1. Of Planes, Prairies, and Bistros!

    September 3, 2010 by Tim Williams

    The Sky’s the Limit!

    Some caters will travel anywhere to provide their clients with the food and service they expect, even if it means boarding the next flight! TW’s-Anything for a Buck Catering happens to specialize in catering to clients who want something far better than airplane food. Tim Williams, Co-Owner and Executive Chef specializes in regional cuisine for his customer’s international clients. When he’s not catering 20,000 feet above ground he and his partner, former employee Terry McDaniel, cater virtually any event. From private jet to black tie weddings, TW’s Anything for a Buck Catering also offers event planning services such as floral arrangements, limo services, entertainment and even invitations. Serving the Tulsa and Oklahoma City area, these caterers aren’t grounded! Check out their new location in Oklahoma City!

    Left By Gypsies!

    These full service caterers are full of surprises! Catering delicious food started out as a take out restaurant for Co-Owner, Debbie Land and today the take out side is one of their most popular services in catering. This less expensive and convenient option is a great alternative that trims the budget without diminishing unique quality.

    Dishes and trays that are as tantalizing as they are lovely, their versatile take out catering menu includes more than hot and cold party platters. From casseroles, soups, and sandwiches to veggies, cheese, meat and fruit this is an easy option for any event. They also offer full service catering for anything from a private party at home to wedding receptions and corporate events. Home made jams, sauces, and more are also perfect gifts for your guests!

    High Tea!

    Nibbles by Grander Affaires knows how to cater to the ladies. Owner Emeline Bauder has a passion for those special selections that Mid-westerners are hard pressed to find. Nibbles Café in Tulsa is the culmination of her successful catering business where patrons can get a taste of the kind of experience she can give your guests.

    Nibbles Café brings delightful customs from the east coast and beyond, High Tea and Venetian Hour of Coffee are two favorites. High Tea originated as an old English custom of tea with scones, clotted cream, puff pastries, tea sandwiches and quiche. Venetian Hour of Coffee and pastries is all the rage in New York and along the east coast.

    Catering up to 500 people, Nibbles by Grandeur Affaires provides customized menus that can be modified for special requests. With versatile options like buffet or seated service meals, they will also design your event and offer 10% off when they provide you with floral arrangements, wedding or special occasion cake and catering services.


    TW’s-Anything for a Buck Catering
    Tim Williams
    Tulsa- 640 N. Denver Ave.
    918-582-8608
     
    OKC-1000 N. Virginia Ave.
    Oklahoma City, OK 73106
     
    Nibbles by Grandeur Affaires
    Emeline Bauder
    8313 S. Memorial Drive
    Tulsa, Ok.
    918-254-5050
     
    The Prairie Gypsies
    415 NW 30th
    Oklahoma City, OK 73118
    405-525-3013

     


  2. Designing Dining

    August 3, 2010 by Josh Mershon

    There’s no such thing as a good restaurant without a theme. Where would an Italian restaurant be without drippy candles, a fifties diner without the parlor stools, or a Mexican eatery without the romantic sounds of the Spanish guitar? Boring! At Mershon Catering and Event Design we understand the only thing better than the food you love is the way you feel when you’re there. That’s why we make sure your event is designed to compliment your theme, right down to our dining presentation.

    Hello, I’m Josh Mershon. As owners, my wife Michelle and I make quite a team. With her background in art, she is the creative mastermind behind Mershon Event Design and I am the passionate chef, whipping up fresh food in a fashionable presentation. Our talents collide to bring our clients the food they love with the atmosphere they want to share with their guests.

    At Mershon Catering & Event Design we strive to be on the cutting edge of change in our industry. We are armed with the latest cooking technology that allows us to cook for you and your guests, onsite. We guarantee your cuisine will be never “sit” less than thirty minutes! The days of cooking in the kitchen and trucking in food are over and so are the days of boring presentation.

