The Deep South was the inspiration for Thomas Caterers of Distinctions latest Menu Development Event. With autumn approaching our chefs created fall-inspired cuisine with ideas from a recent conference in Atlanta, GA. As guests arrived they were greeted with a series of passed hors d’oeuvre including: Fried French Toast with Homemade Kielbasa topped with Maple Syrup Aioli and Candied Orange Peel, Crispy Chicken Skin Chips dusted with Buffalo Sauce Powder and Sea Salt served with a Blue Cheese Celery Dip and Mini Kool-Aid PIckles, Corn Meal Crusted Cheese Curd stuffed Meatballs with a Southern Gravy, and Succotash garnished with Fried Okra on an Edible Corn Lime Spoon.
During the cocktail hour they were asked to give their input on our mixology display featuring coconut spiced rum, aromatic bitters and a whipped cream made from bourbon, vanilla & nutmeg. Before the whipped cream was put in the concoction we froze it in liquid nitrogen to create a smoking whipped cream ice cube. The guests were invited into our very own kitchen where elaborate stations were resplendent with culinary delights.
The stations included Mustard BBQ Chopped Brisket over Southern Cornbread and Honey Chipotle Slaw. Bone Marrow on Crusty Bread with Green Tomato Jam a Choice of Sea Salts served with a Peach Moonshine Shrub. Hickory Smoked Shrimp & Grits. Southern Donuts with choice of Peach or Banana Pudding Fillings, Blueberry Moonshine, Chocolate, and Maple Glazes with choice of Candied Bacon, Toasted Coconut, or Bourbon Pecan Praline Crumble Toppings. Chocolate Dipped Roasted Marshmallows filled with Patron Café Mousse, and Chocolate Moonshine Frosties with an Edible Shortbread Spoon topped with a Peanut Butter and Chocolate Crumble.
The chefs were having as much fun as the guests as they detailed the creation of the dishes and how the flavors were carefully paired to make each dish just right. The guest’s jobs were to rate their favorites and give feedback on each item to help us improve them before the dishes are added to our permanent menus. The final tallies have not been counted yet so stay tuned to the Thomas Caterers of Distinction Facebook page to see which items scored the highest.
