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Hugh Groman Catering and Greenleaf Platters
January 2010 Newsletter 
The service was efficient, accommodating and punctual. The waitstaff was professional but friendly. There were no surprises and all unfolded as planned"
-Quote from recent Hugh Groman Catering client survey
We donate 1% of our revenue to the Alameda County Community Food Bank

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THANK YOU
A special thank you to those of you who have reviewed HGC and Greenleaf Platters on social networking sites such as YELP, Berkeley Parents Network and Chowhound, as they are one of the most powerful sources of new business for us. THANK YOU!

Staff Spotlight
Andy Scheer
Server / GL Delivery

andy sAndy Scheer is our featured staff member in this issue.

We love Andy for his professionalism, sense of responsibility, teamwork mentality and most of all, his sense of humor.

Despite the hectic schedule that came along with getting a graduate degree in social work over the past two years, Andy managed to become an HGC/GLP regular. He just got a job in the city, but we're determined to keep him busy during the weekends.
 
Thankfully, it sounds like he is going to stick around so don't be surprised if he shows up to serve your next HGC party. "It is not often that I get the chance to work for a company which offers the perfect combination of inspired food, delightful co-workers, environmental consciousness and gracious clients. I couldn't possibly leave Hugh and the gang behind!"
 
Andy's family members love to travel so it is not surprising to know that he has ventured off on his own to Guatemala and Mexico; has driven from San Francisco to Homer, Alaska; and counts Bryce and Zion National Parks among his favorite spots in the US. Rumor has it that he's dreaming of an excursion to Bogot�, Colombia next.

Questions or comments?
E-mail us at [email protected]
or call 510-647-5165.



Message from Hugh

hugh OK, so here's the story:  In November, I got flown to New York for the final callbacks for "The Next Food Network Star."  I had a GREAT time being interviewed and cooking on camera. I felt like I did the best I could.  I found out about a month ago that I wasn't chosen to be on the show. :( 
I was certainly disappointed, but at the same time I was relieved that I wouldn't have to disappear from my life and my business for 6 weeks.  I'm sure I'll find other opportunities to perform, so you haven't seen the last of me!

I'm excited to announce the launch of our new blog.  We have a great start with amazing contributions from our "on the down low" sous-chef "Silas Merriweather"
Take a look:  http://hgcandglp.blogspot.com.

We have had a great year at HGC & GLP, and I owe it all to everyone on our team.  I am so lucky and grateful to work with such wonderful people every day.  Now we get to write a big fat check to the Alameda County Food Bank! :)

Happy New Year to everyone.  Thank you all for your business, your referrals and your friendship.

Sincerely,
Hugh

Featured Recipe - Homemade Ginger Ale (Serves 20)
Ginger Syrup
3 cups  water
2 cups  sugar
1/3 pound  ginger pieces, peeled and chopped (the more you chop, the stronger the syrup will be)

1) Bring all ingredients to a boil and simmer 15 minutes.  Let cool for at least an hour.  Filter through a fine mesh strainer.  Chill syrup.

2) Mix syrup to taste with sparkling water (about 1 part syrup to 4 parts water).

3) Garnish with a squeezed lime wedge.  Serve over ice.


For conversions between weight and measure, click here.

Quick Tip - Keep Your Menus Simple

Studies show that, in terms of food, the more variety we are faced with, the more we will eat.  So how is this relevant to party planning?  My advice is:  Keep your menus simple, and focus on quality.  The more variety you serve, the more time you spend cooking, and the more money you spend.  Faced with a simpler menu, your guests won't be as tempted to overeat, and won't leave your party feeling exhausted and regretful.  You'll have an easier and more enjoyable time preparing for the party, and your guests will leave happier and more energetic.

Environmental Focus

We're always looking for ways to minimize waste.  This year, we started working with Seltzer Sisters, a company that delivers delicious sparkling water to us in refillable containers.  We also came up with a system of serving beverages for our drop-off catering which creates the least possible waste.  For Greenleaf Platters, we provide stainless steel drink dispensers for your event so your guests can serve themselves a compostable cup full of homemade honey mint lemonade or watermelon agua fresca.
Passed Hors d'Oeuvre Reception for a Fundraiser

Black olive and goat cheese turnovers with roasted garlic tomato dipping sauce

Endive with white bean pur�e, sweet tomato, fresh herbs and grana padano frico

Warm corn pancakes with queso fresco, aged white cheddar and fresh tomato avocado salsa

Smoked trout with salsa verde and cr�me fraiche on a crisp taro pancake

Spanish lamb meatballs with tomato, onion, garlic and brandy


Hugh Groman Catering


hgc logo
    Hugh Groman Catering is a full service boutique catering company providing the highest quality food and party planning services for events up to 1000 guests.  Our customers want delicious, interesting food, served with warmth in a simple, elegant style, and they want us to make it all easy for them.
 

Greenleaf Platters


gl logo  At greenleafplatters.com we provide party platters unlike any others you may have had in the past. We offer the same quality food you've come to expect from Hugh Groman Catering, served on elegant white porcelain platters, delivered and set up at your event. This service is for those who don't need staff party planning services, but want to impress their guests with exceptional food.