What’s Cooking at Cafe Asia?
Ever wonder who’s responsible for the tasty offerings in the museum’s Cafe Asia? Meet Executive Chef Melinda Quirino, who has been at the helm since the cafe opened in 2003. Prior to joining the museum, Melinda led the kitchens at Hotel Nikko Restaurant, Cafe American, and Chez Moi. We tagged along as she shopped for the cafe menu at the Heart of the City Farmer’s Market at United Nations Plaza, a few steps from the museum.
What are you excited about for the fall season?
Oh, fall is when you get beautiful root vegetables. Kabocha and apples come out in fall, too, of course.
How often do you shop at the market?
As often as possible. As a chef, I like to use seasonal produce. It’s good for our customers to have fresh food! I like to support the farmers, too.
What’s the most popular item at Cafe Asia in the fall?
Soup! Everyone likes warm food in the cold weather. Like coconut soup, and I make it with kefir lime leaves and lemon grass that I find here at the market. There’s also a wild salmon burger people love. I serve it with sweet potato fries and lemon grass aioli.
Do the exhibitions ever inspire your menu choices?
Oh, yes! For the Maharaja exhibition, I’m making chutney with kumquat, figs, and fresh pineapple. Also, we have Kashmiri kari korma—a leg of lamb braised in red pepper Masala sauce, served with roasted cauliflower over basmati rice. I made a similar dish this past summer with chicken instead of lamb. You know, with Asian food, it’s diverse, so you can make it fresh and new every day. The café is especially nice in the fall season—you should come in!
—Amelia Bunch
The menu at Cafe Asia changes seasonally. To learn what’s new, visit http://www.asianart.org/cafeasia.htm
Photography Jennifer Yin
More About the Asian Art Museum http://www.asianart.org/
Tags: asian art museum, Cafe Asia, Farmers Market, mccalls, McCalls Catering and Events
| Posted in » Celebrating the Season Openings of the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera
The city of San Francisco was abuzz as the Fall Arts Season kicked off with a “WOW!” hosting Opening Nights for both the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera.
This year’s Symphony Gala marked its 100th Anniversary , and all the stops were pulled out to ensure it was more phenomenal than years past. For the first time, all levels of the Symphony family gathered together in the Opera House, mixing and mingling during cocktail hour. The Symphonix and Supper Club members headed to City Hall for dinner, where Blueprint Studios decked out the Rotunda and North Light Court. Guests dined on a Salad of Black Mission Figs and Prosciutto, Butter Poached Maine Lobster and Birthday Cake. The Patrons supped on Franklin Street where Stanlee Gatti created a sexy supper club, using more than 8,000 feet of platinum fabric to adorn the tent. Patrons enjoyed Caviar and Egg Mousseline, Lobster Medallion, Seared Squab, Chocolate Cake and Traditional Cherries Jubilee. Two highlights of the evening were the very special, star-studded performances by pianist Lang Lang and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
Less than 48 hours later, was opening night for the San Francisco Opera and they were not to be outdone. Inspired by Turandot, Robert Fountain built a scene right out of the Royal Court of the Lost City, creating a tent lined with rich, deep red fabric and luminous lanterns. Guests were dressed in royal splendor, and were treated to a meal of equal caliber, feasting on a Salad of Mosaic Beets, Filet Mignon with Morels and decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Both perfectly choreographed galas raised funds for musical education and programs throughout the Bay Area. We had such a fantastic time being a part of something so wonderful, that we’re already looking forward to next year!
Photography Drew Altizer http://www.drewaltizer.com/
Read More: SFGate Symphony, SFGate Opera
Tags: fundraising, mccalls, mccalls catering, McCalls Catering and Events, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony
Celebrating with the Symphony
As McCalls kitchen is busy working to prepare for the Centennial Season Opening Night Gala for the SF Symphony, we were pleased to be mentioned in “edible San Francisco” recently in an article about last year’s Black and White Ball.
The “edible San Francisco” had this to say: “At the Symphony’s last Black and White Ball, Lucas Schoemaker, President and Executive Chef of McCalls Catering & Events, and his team fed over 12,000 people in one evening. And as the night ended, Schoemaker wasn’t simply proud of his delicate canapés or pupusas. He was most excited that no food had gone to waste; ‘we hit the numbers right on the mark.’”
