December Raves

“I have been using Butler’s Pantry for years and have never once have been dissatisfied. I would never choose anyone else.”

Sauer Christmas Eve Open House, December 24 2011

“Wonderful food and staff made this a fabulous evening!”

Reis Christmas Eve Dinner, December 24 2011

“Christmas Eve was easy, pleasant and delicious knowing that everything was handled in the kitchen.”

Engler/Ewing Christmas Eve Dinner, December 24 2011

“EVERYTHING went well. Food was good. Staff was great. No hitches at all. Thanks!”

O’Malley Holiday Party, December 17 2011

“I had no complaints and many compliments on the food and the presentation. Great job! You made my part easy. Thank you!”

McCormack Baron Holiday Luncheon, December 16 2011

“I invited a couple of friends out to brunch on Sunday at Cafe Madeline and we had a great morning.  The atmosphere was perfect-there was great light, the food was excellent, the tomato soup was spot on, even my rather picky vegetarian friend was pleasantly surprised by the variety that she could partake in.  We had a relaxing morning filled with good conversation, great food and a couple of mimosas that didn’t hurt either.  Next time my parents are in town I’m adding CM to the mix, they enjoying trying new places and now I have a new place to take them.”

Cafe Madeleine, December 11, 2011

“Everything was wonderful, perfect!”

Kouvelis Dinner Party, December 10 2011

“Thank you so much for everything you did to make FLAME a success. Cassie and you entire staff are an absolute pleasure to work with and I even consider many of them friends after the many events they have helped me successfully put together. We are lucky to work with a catering company that takes as much ownership and care of the event as we do, and we cannot thank you enough for that. Looking forward to the many events to come!”

FLAME, venue, December 2011

“Our guests were so complimentary of the food and service at our party last night. Thank you so much for all of your planning. We have hosted this event for several years now and a common comment people would say is that ‘they wouldn’t miss it, it’s our favorite party’. I know the credit for that goes to Butler’s Pantry for your attention to every detail.”

Advantage Capital Party, venue, December 10, 2011

“The best event we have done with you thus far (and they have all been great)!”

The Plaza’s Holiday Party, December 8 2011

“As the logistics and catering contact for the Mayor’s Sustainability Summit, I just wanted you to know how pleased we were with the helpfullness and adaptability of Maggie Eichwald and Indra Russell. On December 7, we had a morning to early afternoon event at the Palladium and then, an evneing event at the Missouri History Museum.
Both of these young ladies exemplify the best that I think the hospitality industry has to offer. From preparing locally sourced meals to expediently resetting the room from our work session to our luncheon event, Ms. Eichwald and the Butler’s Pantry staff exceeded our expectations at the Palladium Saint Louis. Then, for the evening event, Ms. Russell ensured that we had the most cost-effective catering solution for our guests and where possible, she made sure that we served our guests in the most sustainable way possible. We asked, and they delivered!
Your staff was exemplary and I’m grateful for their willingness to address and meet our expectations. Thank you for hiring the right people and for supporting Mayor Slay’s Sustainability Summit.”

Mayor’s Sustainability Summit, Palladium Saint Louis & Missouri History Museum, December 7 2011

The Healthy Planet says…

Celebrate the Season at Bixby’s

For an intimate lunch with friends or an impressive venue for a family or corporate event, Bixby’s is the place. Experience sweeping views of Forest Park from the comfort of the Missouri History Museum’s second floor. Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, Bixby’s is a distinctive lunch destination. Bixby’s also features a spectacular brunch every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And remember that Bixby’s “After Hours” is the premier choice for an elegant private event. Enjoy artfully prepared, locally inspired cuisine, crafted by Chef ‘de Cuisine Todd Lough. Contact Bixby’s at 314.361.7313 or visit bixbys-mohistory.com.

We’re Feeling Festive at BP

Brian and his team of Rebel Florists have been busy getting the office ready for the holidays.

Carnation Ornament Decoration

Brian Blasingame has done it again. This time he has created a gorgeous Carnation Ornament out of carnations, foam, a spray paint lid and some wire. The best part is, the middle is filled with water so the carnations will stay alive as they suck up the water inside. It’s an easy affordable christmas decoration you can make in a few minutes. I don’t know how he does it… he is so creative.

photo by: Sara Ketterer

Voted a Five-Star Workplace

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

“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

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

October Raves

“Excellent event. Bridget and John Z. were awesome! Thank you.”

