Esprit Events Kosher Catering NYC: 5 Star Reviews!

Esprit Events & Village Crown are no strangers to a good review! We love hearing back from our clients and their guests! Esprit prides itself in excellent customer service, event planning and expertise in all things kosher catering. Still not sure about who to work with on your next event? Check out these rave reviews from our happy customers: 

Mazel Moments

Yelp - Esprit

Yelp - Village Crown

The Knot

Wedding Wire

Gathering Guide

BizBash Feature

Great Kosher Weddings

Didn't get enough reviews? Try Esprit & Village Crown and send us your review!

e: info@espritevents.com  

p: 212.207.3888

KOSHER THANKSGIVING DELIVERY NYC

Need Thanksgiving delivered ON Thanksgiving? Don't wait on those crazy lines at the grocery store. Send in your selections to info@villagecrown.com or call us 212-207-3888 and have hot and ready Thanksgiving dinner at your doorstep this Thursday November 27th. Check out our delicious takeout menu:

Village Crown Catering Bat Mitzvahs & Bar Mitzvahs

It's Bar & Bat Mitzvah Season! Let us help you decide the perfect catering option for your kid's big day! Not only do we have our upscale division Esprit Events, we have our casual division Village Crown which gives you a wide range of options and menus to fit your vision. Village Crown buffet options include upscale platters and display, staffing and  everyone's favorite tasty finger foods! 

3 Rules for Finding the Perfect Kosher Caterer

It's hard to find the perfect match, especially when it comes to your caterer. We understand the aches and pains of making your vision become a reality for your special day. Here are some quick guidelines for you to tell if you have found the one: 

1. Responsiveness: Your caterer should be easy to reach and quick to respond. Timing is everything and you should feel secure that your team is on top of it. 
2. Personal Touch: You don't want to work with a robot, your catering specialist should be just as invested in your event as you are. Working with someone who understands you on a personal level and has taken the time to get to know your event makes the process much less stressful (and more fun!)
3. Style: Everyone has a style they want to convey to their guests, whether it's modern, classic, trendy or a mix! Each caterer has their own style as well and you want to make sure they are the  best representation of your taste. Make sure your team is the most experienced at presenting your vision and really wow your guests!

ROSH HASHANAH & SUKKOT PACKAGES

                                              

It's time to host a delicious dinner party to celebrate the holidays! Feeding up to 10 people may seem like a tough task but with our all-in-one package you will receive your selection of 4 mouth-watering courses ready to serve. The best part is that it's all for under $300! Village Crown is happy to present a menu more cost effective than a restaurant and delivered right to your door. Check out a delicious sample menu taken from just a few of our amazing options: 

Salads 

Trio of Hummus, Roasted Eggplant and Spicy Cumin Carrots 

Appetizers 

Salmon with Red Peppers & Tomatoes 

Entrees 

Beef Bourguignon with a Vegetable Medley in a Red Wine Reduction 

Sides 

Carrot & Raisin Cinnamon Tzimmes 

Mujadara of Rice with Lentils and Caramelized Onions 

Desserts 

Flaky Apple Strudel 

Delicious, Healthy & Gluten Free

Gluten Free Options are nothing new for Village Crown! We offer so many delectable options it's hard to choose which meal to go with. Check out this list of some popular dropoff items for our gluten free guests:

Black & White Quinoa

Grilled Chicken Salad

Summer Veggie Rolls

Grilled Salmon Filet

Curry Chicken Salad

Stuffed Peppers 

Make the whole meal gluten free or have it packaged individually for each guest!

The Perfect Pairing for Passing!

What better way to liven up the party than decadent passed hors d'oeuvres paired with a tasty beverage. Especially during the summer when it's warm and your guests are thirsty. Avoid crowding at the bar and pass around a memorable mini beverage to go with your delicious appetizers.

We're absolutely loving this trend, especially the tiny patron bottles with tiny straws! Whether it's mini sliders and beer sips or tiny tacos and micro margaritas, everyone will be interacting, smiling and of course toasting to you! Cheers!

Don't Forget the Bar!

Time to get creative this summer with exciting outdoor wedding ideas! As much as you want your guests to keep from decimating your open bar, you still want them to be amazed while they do it! 

 
We love these rustic and classic looking wood bar ideas for your summer time celebration.Whether you're going vintage, cozy, upscale or unique, make your outdoor bar warm, inviting and interactive. Guests will be clinking their champagne glasses and toasting to an awe inspiring and memorable event! 

Ask our expert catering planners about your open bar package today!

GOAT CHEESE SALAD CROUTONS

Recipe

Goat Cheese Salad Croutons

Go beyond just sprinkling the cheese on your salad and turn it into a cheesy crouton. I like the combo of goat cheese and Gouda because it holds together better. Each crouton adds about 150 calories to your salad, but with a little dressing and lots of veggies, you won’t need much else.

