Columbia Catering News

Featured Wedding on - The Brides Cafe Blog

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:38:00 GMT

I'm so excited to share this beautiful wedding featured on an amazing blog!!! We had so much fun working with this couple creating the most perfect customized menu for their special day! This is the event that we introduced the Homemade Ice Cream Station with Peach Ice Cream and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream for Coke Floats!! Also on the menu: "Passed" Bacon Wrapped Quail, Catfish & Grits Station, Minature Tomato Pies, Grilled Pimento Cheese and homemade Strawberry Lemonade served in Mason Jars.

By Invitation Only...Event Planning & Design out did themselves with this event! It was beautiful and one of my all time favorites! Thanks to Richard Ellis Photography for the amazing images and blog!!!

Check out the link below!!!

http://www.thebridescafe.com/?postID=1875&real-south-carolina-wedding-by-richard-ellis-photography

Around the World.... Wedding Style

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

While Annie and Robert traveled around the world, they especially enjoyed dining on all the different cuisines; so they wanted to incorporate some of their favorite findings into their wedding day menu! Since Annie wanted the food to be unique and very customized for their special day, we worked very closely with the couple to ensure that we embraced each dish and that it was perfect!

The couple also worked with Jill Areheart with BIO to create a beautiful reception ceremony and reception space in the gardens. No detail was overlooked!

As the guests entered the garden, they were greeted with a beautiful Champagne table and delicious passed hors d’oeuvres. Jill had created small maps to guide guests on their tour of all the food stations throughout the garden. The guests absolutely loved trying the different cuisines and their journey throughout the beautiful gardens. It was definitely an exquisite evening!

Cocktail Hour
“Passed” Poutine from Vancouver - Small bamboo boats pilled high with Natural Cut French Fries, Rich Brown Gravy & Cheese Curds
“Passed” Carolina Caviar - A delicious mix of Sweet Corn, Beans, Tomatoes, Green Peppers & Onions marinated in Italian dressing and served in a Mini Martini cup with a Frito Scoop
“Passed” Candied Bacon BLT - Delicious & Beautiful! Brown Sugar Candied Bacon, Shredded Lettuce ,Cherry Tomatoes served in a Pretiola topped with an Italian Aioli

Dinner Stations

“The South meets France”
Texas Beef Brisket Station - Served on a Mini French Roll with Crispy Onions, Apple Cinnamon & Bistro Sauce.
Gouda Macaroni & Cheese - Heavenly Gouda Macaroni & Cheese served in an adorable black kettle.
La Truffade - Nothing could be better than Crispy Potatoes, Hickory Smoked
Bacon Pieces & delicious Gruyere Cheese pan fried to form the
most savory cake that I have EVER eaten!
"Monterey"
Crispy Fish Tacos - White fish marinated in buttermilk, floured and fried to a
crispy golden brown. Served in a warm Tortilla with marinated Cabbage, Chipotle Mayo and fresh squeezed lime juice
"Chinatown"
Lo Mein Station - Your guests will enter “China Town” to a Chef Sautéing your favorite Asian creation to order. Your choice of Lo Mein, Asian Vegetables, Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Chili Shrimp served in Mini Chinese To-Go Boxes with Chopsticks.

Event Credits:
Catering – Capital City Catering
Event Planner & Design – Jill Areheart with
By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design
Floral Design– Something Special Florist
Venue – Seibels House & Gardens
Rentals – Palmetto Party Rentals
Band – Finesse Band
Cake – Michelle’s Cake Scapes

A Labor "Day" of Love

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Christina & James had so many wonderful ideas for their wedding and reception! They set their wedding date for Labor Day weekend, so they definitely wanted to incorporate some fun and festive menu items. We helped them select a simple but exciting menu for the cocktail hour, and then we added some traditional “summer barbeque” items to create a nice active station dinner. We ended the evening with some sweet summer favorites!

