Sunday, July 27, 2008

Choosing a venue

What to Consider
  1. Guest List: The size of the event can determine your budget and may rule out certain facilities. Have a number of guests in mind before contacting locations, and be aware that many sites have several venues to accommodate different event sizes.
  2. Atmosphere: Is this a casual or formal event? Don't waste time looking at an affordable barn if you know you want a grand and traditional reception.
  3. The Look: Stop and look at the background of your ceremony and reception venues. Even if the room is the right size, if it has horrible carpeting, bad lighting, or questionable restrooms, then it may not be the perfect location for your event.
  4. Facilities: Don't forget the details. Is there enough parking and is it secure and well-lit? Is there a coatroom? Are there enough restrooms and electrical outlets? Will all your tables fit comfortably in the space?
  5. Inclusions: Find out what's included in the price of the site rental. Ask about (and look at) any tables, chairs, silverware, glassware, and china that is provided. (Do you like it?) More to inquire about: linens, bar service, cake cutting, toasting flutes, candles, changing rooms, dance floors, wait staff, and hours.
  6. Timing: Visit the reception site at the same time of day you'll be holding your reception. What looks warm and cozy at high noon may look cavernous by nightfall. If yours is an evening cocktail party, check the lighting and signage as well.
  7. Understanding: Make certain you understand the facility rules about deliveries and outside vendors. What times of day are deliveries allowed? Is there space to store equipment like tables and chairs if these items arrive a day ahead of the event? What time should the cake be delivered and where should it be placed? When can the florist begin setting up? Are there coolers for bouquets and centerpieces?
  8. DIY: Ask what you are allowed to bring onto the property. Can you have wine or a cake delivered -- or must you purchase these items from the site? Can you rent your own linens, china, or dance floor?
  9. Commitment: Think about how much time and energy you would need to invest in a space so that it will be event-ready for you. Nontraditional sites, such as a park, or a beach, may rent space -- but may not offer equipment or help. All the work of bringing in tents, chairs, kitchen equipment, lights, and the like -- will be left to you. (Don't forget that someone will have to cart it all away at the end of the reception, too!)

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Horsd'oeuvres per person

Typically, for hors d’oeuvres with a meal service we plan 3 to 5 bites per person; for hors d’oeuvres instead of a meal, we suggest 12 to 15 bites per person.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

New Trends


The trend of serving guests bite-size, gourmet appetizers, without all of the puff pastry, continues and the selection just keeps getting better. Sometimes, smaller is definitely better, or in the case of appetizers, down-right delicious.

Our lovely cupcakes




Cupcakes to brighten someones day. Would that be a nice alternative than sending flowers or cards. Cupcakes can either come in a single gift box , sixes or twelves with customized colours, flavours and messages. All is wrapped with fancy ribbons. With a small amount, you can choice to sent bouquets by Secret Garden. Please call 136 366 266 33 for orders.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Fondant Rosettes: Method

Step 1
Mold some fondant into a ball with a cone shape on top. The ball should start out around three-quarters of an inch. This will be the base on which to attach the petals.


Step 2
Use a slightly smaller bit of fondant and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball to about one-quarter of an inch on one side, which will be the bottom. Thin the fondant as you move to the top. This will be the first petal.

Step 3
Wrap the petal around the ball-cone shaped fondant base with the thin end at the top. It should look like a bud of a rose.

Step 4
Make three or four more petals of the same size and add them to the base, wrapping them one at a time around the last petal. Curl the tops out slightly to make them look like real rose petals.

Step 5
Get five larger balls of fondant and shape them into petals. Add them to the outer edges of the flower, curling the tops only slightly. You should have a flower in the shape of a rose.

Catering

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Questions...

How are we different from other caterers?
Alibi prides ourselves in our sensitivity towards our customers needs. Our products and services encompass vibrancy of colours, innovative concepts, creative themes and classy set-ups aimed to fulfil an unprecedented experiential dining experience.

Can I change some items in the menu?
Yes. As we believe that no two events are ever alike, we will customise your menus to suit your specific needs.

What is your food speciality?
Our forte is in western cuisine, delectable desserts and couture cakes. In addition, we also offer a wide range of international menu options that can be customised in accordance to your requirements.

What is the amount of food portioning that you provide?
For all events, we buffer an additional 10% of the total amount of food catered. However, it is important to note that popular items such as seafood and dessert would often be consumed faster than others.

Can I rent items?
Besides catering, we have a complete range of glassware, chinaware, table and chairs available for rental. Glassware starts at 3.50 rmb per glass. However, in our catering packages, all are inclusive.

If you have any other queries, please email us at: alibicatering@gmail.com

Monday, April 28, 2008

MENU: Spring 2008








fondant rosettes




Today i worked on the fondant rosettes... lightly scented with rose extract. it is about 1cm wide and be used as decorations in petite fours for my next catering event. It is quite time consuming...about 3-4 mins each. that excludes making the fondant itself. I will need about 100 roses. I hope I can train my staff in future (need to find one with light fingers...). To the rest who will like to try, here's the recipe: enough to cover a 9 inch cake.

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FONDANT RECIPE
• Gelatin > 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoon
• Glucose
>1 tablespoon (use corn syrup if you can't get this here)
• Shortening > 4 tablespoon (Get crisco from citysuper)
• Glycerin
> 1 tablespoon (if you can't get glycerin, substitute with glucose or corn syrup)
• Water
>1/4 cup
• Icing sugar
>1 kg

Combine gelatin and cold water; let stand until thick.
Place gelatin mixture in top of double boiler and heat until dissolved.
Add glucose, mix well.
Stir in shortening and just before completely melted, remove from heat.
Add glycerin, flavoring and color. Cool until lukewarm.
Next, place 4 cups icing sugar in a bowl and make a well.
Pour the lukewarm gelatin mixture into the well and stir with a wooden spoon, mixing in sugar and adding more, a little at a time, until stickiness disappears.
Knead in remaining sugar. Knead until the fondant is smooth, pliable and does not stick to your hands.
If fondant is too soft, add more sugar; if too stiff, add water (a drop at a time).
Use fondant immediately or store in airtight container in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate or freeze. When ready to use, knead again until soft. You can use microwave set to the lowest setting for abt 20 seconds.

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Saturday, April 26, 2008

Cute Petite Fours for Arts Gala 08




The American Women's Club hosted an charity event at Shile Pudong. Arts Gala 08 ALL THAT GLITTERS. Myska had commissioned us to cater for the desserts. It was quite fun baking the 200 little petite fours in the new kitchen. We found out we hadn't had enough work tables to lay of the trays. We already had 4 working tables. Me and Jacky worked till 6am in the morning decorating. tiring but fun!