Laissez-faire Catering have implemented an organisation-wide return to work policy specifically adhering to NSW government regulations and requirements regarding COVID-19. This is to protect visitors, clients, staff, suppliers and anyone our organisation comes in contact with as we operate in this new environment.

In addition to our own company policy, we are also undertaking the following steps:

• Restaurant & Catering Association COVID-19 Hospitality Best Practise Training completed by all staff;
• Clear and prominent internal and external COVID signage
• Separate public entry and exit points for our cafes and kiosks
• Limited seating and contactless payment procedures
• Managed entry to venues to ensure the correct number of customers is maintained (as per the recommended limits for each re-opening stage)
• Separate order and collection points for counter service
• Staggered seating times and fixed sitting times for our eat in venues
• Room size consideration to meet and still maintain social distancing measures
• Individually controlled air conditioned function spaces
• Video conferencing and telephone conferencing solutions
• Creative menu options and food presentation to reduce possible cross contamination

If you any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us here.

Introducing LE BOX - the food and service excellence you know and love from Laissez-faire Catering delivered to you.

 If you’re hosting a meeting or event at your office, home, or remotely, serve delicious and stunning food that will leave a lasting impression.

LE BOX is our new, no-fuss catering solution, available for breakfast meetings, office parties, team lunches, home gatherings or hybrid events.

We have done the thinking for you with our chef-designed menus which include a range of fresh and seasonal, sweet and savoury items, all beautifully presented and ready to serve

We will deliver straight to your door (or doors for online events) in eco-friendly packaging and with COVID-safe procedures.

Explore our menus here: https://lebox.com.au/

LE BOX Menu Features

• Breakfast, Lunch, Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea, ‘After 5’ options 
• Contemporary menus and ingredients, including old fashioned favourites
• A wide selection of crowd-pleaser and individual salads
• Vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten-free options
• Ready to serve, and heat and serve options
• Delivered to your door
• Eco-friendly packaging
• COVID-Safe

Delicious, high-quality, locally sourced and produced catering

As a Gold Licence caterer with over 30 years’ experience, commitment to impeccable standards and service has been the cornerstone of our family-owned-and-operated business.  

We work with only the finest seasonal produce which is locally and sustainably sourced to create delicious and visually exciting food selections to suit your preferences, themes and styles. 

Exclusive Discount Offer

To celebrate the launch of LE BOX, for a limited time only, receive a $50 discount on any order made via the LE BOX website*.

Simply use code LEBOXLAUNCH50

Browse our menu of breakfast options, lunches, morning and afternoon teas, salad bowls, grazing boxes, canape boxes and more here: https://lebox.com.au/.

*Terms and Conditions

Offer valid for new orders placed between  09 September 2020 and 31 October 2020, inclusive. Delivery date must be on or before 31 October 2020. Order must be placed via the website www.lebox.com.au and code must be entered during checkout. Minimum spend $250 excl GST. $50 discount will be applied to final order value (including delivery and GST). Valid for one use per customer.

We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Australian National Maritime Museum on the opening of Wharf 7 Studio. This exciting initiative is a collaboration between the Australian National Maritime Museum, Evan Powis Entertainment and Laissez-faire Catering, offering a full television recording studio and live streaming service, for all types of projects. And no matter what you hire this creative space for, Laissez-faire Catering has your catering needs covered. From tailored menus for your product launch or live streaming event, to no fuss delivered catering for a webinar or training session, we have a catering solution to match any budget.

9 Sep 2020 Update: 

Laissez-faire Catering have implemented an organisation-wide return to work policy specifically adhering to NSW government regulations and requirements regarding COVID-19. This is to protect visitors, clients, staff, suppliers and anyone our organisation comes in contact with as we operate in this new environment.

In addition to our own company policy, we are also undertaking the following steps:

• Restaurant & Catering Association COVID-19 Hospitality Best Practise Training completed by all staff;
• Clear and prominent internal and external COVID signage
• Separate public entry and exit points for our cafes and kiosks
• Limited seating and contactless payment procedures
• Managed entry to venues to ensure the correct number of customers is maintained (as per the recommended limits for each re-opening stage)
• Separate order and collection points for counter service
• Staggered seating times and fixed sitting times for our eat in venues
• Room size consideration to meet and still maintain social distancing measures
• Individually controlled air conditioned function spaces
• Video conferencing and telephone conferencing solutions
• Creative menu options and food presentation to reduce possible cross contamination

If you any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us here.