Times

• Prep Time : 15 min
• Cook Time : 8 min
• Ready Time : 23 min

Servings

8 croutons

Ingredients

• 4 ounces Natural & Kosher Gouda, coarsely grated
• 4 ounces Natural & Kosher herbed goat cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon potato starch
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup matzah meal/Passover crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse or sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Mash together cheeses in a bowl, mixing until combined.  Form the mixture into eight balls, then flatten each slightly into thick patties.
2. Arrange three small dishes for dredging stations: Place the potato starch in the first one, beat the egg lightly in the second, and mix the matzah meal and salt in the last one.
3. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry each patty until golden and crispy, about two minutes per side. It is a little messy; sometimes two forks are better than a spatula.
4. Once browned, remove to a paper towel and then immediately top your salad of choice.  Sprinkle the whole thing with freshly ground black pepper.

See original recipe HERE

Refreshing Tea for Summer

While summer begins in NYC, the sun is out and ready to be enjoyed. One of the best things to enjoy during the hot humid summers are refreshing drinks to keep you hydrated and cool.

Orange ice tea is a popular way to bring the tropical taste of Caribbean right to your backyard. All you need is a basic lemon tea and add oranges for a tangy twist of a refreshing ice tea treat.

Mother's Day Madness

What are some of your favorite Mother's Day treats? Village Crown loves making these yummy chocolate strawberries, fresh fruit slices and mini cupcakes! 

Favorite Kosher Recipe: Pumpkin Empanadas with Mint Dipping Sauce

Tired of the same old thing? Try something fun and delicious like pumpkin empanadas!! Pumpkin isn't just a fall flavor, use this tasty treat with mint dipping sauce to surprise your guests:

Makes 20

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 ½ cups pure pumpkin
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup currants or raisins, softened 10 minutes in hot water to cover
Store bought pie dough or homemade pie dough
1 large egg, slightly beaten
Cilantro Mint Dipping Sauce (below) or other chutney

Preheat oven to 375°. Rub a rimmed baking sheet with 1 tbsp. oil. Spread pumpkin on sheet and roast, uncovered, turning once, till tender when pierced, 30 minutes. 

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp. oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in spices and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 

Transfer onion to a medium mixing bowl. Drain currants and stir into bowl. Add warm pumpkin and mix well, mashing with back of a spoon to create a slightly chunky mixture. 

Working with one pie-dough disk at a time, roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 1/8-in.-thick round. Using a 4-in. ring cutter, cut out 20 circles, rerolling scraps.

Mix 1 tablespoon water into egg and brush onto dough rounds. Spoon 1 tablespoon pumpkin mixture into center of each round, fold over, and seal edges with tines of a fork. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. 

Arrange empanadas on sheets, spaced slightly apart.
Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with chutney.

Make ahead: Follow recipe through step 5. Freeze in an airtight container. Then bake from frozen, 25 to 30 minutes at 375°.

Cilantro Mint Dipping Sauce

1 jalapeno chile, stemmed
2 cups cilantro leaves
12 large fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a food processor, pulse jalapeno, cilantro, and mint until reduced in volume by half. Add 2 tbsp. water, the oil, lemon juice, and salt. Whirl until smooth, adding 1 more tbsp. water if needed.

Recipe from: http://www.gourmetkoshercooking.com/2014/03/pumpkin-empanadas-with-mint-dipping-sauce/ 

Garden Party Time

Spring is in the air and that means it's time to have a garden party! Seek out your nearest park, backyard, rooftop and more for this summers grand opening act! Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

1) Get a garden! It doesn't have to be upscale, it just has to be outside! Find a quiet spot in the park or a scenic rooftop corner to get the right atmosphere going for your guests.

2) Decor Galore! Spring means flowers, sunshine and vibrant colors. Create your own homemade centerpieces out of spring flowers or make your table setting out of grass! Be creative.

 

3) Spring Snacks! It's all about the light finger foods to go along with your fresh squeezed juice cocktails. Try a delicious platter of vegan garden sushi or some cocktail finger sandwiches to go with your iced tea. 

   

4) Enjoy! Toast to your friends and family or support a cause. Spring garden parties are the best excuse to dress up and soak in the sun. Ask us for recommendations @ 212 207 3888.

Favorite Kosher Recipe: Potato Kugel Crunch Cups

Recipe

Potato Kugel Cups

The best part about them is that every piece is a crusty corner piece, so nobody has to fight over that coveted crunch.

