When we applied for the Minneapolis-St. Paul ISES Chapter’s 2015 STAR Awards we knew we had some pretty strong entries from some incredible events we catered in 2014, but we did not anticipate stealing the spotlight as we won award after award. Our involvement in the Muskie to Monet zone of the Meetings Professionals International (MPI) World Congress Event was pivotal for the event’s quality and success. For our use of innovative and enticing displays, locally sourced ingredients, creativity, and hard work we were awarded the prestigious STAR Award not once, but five times! Our work at the “From Muskie to Monet” event was named the best in catering in five categories: Best Menu Innovation, Best Creative Solution, Best Specialty Item, Best Off-Premise Catered Event, and Best ISES Team Effort!
Our client, MPI, took attendees on a journey of discovery during their annual World Education Congress (WEC). Guests enjoyed entertainment including a fashion show, live music, and more, featuring many elements of the City By Nature. Urban and natural scenes came to life with cuisine crafted by top Minneapolis caterers and restaurants combined with art-inspired decor. CRAVE Catering represented a blend of city and nature, “From Muskie to Monet”, highlighting the lakes, river and falls found in Minnesota mixed with art influences such as museums, theaters and artists. Local performance group Buckets and Tap Shoes energized the space while guests mingled and nibbled on uniquely Minnesota fare like our walleye cakes.
From presentation to impeccable cuisine, our Executive Chef’s culinary vision was so far unseen in Minneapolis. Chef created a Minnesota-inspired menu for the event. A large canoe held a spread of local bites, all carefully arranged amongst the Land of 10,000 Lakes display. Guests scooped up savory jam, compote, and pate with small pieces of flatbread. Next, a 5 foot towering ice sculpture chilled our gazpacho shooters, each carefully garnished with an edible pansy. Guests sipped on the work of art while nibbling on a local corn and tomato salad.
Our magnificent custom-built picture frame collage was garnished with fish hook hanging charcuterie skewers and chocolate dipped bacon hanging skewers. We added an impressive 75-pound stone bust to our display of hanging charcuterie to bring the Muskie to Monet theme to life.
With a look of intrigue and camera phones in hand, guests mingled, sampled, and praised the presentation and flavors. Are you hosting an upcoming event and only want the best? We’d love to work with you to make your vision come to life! From custom menu design to creative displays, find out how we can make your next event unforgettable.