-----

May 2020 update: 

As of May 2020, Laissez-faire Catering have implemented an organsiation-wide return to work policy specifically adhering to NSW government regulations and requirements regarding COVID-19. This is to protect visitors, clients, staff, suppliers and anyone our organisation comes in contact with as we operate in this new environment. In addition to our own company policy, we are also undertaking the following steps:

• Restaurant & Catering Association COVID-19 Hospitality Best Practise Training completed by all staff;
• Clear and prominent internal and external COVID signage
• Separate public entry and exit points for our cafes and kiosks
• Limited seating and contactless payment procedures
• Managed entry to venues to ensure the correct number of customers is maintained (as per the recommended limits for each re-opening stage)
• Separate order and collection points for counter service
• Staggered seating times and fixed sitting times for our eat in venues
• Room size consideration to meet and still maintain social distancing measures
• Individually controlled airconditioned function spaces
• Video conferencing and telephone conferencing solutions
• Creative menu options and food presentation to reduce possible cross contamination

For the opening dates of each of our partner venue cafes and venue operations, please refer to their respective pages on our website: venues  and cafes.

In line with increasing restrictions and regulations around meeting in public places and the closure of a number of our venue partners, namely the Australian National Maritime Museum and the State Library of New South Wales, Laissez-faire Catering has moved operations to working from home where possible. 

Our café at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst remains open.

The best way to contact us during this time is via phone +61 2 9209 4810 or admin@laissez.com.au

Once it is deemed safe to return to normal operations, and our venues open, we will provide further updates on our website, social media and in direct communication to our clients. 

You can subscribe to our communication via the pop up.

We wish all our community, clients, staff and general public a healthy and safe period ahead.

Laissez-faire catering PTY LTD (LFC) is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.  LFC has put in precautionary measures as of 4 February 2020 to ensure our staff are safe following the announcement of the Corona Virus outbreak and with cases identified in Australia.

The safety and wellbeing of Laissez-faire’s clients, visitors and employees is of paramount importance and remains our top priority.

Laissez-faire Catering is closely monitoring the situation with Coronavirus (Covid-19) and advice provided by the Australian Government Department of Health. We are responding appropriately as the situation evolves and will provide further updates as necessary.

We have instructed our staff / contractors to adhere to guidelines around delivery of services, attendance at our Sydney and NSW locations and follow specific hygiene and etiquette when onsite. These guidelines (implemented since 4 February, 2020) are:

1. If a person has travelled to any High risk jurisdictions (and returned within the past four (4) weeks), they will not come to work for the first 14 days after their return.

2. People currently in any High risk jurisdictions should not come to work for the two (2) weeks after their return to ensure they are not carrying the virus. This is the current recommended timeframe from the relevant Australian Government health  authorities.

3. We have provided increased hand sanitiser and tissues in each location where food is produced and in public areas.

4. People should be very conscious of hygiene and etiquette if coughing or sneezing, increased hand washing etc. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser as needed. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue which is then immediately put in the bin.

5. Consider other activities or events attended. If we determine that a staff have been in contact with anyone from any High risk jurisdictions, we request they work from home within the 14 day period after these events. Staff should raise any specific situations or arrangements with their supervising manager to agree a plan considering each circumstance.

6. As of 4th March, 2020, we have requested all staff limit hand to hand contact (handshakes) where possible and minimise kissing between clients and staff. This is following the Australian Government health authorities. 

High risk jurisdictions

The following jurisdictions are considered high risk. This list may be expanded at a future date depending on case numbers:

• Mainland China;
• Hong Kong;
• Japan
• South Korea;
• Singapore;
• Iran;
• Italy;
• Spain;
• Indonesia;
• France; and/or
• Germany

Inside our Kitchen the health and safety of our staff and customers is always our top priority.

While the overall risk in Australia of contracting COVID-19 in the community remains low, we’re taking a number of steps to prepare and enhance everyone’s protection.

We have a team of senior managers meeting regularly to discuss our ongoing response and ensure we have the latest information from health authorities. It’s important that you are aware that we maintain the highest level of hygiene and cleaning practices in our facility in accordance with Australian Food Standards and HACCP requirements.

We’re closely following all advice received from Australian medical authorities, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), regarding precautions that are needed to minimise risks concerned with COVID-19.

We have increased training with food handling staff including practicing proper hand washing and sanitising procedures, cough etiquette and staying home if they are unwell or unsure.

Should you require any further information please contact Sara Flaksbard – info@laissez.com.au

This policy and our guidelines are being monitored daily as the situation evolves.

We thank you for your support and cooperation in this challenging matter.

