DREXELBROOK CATERING

Monday, December 19, 2011

Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette pesci),is celebrated on Christmas Eve, also known as The Vigil (La Vigilia), is believed to have originated in Southern Italy and is not a known tradition in many parts of Italy. Today, it is a feast that typically consists of seven different seafood dishes. However, some Italian American families have been known to celebrate with 9, 11, or 13 different seafood dishes. This celebration commemorates the wait, Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstinence—in this case, refraining from the consumption of meat or milk products—on Fridays and specific holy days. As no meat or butter could be used on such days, observant Catholics would instead eat fish, typically fried in oil.The "Feast of the Seven Fishes", a celebration of Christmas Eve with meals of fish and seafood, but there may be seven, eight, or even nine specific fishes that are considered traditional. The most famous dish Southern Italians are known for is baccalà (salted cod fish). The reasons for celebrating with such a simple fish as baccalà is attributed to the greatly impoverished regions of Southern Italy. Fried smelts, calamari, and other types of seafood have been incorporated into the Christmas Eve dinner over the years.

A few wonderful links for additional information & recipes are:

http://sevenfishesblog.com/

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/feast_of_the_seven_fishes/

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art15171.asp

http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/christmas/batalisevenfishes

Here are some of the area Restaurants that have served this wonderful Feast in years past. Please contact them directly to see if they will continue the tradition this year:

New Jersey

Andreotti's Viennese Café
1442 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, 856-795-0172; andreottis.com

Bácio Italian Cuisine
2806 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, 856-303-9100; baciorestaurant.com

Barone's Tuscan Grill
210 Barclay Shopping Center, Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, 856-354-1888; baronerestaurants.com

Luna Rossa Biagio Lamberti
3210 Route 42, Turnersville, 856-728-4505; lambertis.com

Scaturro's Restaurant and Bar
841 Route 73 South, Marlton, 856-985-4560; scaturros.com

Thommy G's
20 West Atlantic Avenue, Audubon, 856-672-1222; thommyg.com

Pennsylvania

Mamma Maria
1637 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-463-6884; mammamaria.info

Mediterraneo
303 Horsham Road, Horsham, 215-672-5595; mediterraneoristorante.net

Paradiso
1627 East Passyunk Avenue, 215-271-2066; paradisophilly.com

Piccolo Trattoria
32 West Road, Newtown, 215-860-4247; piccolotrattoria.com

Positano
21 West Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore; 610-896-8298

Ralph's
760 South 9th Street, 215-627-6011; ralphsrestaurant.com

Scannicchio's
2500 South Broad Street, 215-468-3900; scannicchio.com

Trattoria Alberto
116 East Gay Street, West Chester, 610-430-0203; trattorialberto.com

Trattoria Prima Donna
1506 Spruce Street; 215-790-0171

Drexelbrook Events would be happy to cater a Seven Fish Feast for you or design a custom menu for any occasion. Contact us at http://www.drexelbrookevents.com/

Credits: Wikipedia, Phillymag.com, Yahoo.com, Associatedcontent.com, Google Images

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Tribute To French Cuisine

On Monday Evening Drexelbrook Catering was honored to host a wonderful French Dinner for GlaxoSmith Kline in our Wine Cellar & Nostaglia Hall. It was a true "Foodie" Joy working on this Menu and Event.

Welcome GlaxoSmithKline!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Foie Gras – Seared duck on a toasted baguette with figs topped with a wine and onion jam

Poisson – Sole Meuniére on braised swiss chard

Sorbet - Sorbet Citron

Releve – Steak au Poive with cognac sauce serve with garlic spinach and duchess potatoes

Formage – Bleu d’Auvergne, morbier and Saint-Marcellin serves with croutes, raspberry jam and honeycomb

Entremets – Vanilla ice cream filled profiteroles on a painted plate served with seasonal berries

Café – French Roast Coffee

Wine Selection –

2006, CHATEAU BARREYRES, Haut-Medoc

2010, CÔTES DO RHÔNE, Gonnet

Executive Chef – Wade Harvin

Special Thanks to Vincent Ciccarelli & Chef Dave Rankin Who Executed This Amazing Dibnner & Wine Service