    The way food is served has changed for the better, with action stations that bring excitement to your event. A server dishing out food isn’t our definition of an action station. Imagine an ice cream parlor, an Asian station, or a 1950’s diner with all things Betty Crocker. We prepare an experience, not just a fantastic dinner.

    Pulling it all together is Michelle who, as an artist, will literally take your ideas from “sketch” to reality. She will visualize with you and bring out your own creativity so you get exactly what you want. She designs the floor plan, invitations, personal flowers, centerpieces, and helps you select the venue and menu that fits your needs. We custom design your event right here. At Mershon Catering & Event Design we are prepared to handle everything from the largest corporate events and lavish weddings, to the smaller, more intimate gathering of a quiet wedding or home party. Our extensive experience in design and catering allows us to adapt to your preferences, whether modern or traditional décor and cuisine. Let us help you make your next event all it should be!


     
    Mershon Catering & Event Design
    6125 S. Sheridan, Suite G2
    Tulsa, OK 74133
     
    Ph: 918.747.0623
     

     


  3. Raising the Bar: Blue Label Bartending

    July 8, 2010 by Garrett Blackwood

    It’s a bride’s worst nightmare. The bartender shows up late and leaves drunk, ruining what should have been a perfect day the bride can never recreate. No matter what type of special event a host plans, whether graduations, private parties, reunions or corporate events, no one should ever have to experience the embarrassment of an irresponsible and unprofessional bartender.

    Hi, my name is Garrett Blackwood and I started Blue Label Bartending because I saw a need for energetic, attractive and professional bartenders who would specialize in event bartending. With most events scheduled on weekends, professional bartenders are unable to leave their restaurant or bar to provide their services and event planners end up settling for unskilled, unprofessional and irresponsible bartenders. I should know because I heard horror stories during the years I bartended in Tulsa. I decided to use my experience to train professional bartenders to serve the special event industry at an affordable price.

    In addition to our private bartending services, we have a bartending school to ensure each bartender is well educated about liquor and licensing laws and well trained in superior customer service, special event bartending, and hundreds of drinks. They faithfully adhere to company policy which includes on time arrival and no drinking before or during serving hours or while closing down the bar.

    Knowing you have a well trained, professional bartender brings peace of mind. The last thing you want to worry about is a guest who drinks irresponsibly and puts you at legal risk for damages. Our bartenders monitor alcohol consumption and we are licensed and carry a $1 million dollar liability insurance policy so no matter where you host your party, you can savor your evening and enjoy your guests with peace of mind.

    Let us enhance your next event with a company who is raising the bar in our industry and yours. We bring the best service to your event no matter how small or large to locations all over the state. For more information, visit us at www.bluelabelbartending.com or contact our offices at 405.651.8373 in Oklahoma City or in Tulsa at 918.671.5222


    Blue Label Bartending
    Garrett Blackwood
    OKC (405)651-8373
    Tulsa (918)671-5222

     


  4. Try me!

    by Ned Shadid

    Sometimes people find themselves leaving their profession or a company that doesn’t hold their interest. Maybe that’s because it doesn’t challenge them or pay them enough to make them stay. I guess I can understand that because over twenty years ago I embarked on a new venture that led to a fulfilling and successful career in catering. The challenge? Serve the most difficult to prepare foods for the largest crowds anywhere.

    Hi, I’m Ned Shadid and I was a franchise sales director for Big Ed’s Hamburgers. I opened 42 locations in Oklahoma and Kansas, operating two of them here in Oklahoma. Soon I could see the flooded market in fast food hamburger restaurants and decided that the finer side of dining held more demand and piqued my interest in artistic cuisine.

    I started Ned’s Catering with one goal in mind: to provide a restaurant quality meal at any location for even the largest gathering with the most challenging menu selections. I knew it would be difficult to offer the kind of high quality food I wanted to serve to very large crowds but I decided to go for it.