This beautiful couple worked with Melanie Murphy with BIO. Together with Melanie’s amazing talent and the unique ideas of the couple, they created an elegant and beautiful event. It was an amazing way to officially end the summer!

Hors D’oeuvre Display
Mini Sliders - topped with our homemade Mango Salsa
Sweet Potato Fries - topped with Cinnamon Sugar and a White Chocolate Drizzle

Signature Cocktail
Lemonade with Strawberry Vodka and Fire Fly Sweet Tea

Dinner Stations
Salad Station – Guests choice of our “Signature” Strawberry Salad or Caesar Salad
Marinated Grilled Chicken – topped with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce or Marsala
Pecan Encrusted Pork Tenderloin – Pork Tenderloin encrusted with Southern Pecans topped with Balsamic Strawberry Reduction
“Award Winning” Shrimp & Grits – Succulent Shrimp & Tasso served over creamy Adluh Grits
Mashed Potato Bar – Homemade Idaho Mashed Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes topped with assorted toppings.
Sautéed Vegetables – Fresh Squash, Zucchini, Crimini Mushrooms, Red
Onions and Asparagus sautéed with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinaigrette

“Late Night” Snack
“Grooms” Mini Brownie Bites - topped with Fresh Strawberries and a
White Chocolate Drizzle
“Brides” Mini Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits - filled with moist Strawberry Cake, Fresh Sugared Strawberries and Whipped Cream

Event Credits:
Catering –Capital City Catering
Event Planner & Design –Melanie Murphy with
By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design
Floral Design– American Floral
Photography – Patty Hallman
Venue – 701 Whaley
Rentals – Palmetto Party Rentals
DJ – Pro Music and Sound
Cake –Parkland Cakes

A Butterfly Garden Party

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Rachel was such a fun bride to work with! She had a bubbly and delightful personality which showed throughout her event. She wanted her wedding to have the feel of a fresh summer garden, and she worked with Melanie Murphy with BIO to turn 701 into just that! I loved the bright colored vases that were used with the fresh cut flowers; and well, everyone knows how I feel about butterflies!

Since this was a summer wedding and Rachel wanted a garden feel, we created the perfect menu to fit her garden party! We kept the menu light with lots of fresh ingredients!

Hors D’oeuvres

Our signature “Palmetto” Fruit Tree
“Passed” Mini Charleston Crab Cakes – topped with our delicious Dill & Shallot Sauce
Artisan Cheese Display – Four Year Aged Cheddar, Fontina, Gruyere, Gouda & Blue Cheese
Mini Martini Caprese Salad – with a Balsamic Pipette
Smoked Salmon Lollipops – Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese topped with Dill
Spinach & Artichoke Tarts – topped with grated parmesan cheese

Dinner Stations
Bacon Wrapped Scallops – topped with Citrus Chipotle Sauce and delicately placed on a miniature bamboo skewer alongside a juicy watermelon ball
Texas Beef Brisket – Served on a Mini French Roll with Crispy Onions, Apple Cinnamon & Bistro Sauce
Sautéed Vegetables – Fresh Squash, Zucchini, Crimini Mushrooms, Red
Onions and Asparagus sautéed with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinaigrette

Event Credits:
Catering – Capital City Catering
Event Planner & Design – Melanie Murphy with
By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design
Floral Design– Think Floral
Venue – 701 Whaley
Rentals – Palmetto Party Rentals

Tuscany Meets the South

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

From the moment I met with Arielle & Brian, I knew their event would be beyond perfect! They are a wonderful couple who selected the Lace House, a venue rich in antebellum history, for celebrating their wedding day. They worked with Grant at Something Special Florist to create their awesome floral centerpieces, and I helped them select the perfect linens, napkins and chargers to complete the overall design.

Since Arielle wanted to bring a Tuscany feel to this event, Capital City Catering created a menu around that theme, which included some of the couple’s favorite Italian dishes, as well as, some of their favorite Southern dishes. It was a fun menu that was enjoyed by all; however, I must say that one of the most popular items was the Coffee Encrusted Beef Tenderloin!