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Home For The Holidays (Entertaining Made Easy)

The Holidays are filled with joy & family but also a bit of stress and busy days filled with shopping, entertaining and preparing for family and friends. Let Drexelbrook Catering help you make this Holiday Season more relaxed and fun. Leave the cooking to us. Our Special Occasions Menu is delivered to you ready to heat and serve or just serve. There are so many options to choose from for the Christmas and New Years Season! Just add family, friends and beverages and your party is complete! Take the stress out this holiday season and let Drexelbrook Catering do the cooking. Just click on the link below.

http://www.drexelbrookcatering.com/page.asp?page=special_occasions_christmas_ordering

Here is a sample of the many menu items and complete dinners you can choose from. Happy Holidays from the Drexelbrook Catering Family and Team

MAIN DISHES

Whole Stuffed Pork Loin with Roasted Root Vegetables and Pomegrante Glaze. Heat & Serve. Whole Grilled Tenderloin of Beef Served with Wild Mushroom Sauce & Horseradish Cream. Heat & Serve.

Whole Slow Roasted Prime Rib with Natural Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish. Heat & Serve.

Whole Spiral Honey Roasted Ham with Roasted Root Vegetables and Sweet Apple-Raisin Sauce. Ready to Serve.

HORS D'OEUVRES

Signature "House Made" Hors d'oeuvres are a perfect start to your holiday entertaining

Bay Scallops wrapped in Pepper Bacon . For a unique flavor, we use pepper bacon!

Spinach Dip Party Bowl . House Recipe Spinach Dip, Black Bread Bowl, Bakery Fresh Baguettes and cherry Tomato Garnish. Ready to Serve on Platter.

Cheese Steak Spring Rolls with Spicy Ketchup . Our Most Popular Hors d'oeuvre, Great for all Occasions! slice in Half to serve 20 Guests. Heat & Serve.

Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders with Sweet & Sour Chili Dip

Cocktail Franks in Puff Pastry . Jumbo Ballpark Frank with Dijon Mustard Dip. Heat & Serve.

Coconut Batter Dipped Shrimp with Mango Horseradish Puree. Heat & Serve.

Mini Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aioli. Our award-winning recipe. Available in Gluten-Free, just tell us in the check-out box. Heat & Serve.

Lobster Bon Bons with Cilantro Cream. A Holiday Favorite. Seasoned Lobster as an easy to eat "Bon Bon". Heat & Serve.

(9") Brie Wheel filed with Berry Jam in Puff Pastry with Carr's Crackers, serves 20 guests

Buffalo Style "Roasted" Chicken Wings.Our Jumbo Wings are top quality, plump and juicy, high heat roasted until crisp and tossed in Chef Wade's Buffalo Sauce. Served with Celery Sticks and Cool Ranch Dip.

Chilled "Smoked" Shrimp Cocktail, U-15 .Cooked, Cleaned and Smoked in our House Smoker for a Distinctive Flavor. Served with Fresh Lemon and Infused Cocktail Sauce. Ready to Serve.

Chilled "Smoked" Shrimp Cocktail, U-12. Served with Fresh Lemon and Infused Cocktail Sauce. Our House Smoked Shrimp are Full of Flavor and Delicious. Ready to serve in disposable bowl!

Gourmet Cheese Display Reggiano Parmesan, Smoked Mozzarella, English Cheddar, Appledore and Sonoma Jack garnished with Grapes and served with Dijon Mustard and Carr's Crackers.

Antipasti. Fire Roasted Peppers, Marinated Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Marinated Mozzarella, Reggiano Parmesan, Calabrese Sausage, Sopressata, Parma Prosciutto White Bean and Broccoli Di Rabe Salad, Pepper Shooters, Hard Boiled Egg, Grilled Asparagus and Fennel, Marinated Eggplant, Carrots, Quartered Tomatoes, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Sliced Red Onion, and Italian Seasoned Tuna with Balsamic Drizzle.

