Category Archives: Wedding Catering

Beating the Heat: Foods that Hydrate

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Food hydration

What are the foods that can help hydrate?

  1. Watermelons
  2. Celery
  3. Cucumbers
  4. Strawberries
  5. Lettuce
  6. Milk
  7. Coconuts
  8. Apples
  9. Spinach
  10. Salads
  11. Yogurt
  12. Shakes

The thing about summer is that it’s a beautiful season to simply enjoy, say, a wedding catering at the beach. When it comes to weddings during the summer, having time for swimming is a fresh alternative to keep cool while enjoying the summer with friends and family. However, summer is also infamous for its scorching heat especially when for the people who live near the equator.

One of the number one reported summer related incidents are heatstroke related. Literally speaking, heatstroke is the condition that is onset with fever and is often accompanied by loss of consciousness. This happens when the body’s thermoregulatory system fails due to extreme heat. The inverse of heatstroke is hypothermia and is caused by extremely low temperatures.

Having fun under the sun is an experience that is often happy. Done with friends or family, summer fun doesn’t necessarily have to be less fun due to fear of heat stroke. In fact, one of the many ways of staying hydrated during the summer is extremely fun – and most importantly, tasty.

Listed here are examples of food that can help beat the heat:

Watermelons

Similar to the human body, majority of watermelons are made up of water. They are characterized by their uniquely red meat filled with seeds and sweet water. Watermelons are made up of sodium, calcium and magnesium and these are essential ingredients in keeping the body optimally hydrated.

Celery

Similar to watermelons, celery is a vegetable that is mostly made up of water. While it isn’t jam-packed with nutrients, it is however extremely light on calories, making it the ideal snack to keep fit and hydrated during the summer.

Cucumbers

Like the previous entries, cucumbers are made up mostly of water. Unlike celeries, however, cucumbers are filled with vitamin K, vitamin B6 and iron making it a perfect accompaniment to sweet hydrating fruits like watermelons.

 

food for hydration

 

Strawberries

Boasting the highest water count among berries, strawberries are jam-packed with fiber and vitamin C. Fiber is known for helping digestion and vitamin C helps with overall maintenance of the body. They’re sweet, delicious and best of all, healthy.

Lettuce

Lettuce is arguably one of the most flexible vegetables on the planet. They’re good raw, they’re good cooked and they’re great paired with other fruits and vegetables. Lettuces are mostly made up of water and they are light in calories making them an ideal meal to substitute rice with, and work great with sandwiches and salads.

Milk

Studies show that milk is an ideal alternative to carbonated drinks and even specially formulated sports drinks. Milk contains the necessary vitamins and minerals that constitute a regular meal as well as the optimal hydration required for the human body. Milk is also a nice addition when making your own healthy shake, and gives it that extra creaminess.

Coconuts

Perhaps the most common type of fruit you’ll be seeing in warm tropical beaches across the world, the coconut is a fruit that is not only delicious, but hydrating as well. The inside of the coconut contains the meat of the fruit, along with some refreshing juice that is best when served cold. The best part is that you can drink the juice from the coconut itself! Coconut juice is also wonderful when served as part of a fruit shake, or even when you add some milk and sugar.

Apples

As the saying goes: “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.”. Apples are not only healthy fruits that are delicious when added into a pie, it is also a frit that can keep you hydrated. Apples have high water content, which means each bite would give you a good amount of liquids to keep you refreshed.

Spinach

The famous cartoon character, Popeye the Sailorman, is best known for getting stronger after eating a can of spinach. But little did Popeye know, that spinach is not only healthy, but it is also a nice food ingredient that can hydrate you as well. Spinach has high water content, and is a great ingredient to add when you are making some sandwiches, or garnishing some pasta. Spinach also gives you vitamins like vitamin E, potassium, and lutein, which makes it a great healthy option as well.

Salads

If you are looking for a light meal or snack that would be both healthy and refreshing, why not make a nice vegetable and fruit salad? Salads offer you a great amount of nutrition, thanks to the variety of food present. You can mix and match different fruits and vegetables, and see which combination of flavors taste the best. For added flavor and crunch, you can put some delicious salad dressing and some croutons for more variety.

Yogurt

If you want a sweet and creamy dessert that you can add some fruits, a cup of yogurt is the way to go. Plain yogurt contains around 85-88% water, while also containing some calcium and B vitamins. Yogurt is best served with fruits like berries, which give it some extra flavor and variety. This is also another healthy snack option apart from salads.

Shakes

Can’t choose just one fruit or veggie from this list? Making a shake out of the fruits and vegetables on this list is a viable option too. The best part about shakes is that the person making the shake is in control of how much vitamins and minerals that he wants to consume in one sitting. Shakes are filling and light on the stomach as well as possessing the necessary kick to keep active people hydrated. There are many fruits and vegetable combinations to choose from, and you can even add milk to make it extra creamy.

Key Takeaway

There are many more fruits and vegetables that are good for staying hydrated under the summer sun. Coconuts are a good example of superfoods that not only fill but also hydrate. Having fun under the sun is great but it would be wise to keep in mind the importance of staying hydrated.

Interested in having a wide variety of food, both healthy and delicious for your event? Give Juan Carlo’s famous catering a try!

11 Ways to Enjoy Potatoes

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What are the best potato dishes that can easily be made at home?

