Wealth from Cold Cuts?

Wealth from Cold Cuts?

Well sorta… but I am getting ahead of myself. Yesterday Nems Scarim (Owner) and Jacqueline Westergaard (Head Chef) won first place in a cold cuts deli platter contest that took place at a convention in Las Vegas. Contestants were given a limited selection of meats and vegetables, and 20 minutes on the clock.
I can’t help but draw a parallel between this scenario and my favorite definition of an Entrepenuer; One who creates wealth out of nothing. Right now, it seems as if there is “nothing” available for the small (or large) business owner. There are no available loans for working capital and it seems like everything we own has decreased in value. A true Entrepenuer, however, can look past the present situation into a brighter future filled with success and prosperity.
So, to bring this full circle back to the deli platter… We must make something “appetizing” out of a pile of “cold cuts.” This might look like “beefing” up customer service, or increasing community presence and taking “stock” in the people and businesses around you. And of course, what goes better than “cheese” with a “platter” full of social commentary? Hence, this blog entry!

A small disclaimer on the posted picture of the meat platter… Ones created in our kitchen in Tacoma look much tastier.

A Moroccan Meal

When we were asked to put together a Moroccan themed spread for the Association of Bridal Consultants, I couldn’t help but flash on the Christmas episode of The Office. If you aren’t a fan of the show… there just might be something wrong with you, and you may not relate to parts of this blog post. In the episode, Phyllis, the head of the party planning committee, describes to one of her coworkers how to create and display pita triangles on a platter. The walls were draped with colorful swags of fabric, and people dressed in traditional Moroccan clothing. The evening’s festivities included one of the employees setting her hair on fire and eventually ending up in a rehabilitation clinic.
Fortunately, the evening we catered followed a different path. As you can see by the pictures, the décor was fabulous, and the spread was delicious. Our Chefs were given the theme and they created an amazing menu. Some of the Moroccan offerings included;
Baklava
Moroccan Spiced Salmon Cakes
Tzaziki
Couscous on a Romaine leaf
Chicken Skewers with Marrakesh Dipping Sauce
Dried Fruits
Olive Tampenade

Cupid goes to the Klondike

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Tickling your Tastebuds

Did I mention that I love my job?

Here is the menu that the Chefs created for our marketing class next week;

Appetizers;
Crab stuffed Mushroom Caps
Ahi Tuna in nest of Microgreens
Individual Caesar Salad (in a presentation that will BLOW YOUR MIND!)

Dinner;
Grilled Salmon Lemon Buerre Blanc
Rib Eye Steak with Blueberry Demi Glace

Garlic Buttered Petit Vegetables

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Dessert;
Creme Brulee

Announcement!!!

We are excited to invite you to an upcoming presentation we have developed on FREE and low cost marketing. It is based on our own experiences while adjusting to the changes in the economy. We would love to share our experiences with you! The evening will be complete with appetizers, beverages, and our famous "Chick" atmosphere.

"Tried & True Thrifty Technological Tips Taught on a Tuesday. Tasty Tapas included for a Tantalizing Throng!"

February 10, 2009
5:30-7:30 (or later)
Cost $30.00

Go ahead and email us if you would like more information;
chicks@threechickscatering.com

CHEERS!

Face to Facebook

I just read an announcement that stated that Facebook has recently added its 150-millionth member. This social networking site has turned into an extremely influential part of our society! I remember, not too long ago, searching for a childhood friend on the internet. Most of the sites that promised a chance to reconnect charged some sort of fee for the information. These days, most everyone you have rubbed elbows with is available at the click of a mouse. Enter the social butterfly promised land of Facebook.
This begs the question “How does this relate to the business world?” I can only speak from my perspective, but Facebook has opened up another non threatening channel through which I can share what is going on in my life and what is important to me. Because work comprises most of our waking hours (unless you have a sleeping disorder) it is a huge part of our lives. The lines between professional and personal lives have continually gotten blurrier as we try to find the elusive harmonious balance between the two. I can simultaneously be the “Office Manager Chick” as well as just plain Jayme Arries. It gives me a chance to see what my friends are involved with, professionally speaking, and refer or use them accordingly. It gives whole new meaning to the term “word of mouth advertising.” This is more like endorsement by “friend-ing.” I have even created a group on Facebook to gather Three Chicks Catering “foodies” and disseminate the most recent news and updates. Everyone can update photos, and discuss events from the past, present and future. Best of all, this is done in the spirit of keeping in touch with one another, sharing experiences and deepening connections.
If you are interested in being a part of this social movement, go ahead and “friend” us, or join our group and help us keep the discussion of good food on the tip of everyone’s tongue!
Cheers!

A new year, a new you! Or something like that…

We certainly put a lot of emphasis on the exact stroke of midnight December 31st. Nothing magical happens as we leave one year behind and embrace the next, but we do feel a sense of renewal and a chance to start fresh. No matter what happened in 2008, 2009 has the potential to be the best year yet. It is the feeling of hope and a clean slate that gives us the excuse to put on silly hats and party like teenagers!
This year, like a lot of people I know, we decided to stay in and have somewhat of a minimalist celebration. The one extravagance that was non-negotiable, however, was the food. We set out a spread of various hors d’oeuvres and a selection of champagne. We all gathered around the flat screen and played wii bowling until four in the morning only taking a five minute break at midnight to watch the ball drop in New York and the fireworks at the Space Needle. It felt good to be warm and well fed with those we cared about most while we said our official goodbye to the challenging year that was 2008. It was a physical reminder of what is important in life.

We, at Three Chicks Catering, send you our sincere wishes for a prosperous and happy new year…
CHEERS!