Conference turris::cooks

    I also had my wedding reception in my home three years ago and had
    a caterer from Norfolk, Ma.  I am not sure if she is still in the
    business (she does it out of her home) but she is EXCELLENT....
    She is not cheap but she is well worth it.
    
    I had 35 people at my house and everyone said that the food that was
    served was the best they have ever had at a caterered affair. It must
    have been impressive because I got a call from the minister asking for
    her name/number because his daughter was getting married that year and
    wanted her to caterer it. 
    
    She only did small parties at that time, not sure about now.
    
    Sample of the menu:
    
    Lemon Chicken with Pea Pods
    Baked Ham w/ Beer
    Brown Rice
    A huge antispasto
    Broccoli with Seasame butter
    Carrots (sort of sweet and sour) with pineapple
    Fresh Rolls
    A black cherry jello mold
    
    The food was set up buffer style which was gorgeous. Besides the food
    tasting great, she had it arranged so attractively. I met with her
    prior to put together the menu.  She has some excellent ideas for food. 
    She left all the leftovers so the next day we had plenty to eat.
    (We did not go on a honeymoon)
    
    My wedding cake was a carrot cake (She did not make it) but what
    she did do is make a Hot Fudge sauce with vanilla ice cream to go
    with it (My cake was the dessert).
    
    Give her a call.  She may go as far as Shrewsbury but I'm not sure.
    
    My husband and I always wish we could give a party and have her
    caterer it.  She is the best....
    
    Ann Cogdell  528-7714
    Norfolk, Ma.
        

    I also got married at home last Christmas.  I used Katering by Karen
    in Acton (263-6599).  It was fantastic.  By the way, she's the caterer
    Ken Olsen uses for important meetings.  She traveled to my home
    (which is 55 miles away).  The food was gourmet quality and then
    some.  I can't remember all we had but here's some of it:
    
    Spanakopita 
    Stuffed Mushrooms
    Other appetizers which I made (I cook too!)
    
    Burgundy Beef with pearl onions
    
    Smoked Virginia ham (which she cut on a spiral - it was beautiful
    and melted in your mouth)
    
    Spiced apples
    
    Warm red potato salad
    
    Tossed salad with a delicious mustard vinagrette
    
    rolls, etc.
    
    Marble rum cake, which Karen made.  She started her catering 
    business doing cakes.  This one was unbelievable.  I had a fresh
    flower arrangement done for the top. 
    
    Every time we look at my wedding pictures we think of how good the
    food was.  In every picture we took that my Dad was in he had 
    something in his mouth!!!                                    
    
    Karen also provides the china, glassware, linens, etc.  She was
    inconspicuous in that there was never a dirty napkin, glass or 
    plate hanging around, yet no one noticed her cleaning up!
    
    Good Luck
    
    Lorraine Casinghino
    

I was married in September, and we used Dan's Catering in Worcester. For 
$20.00/plate, he provided:

			Spanikopita
			Shrimp Cocktail

			Marinated Vegetable salad

			Stuffed Chicken in a Pear Sauce
			Wild Rice
			Fresh Vegetable of the Day

			Peach Melba

			Coffee
			Dinner Rolls


His waiters are dressed in white dinner jackets (with gloves). Service and
food was EXCELLENT (people are STILL talking about it). He also provided plates,
napkins (cloth), tablecloths (cloth), glasses, etc. I will post his phone
number on Monday. The owner's name is Dan Bentley. If the menu doesn't 
interest you, he's got ALOT of ideas!

Good luck!

Marc

     There is a new caterer in Northboro (on Rte. 20) called 'Peppers'.
     She catered a Christmas party for us which was excellent:
     
                             Spanikopita
                         Crab-phyllo pastries
                        Fresh vegetables & dip
                                _____
                       Chicken and Mushrooms in
                        Cointreau-Cream sauce
                              over Pasta
                        Herbed Sourdough Bread
                 Green Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
                                -----
                       Chocolate Chambord Cake
                        Strawberry Cheesecake
  
     It cost less than $20.00 per person and was delicious.  She also
     has a daily take-out menu and a heavenly dessert case, so you 
     could try the food before you decided.  

	I went to a house party catered by Classic Occasions, that was
	absolutely fabulous! I was so impressed with the caterer's
	work that I got a copy of the menu and information about the
	caterer.

	This caterer specializes in gourmet and trendy foods. The menu 
	was created by the hostess and the caterer especially for this 
	party. For more information, contact Mark Bickford, in Nashua, 
	NH at 603-881-8932.

