Words cannot describe the immense feeling of gratitude our team is experiencing after hosting the 2023 Leading Caterers of America Executive Summit alongside Lisa Dupar Catering over three fantastic evenings in November. The Leading Caterers of America (LCA) is comprised of the top catering and event planners throughout the United States and Canada, and hosting 73 of the finest catering companies in our beautiful city of Seattle was a dream of ours since joining LCA in 2013. The opportunity to share our venues, culinary expertise, event planning prowess, and incredible contributions from our phenomenal team of vendors was a once in a lifetime experience.
Pre-Conference Cocktail Party
Hosted at the Sky Garden of the Russell Investments Center, the pre-conference cocktail party provided an enchanting introduction to our city, offering breathtaking rooftop views of the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with champagne, delectable passed bites, and the warm hospitality of our friendly staff. The array of passed hors d'oeuvres was a culinary delight, featuring highlights such as the Beef Bulgogi Bite, Creamy Dungeness Crab Croquette, Pickled Blackberry Bruschetta, and more. As attendees mingled with their drinks on the rooftop deck, the ambiance was elevated by the stunning view of the bay. Upon transitioning inside, a delightful assortment of sweet treats awaited guests, accompanied by musical pairings curated by Rayburn Entertainment. Dessert options included Petite Mocha Chip Cookies, Vegan and Gluten-free Butterfinger Bites, PB & Longbranch Blackberry J Bars, Pumpkin Spice Macarons, and Seattle Coffee French Macarons. It was the perfect evening to kick off the Executive Summit!
Seattle Grunge Welcome Party at The Works
Turning our commissary into the ultimate Seattle grunge experience for the LCA welcome party was a labor of love, and we are thrilled to have shared this immersive journey with our industry peers and vendors. Upon entering the venue, guests were met with a dynamic atmosphere featuring a live graffiti artist, knife juggler, Rainier Beer and champagne splits served in Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes branded paper bags, and a Wood Fire Pizza Station.
As guests walked through our transformed kitchens, they indulged in a diverse selection of bites. The culinary adventure began with Petite Biscuits with Honey Butter, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, and Braised Short Rib on a Sweet Potato Pancake with Creme Fraiche. The experience extended to interactive stations, including an International Station, Mini Pike Place Market, Snow-Valley Mushroom Stand, NW Cheese and Finnriver Cider Stand, and Pasta Stand.
But the excitement didn't end there. Inside our commissary, guests encountered Space Needle stilt walkers, witnessed a live painting of Mt. Rainier, enjoyed the Space Needle bar, and experienced passed appetizers skillfully served on roller blades. Needless to say, members left with an accurate representation of the Seattle grunge experience!
Special Closing Party at Benaroya Hall
We concluded the week with an unforgettable dinner at Benaroya Hall filled with lovely people, musical compositions, and delicious food. Before dinner, guests were treated to beautiful renditions of “My Way” and “Edelweiss” by Luke Bob Robinson, Meg and David Haggerty’s nephew.
Once seated for dinner, members found menus printed on their napkins, courtesy of the talented BBJ La Tavola. Dinner consisted of a Roasted Sugar Pumpkin Bisque, Slow Cooked Wild Salmon, Woodinville Rose Granita, Filet of Washington Beef, and the most magical White Chocolate Apples with Vanilla Apple Mousse and Spiced Apple Compote. Each course was served with a special musical pairing by Rich Gray from the Cornish College of the Arts. With a standing ovation for our staff during the final song, we couldn't have dreamed of a better way to end the LCA Executive Summit.
Visit our social channels for more insights, photos, and highlights from the three days!
Written December 2023
Vendors and Sponsors:
Hosted By: Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering | @tuxedosandtennisshoes & DSquared Hospitality | @dsquaredhospitality
Partnered With: Lisa Dupar Catering | @lisaduparcatering
Event: Leading Caterers of America | @leadingcaterers
Event Photography: Mandee Rae Photography | @mandeerae
Venues: (Night 1) View at Russell by DSquared Hospitality| @dsquaredhospitality, (Night 2) Benaroya Hall | @benaroyahall, (Night 3) Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Commissary | @tuxedosandtennisshoes
Florals: C Franklin Design | @cfranklindesign
Soft Seating & China: Vintage Ambiance | @vintageambiance
Decor: Seattle Event Décor | @seattleeventdecor
Bar Rental: Happy Hour Bar Rentals | @happyhourbarrentals
Accent Lighting: Bellevue Lighting | @bellevuelighting
Glassware: CORT Party Rental | @cortpartyrental
Linens: BBJ La Tavola | @bbjlatavola
AV & Video Mapping: Live Oak Audio Visual | @liveoakav
Signage: Epoch Design Co. | @epochdesign.co
Coffee Station: Caffe Vita | @caffevita
Stilt Walkers: Maison de V | @maison_de_v_entertainment
Photo Booth: 1000 Words Events | @1000words_wa
Transportation: Butler Seattle | @butlerseattle
Roller Skating Servers: Southside Revolution Jr. Roller Derby | @southsiderevolution
Pasta Station: Executive Chef Michele Casadei Massari | @michelecasadeimassari
Mushrooms: Sno-Valley Mushrooms | @snovalleymushrooms
Chocolate: Barry Callebaut for Cacao Barry | @cacaobarryofficial
Oysters: Hama Hama Oyster Company | @hamahamaoysters
Scallops & Salmon: Ocean Beauty | @oceanbeautyseafoods
Photography: Shannon Beauclair | @beauclairphotography
DJ: Atticus | @atticuszenan
Band: Fruit Juice | @the_fruit_juice_show
Busker: Evan Daley | @evancdaley
Singer: Luke Bob Robinson | @lukebobrobinson
Live Artist: Leo Shallat | @leo.shallat
Graffiti Artist: Josh S.
Pike Place Bouquets: WA Hmong Farmers Cooperative | @wahmongfarmers
Cider: Finnriver | @finnriver
Produce: Jon the Farmer | @jonthefarmerseattle
Poster Design: Andrew Martinez | @andrewrawrtinez
Double R Ranch Signature Tenderloin: Double R Ranch | @snakeriverfarms
Wine: Mark Ryan Winery | @mark_ryan_winery
Coffee Service: Cafe Lusso Coffee Roasters
Sponsors: SB Value | @wegrowvalue, T-Mobile for Business, US Foods | @us_foods