It was truly an honor and pleasure working with Arielle, Brian and their family!

Cocktail Hour
Our signature “Palmetto” Fruit Tree
“Passed” Bruschetta – Marinated Peppers served on a Garlic Baguette topped with a Balsamic Drizzle
“Passed” Candied Bacon BLT – A Pretiola filled with Lettuce, Brown Sugar Candied Bacon, Tomato and Italian mayonnaise
“Passed” Bang Bang Shrimp
“Passed” Calamari – Served with Sweet & Spicy Peppers, Marinara and a lemon wedge
“Passed” Crab Cake Lollipops

Signature Cocktail
Red Sangria and Fresh Peach Bellini

Dinner Stations
Salad & Bread Display – Greek & Caesar Salad served with Focaccia Bread
Pasta Bar – Guests' choice of Blackened Chicken on Penne Pasta topped with a
Lemon Butter Sauce or
Homemade Marinara with Meatballs
& Italian Sausage on Cavati Pasta
Coffee Encrusted Beef Tenderloin – Our “Signature” succulent Beef Tenderloin cooked Medium Rare and topped with a Gorgonzola Sauce
Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits – Our “Award Winning” Shrimp & Adluh Grits served in a Martini Glass
“Late Night Snack”
Coffee Bar – served with Bailey’s Irish Cream, Godiva Chocolate and Kahlua. Plus Chocolate Covered Spoons for dipping.

Event Credits:
Catering – Capital City Catering
Event Set-Up – LeeAnne with Capital City Catering
Floral Design–Something Special Florist
Wedding Director – Robin Cannon
Venue –The Lace House & Gardens
Photography – Clark Berry
Rentals –Palmetto Party Rentals

DJ - Sound Quest DJ's

Lemonade & Shade Trees

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Where do I begin? Andrew and Elizabeth are great friends of ours, and we were honored to be a part of their special day! They chose the perfect location for an outside event, a beautiful arboretum in Boykin, SC. Jonathan and I had a great time planning the perfect “Shabby Chic” menu for this awesome couple. They wanted to offer their guests some of their favorite Southern Cuisine, and I must say the guests enjoyed everything!

Surrounded by all of the beautiful trees, Melanie Murphy, By Invitation Only (BIO) Event Planning & Design, brought this event to life. There were so many details that I could honestly write a book on this event! You can also check out BIO’s blog, "She Thinks My {His} Tractors Sexy," to read about the fun details from this event.

With that being said, I will let our pictures do the talking!

Cocktail Hour
“Palmetto” Fruit Tree
“Passed” Oyster Shooters – served with a Vodka Pipette
“Passed” Fried Green Tomatoes – topped with our homemade Chow Chow
“Passed” Caprese Salad

Signature Cocktail
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade served with Strawberry vodka or Fire Fly Vodka –
Served in Mason Jars and garnished with a Fresh Strawberry or Fresh Mint Leaf

Dinner Stations
Sweet Potato Fries – topped with Cinnamon Sugar & a White Chocolate Drizzle
Carolina Caviar – a mix of marinated southern veggies
Fried Catfish Bites & Bacon Wrapped Quail – served with our Adluh Grits and assorted toppings
Hickory Smoked BBQ Display – served with Southern Style Cole Slaw and Dill Pickle Chips on a mini Slider Bun
Black-eyed Peas & Collard Greens Station– served with everyone’s favorite toppings. Mini Corn Muffins, Onions, Peppers, Jalapenos, Hot Sauce, Ketchup & Chow Chow

“Late Night Snack”
Reconstructed S’mores Station

Event Credits:
Catering – Capital City Catering
Event Planning & Design – By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design
Floral Design– American Floral
Photography – Sara Parker
Rentals – Palmetto Party Rentals
Cake – Parties To Go

Garden Party

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

When we first meet with Tori, her mom and dad, her dad said they were going to shut down the streets of Norway….Indeed they did! Tori and Jordan got married in her church just two blocks down the street from her parents home where the reception was held.