    Today all our hard work and research has paid off, with over $2 million dollars in sales annually. We serve even the most challenging products including Chicken Marsala, Risotto, Bay Scallops, and U10 Jumbo Shrimp at events for more than 500 people. We regularly serve three to five thousand meals for Boone Pickens’ OSU stadium on the club level and we operated food services for Heritage Place, serving two to five thousand people.

    Brining portable equipment allows us to serve virtually anything a client wants to offer their guests. Among many popular menu items are our seasoned grilled beef tenderloin and dinner rolls. In fact, at the recently held National Conference of Mayors at the Cowboy Hall of Fame, they couldn’t get enough of our rolls so we sent some home with them.

    That’s the kind of service we give and those are the kind of large functions we excel at. Ned’s catering is also on the road, serving famous bands with our road crew for acts like ZZ Top, U2, Jason Aldine, Kelley Clarkson, the Gaithers and more.

    Think you have a menu that can’t be achieved with a large crowd? We get that a lot but what we also hear even more is ‘wow I didn’t know you could do that.’ Try me.

    Ned Shadid
    Owner, Ned’s Catering
     

     
    Ned’s Catering
    6444 NW Expressway Ste. 840A
    Oklahoma City, OK 73132
    Ph: 405.810.0208
    Fx: 405.810.0206

     


  5. Naturally Delicious!

    June 7, 2010 by Gail Murchison

    When Grandma prepared Sunday dinner with fresh, natural ingredients, everyone raved about her fabulous food. Now that homemade difference is available for catered events – from simple fare for a few to elegant gourmet meals for up to two hundred appreciative guests.

    Hello, my name is Gail Murchison and I’m the owner of “Something To Remember” catering. I’m proud to say I come from a long line of awesome cooks. Raised in Arkansas and the oldest of four children, I learned the art of preparing delicious Southern meals from my mother, aunts and grandmother. Like all the women in our family, I enjoy cooking for others, but received my first big opportunity to cater an event when I was asked to prepare meals all weekend long for our church’s women’s retreat. I received so many referrals from that one opportunity that I eventually decided to convert a hobby I loved into a real business. And, it’s been growing by word-of-mouth ever since.

    At Something To Remember, everything we prepare is made from scratch and as close to natural ingredients as possible. No frozen chicken here! The soups, sauces and gravies – even the salad dressings are all homemade! Desserts are all made from scratch with real butter for an out-of- this- world tasting cobbler, chess pie, strawberry or chocolate cake.

    Some of our entrees include Grilled Chicken Alfredo, Coq Au Vin, Baked Chicken Salad, Beef Burgundy, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Baked Ziti, Pot Roast, Chicken and Dressing, Pork and Sweet Potatoes, and Parmesan Portobello Chicken. We also provide hot and cold hors d’oeuvres for the simple to simply elegant reception.

    Although Something To Remember specializes in buffets set-ups, we are also able to accommodate sit-down meals. All affairs are all inclusive from quality disposable eating ware to fine china. We have you covered for any event… weddings, graduations, retreats, parties and showers of all kinds, appreciation dinners, and anniversaries. In fact, .just about any special occasion you can think of is made even more special when the meal reminds your guests of that great home-made taste Grandma served up with love.

    When choosing a caterer for your next event, remember that home-made is simply better. If Grandma is just too busy to help you with her made-from-scratch recipes, call Something To Remember. Even Grandma would approve.


     
    Gail Murchison, Owner
    Something To Remember
    7619 N. W. 23rd Street, Suite A
    Bethany, Oklahoma 73008

     


  6. Secret of the Whispering Pines

    May 10, 2010 by Rany Kchao

     Only minutes from the University of Oklahoma and Lake Thunderbird is one of our state’s best kept secrets. You won’t fully appreciate Whispering Pines until you drive up the beautifully landscaped drive shaded by towering pine trees and experience for yourself all this lovely and distinctive event venue has to offer.

