Bob Sargent Interview on the Boulder Catering Blog

The Boulder, Colorado Catering Blog has posted a great interview with Bob Sargent, Executive Chef and President of Savory Cuisines. Check out the interview.

In the interview, Bob discusses starting Savory Cuisines, how new menu items are tested and chosen, and talks about the local and organic produce initiative.

In Boulder Catering, Expect the Best

Food often plays an important role in social events and there is definitely a lot of skill required in making it as beautiful and delicious as possible.

Consequently, if you are looking for a professional Boulder catering companywith an excellent reputation for their service and their food, look no further than Savory Cuisines.

Catering to both the Denver and Boulder areas, Savory Cuisines is dedicated to making the best food available by using the freshest and most flavorful ingredients available.

(Photography by "Heisel Photo")


Contact Savory Cuisines Catering to cater your next event!

www.savorycuisines.com

savorycuisines@yahoo.com

303.543.7767

Wedding Budgets- Having a GREAT Party Within Your Means!

(Photography by "Heisel Photo")

WEDDING BUDGETS 2009 – Doing it with less!

Contact Savory Cuisines Catering

to have THE Wedding of 2009!

We all want to have it all, but knowing a few tricks of the trade can definitely help when you are trying to put all the plans in place for your special day! Savory Cuisines specializes in parties, and wants you to know anything is possible. We work with every budget, every customer, and will make sure that you are impressed from start to finish with our professionalism, reputation, and ability to make your event flawless!

TOP 5 TIPS from Savory Cuisines for SAVING $$$ On Your Wedding:

1. Know where your budget should be. Map it out before looking at vendors, so that you know where you are headed! With in house chefs to customize every menu, a tenured staff, and a wedding planner to help you get through the day of activities, Savory Cuisines can help you have a PARTY, and keeping it in budget all at the same time!

2. Having a BIG wedding is great, but know that weddings usually end up costing around $100 per person, or more, once you factor all the costs in! So instead of cutting corners with important factors, such as catering, music, and photography, take a look at your guest list first. Cutting down 20 people could save you a few thousand dollars!

3. There is no reason that a Buffet Dinner shouldn’t be as nice as a Sit Down Plated Dinner. But it’s all about who you hire. Check out

www.savorycuisines.com, a Boulder Catering Company specializing in making every budget manageable and elegant!

4. Cake or dessert? Everyone likes a little sweet at the end of an evening, but changing the way wedding dessert is done can cut down on costs! Speak with your pastry chef, and see what options there are, you’ll be amazed!

5. Savory Cuisines specializes in freshly brewed iced teas. We experiment every week to make sure we are coming up with new ways to impress customers, and sell healthy beverages, using local teas and fruits! Instead of having a full bar, use our teas to have a signature cocktail! It will WOW your guests, and be more affordable.

Contact Savory Cuisines at savorycuisines@yahoo.com or 303.543.7767 for a quote now!

We work with farmers to bring you the freshest ingredients

Catering with local ingredients

Savory Cuisines Brings Fresh to Boulder Catering

Did you know that Savory Cuisines works with local farmers in the Boulder area to make sure that the freshest ingredients are used for your special event?

At Abbodanza Farms, one of Savory Cuisines main resources for fresh fruits & vegetables, their philosophy is to provide farm fresh, nutrient dense food to the Boulder Community year round. "The fields of Abbodanza Farms, located in North Boulder, are part of an 80 acre centennial homestead which has NEVER been treated with chemicals."

So next time you are looking for fresh, quality, and the BEST Catering in Boulder, give Savory Cuisines Catering a call! We’ll give you a reason to never want to cook for another party you hold, and relax instead! Let us do the work for you. We are the BEST and we will live up to it.

2009 Weddings - Catering

Wedding Season 2009

The perfect day: Celebrating with your loved ones, having the perfect dress, and phenomenal food to serve! Savory Cuisines excels at making sure your wedding day is remembered forever. With chefs who have studied all over the world, enabling you to choose from various cuisines and recipes; a staff that is prides themselves in being the BEST in Boulder; an in-house day of Wedding Coordinator to get you through those “stressful” moments; Savory Cuisines lives up to exceeding expectations.

