Archive for August, 2009

A 2009 Inc. 5000 company!

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

We’re growing! And we owe it all to our clients, friends and amazing staff!

In the August issue, Inc. magazine featured Santa  Barbara Catering Company on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.

“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year.”

How’d we do it?

Santa Barbara Catering provides catering services for social and corporate events, with an emphasis on quality, repeat business, community and environmental awareness.

We continually work hard to earn your business, everyday. As we grow and strive toward success, we take our clients with us. Thank you to our clients, friends, partners, venues and staff.

Visit the Inc. 5000 list on their website >

A dream wedding reception at the Phoenix Art Museum

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Ted & Katharine chose the Phoenix Art Museum’s Great Hall to host their wedding reception. Guests were welcomed with multiple food stations allowing them to mix and mingle while enjoying live music from Groove Merchants.

The mother of the bride shared her thoughts on the event; “Thanks for your constant attention to detail and having things presented so beautifully. You were a joy to work with!”

Recently voted “Arizona’s Best Caterer for a Large Wedding,” Santa Barbara Catering Company and the Phoenix Art Museum can create your dream wedding or private event with the sophistication of a world-class art gallery paired with  contemporary design and top-notch cuisine. The museum website invites you to visit and explore their venue for your next event…

“Whether planning a small meeting or an exquisite wedding, the Phoenix Art Museum offers a truly unique setting.

A variety of spaces can be tailored to your function – from a state-of-the-art 300-seat theater and various sizes of galleries to Arcadia Farms. The classically progressive design of the Museum’s 203,000 square feet architecture, the Museum’s 18,000-work collection of art from around the world, and the many traveling exhibitions will add excitement to any event.”

Call Santa Barbara Catering Company today at 480-921-3150 to schedule your tasting today!

www.SantaBarbaraCatering.com

Summer in Spain: Owner and CEO Pat Christofolo explores Spanish cuisine

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

It is hard to believe that just last week I returned after spending two blissful weeks in Barcelona. Our hotel was on the edge of the city overlooking the beaches of the Mediterranean. The art and the architecture were amazing and served as a great pastime to keep us busy between meals.

Oh, that’s right… the meals!

Tapas – a caterer’s inspiration. Hundreds of ideas on small plates and passed hors d’oeuvres combined with the energy of a bustling Tapas restaurant creates the excitement that foodies love. We enjoyed every imaginable croquette (a mixture of meat or veggie formed into small ovals dipped in bread crumbs and then deep fried), roasted eggplant atop crostini with a dab of Romesco, grilled spring onions with fried potatoes, whole shrimp- grilled to perfection, mussels escabeche, cod every which way and gazpacho served in wine glasses. (see photos)

The dining schedule is quite different than ours. Imagine lunch served between 2pm and 4pm while dinner doesn’t open until 8:30pm. Only the early birds show up at 8:30pm while 10pm is the prime time to dine! The dinner menus helped me understand true Mediterranean food; plates of warm beans, delicious salads, roasted meats, paellas and the delicious flavor of warm olive oil. The meal ended on a sweet note with creamy custards for dessert while still savoring delicious local wines.

Last but not least, I will always remember Barcelona as the place I began my love affair with anchovies. Whether marinated, served warm, cold or fried they were a whole new experience. Lots of ideas to include in this year’s seasonal menus…

Pat Christofolo is the owner and CEO of Santa Barbara Catering Company, servicing the greater Phoenix area. Please visit our full website for contact information and media inquires.

The Farm at South Mountain makes Arizona Highways “100 Best of Arizona” list

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

The August “100 Best of Arizona” issue of Arizona Highways has named the Farm at South Mountain the “Best Place To Picnic Under A Pecan Tree.” As a sister company to Santa Barbara Catering Company, the Farm is a premier event venue for weddings, company picnics and corporate events.

The 12-acre oasis features rows of grass lawns and a canopy of historic pecan trees that provide a pastoral setting for casual afternoon lunches from the Farm Kitchen, or an exciting outdoor venue for large events.

Learn more about events at The Farm at South Mountain online or call us at (602) 243-9081