	Waitresses walked around passing the following hors d'oeuvres:		

		Spinach, Feta, and enCroute
		Peking Duck Wontons
		Lamb and Mango Halfmoons
		Fresh Apricots with Roqueford Cream
		Cherry Tomatoes with Sorrel Mayonnaise
		Golden Caviar
		Roulauden of Beef Stuffed with Duxelles &
		Proscuitto Rolled in Cajun Spices

	The buffet table consisted of:

		Array of Pate & Touraine Offered with a variety of condiments
		Chilled Barbeque Shrimps Served in an Ice Carving
		Black Tie Pasta (tomato pasta, egg pasta, and black
		pasta made from squid ink, tossed in a reduction of heavy
		cream, white wine, shallots, shrimp, and lobster)
		Steak Dianne (prepared to order)
		Orange Ginger Chicken
		Cajun Tenderloin with a variety of hot and cold sauces

	Desserts:

		Petite Fours
		Truffles
		Mini Eclairs Filled with White Chocolate Mouse
		Fruit Tarts		

    

    
   			A Unique Catering Establishment
    
    Is it legal to put in a plug for my daughters catering service?
    She is just starting out, but has excellant references.
   
 
    She specializes in parties up to 75, and is licenced.  

    Her name is Cherylann Rigby of Derry N. H.

    Her phone # is 603-434-3807.
    
    My DTN is 262-8380.
    
    Sincerely,
    
    Gail Barlow    
    

    hi folks,
    A friend of mine lives in Londonderry N.H. and is getting married in
    Sept. She would like to have a catered reception for about 50 - 100 
    people in her back yard. Naturally, she would like quality food at
    reasonable prices. can anyone recommend an experienced caterer for
    this? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Lee Gariepy

	There's a wedding conference which has recommendations for caterers.
	You might want to take a look in there.

	Sue

	(hit kp 7 to add)

    I would highly recommend Camelot Caterer run by Bert Beaulieu in
    Bedford New Hampshire, 472-7362.  He did my best friend's wedding
    this past summer, (I was the maid of honor) and did a fabulous job.
    We had chicken breast stuffed with a duxelle stuffing, oven baked
    red potatoes with herbs and onions and fresh green beans.  Also
    we had brie baked in puff pastry, stuffed mushrooms, scallops in
    bacon, a cheese tray and vegetable tray as appetizers.
    
    Good luck!

    I just want to thank everyone for the replies and the many mail
    messages I received. I passed them all on to my friend. Apparently she
    discovered that it was actually less expensive to rent a hall with the
    meal included , so she has selected that route. Oh well, it's her
    wedding. thanks again for your replies.
    
    Lee

    
    I am in search of a caterer (somewhat).  What I am looking for is
    somebody who will prepare 4 different types of salads (potatoe, Garden,
    Pasta, Fruit), and set up the food on the buffet tables for my wedding
    reception.  This is an outdoor event at our home in Milford NH, for about 
    100 people.
    
    I was thinking about preparing the food myself, but then there is the
    problem of setting it out on the tables.  I though if I could find
    somebody to make the salads, (I am getting the deli platters and rolls
    from SHAW in Milford) and set things up it would be a LOT easier, and
    also a lot cheaper than bring a fancy caterer in.
    
    Has anybody ever found anybody to do something like this, how did it work 
    out, AND how much did it cost.  Any recommendations would be greatly
    appreciated.
    
    
    Robin 
    -whose wedding is only 4 months away-
    
    
    

    Robin-
    
    Do you have a friend or neighbor that might help out?
    
    (I know, those you are good friends with were invited to the
    wedding! :-))
    
    Maybe a Deccie lives close enough to help out......
    
    Lynne
    
    

    Yeah, I know - if I lived closer, I'd do it for a couple of glasses
    of champagne.  And your first born, of course.
    No, not really - I don't even like champagne.
    Ha.  Just kidding.

    Gee, won't your sisters and your cousins and your aunts do it?
    It sounded like you were willing to prepare the food, so the only
    real problem was setting it out on the tables.  Is that true?
    Or have you decided you definitely don't want to make the stuff either?    
    It seems a shame to have to pay someone in this situation, you
    know?  Wish I could help you out.


    Di

    since some people don't go to the ceremony themselves they
    might want to do it...we had the same problem for my parents
    anniversary because we had a lot of people that didn't get a
    long and we were afraid that the cater was going to mix
    the numbers up on the tables so a friend of mine and a friend
    of my sisters went to the hall and watched out for that
    and for the wine and the deserts when people starting to 
    arrive.  It was real nice and comforting since your friends
    know what you want done...
    
    good luck
    anns
    

    I hope this gets to you.  It's my first time responding.
    My neice is in catering and excellent I think.  Her name is Diane,
    her business is called, "Catering to You" and her phone number is:
    508-588-6981.  Let me know if you talk with her.  Good luck.
    
    Sandra

    Hi,
    
    I love to cook and since my family is not around as much as it used to 
    be maybe I can be of some assistance.  I really need to know what time
    frame we are talking about.  Give me a jingle as we can talk.
    

