The first time….
Yep, all these years I’ve worked here I never had a Macintosh Sandwich until 3 months ago. What’s a Macintosh you ask? Only a one of a kind unique sandwich that has been on our menu since 1975. People crave this. They come in specifically for this delicious creation. Customers move away and call me and ask for the recipe. Now on catering events, they ask if they can have mini versions of the sandwich. I’ve only recently become enthusiasts of raisin bread… really it was getting over the raisins that I’ve never been a fan of.
Bite into the soft, sweet raisin bread, into the crunch of apples, savory Swiss cheese, crisp bacon then the taste of peanut butter completes the whole thing! Wow! This is SO GOOD. Each bite has the flavor and is enjoyed until the last nibble. Ok, I get it, I really get it… I crave this sandwich as well.
Home for the Holidays with Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel
With every passing year, it seems that the holidays descend upon us more and more rapidly! And for many of us, our social obligations grow larger and more demanding each year as well. Company gatherings, family celebrations, office events, neighborhood gatherings and even more intimate dinner parties all require your presence, or your planning skills – and most importantly, great food!
But of course, with all your other responsibilities, who has the time to cook and serve mouth watering, beautifully presented food? During this hectic time of year, even bringing a dish to a potluck party can present a challenge. This is where Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel comes in!
Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel can serve your holiday entertaining experts. We have delicious menus that reflect the season, as well as all our familiar favorites. Think of the impression you will make with business colleagues if your corporate holiday event featured a menu including Juicy Grilled Lamb Chops? Petite Beef Wellingtons? Endive with Curried Chicken? Not to mention a Decadent Pastry Buffet!
Short on time when that potluck party comes around? Take a look at our Catering To Go Menu! Your friends will applaud you when you bring our incredible Baked Brie with apples, pecans and cranraisins, yummy Crab Cakes, or Savory Puff Pastries!
Just remember, we get busy during the holidays too! So if you’re planning to book a December event with us, give us a call to lock in your preferred date and time.
However if you need last minutes catering, please do not hesitate to call us, we can almost always provide you with a wonderful dish without a lot of notice. We are here to help!
umm… bacon…
Breakfast (literally meaning "breaking the fast" of the night)
Ok, so you are rising from a night's sleep. Ready to begin the day, but have you ever considered how you start your day? Beside the good cup of coffee and whatever type of meal you prefer, how about good conversation?
I am always amazed at our how morning customers talk about local, regional and world events, what been going on in their lives or their children’s lives and how they have so much to share to many of the same individuals they just spent the previous morning with, less than 24 hours ago.
Some participle, some listen and nod and others just enjoy the company while eating their meal at a nearby table.
We are lucky to have such wonderful customers who eat at our restaurant, The Plug Nickel, every single day. I can’t think of one place I visit weekly. I have also found that many of our customers do not have boundaries. I mean this in a good way. They see a customer wearing a military baseball hat, and they give their respects and say thank you. I have seen customers buy them their meal.
In times of crisis (California earthquake 1994, September 11) our customers talk to each other and share experiences.
Elections, everyone shares their opinions and views in a respectful way.
We don’t have a bar, but that what it is like. Each customer has such a wonderful and different personality, and adds such a personal touch to the conversation.
It’s not just the good conversation, we offer delicious food and our bacon… everyone loves our pork belly bacon! I read a quote by Doug Larson … Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. So true. Bacon for breakfast, bacon for lunch.
I have mentioned our breakfast environment to a number of people, and they have said, “Get the word out! I love breakfast and I miss that type of surrounding. I had no idea! “So here I am blogging to the world… come on over for breakfast! And don’t forget to order the bacon!
Gen Y becomes Gen G – the gourmet generation
At Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel, we have started to notice that for many young people, cooking is the hot new trend – becoming at once theater, entertainment, self-definition, status, and creative expression. We are starting to see Millennials wield spatulas and smoked paprika.
When not studying the high school or colleague curriculum hunched over a desk, or reading on their Kindle, students can usually be found in one other room – their kitchen. Putting a pinch of turmeric on a tilapia filet, or creating something with ingredients from her personal herb garden, or testing an obscure recipe found on the Internet.
They are using the wooden cooking spoon (hand-tooled, preferably from a developing nation) of a generation of youth brought up on arugula not iceberg lettuce, paninis not peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, free-range chickens not caged ones. Raised with unprecedented exposure – both real and virtual – to world cuisines and global concerns, this Millennial Generation now coming of age as young adults is redefining what it means to love food. These 20-somethings aren't just passionate about, say, Mexican cuisine or counting bad or good cholesterol. Their foodie lifestyle is one part cooking, one part social conscience. They create meals in a kitchen jammed with friends, from recipes they've spent hours discussing, with ingredients they know the origin of in precise detail. For them, food exploration and preparation has become at once theater, entertainment, self-definition, status, and creative expression.