    Hello, my name is Rany Kchao. I and my family cordially invite you to Whispering Pines, a truly elegant special event venue, bed and breakfast, restaurant and lounge. I first came to this country in 1982 from Cambodia and began working in restaurants washing dishes. I worked my way up to cook and eventually prepared individual dinners and catered events at prestigious restaurants such as Oak Tree Country Club, Coach House Inn and The Metro in the 1980s and 1990s.

    In 1999, I bought Whispering Pines as a family business. It is run by eight members of my family including my wife, sons, sister-in-law and nieces. For four years, Whispering Pines was solely a bed and breakfast with seven romantic guest rooms. Among other amenities, our guests choose from six items on our full-breakfast menu at no additional charge which is delivered to their room.

    The main house is a magnificent two-story mansion reminiscent of those from the early 1990s complete with a grand staircase, large wrap-around porch and gazebo. It’s nestled in 20 acres of lovely trees and rolling pastures. I learned gardening literally from the ground up and take great pride in the lovely, seasonal landscaping which makes Whispering Pines the perfect setting for outdoor events. 

    Over the years, we have had more than 100 outdoor weddings and parties here at Whispering Pines for 10 to 250 guests. Guests will thrill at the towering trees, lovely grassed open areas, outdoor gazebo, large Koi pond and waterfall. We offer all-inclusive packages for added convenience and a lower overall cost.

    In recent years, we have opened a fine dining restaurant and lounge in the main house. The menu is primarily French continental, but we also serve other entrees which include pork tenderloin, seafood specialties and Black Angus steaks. Seating is limited and by reservation only, so be sure to call early. The restaurant won first place in the International Wine and Food society.

    Most recently, we created an eight-acre vineyard. After the grapes have more time to mature, we will be making our own wine and opening the winery to the public.

    The next time you’re driving down Highway 9 between Norman and Lake Thunderbird, watch for the Whispering Pines sign. We look forward to having you as our overnight guest in the bed and breakfast. We also hope you will join us one evening for dinner and consider us for your next party, wedding or other special event.

     


     


    Rany Kchao, Owner and Chef
    Whispering Pines
    7820 East Highway 9
    Norman, OK 73026
     
    405-447-0202
     
    www.bbonline.com/OK/whisperingpines/


  7. Presentation – a Catering Specialty

    April 6, 2010 by Michael Cook

    Hello, my name is Michael Cook, the owner and chef of Michael’s Catering. I grew up in a hotel kitchen since my father was a general manager for Holiday Inn. I fell in love with the preparation of food and soon began cooking for a hotel, then worked my way up through the ranks to be come a chef in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas. Then, as Food
    Director, I became more involved in the operations end to round out my experience.

    About eight years ago, I decided to use my catering experience for large and small groups to start my own catering business, which has been blooming ever since.

    At Michael’s Catering, we provide a wide range of catering services for groups from 50 to 2500 guests. Whether you prefer banquet or custom menus, we cater for seated dinners, buffets and receptions with hot and cold hors d oeuvres. We prepare all types of cuisine – Mexican, Southwestern, Italian, and Luau. Planners also can choose from our premium choices, such as prime rib, lobster and other seafood dishes.

    More than half of our business is for wedding related events – receptions, showers, rehearsal dinners; but, we also provide catered breakfasts, lunches, dinners and breaks all over Oklahoma for all type events.

    Michael’s catering is known for our exceptional presentation. I create my own ice sculptures from a variety of designs to suit the occasion. We create a “wow” food table
    by displaying the foods at different heights using mirrors and crystal glassware. We supply flowers and food linens that coordinate with your color scheme and even use decorative touches such as feathers to enhance the impression. We offer two foot to five foot cheese or shrimp towers (with as many as 800 shrimp!).

    Utensils, plates, glassware are all provided, as are the set up and tear down. We supply a professional server and wait staff for sit down and banquet style events. For added convenience, we will also be happy to assist you in arranging for bar service, wedding and specialty cakes, rentals, florals and entertainment.

