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August 15, 2017

An Aspen Meadows EXCLUSIVE!

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Have you heard the news? Culinary Crafts is honored to now be the EXCLUSIVE caterer at Aspen Meadows, a beautiful venue in the mountains of Utah that is perfect for the destination bride. To celebrate we thought we would give you a taste of a wedding we had at Aspen Meadows a little over a year ago that also happens to be of one of our favorite couples, Charly and Carley! Photos by Carla Boecklin Photography. P.S. Charly recently wrote a book! It's an entertaining conversation activity book for couples, which is now available on Kickstarter for only the next two weeks! The book, called Very Engaging, makes for a perfect engagement, wedding, or anniversary gift, or just a fabulous date night with your partner! You can pre-order a copy today by simply clicking here. Congrats to this wonderful couple!

March 24, 2017

ICAEF Scholarship Recipient Spotlight

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Heather Carr: Driven to Perfection
For seven months, the team at Footers Catering in Denver introduced their Executive Sous Chef, Heather Carr, to clients as a contestant on an upcoming episode of Chopped, the popular Food Network show, not knowing if she had won or not. Even on the day of the viewing party that Footers threw for friends, family and clients, no one, except Carr, knew what the outcome would be. That wasn’t really a surprise to anyone as we all know somewhat how reality TV works these days with their iron-clad non-disclosure agreements and months between the final shows and when they air. Footers owners, Anthony and April Lambatos and the team were happily surprised when Carr won. But there were also some unexpected elements in store for Carr. “I was surprised watching it how much I didn’t remember doing,” she said the day after the show aired. “The camera lights were hot and I was in the zone.” She might not remember the ingredients or her techniques, but her focus during the cooking was laser sharp. “I focused on my own work, not on the competition,” she recalled. “I was hard on myself each round.” That’s the attitude it takes to win. However, at the end of the day, it’s about winning the long game for Carr. “Winning Chopped is a career highlight for sure, but it was a cooking competition,” she said. “It’s just one day in many, and it’s about the luck of what you are given. It’s not everything about who I am. To me, speaking at Catersource, being an ICAEF scholarship winner – twice now – and mentoring other chefs is of more value.” And that’s what it is about the 25-year-old that has made her a winner in the catering industry. Carr is someone who takes advantage of every opportunity that comes her way, and is sure enough to be herself in every situation – her shaved hairstyle and tattoo sleeve of vegetables -- tells you that even before you talk to her. She began cooking in college. As a lacrosse player at University of New Hampshire (where she is from) her practice schedule kept her from working. So she made a deal with her roommates that if they bought the groceries, she’d cook. Laughing, she recalled, “I was pretty bad at first. I got better and never stopped. I’ve been cooking professionally for the entire six years since.” After attending Johnson & Wales in Denver, she moved to Los Angeles for a year. While there she worked for a boutique catering firm and won her first ICAEF Scholarship. This enabled her to attend Catersource where she heard great things about Footers. Wanting to return to Denver, she set her sights on working for them, which of course she did. Once again, she won the ICAEF Scholarship (applicants are allowed to enter and win a maximum of two times). This time around she was mentored by Keith Lord, Executive Chef of Wild Thyme in San Diego, and this year’s winner of ICA’s Chef of the Year Award at the ICA CATIE Awards during Catersource. “He really opened doors for me,” Carr said. “We clicked on how we approach food.” Eight months later they presented together at the Art of Catering Food in Washington, D.C. on upcycling, the art of reusing discarded food product to create a dish or sauce of the same, if not better, quality than the original. This year at Catersource, they presented together yet again. Next time around, Carr is ready to go it alone. As someone who learned cooking to pay her rent, Carr wants others who enter the field to understand the foundation of the cooking process and how something as simple as emulsification of a vinaigrette, for instance, translates to many other cooking techniques. “I want to mentor others and teach them all the things I wished I had learned when I began,” she said. Her philosophy is to make something work, rather than make excuses of why it can’t. “I try to find success and meaning in what I’m doing now instead of thinking if it will be bad or good for my career. I won’t let anything stop me.” Obviously, this Carr is revved up and going places. International Caterers Association Educational Foundation (ICAEF) www.icaef.org Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

January 17, 2017

We catered a Surprise Pop-up wedding at The Tasting Room!