Tori’s mom loves gardening and has the most beautiful yard with a Koi Fish pond. Jill with By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design worked with Tori to create the perfect reception area. The grass was a beautiful green, tables were covered with white lines and the centerpieces were different shades of orange flowers displayed in gorgeous silver tea sets.

After the ceremony, guests gathered on the front lawn to enjoy cocktails consisting of our beautiful “Palmetto” Fruit Tree, Oyster Shooters and Crab Cake Lollipops while waiting for the arrival of Tori and Jordan in the horse-drawn carriage. Once the couple arrived, the guests joined them under the "big tent". Everyone enjoyed succulent Peel-n-Eat Shrimp from a gorgeous ice sculpture up-lit with our party lights. A friend of the bride's family prepared Smoked Salmon, which Jonathan elegantly displayed. One of the biggest hits was the floating Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hearts surrounded by Key Lime Tarts and Orange Tiger Mousse with Purple Tiger Paws. Everyone loved the real Fresh Squeezed Lemonade Station!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hearts

Beatutiful entrance into the backyard

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade served in the beautiful backyard

Hors d'oeuvre Display... Look at the BEAUTIFUL green grass!!

Custom made Purple Tiger Paws were the perfect finish for these delicious Orange Mousse Martinis

Marinated Cucumber & Tomato Salad served in these awesome Bamboo Boats

Texas Beef Brisket Station and the beautiful view of the backyard

Delicious Smoked Salmon Display

Beautiful Ice Sculpture with Fresh Jumbo Shrimp

Fresh Bruschetta topped with Goat Cheese

One of my favorites... Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Fresh Peel & Eat Shrimp

Best wishes to Tori and Jordan! We had so much fun working with you and your families!!!

Interview with The Wedding Vendor Guide

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:34:00 GMT

Big thanks to Bill Grant, with Cinema Couture, for inviting us to be apart of The Wedding Vendor Guide! I must say that I was a little nervous about being interviewed, but more nervous about the camera. However, once we got started, I was in my element. I mean, I LOVE my job and I LOVE talking about what we do so why wouldn't it be easy! Bill had some great questions and I hope that my answers will help brides going through the wedding planning process.

Check it out www.vimeo.com/27860606

Also, be sure to "like" The Wedding Vendor Guide on Facebook, and see other great interviews featuring some of Columbia's other top wedding vendors.

Until next time........

It was meant to be.....

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Ann called us about catering her son’s rehearsal dinner last fall; and at the time, we weren’t available. She was upset, as her son had highly recommend us, and she was looking forward to us catering. Jo Anne told her we would let her know if anything changed. I will never forget the day I called to inform her that we were available....She was soooo excited!

After meeting with Ann and Deanna, the bride-to-be, I knew that it was “meant to be” for us to cater this spectacular event. With its beautiful grounds and amenities, The Palmetto Collegiate Institute was the perfect venue for this event.

Morgan is Ann’s only child, and she wanted it to be flawless! For the cocktail hour, we created a lounge area off of the back patio where guests could enjoy cocktails, a Jazz Duo and delicious hors d’ oeuvres. One of the most popular items was the Lobster Stuffed Ravioli with a Tarragon Butter Sauce. Guests were then seated under the beautiful tent surrounded by lush palms and hanging lanterns. The tables were dressed beautifully with crushed Willow linens, Persimmon Napkins and stunning flowers. The Jazz Duo continued to play as everyone enjoyed our“Signature” Strawberry Salad, their choice of Caribbean Jerk Chicken or Cedar Plank Salmon accompanied with Wild Rice and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. After dinner, everyone enjoyed Raspberry Sorbet topped with Fresh Berries, Whipped Cream and Mint.

Here are a few pictures of the delicious food and the beautiful set-up & decor for you to enjoy! Okay, maybe its more than a few, but there were so many beautiful details that I wanted to share with everyone.

