Village Crown goes Abroad: Unforgettable Food from Israel!

By Maxime Keyson

I have just returned from the beautiful country of Israel where I was traveling for the past 2 weeks and am delighted to share some exciting experiences from abroad! Here are some of my favorite food moments from across the Mediterranean Sea (and can be found here at Esprit too!):

No wonder everyone loves the Esprit Candy Station! Israel is covered with amazing mouth-watering candy stands! Dive in and load up your bag for only a few Sheckels! 

This amazing Dim Sum stand at the Carmel Market! You can try any dumpling from chicken and beef to sweet potato & spinach and even goose liver!

You can smell the spices wafting around the streets from these amazing spice stands! 

This local Hot Cider stand in the mountainous village of Tzfat - delicious! 

And of course Shwarma! Everywhere you go you can count on a freshly baked pita stuffed with juicy meats and veggies slathered in hummus and tzatziki! Yum!

Finding the Perfect Caterer: Step 1

By Mallory Cohen

Trying to find a caterer for your event can be a frustrating stressful experience.  But if you find the right person then they should do the opposite, taking away your stress, and leaving you excited about the possibilities.  The first step to finding someone who will do this for you is a simple phone call.  While on your call here are some questions to think about to help you determine whether you want to work with this company.  

• Do the answers you get match the answers you hoped for?
• Does the person on the other end sound excited to work with you? 
• If you tell them that you’re getting married do they congratulate you?  Do they ask your fiancé’s name?
• If you already know do they ask for details?  Do they try to see exactly what your vision is?
• Do they sound willing to make your vision come true?
• If you don’t really know what you’re doing do they seem like they’ll be able to work with you to help you figure out what you want?
• Are they able to answer your questions?
• Have they worked before in the venues you are looking at?
• How is their pricing?  Would they be able to work with your budget?
• Do they get back to you in a timely manner?
• Do they treat you as a person or as a job?

                After figuring out the answers to all these questions, and finding the person who best fits what you want, you are then ready to proceed into a stress free event of your dreams. 

Wedding Dessert Favorites!

Wedding Dessert Favorites!
By Mallory Cohen

If you’re like me the best part of any meal is always dessert.  For a wedding in the past this has always meant wedding cake.  However, recently people tend to be steering towards mini passed desserts either in addition to or completely replacing wedding cake.  There are many different options that go along with this, some popular, with others a bit more unique.

                One of the more popular options is macaroons.  These come is a huge assortment of colors and flavors.  Because of this and their simple shape there are many different things you can do with them.  You can arrange then is a tier, as shown below, which is a very good option if you want to use them to replace a wedding cake.  You can also use specific colors to fit the theme of your wedding.

              

Another popular option is mini cupcakes.  These bite sized cupcakes lead to no guilt because they are so small. There are adorable with so many flavor and frosting options so no one will be disappointed. Many weddings will also have a wide variety of the mini desserts for their guests to choose from.  Below is a picture from an Esprit Events tasting that took place today.  On the platter you will see things like jello push pops, cake balls, mini mousse cups, fruit, and tarts.  With so many different choices the only downfall is people ending up too stuffed to be able to try them all.

                

LEARN YOUR LINENS

Learn Your Linens

            By Mallory Cohen              

 While the size of your table linens may not be at the top of the list of the things you think about when planning your party or wedding, it is a necessary part of your preparations.  The linens add to the entire look of the room, and you want to make sure you choose the right ones.

                Most banquet tables at weddings are 72” round.  This should sit 12 people.  The linens needed for this table are 132” round.  As always you can go for a plain white tablecloth which is a classic.  You could also go with a plain linen in your color scheme to tie the room together.  If you want to add an extra touch you can go for a pretty, simple design.  .

                You will also need to get linens for your buffet and cocktail tables.  A buffet table is normally a six foot or eight foot long rectangular shape.  This requires a linen length of 90”x132”.  

A cocktail table will be 30” round.  The linen required for this is 90” round.  Once again with each of these you can either go for white, or another color that fits your theme.

          

Need a colorful theme for your next party?

Top three reasons to have a color themed party:

By Mallory Cohen

1)    Everybody loves themed parties.  But if there’s no specific holiday, and people want to stay classy rather than dressing in silly costumes colored themes are the way to go.

2)    They force you to be more creative.  Instead of just doing what you always do, you get to change things up by trying to find food/drinks/decorations that fit your color theme.

3)     It looks good it pictures. (nuff said)

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

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!

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!

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! 

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.

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

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!