We work hand in hand with each bride & groom, customizing the menus, listening to their needs, and making sure we are prepared to make their event, from start to finish, the BEST it can be. We use the freshest and local ingredients, to offer our guests delicious food, to be remembered!

Parties are our forte! Call for a quote today, 303 543 7767, or send us an email, savorycuisines@yahoo.com.

Sit back, relax, and let Savory Cuisines do the work for you!

"Make a Wish" - Savory Cuisines Holiday Open House

(Photography by "Heisel Photo")

"MAKE A WISH"

Savory Cuisines Holiday Open House

November 11th, 2008

Thank you to everyone for sharing in this event with us and making

it yet another success for Savory Cuisines. 2009 we will be the BEST

Caterers that Boulder has to offer, with the freshest ingredients,

creative and delicious recipes, and service above and beyond

the norm!

We look forward to sharing next year with all of you and making

it our most successful year yet!

For more information about Savory Cuisines

please visit

http://www.savorycuisines.com/

Savory Cuisines in FIT! Magazine December Issue

Everyone wants to be healthy around the holiday season, yet sometimes we all seem to "fall off" that straight arrow thought process. Yet, there is a way to be both healthy, and stress free, during the holiday season by enjoying your favorite foods, sharing quality time with your family, and relaxing.

Savory Cuisines prides itself on fresh, local, and made from scratch recipes. An active company, always on the move to find the newest and freshest ingredients, creates dishes such as roasted squash and wild rice pilaf, rosemary braised turkey, and delicious pies and fruit tarts, that will satisfy anyone's stomach, without stretching the "waistband."

Bob Sargent, the owner of Savory Cuisines, comments, "Lending a hand, helping out before or after the meal, and enjoying things but not over indulging. That is the key to being healthy and staying fit during the holidays. And jumping on that bike once and awhile."

Whatever your need during the holiday season, Savory Cuisines Catering has it all. From small parties, to large family gatherings; Heavy Appetizers to a 5 course meal for 10; or just simple desserts and yummy platters; Savory Cuisines is your one stop caterer in Boulder this holiday season.

Fresh and Healthy Holiday Catering!

Savory Cuisines brings the BEST to Boulder this Holiday Season!

Whether you are looking for a catering for your immediate family or a large holiday event...or even just a few pies to complete your special day with the family and friends, Savory Cuisines has it all for you!

Savory Cuisines, the only "Green Caterer" in Boulder brings the freshest food right to your doorstep this holiday season. From Pumpkin and Apple Pies, to Sage Rubbed Turkey with Savory Own's Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Squash, and their own homemade Chai Tea, we are the perfect fit for your holiday event!

Give us a call at 303-543-7767 or email us at savorycuisines@yahoo.com to book your event!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Local and Organic Products at Savory Cuisines

What types of sources do you use at Savory Cuisines?


Savory Cuisines uses the freshest and highest quality ingredients in order to prepare and serve the highest quality food in the Colorado region. If possible, we use local farms, like Munson Farms and Abbodanza Farms, to supply our produce and meats. Our food is delivered on a daily basis, so that the freshest food is being used to prepare food for our weddings and special events. Due to our level of need for the BEST, we use a variety of vendors and sources, so that our customer walks away knowing that they received the finest ingredients possible!

Healthy & Delicious HOLIDAY Meals

Catering Trends for Winter & Holiday Season - 2008

Although warm and hearty meals are still at the forefront of the menus being designed for the winter wedding season, clients (especially brides) are aware and very conscious of the health trends. Savory Cuisines works hard with their clients to adjust menus to their needs and cater to healthier options for menus and cocktail parties. This leaves customers satisfied, happy, and no guilty feelings about needing to hit the gym hard core the next day. Holiday meals should be enjoyed, celebrated, and embraced. There is no need during this holiday season to stretch your waistline, and Savory Cuisines creates and produces Holiday Menus, that cater to all needs of our clients during one of the most important times of the year with your family and friends.
Here are a few menu suggestions for Holiday Cuisine, fun, yet healthy and yummy!
· Shot glasses with warm soups such as butternut squash bisque or creamy tomato for appetizers, served with simple, one bite hor’doeuvrs.
· Color-themed menus which more fruits and vegetables, rather than breads and starches, to be used.
· Ethnic based menus combining the bride and grooms heritage with the freshest and most available foods to be used.
· Superfoods, such as gogi berries and acai fruit, used in both cocktails and desserts, providing antioxidants and less calories.

