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Melbourne Cup Catering: Giddy Up!

The Melbourne Cup is just about the only day of the year where it is universally acceptable across Australia to host a party during the working day. It truly is the race that stops the nation. But, more importantly, it is the race that gives everyone the opportunity to host or attend a party!

For some people, it is all about getting tickets to the best party in town. For others, it is about taking the opportunity to host an exclusive event for their top clients and staff. For the rest of us, it can often simply be about throwing a few bets down and heading to the boardroom to drink champagne and nibble on some cheese and crackers.

Whatever you prefer, we’re here to help you celebrate Melbourne Cup in style! Whether you are planning an exclusive event or organising an office party with pizazz, check out our hottest canape of the season.

The Canape That Stops a Nation...

These Spicy Lobster Bao Will Blow Your Mind!

INGREDIENTS

• 6 fresh or frozen Chinese buns (a.k.a. gua bao, folded buns, or steamed sandwiches)
• 1 stick 250 grams unsalted butter, cut into several pieces
• ¼ cup Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon red chilli flakes
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 400 grams cooked lobster meat (from two lobsters), chopped into bite-size chunks (2 cups)
• 1 generous tablespoon fresh lemon juice 

METHOD

1. Right before you serve, arrange the buns on a plate, cover them with damp paper towels, and microwave, flipping once, about 1 minute.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in the Sriracha, chilli flakes, and ½ teaspoon salt.

3. Reduce the heat to low, add the lobster, and stir occasionally just until the lobster is hot all the way through, 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, scallions, and cilantro. Season to taste with more salt and lemon juice. Cover to keep it warm.

5. Remove the buns from the parchment and put them on a plate. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the lobster meat to the bao buns, spoon on as much of the sauce as you'd like, and eat.

Catering Ideas

Thanks to a social-media-hungry public and the rise of foodie culture, today's caterers need to be constantly feeding the imagination of event guests with new, original, and—above all—delicious cuisine.

From the latest trends in wedding and corporate catering to functional tips for food displays and specialty menus, food has become a sophisticated medium and an integral element to an event’s theme, brand message, or identity.

Here are the most up-to-date trends in catering, ideas for unique food presentations, and tips and strategies from food festivals and tastings. Find catering ideas for breakfast and brunch, lunch, dinner, canapes, cocktails, and more.

Pastries and coffee and deli sandwiches, chips, and a cookie aren't the most exciting breakfast and lunch options for meeting breaks. Depending on the location, hotels and restaurants are putting a spin on the typical meeting break fare with food and drink offerings that are locally inspired or locally sourced.

From Chicago-themed candy and snack displays and staples of Puerto Rico to inventive hot beverages inspired by Park City slopes, here's a look at how certain venues are elevating meeting break menus.

Ideas and Trends Shaping Today's Catering Industry

Here are some great catering ideas and trends that stood out at the fifth annual Art of Catering Food Conference—presented by Catersource and the International Caterers Association.

1. Catering to special diets is the new norm. Having a single vegetarian alternative to your meat-focused main dish no longer meets the needs of attendees. Vegan, gluten-free, organically grown, and nut-free are more common diets than ever. Planners and caterers need to be aware of all allergies and diets when crafting the menu.

 2. The right garnish can take your dishes to the next level. It’s not just what you put on the canapes, but also how you display it, and where you source your garnish ideas from. When serving fish for example, remove and bake the skin, add some salt, and serve it as a skin chip to complement the main dish. With beef, why not utilise the red wine and leftover mushrooms to create a red hibiscus wine sauce with dehydrated mushroom chips. Other popular garnish ideas include edible flowers—the latest craze—as well as charred lemons and limes and carrot ribbon chips.

3. Reinvent ways to present canapes and small plates. We at LFC recommend getting creative with canapes and small plates. Take bruschetta, for instance, and create tomato shells filled with parmesan mousse and garnish with balsamic glaze and basil crystals. It's the same combination of flavours as the traditional presentation, but with a new spin.

4. Stations are becoming more interactive. “When we do these [Iberico ham] stations, guests come up to us, and we have stories to tell them about how the hams are fed and the ingredients in the dishes. It makes people happy when you interact with them.”

Beyond the chef interaction, LFC chef Florent gets guests involved with a station offering three options—pimento cheese, smoked cheddar and jalapeño, and creamy corn—for the classic Southern side dish to accompany a carving station of chicken, pork, or beef.

EXCLUSIVE SYDNEY VENUE FEATURE: The Venue Alexandria

Laissez-Faire has now hosted many events at The Venue in Alexandria. It's one of our most popular event destinations and for good reason!

The Venue Alexandria is Sydney’s newest and most unique premium warehouse event space.     Located conveniently between Sydney’s International Airport and the CBD, they offer clients a large, flexible warehouse space with 5-Star amenities catering to a wide variety of events including gala dinners, product launches, fashion parades, conferences, corporate functions, social events, and weddings. With capacity for 1000 guests, this is the best Sydney venue for large gatherings and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations!

Check out these videos from The Venue website to get a sense of the scale and premium quality of this event venue:

If you'd like to book an event at this venue, or just want more details, please contact us.