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The bride and groom, Angie and Scott, wanted to create a spontaneous and carefree wedding experience for themselves and their friends and family. Boy, did they succeed with this surprise wedding! They told their guests they were invited to a dinner to share great food and great times with friends and family. When the guests arrived, to their astonishment, they found out it was actually a wedding...Angie and Scott were to married then and there! We give special thanks to their wedding photographer, Steve Speckman, for sharing his beautiful photos with us. Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City To create a calm and natural ambiance the chairs were decorated with sage branches and soft white ribbon. AngieAndScott'sWedding054 Having pulled off their first “caper” as husband and wife, the bride and groom shared a congratulatory kiss in the gallery. Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City After the ceremony guests were seated at tables adorned with succulents in rustic wood boxes and gold mercury glass votives echoing the natural ambiance of the patio. Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City Guests were delighted with their 4-course Pop-up wedding dinner! Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City Mary Crafts-Homer introduced each course, explaining the nuances of the ingredients and preparations. Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City At Pop-up Dinners, guests can watch our chef's cook and plate everything! Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City Angie and Scott were able to make their rounds to talk to their wedding guests during the first course. Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City After enjoying passed hors d'oeuvres, guests were served a fresh green salad with Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and lemon zest. Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City For the second course, we served the ultimate comfort food: Mary's homemade meatballs and spaghetti with shaved Parmesan! Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City How incredible does this grilled prime filet look?! It's topped with melon salsa and served over balsamic potatoes, leeks, and asparagus. Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City For their fourth course, everyone enjoyed a tasting of Utah cheeses, honey comb, and apple as well as a wine and cheese napoleon on a brioche crostini.   Angie and Scott's surprise wedding at the Tasting Room in Salt Lake City For dessert guests enjoyed petite chocolate fudge wedding cakes with raspberry coulis and edible gold dust sprinkles, served with home made caramel gelato on the side. All in all – this was a Pop-up Wedding success!

April 26, 2016

Rocky Mountain Bride Inspiration Shoot

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Today, we have an AMAZING inspiration shoot that we did in collaboration with Leslie Dawn Events and Rocky Mountain Bride for RMB's Volume 1 that was released earlier this year!  It was a beautiful, romantic Roaring 20's style shoot - which was perfectly set at the McCune Mansion.  Bursting with beautiful jewel tones, rich gold, decadent food, and moody romance, and J Fairchild Photography captured it all perfectly!  Check it out! RMB_20sInspirationShoot To start, we love this invitation suite from Foil & Ink with gorgeous calligraphy by Karli Noel Calligraphy.  So pretty! RMB_20sInspirationShoot2 Now, on to the main event!  Look at this breathtaking tablescape.  I mean, how beautiful is this?!  We love the design by Leslie Dawn Events and the gorgeous florals from Sax Romney.  A perfect pairing, for sure! RMB_20sInspirationShoot3 The mix n' matched placesettings were such a great way to add another visual element to the table.  And the place card design fit seamlessly as well.  LOVE! RMB_20sInspirationShoot4 A perfect romantic, candlelit moment. RMB_20sInspirationShoot5 We had so much fun with this menu!  For starters, we served a Lamb & Mint Pesto Lollipop and an Artichoke Lollipop.  Yum! RMB_20sInspirationShoot6 Next, we served a cheese and wine pairing featuring a amuse bouche of Bosc Pear, Deer Valley Double Cream Brie, Fresh Thyme, and Fig.  So good!  We also served a Mixed Green Salad with Asian Pears, Candied Walnuts, and Berries in an elegant, vintage-style champagne glass. RMB_20sInspirationShoot8 Last, but not least, we served Chocolate Mousse Cups with Gold Leafing and a pair of Pistachio Macarons.  And this art deco cake from Flour & Flourish was another AMAZING dessert offering! RMB_20sInspirationShoot7 The McCune Mansion is such a beautiful venue and has so many great spaces for photo ops. RMB_20sInspirationShoot9 For a 'late-night' snack we also served Cocktail Shrimp with Gazpacho.  Plus, how pretty is the bar?  Love the draping florals and mirror signage!  So much beauty going on! RMB_20sInspirationShoot10 We absolutely LOVED being a part of this shoot and had so much fun with this AMAZING vendor team!  Also, make sure that you check out Rocky Mountain Bride's Volume 1 - it is seriously SO stunning!  Happy dreaming, everyone! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com! VENDORS - Venue: McCune Mansion // Design & Planning: Leslie Dawn Events // Photography: J Fairchild Photography // Catering: Culinary Crafts // Vintage Rentals: Refined Vintage Events // Rentals: Diamond Rentals // Signs & Calligraphy: Karli Noel Calligraphy // Paper Goods: Foil & Ink // Cake: Flour & Flourish // Florals: Sax Romney // Bride's Dress & Accessories: The Perfect Dress // Bridesmaid's Dress: Shabby Apple // Hair: Hair Creations by Natalie // Makeup: Brynn Thomas Makeup // Live Music: Gold Standard Music // Menswear: Urbana Custom Clothier // Model Agency: NIYA Model Management // Models: Jon Clark, Breylan W, Margot O'Leary