  1. Boiled Potatoes
  2. Cream of Potato Soup
  3. Potato Salad
  4. Baked Potato
  5. Potato Chips
  6. Hashed Browns
  7. Potato Skins
  8. Potato Au Gratin
  9. Hasselback Potatoes
  10. Mashed Potatoes
  11. French Fries

When it comes to food and versatility, many people will agree that the potato is one of the most flexible foods that can be prepared in almost any shape or form. The potato is so versatile that it can be served in casual gatherings as well as elegant events such as a wedding catering in the Philippines.

As stated above, there are a lot of ways to prepare potatoes for consumption and in this article, we are going to be covering the most common ways to enjoy potatoes.

Boiled Potatoes

Boiled potatoes are good for people who are having trouble with chewing. The most common way to enjoy boiled potatoes is by sprinkling some salt over them and then slicing them to manageable pieces. Mashed potatoes are also prepared by boiling them but that will come later.

Cream of Potato Soup

Because of its milk or cream base, cream of potato soup is a type of soup that is a flavorful and hearty. Though it may be bland on its own, adding a variety of ingredients to it will quickly solve this problem. That is the case for many potato soup recipes. Often, the dish has added celery, onions, and corn. Sometimes, even bacon and chicken broth are added to enhance the flavors further. Despite these, the distinct potato flavor will still always shine through and provide a filling feeling to any one that has a bowl of it.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a filling snack that is usually served pre-main course. It is served usually with vinegar, mustard, parsley, chive and cheese and it serves as a means to prepare the palate for the main course.

Baked Potato

Baked potato is the epitome of snacking, at least second-best when compared to French fries. It is filling and tasty and it there are a dozen ways to prepare a baked potato. People will usually top their baked potatoes with whatever topping that suits their tastes; the most common toppings include cheese, butter, bacon and sour cream.

Potato Chips

While the baked potato and the French fries are the best snacks on this list, potato chips are considered a third runner up. However, it is only because it is usually manufactured in a factory, lacking the homely appeal that comes with preparing the potato at home. Not to mention it is more unhealthy, yet still so delicious. Potato chips come in many shapes, sizes and flavor and people will generally have their own brand preference.

Hashed Browns

Hashed browns are the potato equivalent of breakfast. They are usually creamy in texture and is prepared with salt and pepper. Some people prefer to add their own twist to the classic breakfast meal by sprinkling in some flavored powder or even grated cheese. Hashed browns are best served warm with a side of sausages or ham.

Potato Skins

Potato skins are among the most sinful ways to prepare potatoes. They are crispy on the outside but tremendously soft on the inside – especially when it is filled with bacon bits and lots of melted cheese. Some people would even prepare their potato skins with literally just the potato skin but filled with lots of meaty and cheesy toppings.

Potato Au Gratin

Gratin is a well-known technique in the culinary industry. Basically, it’s when you top off an ingredient with a browned crust. Most of the time this is done with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, egg and/or butter. No matter the curst, it is cooked or baked in an either an overhead grill or broiler.  This turns it into a golden, brown crust.

The most common ingredient to use gratin on is potatoes. Slices of boiled potatoes are places on a butter dish (this must be fire proof). Then the top crust is formed with cheese then baked or cooked with the mention technique above.

Hasselback Potatoes

While it may be considered a side dish, it is one of the most impressive potato dishes out there. Having this is like a dream come true for all potato lovers. It’s like a combination of French fries and mashed potatoes; it has crispy edgy that house a creamy middle. The best part is it is really just a baked potato in disguise. Because of this they take just as much time and effort to prepare. Not bad for a side dish that is served in many high-tier restaurants.

Mashed Potatoes

The classic holiday (and sometimes, even breakfast) meal. Mashed potatoes are usually prepared by boiling the potatoes after skinning them and then mashing them with a spoon or a masher. It is usually prepared with some light seasoning, butter, cream and cheese. Mashed potatoes are usually consumed as a substitute to rice in some Asian countries or as filler when served with holiday food such as stuffed turkey or holiday ham.

Mashed potatoes may also be served as a breakfast meal as they contain lots of essential nutrients and minerals that are required to give the average person the energy boost that they need in the morning.

French Fries

While technically not really French, French Fries are the most commonly consumed form of potato in the world. It can be prepared any number of ways and topped with any toppings people can think of. People usually top their French fries with melted cheese, ground beef and some cream, akin to a serving of Nachos with cheese.

French fries is quite possibly the most common junk food eaten in the world today and while it is a delectable snack, some restraint is of course recommended when snacking on French fries.

Key Takeaway

While there are a probably a dozen more methods to enjoy preparing and eating Potatoes, the ones listed here are among the most common. Additionally, these are very easy to prepare at home. From simple snacks to classy side dishes, you can enjoy potatoes in any way you want right in the comfort of your home.

potato juan carlo 2

Hail to the Chef – Former Presidents’ Favorite Foods

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juan carlo president food

Food is one of the best parts of life and everyone, regardless of race or culture, will have their own favorite food. From wedding catering cakes to meat stew, people are bound to have one specific food that they particularly fond of and certainly, former (and current) American Presidents are no exception.

North America is a large land mass split into cities and states. Each area has their own traditions and specialties and these proud American sons brought with them to the White House their respective families’ special meals.