Here are some more images in and around THE VENUE:

 

What a spectacular evening shared by Stivi and Svet at the new high end warehouse The Venue. Tonight's wedding was for 430 guest however the space can hold up to 1000 guest. An attractive space for gala dinners, product launches, cocktails and conferences . #catering #events #laissez_faire_catering #cater #thevenue #alexandria #venuesourcing #partner #love #wedding #weekendvibes #work #new

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Apr 22, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on May 17, 2017 at 6:34pm PDT

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a breathtaking party in-house with LFC and wherever your imagination takes you...

Every Christmas, our kitchen is transformed with a festivity that really brings out the best of the season and we can cater any special theme from $65.00 per person. 

Our in-house Christmas parties include everything you need to celebrate in style, from Christmas décor and theming to entertainment, staffing, all-inclusive drinks options and of course a delicious, bespoke Christmas themed canape menu from our Head Chef, Florent.

See our menu below:

Christmas canapes

• Shaved turkey on rosemary toasts with cranberry compote
• Rare roasted, seeded beef sirloin on a crisp potato cake with horseradish cream
• Hand sliced bourbon glazed ham crostini with spiced apple chutney
• Chicken ballotine with truffle mushrooms and parmesan crisp
• Crisp golden potato rösti with smoked salmon & cream cheese
• King prawn skewers with chilli and grated fresh ginger
• Caramalised leek and cheddar arancini
• Five spiced duck wontons, nam jim dressing
• Asparagus and parmesan baked in filo pastry, pesto aioli
• Crisp glazed pork belly bao with hot sauce, shredded cucumber, coriander and crackle.

Christmas bowl food

• Turkey escalope with bacon stuffed with sage and onion
• Macaroni and cheese with a rich cheddar sauce and truffle
• Crisp caramel glazed pork belly, jasmin rice, pak choy and chilli jam.

Australian National Maritime Museum – Christmas Lunch Special

If you’re looking for a fuss-free but entirely delicious way to spend Christmas with the team this year then look no further… We have it all wrapped up with this fabulous Christmas Lunch special offer which includes food + beverage + staff + flowers = fun in the sun.

Our $110.00 deal allows you to come in on budget and still have Christmas cheer for all. The Australian National Maritime Museum has a plethora of great spaces within walking distance of the CBD and public transport making the entire process smooth sailing, excuse the pun!!!

To contact us about this offer, email us, give us a call on (02) 9209 4810  or drop us an enquiry here.

Offer includes:

Exclusive Waterfront Venue Tailored lunch menu (entrée + main or main + dessert)

Tea, coffee + petit fours

Tableware, cutlery, glassware and white napery

Blanc beverage package 3.5 hours

Christmas centrepieces

Professional wait staff and function supervisor

Cocktail tables

A dedicated Event Planner to coordinate and assist with the finer details of your event

RECIPE: Californian “pokebowl” Craze

The californian “pokebowl” craze has hit our shores. Check out our chefs HOT, FRESH easy peasy recipe…

INGREDIENTS

• 430g (2 cups) sushi rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons sushi seasoning
• 500g sashimi-grade tuna steaks, cut into 1cm pieces
• 1 green shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
• 1/4 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
• 1 large avocado, cut into 1cm pieces
• Pickled ginger, to serve
• Shallow-fried wonton wrappers, to serve (optional)

METHOD

1. Cook rice following the packet directions.
2. Stir in the sushi seasoning.
3. Melt remaining butter in same frypan and sauté bacon, leek, mushrooms and garlic over medium heat until leek is softened and bacon is slightly golden and caramelised.
4. Combine tuna, shallot, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sesame seeds and chilli in a glass or ceramic bowl.
5. Divide the rice among bowls. Top with tuna mixture and avocado.
6. Serve with the pickled ginger and wonton wrappers

Or... try it with noodles!

Heir to the Loom

If, like me, you're wanting something fresh and out of the box to decorate your table this spring, why not try going green… Literally.

Come on, seriously; get out there and try something new and interesting this season… It's all topsy-turvy if you ask me. There are some fabulous heirloom vegetables in season and what could possibly be fresher and enticing than laying your table with all the beautiful colours of carrots that are out there right now. You could tie them together with raffia or offcuts of ribbon makes for an easy fix with a glamorous touch.

Or to make an even brighter table, consider dropping bunches of crisp radishes into ice water with some fresh mint and you can skip that boring table posy of gerberas you were considering.

Spring Trends

Having been in the industry for so many years I don’t think that I ever really considered that I would be writing about less alcohol as a food trend, but here it is.  Have a read and I wonder if you will find it is as interesting as I do.

We know that Generation Z drinks less than the generation before them, and that they value quality in what they do drink, so we predict non-alcoholic drinks will become more niche this season and in fact in the coming years as a result. Expect to hear much more talk of turmeric shots, charcoal-activated water, cold-pressed juices and non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ like Seedlip. Who would have thought that sticking an heirloom carrot in a non-alcoholic cocktail would be “just what the doctor ordered”…

From the Website:

THE ART OF DISTILLATION

In the 1600’s Apothecaries were using small copper stills to make non-alcoholic herbal remedies. This alchemy was documented in The Art of Distillation published in London in the year 1651 & is now re-purposed for the modern day.