February 24, 2016

Utah Bride Blog’s 2016 Spring Editorial Feature

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Culinary Crafts absolutely LOVES editorials.  They really let us showcase upcoming trend and flex our creative muscles - and when we team up with AMAZING vendors who are also trying to go all out, well, it is just MAGIC.  This editorial we did for Utah Bride Blog is no exception.  It is all around magic!!!  We were so happy with how beautiful it turned out and wanted to share it with all of you!  First up, we are going to whet your appetite with this beautiful video from Red Tie Cinema (seriously, so pretty!!!)  Then stay tuned for us to share the delectable edibles we created for the shoot!  Here's the re-post from Utah Bride Blog! "Good morning February! We are going to warm your hearts up all week with a dive into our most current mag issue’s editorial feature! Abound with spring inspiration this one is a real beauty and like with most of our editorials we have been waiting with anticipation to share! We are kicking off the week with a look at the film, courtesy of Red Tie Cinema. The perfect artistic sampling of what you will get to see over the next week created by one of the very best wedding film producers in the state! Dustin joined a top notch team for this one and we are so glad he did!
 Stay tuned for more pretty coming up!  We LOVE this shoot and we just know you will too!  Happy dreaming, everyone!
Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

January 20, 2016

Gorgeous Tuscan Romance Inspiration Shoot!

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We have another STUNNER to show you today!  As you know, Culinary Crafts LOVES inspiration shoots and this one was close to our very own Mary Crafts-Homer's heart.  Inspired by the natural, rustic beauty of Tuscany Mary & Kristina Curtis of Kristina Curtis Photography dreamt up this beauty of a day and it's brimming with gorgeous greens, abundant florals, and, of course, delicious food.  Check it out! TuscanInspCC How amazing is this antique limo?  LOVE IT - And it totally sets the tone for this gorgeous day! TuscanInspCC2 This Villa was the most picturesque location for our shoot.  We love, love, love the natural beauty it boasted. TuscanInspCC3 A well-dressed couple is always a must, in my book.  The beautiful beading of this dress (from Bridal Closet) and the soft navy blue of the suit were a match made in heaven. TuscanInspCC4 Isn't this tablescape dreamy?  I mean, who wouldn't want to relax and catch up with their guests in this intimate, beautiful space??? TuscanInspCC5 Diamond Rental always has the prettiest stuff - and this grey farmhouse table with gold silverware and gold accented tableware was no exception!  Plus, check out that menu from West End Girl.  AH-mazing. TuscanInspCC6 To tie in with the natural flair of this shoot, a single pear was used as a garnish for the place cards.  It was such a great fit for the look we were going for and added a subtle pop of color amidst Calie Rose's BREATHTAKING floral design.  So pretty! TuscanInspCC7 Naturally, Culinary Crafts wanted to start the meal with gorgeous artisan-made breads.  These individual mini loaves were perfect and such a unique element!  Plus, how pretty are the blue glasses mised with the florals at this table?!? TuscanInspCC8 More of the dreamy tablescape.  I seriously am IN LOVE with all of this! TuscanInspCC9 West End Girl did a fantastic job of creating an invitation suite that felt like the perfect addition to this design.  Rustic, refined, and organic, these pieces were amazing.  Plus, look at this couple!  Stunning.  The. End. TuscanInspCC10 Of course, you can't have a Tuscan themed shoot without adding an Italian flair to the food!  A little bit from Mary Crafts-Homer about this: "It was like going home to design the food elements of a serene afternoon outside of Florence where wedding guests would embrace around a table of artisan cheeses, salumi, fruits, and loaves of fresh baked breads....ah, to be in Tuscany again..."  Simply beautiful. TuscanInspCC11 I love the color and beauty in this table.  Such a fun menu! TuscanInspCC12 Last, but certainly not least, this simple yet stunning cake was made by Annie Bee Cakery, and we are in LOVE!  It tied in so well to all of the other elements, and was delicious to boot! Also, for another little extra dreamy inspiration from this day, check out this video from the shoot by Krissi Cook Films (located here)!  Just lovely! Thank you to all of the AMAZING vendors who participated in this inspiration shoot!  It truly was an amazing day and turned out even more beautifully than we could've imagined!  Happy dreaming, everyone! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com! Photography: Kristina Curtis Photography // Food: Culinary Crafts // Florals: Calie Rose // Venue: The Villa  // Invitations: West End Girl // Cake: Annie Bee Cakery // Dress: Bridal Closet // Hair: Hair Pin Diaries // Makeup: KL Artistry // Video: Krissi Cook Films // Dinnerware & Table: Diamond Rental // Limo: Antique Limo of Utah