A person’s preference for food may actually say more about their character than one would expect. Politicians, especially Presidents are complex characters. While they are subject to scrutiny due to their massive public presence, insight into their minds is actually a privilege that only a few, if ever, will truly appreciate.

So without further ado, here are a few United States Presidents along with their favorite foods.

George Washington

Known as the first recognized President of the United States, President George Washington was a career soldier as well as a prolific plantation owner. He enjoyed many aristocratic hobbies such as hunting and attending balls but at the end of the day, George Washington was someone who enjoyed simple meals such as mashed potatoes and cherry pies.

George Washington was also fond of muttons which are also known as adult sheep meat. He enjoyed eating them as steaks paired with red wine. The former president strictly adhered to a somewhat simplistic life at home while presenting himself with dignity knowing that his every action was subject to scrutiny and could very well set a precedent in the following years to come.

Thomas Jefferson

The third president of the United States as well as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson is what some people would refer to as a renaissance man. He is a gifted writer, a respected correspondent, a well-versed conversationalist learned in Latin, Greek, French, Italian and Spanish.

While having the reputation of a “light eater”, Thomas Jefferson developed a taste for the finer things in life. He preferred French Cuisine especially cream-based desserts but as a true-born Virginian man, he never did forget his roots. The founding father was especially fond of figs and Virginian Ham to the degree that while living in France, he would import produces native to Virginia just to satisfy his gourmet palette.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born and raised in a simple household. He was a simple man with simple hobbies and interests; this is reflected in the fact that his favorite snacks from childhood to presidency were his mother’s gingerbread cookies. He especially valued his treats because he was known to be doted upon by his mother and enjoyment of these cookies became a sentimental act rather than a gourmet one in his later life.

Theodore Roosevelt

Another career military man, Theodore Roosevelt is a man of many talents. He was a politician, author, naturalist, explorer and soldier. Generally portrayed as an adventurous and brave man, Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite meal is fried chicken. He especially liked showering his favorite meal with white gravy sauce.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt’s cousin, Franklin was an American statesman and political leader. He attained his law degree from Columbia Law School. During his third term of office, the eruption of World War II plunged the world into darkness and one of the few things that lifted him up when he needed it most was his favorite meal, Hotdogs. He was a true American man and he enjoyed what people consider American meals, such as hotdogs and donuts.

Barack Obama

President Barack Obama, the incumbent President of the United States is a well-known family man outside the world of politics. He deeply values his family and this is demonstrated in his prideful love of the “Obama Family’s Famous Chili Recipe” that he proudly proclaims can “clear [your] sinuses” if prepared correctly.

It is true that these politicians handle pressure beyond the scope of what normal people can even imagine but at the end of the day, these past and present presidents are people too. As is clearly shown in their love of food!

Throwback: The Royal Wedding Catering

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Royal Wedding Catering

What food was served during the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate?

  1. For the first course, seafood is served as the fish entree
  2. For the second course, lamb is served as the meat entrée
  3. For dessert, a trio of Berkshire honey ice cream, sherry trifle and chocolate parfait is served.

2011 was the year when Prince William and Princess Kate tied the knot in one of the most momentous events in recent history: The Royal Wedding. It’s one thing when two people get married, but it’s another thing when one of those two people is in line for the country’s esteemed throne! Nothing spells ‘fairytale wedding’ more than this momentous occasion.

The menu at the Royal Wedding certainly took its cue from the best catering in Manila and it was evident in how extensively it was prepared. Everything was perfect: the catering set-up, the drinks-of-choice, and most especially, the quantity of how much food that was served. Needless to say, their guests were surely entertained in one of the grandest occasions known throughout history.

Questions that were surely raised at the time of planning the event include what dishes were to be served, as well as their appropriateness for royalty and their esteemed guests. So what kind of food was served during the Royal Wedding?

First Course: Salmon, Crab, and Lobster

Starting with a zesty twist, the first meal that was served was a Marinated South Uist Salmon with Lyme Bay crab and Wild Hebridean Langoustines with fresh herb salad on the side. It was a delicious seafood course that oozed with a zest that complimented the salmon, crab, and lobster medley. Paired with the course was a delicious bottle of 2009 Meursault, Domaine Guyot-Havilier wine.

What’s great about this particular course is that they stuck with everything that has to do with seafood. Not only that, they also served in the most elegant way possible. So if there you’re out there looking to serve seafood in a grand fashion to your guests, you may want to look at this course for some ‘royal’ inspiration.

Second Course: Lamb, Potatoes, and Vegetables

The second course was a vibrant array of colors and taste. This came in the form of a Saddle of North Highland Mey Select organic lamb, Highgrove spring vegetables, English asparagus, Jersey Royal potatoes and sauce Windsor. The dish is an intricate mixture of the flavors of the earth mixed with the juiciness of the lamb that is buffed by the soft and supple texture of the deliciously grown Jersey Royal potatoes. Aptly paired with this dish is a 2004 L’Hospitalet de Gazin, Pomerol Wine.

Lamb is seen by many as one of those meats that are fit to be served in the elite. Its flavor is known for its succulence and being a perfect pair with the best wine available. For a truly spectacular occasion, this is the meat for you.