“Even in a business that trends towards fanciful, Schoemaker’s respect for food, people and culture always comes before fanfare. A native of the Netherlands, he grew up with parents who experienced great deprivation and hunger. ‘We were taught to be frugal,’ he says. And true to his upbringing, Schoemaker implemented sustainable practices long before waste management was a citywide ordinance. As one of the largest food service companies in the city, he says his business became a model for other restaurants. ‘Many people said it was impossible,’ he remembers. ‘But then they would say, if McCalls can do it, you can too.’”
A large part of who we are at McCalls is the passion and depth of experience of our kitchen staff, led by Lucas Schoemaker. Our staff is distinguished by their precision in everything they do. Their inspiration to create delicate and delicious fare comes as much from around the globe as from our diverse city.
We are proud to be part of the Symphony again this year as we are of all our events.
We look forward to a wonderful evening!
Lucas Schoemaker, President and Executive Chef, McCalls Catering and Events
To read more: http://bit.ly/oATRIY
Tags: 100th Season Symphony, fundraising, mccalls, mccalls catering, McCalls Catering and Events, Symphony Gala
McCalls is Honored with 2011 ISES Award
Sweet memories still linger when I think of the Giants winning the World Series, the victory parade of nearly one million people and the fever pitch excitement surrounding the event. Happily, there is more good news to report.
McCalls has been granted an ISES ESPIRIT Award, 2011 for the Best Team Effort for our role in partnering to plan and execute the Giants Victory Parade and relating activities.
“We are very proud of the fact that, due to the superstitious nature of baseball, we were able to plan and execute an event of this size on such short notice. It is really a testament to the great relationships that we have built with our industry contacts like Hartmann Studios, Cappa & Graham, and McCalls Catering, all of which were key to making this amazing celebration a reality,” said Stephen Revetria, vice president and general manager of Giants Enterprises.
ISES is recognized internationally as the standard bearer of awarding excellence in the competitive special events industry. At McCalls we strive to bring the esprit de corps of excellence to everything we do. For this reason we are especially proud to accept the Espirit Award, for Large Group Production, recognizing the Best in Team Effort.
McCalls Catering & Events Executive Vice President, Lee Gregory and Stephen Revetria, Vice President and General Manager, Giants Enterprises, shown with the 2010 World Series Trophy during a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Celebration.
Tags: Catering Awards, Giants, Giants Enterprises, Giants World Series, ISES Awards, mccalls, mccalls catering, McCalls Catering and Events, san francisco catering, sf giants
McCalls Catering & Events Voted Best Caterer for 2011
McCalls Catering & Events Voted Best Caterer for 2011
Thank you to all the Nob Hill Gazette Readers for this Honor. We are proud to serve the Bay Area.
It is our philosophy to create the best possible experience for every client, every time. We listen to your big ideas, your expectations, your desires, and then help you make them a reality.
Tags: Best of Bay Area, Best of Catering, Best of Nob Hill Gazette, catering, green business, mccalls, mccalls catering, McCalls Catering and Events, san francisco catering, Sustainable Catering, wedding catering
The Fourth of July Down By The Marina
On the Fourth of July you could find McCalls Catering & Events partnering with the Golden Gates National Parks Conservancy at the Maritime Museum. The guests were invited to enjoy a day of great summertime food, games, and crafts for the kids and fun for the whole family. The evening brought fantastic fireworks; an amazing dual display set to live music on the beach, for everyone to enjoy. It was another spectacular San Francisco celebration and tribute to our Nation’s birthday!
Photography by Jan Lundberg
Tags: catering, Fireworks, fourth of July, Independence Day, Maritime Museum, McCalls Catering and Events, National Parks Conservancy, san francisco catering, volunteering
Tales of the City
The many, colorful tales of one beloved city starred as a heartfelt love letter to San Francisco Wednesday during the opening-night gala and world premiere of Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City” at the American Conservatory Theater.
“This is like an Armistead story come to life,” observed composer Jake Hagge, with all joking aside. “It’s the kind of parties he used to write about and make fun of!” Inside joke or not, the gala’s unbridled merriment was shared by all. Which also raised a hefty $950K in support of ACT’s education programs. And was deeply appreciated by those who labored on this work of love.
Cocktails and canapés were served beneath a clear Classic Party Rentals tent tricked-out by designer Stanlee Gatti with swags of theatrical purple curtains framing red and purple linen-draped tables atop which was served a masterful McCall Associates, ’70s-era inspired meal: Crab Louis salad with Green Goddess dressing, filet mignon with potatoes Diana, and a nostalgic slice of McCall’s to-die-for version of the old Blum’s Coffee Crunch cake.
