A Catered Affair - Last Minute Dinner Party

Seared Cod with Pomegranate Salsa and Roasted Tomato Lentils

One of the biggest sacrifices that I've made since starting my new career is my free time and the realization that at a moment's notice, something can come up and I may have to drop everything to be there. As much as this can be a little annoying, it's also kind of exciting too. I love that fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants feeling and the adrenaline rush, not to mention that elevated sense of satisfaction that comes along with pulling something off on the fly - it's quite an incredible feeling. 

Gougeres

On Monday evening around 9 PM, I received a call from a woman who was hoping to get a last minute dinner party catered on Wednesday evening. She requested that it be a formal three course sit-down dinner. She also requested gougeres to snack on while their guest arrived. We also threw in an extra appetizer as well to help them get their evening started. The agreed upon menu for the evening was:

Gougeres

Spiced Fig and Port Jam Crostini with Prosciutto and Balsamic Reduction

Sweet Potato Bisque with Crisped  Pancetta and Fried Sage Leaves

Seared Cod with Clementine-Pomegranate Salsa and Roasted Tomato Lentils

Shaved Fennel Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette 

Mulled Wine Poached Pears with a Homemade Pistachio Cookie

Homemade Pistachio Cookies

Once the menu was finalized, the next day was a blur. In between grocery shopping and prepping for the evening, in addition to catering to our regular weekly clients, we didn't stop until the last dessert plate was cleared. Of all of the dinner parties that we've catered, I think I was most proud of this one. Usually, we have at least a couple week's time to pull off our events and countless hours to plan. This one was done totally on the fly and challenged our adaptability and efficiency and I consider the work we did to be a success. 

Mulled Wine Poached Pears with Homemade Pistachio Cookie

Yesterday, I was dead tired from it all and decided it was time to take a day off. Never had I had a more satisfying and well deserved day of relaxation.