Sara Flaksbard | General Manager
T 02 9209 4810 | M 0416 235 516 
E sara@laissez.com.au | W www.laissez.com.au  
30 Birmingham St Alexandria NSW 201

Further government recommendations below around food:

Can the virus be transmitted through food?

Previous experience with outbreaks of illness due to MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and other respiratory viruses (e.g. avian influenza) suggest that novel coronavirus may have been transmitted from animals to humans.

Transmission through food is unlikely and there is no evidence of this occurring with novel coronavirus to date, however investigations to identify the source of the outbreak, the extent of spread of the infection, and mode(s) of transmission are continuing.

Reducing your risk

Everyone should practice good hygiene and other measures to protect against infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises people to:

• wash hands regularly
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
• thoroughly cook meat and eggs
• avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing

Good hygiene and sanitation are important to avoid cross contamination.

FSANZ will continue to monitor developments and liaise with the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, state and territory health authorities and international counterparts to assess the possibility of food borne transmission of the virus.

An all day conference is a unique challenge. While you likely have a lot going on throughout the day, you also need to keep people well-fed and well entertained. What's the best way to ensure that your event is memorable and satisfying?

Catering for corporate events demands precision, but that doesn't mean that you need to handle everything. Here are some important tips.

Let Your Caterer Do the Heavy Lifting

Your caterer can do everything from creating a menu for you to finding the perfect venue. At Laissez-faire, we have thirty years of experience in event and corporate catering. We can accommodate dietary needs, create a complete all day menu, and manage the perfect theme.

What do we need from you? Start with a headcount, budget, and deadline, and we can go from there. Let is know if we will be catering your facility, if you have a venue in mind, or if you'd like us to suggest some of the fantastic venues we've partnered with in the past: Australian National Maritime Museum, Urban Winery Sydney, State Library NSW, and Harbour 220.

Making a Schedule for the Day

Your daily schedule is going to have a big influence on the menu. Laissez-faire is well equipped to provide a conference menu for your team.

If it's an overnight conference, or if there's an early start, you should cover breakfast or provide morning sustenance.

Morning tea helps people stay alert without breaking the flow of the day. It allows a small reprieve to digest the days conference, and helps people return to work refreshed. Consider tea and pastries or a grazing table of fruits, cheeses, and crackers.

We've got some great menus that include a variety of breakfast options that people can mix and match. And don't forget that these options can be used all day. Breakfast can be served at any time and is often exciting.

For lunch, there are countless options. First, you can have lunch delivered to your facility, or plan to dine at the venue. Lunch is often the most important meal of the day. People look forward to lunch during morning events, and they'll remember their lunch during the evening events.

Buffet options are active and engaging, letting your team mingle and stretch their legs. Individual, pre-packaged meals are convenient and fast, while I'm the go. And sit down meals, for longer breaks, offer a greater chance to socialize.

Dinner is often best suited for conferences or corporate events that span multiple days; otherwise people often want to head home and eat dinner on their own terms or at a hotel.

When it comes to dinner, it's usually a special occasion. For something like an all day event, you want to reward everyone with a full, hearty dinner, often with multiple options, or a buffet where they can try out different things. While there are great menus for lighter dinner fare like canapes, these are better for shorter events.

Make an Enquiry

Are you ready to get started? Contact us online or over the phone, and make sure you plan early for the best catering experience. Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

Laissez-faire Catering has been announced as a NSW State Finalist at the 2019 Meetings and Events Australia Awards in the category of Banqueting & Catering! We are proud to see our hard work recognised in an industry we care deeply about. Winners will be announced on 25 March at the NSW MEA Awards night. Laissez-faire Catering was also a Finalist in MEA's 2018 awards, so we are delighted to see our successes celebrated again. At Laissez-faire Catering we have many awards and certifications to our name, and we are appreciative for all recognition we receive. 

What are the MEA Awards

MEA's National Awards program is the longest running, pre-eminent Awards program in Australia. Having run for over twenty-five years, MEA's Awards program is to begin with state-wide awards ceremonies, whereby successful candidates may then advance to an awards night at a national level. 

MEA's National Awards program recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements and expertise of individuals and organisations in the events sector. In particular, MEA looks to celebrate creativity, excellence, and professionalism in the design, management, delivery, servicing and advancement of the events industry in Australia.

NSW State Awards  Night

Laissez-faire Catering has been nominated as a State Finalist for NSW in the category of Banqueting & Catering.

All state finalists are invited to attend the NSW Awards event to be held on Wednesday 25th March at Taronga Zoo. The NSW state winners will be announced at this event, and those who are successful may go on to be national finalists.

