I am Moana

Tonight we all get to watch the Oscars and we can’t help but to think about one of our favorite kids movies from last year, Disney’s Moana.  We were so lucky to do two different events for the creators and cast when the hit movie premiered!

After the 400 person screening, which included Polynesian dance troop and a delicious dessert station, we were invited back to do a formal dinner for the cast at the Disney Lot by the movie’s heads Osnat Shurer and John Lasseter.  Attendees, including Dwayne Johnson and Moana herself, Auli’I Cravalho, were greeted by glasses filled with Lasseter Family Winery Chemin de Fer Red Wine & Cakebread Chardonnay, before heading into a screening of the movie.

After the film concluded, the real party began.  Passed appetizers kicked off our Polynesian theme meal.  Guests dined on Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Lime Cream and BBQ Scented Chicken served on a Plantain Chip topped with Mango Salsa.  Our Polynesian salads were followed by Black Cod Filet or Braised Short Ribs.  The sweet ending concluded with a tropical Dole Whip Cake with Coconut-Pineapple Ice Cream.

What a beautiful evening!  With a little Disney magic, a real life Princess, and wish upon a star, this was a night to remember.

See you at the dinner table,

CBC Team

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MENU

PASSED APPETIZERS

Seared Vegetable Pot Stickers | Creamy Soy-Ginger Drizzle

BBQ Scented Chicken | Plantain Chip | Mango Salsa

Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes | Jalapeno Lime Cream

FIRST COURSE

Polynesian Iceberg-Little Cabbage Salad | Manga | Jicama | Cucumber | Red Onion | Sweet Bell Pepper | Pineapple Honey Dressing

ENTREES

Soya Honey Marinated Black Cod Filet | Snow Peas | Coconut Rice

Slow Braised Short Ribs | Roasted Butternut Squash | Yukon Gold Potatoes | Coconut-Curry Sauce

Spicy Honey-Garlic Roasted Cauliflower | Marinated Rice Noodles | Ohana Green Beans | Garlic

DESSERT

Dole Whip Cake | Condensed Sweet Cream Frosting | Coconut-Pineapple Ice Cream

The Force is Strong with These Ones

We love clients with a funny bone!  Don’t get us wrong, every event is spectacular, but a couple with a sense of humor is a dream for us.  Jen & Jeff were just that couple. 

Jen & Jeff love Star Wars.  And we don’t mean, “seen it a few times,” but rather they love Star Wars so much they wanted to make sure it was sprinkled throughout their entire wedding.  Set atop the beautiful loftSeven, guests were greeted by Storm Troopers ushering everyone to their seats.  Upon conclusion of the ceremony, guests marveled at cocktail napkins adorned with the Death Star, themed table names, and even Star Wars action figures playfully smiled upon the wedding cake.  This couple mixed the perfect amount of humor with class and elegance.

The menu itself reflected more of the foods the couple enjoyed.  After passed appetizers consisting of Roasted Chicken Club Spring Rolls dipped in a Chipotle Aioli and Mission Fig Challah Brie Melts with Caramelized Onion and fresh Basil, guests got a choice of either Grilled Sea Bass, Montreal Crusted Filet of Beef, or Moroccan Vegetable and Quinoa Tagine.  And of course, we had to end the night with a delicious red velvet wedding cake, fresh berries, and mint. 

We were so happy with how this wedding turned out, and even happier when we heard from the happy couple.  “As my husband and I looked around the room during dinner, people were eating, laughing, and there was so much happiness in the air. It felt like we were hosting a large dinner party for all of our family & friends! Good food really does bring people together.”

See you at the dinner table,

CBC Team

Photos by Caca Santoro @caca_santoro

MENU

 

PASSED APPETIZERS

Mission Fig Challah Brie Melts | Caramelized Onion | Basil

Baby Artichoke & Red Pepper Crostini | Shaved Parmesan | Truffle Oil

Caribbean Jerk Chicken | Plantain Chip | Mango Relish

Roasted Chicken Club Spring Roll | Chipotle Aioli

FIRST COURSE

Baby Arugula | Cucumber | Creamy Burrata | Roasted Grapes | Brown Butter Balsamic

Assorted Bread | Butter

SECOND COURSE

Grilled Sea Bass | Crushed Almonds | Chili Lemon Dressing

Montreal Crusted Filet of Beef | Bordelaise Jus

Roasted Asparagus | Sea Salt | Yukon Gold Potato Puree

Moroccan Vegetable, Quinoa, & Raison Tagine (Veg)

DESSERT

Wedding Cake | Berries | Mint

COFFEE STATION

Decaf Coffee | Tea

And the Oscar Goes To...