Savory Cuisines Brings "Green Cuisine" to Gaiam

September 24th, 2008

Savory Cuisines Brings “Green Cuisine” to Gaiam

Savory Cuisines, the leading catering company in Boulder, has been working for the past 6 years to make the catering industry more sustainable and eco-friendly. Last week they moved into the corporate arena, opening a corporate cafeteria at Gaiam, a company offering sustainable living solutions and green products to clients.

Working hand in hand with Gaiam’s mission, “To create a force for positive change…by giving people a choice of a lifestyle that is healthy and life enhancing,” Savory created a “Green Cafeteria.” Using all local and organic products, Savory Cuisines is able to bring a fresh the “Farmers Market” directly to work.
Although Gaiam and Savory work to bring the lowest cost lunch options to their employees and clients, using top of the line produce, meats, and beverages, does increase the cost. “Organic products usually cost 10% to 40% more than similar priced conventionally produced products.” Organic produce is produced on a smaller scale, and due to centralized production, there is an increase price in shipping to regional markets.
Both Savory Cuisines and Gaiam are working to eventually bridge the price gap between the organic and conventional market, but without consumer support, this isn’t possible.
So next time on your lunch break, when you are craving something healthy, delicious, and fresh, head down to the Savory Cuisines Cafeteria, and have a relaxing, and nourishing lunch.

Weddings – What to Do and Not to Do From A Catering Perspective

It’s your special day. Your friends and family have traveled from all over to celebrate this special day with you. Perfection is expected and nothing less will be tolerated. The last thing you want your guests walking away saying is, “The food, service, and presentation was excellent, but that staff stuck out like a sore thumb.” Savory Cuisines prides themselves in keeping a behind the scenes profile at all weddings and special events they cater. Steps are taken throughout the planning process to assure that the day of an event, timelines are in place, staff is adequate for the number of people attending, food is prepared exactly as specified, and that set up and take down go as smoothly as possible. All set-up, toasts, cutting of the cake, etc. are scheduled to be ready to occur 10 minutes before the actual time to ensure perfection. Also, wearing black, or appropriate attire based on what the customer asks for, is customary, and assures our staff to be staff, not appear as guests. Savory Cuisines has made a name for themselves, not only in the food they serve, but in the way they handle events, for the past 5 years, and cannot wait for continuing, and exceeding this service, in the years to come!

Supporting Boulder & Our Profession

Giving back to the community is a well-established practice in the catering industry. Most seasoned professionals see it as an opportunity to build better communities, become mentors and foster new business relationships between professionals. In past years we have participated in donations and philanthropic projects for the Boulder Humane Society, Naropa University, Colorado University, United Western Bank & the JCC. We support these organizations with product, money, time donations in hopes to give back to our community. Good public relations have given our company an extra bust and have helped spread the word about Savory Cuisines.

Hiring Catering Chefs - Our Selection Process

Hiring our catering chefs

The easiest and most effective way to screen potential culinary candidates is to establish tasting interview or audit. Tasting interviews help identify potential chefs' performance levels, strengths and weaknesses before they make it on to payroll.

We judged our chefs according to the following criteria:

• Flavor and taste profile
• Appropriate use of the ingredients
• Knife skills
• Proper cooking techniques and methods
• Creativity
• Presentation
• Timing of service

These factors help shed light on a potential employee’s organization skills, adaptability, flexibility, sanitation, and food safety standards. They can also be an indication of how one plans, executes, teaches, trains, and delegates when working with other staff members.

