Archive for November, 2011

Voted a Five-Star Workplace

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

We were voted a Five-Star Workplace by Small Business Monthly for having a Family-First Environment. Read what they had to say below:

“When Butler’s Pantry catered the grand opening of the Nordstrom in the Galleria, 215 of its employees worked the event. “Everyone knew one another, our company’s systems and what our clients expect,” says Richard Nix, the second-generation owner of Butler’s Pantry. “Our No. 1 benefit is the quality of individuals we have on our team. We have very low turnover.”

Recognizing the importance of his team, Nix continues what his parents started 45 years ago by breaking the mold of catering companies. “We try to build careers in our company,” he says. “To do this, we offer competitive salaries because we want to treat our employees as the professionals they are. Our employees are creative, dynamic and important to the economy.”

Despite the demands and odd hours of the industry, Butler’s Pantry makes sure it maintains a family atmosphere. “We make sure our employees know that they can take a day off on the weekends and enjoy life or take time off to travel,” Nix says. “Going back, people were expected to work seven days a week in this industry, but we make sure to provide solid vacation time and flexibility.”

Greg Ziegenfuss, vice president of operations and executive chef, says the family-first environment makes Butler’s Pantry a standout company. “The owner of Butler’s knows the employees’ wives and children – everyone from the top down,” says Ziegenfuss. “If there is a team member with a financial, health or personal problem, we work together to fix it.”

On on everyday basis, Ziegenfuss says, the flexible hours and vacation time are great compared with the industry norm. “There are days that I work from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and others I come in at 11 a.m. and leave at 2 p.m.,” he says. “We all make sure to get the job done. For this reason, no one ever asks why you weren’t there for eight hours one day.”

-written by Julia Paulus

November Raves

Monday, November 14th, 2011

“Dear Ricky,
     Just a note to say thank you to you and your team for another beautiful, well organized, and fantastic party for our Duchesne Dinner on Friday. Everyone was exceptional – from the set-up, to the planning, the manu and food, but especially your team. I so enjoy the opportunity to work with you and your team. They are such professionals and always client centered. I wish you all a blessed holiday season and thank you again
Sincerely,
Debbie”

Duschene Dinner Fundraiser, Venue, November 18, 2011

“Butler’s Pantry did an amazing job catering our cocktail party. The staff was courteous and helpful throughout the event. We will use you for future events.”

Cocktail Party, Office, November 16, 2011

“Butler’s Pantry is always a dream to work with. Our events are flawless because of your team. Thank you!”

Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation, Office, November 15, 2011

“Ricky, when organizing events, my favorite quote has always been three words, “Whatever it takes” and it’s clear to see that you and your staff feel the same way: “Whatever it takes!”


I can’t tell you how happy we were with the event last Friday. And it made me smile to see what a talented bartender you were when offering to accommodate our early arrivals. You pitched right in to do “Whatever it takes.”

My second favorite quote is “Trifles make perfection and perfection is no trifle.” The extra touches you provide (the trifles) DO NOT go unnoticed. Thanks again for everything. Looking forward to working with all of you for the Mammoths premiere on December 8.”

Civil War Premiere, Missouri History Museum, November 11, 2011

“Everyone at the law school was extremely pleased with the delicious food and the excellent service your company provided.  My boss said it was a “home run” and another comment from one of our Directors was that is “felt like the event was elevated 3x from last year”.  Many of our important donors commented on how much they loved the food. I know the logistics were a little challenging and Bianca and Cassie handled them beautifully.  I am so grateful for their dedication to the event and the professional service they provided.
I look forward to a long working relationship between Butler’s Pantry and Washington University Law.
Many thanks,
Gina”

Washington Law School dinner, November 9, 2011

“We have not stopped receiving compliments on our wedding. The food, the venue, service, etc. has gotten rave reviews. Stunning, classy, beautiful & best wedding ever are just some of the things we’ve heard. thank you for all your hard work. You were great to work with.”

Missouri History Museum, Wedding, November 2011

“Guests raved about the food. Everyone who worked on this event was pleasant, helpful and professional. Butler’s Pantry made this event memorable. Thank you!”