Table set-up

Overall view of the inside of the tent....

Cocktail hour set-up... Notice all of the candles lining the sidewalk.. It was beautiful after the sun went down...

The view looking into the garden area...

The amazing Jazz Duo....

Candied Bacon BLT

Lobster Ravioli... YUMMY

Guests tables pre-set with our "Signature" Strawberry Salad

Beautifully plated Caribbean Jerk Chicken topped with a homemade Mango Salsa

Citrus Chipotle Salmon serverd on a Cedar Plank... Guests loved the presentation!

Refreshing Raspberry Sorbet..

Everything was flawless thanks to our staff and some amazing vendors! Grant with Something Special Florist, Ambient Media, Palmetto Party Rentals and Plant Express… You are all AWESOME!

I am honored to have been a part of this special occasion!

Reception with a View

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

I will start by saying that I LOVE Charleston weddings! We met Amy at one of the bridal shows last January. When she walked by our both, Jonathan asked if she had selected a caterer. Her response was no, and she was getting married in Charleston. Jonathan and his charisma said...we cater in Charleston, and I bet you that our price will be very competitive. After they spoke for a minute, he had won her over; and I’m so glad that he did!

Amy was a bride that was super organized and answered all of my questions before I could ask them (which I LOVED)! She selected the most amazing venue in Mt. Pleasant that was right on the Charleston Harbor with a beautiful view of the bridge. The space was perfect and the view was AMAZING! She had a lot of out-of-town guests and wanted to treat them to delicious southern dishes, but she also wanted elegance. We were a perfect fit!

Amy & Trey really wanted BBQ but felt like it might not be “nice” enough for their reception. Once I showed them our display, they were SOLD! Guests were in awe over the Mini Charleston Crab Cake Lollipops, Fried Mac & Cheese, Fried Green Beans (yep, you read it right….YUMMY), and of course what Charleston wedding would be complete without the stunning “Palmetto” Fruit Tree. To complete this Southern menu, they included our “Award Winning” Shrimp & Grits. Below is a message that I got a few days later from the bride's sister:

"I just have to tell you how much everyone enjoyed the food. And your shrimp and grits were THE BEST I have ever had!!!! The only bad part was that Sunday our whole family kept raving about how good they were, and when we went to lunch several people ordered them at the restaurant, only to be disappointed bc they didn't hold a candle to yours. I am worried we are ruined to all other shrimp and grits forever!!!"

It's not everyday that you walk into a venue and have a beautiful stainless steel table to use for a food display.... I love the way this turned out...PERFECT!

Carolina Caviar

Olive & Tomato Tapenade with Goat Cheese Bruschetta and Roasted Red Pepper with Parmesan Bruschetta

Sinfully DELICIOUS Fried Mac & Cheese

Hickory Smoked BBQ Slider Station with Cole Slaw and Dill Pickle Chips

Who would have thought? Fried Green Beans topped with Parmesan & Pepper... BIG hit!

What Charleston wedding would be complete without these little beauties? Mini Charleston Crab Cake Lollipops

Last but certainly not least.... The AMAZING view.... WOW!!!

It was such a pleasure to work with Amy and Trey and share in this special time with them and their family and friends.

Southern Charm

Wed, 25 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

We had the opportunity of working with this wonderful family for the rehearsal dinner and wedding! Tori and Jordan are an amazing and fun loving couple! We worked very closely with Jordan’s parents to help them host a rehearsal dinner with southern charm. The rehearsal dinner was held at the beautiful Cotton Top Plantation in Norway, SC. Cotton Top is a beautiful Bed & Breakfast and Winery. The main house boast wide wrap around porches surrounded by the vineyard.

Cocktail Hour was held on the front lawn. Refreshing Blueberry Tea and Peach Tea were served with Fresh Fruit Skewers,Pimento Cheese with Pita Chips and deconstructed Caprese Salad.