January 19, 2016

A Destination Rustic Chic Celebration at Red Cliff Ranch!

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Today, we have a BEAUTY of a wedding that was held at the gorgeous venue, Red Cliff Ranch, and designed by the ever-so-talented FUSE Weddings & Events team!  It is one of Culinary Crafts favorites - and we think it'll be one of your too!  Check it out! LavidgeWeddingCC Nick and Kate's wedding celebration was one that just kept giving!  With 150 destination guests, the family was going to make sure their guests did not leave disappointed - and what a party it was! LavidgeWeddingCC2 The guests stepped off the shuttle to be greeted by breathtaking 360-degree views and once they arrived at the ceremony site, they were seated beneath the gorgeous red rocks that give Red Cliff Ranch it's name.  AMAZING! LavidgeWeddingCC4 On this hot summer day, Culinary Crafts wanted to make sure the guests stayed satiated - and we delivered with a gourmet lavender- and ginger-infused Lemonade Bar and a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres like mango shrimp lollipops.  Yum! LavidgeWeddingCC3 Isn't this cocktail hour space lovely?  Fuse Weddings & Events ALWAYS makes venues even more beautiful spaces! LavidgeWeddingCC5 The cocktail hour not only had scrumptious passed hors d'oeuvres, but a glorious display of local artisan cheeses and honey. LavidgeWeddingCC6 The beauty of the communal dining table in the stables always takes guests's breath away - and this event was no exception. LavidgeWeddingCC7 Love these rustic details - the woodcut place cards and leather woven menu cards were PERFECT for this ranch chic wedding! LavidgeWeddingCC8 LavidgeWeddingCC9 How BEAUTIFUL is this couple!?  Such a happy day!!! LavidgeWeddingCC10 For the dinner buffet, Culinary Crafts served mesquite-grilled trout with Moroccan tomato jam, hand-carved grilled flank steak served with house chimichurri sauce, grilled seasonal veggies tossed with pesto and served with hummus, quinoa salad, mac and cheese with butter-crusted Panko breadcrumbs drizzled with white truffle oil, roasted cauliflower salad, and house-made artisan breads with sea-salt butter blocks.  Seriously an AMAZING menu for this AMAZING wedding! LavidgeWeddingCC11 Following dinner the surprises continued with candy stations, s'mores, whiskey and cigar bars, games, desserts, and dancing! LavidgeWeddingCC13 LavidgeWeddingCC12 Check out these desserts!  Deconstructed Dutch apple and lemon meringue pies in individual mason jars AND gourmet mini sugar doughnuts??  I'll take one of each, please. This wedding was seriously STUNNING and showcased two of our favorite vendor partners - Red Cliff Ranch and FUSE Weddings & Events!  If you are dreaming of a ranch wedding this year, call Culinary Crafts at 801.225.6575 because there are only a handful of dates left at Red Cliff Ranch for 2016!  Happy planning, everyone! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

December 8, 2015

Alta Moda Sample Sale!!!

