Up-Market is in the Details
So….the up-market thing. Let’s address it.
Since 1989, our logo at Entertaining Company has showcased a tagline about up-market catering. As a result, I have spent the last 20 years answering people’s quizzical looks as they wonder aloud what exactly up-market is? Is it super schmancy? Over-the-top expensive? Menus bursting with truffles filet mignon encrusted with 24-carrot gold!? Moreover, what kind of business strategy is promoting “upmarket” when the economy is standing still at this almost-better-no-maybe-getting-worse stage and the winning business models these days are all about value-adds and deals-of-the-day.
Well, this is how I see it. Up-market is all about the value add. But, in this case, it’s not buy-one-get-one-free. The value add is in the details. The small (and big,) touches that make an event stand out. And, this is big, it’s about really good food. At an Entertaining Company event, the food isn’t an obligatory after-thought. It’s the center ring at the circus – complete with the pretty girl on the elephant.
Ok – so now that the really good food angle is out there….here are some other hallmarks of Entertaining Company’s up-market bent.
Up-Market is Ideas.
One of the finest compliments that I have ever received, was when one of my clients told me that I was “the idea caterer”. In-fact, I loved it so much, that I started describing the company with the term. In short, we come to the table with ideas and inspirations. We trendspot and we delight in coming up with something new. We come to every event ready to play and create something one-of-a-kind.
Up-Market is Trust
Our own consultant Molly Fennell, who has gained a wide following at such competitive catering venues as Café Brauer, told me that her secret is centered in providing brides with “trust and confidence”. Whether our clients are brides or celebrating for another occasion, it is our client’s big day – and it is our job to make it all happen, without a hitch.
Up-Market is Service
Is there any greater luxury than service!? The EC approach to “service” is a PhD educational process starting with the initial phone call that takes place as early as a year or two prior to the actual event. Our seasoned consultants, begin with the basics and work up to the details. Why are two buffet stations inappropriate for 225 guests when other caterers suggest that? (Lines!) Why does it not make sense to offer six kinds of beer? (Indecision! More lines!) We guide our clients step by step, and take care of all the details along the way.
a favorite detail….feta and melon cocktail garnish…
Up-Market is Customized
Each menu is unique, one-of-a-kind and crafted to an exact event…one size does NOT fit all. We’re fitting and fitting, idea to client, client to idea.
…and last but not least…
Up-Market is the Details
When our staff serves an event, we go above and beyond. As in, our servers solve any and every on-site challenge that arises…as in: surprise vegans at the table get served according to their dietary needs. Brides with broken heels get crazy glue procured at the corner bodega. We’ve even fashioned a birthday candle (for a guest who announced that today was his birthday,) out of a string and and a crayon. There is no challenge that we can’t tackle…and those kinds of details are worth celebrating!