CATERING

Heaton House Farm Wedding Event

Earlier this month we attended an evening wedding event at the fabulous Heaton House Farm.

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We teamed up with the fantastic Heaton House Events team and a host of fantastic suppliers to create a very special evening
for a select group of brides and grooms.

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We set up our fabulous new stand, and our team were on hand to answer questions and share advice.
The fantastic folk from FlashBak Party Photo Booth and The Live Piano Experience were also in attendance,
meaning guests were able to experience a whole array of of entertainment, within the superb surroundings of Heaton House Farm.

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Lucky guests were treated to a selection of our dishes, from elegant canapes and tasty bowl foods, to a full fillet of beef,
and an irresistible shin pie.

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As usual, nobody could resist sampling our selection of delicious desserts!

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Fantastic photographer James Jebson was in attendance to talk wedding photography and capture the event, many thanks to him for the brilliant shots.

A wonderful time was had by all and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening. A huge thank you to everyone who made it possible and to all who attended.

Please Vote for Us!

Well, it’s that time of year again – can you believe it? Yes, voting has opened for The Country Brides North West Wedding Awards!

We were so thrilled to be voted Best Outside Catering Company at last year’s awards ceremony.

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Since then, we have been working our socks off to continue to improve our service and impress our clients both
new and old, and we are really excited to have been nominated once again for 2014!

Northwest Nominated 2014

If you have used our services this year, or attended one of our events and enjoyed our food and service,
then please give us your feedback and cast your vote!

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We would be over the moon to win this recognition 2 years in a row, please help us to make it possible.

Click here to go to the voting page. Thanks everyone!

A Traditional Christmas Menu

Over Christmas we served up a whole host of fantastic dishes, for a variety of events.
We always enjoy experimenting with new ideas and special menus, but we also love to serve traditional cuisine.

One client wanted a very classical menu for their Christmas party. They asked, so we delivered, all of course,
with a little Vanilla in Allseasons twist!

Starters included Pate with toasted brioche and Clippys jam and a scrumptious bacon, black pudding and poached egg salad.

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salad

A turkey dinner with all the trimmings made up the main and we finished it all off with everyone’s favourite, a trio of desserts.
The trio included a trifle shot, profiteroles with Baileys mousse and of course, Christmas pudding!

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A fantastic time was had by all and we thoroughly enjoyed getting everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Event Food Trends 2014

Here at Vanilla in Allseasons, we are always looking ahead. Not only because we are passionate (marginally obsessed) about food,
but also so that we can be sure to offer our clients the latest food ideas and suggestions, should they need them.

Today we share our top event food trend predictions for 2014.

1. Colour

A trend that looks set to stick around this year is one of vibrant, pretty colours. Many people are choosing to move away from
classic white and neutral shades and are opting for a colour scheme that is bold and punchy.

A clever way to add colour to your event is with a stylish dessert table or edible place setting. Macarons are perfect for this!

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Via: belle the magazine

Late last year, we catered for the fabulous wedding of bridal gown queen, Charlotte Balbier. She chose a selection of
pretty macarons which added colour and a chic, classic feel to her event food.

Our friends at Mum’s Macarons
provided a vast selection of these delicate sweet treats in a variety of shades and flavours.

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Via: Mum’s Macarons

2. Best of British

As you may know, we love fresh and seasonal food and always try to source the very best ingredients from local suppliers.

With this in mind, we have been very pleased to see a rise in popularity for traditional British dishes. From miniature roast
beef and Yorkshire pud canapes, to tiny cones of fish and chips and full hearty English roasts.

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Our miniature roast beef & Yorkshire pud canapés with horseradish cream always go down a treat!

3. Quirky Themes

Although many people love to stick with classic, traditional style, we have seen a huge rise in themed weddings and events.
There are no rules and many of our clients are looking for unique ideas to theme their celebrations.

We love to work with our clients to create unusual and exciting menus that best represent them and their personal style.

You may wish to select a traditional menu from your home country, or from a place you visited on holiday.
Last year we created menus for an American party, a Caribbean theme and traditional west African food
to name but a few!

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Perhaps you want a particular theme for your event, such as a fun fair or circus theme. An era such as 70’s is ideal for an anniversary party.
It’s completely up to you!

Whatever you choose in 2014 – we can help. Please feel free to contact our team to discuss your ideas.

George & Seans Winter Wedding

On December 11th we catered for George and Sean’s Civil Partnership.
Heaton House Farm was dressed to festive perfection and guests enjoyed winter
Pimms and Christmas songs.

George and Sean’s adorable Spaniels joined them for the day and added to the fun
Christmas vibes with cute festive jumpers!

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We received this lovely thank you note…

“Hi Adam and Simon

Well what can I say apart from a MASSIVE thanks!!!!

Everyone was saying how stunning the food was, the size of the portions and
also the quality was outstanding!!

Your staff was truly amazing and we couldn’t fault anything, us two are hard
to please too. Once again THANK YOU!!!

Have a lovely christmas and we wish you all the best for the future

Cheers
George & Sean
Xx”

Thanks so much guys, we loved being a part of your special day.

Fantastic Feedback

You may remember a few weeks ago, we told you about a fabulous 40th birthday party.

We catered for the private party with a sumptuous and extravagant menu.

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This week, we were very pleased to receive some fantastic feedback…

“We are all well, and I had a fabulous party. It was truly special and I will remember it for a long time to come.

Vanilla were amazing. The food was outstanding. A lot of our friends regularly eat out and everyone commented on how much
they enjoyed the food and that it was like dining at a top-end restaurant. The service was seamless, not rushed and our
vegetarian said the food was the best ever. All their staff were brilliant; helpful, polite and willing to go the extra mile
all the time. I would highly recommend them and I would definitely use them again myself.