State finalists will receive acknowledgement at the state awards presentation as a finalist in their category, and will receive recognition among clients and peers.

State Winners will enjoy automatic entry into the National Awards, and a unique State trophy.

National MEA Awards Night

National winners will be announced at the MEA National Awards Dinner at Evolve on Tuesday 5th May 2020 at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

National Winers will receive automatic entry as a finalist in the Platinum Awards category (either Event, Company or Individual).

For more updates, follow us on Instagram. Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online to find out more about how we can cater for your next event or office meeting.

Every company occasionally hosts corporate events. But are you hosting corporate events because you feel obligated to, or because you really recognise their value? If you're only doing obligatory events, you may not be really taking advantage of the benefits of corporate events.

Events are great opportunities for companies to leave a lasting impression on their audiences and build both internal and external relationships. Here are some reasons why throwing a corporate event could be the best thing you do in 2020.

Build Your Brand Identity

Inviting key industry figures and target audiences to attend events in a physical space makes your brand seem more real, rather than theoretical or exclusively digital. More and more, businesses are spending their time online. And this can make them feel a little less than "real."

If you want to build your brand identity, a corporate event gives you one-on-one time with the most important principles within your industry. Spice it up with some great decor and catering for corporate events, and you'll be able to impress.

Get Face Time With Your Audience

A corporate event provides a real platform for face-to-face communications, rather than just email or Skype. Face time with your customers and even your employees can bring to light opportunities that you might otherwise miss.

Don't commit all your interactions with social media or chat bots; that's a surefire way to miss improvements that you could make in your relationships. While digital automation can improve a lot of early stage interactions, late term interactions and lead commitments really need a personal touch.

Advertise Your Digital Content

Physical advertising can be used to bolster your digital content and digital marketing initiatives. Ideally, you should be augmenting both your marketing types through collaboration. You can use content generated from your event for your digital content, and you can market your digital initiatives during your physical event.

Building Real Relationships

As you start to nurture relationships with vendors, clients, and employees, face-to-face time becomes even more important. Consider the value of networking enabled by a physical activity, such as team-oriented events, award shows, and more.

When more people hear about your business, they will be more likely to come and visit your business. And that means that they're going to be ready and willing to engage. Impress them with some great Sydney corporate catering and thoughtful decor, and they'll be even more ready to commit.

Hosting Giveaways and Offering Merchandise

Giveaways, offering merchandise, and other physical event activities are great in two ways. One, they give your potential customers a gift. This engenders a feeling of reciprocation: They will be more willing to do things for you in the future. Two, they give people physical and lasting proof of the purpose of your company. They will look at the items that they won or were offered, and will remember your business and what it stands for.

Educating About Your Products and Services

There are some products and services that are difficult to express in terms of text-based or image-based content. Rather than trying to launch a product on a website, launch a product in real life. It's an easier way to depict what your product or service can really do, while also being able to pitch and sell directly to an audience face-to-face.

Any content generated from a physical product launch can also be used online, which further improves your company's reach.

Rewarding Customers, Vendors, and Employees

Use your corporate events to reward those close to your company with a massive celebration. The more appreciated people feel, the more invested they become in the success of your business. This brings to the company additional goodwill, which can be instrumental for companies that are looking to grow.

There are many event types for corporations: product launches, award ceremonies, news releases, networking events, conferences, seminars, gala dinners, and more. But above all, the major advantage to hosting events is that you're able to get face-to-face content with the people who are instrumental to your company's success.

While we do live in an increasingly digital world, there's still something to be said for personal contact. It's how you can properly gauge the temperature of the room, how you can determine how successful your marketing is, and how you can directly influence those who are most important.

Ready to start planning your next corporate event? Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

Chicken and leek pot pies… from our Canapé Menu

Pot pies are wonderful things according to Jeff; you get all the fun of a pie, with half the pastry.

Ingredients

1. 3 whole chicken legs
2. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3. 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
4. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5. 1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
6. 1 large leek, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
7. 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
8. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
9. 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10. 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole milk
11. 1/4 cup heavy cream
12. 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped tarragon
13. One 14-ounce package all-butter puff pastry
14. 1 large egg, lightly beaten
15. 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. On a rimmed baking sheet, season the chicken legs with salt and pepper and drizzle with the olive oil. Roast the chicken for about 30 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Reserve the pan drippings. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion and leek and cook over moderate heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mustard and the flour and cook until pasty, about 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken broth, 3/4 cup of the milk, the heavy cream and the chicken pan drippings and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and the tarragon and season with salt and pepper. Let stand until cool, about 30 minutes.
3. Spread the chicken filling in an 8-by-11 1/2-inch baking dish. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 9-by-13-inch rectangle. Lay the pastry over the baking dish and gently tuck in the overhanging pastry. Using a sharp knife, cut 3 slits in the top of the pastry. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the egg wash over the pastry and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Set the pie on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let stand for 30 minutes before serving.

