Food ideas

A Coupa Software conference at San Francisco's Westin St. Francis Hotel April 8 to 10 proved that lunch and breakfast service can be quick and efficient but still leave an impression on guests. Vendor-passed breakfast selections included compressed watermelon salad in cones, deviled eggs with bacon and smoked paprika, mini quiches, danishes, plus "super food" bubble smoothies in flavors such as pomegranate and honeydew.

Alliance Bakery created an eye-catching confection for the artist's birthday bash April 12, an affair that was presented by Hennessy Black and held at Lacuna Artist Lofts in Chicago. Weighing about 30 pounds, the red velvet cake with cream-cheese frosting was inspired by Andy Warhol's famous soup-can paintings.

Michelle Durpetti Events celebrated its fifth anniversary April 11 with a "Fierce, Fabulous, and Five" bash at Chicago's Loft 644. An ornate dessert spread from Sugar Chic Designs held sweet treats from Lillycakes & Desserts. Lady apples drizzled in homemade caramel were displayed on a cake stand.