Tips For Hosting A Successful Gala Dinner

If your organisation is trying to gain support for a cause, a gala dinner may be one of the best ways to reach your goal. There is a lot that must go into hosting a successful gala, including time, organisation, and planning. If you have never hosted a gala before, you are probably wondering how to get started. Fortunately, by following a few simple tips, you can be well on your way to hosting the ultimate gala that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 18, 2017 at 5:16am PDT

What is your event's purpose?

When you first get started organising your gala, you need to thoroughly define the event's purpose. This purpose should include everything from what you hope to achieve to how you will meet your goals. If you don't have a defined purpose for your event, then the way you plan the event will be extremely difficult. After all, it is your event's purpose that everything should be centered around.

Create a budget

The next step to planning a gala is to create a budget. Your budget, in fact, will affect almost every aspect of your event. It will determine how much you can spend on catering, seating, entertainment, and more. There is much involved in hosting a gala, and you need to make sure you allow money for all aspects. The most common expenses will include those related to:

• Venue costs
• Audiovisual equipment and support
• Entertainment
• Advertising
• Food and beverage
• Seating furniture
• Props/Decor
• Prizes to be auctioned

You may find that a lot of the items mentioned above can be donated but you need to make sure you have enough money to cover them in the event that donations do not come through.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Jun 6, 2017 at 6:28pm PDT

Are you going to fundraise?

Many galas are used for fundraising. If your gala is going to be used for this purpose, you will want to find other fundraising tactics to incorporate into the gala itself. For example, sure your gala may help fundraise on a per plate basis, but you can also sell raffle tickets, have a live or silent auction, sell sponsorships, and more. No matter the type of fundraising that you want to incorporate, make sure they are relevant to your gala's theme. For example, if you want to sell raffle tickets for a gala themed around animal safety, then the raffles should be for items such as pet supplies.

Choose a theme and venue

Ideally, you will want to choose your theme when you define the purpose for your gala. Now, you will want to pick a venue. The most important aspect to look for in any venue is that it allows your guests to socialise and network. An inviting atmosphere is, of course, important, but an impressive one is even more pertinent because it gets everyone in a good mood and promotes an environment of friendliness and joy. The theme and venue that you opt for will set the entire tone for the event, so make sure you choose wisely. Laissez-faire has several venue options to choose from, with the three of the most popular being the Australian National Maritime Museum, Harbour 220, and The Venue Alexandria.

The Australian National Maritime Museum provides breathtaking views of the Darling Harbour and gives you and your guests inspiring glimpses of the city skyline. The Venue Alexandria is another unique venue that features a large warehouse space and provides lots of 5-star amenities. If you're wanting to host an exclusive and intimate gala, Harbour 220 is your best venue option.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Dec 7, 2016 at 11:45pm PST

Make sure you have the right AV support

When it comes to audiovisual, you need not only the right equipment but the right support as well. The ultimate goal should be to provide your gala guests with a magical experience, and with the right AV support, you can accomplish this goal. Your AV support is also of the utmost importance because they will be involved in setting up various gala activities and entertainment, including dance floors and more.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Mar 2, 2017 at 1:05am PST

Choose between food and beverage options

Lastly, your gala will never be complete unless you choose the right food and beverage option. Fortunately, you will have several menu options to choose from. From a tailored platter to a plated menu, the theme and purpose of your gala will help determine which menu is best for your event.

Contact Laissez-faire today to learn more about venue and menu options.

Spring Platters

Today we feature our delicious Platter menu: perfect for Spring corporate or private functions. Platter menus can be delivered to your event location and are ready to serve.

Let's take a look at the delicious recipes featured on one of Laissez-faire's most popular menus!

The Platter menu is fantastic for outdoor or indoor Spring celebrations and get togethers: from corporate office meetings to private garden luncheons. Pair this menu with some delicious coffee or iced teas and you've got a Spring event to remember.

Australian Cheese Platter  - a selection of soft and hard cheeses served with quince, fresh & dried fruits, nuts and crispbreads.

Sushi Plate  - California rolls, inside out rolls, sashimi salmon, soy, wasabi and pickled  ginger.

Spanish Tasting Plate - Chorizo, roasted peppers, garlic mushrooms, polenta chips with sea salt, Jamon, tomato rubbed bruschetta.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 24, 2014 at 10:28pm PDT

Rice Paper Rolls  -  Selection with nuoc cham dipping sauces.

Mixed Dips Plate - Assorted dips, crisp pita chips and vegetable crudites.

Charcuterie Plate - Cured and roasted meats, cornichons, olives, chutneys and focaccia.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 3, 2016 at 7:21am PDT

Peking Duck - Pancakes, with hoi sin and shallots.

 

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Apr 24, 2014 at 6:01pm PDT

Vegetarian Antipasti - Grilled vegetables, feta, mushrooms, artichokes and crust baguettes.

Don't feel shy to contact us if you'd like to enquire about this menu at your next event.