I really wanted to embrace the beauty of the house and porches. Instead of using your standard round guest tables, I decided to do a 56 foot long family style table with seating for 64. We went with clover linens, a burlap runner and light oak wood chairs. Grant with Something Special Florist lined the center of the table with beautiful flowers and candlelight.

Tori and Jordan wanted to serve a very simple, but delicious dinner. Using a beautiful wood table from the venue, we did a Lowcountry Boil display with salad and our “Signature” Mini Corn Muffins with Strawberry Butter. Mini Key Lime Pies were the perfect ending to a spectacular evening!

Simple & Beautiful Hors d' oeuvre Display

Cocktail Hour on the lawn.. I LOVE the barn & tractor in the background

The GORGEOUS "Family Style" table

Another angle

Lowcountry Boil Display and the beautiful flower arrangement by Something Special Florist

Adorable & yummy Mini Key Lime Pies

If you are looking for a venue with Southern Charm, be sure to check out Cotton Top!!!

Intimate Wedding on Lake Murray

Thu, 12 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Catherine was a lovely relaxed & laid-back bride that knew exactly what she wanted! She and her fiancé Chris chose to have an intimate wedding on Lake Murray. They rented a beautiful home with a gorgeous pool and outdoor space. They got married down by the lake, and we utilized all of the outdoor space for the cocktail hour and dinner. Catherine set-up all of her guests' tables around the pool with candlelight, which offered her guests a beautiful view of the lake.

Catherine is Greek; so she chose our beautiful Mediterranean display, which we set-up on the gorgeous stone and wrought iron table located on the screen porch. The porch also had a beautiful double sided fireplace. Their menu included our popular Teriyaki Beef and Chicken Skewers; and since the event was outside, we decided to serve them right off the grill. It was a little cool that night; so the guests not only enjoyed the smell of the fresh kabobs on the grill, but they also enjoyed the warmth! Everyone also enjoyed our refreshing Scallop Station.

With the glow of the moon on the lake, Catherine, Chris and all of their family and friends danced the night away with the awesome Sound Quest DJ’s!

Cocktail Hour Display with a beautiful floral arrangement done by the mother of the bride.

One of our fabulous bartenders ready to serve cocktails...

Chicken & Beef Teriyaki Skewers grilled pool side

Refreshing Scallop Station....

I was setting up the food display as the bride and her dad danced. It was so beautiful & emotional that I had to capture the moment!

BEAUTIFUL Mediterranean Display

Another angle...

What a spectacular view!

Beautiful Reception at 701 Whaley

Tue, 10 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

It is always such a pleasure to work with a great group of vendors! Jessica definitely chose the best of the best! Jill with By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design handled all of the beautiful set-up and décor, and Grant withSomething Special Florist did an amazing job on the beautiful flowers!

Jessica and her family were AMAZING, and she was a fun & energetic bride! Jessica and her mom worked with us on creating the delicious menu and she knew just what she wanted. Jessica’s dad and the groom William joined us for the tasting where we created the Jalapeno Lollipops. The Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos have been on our menu for sometime now; however, they wanted them as a “passed” hors d’ oeuvre and we needed a creative way to present them. They turned out beautifully; and, I must say, they were a BIG hit! I love EVERYTHING that we do, but they had some of my all time favorites! Of course our “Award Winning” Shrimp & Grits, Beef Brisket, Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Lollipops and our Grilled Vegetable Display, just to name a few!

Jessica & William also decided to use our Lighted Bar with their customized monogram! It was the perfect touch for this beautiful reception at 701 Whaley!

The fun and delicious Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Beef Brisket Slider Station......Yummy!

The beautiful Grilled Vegetable Display with the AMAZING hanging floral centerpiece by Something Special Florist!

Peppers & Olives

I hope everyone is enjoying the blog!

Details & Creative Minds.......

Mon, 09 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

This is definitely a blog that I don’t know where to begin as there were SOOOOOO many beautiful details! Kimberly and her mom Karen had so many wonderful ideas for this beautiful reception. When they started discussing all of the details for this special day, I quickly recommended that they contact Melanie Murphy with By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design to help execute this magnificent event!