Although it is not always easy, it is critical to find the right chef for your catering company. A chef can make or break your business and should be treated like a well researched investment.

Savory Cuisines Leads Boulder in Green Catering

Savory Cuisines is one of the leading companies, here in Boulder, who is working to make the catering industry more sustainable and eco-friendly. We’ve been coordinating ZERO WASTE events with Eco-Cycle and Green Girl Recycling for the last year and have been tremendously successful.

More and more clients, especially those who cater several times a day, are requesting compostable and biodegradable products. Using real plates and silverware is the most sustainable way to serve your guests, but if paper and plastic is needed, use compostable and biodegradable products.

Proud to be an eco-caterer in Boulder

Catering clients are inquiring into our at-home business recycling procedures and seem to be making decisions based on these factors. Those who are interested are more than willing to pay the few extra dollars it takes to ensure they minimize their impact on the world.

We feel this new wave of catering is the future of our industry and are very excited to be on the forefront of the movement. If you are interested in learning more about environmentally conscious event planning please contact us at 303-543-7767.

Fast Food Catering vs. Full Service Catering:

It is very important to choose the appropriate catering company for you and your event. Being realistic about the quality of services provided is your best tool when trying to decide between a full service catering company and a fast food or restaurant catering service.

Full service catering companies’ employee trained professionals who are capable of making any catered event a culinary experience. They provide scratch made food, fresh ingredients, expert equipment, specialized menus and a start to finish service while hitting the same price points as fast food catering services.

In the fast food and restaurant catering world, you get what you pay for. Often times their food presentation lacks the professional appearance many clients expect. Additionally the menus offered are limited and generic. Personal style and taste are often compromised for price.

2008 Catering Company Food Trends:

There are several major trends present in today’s wonderful world of catering. Some of the most popular requests are for international foods, comfort foods, and fresh locally grown foods. There has also been an increase in the requests for lighter healthier foods with smaller portion sizes. Additionally people are seeking more exotic entrees and vegetables. Most of these trends have developed because clients are more aware of food than ever before and are expecting restaurant quality. Catering companies who take advantage of and perfect these trends, have been very successful in satisfying their clients’ needs.

Open House Follow Up:

Thank you to all those who attended and participated in our 4*8*08 Open House at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder. The night was a huge success, which was largely due to our wonderful guests and gracious donators. A special thank you to the follow companies for providing the essentials that made the evening a night to remember. We look forward to a long lasting and lucrative business relationship!

*Rembrandt Yard*
*Shamane’s Bake Shoppe*
*Sturtz & Copeland Florist*
*All Events Rental Company*
*Bottles Wine & Spirtis*
*Top Hat DJ*

Things to Consider When Looking for a Caterer:

Catering is the most important service of the wedding reception; therefore specific details should be thought out thoroughly before contacting your local companies.

You need to start looking for a caterer at least 9 month prior to the wedding. The entire process of determining your menu and establishing which one is best for you will be time consuming, so plan ahead. Many catering companies & facilities are already booking for Spring/Summer 2009.

On-site caterers and off-premise caterers are the two kinds of service you can contract for. Both offer delicious food and quality services. When making your final decision, it’s important to consider your needs, your guest's needs and the services each company provides.

Certain companies may specialize in a particular type of cuisine or offer special services, so get to know each company and ask as many questions as possible.

Top Five Ways to Keep Your Wedding Budget Manageable:

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Things can start adding up pretty quickly, so keeping in mind that more is less in 2008 should help you stay on track.

2. Set a limit on your guest list. This will ensure you don’t over extend your funds. The average wedding cost $100 per person, so by limiting your guest list to 100 people instead of 150, theoretically you could save around $5000.

3. Skip the five course sit down dinner. It takes more catering staff to prepare and serve a plated dinner, therefore it is more cost effective to have an elegant buffet.

4. Order a smaller cake. Everyone likes cake but not everyone needs a huge piece. As caterers we are always shock at the amount of cake that gets thrown out at EVERY wedding.

5. Offer a signature drink instead of a full bar. Limiting your guest selection will maximize you liquor return at the end of the night.