With the Republican National Convention just 10 days away, caterers around Tampa are busy finalizing menus and preparing food to serve some of the estimated 50,000 media, delegates, and other guests expected to come to town for the event. From hospitality areas to luncheons to late-night parties, there will be dozens of events each day, August 26-30, in venues around Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Good Food Catering Company is one of the official caterers for the convention, providing a variety of fare for 17 events each day for a total of more than 2,400 guests, primarily at the main convention site, the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Owner and chef Kevin Lacassin shared this preview of what he plans to serve.
Many of the events during the Republican National Convention will be receptions, where networking is the focus and the food needs to be portable. One of the items Good Food Catering Company will serve is a Caprese skewer on a pipette of extra-virgin olive oil.
Photo: Courtesy of Good Food Catering Company
The Key West seafood martini includes poached jumbo shrimp, bay scallops, avocado, chopped red onions, peppers, and scallions, tossed in a tangy key lime dressing and served cold in a miniature martini glass.
Photo: Jeff Kathrein at K&K Photography
Hispanic culture has had a prominent influence on the Tampa region. Good Food Catering Company will serve grilled, citrus-marinated flank steak, drizzled with cilantro chimichurri and served with yellow rice, black beans, and charred corn salsa.
Photo: Jeff Kathrein at K&K Photography
Convention goers will dine on crispy, pressed quesadilla triangles filled with steak, Gorgonzola, and caramelized red onions.
Photo: Jeff Kathrein at K&K Photography
Lacassin is using local ingredients in his menu items whenever possible. He plans to serve Gulf shrimp with smoked sausage, onions, and peppers in a white-wine cream sauce over cheddar cheese grits.
Photo: Carrie Wildes Photography
For a new spin on canned tuna, Lacassin will serve seared ahi tuna topped with wasabi sauce on a bed of seaweed salad, all in a single-serving can.
Photo: Caroline & Evan Photography
