Whether you are planning an anniversary party, big birthday or the wedding of your dreams, working with a caterer will make hosting easier and can elevate your event with incredible flavor, design and service. There are many questions that pop up once you decide to cater a party – how much should you spend per person? Are you going to stick to a theme? What food and beverages are the best options? What if people have strong dietary restrictions? Are you ordering enough food? We’re happy to share catering advice for couples who are planning a big event, but the main thing to remember is to stay calm and organized! Food is a very important part of every event and you surely want your guests to have a great time but to also leave satisfied. 

Budget

First things first – discuss your overall budget for the entire event, including catering. If you are planning a wedding you need to take so many things into consideration for your budget, including décor, photography and videography, music and entertainment, florals, favors, venue rental, chairs, tables, plates, silverware and glassware if your venue doesn’t provide them and more. Once you have put together a list of all the services and items you will need for your event you can start putting dollar amounts next to each as you budget how much you can spend on each. If you are planning a pretty large event, we would recommend working with a professional event coordinator who can help you prioritize, introduce you to preferred vendors and negotiate on your behalf. 

When deciding on a catering budget you will want to think about the types of food you would like to offer, whether the meal will be a buffet, family style or seated service, do you want individual food stations, how many passed hors d’ oeuvres would you like, etc. Another thing that plays into your catering budget is the total head count of guests. Before confirming your final food and beverage order with your caterer, be sure to confirm a final head count of your guests. You might consider adding a few extra guests into the count just in case you receive last minute RSVPs. Most caterers will account for a few stragglers, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry so you don’t run out of food.  

Venue

When choosing your event venue space there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Location – do you want an outdoor area or indoor banquet room?
• Availability – is the venue available on the date you are planning on hosting your event?
• Guest count – can the venue accommodate the number of people invited/RSVP’d? 
• Cost – does the venue fit into your budget? 
• Kitchen – can you bring your own caterer, or do you have to use the onsite kitchen staff? If you do hire an outside caterer, does the kitchen meet the needs of your vendor?
• Parking – is there enough parking, is it convenient or will you have to shuttle guests to and from the property?
• Are there multiple other events taking place at the same time as yours? How will the onsite staff meet your needs while also working with the other events?

Menu 

When selecting the menu for your event, first you will want to determine whether you are looking for a themed event, casual, fun or upscale food experience. Then you have to think about what foods are in season, what style of serving you prefer – buffet, family style, stations or seated service. Each option has its own pros and cons, and it all comes down to preference and the type of event you are hosting. In our experience, food stations are a big hit at every event, and a traditional seated meal is always a classy and popular option. Tray passed appetizers are also something we highly encourage at the start of an event when guests are arriving and hungry. Appetizers are the best way to play around with flavors and offer a wide range of options for your guests who have different taste and dietary preferences. Take the time to closely work with your caterer to create a menu that is unique to you as a couple, and definitely take advantage of a sit-down tasting so you can have the chance to try out all the incredible food before the big event. 

Catering a special event, regardless of the occasion, is an exciting and overwhelming process. If you are looking for a caterer for your big event in Southern California, please contact us to learn about our services and our menu options. You can also follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration and a peak at our most recent work! 

We saw some pretty interesting food trends in 2022, and while some trends we absolutely loved, there were others that we’re hoping we’ll never see or hear of again. But, what’s in store for 2023? The upcoming 2023 food trends that we’ve compiled are based on what is being offered in restaurants and grocery stores. So, here’s a first look at what we think you’re going to be enjoying and instagramming this year!

Breakfast Is King

Our first meal of the day is the most important meal of the day. Whether you choose to consume breakfast on-the-go as a smoothie, breakfast sandwich or a delicious protein bar, or if you prefer a full meal at home before you hit the road, you’ll notice that food companies are offering more healthy breakfast options to really make your first meal of the day count. Look for delicious and filling options like paleo pancake mix, natural oats, cereal with added probiotics and more. 

Coastal Flavors

Think about how adventurous your palate is when you are on vacation. Tropical destinations and coastal flavors are inspiring 2023 food trends and we’re sure to see more creative seafood options and more vibrant tropical fruits making their way into our diets. Smoothie bowls are already extremely popular but think about the variety you can enjoy with tropical fruits like guava, dragon fruit and passion fruit. 

Probiotics

With the rise of kombucha, kimchi and pickled snacks, we’re sure to see an even bigger push on probiotics this year. Apart from yogurt, it’s going to get easier to find your probiotics with pantry staples like nut butters, granola, cereal and nutritional bars. While it’s not something you can consume, we’ve also seen some brands including probiotics in all-natural cleaning supplies and even beauty necessities like sunscreen. 