    If an Oklahoma wedding or other event is in your future, please contact Michael’s Catering and discover how experience, professionalism, quality and artistic creativity sets us apart from the competition. For personal service, call me direct at 405-556-0377.
     


    Mike Cook, Chef/Owner

    Michael’s Catering
    P. O. Box 6514
    Moore, Oklahoma 73153
    405-556-0377

    michaelscatering@coxinet.net
    www.michaelcookcatering.com


  8. How Sweet It Is!

    March 3, 2010 by Renae Marshall

    What’s one gift you could give everyone at your event that’s sure to delight? Consider the sweet idea that’s making a splash at weddings and parties all over Oklahoma – a color coordinated candy buffet with crystal containers and personalized bags!

    When our daughter was planning her wedding a couple of years ago, she came up with a unique idea of creating a candy buffet for her reception. With help from friends, my husband, Jack, and I set it all up and were amazed how all the guests loved it, young and old alike. A photographer who had attended the weddings called us later and suggested that we considering creating candy buffets as a business. In August of 2008, Candy Forever was born. We advertised some, joined some networking organizations and participated in shows, but it was the large number of referrals, including a popular wedding coordinator who has helped make the business a success. In addition to weddings, baby showers, class reunions, birthday parties and anniversaries, we’re also in the process of booking proms.

    At Candy Forever, we offer three basic types of service: You can simply order party favors with personalized bags filled with your choice of candies. Or, we can set up a candy buffet for 100 guests or less much like the old fashion candy counter with a variety of colorful chocolate and hard candies.

    Our third packages is a custom candy buffet especially popular for weddings. The candies are chosen to coordinate with your colors or theme and beautifully displayed in crystal containers with scoops, usually eight or ten containers, but you could have as many as 25. Each guest receives a personalized bag with the bride and groom’s names, wedding date and saying.

    Candy Forever displays table-top signs, but some clients choose to add a few flowers or even an ice sculpture. However, one of the major advantages of the candy buffet is that it can take the place of expensive decorations or additional gifts for the guests. It can also take the place of a groom’s cake or dessert table.

    When you choose Candy Forever, you can relax knowing your dealing with a trustworthy, family owned business that takes care of everything. You simply provide the table and we provide the set-up, tear-down and clean-up service. We’ll even bag up the remaining candy and take it to your car.

    Although we’re headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we now service areas throughout Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City. So, no matter where you are, or what type of event your planning, make it a little sweeter, easier and less expensive by contacting Candy Forever today at 918-693-4943 or visit us at www.candyforever.net.
     


     

    Renae Marshall, Owner

    Candy Forever, LLC
    P. O. Box 571351
    Tulsa, OK 74157-1351

    Ph: 918-693-4943

    info@candyforever.net
    www.candyforever.net

     

     


  9. The Choice Is Yours!

    by Rabin Bhandari

    Choice is what it’s all about when event planners decide on their venue and caterer.
    Food, atmosphere, budget options, services…no one wants to pay for what they don’t want, just what meets their vision and needs. Luckily, there’s an Edmond restaurant/caterer that delivers excellence with the added benefit of numerous options.

    Hello, my name is Rabin Bhandari, the general manager of Lottinvilles Restaurant and Bar. I actually began working at Lottinvilles as a server, working my way up through management.. Many people in the restaurant and catering business tend to move around, but I have always enjoyed Lottinvilles creativity, management style, warmth, commitment to quality, and especially, the clientele we attract. As General Manager, I am responsible for the usual responsibilities of inventory, coordinating the management staff, cost/quality control, and maintaining the pleasant environment, but something I also enjoy greatly is working with our team to create special events.

    The first option at Lottinvilles is whether you’d prefer to have you event here at the restaurant or have us cater another location.

