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.

It’s a family affair! On October 12th, CEO and owner of Santa Barbara Catering Company, Pat Christofolo, along with her son Dustin Christofolo, Chef at The Farm Kitchen at The Farm at South Mountain, will present a cooking class at Tempe’s historic Hackett House.

On the menu is a delicious dinner including appetizers, salad and homemade pasta, all featuring local ingredients. Finish off this great meal with homemade cream puffs…perfect for easy and informal entertaining!

The class is priced at $45 and attendees will learn how to prepare a complete dinner, enjoy wine and taste the dishes as they are prepared. Prepaid reservations are required and may be made by calling the Hackett House at 480-350-8181.

The class kicks off a series of 6 cooking classes located at the Hackett House event venue in downtown Tempe. Funds raised through the Hackett House support City of Tempe programs, as well as the award-winning Tempe Sister City Organization.

More information is available at http://www.hacketthouse.org.

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

“Something borrowed, something blue. And something shaken, something stirred.” The New York Times announces the return of the “signature cocktail” for brides and grooms this season. We love the idea of a designer cocktail that celebrates a couple’s unique taste.

Let Santa Barbara Catering Company’s bar chefs help craft a memorable drink to  celebrate your love while satisfying your favorite flavors. Call us at 480-921-3150 and schedule your wedding or event tasting today!

Cheers!

Read the full New York Times article:
“A Liquid Keepsake”

Santa Barbara Catering Company and ABC 15 News discovered how the recycling process works at the grand opening of the education center within the Hudson Baylor West Materials Recovery Facility.

ABC 15 News reported, “Inside the center visitors can use hands-on exhibits showing how recycling materials are collected and processed. There’s also a recycled robot named “Murph.” Visitors can also participate in games, interactive displays and watch a short film showing the “cradle-to-cradle” philosophy that outlines a successful recycling program.”

Santa Barbara was on hand at 6am to cater a celebratory breakfast inside a custom tent filled with tables and linens featuring Hudson Baylor’s signature royal blue color. Guests enjoyed freshly-baked scones, turnovers and danishes with seasonal preserves, butter and cream cheese.

As a long-standing “green business” itself, Santa Barbara Catering used eco-friendly plates made from fallen leaves, compostable cups and recycled napkins.

Plan your next “green event” with Santa Barbara Catering Company by calling us at 480-921-3150 today!

Learn more about visiting the education center within the Hudson Baylor West Materials Recovery Facility by visiting their website or calling 602-495-9929.

[ Checkout ABC 15's coverage of the grand opening ]

Tempe’s multi-million dollar lakeside fine arts facility has chosen Santa Barbara Catering Company to exclusively manage catering, bartending, and concession services for the venue’s events. The strategic partnership will help boost private event booking while adding value to the community and public events scheduled at the complex.

In just two years since its opening, the Tempe Center for the Arts has already become a cultural beacon for public, community and private events in Arizona. The center presents engaging spaces with breathtaking views of Tempe Town Lake and the nearby Papago Mountains.

Imagine your next lakeside event overlooking a negative-edge pool with state-of-the-art light displays. Or, dazzle your guests indoors in one of the many spectacular event spaces.

“Santa Barbara Catering is thrilled to represent such a visually striking and culturally important institution in the Valley,” says SBCC CEO Pat Christofolo. “The contemporary design and style of our cuisine will be a perfect match for the distinctive architecture and vibrant atmosphere of the complex.”

The Tempe Center for the Arts is available for:

Weddings, Banquets, Receptions, Team meetings, Performances, Business Presentations, Celebrations and more.

Available event spaces at the facility include the:

• Theater (600 seat capacity)
• Studio (200 seat capacity/257 flat floor)
• Lakeside (219 capacity)
• 201 Lounge (64 capacity)
• Rooftop Terrace (64 capacity)
• Gallery (235 capacity/food restrictions apply)
• Sculpture Garden (50 capacity)
• Lobby (650 capacity)
• Entire Facility

Book your next event at the Tempe Center for the Arts! Schedule an event consultation by calling us at 480-921-3150.

We’re growing! And we owe it all to our clients, friends and amazing staff!

In the August issue, Inc. magazine featured Santa  Barbara Catering Company on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.

“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year.”

How’d we do it?

Santa Barbara Catering provides catering services for social and corporate events, with an emphasis on quality, repeat business, community and environmental awareness.

We continually work hard to earn your business, everyday. As we grow and strive toward success, we take our clients with us. Thank you to our clients, friends, partners, venues and staff.

Visit the Inc. 5000 list on their website >

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.