Having a function in Sydney and looking for a unique location and catering to impress your guest? Laissez-faire can source quotes and provide you a list of exclusive venues to make your upcoming event one to remember.

Hordern Pavilion

The Hordern Pavilion has long been one of Sydney's favourite entertainment venues. Laissez faire is now able to cater for your event in this historic venue.

Set in the Moore Park Precinct, the Hordern's historic facade disguises a versatile venue packed with potential. Many millions of people have been through its doors - to dance, to sing, to dine and even do business. Live music, film premieres, gala dinners, product launches such as the Rolling Stone re-launch, award nights such a Dally Ms and Astra Awards as well as exhibitions like Life InStyle and Masterchef Live.

Catering to large events of more than 1,000 people with over 3,000sqm of venue space.

Australian National Maritime Museum

The outstanding backdrop of the Australian National Maritime Museum is filled with historic vessels on absolute waterfront. The museum's unique venues will delight and entice guests to your event.

Modern waterfront venues, The Lighthouse Gallery and Yots and the elevated Ben Lexcen Terrace are perfect for product launches, cocktail parties, dinners and Christmas events with a capacity of up to 600 guests.

Urban Winery

Australia's first true urban winery and the beating heart of the A.Retief wine label. Conveniently located in The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, The Urban Winery Sydney is a one of a kind, multifunctional space that includes a fully working open winery, event space, wine bar and cellar door.

Urban Winery Sydney is the only place in the city where you can entertain and dine with your guests amongst barrels producing our latest vintage.

State Library of NSW

Boasting the grand elegance of the historic Mitchell building and the modern versatility of the Macquarie Street building, the State Library of New South Wales is truly a unique venue.

Versatile and pillarless function rooms, suitable for hosting a wide variety of meetings and events.

Harbour 220

Set in an unparalleled location, Harbour 220 boasts uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

This intimate venue in the heart of the central business district is perfect for corporate retreats at any time of day.

Cell Block Theatre

The beautiful, awe-inspiring Cell Block Theatre at the National Art School is a visually remarkable building. The Cell Block Theatre venue boasting towering 10 metre high golden sandstone walls creating a gracious cathedral-like atmosphere and is surrounded by delightful courtyards which come complimentary with all bookings.

The Island Sydney

A floating open-air space of The Island fuses European beach club culture and 5-star service with an iconic Australian backdrop. A fully licensed bespoke bar sits alongside day beds, VIP cabanas and beach chairs, with a contemporary white facade ensuring the space is polished and cohesive. A venue unrivalled to any on-water location, and hospitality landscape, opening up the harbour to local and international guests.

Make an Enquiry

Arrangements to see these amazing venues can be easily done, contact our office today.

Contact the Laissez-faire team via email; admin@laissez.com.au alternatively visit our website to see more event images and make an enquiry.

Vegan catering is becoming more in-demand than ever before, and when it comes to catering Sydney is where it's at. With all the corporate events and other large gatherings taking place there, organising something and making sure people are fed well and ethically during that time can be a real challenge. But catering for corporate events doesn't have to be this way. It's possible to provide great Sydney catering at the corporate level and still choose a vegan menu. Veganism is a growing market in Australia, and the demand for food that is sustainable and ethically sourced gets bigger every day.

Venues and companies should both be allowing for vegan options in their catering demands. Whether they want to have a complete Sydney corporate catering event that is vegan, or only want to provide a dish or two to choose from, making these ethical changes is important. Vegan foods don't require as much land for production, and that means a lower level of deforestation in countries where land is used for agriculture. Choosing vegan options reduces the demand for cash crops, too, helping more impoverished communities grow what they need to survive. In short, it's easier on the planet as a whole.

Vegan Options are Planet-Saving (and Money-Saving) Options

It really is possible to have great-tasting food and still protect the planet. When you choose vegan options for catering Sydney events, you help the planet by reducing CO2, using less water, and relying less on transportation that can contribute to pollution. In many cases, vegan dishes also cost less than those that contain meat, so you can save on your Sydney corporate catering needs and still have an excellent and flavourful menu. Whether you're considering a sit-down dinner or you want something much more buffet-style, there are excellent ways to make vegan food the right choice.