“Now this is what we call a San Francisco treat,” enthused ACT Board President Rusty Rueff, prior to the post-dinner presentation. “Tonight is an historic celebration, adapted from Armistead’s ‘Tales,’ of this magical place we call home.”
Read more @ SFGate
Marc Schauer (left) and his wife, actor Laura Linney, Armistead Maupin, Carey Perloff and Maupin's husband, Christopher Turner
Tags: ACT, American Conservatory Theater, Dan McCall Catering, mccalls, mccalls catering, McCalls Catering and Events, theater fundraising
International Pow Wow-A Grand Adventure For Travel
International Pow Wow, a grand adventure for tour operators was held recently in San Francisco. According to the Inbound Report of Sausalito CA, “All the planets seemed to be aligned in the right way…” to encourage buyers of travel while bringing about “evening functions that defied adequate superlatives to describe their grandeur and inventiveness.” Further they said, “Each of the functions had a different tonality, but staged in a way combining elements of fun with great music and even greater food all while educating attendees… and leaving an indelible impression without any big name entertainment.”
The Report abounding with more raves, wrote “The Tuesday evening function at the California Academy of Sciences… which was co-sponsored by the San Francisco Airport” and Catered by McCalls, as “generally considered the swankiest function of all, making guests feel they were served a gourmet meal with 5,000 of their closest friends…. Wednesday’s closing party funded primarily by the California Travel and Tourism Commission was held at the Civic Center and showcased the elements for which San Francisco is known: elegance, quirkiness, and an anything goes ethos.” The Report concluded. “The event held once a generation in San Francisco would be talked about for years. Over 5,000 people surely left their hearts in San Francisco.”
Click on the links below to enjoy the videos created by our own Jan Lundberg.
McCalls Catering at California Academy of Sciences
McCalls Catering at San Francisco City Center
For more: read The INBOUND Report
Pow Wow Event at CAS
Pow Wow at City Center
Tags: California Academy of Sciences, International Tour Guides, International Travel Agents, mccalls catering, McCalls Catering and Events, Pow Wow, San Francisco Airport, San Francisco Travel, The INBOUND Report
The Legion of Honor Featuring Pulp Fashion
From Coast to Coast San Francisco is widely known for cultural influences, with our many premier museums housing some of the finest exhibits in the nation. The Legion of Honor Museum is showcasing Pulp Fashion by Isabelle de Borchgrave held over a few short days, due to its popularity.
The New York Social Diary reported Tatiana Sorokko, Russian model and couture collector, with friends, including Jeanne Lawrence and curator Martin Chapman, toured the exhibit and afterward ate lunch at the café operated by McCalls. Here are some of their experiences as told by Jeanne.
The California Palace of the Legion of Honor Museum was a gift from the Spreckels, the sugar family.
The Legion of Honor is situated atop the cliffs in Lincoln Park, with incredible ocean views.
There is a lovely café with an outdoor garden where visitors were basking in the sunshine.
Jeanne Lawrence, Tatiana Sorokko, Denise Hale, and curator Martin Champman enjoyed lunch in the bright and sunny museum café.
For more info: SFWIRE
Tags: Denise Hale, Isabella de Borchgrave, Jeanne Lawrence, Martin Champman, mccalls, mccalls catering, McCalls Catering and Events, Tatiana Sorokko, The Legion of Honor Cafe, The Legion of Honor Museum
Awarding Champions at the Exploratorium
Great Champions of science gathered together recently for the 34th annual awards dinner for the Exploratorium. We were again thrilled to provide the dinner and reception and enjoyed every part of the evening.
Attendees treated themselves to passed hors d’oeuvres and sipped their favorite cocktail while playing with the museum’s interactive edu-tainment. After coaxing folks to their seats, a panel of this year’s four honorees discussed the importance of people’s scientific assumptions while guests feasted upon what SFWire called “a delectable McCalls dinner.”
The four awards went to Retired Congressman and nuclear physicist Dr. Vernon J Ehlers, Dr. Ramon Cortines, educational leader, Dr. Jane Luchenco, marine ecologist and Scott Cook, founder of Intuit. Congratulations to all of them! They help make our life richer.
Read more @ SFWIRE
Tags: bay area catering, exploratorium, fundraising, Jane Luchenco, mccalls, mccalls catering, Ramon Cortines, San Francisco science museums, Scott Cook, Vernon J Ehlers
A Big Bang for the Academy
McCalls was proud to be a part of the California Academy of Sciences exciting 25th Annual benefit gala. This year’s Big Bang was a showstopper. While Project Bandaloop performed an aerial dance overhead, fashionable guests noshed on wild salmon tartar and curried samosas. Stanlee Gatti converted the museum into a world of green astro turf and the innovative lighting of Obscura Digital created a magical world where guests later dined on three-pea mint soup and free range Poussin stuffed with wild mushrooms.
