Personally, having a gluten allergy, I am all too familiar with the struggles that people with food allergies face and how important it is for food purveyors to be knowledgeable about food allergies and the food they are serving to ensure that it is safe for guests.

Recently at the Phoenix Art Museum, Santa Barbara Catering executed a wedding for over 200 people where the fare was 100% gluten free. In addition, we catered to lactose allergies, onion allergies, peanut allergies and a variety of other individual dietary restrictions at the event.

As the bride and her family had severe gluten allergies, they wanted to make sure that they would be safe to eat the food at the wedding but also wanted to show people how delicious gluten free food can be. And delicious it was!

The menu contained a variety of indulgent treats to entice guests from start to finish. The event started with hand passed appetizers such as:

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Served with Hazelnut Pesto

Beef Short Ribs Risotto Cake
Served with Sweet Potato Risotto and
Chipotle Braised Beef Short Ribs

Spicy Cold Clear Tomato and Crab Gazpacho
With Diced Avocado

Brie and Green Apple Quesadilla
With Raspberry Dipping Sauce

For dinner, guests feasted on:

Heirloom Tomato Salad
with MOZARELLA Cheese, Basil Aged Balsamic Vinegar,
Olive Oil

Gluten Free Corn Bread
With honey butter

NY Strip Steak
In Red Wine Reduction

Basiled Chicken Breast
And Aromatic Jus

Fingerling Potatoes
Roasted in Rosemary and Olive Oil

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Grilled Summer Vegetables
Seasoned to Perfection

The meal did not end there. In addition to a gluten free wedding cake, guests were invited to sample chocolate mousse, pistachio crème brulee and were even surprised at the end of the night with late night munchies including:

Quesadilla with Corn Tortilla with Salsa & Sour cream

Gluten Free Mac & Cheese

French Fries Served with Ketchup, Ranch and Mayo

Given the array of the menu, maybe eating gluten free isn’t so bad after all?

-Blog post written by Executive Event Manager, Melissan Falcone

Although he’s shown cooking at a Los Angeles food festival, local chef and hero Chris Bianco of the famed Pizzeria Bianco and Panne Bianco shouts his love for Arizona products. In this clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live, Chef Bianco crafts a beautiful focaccia sandwich using Queen Creek Olive Oil.

Bianco is a fine example of celebrating flavors and products grown right here in our own back yard. With all the international buzz and fame, he still proudly boasts his affinity for local ingredients, local dining and just about any business and resource in our nearby surroundings.

In fact, fall is a terrific time for everyone to celebrate the bountiful harvest of Arizona’s farmers and artisans.

Get your taste of Bianco’s legendary pizzas and sandwiches at his restaurants. http://www.pizzeriabianco.com

Caipirinha - An exotic replacement for the Mojito

Phoenix outdoor events can be hot and in desperate need of cooler vibes and atmosphere. Surprise your guests with a refreshing cocktail sure to get any party started this summer. Straight from the vibrant culture and party atmosphere of Brazil, the Caipirinha features the key ingredient cachaça, (pronounced KA-SHA-SA) which is similar to rum, but with an exotic refreshing twist!

INGREDIENTS:

1 lime quartered
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 shot of cachaça  (widely available in most liquor outlets)
1/2 Cup of ice cubes with water

PREPARE:

Place the lime and sugar in the bottom of a glass. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, crush and mash the limes. Pour the liqueur and ice. Stir well.

Santa Barbara Catering Company features a tasty array of classic and trendy cocktails for any event! Call us at 480-921-3150 or visit us online.