City Museum, Wedding Reception, November 5, 2011

“Hi Indra: Just a note to share some of the sentiments we heard over and over from our guests at our Bixby’s dinner party Friday night and these were people who have gone to some really elaborate affairs. ‘Best appetizers I have ever had.’ ‘The dinner was just outstanding.’ ‘The servers were fantastic.’ ‘How great of you and Ann to bring people back to the City.’ ‘Loved the desserts’ (and did they ever). They cleaned house on those.

It was a great party thanks to all your thoughtful planning. It could not have been better. You’re the best… Sue Voorhees.”

Bixby’s “After Hours” Event, November 4, 2011

“I received numerous comments on how good the food was. Bridget and staff were very helpful and professional.”

Office Cocktail Party, November 3, 2011

Cassie Talks About Pairings in STLtoday

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Food-drink pairings add flair to parties

by Karen Deer

Whether you’re planning a cocktail party, intimate dinner party or Thanksgiving feast, matching the food and the drinks can be a key to success.

For maximum impact at a cocktail party, pair each food with its own drink, and display each combo on its own table. Arrange the plates and glasses around a simple centerpiece or use a two-tiered tray or cloth-covered box or cake platter to elevate the beverage above the food or the food above the beverage.

“Pairings are great for holiday cocktail parties,” says Cassie Burd, vice president of sales and catering at Butler’s Pantry, 1414 Park Avenue in Lafayette Square. Placing the tables in different locations will encourage mixing and mingling, she says, and offering small portions will allow people to sample everything without becoming overwhelmed.

Pairing food and drinks can seem intimidating, but it can be simple. “Start with the basics,” Burd says. Choose a food or drink you like, then think about what you would normally eat or drink with that. Finally, figure out a fun spin on the traditional.

For example, start with a classic margarita. Margaritas are often served with Mexican food, so pair them with tacos. For a fresh twist, make them miniature fish tacos, and serve the margaritas in airplane-size tequila bottles with straws.

“Pairing is just as simple for desserts,” Burd says. Perhaps you’d like to serve small ramekins of crème brûlée, which is basically cream and sugar (plus eggs). What goes with cream and sugar? Coffee. Espresso martinis or coffee spiked with a favorite liqueur would make perfect accompaniments.

Suggested food-and-drink pairings:

Paté, tangy dips or cheese logs • “Jolly Pumpkin Noel De Calabaza is a Belgian-style, strong dark ale with surprising tartness from wild fermentation in oak barrels,” says Phil Wymore brewmaster and co-founder of Perennial Artisan Ales in St. Louis. “I like this beer as a pairing with multiple appetizers prior to Christmas dinner. This beer is complex, full-bodied and mildly acidic, which makes it a nice candidate to pair with multiple offerings.”

Shrimp cocktail • “Try a sparking wine, such as Ruffino Prosecco. It’s a sweeter wine that will complement a spicy appetizer,” says Tyler Maddox, sous chef at Bravo Cucina Italiana in West County Center.

Turkey • “A classic pairing for a traditional turkey Thanksgiving meal is Beaujolais, a light, fruity red wine,” says chef Lauren McCabe of MealThymes Personal Chef Service in St. Charles.

Ham • “Schwarzbier is a black German lager, smooth, malty and mysterious. It has only a hint of roastiness and a great balance, leaning towards malty more than hoppy, and goes superbly with the rich character of hams in all fashions, especially from the grill,” says Stephen Hale, Schalfy’s chief brewer.

Lamb • “Choose a merlot, something that doesn’t have a lot of tannins or oak in it,” says Paul Hayden, wine manager at The Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton.

Pumpkin pie • “Two great local beer options to pair with pumpkin pie are Schlafly Pumpkin Ale and O’Fallon Pumpkin Beer,” says the Post-Dispatch’s beer columnist, Evan Benn. “This year’s version of Schlafly Pumpkin Ale is big on the spices you typically associate with pumpkin pie — clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. And O’Fallon Brewery uses lots of real pumpkin puree in its fall seasonal, which really gives it that pumpkin-pie-in-a-bottle flavor.”

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/food-drink-pairings-add-flair-to-parties/article_344a4e60-9491-50f9-bb29-ddef1756ca07.html#ixzz1dE1w1VSq

read full article here

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