an endive and heirloom apple salad accompanied by butternut squash soup.
Windows Catering is not only focused on what's presented on the plate, but also the level of service provided to the guests. By providing prompt and gracious service, the evening becomes that much more memorable. Following the first course, Windows Catering staff cleared the way for the program to begin. During a break about halfway through the program, a dual entree of Rioja-braised boneless short rib of beef and grilled mustard shrimp was served without disrupting the evening’s flow. For vegetarians, Windows Catering provided a portobello mushroom tower with broccolini and a wild mushroom sauce. It was quite evident from the guests’ responses that the menu selections were on target—a direct result of the collaboration between Bravo! Events, the client, and the Windows culinary team.
After dinner was cleared and the program ended right on time, guests were invited back into the reception area for a grand dessert buffet. There was something for everyone, including—by special request from the executive director of the community health center—a creative display of cake pops, including mouthwatering flavors of chocolate decadence, mocha, red berry shortcake, pistachio, and coconut. Guests’ taste buds were tantalized with lemon blueberry shots and a mini pie bar with cranberry-apple, blueberry-almond, and pecan-fudge individual pies.
As part of the collaboration, Windows Catering also played an instrumental role in the look and feel of the evening. To match the spectacular draping and stage that served as the focal point of the evening, a color palette of fuchsia, poppy, red, and gold was splashed throughout the cocktail reception and dining room. Alternating square and round seating tables made for a visually appealing setting.
With the input and on-site collaboration of multiple planning partners, Windows Catering played a leading role in flawlessly executing a truly memorable evening.