Of course, there are also other meats of your choosing. You can never go wrong with the classical ‘steak’ as your entrée. It’s entirely up to you how you want it to be served; whether medium-rare, medium-well, or well-done. Just be sure to know which bottle of wine is the perfect complement to the meat.

Dessert

The night was finished off with a bang because of the third and final course. This featured a trio of Berkshire honey ice cream, sherry trifle, and chocolate parfait. Along with the elegant dessert was a bottle of Larent Perrier Rose Champagne.

Their choice of dessert was spot on as it exuded simplicity with just the right amount of luxury. Then again, if your spouse is in line for the throne, then why wouldn’t you go all out with your dessert choice?

So, if you’re looking for a great option for your own wedding dessert or just something to do on your own when you’re feeling a bit fancy, then this course should help give you the right amount of inspiration to think of a creative and crafty option.

An Ingenious Mix

The choices for the three-course meal were considered to be ingenious because they were worlds apart from one another in terms of taste and texture yet united to create the perfect menu. Though the courses may be different, they were chosen because of the different themes they represented.

The first course was highlighted by the flavors of the sea while the second course was accentuated by the flavors of the Earth; the differences paralleled the initial difference in social standing between the now husband and wife. This is what made the Royal Wedding a modern romantic fairy tale.

The Royal Wedding’s dinner was modest in scale and it was attended by 300 of the closest friends and families of Prince William and Princess Kate. This was preceded by the actual wedding ceremony in Westminster Abbey, which was attended by 1,900 people. Also, Queen Elizabeth hosted 600 people for an after-wedding breakfast of canapés and champagne at the Buckingham Palace. Finally, the ceremonies were concluded with Prince Charles’ dinner for 300 people.

royal-menu-435

Auction of the Menu

Four years after the Royal Wedding, the menu for the dinner affair was auctioned online and it was eventually sold for over $1000. The dinner menu for The Royal Wedding was printed on thick ivory cardstock and is adorned with an ornate green ivy border. A couple of years after The Royal Wedding, the Royal Couple is still happily married with two healthy kids, perhaps their happily ever after did come after all.

Key Takeaway

Truly, this occasion can be considered as every bride-to-be’s dream come true. So, with that said, why not make it happen? With the right choices and careful planning, your wedding can be a dream coming true.

There are numerous factors in a wedding to take into consideration. No matter what you choose, always remember the love you and your spouse-to-be share.

For a royal experience of your own, why not give Juan Carlo’s catering services a try?

Traditional Wedding Food Served in 12 Countries

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McDonald Photography

McDonald Photography

What are traditional wedding food served in countries?

  1. France: A cake used for special occasion called Croquembouche
  2. England: The wedding cakes are usually fruitcakes to represent fertility and prosperirty.
  3. Brazil: Cookies called ‘bem casados”, which means “happily married”, are served
  4. Norway: The Kransekake is a cake that shows the love between husband and wife.
  5. Morocca: Tagine are common cakes used in these weddings.
  6. China: To ensure a smooth and sweet marriage, couple eat tangyuan
  7. Italy: Bowties, fried dough covered in powdered sugar, represent good tiding for the couple.
  8. Korea: Kak and Yak Shik are eaten to represent long life for the couple and a big family.
  9. Germany: Hochzeitssuppe is served to wedding guests and they must sya “I do!”
  10. Japan: The San-san-kudo is a Japanese tradition that involves drinking sake to seal a marriage.
  11. India: The bride and groom must feed each other honey and yogurt during their celebrations.
  12. Bermuda: Saplings are placed on top of wedding cakes for couples to take home and plant in their home to represent their union.

Weddings are considered a joyous occasion because it is the proclamation of eternal love between two people. Weddings around the world have always differed with regards to culture and tradition; what is served at a wedding catering in Manila is not exactly going to be the same as those served in other parts of the world.

France

The French are renowned for their talents in the culinary arts. With regards to traditional wedding food, the French combine tradition, art and great taste in one tower sized cake-like French dessert called a “croquembouche”, which means “that which crunches in the mouth”.

This dessert is essentially a tower of cream puffs held together by threads of caramel. Aside from weddings, croquembouche is also served at baptisms and first communions.

England

The English customs call for serving fruitcake at weddings. The top of the cake is adorned with fruit and nuts to symbolize fertility and prosperity. The top tier would be kept and reserved for the christening of the wedded couple’s firstborn.

Brazil

In Brazil, they serve traditional Brazilian cookies called “bem casados”, which means “happily married”. Two mini-sponge cakes are held together with dulce de leche or caramel sauce, egg curd, or jam. The cookies are offered as edible wedding giveaways to the guests at the end of the ceremony.

Wrapped bem casados

Wrapped Bem Casados

Norway

While there is a lot of food that the Norwegians may enjoy, nothing beats the “Kransekake” with regards to tradition. Kransekake, or simply “Ring Cake” is made up of egg whites, sugar and almonds and is formed by stacking them together to form a tower resembling a cone. Not only is Kransekake sweet in taste, it is also sweet in the sense that it represents eternal love between Husband and Wife.

Morocco

Moroccan Weddings are often likened to festivals because they would often last for several days. The more extreme celebrations would even persist to be a weeklong event.