Flavourful and Elegant Vegan Dishes are Plentiful

If you're worried about a lack of meat in your dishes, you don't need to let that concern you. At Laissez-faire Catering Sydney, we can make your vegan dishes exciting and high-quality. Catering for corporate events is easier and healthier when you use plant-based choices. Your guests might not even notice there isn't any meat, because everything tastes so good. For people with mixed dietary needs, vegan options are also good choices. Those who are sensitive to dairy, for example, can enjoy everything at the table without fear that they may end up ill.

More Non-Vegans are Choosing Vegan Foods

Whether it's a concern about the ethical treatment of the animals, a desire to shed weight, worries about the impact of red meat on long-term health, or other considerations, more people who aren't actually vegan as a lifestyle are choosing plant-based and vegan food options. There are dietary, religious, ethical, and many other types of implications for those who choose vegan foods, and accommodating those people when catering for corporate events shows an interest in allowing people to be themselves and valuing their choices.

Consider also the scenario of catering for a group. If one or a few are vegan, than the whole group will likely veto any venue that does not accommodate for vegan diets. Searching for menus with vegan options is thus a sure way to accommodate for a range of dietary needs when it comes to corporate event catering.

Ready to check out your Sydney corporate catering options? Contact us at Laissez-faire Catering Sydney today on (02) 9209-4810, and see what exciting plans we can offer for your summer catering needs. Don't want to call? No problem at all! You can easily make an enquiry online and we'll get back to you quickly. When it comes to catering Sydney, we know what to do.

If you're thinking of fun experiences to try in 2020, consider trying a range of breakfast and brunch venues rather than a lunch or dinner. Everyone loves breakfast and brunch, and it's not necessarily limited to a certain time of day. Here are some of the popular trends to look forward to in 2020, for yourself and catering for corporate events.

The Popularity of Brunch Continues to Grow

Brunch is an increasingly popular dining experience, especially for younger people in Australia. Sydney corporate catering  events are going to see more breakfast and brunch in general.

Rise in Fermented Beverages Such as Kombucha

Fermented beverages are excellent accompaniment to just about any breakfast and brunch food. Not only is it delicious and popular, but it's also healthy. If people want to start their breakfast off right, kombucha is an excellent choice. It comes with antioxidants and beneficial bacteria, which also aids digestion. Fermented beverages can be included in a drink bar as an exciting sober option.

Savoury Breakfast Foods

Hash brown trays, sweet potato pancakes, and more: any breakfast food can be made savoury to appeal to those who don't like sweets. Many people like breakfast because of the salts and fats, rather than sugars and syrups. Having both sweet and savoury can be a great way to broaden your options, while also making it so that everyone has something a little heartier for breakfast.

Plant-Based Meals

A rise in veganism and vegetarianism is also leading to some great plant-based options. A lot of people aren't just eating totally vegetarian or vegan, but are trying to eat less meat in general. Sometimes this is for the purposes of animal welfare, but other times it's sustainability. Since plant-based options are getting better and trendier, 2020 is going to see them included a lot in brunch and breakfast.

Focus on Sustainability

The focus on sustainable can go beyond veganism and vegetarianism. Locally-sourced produce and meat is becoming popular for consumers and food outlets. Rather than getting mass-produced goods, your brunch or breakfast can include products from local farmers. These goods aren't just sustainable, but are fresher and tastier. Think about farm fresh eggs and locally sourced cheese, in addition to vegetables and fruits.

Zero-Waste Approaches

Zero-waste is going to be included in lunches, dinners, breakfasts, and brunches. Compostable packaging and eliminating single-use plastics will be notably important. For your breakfast and brunch, consider offering sustainable products such as paper or reusable metal straws. Work with venues that focus on zero-waste or less waste, and that offer recycling.

"Tipsy" Breakfast and Brunches

It's becoming more popular to include alcohol options with breakfast and brunch. It isn't just mimosas and Bloody Mary's anymore. There are many coffee-based and tea-based cocktails that also pack quite a punch. If you're planning a celebratory event like a milestone adding some drinking options is a great choice. A cocktail menu adds a memorable feature to your breakfast or brunch, and lets you celebrate some seasonal flavours.

Breakfast Fusion

Breakfast tacos, breakfast burgers, and other "fusion" choices are becoming just as popular as traditional breakfast meals. Consider breakfast and brunch bowls, and other similar options. If you have a favourite type of food, such as Mexican or Asian cuisine, your caterer can find ways to incorporate those flavours into the meal.

