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.

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.

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 >

Ted & Katharine chose the Phoenix Art Museum’s Great Hall to host their wedding reception. Guests were welcomed with multiple food stations allowing them to mix and mingle while enjoying live music from Groove Merchants.

The mother of the bride shared her thoughts on the event; “Thanks for your constant attention to detail and having things presented so beautifully. You were a joy to work with!”

Recently voted “Arizona’s Best Caterer for a Large Wedding,” Santa Barbara Catering Company and the Phoenix Art Museum can create your dream wedding or private event with the sophistication of a world-class art gallery paired with  contemporary design and top-notch cuisine. The museum website invites you to visit and explore their venue for your next event…

“Whether planning a small meeting or an exquisite wedding, the Phoenix Art Museum offers a truly unique setting.

A variety of spaces can be tailored to your function – from a state-of-the-art 300-seat theater and various sizes of galleries to Arcadia Farms. The classically progressive design of the Museum’s 203,000 square feet architecture, the Museum’s 18,000-work collection of art from around the world, and the many traveling exhibitions will add excitement to any event.”

Call Santa Barbara Catering Company today at 480-921-3150 to schedule your tasting today!

www.SantaBarbaraCatering.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.

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 >