During dinner, guests were treated to a dynamic panel discussion that included Bay Area pioneers Elon Mushk, Craig Venter and Eric Schmidt, led by Master of Ceremonies Carmen Policy. Later that evening at the “Party After Dark” David de Rothschild gave a special presentation of his voyage across the Pacific in the Plasticki, a 6’ catamaran made from 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles and the guests danced the night away. The gala was a tremendous success with proceeds going to the Museum’s research and educational programs.
Co-Chairs Randi Fisher & Wendy Schmidt
Dessert Buffet Delights!
Project Bandaloop Dancers
Photography Drew Altizer http://www.drewaltizer.com/
Tags: academy of sciences, Big Bang, catering, fundraising
Tales of the City
Disco Party Tickets going fast!
American Conservatory Theater presents a dazzling evening celebrating the world premiere of this wildly anticipated production. Dine under the stars, revel in the show, then dance the night away at a disco afterparty with the cast. Visit <http://www.act-sf.org/gala> or call 415.439.2470 to order your tickets today!
Tags: ACT, American Conservatory Theater, Armistead Maupin, Fred Levin, fundraising, Laura Linney, Musicals in San Francisco, Nancy Livingston, Tales of the City
Balenciaga Takes Stage in San Francisco
So much drama, so little time to take it all in. The Balenciaga and Spain gala at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum drew celebrities, haute couture collectors and fashion designers to San Francisco for an event that many already consider to be the party of the year. The $2,500-a-ticket dinner was certainly their fundraiser of the year, garnering $1 million for museum programs. The museum show is a 130-piece retrospective of the work of Cristobal Balenciaga and is on display through July 4.
During cocktail hour, the fashion spectacle was in full force, with guests in vintage and new garments. In a tent decorated with purple tables and bare trees adorned with oranges by Stanlee Gatti, McCalls Catering served up crab and avocado dinner salads and fillet of beef with morels, as the Archangel Flamenco music group (chosen by Bowles and flown in from Seville) played.
The retrospective drew from the de Young’s 12,000-piece textile collection.
Juliet de Baubigny and Trevor Traina share a laugh with Gwyneth Paltrow.
Archangel Flamenco music and dancer directly from Spain.
Photography Drew Altizer
http://www.drewaltizer.com/event.php?event_id=2362
Read more at sfgate:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/04/27/SBG81IL51G.DTL#ixzz1KqPEu5aW
Tags: Balenciaga, catering, de young museum, fine arts san francisco, fundraising, san francisco catering
Bouquets to Art 2011 – Opening Night Preview Party
McCalls Catering and Events was proud to be a part of the Bouquets to Art Gala 2011. Diana of godutchbaby.com was kind enough to document the festivities. The photos speak for themselves. Please enjoy!
Won’t you take a few moments to enjoy the dazzling buffet brought to the De Young Museum by the talented crew of McCalls Catering for the Opening Night Preview Party? Step into Wilsey Court and choose between the seafood or vegetarian paella, or a little of both.
Make sure to leave enough room on your plate for a helping of rack of spring lamb.
If you still have room, you can belly up to the carving station receive the world’s friendliest service.
I know it’s hard to ignore the buffet of desserts luring you. Will it be the strawberry cheesecake?
Who could resist these profiteroles, either chocolate, vanilla, or coffee cream, served on a Tiffany blue plate? Go ahead grab the tongs and help yourself.
All Photos and Captions by Diana of godutchbaby.com. To read more:
http://godutchbaby.blogspot.com/search/label/Bouquets%20to%20Art%202011
Tags: bouquets to art 2011, de young museum, fine arts san francisco, fundraising, mccalls, mccalls catering, san francisco catering
A once-in-a-lifetime event at Bimbo’s 365 Club
Wandered into Bimbo’s 365 Club for what I thought was a simple birthday party. It turned out to be a McCall’s de force. George Marcus hired the catering firm to produce a 70th birthday party for his wife, Judy.
The event was called “Jam with Judy” and as you walked in we got such things as deviled quail egg with crispy prosciutto and sturgeon caviar on potato souffle. If you dared to sit at any table you’d be tempted by tortilla chips with homemade guacamole. Then around the dance floor were very small Margarita pepperoni and vegetarian pizzas. There was also a seafood table that had oysters, smoked Scottish salmon and Dungeness crab, all with the appropriate condiments.