Traditional Moroccan wedding food is seen and served with a “homely” atmosphere, which in this case, the dish “Tagine” takes the cake. Tagine is a casserole that is made up of vegetables and meat, and fruit is sometimes mixed into the dish. Tagine is unique in a sense that it doesn’t have a fixed recipe to follow, as many families have their own traditions and versions when it comes to this unique dish.

China

In China, many important events serve tangyuan, or sweet rice ball soup for dessert. The bride and groom must each eat sweet rice ball soup either on their wedding day or the night before as this act will ensure a sweet and smooth marriage. However, the couple should refrain from chewing the rice ball so as not to ruin the smooth shape. They must instead swallow the rice balls whole to receive good luck in their marriage.

Italy

In Italy, it is not a matter of which food to get to uphold tradition, but of how much food you can get. In traditional Italian wedding receptions, there is usually as many as 14 courses, which contain mushrooms, olives, salami, pickled peppers, calamari, prosciutto, and other antipasti. This is served along with pasta, salad, and soup.

Certain sweets are also given as symbolism. Bowties, which is fried dough covered in powdered sugar, represent good tidings. Also, guests are given boxes of candied almonds, which represent the bitter and sweet aspects of life.

Bermuda

On the cake of the couple to be wed in Bermuda, cedar sapling must be put on top of it. This is because they are meant to take these samplings home, where they plant it in their garden and watch them grow. This acts as a symbol of their union.

Korea

There are 2 specific Korean wedding foods that both hold a symbolic meaning in their culture. These are the following:

  • Kuk
    • These are long noodles.
    • Represents long life for the couple.
  • Yak Shik
    • A stick rice ball dessert
    • Brown sugar is used to sweeten it.
    • Pine nuts, raisins, and chestnuts are added to represent the children that the couple will bear.

The alternative of Korean weddings to rice throwing is chestnut and dates throwing. When this happens, the bride will try to catch as many of it in her dress. The number of chestnuts and dates that she manages catch represent how big a family she and her partner will have.

Germany

There is a dish in Germany called Hochzeitssuppe. This literally translates to “wedding soup” and it is named so because eating it comes with a simple tradition. When a guest is served this at a wedding he or she must say “I do”.

It is a broth-y kind of soup that is served with vegetables and small meatballs. Though it is a simple dish, the preparation of it can take up to 5 hours. This is why it is only reserved for special occasions.

Japan

In a Japanese wedding, there is a tradition called the San-san-kudo. This is what seals a marriage and locks the couple in an unbreakable bond. During this tradition, the bride and the groom will take turns drinking sake from three different cups that vary in size. The first three sips are called the san, which represents three couples: the bride and the groom, the parents of the bride, and the parents of the groom. Ku simply means “9”, which is considered a lucky number in Japan.

India

A Hindu wedding can last up to a week and such a celebration means that the eating will be a marathon of sorts. During this, food such as naan, curries, and roasted potatoes are staples. After the wedding proper, the meals start to have more non-vegetarian items and even alcohol. While there is no wedding cake, tradition states that the bride and groom must feed each other sweet food such as honey and yogurt.

In Sikh and Punjabi weddings, sweets also played a big role; at engagement parties, brides would usually receive something called methiyai. During the wedding itself, the bride’s mother would feed couple ladoo.

Key Takeaway

There are a lot of traditions in the world that shows your partner that you love them but if you would like to enjoy a unique catering experience that is tailored just for you, give Juan Carlo a try.

Food And All That Jazz: Famous Foods of the ‘60s

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What foods were popular in the 60s?

  1. Instant Noodles
  2. Fondue
  3. Hamburger
  4. Tuna Casserole
  5. Shrimp Cocktail
  6. Meat Loaf
  7. Lipton Onion Soup Dip
  8. Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee Pizza Mix.
  9. Campbell Soup
  10. Jell-O Pudding Pops
  11. Pop Tarts

Food is a passion that transcends culture and time. The 60s were filled with phenomenal years of people becoming more aware in various aspects of life. People’s tastes and cultures were influenced by music and the lifestyle of love and peace. At the time, political strife was present everywhere and the post-war modern world was still struggling to find its own identity after a grueling era filled with fighting and dispute. Such is the influence of the revolution of the food that it even affected events in the South East. From working lunches to simple wedding catering service, everything changed with the emergence of the golden age of food.

These turbulent times were aptly put into words by Bob Dylan when he sang “The times, they are a changing.” As a wave of change hit the world like a tsunami, so did the food that people enjoyed. Most of the popular food of this era is marked by their foreignness to the people who only started to enjoy them. They were all imported from other countries by immigrants and these new foods slowly changed the landscape that was a part of the American field of influence.

Thus, here are 11 examples of food that were popular during the 60’s:

Instant Noodles

Originally introduced in the late 50s, it wasn’t until the 60s that instant noodles hit the market by storm. It was more expensive back then so it was considered a luxury food. It revolutionized the way people prepare, enabling them to store and serve noodles for years to come. People called it “Space Ram” because, according to inventor Momofuku Ando, “People have to eat no matter where they go, even outer space.”

Fondue

Originally popular in European countries, the “dip” based food was brought over to the United States by European immigrants. Fondue is enjoyed by melting various cheeses in a pot; while the heat is maintained by a slow burner, food is then dipped. Meats are the more traditional food that are dipped in fondue. Chocolates, marshmallows, vegetables and fruits may be used as substitutes.

catering sixties

Hamburger

While the Hamburger was originally invented in the 1800’s, it wasn’t until the 60’s that the Hamburger started to take the modern shape and taste that we are familiar with today. One could say that the 60’s were the industrial revolution for the Hamburger.