Times

• Prep Time : 15 min min
• Cook Time : 1 hour
• Ready Time : 1 hour, 15 min

Servings

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 3 whole eggs
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 6 large Idaho potatoes
• 1 large onion, quartered

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Liberally oil six (6-ounce) Pyrex glass dessert dishes or custard cups. Place custard cups in a 9 x 13-inch disposable pan.
3. Place the pan of cups in the oven to heat.
4. Place eggs in a small bowl and beat. Add salt and pepper, mix well and set aside.
5. Fill a large bowl with cold water and, as you peel potatoes, place them in the cold water to prevent browning.
6. Heat remainder of oil in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat.
7. Cut potatoes lengthwise into halves or quarters so they fit into food processor feed tube. Process potatoes and onions using the blade that creates thin, shoestring-like strips.
8. Transfer potatoes and onions to a large bowl, add egg mixture and heated oil from stovetop, mix very well. Remove any large pieces of potatoes or onions that weren’t processed properly.
9. Remove heated cups from the oven and spoon potato mixture evenly into hot, oiled cups.
10. Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour, or until the tops look crunchy and sides look golden and browned. Loosen edges with a knife, unmold and serve on a platter.

Tips

To make this as a potato kugel pie, bake in a 9-inch round glass baking dish for about 1 hour or longer, depending on desired crunchiness.

View original recipe here: JoyofKosher

Post-Purim Healthy Snack Ideas

We know you had a fun weekend but now it's time to get back on track! Try these delicious snacks before or after your next meal to give your stomach a break from all that hamentaschen:

1) An Apple & Skim Milk
This duo will give you 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber for just over 200 calories

2) Cottage Cheese-Filled Avocado
For 200 calories, you'll get 9 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber

3)Canned Tuna on Whole Wheat Crackers
For about 200 calories, you can enjoy 3 ounces of light tuna and 6 whole-wheat crackers—complete with 3 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein

4) Sunflower Lentil Spread with Pita Bread
This savory recipe makes four 180-calorie servings, with 10 grams each of protein and fiber.

5) Warm Pear with Cinnamon Ricotta 
Each serving contains 8 g protein, 5 g fiber, and 170 calories. 


Check out more delicious, healthy snack ideas at health.com

Drink of the Day: St. Patty's Punch

Done partying but still want to be festive today? Try this yummy non-alcoholic green punch! 

St. Patrick’s Day Drink Ideas Non-Alcoholic St. Patty’s Punch

- 1 container of Lime Sherbet

- 1 can of pineapple juice

- 2 liter of Ginger Ale

How to Order Catering in 5 Easy Steps

Village Crown knows how hard it is to plan the perfect event. You don't have to do it alone, here are some important tips to help you when you're ordering:

1) What is your event? We know that seems like an obvious question but it's important for your caterer to know what type of event you are having. You may need more (or less) food then you planned depending on the time of day and style of event. This can prevent late guests from finding empty platters on their arrival or having a fridge packed with leftovers.

2) What time is your event? Don't forget it may take time to set up the food, especially if it's hot. Always take into account extra time to get ready so you won't have to rush when the guests start to arrive. If your building has strict security or a separate freight entrance that your delivery guy doesn't know about, your food could be delayed. Be sure to make a detailed note for your caterers so you won't be surprised.

3) What's your menu? Will you be snacking on hors d'oeuvres platters, filling up on a hearty meal or a mix of both? Know the flow of your event so your caterer can make helpful suggestions to ensure your guests don't fill up on heavy apps or overeat the main course. Splitting two meat entrees can be tricky since most guests will want to try both. This could leave some guests hungry in the end, make sure you plan accordingly.

4) What else do you need besides food? Catering is much more than just delivery. Do you need plates? Forks? Cups? What about beverages or a custom cake? Make a list from start to finish of what you will use for your event so that nothing is left out. If you are ordering beverages you might need an ice bucket. If you want your food to stay hot you may need chaffers and sternos. Let your caterer know how you plan to serve your food once you receive it so you aren't left with the wrong temperature item.

5) What is your budget? Catering can get expensive. If you have a tight budget for your corporate event we understand that your options may seem limited. Don't fret, we can help you choose the right items such as a heavier appetizer that will fill up your guests faster or a package deal that includes all the food you will need in one set price. On the other hand if you are catering to impress, be sure to ask about china dishware options. The extra charge is worth it in the end if you are entertaining important guests. A nice display goes a long way.

The more details you provide in your inquiry, the more we can help you! Let's work together to make this a memorable event.

Purim Party Inspiration!

Purim is just around the corner and we couldn't be more excited! Check out some of these fun festive ideas for your party:

Deliciously Decorated Masquerade Cookies!

Take Cake to the Next Level!

Keep it Classy with Hamantaschen Sushi!

Don't Forget to Add a Fun, Colorful Centerpiece!