    If you have'nt found anyone to do this. Let me know? I have someone who
    does this and they are excellent at it..She is not a professioanl
    cater. But loves to do these kinds of things and has for a lot of
    affairs. She is also an excellent cook, decorator and makes the best
    macaroni salad.
    
    Sandra

    i am not sure if this is a good place for this but caterers for the
    harvard/westford area in massachusetts doesn't seem to be around
    anywhere.  
    
    does anyone have any information on the season chef or sandra eilson
    from lunenburg?  they are recommended caterers for the fruitlands
    museum in harvard for wedding receptions.
    
    of course, other suggestions are always welcomed as other caterers are
    welcomed.
    
    the reception will be for about 50 people, in july, in the evening.  we
    were looking into something like a cocktail/appetizer hour and a buffet
    dinner.  something informal also.  
    
    thanks in advance,
    
    
    cj
    

You might look into Create Occasions in Pepperell.  I've
eaten lunch at his cafe, and it was wonderful.  He also
makes great muffins in the morning.  And the desserts
he puts together are works of art.  You might give him
a call.

    
    Try Tastings Caterers out of Stow.  They usually cater to Stow Acres
    but do outside functions - you won't be dissapointed!  They're 
    excellent, and affordable with special creative touches.
                                   
    Tell Sue Annie sent you.

    re:  tasting
    i was going to try for them but know that a) they probably won't be
    able to do such short notice, 2) heard that they are pretty expensive
    with extra's and we would like the extras for food (most important
    thing to us basically for the reception) and 3) i would like someone
    who knows the fruitlands museum because their kitchen is real small.
    
    i have talked to sandra from garnishes and she seems very good with
    great recommendations.  however, her price range was about 40 and i
    thought was kinda high for what we are having.  and then, i talked to
    the basile brothers of the quarterdeck/grappas and they said
    "definately go with gerome picca of the season chef" which is the
    normal chef there.  i am talking to him next week as i trust their
    opinion.
    
    if anyone knows either of these caterers please give some input.  much
    thanks in advance,
    
    
    cj
                   

    You may want to talk to the owners of Anything Pastible in Westford.  The 
    owners are David and Sandy Curren.  They are really nice and maybe be able 
    to help you.  Don't know how much catering they do, but worth the try.
    They are located on Rt. 110 in the shopping area.
    
    Good luck..
    
    Loraine
    223-3606
    luner::doiron

    If it isn't too late for another suggestion, C&C in Marlboro are
    great and they do cater at Fruitlands.  I am pretty sure it is
    C&C (also referred to as Capers and Canapes).  If you need their number
    I can get it from my husband but Fruitland must have it too. 

           If you are ever looking for a caterer, you should try:

                           Salt & Pepper Catering
                                66A Broadway
                               Arlington, MA
                                617-648-6064

The catering is OUTSTANDING!  The proprietor is Robin Peevey!

There is also a store-front retail bakery at the address listed above where 
you can buy muffins, biscuits, pies, cakes, bread, coffee, etc..  The bakery 
was just recently written up in the Boston Globe's Calendar magazine as "Hit 
of the Week".  The bakery is open every day from 7 AM to 1 PM!

I highly recommend both the catering and the bakery!

Steve

    I'm looking for someone to coordinate the food at my wedding reception
    on July 23 at 3:00.  The wedding is about 75 people. Because they are 
    all family members, none of them will be able to sneak away and
    get the food out to the tables.  I need someone to ensure that the
    appetizers are out when people arrive at the reception.  I also need
    them during the course of the meal for other food-related tasks.
    
    If you know of anyone interested in doing this, please let me know.
    The reception is in Chester NH, near Derry.
    
    Kathy
    
    
    
    		

    I am planning a reception at a hall in Framingham.  The people at the
    hall recommended Cardoos Catering in Natick.  Does anyone have any
    experience with Cardoos?  Your help is greatly appreciated.

    No previous experience with Cardoos but I did see them featured in
    a Wedding Planning Show that is being aired now on the TV Food Network.
    Look's to me like they are not for the "shallow" pocket.  8-)  Top
    notch though!
    
    George
    

    Thanks for your input.  Actually, I would consider Cardoos mid-price as
    far as caterors go.  If you want high price, A Catered Affair is the
    one.  I'm considering going with Creative Gormet out of Waltham.  They 
    seem really professional and I have heard very good things about them. 
    Any input from anyone on caterors will be greatly appreciated.
    
    Katie

    I'm looking for someone to help cook & serve hors d'Oeuvres at my holiday 
    party on Dec 16.  Party is in Harvard, MA.  Usually i do it all myself
    but am always too busy to enjoy myself.  Please contact me directly 
    with ideas via email (STAR::SGEORGE).
                                         
    Thanks,
    Sue

    Can anyone recommend a caterer in the Reading, MA area??  We
    are having a birthday party for my dad at my parents home
    and would like to have it catered  ..if you can recommend 
    someone local, I would appreciate it!
    
    Thanks,
    
    Nancy