Zion & Zion, one of Phoenix’s top five full-service marketing agencies wanted to celebrate the opening of its new facility just off Mill Avenue in Tempe with a by-invitation-only party for over 200 guests.

They wanted to present dishes in a creative ways to reflect the creativity of their agency.  In addition they wanted to incorporate southern-comfort foods with an elegant touch, while not straying from their environmentally-friendly values.

By generating new trends for the industry, such as the DJ performing on the ceiling of one of the Zion & Zion conference rooms, to the specialty lighting and the unique presentations of the fare, we’re proud to say that our event execution received rave reviews from invited media and secured us a 2010 ZONIES award.

Santa Barbara has teamed up with the Orpheum Lofts Penthouse, located in the historic District of Copper Square in Downtown Phoenix, to provide extraordinary downtown events that combine the character of a truly unique venue with that of Santa Barbara’s outstanding service and cutting edge cuisine and presentation. The combination of exquisite food and timeless elegance in this 1930’s brick high rise building will provide anyone a truly special and memorable event in an environment sure to exceed all expectations.

From start to finish, Santa Barbara and the Orpheum Lofts Penthouse will take care of everything. From lobster beignets to your very own “signature” cocktail – the possibilities are endless. Your guests will arrive at the penthouse via a private elevator and will receive a customized welcome announcement sure to impress.

Your guests will never forget the feeling of impact and style that they experience at The Orpheum Lofts Penthouse 11th floor rooftop patio, while sitting next to the fireplace or listening to the cascading rooftop fountains and taking in the striking view of downtown Phoenix. An in-house, state-of-the-art sound system, including rooftop audio and plasma TV’s, can be used to ensure additional sensory delight.

Whether you are interested in an elegant rooftop wedding ceremony at sunset, a company event or a private gathering, Santa Barbara and the Orpheum Lofts Penthouse will provide you with the perfect surrounding for an elegant and flawless event.

*Grand Opening Night of Orpheum Penthouse captured by Rhonda Lewis Photography who can photograph any event held at the Orpheum Lofts Penthouse.

Valentine’s Day weekend was celebrated Euro-style as guests glided around the Phoenix Art Museum in costumes and masks, surrounded by European art and mystery.  “Friends of European Art,” a support organization for the Phoenix Art Museum, hosted a “Carnivale” themed party on Friday, February 12^th.  Santa Barbara Catering provided stimulating food and drink, including Espresso Pot de Crème with a Chocolate Cookie Spoon, pictured below.

On November 5th, Zion & Zion, one of Phoenix’s leading full-service marketing, PR, advertising and interactive agencies celebrated the opening of its new facility just off Mill Avenue in Tempe with a by-invitation-only party.

At the core of the fantastic event, attended by well over 200 of Zion & Zion’s clients, as well as members of the media, political figures and business leaders from throughout the Valley, was Santa Barbara Catering.

Santa Barbara prepared fare for the guests that included such trendy delicacies as Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Waffles, and a Mac & Cheese bar with martini serving glasses suspended in mid air.

As if the amazing cuisine and exceptional guest list wasn’t enough, Santa Barbara event planners coordinated with Zion & Zion’s internal PR and event planning team to bring to life the Ziontini—an Elderflower, Grey Goose and Bombay Sapphire based concoction, conceived by Scottsdale bartender Cole Apodaca in response to a Valley-wide competition held by Zion & Zion to create the signature Ziontini for the event.

Comments on the event included, “This was THE agency event of the year!” and “Phoenix has never seen an agency party this well done!”

The Santa Barbara catered Zion & Zion spectacle was made complete by the placement of popular Phoenix figure DJ Brazilia atop one of the Zion & Zion conference rooms, playing a variety of modern music, and complemented by lighting effects from Sound Lighting FX and modern centerpieces and illuminated décor from Petal Pushers.

Zion & Zion CEO, Aric Zion, commented, “The event was a runaway success. Clients networked with other clients and found new business opportunities; our firm closed significant additional business as a result of the event; and the rave reviews from the media and community leaders continue to echo.”

DuGué Zion, Zion & Zion’s COO, added, “Santa Barbara was key in making this event so successful. I can’t even count how many people commented on the food and the service and asked for Santa Barbara’s contact information.”