OR Do it Big with an Entirely Purim Themed Table: 

 Share with us your favorite Purim food and decor! And of course: enjoy & celebrate!

Favorite Kosher Recipe of the Day: Cauliflower Popcorn

Let's get creative in the kitchen! Everyone loves popcorn but not necessarily all of the calories. Cauliflower is an amazing substitute and so delicious. Try this easy & quick kosher recipe at home that everyone can enjoy:

Times

• Prep Time : 15 min
• Cook Time : 35 min
• Ready Time : 50 min

Servings

4-6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup matzo meal
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 small scallions, minced
• 1 head cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 375˚F.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a medium bowl mix the matzo meal with the garlic powder, salt, lemon juice, basil, pepper, and scallions.

Cut the cauliflower florets into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl. Discard the hard center of the cauliflower.

Add the oil to the bowl. Toss to coat the florets.

Lightly beat the eggs in a small mixing bowl. Add the eggs to the cauliflower and toss to coat. Add the flavored matzo meal. Shake to coat the cauliflower.

Place the cauliflower onto the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer. Place the cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 35 minutes, until golden.

Recipe from: http://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/crispy-cauliflower/

Keep Calm and Shabbat Shalom!

 

Village Crown knows dinner can be quite a process and especially when it comes to Shabbat! Let us do the work for you so you can focus on more important things like your family and friends. Our delicious prix fixe menu has something for everyone. 

Village Crown Shabbat Menu 

$28 per person includes:

2 Appetizers

1 Entree

2 Sides

Dessert

SAMPLE SEPHARDIC-INFLUENCED MENU

Appetizers

Braised Tilapia Filet 

With baby potatoes, parsley, lemon & turmeric

Flaky Pastry Borekas 

with spinach, mushroom and potato

Entree with Accompaniments 

Chicken with Dried Plums & Almonds

Chicken on the bone simmered with dried plums and garnished with almonds

Spinach and Mushroom Pashtida (Moroccan Quiche)

Fried Sephardic Cauliflower with Cumin & Turmeric

Sweet Endings

Medley of Baklava, Mediterranean Cookies & Date Roulade

Ask us about our other Shabbat menus and special Synagogue menus info@villagecrown.com

Favorite Kosher Recipe of the Day: Cholent

Cholent

Cholent is a culinary delight enjoyed by Jews of all backgrounds on Shabbat afternoon. In Ashkenazi circles it is called "Cholent," while Sephardic Jews refer to this dish as "Chameen" ("the hot dish").

This stewed dish is served hot on Shabbat afternoon, and since it is forbidden to cook or warm up food on Shabbat, the cholent sits on the stove-top (or in a crock pot) from before sundown Friday evening.

The ingredients of this dish vary depending on your ancestry. The Ashkenazi cholent normally consists of beans, barley, potatoes and meat. (There are those who specialize in making a delicious vegetarian cholent). The Mid-Eastern variety is much spicier and often contains rice, chickpeas, and sometimes dumplings. (Chabad.org: http://bit.ly/MzSU2O)

Time: 12 to 15 hours

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

1 medium onion, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

1/2 to 1 pound boneless beef short ribs, cut in 1 1/2-inch chunks

Pepper, to taste

3/4 cup pearl barley

1/3 cup dried kidney beans,

1/3 cup dried navy beans

1/3 cup dried cranberry beans

3 cups chicken or beef broth

2 tablespoons honey or molasses

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

Salt to taste.

1. Line the bottom of a slow cooker with the potatoes, the onion and then the short ribs, sprinkling the meat with pepper to taste.

2. Scatter the barley and the beans on top, then pour on the broth and the honey or molasses. Sprinkle with the paprika and salt to taste. Add enough water to cover all the ingredients. Cook on low for 12 to 15 hours, stirring occasionally (except during Shabbat, for those who observe it), adding more water if necessary. The longer the cholent cooks, the better it will be.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

Recipe from NYTimes.com: http://nyti.ms/1fgIjVd

Entertaining Made Easy

Having guests over and not sure what to feed them? Entertaining is easy with an assortment of delicious kosher platters from Village Crown! We cater every style of event from an intimate gathering to a large scale event and everything in between. Check out some some of our popular picks to get you inspired:

Meet & Greet
Cheese and Crackers, Vegetable Crudite, and Flaky Pastry Borekas make it easy for everyone to pick something to snack on.

Light Lunch
Need more filling snacks? Try Cilantro and Mint Salmon Croquettes, assorted Pinwheel Wraps and a tasty Mediterranean Salad.

Celebration
Get the conversation started with some soft summer rolls mixed with our famous sushi and garden sushi platters!

Tell us about your event at info@villagecrown.com