Meat Loaf

People were initially skeptical of the meat loaf because they (wrongly) believed that it was made by using materials of questionable origin. In reality, the meatloaf is essentially a mixture of ground beef and eggs so, in a way, it was kind of like the hamburger only served in more volume.

Tuna Casserole

Effortless to make while being delicious and affordable, the Tuna Casserole took the world by storm when it was popularized in the 60’s. Various recipes and versions of this classic meal exist, but the appeal of the original Tuna Casserole stands strong even today.

catering meat loaf

Shrimp Cocktail

The shrimp served in those custom-made, fancy martini glasses people could see on various 60s TV Shows? Yup, those were real and they were extremely popular because of how easy it was to make. The shrimp cocktail was also regarded as one of the earliest hors d’oeuvres in the West.

Jell-O Pudding Pops

This delightful low-calorie snack grew such a fandom in the 60s that there are petitions that exist to bring it back since its disappearance somewhere during the 80s and 90s. While many other websites have recipes that show people how they can make their own, the original will always be better. If you do want to see Kraft Foods bring this 60s trend back on modern shelves, then you can help out by signing this petition that already has 11,457 signatures.

Lipton Onion Soup Dip

Onion dip was wildly popular in the 60s and the best one was the onion soup mix that Lipton created. This was considered a real treat in many households, especially when served with ridged Lay’s or Ruffles potato chips.

Although this is no longer available, people can create their own version that is healthier than the original. The recipe can be found here.

Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee Pizza Mix

Even people from Oregon, which has some of the best pizza in the USA, would walk a mile just to get a box of Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee. This was a pizza mix in a box that allowed people to create their own delicious pizza at home. One that was successfully made would end up having a thin crust and a rich spicy sauce. Families usually enjoyed this while watching their favorite TV shows. Although one box can only give each family member 2 slices, those slices were holy relics to the people of the 60s and would satisfy any craving stomach.

These were some of the foods that made an impact in the western world back in the 60s. As you can see, many of them are still popular today. Safe to say, they made some good memories for the folks who got to enjoy them in their prime.

Campbell Soup

These were so popular in the 60s probably due to the catchy jingle that would invade the screens at home and cause people to crave for Campbell Soup. This came in alphabetical, vegetable, chicken noodle, and tomato variations; all of which were delicious. The chicken noodle version, however, was known for causing kids to be sick… which made kids love it even more because they get a free pass to skip school. The alphabet soup, of course, was a great way dish to eat and play with at the same time. Most kids ended up eating cold soup because they were too busy trying to spell their names. Another big trend was to combine the tomato soup version with Wonder Bread for a quick delicious snack.

Pop Tarts

The glorious Pop Tarts come in all sorts of flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry. This assortment of flavors was common to find on the shelves of households and were common snacks to give kids to pack for school or for breakfast.

Key Takeaway

These were some of the foods that made an impact in the western world back in the 60s. As you can see, many of them are still popular today. Safe to say, they made some good memories for the folks who got to enjoy them in their prime.

 

11 Steak Cuts for Fine Dining

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catering-in-manila-steak

What are the different steak cuts?

  1. Ribeye
  2. Sirloin
  3. Tenderloin
  4. T-Bone
  5. Filet Mignon
  6. Porterhouse
  7. Tri-Trip
  8. New York Strip
  9. Flank
  10. Hangar
  11. Flat Iron

Steak has been a staple main course for the longest time. From a beautiful wedding catering experience to an everyday office working brunch, steaks are good for any occasion (except of course for a vegetarian’s birthday). It stands on top of the food pyramid and considered timeless and has been tested throughout all of known history.

However, even if a paragon amongst food can stand the test of time, can it do so perpetually? That’s a debatable question for sure. One thing is for sure though: people just generally love good food, and a perfectly good steak is exactly that.

The beautiful cut of meat that people know and love was once a necessity for hard laborers looking to start the day with a hearty meal. The steak they knew back then is worlds apart from the steak we know today. Firstly, their cuts were the cheap unwanted cuts that the nobles and the wealthy disliked. The method of preparation for steak however, isn’t all that different from the way we prepare steak now. People would usually just salt their cuts and then proceed to grill or roast them – but without minding the degree of doneness of their meats. It was a necessity back then and their knowledge in the field of cuisine at the time was severely lacking.

Over time, the methods of cooking and preparing steak evolved into something akin to that of art. The method of actually choosing a cut was found and the many different cuts that we know today were born.

Ribeye

It is a cut from the midsection or the ribs. Described as tender and flavorful, this cut is perfect for roasting or grilling.

Sirloin

Cut from the back or rear portion of the animal, there are types of sirloin cuts aptly called top sirloin and bottom sirloin. The top sirloin cut is considered a premium cut whilst the bottom sirloin, while not terrible, is considered an ordinary cut.

Tenderloin

Cut from the loin of beef, tenderloin is known for being soft and tasty. This cut is perfect for grilling or baking.

T-Bone

This is a cut of beef from the short loin, this cut sports a noticeable “T” shaped bone on both sides of the meat. This cut is considered a tad heavier than the other cuts and it is perfect for searing and grilling.

