Crave Catering
Hybrid Help from The Mayor of Portland Sam Adams
Crave Catering Delivery Vehicle Toyota Prius
Well, I had a very interesting time several weeks ago. We were catering the Rose Festival’s VIP party at the McCalls building for the official “Lighting of the Rose.” It was definitely a who’s who of city officials, corporate sponsors, and local philanthropists. We were so lucky to have Curtis Salgado play such a great event. The evening couldn’t be more perfect. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, well… it did.
By great chance of luck, I met our current Mayor Samuel Adams. I was happy to hear that he was enjoying the evening and our food…and that’s when I realized, I had been needing his help. I pointed out that the evening’s food was catered in my Toyota Prius Hybrid. Being such a champion of sustainability, he seemed to really like this. That’s when I asked for his help.
See, I had gotten a parking ticket for parking my VERY identifiable Crave Catering hybrid in a loading zone. When I went to fight it, I was told that the law stated that only trucks and vans could park in loading zones. Unless I purchased a $400 permit which would allow passenger vehicles, I would continue to get tickets! That’s where Sam comes in. I asked if this law could be changed to allow for alternative vehicles, seeing as Portland is the most sustainable city in the US. AND HE SAID YES!!!
It’s been a couple of weeks now and I have been so busy, I keep meaning to follow up and thank him. I can’t wait to see when it goes into action, as I have gotten a another ticket.
Dinner for the Association of Bridal Consultants
Tuesday Night Crave Catering had the honor of serving the Oregon Association of Bridal Consultants for the first Association Dinner meetin of the Year at the First Unitarian Church in Downtown Portland.
The setting was perfect for serving the best in the Oregon Wedding Industry. Planned and arranged by Lisa Taylor of Sweet Dreams Bridal Consultants and Events and Holli Nicknair from the First Unitarian Church, Crave Catering was the perfect choice to bring more than just great food to the table. Gavin & Sada from Hollywood Lighting, Cheryl of Bouquets and Balloons, Silverleaf Designs created a warm and wintery inspired theme.
In the LEED Certified Event Space of the Church, we all realized that it was a great way to showcase the efforts of Portland’s best in Sustainable Wedding and Event Services. Fellow Recycleworks Award Recipients, Crave Catering and Hollywood Lighting were a great fit. Hollywood Lighting bringing the latest in low energy lighting with great LED solutions that created the perfect mood and brought warmth to the incredible Event space.
Crave’s locally inspired foods came in several shapes and sizes, from the elegant array of passed and displayed hors d’oeuvres, incredible buffet, finished with house made sorbet and chocolates. It was a great way for the Association of Bridal Consultants to kick off the 2009 year.
The evening was highlighted by a panel of the Wedding industry’s top experts giving their best tips on trade show ROI. Tracy Martin of Authentic Productions ( and well know from Bravo!), Pat Smith of West Coast Event Productions, and Dwayne Thomas from Hollywood Lighting.
Along side a collaboration of great professionals is what great Weddings and Events are all about. They bring a sense of excitement and awe in such a seamless way. We were happy to be a part of this one.
If you missed our great foods and are a Consultant, please join us on Monday January 26, for the monthly luncheon. Contact the ABC Chapter President Cherie Ronning from Un Common Invites.
Holiday Party Planning on a Budget
We know that the holidays are fast approaching. We’re all watching our pennies, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t host a holiday party for employees and still keep it all in the budget!
Click here for 20 great Cost Effective Tips to having a Budget Friendly Company Holiday Party.
However limited your party budget, it will serve you well to show your appreciation for your workers’ year-long efforts in some tangible and merry-making manner; to celebrate together in a social rather than business atmosphere. This goes a long way toward making workers feel valued and helps them bond with one another, a good step toward team-building and improving morale.
That’s why we’ve brainstormed on how you can host a party and still save. Whether you hold your holiday party on or off company premises, there are many ways for you and your employees to have a frolicking good time without ”breaking the bank.”
Whatever you do to celebrate the holidays this season, keep these tips in mind for your next party, and you can throw a successful one without much cash.
Tip # 10 – Ordering from the menu saves time and money. For many Caterers, their Chefs carefully plan menus to inspire, stay balanced, and with a specific budget in mind. When starting from scratch, often times, a great idea becomes much larger of a process to execute than planned. This creates additional expense to the Caterer and therefore is passed on to the client.
Here are 2 great menus to choose from:
Click here for our CRAVE HOLIDAY LUNCH BUFFET MENU
Click here for our CRAVE HOLIDAY APPETIZER MENU