"This generation has more awareness around food than any generation in history," says Kit Yarrow, an expert on Millennials at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Here at Catering Celebrations, they are asking our catering staff questions about the menu, complimenting us on the buffet, butler passed hors d’ oeuvres, things that we have never seen before in our 36 years of catering.
Weekly we received emails, phone calls, and walk in asking if we are hiring for catering. They all stress how much they love food and would enjoy working for Catering Celebrations. One reason is the explosion of food shows on TV that have turned chefs into celebrities and made cooking "cool."
Today, as the first generation to grow up immersed in a digital world, Millennials find something satisfying in using skillets and smoked paprika. "Food uses all your senses, which is just the opposite of a virtual world," says Ms. Forrest.
With material By Gloria Goodale, Staff writer / July 9, 2011
Color Trends for 2011
What’s a Bride to choose?
Pantone Color of the Year 2011: Honeysuckle
WOW is what this festive color says… along with Vibrant! Energetic! Courageous! Confident! And a perfect color for an outdoor wedding this Spring Summer of 2011!
It’s a brave new color, for a brave new world and your bridesmaids would look stunning in a dress of this color, or the beautiful reception accented with this blush. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through your day. Catering Celebrations works with fantastic rental companies that have the most beautiful linen that will match or accent this color perfectly!
Something a bit more stately and Grand? Benjamin Moore 2011 Color for the Year: Vintage Wine
This color may seem masculine at first but this rich shade with a hint of smoky violet would be magnificent as ‘your’ wedding color. Create your reception using fruitwood chavari chairs with
textures tiebacks and table linen in a lighter version. Accent each table with a floral centerpieces done in shades of classic ivory and blush orange. Catering Celebrations has a few rehearsal dinners that are incorporating this color into their per wedding festivities!
Are you a bit more of a free sprit? How about ICI Dulux 2011 Colour of the Year: Light, Airy, Citrus Yellow
This is fresh citrus yellow symbolizes a sense of fun and positive energy. Encapsulating a mood of hope and optimism, it conveys a feeling of fizzy sherbet, new growth, relaxed fun and the goodness and vitality of sunshine. Yellow in color psychology is often associated with warmth and sunshine, engendering feelings of well-being and positive thoughts that enhance relaxation and minimize stress and anxiety. Just what you need to help you on your big day. Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel has accents of this sparkling color around our garden patio and it perks up the patio with a sweeping glance.
A Unique Location call for a Unique Display
All weddings are beautiful, but some stand out more than others. Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel, we know that when looking for a location to celebrate your special day, of course you want delicious cuisine and professional service. We also know that many couples would like to have something unique to set their festivities a party from others they have attended. Our Suspended Wedding Cake Display is the perfect touch.
Instead of the traditional cake table, we have an attractive ‘suspended’ display for your Wedding Cake. It is hand-forged, highly polished white iron table that hangs stationary and securely from the center of our small gazebo, surrounded by bright foliage. This unique design offers a variety of possibilities for floral or other decorations. It will have your family and friend talking months after your event.
Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel Suspended cake display is not only beautiful and different, but is extremely sturdy and secure. It can hold up to 400 pounds, though most wedding cakes do not approach that weight! We have also consulted with local bakeries in designing this feature so you can be assured that we are well-versed in the type of cakes and desserts this display can hold and show to their best effect.
When you hold your wedding reception at Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel, we will be thrilled to offer you our Suspended Wedding Cake Display at no extra charge. Of course this display can be used for other occasions besides weddings. Think Anniversary, Birthday, Bar – Bat Mitzvahs or even a Company Cocktail or Retirement Party – what a fun stunning focal point for an array of decadent pastries and desserts.
If you are planning a wedding or party, please don’t hesitate to call our Catering Department for an appointment to discuss your event. We would love to meet with you!
Catering Celebrations would love to help you make your Special Occasion more Memorable!
~ Questions to Ask Your Caterer ~
Asking the right questions will help you in finding the right caterer and establishing an excellent working relationship. Catering Celebrations has put togther a list of questions that we hope will help you. If you want to create an affair that will generate rave reviews from those in attendance, these questions will help you with the planning process.
Who is the contact person when planning the event?
Who is the contact person during the event?
What does the chef prepare best?
Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?