Miniature Beef Wellingtons with Wasabi Cream.Very popular and easy to eat! Heat & Serve.

SOUPS

Pear & Butternut Squash, Escarole Soup (Our Signature Wedding Soup), or Chicken Pastina

ACCOMPANIMENTS

Signature Cornbread Stuffing, Home-Made Turkey Gravy, Candied Sweet Potatoes , Mashed Potatoes , Wild Mushroom & Onion Sauce, Cranberry Orange Relish,

SIDES

Mac & Cheese with Fried Onion Topping, Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze, Grilled Seasonal Vegetables , Green Beans with Shallots & Onions

Complete Dinner

Great for New Year's Eve or Anytime during the Holiday Season!

Classic Beef Wellington

8oz Filet with Mushroom Duxelle wrapped in Puff Pastry cooked to "Rare"

Served with a Red Wine Demi-Glace and Horseradish Cream

Rosemary Scented Fingerling Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus

Mixed Field Green Salad with Dried Cranberries, Roasted Fennel , Candied Walnuts and Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Roasted Carrot & Apple Soup with Cardamom Cream

Dinner Rolls

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Duet Dinner

6oz. Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Mushroom Gravy & Pan Seared 4oz Lump Crab cake with Chipotle Aioli

Rosemary Scented Fingerling Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus

Mixed Field Green Salad with Dried Cranberries, Roasted Fennel Candied Walnuts and Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Roasted Carrot & Apple Soup with Cardamom Cream

Dinner Rolls

Chocolate Mousse Cake

"Special Occasions" Signature Holiday Turkey Dinner

"Fresh" Whole Herb Roasted Turkey with Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Chef Wade's Old Fashioned Cornbread Stuffing

Cranberry-Orange Relish

Rolls and Corn Bread

Roasted Pear and Butternut Squash Soup

Home-Made Brown Betty Apple Pie with

BE SAFE & MAY THE HOLIDAYS BRING YOU JOYS & SMILES

http://www.drexelbrookcatering.com/page.asp?page=special_occasions_christmas_ordering

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Drexelbrook Catering Bridal Open House

Sip Champagne, Savor Hors d’ Oeuvres and meet the Drexelbrook Team

Personal site tour of Four of our Beautiful Ballrooms

Create your Dream Wedding ~ Make it your own!

Don’t miss out on our amazing wedding enhancements – including Up-lighting, Ice Sculptures, Chocolate Fountain and much…much….more!

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4th 11-3PM

4700 DREXELBROOK DRIVE

DREXEL HILL, PA 19026

RSVP to Jessica@Drexelbrookcatering.com

Friday, November 11, 2011

Toys for Tots! Helping Bring Smiles To So Many

"Tis The Season" You can help bring a smile to a child in our area buy seeking out the nearest Toys for Tots donation location http://www.toysfortots.org/
The Collingdale Police station is a collection point from 9:00AM-4:00PM Monday to Friday until December 15th. You can also contact Drexelbrook Catering to arrange a drop off and Joann our Accountant will gladly make sure they get to the Collingdale Police Station

Toys for tots Began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The idea came form Bill’s wife, Diane. In the fall of 1947, Diane crafted a homemade doll and asked Bill to deliver the doll to an organization, which would give it to a needy child at Christmas. When Bill determined that no agency existed, Diane told Bill that he should start one. He did. The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign. That year, Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located. Marines have conducted successful nationwide campaigns at Christmas each year since 1948. The initial objective that remains the hallmark of the program today is to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children”. Bill Hendricks, a Marine Reservist on weekends, was in civilian life, the Director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers Studio. This enabled him to convince a vast array of celebrities to support Toys for Tots. In 1948, Walt Disney designed the Toys for Tots logo, which we use today. Disney also designed the first Toys for Tots poster used to promote the nationwide program. Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee and Vic Damone recorded the Toys for Tots theme composed by Sammy Fain and Paul Webster in 1956. Bob Hope, John Wayne, Doris Day, Lorrie Morgan, Tim Allen, Kenny Rogers and Billy Ray Cyrus are but a few of the long list of celebrities who have given their time and talent to promote Toys for Tots. First Lady Nancy Reagan served as the national Spokesperson in 1983. First Lady Barbara Bush served as the national Spokesperson in 1992 and in her autobiography named Toys for Tots as one of her favorite charities.

