January 2023

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right"

Oprah

PRO TIP - PLAN AHEAD FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

A new year means new memories and the best way to ensure that your memories are happy ones are to plan ahead! Take away the stress and anxiety surrounding your event planning by reaching out to us in advance and allowing us to assist you. It may seem like forever away, but Valentine's Day is just a month out! Take this time and opportunity to plan out the perfect date night, ladies' night, or couples party!

Looking for a takeout meal to surprise your partner? We can craft a romantic Surf N Turf dinner for two, complete with ribeye steak and shrimp with roasted broccoli and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Looking to spice up your night with some aphrodisiacs? We'll craft you a menu and meal full of them! How does a night of Oysters Rockefeller paired with a Greek Cucumber and Arugula salad, Pan Seared Salmon with a Honey Dijon Glaze and Asparagus and Roasted Potatoes, complete with a decadently rich Devils Food Cake with a Chocolate Exterior sound?

But Valentine's Day isn't just for the couples! Ladies, let us help you plan the ultimate Galentine's Day party! Treat your besties to a brunch that will make them forget about having a man in their lives! From a waffle bar, to a parfait buffet, or a delicious spread of breakfast classics like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and pastries - we've got you covered. And don't think we forgot about the mimosa bar! Not a brunch fan? Then let's 'taco"-bout some different options. Culminate the most superb taco bar for your gals complete with options of beef, chicken, fish, shrimp and toppings galore. Everything from veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, roasted corn, and beans to cilantro lime and classic Mexican rice to ALLLLLL the cheese options like queso fresco, cojita, shredded cheddar, and oaxaca. And no taco bar would be complete without a variety of salsas, quesos, and guacs with chips of all kinds!

We're fully equipped to help you plan an amazing experience for partners, friends, family, or your office so contact us today to get started!

RECIPES OF THE MONTH

NOW SERVING

Start the new year by giving back to your community! This month, we would like to highlight a local group, Now Serving, and the tremendous work they do pairing with community-based organizations with restaurants to provide healthy meals to neighbors in need.

Utilizing civic leaders, community organizers, and caring citizens together to create successful fundraisers in the Triangle, Now Serving has leveraged food and creative chefs to support the most vulnerable among us.

Their ability to mobilize communities to meet a need and understand the scale only targets one aspect of their mission. Your help and support is the next step to help culminate their project and serve your community!

FEATURED EVENT : Private Oyster Roast and Holiday Gathering

2023 FOOD TRENDS WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO

While we've enjoyed all the holidays' seasons eatings, we're ready to kick off the new year with some fun new food! From cool cooking techniques to fashionable ingredients, sustainability-based movements, emerging cuisines and new ways to dine, 2023 is set to be an iconic and tasty one. Chefs and foodies alike will enjoy this list so let's dive in!

• Airfryers are here to stay: That's right, she's sticking around. Society became captivated by airfryers and the nifty gadget's ability to offer a lighter alternative to deep fat frying and has yet to become as infatuated with any other cooking method. Not only do they offer a "healthier" approach to a vast number of foods, but they're also more economical to use than an oven and can lead to money saving habits - which are especially beneficial during these times of inflation.
  Thanks to TikTok, you can find endless recipes for this device. From cheesecakes to pizza balls to roasted veggies and more, the ingredient list is only going to expand in 2023 and become increasingly experimental.

• Return to move homely, unrefined foods - 2023 will see a return to a practice known as "ancestral eating" or eating more foods that remind us of our heritage, homes, and upbringings. Think comfort food and childhood favorites - reimagined retro dishes popping up everywhere from homes to restaurants. It is hypothesized that this is partially a response to the increased cost-of-living and the over-the-top dining experiences constantly displayed on social media.
  Instead of caviar and foie gras, we'll find ourselves reaching for less processed, organic foods or homecooked meals like sweet potato and country ham biscuits or fresh green salads, roasted chickens and pimento cheese. However, there's also the side that will be reaching for super-sweet novelty cereals and sentimental baked macaroni and cheeses.
  Further confirming this theory are the Pinterest search results traditional recipes. Traditional Norwegian food is up by 120%, authentic Filipino by 35% and traditional South African by 150%.

• Becoming 'locavore' and going the extra mile to be environmentally conscious - According to a recent survey, more than 36% of shoppers expressed "extreme concern" about climate change. With this concern comes a shift to becoming 'locavores,' - individuals who purchase produce as locally as possible in order to minimize their carbon footprint. Some are keeping as strict as a 100-mile radius to purchase everything from meat to vegetables and dairy products.
  For those choosing to shop a wider geographic area, there will be an increased focus on food brands clearly citing their climate-conscious credentials on packaging. The increase in this practice will allow consumers to make informed choices and meet the rise in popularity and availability of carbon neutral products. Think everything from plant-based milks to vinegars and olive oils with an even greater focus on meat, seafood and dairy alternatives that are sustainably produced as well as vegan-friendly.
  The push for a zero-waste lifestyle among the population will extend to supermarkets and big brands with retailers looking to up-cycle ingredient by-products. Just as plastic bag-free shopping has been on the out in previous years, single-use plastic packaging is the next priority on the list.