The table was also absolutely gorgeous (the pictures don’t do it justice)… everyone was taking pictures of it, and no-one
wanted to sit down! It looked so elegant yet sumptuous… it was exactly what I wanted. The flowers were the standout point
of the table… by Red Floral, who were recommended by Vanilla. I gave very little instruction to them, sent them some pictures
of my kitchen, and they surpassed all my expectations. Again, another company I would definitely use again.

I wouldn’t just consider Vanilla for last minute jobs, but for those looking for something very special. The fact I got to speak
to the chef was the key point for me; I knew he could deliver what I was wanting and we came up with the menu together. However,
we also have been to a big event where they catered, and that was excellent too.”

We are so pleased that we could be a part of making this fantastic birthday party extra special.

If you are thinking of hosting a private party or event, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.

A Lavish 40th Birthday Celebration!

Last week we catered for a fantastic 40th birthday dinner.

The table was dressed to perfection with the help of Red Floral Architecture, Pretty Sitting chair covers and Whitehouse Crockery.

The lighting was soft and intimate and the scene was set for a fabulous dinner!

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We served –

Canapés Selection –

Savoury ‘Jammie Dodgers’ – Parmesan biscuits filled with peppered cream cheese and red onion jam
Scallop with a pea purée and pancetta dust
Cured cod, with lemon grass and pickled mouli and Thai basil

These were served on slates and olive wood.

To follow, we served an extravagant and stylish dinner –

To Commence
Anglesey Lobster thermidor with langoustines and samphire

Fish Course
Pan fried sea bass with fresh soft garden herbs

Taster
Soup of roasted pumpkin and toasted seeds

Main course
Fillet of Cheshire beef with Oxtail pie with baby vegetables and parmentier potatoes

No birthday dinner would be complete without a selection of delicious sweet treats!

We served…

Trio of desserts
Cherry frangipane with Amaretto Anglaise
Chocolate mousse with honeycomb tiped ramekin
Lemon tart with a berry salad

Many thanks also to Heaton House Events and Lightech Sound & Light

A truly fabulous evening was had by all and we thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it!

Hearty Dishes at a Wonderful Winter Wedding

On Friday 8th November we catered for a fantastic wedding at Peover Golf Club

The cold and crisp November day called for warming, hearty food. Our lovely bride and groom, Edward and Emily,
asked us to keep their guests warm and happy with a selection of robust and tasty dishes.

We started with a selection of good sturdy Canapés, or ‘Manapés’ as we have termed them!
nothing too delicate or dainty here!…

Miniature Fish and Chips
Croute of sun dried tomato, caramelized red onion & mozzarella cheese
Peking duck pancakes with hoi sin sauce
Moroccan Lamb skewers with a hummus dip

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We followed with a hearty main…

Roast slipper of beef with Yorkshire pudding and a Merlot sauce accompanied by
Roasted potatoes with rosemary and thyme,
Panache of green seasonal vegetables and
Roasted root vegetables

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Steaming jugs of gravy were served to each table, no one wants to run out!
We also served fresh handmade artisan breads made by the fantastic folk at Bramhall Bakery.

For dessert, we offered up a ‘his and hers’ option.
For the ladies – Raspberry crème brulee with a citrus shortbread
and for the gents -Sticky toffee apple pudding with toffee sauce and warm custard.

Yesterday, we received this lovely thank you note…

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“Just wanted to thank you and your staff for looking after us so wonderfully
well yesterday evening at Edward and Emily’s Wedding celebration. The food
was absolutely delicious and our guests were extremely happy! As for the
canapés- well, what can I say? Next time perhaps it will just be all about
those!

With all the planning involved and the hope that all goes right at the end
of the day, it is wonderful to have the confidence in knowing that Vanilla
will always come up trumps, no matter what is going on behind the scenes! We
can never sing your praises enough.

Thank you again on behalf of our guests and ourselves. A wonderful memory.

With best wishes to you and your staff”

We thoroughly enjoyed this event and it was fantastic to be part of such a special day.

Gunpowder, Treason and… Food!

This week we catered for a fantastic bonfire party!

The cold Autumn night was filled with colour as our party host laid on a amazing fireworks display for 200 guests.

After all the excitement, those guests needed some hearty, warming food!

pumpkin soup

We served –

Spiced Pumpkin Soup
Sausage Canapes
Braised Lamb with Sweet Red Cabbage
Brown Mushroom Risotto

The savouries went down a treat and everyone was well and truly stuffed! Or so it seemed…
they all seemed to be able to make room for some of our traditional homemade parkin!

parkin

The party was a huge success. But it wasn’t just for fun.
Hosts Martin and Pat McMillan hosted this very special party
to raise money for an amazing cause – The East Cheshire Hospice

So far, they have managed to raise £2,155.00 from the event. A fantastic achievement!

A wonderful time was had by all and we thoroughly enjoyed catering for the very special event.

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Caramel Apples – With a Twist!

Are you planning a bonfire party this week? What will you be serving to your guests?

Whether you you are hosting a large event or watching the fireworks through the window with your family,
some hearty Autumn food is an absolute must!

This fantastic recipe caught our eye – Sweet and Salty Bourbon Cinnamon Pecan Caramel Apples + Chocolate Drizzle.
Sounds rather good doesn’t it?

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We found the recipe on Half Baked Harvest, a brilliant foodie blog. You can get the recipe right here.

This is an American recipe, so uses U.S measurements. You can find a handy conversion chart here.

We are serving up some scrumptious treats at a fantastic bonfire party this week. Check back on the blog to find out what we served!

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