Are you ready to start your breakfast and brunch planning? Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

Starting to plan your 2020 wedding? Before you start booking your caterers and your venues, consider settling on a theme. A themed wedding is fun and whimsical, and can also reduce a lot of the decision-making involved. When you have a theme, things like colours, decor, music, and food come together more easily and you can concentrate on the areas of the wedding that matter most to you.

Garden Weddings

A lovely wedding at the botanical gardens doesn't have to wait for spring. If you love fresh flowers, green plants, butterflies, and delicate food and drink, a garden-inspired wedding is a great choice. Garden weddings often have lighter fare, such as canapés and spritzers, and can be held throughout the year in enclosed garden environments. Pay special attention to floral accents such as bouquets and centrepieces, and consider a gown to match.

Nature-Inspired Weddings

Get in touch with your natural side at a venue like the Prince Henry Centre. Nature-inspired weddings can span the gamut from romantic to rustic, depending on what you and your soon-to-be-spouse enjoy. Go to a cabin retreat, or enjoy your time in the rolling hills. Going back to nature can turn a stressful event into a relaxing one, especially if you don't like the hustle and bustle of the city.

Gatsby/1920's Weddings

Bring the roaring 20s to the 2020s. Gatsby style parties are exceptionally popular and decadent. If you yearn for the fashion styles, arts, and entertainment of yesteryear, consider theming your wedding appropriate to a different time altogether. You can pull up old pictures when planning out your decor, and have your groomsmen and bridesmaids dress accordingly. It'll be a special moment out of time for you and your spouse.

Beach-Themed Weddings

Beach-themed weddings are exceptionally popular, and Australia has some of the best beaches in the world. Wylie's Bath, Coogie Surf Club, and the  North Bondi Life Saving Club are all great choices for weddings and other types of events, such as Sydney corporate catering events. Beach-themed wedding can have casual attire such as sundresses, and are a more laid back choice all around. Choose some modern, BBQ-themed menus, and you'll have everything set for a proper "luau."

Black Tie Weddings

Consider going full formal with a black tie event. A lot of people consider weddings themselves the most formal occasion they'll ever go to, but black tie events are even more formal and give people a great chance to dress up to their very best. It may be the only chance you get to create the gala of your dreams! Elevate your menu with a sophisticated palate, canapés, and custom drinks.

Vintage Venue Weddings

Historical and vintage venues are really a theme of themselves, such as the State Library of New South Wales. If you love certain architecture, consider looking for a building that you love, too. You can theme your wedding around the time that the building was developed, and consequently create a beautiful wedding that will look like it stepped right out of a picture book.

Seasonal Weddings

We've talked about using seasonal produce for catering for corporate events, and seasonal produce seasonal themes can also be used to enhance a wedding. Seasonal produce is better tasting, more visually appealing, and supports local Australian farmers. If you're looking for a theme, consider a winter, summer, autumn, or spring wedding.

As you plan out your 2020 wedding, consider Laissez-faire's partnered venues. By working with Laissez-faire, you can get your catering and venue arranged with ease, and start thinking about the other elements of your wedding now. We even provide complete wedding packages, so you don't need to worry about anything at all.

Contact us today at (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.

Are you looking for ideas for your Australia Day celebrations? Or is your company celebrating Australia Day?  When booking catering for corporate events, it can be a challenge to distinguish your events from others. Apart from leveraging seasonal produce and fine-tuning your menu to the attendees, there are some tips you can use to put a modern spin on your event.

Traditional BBQ With a Twist

Lam cutlets, barbecue chicken, meat pies, and burgers. They're all quintessentially Australian, and a great way to celebrate Australia Day with family or with colleagues. After all, what's more Australian than a BBQ? BBQs encourage employees to socialise, and they're casual enough that employees don't feel that they're pressured to "enjoy" a corporate event. Instead, they can relax.

But how can you make it a little more modern? By elevating the ingredients. At Laissez-faire, we use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from farms that we've established relationships with. By introducing seasonal fruits and vegetables, you can make familiar items new again.

Prawns, Yabbies, and Other Seafood

How can you give prawns, yabbies, and other seafood a fresh twist? Think about creating a menu of canapés. Canapés give you the opportunity to create a lot of different foods with different flavours, rather than concentrating on just one. Seafood is a strong taste that lends itself to a lot of different appetisers and treats, and canapés make it more likely that everyone will find something they like.

Vegan and Sustainable Foods

Vegan foods are becoming more impressive every year. You can create a sustainable, eco-conscious menu that includes things such as tabouli, Brussel sprout and mushroom skewers, black bean fritters, fries, and wedges. Consider adding vegan and vegetarian options to your catering menu: more people are eating these types of diets today, and being inclusive is what Australia day is all about.

