On the evening of December 21, right in the middle of the Holiday season, Toronto was hit with a massive ice storm. Many woke up on Sunday morning without power and heat, streets were lined with fallen trees and power lines. I was scheduled to cater a cocktail party for 200 guests that evening. That morning, I received a call from the client, who was one of the many unlucky people who had lost power. The client was upset but staying positive and wanted to proceed with the party anyway. I had over 1,000 pieces of hors d'oeuvres prepared, half of which needed to be served hot, what was I going to do? But if the client wanted the party I was going to make that happen!
I headed out, picked up my assistant and after an adventurous drive finally made it to the clients house only to find out that the rental company wasn't able to make it through the tree lined streets with their truck to deliver our glasses, platters and all the other party essentials, we had hit another road block but I was determined to make this party come together. We scoured the clients house for all the platters we could find and assembled all of the hors d'oeuvres that we could serve at room temperature. We managed to light the clients gas stove top to heat up a creamy, maple butternut squash soup that was supposed to be served in espresso cups from the rental company. Instead we set up a pile of mugs and a ladle and guests were able to serve themselves from the warm pot. Although the guest list was cut in half, people still managed to make it to the party and enjoy some food. They may have been bundled in their winter coats, and eating by candle light but everyone was in the holiday spirit and I must say the party turned out to be a great success.
Although, it was not my ideal cooking situation, we made it work and all the trouble was worth seeing the clients smiling face as her guests enjoyed the party.
Now that the ice has melted, and most of the city's power is restored I am ready to start 2014, and ready to face any challenge that may come my way.
Wishing everyone a very happy new year and all the best for 2014.
Cheers,
I headed out, picked up my assistant and after an adventurous drive finally made it to the clients house only to find out that the rental company wasn't able to make it through the tree lined streets with their truck to deliver our glasses, platters and all the other party essentials, we had hit another road block but I was determined to make this party come together. We scoured the clients house for all the platters we could find and assembled all of the hors d'oeuvres that we could serve at room temperature. We managed to light the clients gas stove top to heat up a creamy, maple butternut squash soup that was supposed to be served in espresso cups from the rental company. Instead we set up a pile of mugs and a ladle and guests were able to serve themselves from the warm pot. Although the guest list was cut in half, people still managed to make it to the party and enjoy some food. They may have been bundled in their winter coats, and eating by candle light but everyone was in the holiday spirit and I must say the party turned out to be a great success.
Although, it was not my ideal cooking situation, we made it work and all the trouble was worth seeing the clients smiling face as her guests enjoyed the party.
Now that the ice has melted, and most of the city's power is restored I am ready to start 2014, and ready to face any challenge that may come my way.
Wishing everyone a very happy new year and all the best for 2014.
Cheers,
RSS Feed