Origami Cranes were the theme and Kimberly’s colors were so beautiful! According to Japanese lore, folding 1,000 Origami Cranes is truly a labor of love. Tradition holds that the bride who finishes this task, called 'sembazuru', before her wedding day will be richly rewarded with a good and happy marriage. Paying homage to the majestic crane, which mates for life and is said to live one thousand years, the bride ensures her own good fortune. She & Josh (her groom) did a wonderful job folding the beautiful cranes!

We helped Kimberly & Josh create the perfect menu with some of our delicious “Signature” creations. The bride and groom created a signature drink served with dry ice and to say it was a “hit” would be an understatement! It fit perfectly in the posh lounge area!

With attention to detail and a fantastic group of creative minds, I must say, this is one of my favorite events! I hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures!!!

Beautiful set-up by BIO with the amazing sun light shining through the windows at 701 Whaley.

Another shot of the Grand Hall after the sunset. These pictures were taken from the lounge area. I had the idea of draping off part of the Grand Hall to create the lounge area and Melanie with BIO ran with the idea and did an amazing job creating this beautiful space.

"Signature" Cocktail with Dry Ice

And again....

Food Display with the gorgeous hanging floral centerpiece.... This was a crazy idea of mine and Kimberly loved it!

Display of Spinach & Artichoke Tarts and assorted Bruschetta

Cool picture of the Lighted Bar in the lounge...

The BEAUTIFUL Crane Chandelier

The yummy Grilled Cheese on Jalapeno Cornbread with homemade Tomato Basil Soup Station

WNOK Bridal Expo

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

This past Sunday we participated in the WNOK Bridal Expo held at the Columbia Convention Center. What a great show!

A few years ago, we had a couple that loved Asian cuisine and wanted to incorporate it into their wedding. We suggested a Lo Mein Station with Customized fortune cookies and they LOVED it! Since then, we have incorporated many different elements to this station and wanted to display it at this show. This is a beautiful & fun walk up station with seating on each side, Chinese To-Go boxes, Chopsticks, Bamboo Placemats, Customized Fortune Cookies and our delicious homemade Lo Mein with Teriyaki Chicken.

We shared the space with the very talented Grant at Something Special Florist and went with the traditional Asian colors of Black with accents of Red and Purple. Melanie Murphy with By Invitation Only Event Planning & Design was gracious enough to let us borrow her ivory drape, Chinese Screens and up-lighting. We used the Chinese Screens in each corner with red up-lights to display the beautiful flowers by Something Special Florist. We used our hanging Parasol to display the customized Red & Purple Fortune Cookies which had a special message for the brides who attended. These delicious little treats were a big hit! Palmetto Party Rental provided the beautiful black dance floor, the super chic white furniture, the gorgeous gold chavari chairs, tables and linens.

Grant took this Asian theme and ran with it. He created the most unique floral centerpiece, a Floral Dragon! I'm not a florist and don't really know how to describe this other than AMAZING! We love working with Grant because he thinks "out of the box" like us.

I hope you enjoy these candid shots from the show!

Our Asian Lounge featuring our hanging Parasol with the cusomized fortune cookies.

Walk-up Lo Mein Station with seating and TONS of Asian details!

Grant's AMAZING floral Dragon!

Until next time......

WLTX Restaurant Report Card

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

We wanted to let you know that DHEC came for our inspection this week, and Capital City Catering scored a BIG 100! We were even selected for WLTX TV's Restaurant Report Card. We were mentioned on the news for our PERFECT score!

Check it out Capital City's Report Card

Capital City Catering's kitchen staff ROCKS!

St. Andrews Woman's Club Bridal Showcase 2011

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:12:00 GMT

WOW, what an amazing show! Thank you to the St. Andrews Woman’s Club!