They created food stations to represent the distinct San Francisco neighborhoods. They put North Beach and Chinatown together and offered ravioli, salami, chicken with shiitake mushrooms, marinated olives and then dim sum. For Japantown they had a sushi bar that had ahi tuna, halibut, shrimp and hand rolls, all done in front of you.
They also offered some all-American fun food: burgers, Nathan hot dogs, a chicken burger, cole slaw, grilled cheese and mushroom triangles, and French fries in a cone.
Then they had something on the dessert side. I particularly liked the warm petite doughnuts, and of course the event wouldn’t be complete unless you had coffee to go.
So this Bimbo’s dining experience is probably a once in a lifetime event. That topped all of my other restaurant visits for the week.
From Willie Brown’s Inside Scoop - March 9, 2011
Tags: mccalls catering, san francisco catering, willie brown
Stanford Cancer Center Benefit Invokes That 70′s Show
The annual Valentine’s fundraiser — benefitting the Stanford Cancer Center, hosted at the home of Alan Salzman and Jillian Manus — has become a legendary tour de force, both for its fundraising prowess and for its themed events. Over the years, the gala has raised millions of dollars.
Robert Fountain, event designer and producer, may have topped even himself this year, invoking a 1970′s show theme called “Channeling Love.” The guests walked into each room feeling like they were on the sets of “Archie Bunker,” “Addams Family,” “I Love Lucy,” and a parade of other hit shows from that decade.
“McCall’s catering served beer and hot pretzels in the “Laverne & Shirley Shotz Brewery” room, fried catfish nuggets in the laundry-strewn “Beverly Hillbillies” room and Middle Eastern noshes in the “I Dream of Jeannie” tent (where the Bill Hopkins band played radio hits),” said Carolyne Zinko in the San Francisco Chronicle. Zinko’s colleague, Leah Garchik, said this year’s event raised more than $1 million.
Photos by Drew Altizer Photography via SFWIRE
California State Parks Foundation’s Golden Poppy Gala
The California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) held its seventh annual Golden Poppy Awards Gala in January. The awards are given to individuals and organizations who “have made a significant contribution to protecting, enhancing and/or advocating for California’s state parks,” the foundation said in a release. Two of the recipients — the Stater Bros. and Coca-Cola Refreshments — had raised more than $1.1 million for state parks and beaches in Southern California.
McCalls catered the event for nearly 400 guests at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center.
“There was something for everyone: a silent auction with some handcrafted items by foundation members, a live auction featuring tremendous trips, sensational food by McCalls Catering & Events, awards, entertainment, and dancing to the surfer band Pyronauts,” said Janet Duca Norton in her column for the Palo Alto Daily News.
CSFP logo courtesy of the California State Parks Foundation
Tags: sf catering, state parks
An Elegant SF Wedding at the Flood Mansion
Edited from Melissa Mermin’s “Love Stories”
Heather and James live in Los Angeles, but Heather knew she had to get married at the James Leary Flood Mansion in San Francisco: Heather went to school there. The Flood Mansion is home to the Sacred Heart School where Heather attended from a child to graduation and was very close to the staff.
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Tags: mccalls, sf catering, wedding
Science of Cocktails @ the Exploratorium
The Exploratorium’s second annual Science of Cocktails event on Jan. 27 raised more than $50,000 for the museum’s educational programs. Guests at the sold-out gala learned about the physics, chemistry and biology behind the cocktails being made. McCalls served drinks and hors d’oeuvres. In keeping with the spirit of the evening, the array of hors d’oeuvres included oyster shooters in spicy Bloody Mary salsa and bay scallops & salsa fresca — both in shot glasses.
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Tags: exploratorium, mccalls, sf catering
McCalls Honored at SF Green Business Awards Reception
The San Francisco Department of the Environment honored McCalls Catering & Events “with sincere appreciation for helping make our City a greener place.” Lucas Schoemaker, President and Executive Chef of McCalls, accepted the award from Melanie Nutter, Director of the Department of the Environment, at an awards ceremony held on Jan. 19. “McCalls is extremely proud of this award, and to be certified as a San Francisco Green Business,” said Lucas.
The reception celebrated all businesses certified as a San Francisco Green Business in 2010.