From 1947 through 1979, Marines collected and distributed new and used toys. On Reserve drill weekends during October, November and December, Reserve Marines refurbished the used toys.
From Christmas 1980 through the present, Marines have collected and distributed only new toys. Three factors dictated this change. First, the Secretary of Defense’s Total Force Program, introduced in the 1970’s, assigned Reserves a greater role in America’s defense posture. As a consequence, Reservists had to dedicate every minute of weekend drill time to honing and polishing combat skills. No time was available to refurbish toys. Second, public awareness of the health and safety aspects of toys that developed during the ‘70s made distribution of used toys legally inadvisable. Third, distributing “hand me down” toys does not send the message Marines want to send to needy children. The goal is to deliver a message of hope, which will assist in building self-esteem and, in turn, motivate less fortunate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. A shiny new toy is the best means of accomplishing this goal.
In the late 1980s, the Marine Corps determined that a non-profit charity was needed as an integral part of the overall national Toys for Tots program. Based on this need, the Secretary of Defense, in August 1991, authorized the Marine Corps to recognize and work with a charity committed to supporting Toys for Tots. Based on this approval, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation became an operational organization in September 1991 and has been the fundraising and support organization for the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program since that date.
The Foundation was able to satisfy the five needs identified by the Marine Corps. First, the Foundation could provide toys to supplement the collections of local units that had fewer Marines due to military cutbacks of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Second, the Foundation could arrange and pay for the creation, publication, manufacture and distribution of promotion and support materials to Toys for Tots Coordinators. Third, the Foundation could enable individual and corporate donors to Toys for Tots to take a charitable deduction on their income tax returns. Fourth, the Foundation could enter into contracts with corporations to conduct promotions, which would produce royalties for Toys for Tots. (Needs three and four were two important elements of this charitable endeavor that the Marine Corps, as a federal agency, could not fulfill). Fifth, the Foundation could ensure that the Toys for Tots program operates in compliance with IRS regulations, state laws and regulations and charitable standards.
In 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as an official activity of the U. S. Marine Corps and an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve.
In 1996, the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve expanded Toys for Tots to cover all 50 states by authorizing selected Marine Corps League Detachments and selected local community organizations (generally veteran Marine), located in communities without a Marine Reserve Center, to conduct toy collection and distribution campaigns in their communities as part of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
In 1999, the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve delegated authority to the President, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to approve and manage local Toys for Tots campaigns conducted in communities without a Reserve Unit.
2001: Despite the trauma the nation experienced as a result of the September 11th attacks in New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, the economic downturn and the anthrax scare, the 2001 U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign was the second best in the previous 54 year history of the program. Local campaigns were conducted in 388 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This was the most extensive coverage to date.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary as the fundraising and support organization for Toys for Tots in 2001. The highlights of the year were that the Foundation had its most successful campaign to date plus was ranked #289 in the 2001 “ Philanthropy 400”. This was the first time the Foundation earned a ranking in the “Philanthropy 400”.
In 2002, Charity Navigator awarded the Foundation a 4-star rating and the Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked the Foundation #267 in the “Philanthropy 400”.
In 2003, the DMA Nonprofit Federation named the Foundation the “Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year” for 2003. The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked the Foundation #341 in the “Philanthropy 400”. Starburst ranked the Foundation website #9 of the “Top 100 Toy Websites”. Reader’s Digest, in the November 2003 edition, named Marine Toys for Tots Foundation “America’s Best Children’s Charity”. In December 2003 edition, Forbes included Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in its “Gold Star List” of charities.
From 2004 to the present the Foundation has continued to receive, on an annual basis, the accolades noted above.
Over the 62 years of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. This charitable endeavor has made U. S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas. Over its 18 year life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million; plus has provided promotion and support materials valued at over $6.3 million

Drexelbrook Catering Proudly Supports Toys for Tots and is Proud of The many area volunteers including several of our family who support this great cause.

