Along with being an award-winning company, McHale’s Events and Catering also gets The Center’s stamp of wedding approval. Knowing that brides can constantly change their needs, Jeff said McHale’s offers “over 25 different napkin colors, multiple centerpiece vases, 3 different under and overlay linens, [and] even chair covers and bows.” My, oh my, we can already see the blank canvas of The Center come to life!
"As for catering, we are also able to move into any space and create a successful event," Jeff said. "We provide an event planner to ensure all details are communicated properly. We will also provide a banquet manager to run your event evening. They are solely dedicated to ensuring the success of your event and making sure your experience is nothing less than perfection."How else is McHale's Catering going to help make sure your wedding night is a success ? By helping you transform the venue space of course! Jeff said his favorite part of catering weddings is being able to turn any space into an event.“I like taking the brides' ideas and running with it. This year was our first year working at The Center. The Center is a very unique space, with our help we were able to transform this venue into exactly what the bride wanted.”
Transforming an event space is something we like to hear!
But let’s not stray away from the “food” portion of this “Food for Thought.” Award
winning Chef Chris Weist provided us with a recipe of one of his favorite
meals; fire roasted tomato soup.
“I picked this soup because it can be used for lunch, dinner
or how we love to serve it; in a small shot with a bite of your favorite
grilled cheese,” Chef Chris said.
Here is how you make it!
·
Olive oil for roasting and starting vegetables
for soup
·
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
·
1 medium carrot diced
·
3 ribs celery
·
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 5 to 8 cloves
roasted garlic
·
¼ teaspoon salt
·
2# hearty Ripe tomatoes (meaty thick skin)
(plums, or small round)
·
1 (32-ounce) box chicken broth, or 4 cups of
homemade chicken stock
·
1 tsp ground fennel
·
¼ tsp paprika
·
1 lime cut into wedges
·
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
·
Extra Virgin Olive oil to drizzle
“Light your fire, let it burn down to a nice bed of coals
with some flame to char tomatoes. Rub tomatoes lightly with olive oil and place
on a grate or basket close enough to flame that skin chars nicely (15-30
minutes). In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat the 1 tablespoon olive
oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and sauté 5-6 minutes. Add salt,
ground fennel and smoked paprika, sauté, and [in an] additional 1-2 minutes, add tomatoes,
stock and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. Using an immersion blender or
food mill puree until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and
top with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with fresh lime to squeeze on top.”
When he said fire roasted, he meant it!
Not a tomato soup fan? Jeff gave us some advice on what
types of foods brides should generally provide at their reception.
“I always suggest to my brides to think simply. Unique foods
can be great but always remember you’re feeding a bulk of people. Everyone
enjoys foods they are comfortable with. Stick with your major protein items
such as beef, pork and/or chicken. Provide some sort of pasta that will appeal
to your vegetarians. I always like a potato dish that is simple, again [large] crowds like simple. Then lastly, provide a very common salad, with a dressing
that everyone can enjoy.”
Want to hear more advice from Jeff and Chef Chris? Contact
McHale’s Catering at (859) 442-7776 or email Jeff at
Jschachleiter@mchalescatering.com.
Pictures provided by McHale's Catering and Events Facebook.
Pictures provided by McHale's Catering and Events Facebook.