High Protein, Low Carb

Health crazes like the keto diet have encouraged many people to focus on consuming plenty of lean proteins and less carbs. Due to this trend certain fats are making a comeback into our diets, and when consumed in moderation, they are actually very good for you. This includes healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, nuts and certain nutrition bars. 

Vegan Revolution

Being vegan is no longer considered to be a joke, and it’s not difficult to sustain either. A few years ago, if you were trying to eat vegan your options would be extremely limited. But in 2023, as people are increasingly more educated and health conscious, you will be able to easily locate tasty and animal-friendly food options. In fact, you will also see numerous new all-vegan restaurants and popping up and vegan food options will be more easily accessible. 

Spice Up Your Life

A good blend of spices can turn any boring dish into an exciting experience for your taste buds. Traditional Italian seasoning like basil and oregano are a staple for sauces and pizzas, while turmeric and ginger add zest and a healthy dose of antioxidants to smoothies, teas, chicken dishes and more. Za’atar, a popular spice mix from the middle east is also popping up more in restaurants across the country. The blend features salt, ground sesame seeds, thyme, oregano and sumac – you can put it on baked chicken, a piece of buttered toast or on top of grain bowls.

Sea Snacks

You have surely snacked on dried seaweed at some point – it’s a very healthy and popular salty snack that is both satisfying and addicting. There are more marine inspired snacks popping up like salmon skins, kelp jerky and kelp noodles. Healthy sea snacks are packed with omega 3s and additional superfood properties that will eliminate the guilt that is usually associated with the munchies. 

Stay Fresh
Fruits and veggies are no stranger to our daily eating habits, but more than ever we will look for fresh, organic options. The reality is that people are also more accepting of produce that may be visually imperfect but is just as delicious and nutritious as fruits and vegetables that are perfect in shape, color and size. Additionally, vegetables are no longer going to be considered as side dishes, there are some incredibly creative and satisfying recipes that are veggie-centric. 

We’re all about experimenting with spices and fresh flavors, so we can’t wait to incorporate these unique 2023 food trends in our recipes and catering menus. With every passing year we see food enthusiasts becoming more health-conscious, adventurous and open to trying new things. We offer full catering services, as well as our Lunch Box program that provides chef inspired lunches for corporate events. Contact us to inquire about our schedule or learn more about our culinary creations. 

While we can’t all be Julia Child, we should all know how to make basic recipes for when we are tired of constantly ordering food and ready to throw our aprons on and get cooking. You don’t have to be a master chef in order to make great dishes. Here is a list of 10 basic essential recipes we think you should know. 

Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese is one of the easiest and tastiest things to make. Just butter the outsides of each piece of bread and place whatever cheese you’d like in between the two buttered slices and sear it on a pan over the stove! After one or two flips with your spatula, you have a tasty and quick meal that will pair well with tomato soup.

Roasted Chicken

Roasted chicken is truly a staple meal and everyone should know how to make it. You only need three ingredients – chicken, salt and pepper. Let your chicken warm to room temperature, turn on your oven to 450 degrees, salt and pepper it both inside and out, tuss it and then place it on a rack over a roasting pan and put it in the oven for 50-60 minutes. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, it is ready to take out of the oven!

Roasted Veggies

Set your oven to 450 degrees, toss the veggies in oil and kosher salt, spread the veggies out on a baking sheet so they are not too close together and roast them to your liking. The only tricky part is knowing which veggies will take longer to roast. Harder veggies typically take more time, so cut those into smaller pieces. 

Seared Steak

They say steak tastes better when you make it yourself, and we have to agree. All you have to do to make the perfect seared steak is pat it dry, season it with salt, pepper and steak seasoning, cook it over very high heat after lining the pan with butter, and then letting it rest after it has been seared to your liking. To make sure it is done, use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the steak.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chips Cookies is an essential recipe to know. All you need for this recipe is flour, baking soda, unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and semisweet chocolate chips. You can find the full recipe at Food Network.

Simple Scrambled Eggs

There is no such thing as a hearty breakfast without eggs. All you need to do is crack however many eggs you want into a bowl, add some milk and then use a fork or whisk to create a mix. Pour the mix into a pan that is lined with melted butter on low heat and use your spatula to move the mixture back and forth until it is solid and scrambled. Add a ½ cup of your favorite cheese to give it some extra flavor. 

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are easy and are one of the easiest things to make. Start by washing and peeling potatoes, cutting them into large chunks and placing them into a large pot with water and salt. Once the water has boiled, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a knife, usually around 20 minutes. Let the potatoes rest in the sink after you have drained the water. Combine butter and cream in a pot, cook over low heat and stir until the butter melts and the cream is hot. Turn off the heat, add in the potatoes and use a potato masher to mix everything together until it is fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. See the full recipe here.