Go to http://www.toysfortots.org/ to see how you can help or benefit from this organization.

Thank You on this Veterans Day to all our Veterans & especially the USMC for their part in this great campaign of giving

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Holiday Entertaining Made Easy

The Holidays are often the most stressful times for the home chefs and cooks. How does one fit all the cooking into an already busy schedule of visiting friends & family Drexelbrook Catering has the solution.
http://www.drexelbrookcatering.com/page.asp?page=special_occasions_thanksgiving_ordering

Our online ordering and delivery service for complete Thanksgiving Dinners is the perfect solution to help remove the stress of your holiday entertaining. No shopping, preparation, storage, cooking or kitchen clean-up required. Just a few simple clicks of the mouse and you are on your way to a stress free Thanksgiving. Chef Wade and the Drexelbrook Catering Chefs love to help you take the stress from your Holiday Entertaining by providing you with the same quality dinner as if one of them was in your kitchen.
Their are several complete options to choose from or you can pick from the A La Carte Selection and create your own.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

"Special Occasions" Signature Holiday Turkey Dinner

"Fresh" Whole Herb Roasted Turkey with Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Chef Wade's Old Fashioned Cornbread Stuffing

Cranberry-Orange Relish

Rolls and Corn Bread

Roasted Pear and Butternut Squash Soup

Home-Made Brown Betty Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce

$79.95 (4 guests) $149.95 (8 guests) $190.00 (12 guests)

Additional items are available from our a la carte section at additional cost.

Simple & Easy Dinner for 4

Fully Cooked "Boneless" Turkey Breast with "Leg-In"

Mashed Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Chef Wade's Old Fashioned Cornbread Stuffing

Cranberry-Orange Relish

Rolls and Corn Bread

Roasted Pear and Butternut Squash Soup

Home-Made Brown Betty Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce

$69.99 (Family of 4)

Here are more Holiday Favorites

MAIN DISHES

$59.95 Whole Stuffed Pork Loin (with Roasted Root Vegetables and Pomegrante Glaze)

$139.00 Whole Grilled Tenderloin of Beef (Wild Mushroom & Onion Jus)

$57.00 Whole Spiral Honey Roasted Ham (with Roasted Root Vegetables and Sweet Raisin Sauce)

$195.00 Whole Slow Roasted Prime Rib (with Natural Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish)

SOUPS

$9.00 (Quart) Pear & Butternut Squash

$7.50 (Quart) Chicken Pastina

$7.50 (Quart) Escarole Soup (Our Signature Wedding Soup)

ACCOMPANIMENTS

$10.95 (Quart) Cranberry Orange Relish

$5.50 (Quart) Mashed Potatoes

$7.75 (Quart) Candied Sweet Potatoes

$3.50 (Quart) Home-Made Turkey Gravy

$7.75 (Quart) Signature Cornbread Stuffing

$9.75 (Quart) Wild Mushroom & Onion Sauce

SIDES [Small (4-6) Large (7 to 12)]

$6.95 Small $12.95 Large Green Beans with Shallots & Onions

$8.95 Small $14.95 Large Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

$7.95 Small $13.95 Large Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze

$8.95 Small $14.95 Large Roasted Root Vegetables

$6.95 Small $12.95 Large Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes

$9.95 Small $20.95 Large Mac & Cheese with Fried Onion Topping

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Taste & Tour of the Countryside

After months of planning, three days of load in and set-up, the moment finally arrived as the first of 2000 plus guests begin to enter the doors of Drexelbrook Catering for the regions premier hospitality event, The Taste and Tour of the Countryside. This year was the 18th annual and featured a dramatic new look as Drexelbrook Catering was transformed in six seperate holiday themed spaces featuring the best food and decor in the region. The six themes were: Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Patriotic and Valentines.

This year the particapants were truly a Whose Who including: