We received a call the other day with someone asking who is NYC’s Best Caterer….. for Sprouts? I said I’m sorry – you’re looking for an NYC based Catering Company that specializes in Sprouts? He said yes but not any company it has to be NYC’s Best Caterer ……..for Sprouts. I honestly thought it was a joke. It wasn’t. He had been put on a mission to help cater his high profile bosses birthday party – and the boss was a vegetarian who loved Sprouts. With confidence I said I am not sure I can guarantee you we are NYC’s Best Caterer….for Sprouts. He asked do I know who would be? I said no – who specializes in Sprouts? I ensured him we could help with this party and create a great menu that did indeed include the almighty Brussel Sprout. I thought of how we often pan char them with crispy Pancetta, and candied Walnuts with a little Himalayan Sea Salt thrown in. He didn’t feel we were NYC’s Best Caterer for this item (he kept stressing the best part) – thanked me for my time and moved on.
I told multiple people about the call – as it was unique, if not a bit absurd. But what I really thought about was how many people do hire us as their NYC Caterer and often give us the line when creating the menu “But We Need Something for the Vegetarians.” They are scared about the vegetarians and vegans being left out – which is nice when they take it into consideration (as many don’t) but the overwhelming thought is always ----so lets order some Crudité. In the early years of the company, while we were becoming known for our Small Bites and Cocktail Hour Style Catering – I wouldn’t argue with the client. We’d be creative about it. A Crudité Pin Wheel, a Crudité Mason Jar, not just a plate of carrots and celery. And at the end of every party - we’d throw away around 98 percent of this healthy food that the client deemed was needed.
Being an NYC Caterer – I’ve come to learn when people are at a party and having a great time they really don’t want plain vegetables. It’s a time where in the midst of the crazy world we live in – they can let loose, have a drink and nibble on something they usually wouldn’t have the opportunity to. I think we have one of the best collections of Sliders in NYC. Our Moo x 2 (Burger with Braised Short Rib) and our Oink and Moo (Burger with Pulled Pork) became instant staples at our parties. So I often tell the customers – crudité isn’t popular. Why not go with a slider. An assortment of sliders. We’ve taken Vegetarians and Vegans into great consideration – and our Fried Green Tomato Slider has become a hit. And not just for those with dietary restrictions – really for everyone. Because we know there are a lot of NYC Catering Companies to choose from, we’re always trying to be inventive, inclusive, and innovative.
NYC’s best caterer for Sprouts? Probably not. I’m sure someone is. Same way when people call for a seated Wedding Dinner. That’s not us. We’re not the best – in fact we don’t even offer it. But we recommend NYC catering companies that do. Point being – just because you wouldn’t eat a beef slider doesn’t mean all you want is carrots and celery with the cherished ranch dipping sauce. Vegetarians have palettes that want to be entertained and wowed just like everyone else.
What do you think about Catering for Vegetarians and Vegans? We’d love to hear your thoughts!