Filet Mignon

This cut is taken from the tenderest part of the cow. Although the lack of bone also makes it lack in flavor compared to other cuts, it is still popular cut because it can be wrapped in bacon and served with different sauces and spices. It must be broiled or grilled quickly in order to retain all of its flavor.

The French call this cut as filet de boeuf which means beef fillet.

Porterhouse

This particular cut is commonly known as the “king of steaks” because it is actually two steaks in one. The two steaks are a combination of the two previously discussed cuts: a New York strip and a large filet mignon. This thick cut has a bigger tenderloin portion than loin. It is best enjoyed when it is grilled, but is also good when sautéed, broiled, or fried.

Tri-Trip

The Tri-Tip is extremely popular in the Central Coast and Valley regions of California and it is commonly known as a Santa Maria steak. It is also beginning to become popular in other places because of its full flavor at affordable prices while still being low in fat. This flavor is attained because of the excellent marbling which means that this cut will stay tender as long as it isn’t over cooked. It is best enjoyed when it is marinated and then grilled.

New York Strip

Any good steakhouse will have this staple. The New York Strip has an excellent amount of marbling with a full flavor. To experience the best natural tender texture from this cut, one must ask the steakhouse to serve it rare or blue and grilled.

It is known under different names; depending on where it is being served. In the USA, it is known as either New York strip, strip loin, shell steak, or Kansas City strip steak while it is called the club steak internationally.

Flank

Although this is less tender than most cuts, it still boasts a great flavor due to the prevalence of connective tissue. This is what makes it one of the most popular cuts despite it being a bit chewy. Just like the Tri-Tip, it is best cooked when marinated then grilled. One can also choose to broil it. Once it is cooked, it is usually cut across the grain and into thin slices so that it is easier to eat.

Hangar

Although it may lack in tenderness, it makes up for it in its flavor. This cut is best enjoyed when the meat is marinated and quickly cooked at high temperatures via broiling or grilling to be rare or medium-rare.

Flat Iron

This is the top blade steak that comes from the tender top blade roast. These have quite the amount of marbling which makes it one of the finest cuts available. It is best served when it has been broiled or grilled.

This is also known as the butler’s state in the United Kingdom while in Australia and New Zealand, it is called the Oyster Blade Steak.

Key Takeaway

 

Different cuts of steak means different ways to enjoy them. Traditionally, steak is served with some vegetables like potatoes that could either be mashed or cubed, carrots, peas and asparagus. Another essential ingredient for non-grilled steak is butter melted and poured on the meat akin to that of a glaze while people prefer serving steak with sauces like gravy or fruit-based sauces. There are a lot of ways to enjoy meat and people have their own likes and preferences but one thing is for sure – steaks are definitely not going out of style.

The Best Wedding Beverages to Serve in 2016

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Dawn Kelly Photography

Dawn Kelly Photography

Liquor is often considered a staple for any milestone celebration, and most of the time wedding signature drinks are among the fanciest kinds. So if you’re into the wedding catering scene, it’s doubly important for you to serve only the most elegant and luscious drinks.

Wedding drinks often featured include vibrantly-hued cocktails, in addition to glasses of bourbon or Scotch bar. If you’re thinking about what kinds of liquor to serve at your wedding, here are a few suggestions:

 

Classic Champagne

Champagne is practically a symbol of celebration, and the top wedding drink trend and will always be the go-to liquor of wedding participants. With the dramatic sobering of Champagne bottles, no wonder people love to dramatically pour it in a neatly stocked tower of stemmed glasses. Over 40% percent of wedding couples highly prioritize top quality Champagne at their weddings and that’s a fact according to wedding magazines and online portals. Aside from the serving different types of glamorous Champagne bottles, offer cocktails mixed with Champagne at your reception.

Sangria

This colourful and fruity drink will brighten any event. Whether you want the pale pink kind or the classy white sangria, this is another one of those beverages that should not miss out on your wedding. Don’t forget to ask the bartender to use fresh fruit slices as garnish to make it prettier AND yummier.

A Sip of Everything

Drink stations should be available at your reception. Instead of focusing on one type of drink, usually it is best to offer small servings of a lot of things; from vodka, bourbon, microbrew beer flights to tequila. Your guests would enjoy drinking the night way with the many selections your bar would offer. These small sip drinks may be paired with foods as well, and your wedding venue’s chef or caterers can assist in creating the perfect pairing for each beverage concoction. Just remind them not to mix drink too many different types of drinks consecutively or they may end up with a tummyache.

Multiple Signature Drinks

Don’t stick to one kind of liquor and experiment with the different mixes you can come up with. It is a big trend these days to customize your own flavoured cocktail. You can even seek help from the handy app on your phone that is called “mixology”. Add a little presentation to your drink station by putting up a board sign then write down the signature drinks available which will definitely entice your guests. While this is fun though, don’t get too carried away. Sometimes it’s best to leave the bartender to do their profession.

Flavoured Sodas

Surely not all of your guests are legal enough to drink liquor – you have guests that are underaged, or adults who simply don’t drink the stuff. Have your caterer include flavoured sodas on the menue so they won’t feel left out.

 

Food and drinks are two of the most important elements to a wedding reception. Hiring a catering service will definitely lift the pressure of having to figure out which trend to follow when it comes to catering.