What is the charge for vendor meals – DJs, photographers, other vendors you have hired working the event?
What are you substitution policies?
Will wine be poured by the staff or placed on the table?
How many bartenders will be serving drinks during the cocktail hours?
Will the bar be open during dinner?
Will beverages be served by the wait staff, or will guests need to go to the bar?
When will coffee be served?
When do you suggest we do the champagne toast and cut the cake?
Is the champagne just for the toast, or will it be available during the entire event?
Do you charge a cake cutting fee?
Where will the gifts and place cards be set?
Will you assist with valet parking, music, flowers, photography, etc?
How many hours do we have the facility / catering staff fro?
What is the overtime policy?
Is there a curfew at the event site?
How many staff will be working the event?
How is your staff attired?
What size tables do you offer?
What are the smoking policies?
Will you provide the table numbers?
What are the options for linen, chair covers, china, stemware, flatware, charger plates?
What percentage is overset?
What decorations do you provide for tables, buffets and food stations?
Are there facilities available for the handicapped?
What time can we have access to decorate the room / area?
Can you provide a podium, microphone and overhead projector?
When must I make my final menu selection?
When must I give you the final guarantee?
Are there other charges for set up, delivery, overtime, etc.?
Do you take credit cards or personal checks?
What is the sales tax, and what is the standard gratuity amount?
What is your policy regarding deposits and cancellations?
When is the final payment due?
When can I expect your written proposal?
Catering Celebrations is looking forward to going over all these questions and more with you!
This information has been developed and put together by Catering Celebrations by the Plug Nickel Restaurant and forever more is for your enjoyment. Piracy of any of the material is strictly forbidden and will cause sudden weight gain, your hair will fall out and other ugly side affects.
How Much does it Cost to have a Catered Event?
Catering Celebrations Catering Department gets these calls daily, and we certainly would love to reply with just one simple answer, but the fact is that the price of catering ranges depending on many factors involved with your event. Here are a few:
The Food Served
Say you and your fiancée would like to serve a beef entrée. Will it be Beef Tenderloin, Tri Tips, Prime Rib, or New York Steak? What do you want to serve and request the price of that beef cut. Serving Shrimp? What size are they? 8/12 or 26/30. What this means is that you will get 8 to 12 per pound, they will be large. 26 to 30 per pound will be very small. A sit down dinner with one choice, say chicken, can still can have a very elegant feel and will be more economical than a lobster and tenderloin buffet, but the location must be able to accommodate everyone seated, and sit down entrees china place settings.
The Type of Service
The more service staff and kitchen staff that is required, the higher the cost. Sit down served meals require more staff for attentive and efficient service. Buffet entrees are not as demanding and less staff is often needed. Having a buffet does not mean a lesser menu, often buffet are more elaborate with a wide variety of flavors. Service is extremely important to Catering Celebrations. You can be assured that we will do an outstanding job for your and your guests. Word of mouth from our satisfied customers is one of the best sources of future business. Our servers are trained to anticipate the needs of your guests and provide the utmost in service.
Rental Equipment
Sit down service requires china and full place setting, but with a buffet you can use high grade disposables. Consider your table coverings… linen or plastic? You can not begin to image what is available to you!! We want you to be able to see and obtain prices from a wide variety of beautiful linens, china and flatware patterns, and all different styles of chairs that are perfect for your party. Catering Celebrations will work with the rental companies and get the right quantity ordered for your event. We use an outside rental company because they are specialist in this area. The rental company will bill you directly and you pay them directly, but we will coordinate anything you might need, so one call does it all.
Length of Event
Consider the timing frame of your event. The catering staff is working more hours than what you see, as they must arrive at Catering Celebrations and load the vehicles, or set up the site before the guests arrive and clean up after the event, as well as possible return to Catering Celebrations and unload the vehicles. Travel to and from your site is added in as well. A six-hour event will be more expensive than a four-hour event and also consider any outside vendors such as bands, DJs, photographers, etc. You will need to have everyone’s time coordinated.