After attending the Catersource Convention in Las Vegas last year, we knew that we really wanted to go BIG and modern for this show. The quality of our food is very important to us, but so is the presentation. With that being said, we decided not to offer samples of our food at the show. We knew by doing this that we really needed to make a lasting impression with our display. Jonathan and I have been wanting to do a floating food display, so we decided to give it a try. Using some of our really trendy serving ware, we did a display of some of our innovative menu items and incorporated our lighted bar. We also incorporated our cookie lollipops with our edible logo and gave them to all of the brides that stopped by. These make great favors and can be customized for your special day. I must say that it was a BIG hit!

As always, we teamed up with Grant at Something Special Florist who helped me with the design of the booth. He did the most AMAZING flower arrangements for the space. Grant, you are the best! With his gorgeous flower arrangements, the floating food display, cookie lollipops and the lighted bar, this was one of the best shows that we’ve ever had!

A big thank you to Tony Sharp for providing the very cool lighting truss that we used for the floating display and Grant's show stopper floral centerpiece. Tony also provided all of the up lighting. I also want to thank the team at Palmetto Party Rentals for all that they do. They provided the linens, glassware and the super chic white leather furniture used in the space.

Here are a few candid shots of our booth.

Our booth set-up with the lighted bar, floating dispaly and the beautiful flowers by Something Special

Cookie Lollipop with our edible logo

Plated Dinner - Chipotle Salmon served on a Cedar Plank

Floating Display

Orange Dreamsicle Mousse Push-Ups

Beautiful Bar Set-up

The Team - Jo Anne, Jonathan & LeeAnne Ellis

Congratulations to all of the brides-to-be! It was a pleasure meeting you!

Capital City Catering Gives Back

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Capital City Catering staff participated in WISTV's "Families Helping Families" and adopted a single mom, two daughters and a pet dog. Presents were carefully selected and gift wrapped during a fun filled evening. The staff at Capital City Catering enjoyed shopping for this special family! We wish everyone happiness during this yule tide season!

The crew shopping at Belk

Having fun looking for movies for our family

Emma & Greg wrapping the gifts

And the finished product

Capital City Catering wishes everyone a Blessed and Happy Holiday Season!

Capital City Catering Earns First Place

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

When we say we deliver only the best cuisine to your event, we mean just that. Recently, our executive chef, Jonathan Ellis, won both The People’s Choice Award as well as First Place in a competition called Grits and Grind. The challenge: Create a dish using grits. Our challenge: To create a dish that is visually stunning with a flavor that will make your taste buds sing. With contestants ranging from the head of the University of South Carolina Culinary Institute to other competing restaurants, the challenge was met and bested with our signature shrimp and grits, deconstructed and reinvented to the high standard we hold for ourselves. With humble gratitude (and a little bit of a swagger), we thank the judges for their good taste, the competitors for keeping us sharp, and you, our clients for allowing us the opportunity to give you the quality of food you deserve.

LeeAnne having a little fun with the
Grits & Grind logo

Chef Jonathan's deconstructed
"Award Winning" Shrimp & Grits

1st Place & Peoples Choice

Capital City Catering Goes to Vegas

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

We don’t simply want to be remembered. We want our dishes to inspire; to lift the mood and mind of our clients. For this reason, we’ve dedicated ourselves to venture out of the norm, to explore the unknown, pioneering the world of culinary arts to return with cuisine both familiar and evolved. This enthusiasm has brought us to Catersource, the premier catering trade show in the US, focusing on bringing an educated, creative nuance to an industry fraught with mediocrity. Lasting from the 27th of February to the 2nd of March, we will be touring Las Vegas, thirsty for new concepts brought about by collaboration from some of the world’s best chefs. Throughout this 4 day event, we will reinvigorate our already bountiful menu and impeccable service with fresh ideas that will be both unrivaled and elegant. Most businesses are centered on profit, rather than excellence. We simply refuse to settle for anything less than a marriage of aesthetic and affordability. This is our promise to you, and as our client, you should expect nothing less.