Catering 101: Observations from an Intern

by Kiersten Camp - Ball State University

When you walk into an event, your eye is first caught by beautiful linens, elaborate centerpieces, and, of course, the food. The questions you do not ask however are, how it all got there, who decided that pink and red match, and where in the world did they came up with the idea for deep fried green beans served with sauce in a shot glass? Like most people, I saw the finished product of events I attended and had no idea what it really takes to plan an event until I became an intern for Thomas Caterers of Distinction. This is where I got a full behind-the-scenes tutorial and discovered three important lessons: that I should have listened in math class, that organization is the key to happiness, and that a case of Red Bull is essential for getting through the day.

After you look past all the "glamour" of running to Starbucks, making copies, hauling equipment and sending faxes, interning is all about absorbing knowledge to learn as much about the business as possible in a short amount of time. Since becoming an intern for a catering company, I have learned to really reconstruct the way I think. For example, when I first started designing menus, I listed items that sounded good to me at the time. Now, I think first in terms of flavor, texture, and appearance to pair items that really compliment each other on a plate.

Working here has also provided me with the opportunity to freshen up on some of my basic art and math skills. From designing room diagrams to figuring out staffing needs and logistics, I have been dumbfounded by how technical the simplest of tasks seemed. All those Zzz's that I caught up on in college were not worth my confusion now.

My advice to those interested in this business would be to come prepared to learn (don't assume anything), do not be afraid to ask questions, and take the extra effort to make yourself stand out. 

My dad always told me that the key to success is doing common things uncommonly well. In this industry, that is something that we must always strive for in order to competitively stay on top.

 Chef's Corner

Recipe of the Month

At Thomas Caterers of Distinction, we make all our food

from scratch using fresh ingredients. We are proud to share some of

our time honored recipes with our friends.

Thomas Caterers' Red, White and Blue Potato Salad 

Featured on Fox 59 Morning News!

½ pound, baby red new, baby white and peruvian potatoes
1/8 cup of mayonnaise
1/8 cup ranch dressing
½ tblsp. white vinegar
¼ tsp. dill
pinch of sugar
¼ cup thin sliced green onions
salt and pepper to taste
grape tomatoes as garnish

Directions:
Simmer potatoes, with skin, until tender not mushy, let cool until easy to handle. Mix the mayo, ranch dressing, vinegar, dill, and sugar. Pour over potatos and toss. Don't over mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate two or more hours. Garnish with grape tomatoes.

Hosting a Party

Choice Days to Host a Party or Gathering   

Where to Host a Party - Hot Spot Feature

Scottish Rite Cathedral

650 N. Meridian Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

317-262-3100

www.aasr-indy.org

An ideal setting for any occasion. The beautiful gothic Cathedral is home to the 32nd Degree Masons of Indianapolis and is a prominent and recognizable landmark. Opened in 1929, the majestic Cathedral hosts tens of thousands of visitors a year from a broad cross section of community and civic groups, cultural organizations, and private cleebrations. The Cathedral is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains the work of many skilled artisans that can never be depulicated or replaced. The Scottish Rite Cathedral offers a variety of rooms to fit events ranging in size from 15 to 1,500. For more information, visit www.scottishriteevents.com or contact Valerie Crider, Event Manager, at 317-262-3100 x240.

The Double Eagle Cafe, operated by Thomas Caterers of Distinction, offers weekly lunch specials and budget consicous menus in the Banquet Hall and Mezzanine levels of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Parking is free and meeting rooms are available at no cost with the purchase of lunch. Open Monday through Friday from 11am-2pm. For more information, contact Ashley Long, Cafe Manager, at 317-917-1463.

Multiple Course Gourmet Dinners
Prepared by our Chefs especially for you and up to nineteen additional guests. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be presented in our state of the art kitchen, followed by a five course dinner to be served in our custom designed Client Tasting Room. Perfect for a quiet night out with friends or an impressive evening with clients. This unique package includes a multiple course surprise gourmet meal, wine, and service staff. Hands-on experiences are also available led by our talented team of Chefs to test your skills in our kitchens with "Iron Chef" Competitions (great for corporate team building events) or private cooking lessons. Limited times available. $75 per person. Call now for reservations: 317-542-8333.

Thomas Caterers of Distinction has been nominated for an International Special Events Society (ISES) International Esprit

Award for "Best ISES Team Effort".  The winner will be announced

at a black-tie gala on August 18 in Montreal Canada.

 Vince Early, CSEP (TCOD Event Designer) has been invited to speak with Gene Huddleson of Detail & Design at the ISES EventWorld International Conference in Montreal Canada on August 17, 2007.    

Contact Us 

     Thomas Caterers of Distinction

     4440 North Keystone Ave

     Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

     Phone: 317-542-8333

     Fax: 317-545-0683

     Email: Info@thomascaterers.com
    

About Us

We are a full service off-premise catering and event management company specializing in award winning gourmet cuisine for over 23 years. We custom tailor each event to fit the client's personality and style, making each occasion a unique experience.

Our highly qualified staff is certified and trained to assist each client with every detail of planning their event, from creative menu designs and elegant décor to entertainment, tenting, power and travel needs, you can relax knowing that our Certified Special Event Professionals will handle every detail with care to allow you to be a guest at your own event.

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