A Quick Guide to Stemmed Glasses

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What are the types of stemmed glasses?

  1. According to materials used: (1) crystal, and; (2) glass.
  2. According to shape and purpose: (1) wine glass which is subcategorized into red wine and white wine glasses; (2) Martini glasses; (3) flute glasses; (4) dessert wine glasses, and; (5) grappa glasses.

If you’re like most people, you probably assume that the glasses we drink from only differ in shape, size, and the amount of liquid it can contain. But the truth is, there are a number of varying types of glasses because they each serve different purposes. In fact, when used properly, the attributes of a glass can actually help keep the contents “fresh” and optimal.

Hence, the next time you find yourself having to serve drinks to a group of people – especially if you’re in the corporate, casual, or a wedding catering scene – don’t forget the following facts to ensure that you pick the right vessel for your next drink.

Types of Glasses According to Materials Used

Before we step into the shapes of glasses for the different types of drinks, we must first discuss the material of the glasses. Mainly, there are two kinds: crystal and glass.

Basically, the difference is in the lead content. There is lead in crystal which makes it easier to cut and engrave than glass. This also increases the weight and causes light to diffract from the material. The advantage of using this over glass material is that it controls the temperature of the drink more, and the smells and flavors of wine are accentuated better. Because of this, these glasses are thought to be able to provide a better wine-tasting experience. However, they are expensive and fragile, which turns a lot of people away from buying them.

Also, this lead content in crystal sometimes leaches out and it caused health concerns. As such, companies nowadays produce crystal glassware that is unleaded.

To replace the lead, they used barium carbonate, zinc, and titanium oxides instead. These make the glasses similar to the lead crystal glasses and its properties, but, at a lighter weight.

Types of Glasses According to Shape and Purpose

Stemmed glasses can be classified according to their shapes and purpose, especially on what particular drink they are best used. Some of these are:

Wine glasses

Image from DecorDesignStyle.tk

Image from DecorDesignStyle.tk

The standard bulbous, stemmed glasses we often see wines are served in is shaped that way for many reasons. Note its thin stem which allows you to hold the glass without your hand having to make contact with the bulb’s base – this is important as it keeps your body heat away from the wine and helps keep it cool for a longer amount of time.

Another factor to consider when serving wine is its aroma – wine glasses are shaped to retain it for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy your drink for longer without fear of it going flat too soon.

Red Wine Glasses: For red wine, larger wine glasses are used. The bowls of these glasses are fuller, rounder and with a larger opening. This is so you can stick your nose in the glass as you drink the wine and enjoy its aroma, as well. The taste and smells of red wine is also best enjoyed when there is more surface area to it that comes in contact with the air.

 There are different types of red wine glasses. The Bordeaux glass is the tall version with a smaller bowl which was designed for heavy wines such as Cabernets and Merlots. This is so that the wine can read the back of the mouth quickly for maximum taste. Burgundy glasses, on the other hand, are made for lighter wines such as Pinot Noir. The glass is shorter with a larger bowl which directs the wine to go towards the tip of the tongue so that a drinker will be able to taste the delicate flavors.

White Wine Glasses: These have bowls that are more U in shape and more upright than red wine glasses. This allows aroma to be released properly while keeping the wine at cooler temperatures.

 The variation of the glass depends on the age of the white wine. For younger ones, the opening is usually slightly larger to direct the wine toward the front of the tongue which is best to enjoy the sweet taste. For older ones, the opening is straighter and taller to direct towards the back, which is best for the bold flavors that it contains.

 

Martini Glasses

Image from HomeWetBar.com

Image from HomeWetBar.com

The purpose of the stem of a martini glass is the same as the wine glass – it avoids directing heat to the drink. Their difference, however, lies in the model of the part where the drink is actually contained – martini glasses are cone shaped, not round and bulbous. This is because the cone helps keep the ingredients from separating. It also assists multi-layered drinks, which have ingredients with specific gravities or relative density thereby retaining its layers. Another major difference is the opening, which is designed to somewhat freely allow the liquid’s aroma to diffuse.

Flute Glasses

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

As opposed to the previous two which possesses wide statures, flute glasses are on the opposite side of the spectrum. They’re also stemmed, but they are tall and thin. It was designed this way so that the narrowness can help protect the drink’s carbonation.

To aid this effort, there is often a bead etched into the bottom of the glass to give the bubbles a central point for nucleation. These are best used when serving champagne, champagne cocktails, or even sparkling wine.

Dessert wine glasses

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

Image from WineEnthusiast.com

They’re named after their very purpose – to hold dessert wine. This drink is often served in small portions, so it makes sense that the glass is equally petite as well. They’re stemmed and have small openings at the top. Dessert wine caters more to the taste than smell, hence the opening of the glass does not really need to accommodate the nose.

Grappa Glasses

This glass is meant to hold grappa in small amounts to help manage someone’s intake as too much will definitely result to intoxication.

Also, it is shaped in a unique way to push the aroma upwards, toward the drinker while keeping it at a good drinking temperature with its bulb-like spheres.

Key Takeaway

It may not seem like such a big deal, but using the proper glass for a certain drink shows professionalism and knowledge. Next time you find yourself having to decide which glass to use, refer to the quick guide above for a quick dose of advice.