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It's that time of year again!!!  Alta Moda Bridal's Annual Sample Sale - and it's AMAZING!!!  Here's more info from Alta Moda:
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We do this once a year. That’s it. One day only, killer deals, beautiful gowns, and high energy to get your wedding planning off on the right foot.
When & Where December 12th, 10 am – 2 pm at Alta Moda Bridal First Come, First Served (Only 8 brides at a time) *Brides have lined up well before opening the past several years. Since it’s first come, first served, it’s your call on when to arrive. What Our sample sale is when floor model wedding dresses are highly discounted. Nearly 80 of our gowns will be included in the sale. Bridal gowns marked down as much as 50% – 85%. Yep, designer weddings dresses (the dress-of-your-dreams type of dress) with prices starting under $1000, over half the selection under $1500, and most everything under $2000.  Who & How Whether you have that ring on your finger or know it’s coming soon, plan on saying yes to your dress at this sale. The sample sale is a playful, energetic day. Our gowns will be extremely low priced, but for one day only. Come prepared to make a quick and confident decision, and have your mom/friend/significant other ready to say yes along with you. Each bride will get her own fitting room and consultant for 40 minute. No rat race, no mad dash, no going it alone. Only sale gowns will be available that day. No accessories or non-sample gowns. Shhh…. As with every year, our staff (aka #AMBgirls) won’t know which gowns are on sale until the night before.
 
Helpful Hints:
  • Doors open at 10 am – December 12th ONLY
  • No appointments/No Previews – First come, First served
  • Once we unlock (just before 10 am) to go over details, you’ll get an estimated time you’ll be in a fitting room. Then, you’re free to go and come back before your estimated time or wait inside – no fuss, no standing around for too long
  • Only guests whose names have been called can go upstairs (where the gowns and fitting rooms are), but we’ll have a comfortable waiting area downstairs (Capacity limits)
  • You’ll get 40 minutes with a consultant and a private fitting room – No going it alone – We’re here for you!
  • Each bride can only have 4 gowns at a time, then wave through more as some are ruled out
  • No holding onto gowns after your 40 minutes is up
  • Most gowns are suited for street sizes 2-12, with some size 14+
  • The majority of gowns can be seamlessly altered for modest brides
  • Gowns are sold as is
  • Alterations not included
  • No holds and all sales final – Come ready to buy
  • Cash and credit card only (If you’re out of state or have a daily limit, get pre-approval from your card issuer beforehand)
  • Gowns will be lovingly bagged and must leave with the bride that day
  • We only do this once a year – So, now is the time
  • Space is limited; only one or two key decision makers/guests per bride
*If you think you’re not ready to say yes, this sale might not be for you. The prices are as amazing as the gowns, so we simply want you feeling confident when you say yes to your dress. Make sure to check this sale out if you are in the market for a STUNNING wedding gown!  Happy hunting, everyone! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

September 25, 2015

Friday Instagram of the Week!

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CC_IGofTW55 Today's Instagram of the Week comes from our very own Mary Crafts-Homer who posted this GORGEOUS sneak peek of an inspiration shoot she designed and put together this week!  We know you'll want to see how it all comes together too, so stay tuned!  Thanks for sharing, Mary - and remember, tag us at @culinarycrafts or add the hashtag #culinarycrafts to your posts for your chance to be next week's Instagram of the Week!  Happy weekend, everyone! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

September 18, 2015

Friday Instagram of the Week!

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CC_IGofTW54 This week's Instagram of the Week is a big dose of GORGEOUS from Decoration IncCulinary Crafts loved being a part of this stunning ranch wedding with not only the fabulous Decoration Inc, but Soiree Productions, Carrie's Cakes, and Diamond Rental!  It was such a beautifully magical day and we are so happy to share this pic with you!  Thanks to Decoration Inc for the capture - and remember for your chance to be next week's Instagram of the Week, tag us at @culinarycrafts or add the hashtag #culinarycrafts to your posts!  Happy weekend, everyone! Check out more Salt Lake City, Park City, and Utah County catering at www.culinarycrafts.com!

27x winner Utah’s Best of State

24x Best of State Caterer

3x Best of the Best / Hospitality

1x Entrepreneur of the Year