With the 90th Academy Awards this weekend, we know a lot of you are going to be attending or hosting viewing parties.  On Hollywood’s biggest night, it’s time to step up your game and celebrate like an A-Lister!  We’ve compiled a list of different foods and drinks inspired by the nine different “Best Picture” nominations to turn your gathering into a red carpet event.

FINGER FOODS

Arancini Balls

The coming of age story is set in the beautiful backdrop of Lombard, Italy, known for rice, maize, beef, pork, and lard.  Why not impress your guests with a savory arancini ball?

INGREDIENTS

• Aracini Ball | Arborio Rice| Chicken Stock | Mozzarella Cheese| Fontina Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | Parsley | Bread Crumbs | Eggs | Salt | Pepper
• Vegetable Oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring Chicken Stock and Salt to a Boil, then add Arborio Rice and simmer until tender
2. Combine Mozzarella, Fontina, and Parsley in a bowl
3. Beat Eggs and add into cooled Rice mixture with Parmesan and Breadcrumbs
4. Create rice ball and put in cheese mixture to middle, using your thumb to create a cavity
5. Roll completed ball in remaining breadcrumbs and refrigerate overnight
6. Deep fry for about 4 minutes, serve, and enjoy

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Chicken Fingers

Lady Bird and Chicken Fingers?  It’s a no brainer.  Pair these crispy baked chicken fingers with any of your favorite dipping sauces, including our Smoked Paprika Aioli. 

INGREDIENTS

• Chicken Strips  | Panko Bread Crumbs  | Oil Spray | Dijon Mustard | Mayonnaise | Eggs | Flour | Salt | Pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Using the oil spray, lightly toast Panko Bread Crumbs in oven until they are golden
2. Combine Egg, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Salt, and Pepper to make a thicker batter
3. Coat chicken strips in batter and then cover in your Panko Breadcrumbs
4. Bake at 375 degrees, serve and enjoy

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Salmon Canape

This stunning film obviously makes us think of the amazing flavors you can get from the Ocean. This simple canapé is delicious and easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

• Salmon Lox | Pumpernickel Toast | Créme Fraîche | Pickled Beets | Dill

DIRECTIONS

1. On the Pumpernickel Toast, spread a thin layer of Crème Fraiche
2. Top with Salmon Lox, slivers of Picked Beets, a small dollop of Crème Crème Fraiche, and fresh dill

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Toasted ravioli

Don’t let this powerful, dramatic movie steer you away enjoying this fun treat, a Missouri favorite!

INGREDIENTS

• Small Fresh Ravioli | Eggs | Milk | Breadcrumbs | Parsley | Rosemary | Vegetable Oil | Salt | Pepper
• Parmesan
• Marinara Sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Spread Ravioli on baking sheet and freeze
2. Make Egg Mixture by beating Eggs and Milk 
3. Combine Breadcrumbs, Parsley, and Rosemary
4. Dip Ravioli in Egg mixture, coast in Breadcrumb mixture, and return to freezer
5. Deep Fry Ravioli until golden brown and sprinkle with Parmesan
6. Use the Marinara for dipping and enjoy!

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DESSERTS

Tea Cardamom Cookies

I think we can agree that this thriller made us all look at grandma’s tea set a little differently.  For something a little sweet, try out these amazing cookies that will have your guests coming in, not getting out.

INGREDIENTS

• All-Purpose Flour | Black Tea Bags | Baking Soda | Baking Powder | Salt | Sugar | Ground Cinnamon | All Spice | Black Pepper | Unsalted Butter, Softened | Egg | Vanilla Extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Sift together Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt, and the tea inside the tea bags
3. Combine Sugar, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom, All Spice and Black Pepper
4. Beat together Butter and Sugar Mix, adding in the Egg and Vanilla Extract
5. Gradually blend in Flour mixture
6. Ball up and place on cookie sheet, baking for 17-20 minutes
7. Let cool and enjoy!                                

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English trifle

This play on a traditional dessert will pair perfectly British backdrop of Phantom Thread.  Using colorful berries, your finished delicacy will be fashionable enough for even Reynolds Woodcock.