As September slowly approaches we can take off our jumpers and welcome the Spring sunshine into our lives. Whether you're thinking about planning a corporate or private event to celebrate the changing seasons, now is the time to begin preparations.

Corporate Spring Cocktail Functions

For a corporate Spring cocktail event,  start collecting RSVPs now to save the date. The first weekend of September is a great time to welcome Spring and celebrate some company milestones.

It's the perfect time to remind staff how much they mean to the team. We're on the home stretch to the end of 2017, and employees can start to feel stressed out and burnt out. Give them something fun and exciting to look forward to.

Book a venue away from the company office - it's not the same if you just bring food and drinks into the office space. Let guests get dressed up (casual business attire) to travel somewhere in the Sydney CBD where they can chat with their friends from work in a different setting. Try to book a venue with plenty of outdoor space and some undercover area. If you want a completely outdoor venue so your staff can get some sun, a great idea is to provide parasols so guests can get some shade if they desire.

 

Simple summer events #laissez_faire_catering #events #catering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 5, 2016 at 8:28pm PST

Check out our listing of venues perfect for cocktail functions.

Corporate cocktail functions should be relaxed, easy and perfect for mingling and nibbles. 

Private Spring Cocktail Functions

For a private Spring cocktail event,  you have heaps of options! If your guest list is small, you could even hold the event in one of Sydney CBD's public parks. If your guest list is larger, opt for a spacious venue with indoor and outdoor seating. Some guests would rather stand and mingle or move around the food and drink stations.

Cocktail functions are great for celebrating any event: an engagement, a graduation, a wedding reception or just getting a group of friends together to catch up over good food and drinks.

Check out our drinks menu and our canapes menu to get some ideas about what to serve your guests.

 

Rustic, simple and delicious #events #sharing #catering #cheesestation #grazingtable #grapes #wedding #love #food #laissezfairecatering #laissez_faire_catering #create #beautyfulfood #rustic

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 21, 2017 at 7:43pm PST

 Spring Cocktail Decorations

Get into the spirit of things for your Spring cocktail event by including some decorations at your venue. 

Hang some decorative flowers from the roof of an outdoor canopy. The smells will be divine and it will add a rustic beauty to the event.

 

Chandeliers and orchids... there is something exciting happening right now #romance #love #events #chandeliers #orchid #love #ido #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire #venuecatering #sopretty

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Jun 3, 2017 at 12:53am PDT

Spring Cocktails

Don't skimp on the drinks for this event. Think about creating a signature cocktail with delicious Spring flavours. Think grapefruit, lemon and lime, and strawberries galore.

Punch bowls are perfect for this type of event. As well as this, have a drinks station set up with a couple of bar staff so guests can choose their own drinks.

 

Watermelon margarita #catering #events #corporateevents #cocktails #watermelonmargarita #drinks #laissez_faire_catering #laissezfaire

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Feb 11, 2017 at 2:58pm PST

Spring Cocktail Canapes and Nibbles

Serve food that is easy to pick up and eat while guests are mingling and also holding a drink in their other hand. Canapes are perfect for Spring: not too heavy but just the right amount of food to stay full during the event. Sushi is usually a great canape option, but we'd advise against it if your venue is out in the open where food can get ruined by the heat. 

Instead, think small bites of cured meats, vegetable creations, cheeses, breads and oils. 

 

Canapés #events

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 10, 2015 at 10:08am PST

 

Sweet apart to spring at Inglis stables tonight #venues #event #wedding #inglisstables #laissezfaire

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 3, 2016 at 7:21am PDT

Don't forget dessert!

Treat your guests to some sweet palate cleansers after they've had their fill of food and drink. Keep them canape size so guests can hold them in one hand and eat them in a quick bite.

 

Mini desserts #sydneyevents #laissez_faire_catering #events #catering #sweets

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 21, 2015 at 10:12pm PST

Another great option is to serve fresh fruits and nuts for dessert. Keep these refrigerated until they are needed. Dried fruits are also just as tasty and easy to serve in the heat.

 

Delicious fresh summer goodies #catering #sydneyevents #sydneyevents #laissez_faire_catering

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Nov 21, 2015 at 10:03pm PST

Hopefully, these ideas will give you some inspiration to start planning your corporate or private Spring cocktail event.

Hot Tips For Melbourne Cup Corporate Catering

Are you looking forward to celebrating the race that stops a nation? Punter or not, it’s an exciting day, and if you’re planning to host a party at your office or hire space elsewhere for your co-workers to enjoy the day, then take a look at our first-class service. We have perfect venues and delicious menus to make your function memorable.

Giddy Up, Corporate Catering By Experts

If corporate caterers do a good job, then they’ll leave behind a good impression. Delight your current employees or clients and maybe even impress prospective clients as well by partnering with caterers who listen and understand your needs.

Our team are experienced professionals with extensive knowledge in commercial catering. This means you'll have a catering team who knows how to prepare and handle all of the food properly. And you can take assurance in knowing all food dishes and beverages will be served with the utmost professionalism.