• New spirits on the block - 2023 projections detail that one big shift will be the decline of gin and the rise in rum and tequila. Over the past five years, tequila sales have doubled in size progressively. Specifically, cristalino tequila is being hailed as the "next big thing" in tequila. Cristalino is matured in the usual tequila fashion, but is then filtered to remove the colors and some of the stronger wood notes derived from the oak barrel. This results in a drink that is clear, crisp and slightly sweeter while still retaining the usual character of aged tequila.
  Moving on to rum - the versatile unsung hero of the bar. You can mix any kind of rum with anything, from Coke to coconut water and the all-important splash of tonic. According to marketing reps, the recent growth can be attributed to consumers turning to flavored and spiced rums for big occasions throughout the year. Comparable to gin, rum is experiencing a sort of renaissance driven by artisanal tastes and desires.

TOP WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2023 TO KEEP IN MIND

Last year you said "yes," this year it's time to say, "I do!" However, before you can make it down the aisle, there's a lot of planning to do! Considering 2020 pushed back many weddings, many couples have been waiting years to make it official so 2023 is set to be a big one in the wedding industry. But no need to fear! While it all seems overwhelming now, we're here to help you make your big day stand out by incorporating all the biggest wedding trends and ensuring that your event is special and memorable. So, let's get started!

• Keep It Casual and Less Traditional: Thanks to the pandemic, certain venues have become near impossible to rent unless you do so years in advance. While waiting around, couples have turned to "less traditional" options that overall make their event a more casual and enjoyable experience. According to Zola, 50% of couples are choosing to have friends or family members officiate to make their ceremony "more unique." Along with this millennials and Gen Zers are prioritizing "having a fun party with their loved ones," so do what you and your partner will enjoy most!

• Despite Inflation, Keep Your Budget High - Inflation is kicking everyone's butt for sure, and while keeping things "budget-friendly" is always a good idea, it's important to remember that this is your big day. Esther Lee of "The Knot," shares that the most important tip of wedding planning is to set a budget, then evaluate the budget throughout the planning process. Take advantage of the best deals and potentially plan your wedding during the "off season" to eliminate unneccesary costs.

• Splurge on the Memories - Staying on the topic of budgets, the one area that is worth the splurge in 2023 is the memories. While you may want to keep it casual and go a less traditional route, don't use this as an excuse to not have good food or photography services. The day may fly by and be a blur, but the pictures and comments on certain aspects of the day will last forever. With technological innovations of today, you'll for sure want the perfect content for the snaps, TikToks, and Insta Reels of your big day.

• Have Relatable Food On the Menu - Having fun with your wedding menu should be a major priority on your planning list. While you might be tempted to go with the Insta-worthy donut display or taco buffet, Zola shares that couples are choosing to have foods that highlight their hometowns and heritages. Again, highlighting sustainability, local produce is expected to be a popular trend in 2023. Choosing to go local means that you can make your ceremony more intimate. Zola reports that pizza is a trending food for 2023 and couples are turning to fast foods for their inspirations for late-nights or after party snacks.

• Thrift Wedding Attire - Upcycling and thrifting is all the rage in today's society with the present focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness. Take this opportunity to save a little money on your wedding! Some examples would be prioritizing your dream dress or venue or photographer and getting a secondhand veil. Another good idea would be allowing your bridal party to choose outfits that are already in their closet that match your color palette.

• Choose an Outdoor Venue - According to Zola, 81% of couples are looking for "completely outdoor or covered outdoor venues," a trend that is expected to stick around through 2023. Some popular choices have been farms and barns or more natural wedding venues that spotlight the surrounding environment. This is an opportunity to not only discover a new place but also a time to get creative. Think neutral color palettes, wood, varietal textures.

• Utilize a Moody Color Palette - Pantone just released its 2023 color of the year, Viva Magenta, falling right in line with the popular emerging color tones and falling into the jewel tone category. When we say "moody" think Wednesday Addams from Netflix's new series Wednesday. Some other color options for this vibe would be emerald, gold, plum and burgundy.

• Contrasting Colors = Duality Theme - Staying on the topic of color and theme, say you have two vibes you're trying to meet. According to Etsy, "The concept of duality is emerging as a key theme for 2023," specifically with the colors indigo and honeycomb. Utilizing two colors and themes is all about embracing contrast and exploring the power of opposites. Extend this idea into the actual concept of weddings: bringing two families together. When choosing your two colors, think about a color that carries a high-impact and futuristic tone and another that lights up a room and reminds you to appreciate natural beauty surrounding you.