    Our oval shaped restaurant is designed in Santa Fe warmth and charm. Events at Lottinvilles range from a single table of family and friends to corporate meetings, and larger receptions and parties. Our main restaurant accommodates up to 180 guests and you have the option of using part or all of that space. We also have a private room with a big screen television for up to 40 guests. Our bar area’s fireplace adds to the intimacy and atmosphere of the restaurant.

    The regular restaurant menu is full of choices – something to please every taste from entrees such as enchiladas, prime steaks, meatloaf and risotto. In addition, our chef prepares a daily dinner and fish special, such as duck breast, rack of lamb, sea bass or Mahi Mahi. Dessert choices include crème brulee, key lime and pecan pies.
    Another area of choice is our extensive wine list with a variety of popular, but not overly expensive selections.

    Lottinvilles Restaurant and Bar also offers the choice of off-site catering at the venue of your choice. We can accommodate any type of food from simple sandwiches, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres or an elegant 5-course meal. Our in-house baker will also prepare a special cake for your occasion, upon request.

    In addition to supplying the food, you choose how many or few additional services you would like us to handle. We will be happy to coordinate one or every aspect of your event with our trusted resources – tables/chairs, linens, entertainment, florists and bar service – the choice is yours.

    When planning your next event, remember that choices and decisions are easier and budget-friendly when they all come from one place that values your business and is committed to having your event, your way. If you haven’t visited Lottinvilles Restaurant and Bar, consider having Sunday brunch with us. We’re located at the Southeast corner of Kelly and 15th Street in Edmond.
     


    Rabin Bhandari, General Manager

    Lottinvilles Restaurant and Bar
    801 Signal Ridge Drive
    Edmond, Oklahoma 73013

    Lottinvilles_woodgrille@yahoo.com
    www.lottinvilles_woodgrille.com
     

     


  10. Swadley’s Catering

    February 5, 2010 by Scott Schauer
    In Oklahoma City, Swadley’s is a name that, for years, has been synonymous with some of the finest bar-b-que this side of the Rio Grande. Discriminating event planners are also finding that Swadley’s Catering can be equally counted on for full-service catering delivered with the same exceptional quality and service in a variety of offerings.
    Hello, my name is Scott Schauer, the Director of Marketing for Swadley’s Catering in Oklahoma City.   I began my food-service career while attending the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Motel management at the University of Houston.   After graduating in 1992, I worked for a large deli restaurant chain in Texas and Oklahoma. Later, I worked in the bed and breakfast industry where I gained catering experience. When I joined Swadley’s, I ran four of their restaurants for about four years before accepting the position as their Director of Catering.
    Our catering team acquired a great deal of experience by providing emergency catering to power companies using our two mobile kitchens in which we prepare meals for workers in the field during some of the state’s worse weather conditions and other emergency situations.
    Swadley’s is definitely known for our world famous bar-b-que, but we’re actually a full-service caterer that can deliver just about any kind of menu with superior food quality and professional service you’d expect from Swadley’s. 
    At Swadley’s we have the capabilities and flexibility to cater every type of event from chicken salad box lunches for a meeting of 10 to a sit-down or buffet meal where as many as 10,000 guests will thoroughly enjoy hot and cold appetizers and entrees such as smoked pork loin with peach glaze with a impressive list of freshly prepared side items, including our own sweet cream corn. Although we have a number of set menus from which to choose, we are also happy to create a menu perfectly suited to your lunch or dinner event.
    At Swadley’s, we have an experienced four-person sales staff to ensure your event receives the personal attention it deserves. We provide well-trained, personable service staff, as well as complete set-up and break-down service. In addition to meeting all your food-service needs, our coordinators can also out-source your other needs, such as bar service, florals, entertainment and rentals of all kinds from our trusted resources.

     For all your catering needs, trust Swadley’s Catering for the quality and variety you and your guests deserve.

     

     

     

    Scott Schauer, Director of Catering
    Swadley’s Catering
    7156 N.W. 80th
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123
    405-413-7333 Ext #1

    scott@swadleys.com
    http://www.swadleys.com