Let us do the hard work while you focus on having a good time at your Melbourne Cup celebration. With all of your catering needs handled by our professional team, you can keep your attention on other important parts of your party, including the race itself.

Here's a look at three of our most preferred venue options as well as a sneak peak at a couple of our available menus.

The Venue

Known for being one of Sydney's newest warehouse event spaces, The Venue is conveniently located between the CBD and the Sydney International Airport. This venue gives clients a large warehouse space to host a 5-Star event like the Melbourne Cup. The Venue has room to host up to 1,000 attendees.

Click the image to see more photos from The Venue

Harbour 220

Giving you and your guests a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour as well as the Opera House and Botanical Gardens, the Harbour 220 venue has a pillarless ballroom with enough room to sit 100 people comfortably. A pre-drinks bar area provides the perfect welcome area for your guests and helps keep them entertained before and after the big event. This venue is located in the Hudson Building on the 15th floor, right in the heart of the CBD, and is excellent for corporate and private functions.

Click the image to see more photos from Harbour 220

Australian National Maritime Museum

Offering astonishing views of Darling Harbour along with the city skyline, the Australian National Maritime Museum is sure to leave you and your guests with lasting memories. This venue has many different rooms to host your event in, including the:

• Terrace Room
• Yots Room
• Lighthouse Gallery
• Theatre
• Tasman Light
• HMAS Vampire

Click the image to see more photos from ANMM

Menus to Choose from for Your Event

Your Melbourne Cup event is sure to delight your attendees.

Two of our best menus can be found below. Click on the banners and enter your details to download them.

Canapes Menu

Platter Menu

Contact the team at Laissez-Faire catering today to learn more about hosting the perfect Melbourne Cup event.

The Venue in Alexandria - Perfect for Corporate and Private Events

The Venue Alexandria is Sydney’s newest and most unique premium warehouse event space.

 

What a spectacular evening shared by Stivi and Svet at the new high end warehouse The Venue. Tonight's wedding was for 430 guest however the space can hold up to 1000 guest. An attractive space for gala dinners, product launches, cocktails and conferences . #catering #events #laissez_faire_catering #cater #thevenue #alexandria #venuesourcing #partner #love #wedding #weekendvibes #work #new

A post shared by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Apr 22, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

Located conveniently between Sydney’s International Airport and the CBD, they offer clients a large, flexible warehouse space with 5-Star amenities catering to a wide variety of events including gala dinners, product launches, fashion parades, conferences, corporate functions, social events and weddings.

A Venue with Rich History

Originally the site of Hannanprint, The Venue space was part of a joint publishing venture between Australian Consolidated Press and Fairfax Suburban Publications Pty Ltd.

In 1986 Hannanprint Sydney relocated to Alexandria and was named the largest one site printing facility in the Southern hemisphere. 

A Transformative Space

The Venue Alexandria offers so much in terms of venue space and possibility.  

As an exclusive, well-placed venue in Sydney, The Venue Alexandria has been very popular with our customers recently. Check out the Laissez-faire  Instagram account for some candid shots in The Venue.

With a floor space of  1,900m2 and a ceiling height of 7.7m, there is space for every guest (up to 1000) no matter what kind of event you are planning.

The large entrance doors to The Venue prepares guests for the wide open space within. This is the perfect entrance for a red (or any colour) carpet to make guests feel special and your catering staff handing out cocktails as they enter.

Once the guests enter the space, they are greeted with an expansive warehouse space decorated to the nines.

Decor for a summer cocktail event...

... Or a Greek themed getaway... 

... Or a sophisticated corporate layout...

... And don't forget, The Venue is the perfect space for a wedding.

Check out more images of The Venue Alexandria here.

Consider The Venue Alexandria for your next gala dinner, product launch, fashion parade, conference, corporate function, social event or wedding.

Contact us to make an enquiry about holding your event at this venue.

Corporate Party Theme Ideas for 2017

Whether it’s an end-of-year celebration for your company, getting together at the office to celebrate a milestone or a newly confirmed deal, it’s important to acknowledge the efforts of all company members and employees with an exclusive corporate event.

Let your team enjoy the perks of the job by organising an incredible event they’ll never forget.

Company event organisers are always looking for new ways to get guests interested in attending company events. At Laissez-faire, we think there’s no better way than to have a themed corporate party! We’ve put together a few tips to help you organise your next corporate party.

Choose a theme

This is going to be the most creative part of the process - choosing a theme for your corporate party!  In the past, Laissez-faire has had the honour of catering for some amazing themed parties: 007, Masquerade, Circus, Rustic/Workshop, and more!

Check out our Instagram account to see some more images from these events.

Check out these other great theme ideas:

Movie or TV show theme - asks guests to choose their favourite movie/TV show from a survey list, or their favourite recent release. Whichever has the most votes is your corporate party theme! This is a great type of theme to work with because you will be able to check out the original source material when making props, designing the decor and directing the overall atmosphere of the event. Guests should be encouraged to dress up according to the movie or TV show for some great photo ops!

