Catering has the luxury of being able to that can accommodate up to 200 seated
draw on the experience of some very tal- guests or 250 people for a cocktail recep-
ented and celebrated chefs. For this tion. The room can be divided with a
year’s event, each chef designed a soundproof barrier that allows inde-
course, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert. pendent functions for up to 80 people
The main course, created by our execu- each. The banquet room also boasts a
tive chef, Louis Chabot, with Jean Marie fully integrated audio-visual system,
Lacroix, was boneless beef short ribs including drop-down screens and pro-
with apple cider molasses and maple jectors.
syrup.”
The Comcast Center’s luxurious first
Bickley said groups are looking for deli- floor common space, The Winter Garden,
cious food that can be produced for a can be reserved for private events for up
great price. With wedding clients, she to 350-seated guests or up to 500 for a
sees a shift away from traditional sit- cocktail party. During the warmer
down, formal service to grazing stations months, its capacity can be nearly dou-
and passed small plates with non-tradi- bled with the use of the al fresco café
tional floor plans and casual reception- and patio.
style seating.
Dominick Savino, CPCE, general manag-
At Table 31 by Chris Scarduzio, located in er and CEO of Drexelbrook Catering and
the Comcast Center in downtown Corporate Events Center in Drexel Hill,
Philadelphia, the restaurant’s most popu- PA, said he finds that no group or corpo-
lar items are its three-course, prix-fixed rate client wants to appear as if they are
menus that range from $40 to a Chef’s going “over the top” with their events,
tasting of $100 per person. especially for things like holiday func-
tions. Simple foods and menus done
“Our banquet room has a view which is well seem to be the most attractive, with
rare in the city of Philadelphia,” said the price tag being a definite concern.
Brittany Burkeitt, director of special
events for Table 31. “The second floor “Comfort foods, such as hearty soups,
lounge atmosphere is perfect for happy stews and old fashioned desserts pre-
hours and events that don’t need speak- sented with a modern spin are popular...
ers or presenters. Our small, private din- Also, all food service providers need to
ing room can serve as a boardroom or be very aware of gluten-free and vegetar-
an intimate party space.” ian options,” said Savino, who hosts func-
tions at Drexelbrook Corporate Events
Corporate companies, including Center as well as at residences in
Comcast, Ballard Spahr and GSK, make Delaware and Chester counties.
up the bulk of business for events held
here. These groups find comfort in When it comes to expectations for their
knowing they can entertain their high- events, Savino said most groups expect a
end clients in a venue, which not only is very high level of service from the first
beautiful, but also has great service and call through follow-up, along with a
can work within almost any budget. beautiful atmosphere and great food
Burkeitt said Table 31 recently started and beverage.
booking more social events and would
like to continue to do so. “Today’s food service professionals need
to ‘exceed expectations’ in order to gain
“Most of our groups look for a space to loyalty from clients,” he said. “We always
accommodate simple, but detailed try to give a ‘surprise’ add-on, special hors
needs, such as special dietary restric- d’oeuvres, lighting, upgraded bar item,
tions, flowers, entertainment and audio- espresso bar, etc.”
visual equipment,” said Burkeitt. “The
planners want to make one phone call According to Megan Eberz, banquet
and speak to one person. At Table 31, I’m director for The Moshulu and White Dog
able to work with each guest individual- Café, more and more corporate groups
ly to meet all their special requests and are hosting “sophisticated cocktail recep-
design events that work for them.” tions,” which tend to be more casual, fun,
interactive - and, sometimes, even more
Table 31’s private dining room ensures economical.
an intimate dining experience and state-
of-the-art audio-visual capabilities in a “I feel the international science market
setting for up to 14 guests. The entire coming into the city for conventions was
third floor of the restaurant consists of a a big surge in 2009,” said Eberz, who said
sleek, yet spacious special events hall events are held in any one of the private
24 January a79 February 2010
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68