The Month In Pictures

This blog has a problem.  There aren't enough pictures.  So to mix things up... here are a bunch of pictures without a lot of words.

Blanched asparagus salad, smoked trout, potato crisps, tarragon mayo... dinner for 8 at Longshadows.

A shockingly similar plate arrangement for the same dinner!  Beef tenderloin, sauce bordelaise, roasted asparagus, roast walla walla sweet onions.

Chipolte adobo avocado sliders for the wine bloggers at Figgins Family Estate luncheon.

Castoldi Farm roasted baby carrots and walla walla sweet onions, on the sheet pan prior to service... for Northwest Farm Credit party at Watermill Winery.

Nora's Hawaiian Wedding Reception, an appetizer of fruit skewers and citrus mint dipping sauce.  The kahlua pork was really yummy.

A less than stellar photo of some guests at Dumas Station's wine club party.  The view was lovely, and the party ever so pleasant.

Is is possible to mess up a salad with Stone Throw Farm's greens?

Have I mentioned we do not do dessert?  Unless it is something as simple as this mixed berry shortcake, our sweet cream biscuit, whipped cream, and the bounty from our farmer's fields.

Does this guy look like a banker to you?  Attempted to eat five Latronkas in under 40 minutes.  Each Latronka weighs in at 17.5 ounces with 8 ounces of pastrami.  He ate two in fifteen minutes before calling it quits... three days later some other dude ate 2.5 in eighteen minutes.  Did we create a monster? (Editors Note: It has come to my attention this was not the case, that the challenger ate only 1.75 in eighteen minutes.  Keeping this fellow as the current Latronka eating champion.)

A wedding in the gazebo at Pioneer Park.  The short bald guy is Brian, our outstanding cook.  This is what we do to make food taste good.  Cook as much as possible on site.

Coriander, fennel, garlic pork loin roast, bone in, with creamy polenta, wilted swiss chard, roast baby carrots, and sauteed snap peas.  For Pepperbridge's Vine Club Luncheon. 

Lots more went on the last month, but per usual we failed to bring a camera or remembered to take pictures.  Needless to say it has been busy and a whole lot of fun.  The sun has finally decided to come out here... what an odd spring and early summer... so tomatoes should be appearing this weekend or the next... which always makes me happy.

Cheers

Palmares

Palmares is a cycling term meaning a list of great accomplishments.  Here is our version of palmares.

"Dear Tracy and John and all the Graze staff,
    We can't thank you enough for the wonderful meal you catered for Megan and Malcom's wedding!  All of you who served were so friendly and helpful.  The guests raved about the quality and the flavors of every dish, and it was beautiful as well.
    When we came into town on Thursday and had lunch at Graze, I was certain the wedding food would be delicious.  Knowing that helped pave the way for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Many thanks,
    Sally"

I tell brides, and mom's of brides, and very rarely grooms and dad's of the bride or the groom... to relax, have fun, don't worry about what time it is or what event is scheduled to take place next (if events are scheduled) (the really nervous ones I counsel to not wear a watch... and I get thanked for this piece of advice more often than any other).  I tell them they are throwing a big party, and their only job is to have fun... and provide a nice time for their guests. 

And when you can relax, and not worry about stuff, you really do have a good time.  We feel honored to be able to do that for our wedding parties.

Cheers

Palmares

Palmares is a cycling term for a list of great accomplishments.  Our version of palmares.  A letter we received today from Ted who puts on the Columbia County Grain Growers Annual Meeting. 

"I just wanted to drop a note and thank you for the wonderful dinner you provided us on June 24th.  We have received numerous compliments on your behalf.  They began during dinner, after dinner, and several times since the meeting a week ago.  More kudos than any other meal we have provided our patrons.  Your staff was very punctual, courteous, and especially professional.  I wish you a great summer and look forward to working with you again.  Sincerely, Ted"

So we have been really busy the last couple of weeks.  And this letter just sums it up for me.  The day of this event we served 140 other guests at a winery.  These fine wheat farmers and a large group at Watermill Winery, and both were super happy.  And neither had any idea we were doing the other event because everything came off without a hitch... and this was in the final stretch of 23 events in 14 days.  

It has been the busiest last two weeks in Graze Catering history.  We will get you an update on what we have been doing soon.  The wedding parade begins for real this coming weekend.  At least one a weekend for the next two months. 

Cheers