Chicken Noodle Soup

 Knowing how to make Chicken Noodle Soup on days when you are sick is a true blessing. The soup can be ready in 30 minutes and has all of the comforting qualities you want in classic chicken noodle soup. To save some time, use leftover chicken or ready-made rotisserie chicken from the store. 

Ingredients include:

• Olive oil
• Carrots
• Celery
• Yellow onion
• Minced garlic cloves
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme
• Dried oregano
• Pepper
• Egg noodles
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Flat-leaf parsley leaves
• Lemon juice
• Salt

See the full recipe here. 

These are just a few of the basic recipes we think you should know to get a kick start on becoming an excellent cook. Still not confident on your baking skills? Contact Meg to help with your next event.

A staple of any great party is a stunning menu that looks and tastes amazing. One of the easiest ways to bring life to your outdoor event or party is to present colorful crudités for guests to snack on. This is an easy and fun way to offer a healthy food option that will brighten up the party and keep your guests satisfied. Let’s take a look at a few ideas for colorful crudités for your next outdoor party all off the Meg Hall catering menu.

‘Tis the Season for Outdoor Parties

Spring and Summer are the perfect seasons to host spectacular outdoor parties and Meg Hall Catering is here to help you craft the perfect menu for all of your party guests to indulge in and enjoy. Crudités are full of nutrients to provide energy and added health benefits and add a splash of color to your table. Here are just a few crudités you could serve your guests to add a little colorful fun.

Grilled Veggies

Meg Hall offers a great and tasteful assortment of grilled vegetables including:

• Grilled Asparagus with First Press Olive Oil & Lemon
• Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Salad with Burrata Cheese & Fresh Basil
• Grilled Broccolini with Shaved Shallots & Manchego Cheese
• Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Cumin Vinaigrette, Feta & Herbs
• Cold Grilled Corn, Crispy Bacon, Haas Avocado & Shaved Red Onion with Light Ranch Vinaigrette

Kebab Options

Vegetables don’t have to show up to the party alone – pair your crudités with meat and you’ve got a scrumptious kebab to serve! Meg Hall offers various kebab options including any vegetable you’d like and meats such as lamp, pork, chicken and beef.

Roasted Vegetable Choices

Fire up the ovens and let’s get to roasting with these exceptional roasted vegetable options:

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Garlic Lemon Butter
• Roasted Wild Mushrooms Tossed with Garlic & Fresh Herb Butter
• Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan & Candied Pumpkin Seeds
• Fire Roasted Curry Cauliflower

Crudités Stations

Make your outdoor party a true event by offering stations full of healthy goodies. For vegetables specifically, Meg Hall Catering offers these station options:

• Quinoa Bar
  • Quinoa with a mix of hand selected farmers’ market ingredients.
    Includes 6 Mix-ins: Roasted Curry Cauliflower, Grilled Corn, Steamed Broccoli, Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Haas Avocado, Scallions, Fresh Garlic, Fresh Mozzarella, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes

• “Rabbit” Buffet
  • Colorful heirloom vegetables in crunchy snacking size with 3 seasonal assorted dips & flat break crackers

• Gourmet Risotto Bar
  • Fresh traditional Risotto with gourmet toppings for guests to mix in.
    Toppings (includes 3): Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, Shaved Asparagus, Caramelized Onions, Grilled Bell Peppers, Roasted Broccoli, Goat Cheese, Green Peas, Roquefort Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Sun Dried Tomatoes

Veggies and Dips Platter

You could also take a more traditional route and offer guests a veggie platter with an assortment of dips. Cucumbers, carrots, snow peas, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower are great options to include in your veggie platter. Add dips such as hummus, honey mustard and ranch for even greater flavor.

Other Vegetables Offered

Meg Hall’s catering menu is full of tasteful vegetable options to serve at your outdoor event to keep guests refreshed and full on healthy options. Here a few of the other vegetable options we serve:

• Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Boccacini, Fresh Basil with Tangy Garlic Vinaigrette
• Spaghetti Squash with Garlic Herb Olive Oil
• Sauteed Haricot Verts with Crispy Shallots

Let’s Party

We know you will be satisfied with both the food and the service our staff provides, particularly with the fresh vegetable options we offer to keep your guests full and satisfied. We are always ready to help you in any way we to make sure that your next outdoor event is absolutely perfect and a great time for you and all of your guests, with an exceptional menu and plenty of tasty crudités to keep the party bright and colorful.

Feel free to contact us to set up a catering consultation to discuss your menu items. As your premier Los Angeles caterer, we are the experts in planning gatherings for both small and large parties! Be sure to check our press and media page for photos of events we have catered. We look forward to making your next exciting get together a huge hit with your friends, family and loved ones!