Music theme - choose a genre and base your theme around this! Guests can dress up as the artists of that genre or just enjoy a perfectly tailored playlist. If it’s rock, consider a live band with cocktails and a light show. If it’s pop, consider a DJ and a dancefloor with canapes galore and flashy decor.

Era theme - This one is a definite crowd-pleaser. Choose a fashionable era (the 20s, 60s, 70s, etc) and design the decor around that. Guests can dress up in costumes from that era and dance to the music. This is a great opportunity to go all out! Your catering team could also be dressed up while they serve your guests delicious canapes and drinks from the era.

 

Our amazing team thank you Clifford Wallace #eventinception

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Choose a venue to suit the theme

You could set up the party in your company offices if the guest list isn’t large, however, this doesn’t feel very special. The process of getting ready for a company party, going to a dedicated venue space where your employees have never been before, is kind of magical and will really make them feel special.

If you’re having a movie/TV themed party, lay down a red carpet at the entrance to the venue. If your theme is rustic/chic find an open venue like an old barn or stable house to really compete the atmosphere. If you’re having a nautical themed event, consider the Australian National Maritime Museum, or something else near the water with a beautiful view of ships.

Finding the perfect venue for your theme will take some research and shopping around, so start early and stay organised!

 

Fairground follies event last week #coorporateevents #catering #laissez_faire_catering #christmasparty #sydneyvenue #eventcatering

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Serve a menu inspired by your theme

A theme brings together all aspects of an event, and it’s no different for food. This can be hard to do, and you might find it difficult to create an entire menu based on your theme. We suggest a few key aspects that guests will know and recognise as part of the overall theme of the event.

For example, a 007 themed event could feature a signature martini cocktail handed to the guests as they walk into the venue. This will make them feel engaged in the event as soon as they walk in the door! Similarly, you could create a signature canape spread to fit your theme. A nautical themed party could serve delicious sashimi canapes.

 

Simple bites are often the best #canapes #cateringsydney #sydneycatering #laissezfaireevents #eventcatering

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Take photos to remember!

Encourage your guests to post images from the event on their social media channels using a specific hashtag. You could feature the hashtag on a sign as guests enter the venue. If the theme is rustic and chic, use a chalkboard and get someone with swirly handwriting to write your special tag on the board.

This is a great way to get your guests involved in the event and to ensure they have fond memories of the night later on. Print the best photos and display them somewhere in the office where everyone can pass by and point out the funny memories.

We hope these tips will help you organise your next corporate party. It will be one to remember!

BONUS: Click on the banner below to download the Laissez-faire Platter Menu, which might be perfect for your corporate party!

Trend Alert: Corporate Event Food & Drink Stations

Food and drink stations are a popular choice for corporate daytime conferences. From private rooms to more elaborate venues, these stations never fail to accommodate for guest lists of all sizes.

There are many advantages to the food and drink station set-up:

• It’s a crowd-pleaser
• It offers a wide variety of food
• It has an interactive element
• Guests don’t have to wait in line since food and refreshments are spread out around the venue
• A cook-to-order station can provide dish prep variations

During daytime conferences, food stations are an even more attractive alternative to serve snacks and meals. Here at Laissez-faire, we offer options based on our clientele’s needs. The most commonly requested food stations include juice bars, biscuit bars, coffee bars, snack bars and dessert stations.

Juice Bar

Fresh juice is always a healthy option for any event and we’re sure your guests will appreciate the option in the coming summer months! Use seasonal produce to create some thirst-quenching juices or let guests choose their own combos.

 Coffee Bar

Who doesn’t love coffee? Freshly ground coffee at your corporate event will not only keep everybody awake, it will create a casual environment where guests can order their favourite daily drink.

 

Coffee is ready at #bieberisland #coffee #vipevents #island #eventcatering

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 29, 2015 at 1:15pm PDT

Biscuit & Tea Station

Biscuit & tea bars can be a perfect option for an indoor or outdoor conference venue during winter and autumn. Tasty biscuits, warm scones, honey and a delicious selection of teas will appeal to guests who have a sweet tooth or a need for some comforting snacks.

Cheese & Sweet Bar

You can’t go wrong with a cheese and chocolate bar. Serve this up after guests have enjoyed a few refreshments  and the event is winding down.  Guests with a sweet tooth will thank you for this one!

Snack Station

Snack bars are a very broad catering option. Here you could serve tacos and nachos, appetisers, popcorn, crisps, hot chips, cheeses and breads, etc. Depending on the type of event some snacks might be more suitable than others.

Breakfast Station

If you’re starting the conference or meeting early, it may be a good idea to throw in a breakfast bar. Breakfast stations could serve pancakes, omelettes, sausages, bagels, and so on. Don’t forget to have a coffee station right next to this one!

Sushi Station

Asian food is delicious, easy to eat and easy to serve! Your guests will go crazy over the sushi and nigiri.

Canapes

These bite-sized snacks are often served with cocktails. This option is a favourite at corporate launch parties or events where guests will be standing and mingling.

Mix & Match

There is no specific way to present these food stations at your corporate event. As long as you are confident that your guests will love it, you can mix and match to serve something truly unique.

