ME

I am first and foremost both a food snob and an avid foodie. My hobby is to go to as many new restaurants as I can to sample what chefs are offering in and around Southern and Northern California.

A former television producer, for the past 10 years I have had the opportunity and privilege to follow my passion and transition from network entertainment to food entertainment.

I have coordinated all kinds of events — from high end formal sit down dinners for celebrities, to intimate dinner parties, to weddings, fundraisers, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to corporate and private holiday parties. Anything that pertains to the food portion of the event, from menu consults, negotiating food-only costs, rental coordination to staff hiring to timelines and walk throughs, I am your point of contact.

As your Catering Concierge, I act much like a casting director in that I match your event to the appropriate Catering Company and Chef. I listen to what you say you need and want in the way of food, presentation, style and budget and then offer you suggestions as to who might best fulfill your needs. There is no charge for my service.

THEM

The Catering companies I represent are diverse in menu and food offerings but share the same focus and passion about quality of ingredients, creative presentation and superb service. All their menus are a collaboration between the Client (You) and the Chef from which creative eating experiences emerge.

They use the freshest sustainably sourced meats, fish, herbs, heirloom vegetables, grains and artisanal cheeses from Local Farmers Markets. They pay as much attention to the quality of their breads and pastries as they do to their savory items and they prepare them employing the most appropriate culinary treatments and techniques gathered from kitchens around the world.

From Asian and Pan Asian, to exciting World Comfort cuisines and California Style food, with roots in the Slow Food Movement, to Italian to Vegetarian and Vegan and Pan Mediterranean, the catering companies I can offer you each have a unique and large repertoire of flavors and are able to work with most budgets.

YOU

If you are a past client, then you will experience the same service and attention to detail that you have come to expect over the past 10 years because I will be your sole point of contact for each of the catering companies I represent.

If you are a new client, get ready for exceptional service and coordination for all aspects of your catered event.

US

Together we will discuss in depth the kind of food you would like and the budget you are contemplating. I will work with you to create realistic timelines. If you would like suggestions for outside vendors offering flowers, music entertainment, event planning, style and/or design  I am happy to offer you my Rolodex.

Together we will find the appropriate match up of food and service and create the perfect event.

Elayne Sawaya, Catering Concierge