The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness
Finding the Right Type of Catering for your Event
Full Service Catering
Catering Celebrations can provide a variety of service, but this is our favorite! We can help you plan heavy hors d’ oeuvres, a sit-down meals, beautiful buffets and stations, beverages, cappuccino bars and other event planning. We can do on-site cooking in front of your guests, or if it is an elegent plated meal and your kitchen is not large enough we can set up a temperately kitchen on site to prepare your meals. We provide a full service wait staff to set up the entire event and to tend to you and your guests needs during this special occasion. Our staff will take down and clean up, and we even take away the trash. As a professional caterer we will work closely with your hired professional vendors to ensure that your event is perfect.
http://www.cateringcelebrations.com/catering/menu
Private Catering in our Hidden Garden – Brunch, Lunch & Dinner
Hidden Garden Events at the Plug Nickel Restaurant is very unique in that you can reserve a private room or the entire restaurant for your event. During the Restaurant hours, Sunday 9am – 2 pm and Monday – Friday 7am – 2 pm, you can reserve a private room for an all-inclusive price. After hours you can reserve the Patio and Garden Room together and have a festive menu ranging from heavy hors d’ oeuvres, buffets or sit-down menus and dessert. You can bring in your own entertainment, and décor or let us take care of it all. You can do as much or as little as your would like. Show up, have a wonderful time, and go home with no extra work on your part.
http://www.cateringcelebrations.com/catering/menu
Pick-up and Drop Offs
We make beautiful platters that you are proud to display on your buffet, and we make sure there is ease of service if you choose not to have our staff. Our menu are filled with a variety of hot and cold food prepared in Catering Celebrations kitchen and picked up by you or delivered to the party site by our catering crew. You may consider hiring an outside service staff to assist you, or ask family and friends to help serve and clean up. The food can come ready to serve on platters or some may require chaffing dishes to keep them hot. We have appetizers that are best when cooked right before serving, and we will supply you with the simple cooking instructions. This is a very cost effective way to caterer an event on a budget and the size of your event can dictate if this is really a practical way to go.
http://www.cateringcelebrations.com/catering/menu
~ Meet with us! ~
Plan at least six months to one year before your wedding to begin planning. View our portfolio and see the style of our work. We will create a proposal for your based your menu selection and style of catering service. There is no charge and you can change add or delete items up until one month before your event. If this is an off-premise event, we will meet you at the location and discuss your vision for the location. Our rental companies will come out as well to make sure your proposal is accurate as possible. If you are comparing catering companies, please make sure you are comparing the style of service and menu selection. One caterer is not offering you Tri Tip and we are offering you Tenderloin!
Once you receive our proposal we want to make sure everything you asked for is included and you understand what is presented. Upon agreeing to the terms and conditions of our catering service, a deposit is due to confirm our services with you for that day. The number of events we caters varies with each event guest count, style of service and the menu. We are not looking to be the busiest – only the best!
We are a member of NACE: National Association of Catering Executives. By being a member of NACE, we surround ourselves with professionals and industry leaders. The Plug Nickel is constantly education ourselves to provide you the client, with the most up to date menu, trends and ideas to create the best event possible.
http://www.nace.net
We are in the service business and wish to provide you with the best of service and food.
Graduation
Catering Celebrations ~ Graduation
The days of pep rallies, class trips, team practices, and school shows are coming to an end for your child. It's time for graduation - an exciting time, but also one filled with a little sadness about saying goodbye to the past, and anxiety while looking ahead to the future.
Keep all of these feelings in mind, as you plan to celebrate your child's graduation with a special party befitting such a momentous occasion. Involve your graduate in all of the decisions, and be sure to make it a party where they have a great time making new memories to take with them into the next stage of their life.
Who will be on the guest list? Is this a party for only family members? Will classmates be invited? Are you inviting the entire neighborhood? When will you hold the party? So many questions! Catering Celebrations is here to help.
Springtime in California is the perfect time to plan an outdoor celebration and the Hidden Garden at the Plug Nickel is the perfect place. The minute you walk into the patio, you are welcomed with a warm greeting, have a comfortable place to sit, and the food and beverage are waiting to be enjoyed.
Something a little more casual? Celebrate at home and let Catering Celebrations provide the food. We arrive before your guests and can have the entire buffet ready when you and your guests arrive. No staff is required from our Catering To-Go Menu and the popular menu for this time of the year. Serving contemporary American fare using ingredients fresh from our local area, beautifully prepared and ready to serve. If you have platters that you would like us to prepare your food on, we are happy to do so. Enjoy hearty salads, assorted petite sandwiches, grilled vegetables, warm brochettes, and delicious desserts. All at reasonable prices.
If you would like full service, we have savory menus and a talented wait staff to handle everything your party needs.
Good-byes take a long time, and leaving a school requires a long good-bye party. Enjoy this special time and let Catering Celebrations do all the work!
Call Tricia at 805-495-3469 x 2
Tricia@cateringcelebrations.com
The Plug Nickel has a reputation as one of the finest catering services in the Conejo Valley. We are an established caterer and how most of the community knows us, which is why Catering Celebrations was added to the name.