Aric Zion summed up by saying, “By all accounts, the event was even more of a success than we had hoped for, and we couldn’t have pulled it off without the contributions of the Santa Barbara team!”

The Farm at South Moutain and Santa Barbara Catering Company hosts Where Magazine's gala awards

Hundreds of Arizona’s top concierges, managers and travel industry members from the state’s elite resorts, hotels and publications will gather under the glittering Pecan Grove canopy of The Farm at South Mountain for Where Magazine’s Silver Plume Awards.

On Sunday, November 15th, Where Magazine will honor the Valley of the Sun Concierge Network with its annual Silver Plume Awards to acknowledge the industry’s Concierge of the Year, the top Up and Coming Concierge, the Anna Snider Distinguished Service Concierge and the General Manager of the Year Award.

As a major partners and sponsors, Santa Barbara Catering Company and The Farm at South Mountain will host, manage and cater the gala event. Chef Gregory LaPrad of Quiessence Restaurant will kick off the event with fall-inspired hors d’oeuvres during a cocktail reception. Next, Santa Barbara Catering Company will serve a rustic multi-course farm dinner showcasing the season’s bounty.

“Santa Barbara Catering has an established reputation for its pristine cuisine, over the top events and ultimate care for guests,” said Sarah Green, Where Magazine’s marketing manager. “That’s exactly what this event is meant to celebrate.”

Invitations to the Silver Plume Awards were distributed exclusively by Where Magazine. The Farm at South Mountain is one of the Valley’s top event venues for weddings, corporate events, company picnics or gala dinners.

Save the Date for TCAA’s First Crush Charity Gala!

Date: Friday, October 16, 2009. 5:30 PM-9PM

Santa Barbara Catering Company is honored to support the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) and their “First Crush” Charity Gala this October.

First Crush has become a tradition in Tempe with over 300 people attending each year. Renowned jazz artist Alice Tatum and her band entertains the crowd while they sample a variety of wines accompanied by delicious tastings compliments of Santa Barbara Catering Company. Take a peak at this year’s amazing Spanish themed menu . Tables are filled with exciting gift baskets and packages for people to bid on. Last year over $55,000 was raised, of which 100% went to support all the programs and services TCAA provides to our community.

“Our company was born and raised right here in Tempe,” says Santa Barbara Catering CEO and TCAA board member Pat Christofolo. “We hope our participation inspires other businesses and community members to support the TCAA and their efforts to improve the lives of those who are in need.”

DETAILS:

The “First Crush” Charity Gala & Auction will be held on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 5:30 PM-9:00 PM at Hayden Ferry Lakeside, 80 E. Rio Salado Parkway. Tickets are $75 per person. Dress is casual.

To purchase your seat, visit TCAA online or call 480-350-5883.

You can also show your support by visiting the TCAA’s FaceBook cause page.

The August “100 Best of Arizona” issue of Arizona Highways has named the Farm at South Mountain the “Best Place To Picnic Under A Pecan Tree.” As a sister company to Santa Barbara Catering Company, the Farm is a premier event venue for weddings, company picnics and corporate events.

The 12-acre oasis features rows of grass lawns and a canopy of historic pecan trees that provide a pastoral setting for casual afternoon lunches from the Farm Kitchen, or an exciting outdoor venue for large events.

Learn more about events at The Farm at South Mountain online or call us at (602) 243-9081

Keep morale and spirits up during tough economic times with budget-savvy options for the office or corporate party. In a time where some groups are cutting back budgets and staff, experts like business consultant John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray and Christmas, encourage companies to ’show employees that they are appreciated, even in these trying times.’

During the last holiday season, National Public Radio (NPR) covered the topic of office parties and invited listeners and Challenger to comment on their plans for the office holiday parties.

“Canceling parties altogether is a very tough statement about where the company’s at. It can only be damaging to morale. It makes people even more insecure about their job,” he says.

Your Santa Barbara Catering Company event planner can help craft a special event to boost spirits and celebrate success at your company. Call us today at 480-921-3150 to explore  options for the next corporate party!

READ & LISTEN to the NPR article >