How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Menu

Serving the right menu is one of the most essential aspects of making your wedding day flow smoothly. If you’re throwing a rustic backyard do, a plated dinner might be too formal. On the other hand, if your reception is in a grand ballroom, buffets or sit-down courses are definitely appropriate. Below are some tips to make sure you’ll have the perfect menu for your wedding day.

Establish a budget

The number of guests, the serving style, the appetisers and the cocktails; every decision will impact cost, thus you need to establish a budget early on and make sure you stick to it. This will help you keep on track of everything.

Plan and start early

A superb menu always starts with the caterer, but to get your first pick, you’ll have to book early. Some industry experts suggest booking catering and venues around 12 months before the event.  Keep in mind, some venues will require you to use their in-house caterer or they will have a short list of wedding professionals that they work with exclusively.

If you have the opportunity to choose your own caterer, look for a chef that is flexible and excited about trying new dishes and food ideas.

 

Season begins #weddingcatering #catering #events #Lovelycouple

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Know your numbers

Know how many guests will be attending and ensure your maximum budget can handle this amount. This will help you determine your menu. If you want to have an impressive spread, consider limiting your guest list. If you want everybody to be there, just cut costs in creative ways that will still provide an enjoyable and delicious spread for everyone.

Understand dietary restrictions

Vegans, people with peanut allergies or guest who prefer a gluten-free diet should be considered. Talk with your chosen caterer about these challenges in advance to prevent any delays when plating entrees and main meals.

 

Tailored menu #tasting #catering #laissez_faire_catering #dinner #events #warmfoodforthesoul

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Think of a style or theme

The couple’s personality should drive the theme of any wedding. Some weddings will have very traditional of formal themes, while others may be more casual. Your themes can be expressed through the attire of the wedding party, the décor, floral arrangements, the ceremony itself, the venue, the season and the type of food served at the reception.

 

The perfect wedding #lisaandandrew #cellblock #love #events #eventcatering

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Sep 16, 2015 at 2:34am PDT

Go for local and seasonal

Great chefs and cooks plan their menus around whatever is fresh that month or season. Ask your caterer what ingredients will be in season on the day of your wedding and request to have your menu made around those ingredients. Find the freshest options by choosing locally grown produce. Also make sure your caterer is familiar with the foods they are preparing. There is no worse way to make your menu memorable than getting your guests sick from badly prepared food.

Cover all bases with your spread by having beef, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Make sure you have something slightly salty, sweet and something savoury to cater to all types of palettes.

 

What's for dinner? #tasting #catering #event #cateringwedding

A photo posted by Laissez-faire Catering (@laissez_faire_catering) on Aug 17, 2016 at 5:04am PDT

The caterer should also care for good presentation

Choose a caterer who cares as much about presentation as they do about good tasting food. First impressions will help make the day memorable. You can also add small touches of your own like a special signature cocktail, a special dessert or napkins in your wedding theme colours.

Do not skimp on the portions

Make sure that you have enough food for everyone. Even if you’re having a buffet, your caterer will still need an approximate head count.

These are some of the things that you need to remember when choosing your wedding menu.

Take a look at Laissez-faire's own 2017 wedding packages to see the delicious menus we can offer you on your wedding day. Just click the image below:

City to Surf Catering

Whether your guests participate in the race, or spend the day cheering on the runners, we'll provide them with food that will satisfy and delight them. For over 40 years, Sydney has celebrated this fun event with barbecues and parties in the City to Surf Catering tents on Bondi Beach and Laissez-faire Catering has been there for 15 of those!

City2Surf (also known as the City to Surf) is an annual and popular fundraising running event held in Sydney stretching 14 kilometres. This fun run attracts competitive runners and community participants including group runners yearly. The esteemed event was first held in 1971 and has since remained a crowd favourite. The track passes through popular Sydney suburbs lined with amateur bands and entertainment. Many City2Surf participants also take the event as a chance to dress in novelty themed costumes, which has shaped an iconic tradition over the years. Don’t miss your opportunity to book City2Surf catering through Laissez-faire Catering, talk to one of our event co-ordinators today.

What should I look for in a City2Surf caterer?

Choosing a caterer for any event should be well researched. Important things to look for in your City2Surf catering choice include experience, menus, packages, flexibility and reliability. Laissez-faire Catering offer all of these aspects and more to deliver a flawlessly catered event.

Where does the City2Surf catering take place?

City2Surf catering takes place in a private marquee booked by your group or business. We will be eagerly awaiting your arrival after you cross the finish line.

Click on the banner below to check out our BBQ menu which is a huge hit at the City2Surf:

Tips to help you put on the party of the year

Hosting a private party can be a lot of pressure. A lot of love and careful planning goes into making an event a success, so it’s important to start early to get the best of the best.

Here are some tips to help you put on the party of the year.

Set your budget

Your budget will help you determine many things, from what venue you choose and how many guests to invite, to what kind of entertainment and services to hire. It’s best to determine your budget as early as possible and adhere to it with every step.

Set the date and secure a venue

One of the first (and most important) details that you need to figure out is when to host your party and where!  Depending on the size and formality of your event, you will want to select a date and have booked a venue anywhere from 10 weeks to 1 year ahead of time. It’s important to secure your venue early so that you can begin planning your event and send out detailed invitations.

