Vegetarian Catered Party

Last week, I catered a vegetarian party. Near the end of the party, a guest asked me if it's true that chefs hate cooking vegetarian? I forgot exactly what I replied, it had been a long day of cooking and I was caught off guard with the question. Thinking about it now, I cook and eat just about everything – meat and potatoes, tofu and eggplant, as long as it’s good quality and tastes good to me.  

I think many chefs would agree that the most frustrating thing is extensive limitations. As a chef, I love hearing the words, “We eat everything, surprise us, ” and being able to go wild!  I can shop for what looks fresh that day.  But, as a chef, I'm also up for challenges and when they come along, I put myself into a different mind set, it's time to get very creative. 

I cook for all kinds of clients with all kinds of tastes and diet limitations. Some are allergy- or health-related, some are personal taste, some religious or cultural, some for personal and environmental reasons. I respect all diets, everyone should enjoy good food. Basically what I'm getting at, if you are a real chef, and truly care about food and people, drop the snobby attitudes, use your creativity and prepare delicious dishes with what you are allowed to use. With a little extra work I'm sure you'll come up with something that you would be proud to serve. 

I once cooked for a dinner party, not being allowed to use, onions, peppers, garlic and few other things. That was the hardest cook date so far and I survived.


Here's the vegetarian party menu, which went over great!

 

Chilled Gazpacho soup

Bread crumb, vegetable and parmasean stuffed tomatoes with a homemade molecular Greek olive oil powder

Roasted multi colored beets with a baslamic reduction

My own style of Buffalo tofu with homemade blue cheese dressing, carrot and celery sticks

Vegetarian outdoor cooked Paella with broccoli florets, artichoke hearts, red peppers and peas

Fried eggplant slices with a homemade spicy tomato jam

Mini whoopie pies from local Whoopi Monster

 

Everyone enjoyed the dishes. Many items were local and organic.