Seal It With an Excellent Dessert

For many people, dessert is the favourite meal. Consider a pavlova or lamington, with mango or passion fruit flavours. The idea is to use a traditional Australian dessert but also pair it with some modern, seasonal flavours. Think about whether you want things to be bright, or warm and toasty. Wagon Wheels, milo cakes, cheesecakes, and ice-blocks are all quintessentially Australia Day dessert, and they can be livened up with different flavours and presentations.

Don't Forget Any Special Dietary Needs

Australia Day is about what makes Australia special, and a good part of this is celebrating the shared culture of Australia. Don't forget that people may have special dietary needs, such as Halal or Kosher restrictions. Make a list of guests through their RSVPs. Creating a special menu may seem tiring, but a Sydney corporate catering company can handle it all for you.

Don't Forget the Drinks

Cocktails (including virgin cocktails and punches) let you explore different flavours without having to commit to another set of food items. A good drink menu is going to keep people enjoying the catering throughout the event, and give them a palate cleanser between the things that they eat.

Laissez-faire has everything you need for catering for corporate events, whether it's for your Australia Day party or something else entirely. Contact us today if you want to start planning your catering Sydney,  on (02) 9209 4810, or make an enquiry online.

When planning out your summer catering, consider the value of seasonal produce. Seasonal produce is sustainable, local, fresh, and enticing. There are a number of reasons to emphasize seasonal produce, from corporate responsibility, to creating a memorable occasion. Here's what you need to know.

What Produce is Seasonal During the Summer?

You can get just about anything in a grocery store at any time throughout the year, so it may not be obvious what produce is actually in season during the summer. Seasonal produce is fresh from local farmers and supports the local farming industry, whereas other things need to be shipped in. That damages quality and  sustainability.

Here are a few products that are seasonal during the summer in Australia: apples, bananas, berries, melons, pineapple, rambutan, asparagus, beans, beetroot, carrots, corn, eggplant, leeks, radish, shallots, squash, tomato, watercress, and zucchini. Australia has some fantastic produce that's available during the summer, during a time when much of the world doesn't have similar produce available locally.

What Produce Has Been Impacted Due to the Bushfires?

Unfortunately, bushfires have been impacting the produce market in Australia. Some $4.4 billion dollars in damage has already impacted Australian businesses, including farms. Both fruits and vegetables have been impacted by the bushfires racing along Australia's coast. Banana growers have been raising funds to counteract this impact, and many other farmers are still not sure of the true extent of the damage.

With the bushfire damage so extensive, very few areas of agriculture haven't been impacted in some way. This summer, there are likely to be reduced amounts of seasonal produce.

Purchasing seasonal, local produce isn't just more sustainable, but can also help farmers local to Australia. Of course, local produce may also see an increase in prices because of this, but it's something necessary to support local economies. If local farmers aren't able to sell their wares, even at these increased prices, they may not be able to continue farming.

What Are the Benefits of Purchasing Seasonal Produce?

Even before the bushfires, there were many reasons to purchase seasonal produce. Laissez-faire has always been a strong proponent of seasonal produce for the following reasons:

• Higher quality goods. Seasonal produce doesn't have to be shipped as far and is allowed to ripen on farms rather than in stores, thereby leading to higher quality goods that both look and taste better.
• Money into the local economy. Money into small businesses helps everyone. When small businesses thrive, the community itself thrives. By pouring money into the local economy, you can create better relationships and a stronger community overall.
• Better, more innovative menu creation. Using seasonal produce can give you great ideas for the type of menu you want, rather than having to create a menu from whole cloth. Choose a few great fruits and vegetables to be the "stars" of your drinks and dishes.
• More sustainable in general. Non-local, non-seasonal produce has to be shipped far distances to get to Australia, increasing your carbon footprint significantly. It's more sustainable to purchase things as close to your location as possible, to reduce on waste.

When planning catering for corporate events, you don't want to just create an interesting and delicious menu; you also want to promote sustainability and corporate ethics. Seasonal produce has tremendous value for catering events.

How Can You Create the Best Summer Events?

Selecting the best catering Sydney can offer is the first step in creating a perfect summer event. Laissez-faire can help you create an excellent summer menu that is centered around delicious, seasonal produce, even if the supply may be light.

At Laissez-faire, we can help you setup your entire corporate catering experience, including choosing a venue. Once you have your catering and venue in mind, you can make critical decisions about your menu, decor, and more.

Are you planning catering for corporate events? Contact us today on (02) 9209 4810 or make an enquiry online.