INGREDIENTS

• Lady Fingers | Sherry | Raspberries | Strawberries | Blackberries | Vanilla Pudding | Fresh Whipped Cream | Almond Slices

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak the Lady Fingers in the Sherry
2. Layer the Lady Fingers in the bottom of a glass container
3. Layer with Fresh Berries
4. Layer with Vanilla Pudding
5. Start over with Lady Fingers and continue layering
6. Top the Trifle with the Fresh Whipped Cream and garnish with Almond Slices
   

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DRINKS

French 75

THE DARKEST HOUR – FRENCH 75

This Wartime cocktail was created during WWI, but didn’t gain popularity until the 1930s, cementing itself by WWII. 

INGREDIENTS

• Gin | Champagne | Simple Syrup | Lemon Juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Shake together Gin, Simple Syrup, and Lemon Juice
2. Fill half of your glass and float the Champagne on the top

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Beer & cider

No War epic would be complete without a hefty amount of ale!  Make sure to stock up on some of your favorite English beers and Ciders to set the stage.

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"Agent orange"

Uncovering the truth behind what was happening during the Vietnam War sets the perfect setting for our last cocktail. 

INGREDIENTS

• Vodka | Grand Marnier | Cointreau | Orange Juice | Orange slide for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. May be served neat in a chilled glass or on the rocks. 

Triple Threat

We’re always excited to be a part of somebody’s birthday, knowing that our services help contribute to the important day.  The balloons, cake, singing, and presents give us that joy as though we were 7 years old and finally getting that party we always dreamed of.  Now, imagine that feeling with three different birthday men/women.

Back in October, we were privileged enough to be part of a triple-birthday celebration.  With over 900 people in attendance, this was an event to remember.  Set outside in the beautiful Southern California air, guests wined and dined into the early hours of the morning.  Dancing, drinking and eating for hours, this was a party for the books!

See you at the dinner table,

CBC Team

MENU

PASSED APPETIZERS

Brazilian BBQ Chicken | Plantain Chip | Crisp Mango Salsa

Spice Ahi Tuna Wonton Cup | Ginger | Jalapeno | Avocado Mousse | Wasabi Dust

Bite Size Lamb Chop | Mint Chimichurri Sauce

COCKTAIL FOOD STATION

Grilled Vegetable Dumpling | Citrus Glaze | Toasted Sesame Seeds

Toasted Israeli Couscous | Roasted Vegetables | Parsley | White Truffle Oik

Plantain Chips | Guacamole

PLATED SALAD COURSE

Butter Lettuce | Goat Cheese | Watermelon Radish | Pine Nuts | Avocado | Mandarin Orange | Miso Dressing

Assorted Bread | Honey Whipped Butter

FAMILY STYLE DINNER

Brazilian Style Garlic-Cilantro Filet of Beet | Charred Cherry Tomatoes | Onions | Carrot Puree

South American Cedar Plank Salmon | Chimichurri | Fresh Mango

Cilantro-Line Coconut Rice

Brazilian Vegetable Feijoada | Dark Bourbon | Sweet Potatoes | Leeks | Red & Yellow Peppers | Tomatoes | Black Beans | Fresh Cilantro

Roasted Shredded Brussels Sprouts | Spring Onion | Cranberry Brown Butter

Carrot Puree

 DESSERT BITES STATION

S’more Bites | Homemade Graham Cracker Crust | Clover Honey | Micro Mint

Double Chocolate Flourless Cake | Orange Segments | Pistachio Dust

CAKE

Sweet Lady Jane While Raspberry Cake

COFFEE STATION

Regular Coffee | Decaf Coffee

Bailey’s Irish Cream | Frangelico Liqueur | Kahlua Liqueur

Fresh Whipped Cream

Culinary Consulting

As we make our way into Spring, we start to think of what that means for new beginnings.  We have a lot of exciting things coming up, but what want to focus on is a new service that we offer: Culinary Consulting.

What is Culinary Consulting?

Throughout our years of service, we found clients coming to us, not just for full outside-catering, but for help on events that already have a company or person attached to the culinary aspect.  Normally we would turn this down, but we were intrigued.  Since then, we have collaborated with out-of-town chefs, restaurants, and even other venues with in-house catering, to bring the Chris Brugler Catering standards of excellence.  Working hand-in-hand with internal teams, both companies, under the guidance of Chris Brugler, execute a flawless event.

Carbone's Spicy Rigatoni

What Do We Offer With Culinary Consulting?

• Menu Creation
• Menu Tastings
• Collaboration with Client & Outside Chef/Caterer/Venue to Ensure One Unified Vision
• Training on Chris Brugler Catering Standards to all Integrated Outside Parties
• Day-Of Catering Coordination

We know this is a little out-of-the-ordinary, but we think this is going to be something really exciting! 

See you at the dinner table,

CBC Team