A New Year and A New Outlook

If you are like me, you always plan to make a New Year's resolution, and by now it has been cast by the wayside.

Not this year!  I set a goal to reconnect with old friends and enjoy great conversations.  So far, so good.  I am glad I set my goal so high, because I really didn't realize that I had lost touch with so many.  Catching up is great, and I am enjoying this during our typically slow catering season. 

This is the time of year that we visit with potential brides and grooms, particpate in bridal shows and get all of our important paperwork together for the CPA.  I even got all the paperwork together and in early this year!  That is a sign for me that I am enjoying life.  And time for family, that is what makes each day wonderful and awesome.

So, what resolutions did you make for this wonderful New Year 2012?  If you and I have lost touch over time, call or email me and we can catch up!  I hope to see all of you at an event catered by my company, Best Catered Events. 

Your Friend,

Dianne Evans

Matt and Ami McGucken - December 17, 2011, Baton Rouge, LA

Ami Parks married Matt McGucken in the backyard garden of her parents home on Saturday, December 17, 2011 surrounded by family and friends.  A large tent with seating and dance area as well as all of the little seating areas in the yard really led to a comfortable evening for those in attendance. 

Earlier, while this chef/owner was frying the catfish for the tacos in the family kitchen, she witnessed the throwdown challenge between Matt and Ami's father.  Mr. Parks had to eat a fried catfish taco and Matt had to eat pasta noodles with plain tomato soup, right out of the can.  Priceless!  They both bit the bullet, or should I say, the tomato soupy noodle thing and the taco?

Dr. Jazz http://www.drjazzmusic.com/ of New Orleans provided wonderful music.  Alex Harvie, a local  artist painted all evening to capture the special moments.   Melissa McCaa did the cake which was beautiful and the guests said was absolutely wonderful. Doug Olinde provided tables, chairs and tenting with his usual excellent service.
Best Catered Events set up the food on a small deck area.  We served our Shrimp and Cheese Grits, Fried Fish Tacos with homemade tartar sauce, Sweet and Sour Meatballs on Pretzel Sticks, Louisiana Stuffed Crawfish Bread, Brandied Fig and Apricot Torte with Cinnamon Crisp Cookies, mini muffelettos, fire grilled vegetables, mac and cheese with bacon, and our No Evidence Caesar Salad. 

Ami wore the same dress that her mom Marie had worn when she married Ami's dad 36 years ago.  Natasha Marie Bridal altered the dress for Ami with a few changes.  That was a beautifult ribute to a wonderful marriage and the picture of her mom in the dress all those years ago is priceless.

Matt and Ami, we wish you all the best.  Loved your setting and all of  your guests were so nice. Your band was incredible with the seranade to you early in the evening Ami and then your send off in the limo.  WOW....that's all this caterer has to say!

12.10.2011 Bank of Zachary Holiday Party - Zachary, LA

When Saturday, December 10 arrived, Best Catered Events was on the road again.  This time we were headed to the home of  Frank and Kathy Parker in Zachary.  Upon arrival, owner Dianne Evans immediately fell in love with this home.  So cozy, warm and comfortable, an absolute perfect place for a party. 

Frank and Kathy know how to host a party and they do it right!  When we entered we could see all the shiny ornaments hanging from all the chandeliers and vintage tablecloths already on all the tables. The house is just so inviting, with it's fireplace crackling and the antique Rock Ola jukebox playing, Bells Will Be Ringing by Charles Brown, the Best Catered Events staff members Bonnie Baxley and Brenda Kelly were humming and setting up the wonderful menu that the group had picked for their meal.

On the menu was our Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta, sweet and sour meatballs, bacon green bean bundles, assorted finger sandwiches, crabmeat au gratin, sundried tomato, feta and pine nut torte, mini crawfish pies, fresh fruit, raspberry hazelnut torte, voodoo cheese, fire grilled vegetables, peppered pork loin, beef brisket and chocolate covered Louisiana strawberries. 

Out back there was a fire pit and folks were gathered around it, in the hall there was slow dancing to the sounds on the antique jukebox, in the dining room folks were cutting the Italian Creme, Carrot and Red Velvet cakes with the cutest serving set ever, and out front on the porch there were others visiting and talking around a pot bellied stove. 

The Bank of Zachary is very special to this owner.  I have done more weddings for the children of the members of the Bank of Zachary than any other single location in over 20 years of catering. When I go into the bank, which is not that often, I always know most of the employees and they always know me.  I hear about all the grandchildren they have and we talk about how many years ago it was that I catered their weddings. 

This bank also took a chance on a lady that worked at Zachary High School and wanted to start her own small catering business all those many years ago.  They have been very instrumental in my company's relocation back to the Baton Rouge area.  I owe alot to this team of professionals.  I appreciate them and I am so happy to be able to cater their event.

Special thanks to Frank and Kathy Parker.  I felt like I was at home, among friends and a guest.....and I was the caterer!

Robison Family Holiday Tradition 12.3.2011 - Alexandria, LA

When Tucker and Enell Robison have a get together, they plan things down to the last detail.  Their gorgeous home is always so tastefully and beautifully decorated for the holidays with help from Rick Ferguson of Rick Ferguson Flowers.

This year the home was absolutely breathtaking!  White and silver everywhere, and white lights and candles galore.  Out in the back past the pool on the "Bayou" the white deer, polar bears and other animals were moving and twinkling in the night air.  The popcorn tree in the courtyard was once again decorated for the festivities. The newest addition to the decor this year was the "snowing tree".  It was definitely a conversation piece and sprayed "snow" all night. 

Those in attendance enjoyed appetizers of "BLT minis, Apache Cheese Dip with Chips, Spinach and Cranberry Salad, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Shrimp and Corn Soup, Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Pork Tenderloin with freshly baked rolls, Bacon and Roll Ups, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Honey Butter Dipped Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders, Caprese Salad Skewers, Fire Grilled Vegetables, Fresh Fruit with Brandied Fig and Apricot Torte with Coconut Cookies, Chocolate Mousse Cups, Fresh Fruit and Chantilly Creme Parfaits, Lemon Bars and Triple Chocolate Threat Brownies.

Out in the movie viewing area, everyone enjoyed nachos with cheese and warm cookies with cold milk shots. Later, their was live story telling and music which was the true highlight of the evening.  What a wonderful way to kick off the holidays!

This was our third year to enjoy working with Mrs. Enell for this particular event.  We look forward to creating something for 2012!  That drive to Alexandria seems short when we are going to our friend's home.