You could however have it at home or at your office depending on your celebration.

Book your catering and other services

The season of the event matters, establish a good balance with your menu. This does not mean you don’t take a risk! And remember Laissez-Faire Catering has the capability to provide linens, tables, chairs, florals, and event décor. If you give us an idea of what you like we can pull everything together for you and organise all the services.

Catering Pro Tip: Ask whether the catering is finished on site or cooked ahead of time and left in a hot box to stay warm. These different practices will have a great impact on the quality of the food when it's served to your guests.

Invite your guests

Again, depending on your event, the timing for invitations will vary. But, generally speaking, it’s best to send invitations out 4-6 weeks in advance. For informal events, an e-mail invitation or group event on Facebook may be a sufficient way to get the word out. However, for more formal events, or just to add a nice touch, send customised invitations that fit your theme or occasion.

Play host(ess)

When the time comes and the party has started, make sure to mix and mingle with all of your guests. If you’ve hired help for your event, this job is much easier. Either way, you’ll want to be sure to greet and talk to each of your guests, thank them for coming, and ensure that they’re having a good time.

Make memories!

Your party is a hit, so of course it will be memorable. Hire a Photographer to make the rounds at your party and take photos of the guests as they celebrate. Later, when you’re sending out thank you cards, you can include a few of your favourite shots of each guest! Alternatively, you could set up a Photo Booth so that your guests can pose as silly or serious as they’d like and take home the photo strips as party favors.

It’s all going to be alright! We know you’ve got this. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can always turn to an Event Planner to do the hard work for you, or reach out to us for help. Enjoy!

Tomato braised chicken with taleggio

Ingredients:

• 30 ml olive oil
• 4 chicken thighs (about 190gm each), bone in, skin on
• 4 baby fennel bulbs, thinly sliced lengthways
• 150 gm chat potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 Spanish onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp dry chilli flakes, or to taste
• 400 gm canned cherry tomatoes
• 125 ml dry white wine
• 100 gm black olives, such as Ligurian
• 100 gm taleggio
• Juice of 1 lemon, or to taste
• ½ cup coarsely torn basil
• To serve: crusty bread

Method: 

1. Heat olive oil in a large casserole over medium-high heat, add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until browned (2-3 minutes), then transfer to a plate.
2. Add fennel, potato, onion, garlic and chilli to casserole, stir occasionally until onion is tender (3-4 minutes).
3. Return chicken to pan skin-side up with tomato, wine and 200ml hot water, season to taste.
4. Bring to the boil, reduce heat to low-medium, cover and simmer until chicken is tender (15-20 minutes).
5. Stir through olives, lemon juice, taleggio and parsley, check seasoning and serve immediately with bread.

How To Choose Between These Three Great Venues In Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is THE place for your next corporate or private event. Whether you’re looking for charm, style or a trendy spot, we have a range of venues that would suit many types of events.

The only hard part is choosing between these three great venues.

Chinese Gardens

Update:  this venue is no longer available. 

Have you ever imagined your own secret garden? A place to escape; to breathe deeply and feel the sun on your face. Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship is that place. Much more than just a city garden, the walled Chinese Garden respectfully recreates the philosophy and harmony of a traditional Chinese garden with waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways.

Individual pavilions make a stunning space for a wedding or utilise the whole ground for a one of a kind cocktail party.

This is the venue for you if:

• You are looking for a unique and enchanting experience for your guests.
• You want a central venue that doesn’t feel like it’s right in the city.

Australian National Maritime Museum

With views of Darling Harbour and the glittering city skyline, an event at the Australian National Maritime Museum will intrigue and delight. Located at the edge of one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, the museum stands out as a spectacular architectural icon with a distinctive maritime flavour. On shore, or on the water aboard one of the museum's vessels, your conference, meeting, product launch, team building event, dinner, cocktails or Christmas party will be an event to remember in a stunning waterfront location.

This is the venue for you if:

• You are looking for a venue with stunning views.
• You want a professional setting with an exclusive feeling for your event.

see more images of the ANMM here

Yots Cafe

Overlooking the picturesque Sydney Harbour and city skyline, Yots is an enchanting venue offering open-air dining. Yots is fun, slick, affordable and easy to swing by to have lunch, or a snack. The relaxing atmosphere and the impeccable service keeps our customers coming back. The bar license allows Yots to provide a unique experience at the Australian National Maritime Museum. An Asian influence menu brings a contemporary dining experience whilst incorporating sustainability into everyday operations. Yots is an excellent location for almost any occasion.

At Yots right now: Escape from Pompeii: The Untold Roman Rescue until 30th August 2017. See the menu here.

This is the venue for you if:

• You want a relaxed, cafe atmosphere for your event.
• You want a central venue where you can meet up and move around the city easily. 

Have you seen our instagram? We post beautiful catering/food/venue related pics for your enjoyment :)

 

Set and ready #laissezfairecatering #events #eventcatering #eventcatering #wedding #love #ido #hitched #celebration

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