Wedding Reception, Piper Palm House, October 22, 2011

“Hi Sarah,
Thank you for helping to make our fall gala at Laumeier a great success! Everyone has been raving about the food – and these folks have attended a lot of events! We are so grateful to you and your staff for taking great care with every detail.
Thank you,
Marie”

Laumeier Sculpture Park Fall Gala, October 15, 2011

“Everyone told us it was probably the ‘best wedding food’ they had ever had! Thanks for all – our daughter had a wonderful wedding.”

Montgomery Wedding, Piper Palm House, October 2011

“Bridget was excellent! She helped me in the planning and answered all my questions (which were a lot), timely and in a professional manner.”

Flynn Rehearsal Dinner, Piper Palm House, October 2011

“Dear Rick,

I just wanted to let you know that this past Saturday, Butler’s Pantry came through with flying colors as they always do. This time it was the banquet for our conference round robin tournament. As I had promised the coaches, the players did not leave hungry as there was plenty of food and the quality was excellent. I would like to compliment the servers who were able to keep the buffets fully stocked as people went through them the entire evening.

I would also like to compliment Bridget for picking up the event on short notice and adjusting to all the requirements, including a couple food allergy situations. Bridget was great on site and got everything set before she had to leave for another event. Everything worked out great!

I appreciate the consistency, reliability, promptness, service and quality of the food. From our visitors, we heard nothing but compliments regarding the quality of the food. I appreciate you making me look good. I’m looking forward to working with Butler’s again soon!

sincerely,
Joe”

Washu Volleyball Dinner, October 2011

“Thank you for your hard work on our reception. Everyone enjoyed their meal & we could not have asked for a more stunning back drop for our special day. We appreciate the staffs professionalism and great service. It truly was a night to remember. All the best!”

Rammes Wedding Reception, Missouri History Museum, October 2011

“Working with Butler’s Pantry was a phenomenal experience! Not only was the staff professional and provided excellent service, but the presentation of the food was exquisite! Thanks so much, Bridget, for coordinating our wedding reception, the set-up was amazing! I look forward to working with Butler’s Pantry again!”

Black Wedding, Piper Palm House, October 2011

September Raves

“Everything was perfect! It was even more beautiful than we imagined. The special attention Bianca and staff gave us was fabulous. I can’t wait to work with you all again!”

Streiff Wedding Reception, City Museum, September 2011

“Indra was absolutely fabulous!! I didn’t have to worry about anything because I knew she’d take care of everything!!”

Braun Wedding Reception, Missouri History Museum, September 2011

“Thank you so much for making Adrienne and Garrett’s wedding such a wonderful celebration. It has been a pleasure working with you.”

Lange Wedding, Piper Palm House, September 2011

“Hope to see more of you at the Arch Bishop’s residence. 10 stars!! Thanks so much!”

Dinner, Private Residence, September 2011

“Bridget and staff were awesome!! I am still hearing rave reviews from our executives.”

Corporate Lunch, September 2011

Congratulations to Megan and Chris Frank

Butler’s Pantry is proud to be associated with Team Cfx!!!

Mayor Francis G. Slay presented the Mayor’s Spirit of St. Louis Award to Cfx ad agency and Marian Middle School today in recognition of their revitalization of the former Holy Family Catholic church and school.

Founded in 1898, Holy Family parish was closed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 2005. In March 2006, Cfx owners Chris and Megan Frank purchased the former church located at 3221 Oak Hill Ave. in the Tower Grove neighborhood and relocated their company from Rock Hill. The entire church from altar to choir loft now serves as state-of-the-art creative office space for the full-service advertising agency.

Headed by President Maureen A Herrmann, Marian Middle School – a Catholic middle school serving approximately 70 economically disadvantaged girls to advance them to college prep high schools and beyond – upgraded the adjacent former parish school into a wireless learning environment with a culinary arts center and other programs serving the girls and their families.

The Mayor’s Spirit of St. Louis Award recognizes businesses that make major expansions or improvements to their existing locatiuons, open or relocate to the City, and certain major City projects. The Spirit Award program is administered by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), the economic development agency for the City of St. Louis.

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