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Hon. Willie Brown, Jr. Calls McCalls: “Academy Award Winning Caterer”
At the Consular Corp party at City Hall hosted by Charlotte and George Shultz in December, the Hon. Willie Brown, Jr. said it “was as festive as a party can be because McCall’s, the Academy Award winning caterer in my opinion, decided to tour the globe for hors d’ oeuvres to honor the more than 70 consulates represented at the party.”
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Tags: catering, mccalls, willie brown
Roundtable Discussion: Home Entertaining for the Holidays
The Nob Hill Gazette recently invited Lucas Schoemaker, our President and Executive Chef of McCalls Catering & Events, to join a roundtable discussion on how to “prep, plan and produce memorable events, be it a small dinner party or hundred-guest event.” The guests were chosen for their expertise in wine, catering and entertaining.
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SF Giants – 2010 World Series Champions! One Million Fans Line Parade Route
San Francisco turned into a sea of orange Thursday, as more than one million fans lined the parade route to celebrate the city’s first-ever World Series crown. After clinching the National League title on October 23, the San Francisco Giants dropped only one game against the Texas Rangers. Hall of Famer Willie Mays, who was a member of the last Giants team to win a World Series in New York in 1954, basked in the glow of cheering fans as he waved to them from a convertible rolling through downtown San Francisco. In another convertible, Giants manager Bruce Bochy hoisted the trophy as orange, black and white ticker-tape rained down. The two-hour procession included the players riding in vintage cable cars, tracing the same route the team took when it moved west in 1958. Brian “Fear the Beard” Wilson, delighted fans when the pitcher jumped off his cable car to wade into the screaming throng of fans, 50-deep in some areas.
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Tags: mccalls, sf catering, sf giants, world series
World Series: Giants vs Rangers – Orange October Grips San Francisco
The San Francisco Giants won its eighteenth National League (NL) pennant in typical nail-biting fashion by a score of 3-2 in the sixth game against the Phillies, the 2008 and 2009 NL champs. In front of a sellout crowd in Philadelphia on Oct. 23, Brian Wilson – known to deliver heart-attack inducing saves – struck out slugger Ryan Howard looking on a full count with two men on base. The Phillies learned the hard way to “Fear the Beard.”
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Tags: academy of sciences, mccalls catering, sf giants, world series
San Francisco Opera Ball – Behind the Scenes, Part VI: The Caterer
From Vivanista
“When it comes to the Opera Ball in particular, it is an event very dear to my own heart because it was the first grand scale event that I had the opportunity to participate as maitre d when I started at McCalls. I love this event.” -Patrick McAteer
What is the secret to McCalls being able to serve as many people as they do for an event like the Opera Ball and make the guests feel like they’re at a dinner party?
Tags: mccalls catering, sf opera
Golden Gate National Parks Conservatory’s Trails Forever Benefit Dinner
The eighth annual Trails Forever Dinner benefiting the Golden Gate National Parks Conservatory raised more than $730,000 to renovate and expand park trails. Held at Baker Beach on October 1, 400 guests were welcomed with cocktails and a bluegrass musical performance from the band Poor Man’s Whiskey. The evening – co-chaired by Jessica Galloway and Catherine Bradford – included a live auction spiritedly led by Mark Buell, Chairman of the National Parks Conservatory.
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Join St. Anthony Foundation October 7: Raising The Roof IV – Fundraising Gala Event
McCalls is excited to be part of St. Anthony Foundation’s Raise the Roof on October 7, the first major fundraiser for a new, expanded St. Anthony Dining Room. During this tough economic time the need for St. Anthony’s services is greater than ever for families, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and the mentally and addictively ill. Currently, one million meals are served each year.
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San Francisco Opera Kicks-Off 88th Season with Gala Dinner & Aida Performance
The San Francisco Opera kicked-off its 88th season on September 10 with a gala evening celebrating Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, “the grandest of grand operas” set in ancient Egypt.
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Tags: mccalls catering, sf opera
Meet Legion of Honor Café Chef David Garrison
From Fine Arts, the magazine for members of the Legion of Honor and de Young. The museum cafés are operated by McCalls.
Born in Merced, California, and trained at the California Culinary Academy, David Garrison — the Legion of Honor Café’s chef since February — has been immersed in the flavors of California. Local tastes come to fruition in a café menu designed to appeal to what David considers the “refined taste” of the museum visitor. “Even with the Bay Area, this group is educated, open-minded, and well-traveled. I am not worried about overwhelming them with new or strong flavors.”
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McCalls Catering Named “Best of the Best That the Bay Area Offers”
Readers of the Nob Hill Gazette named McCalls as “the best of the best that the Bay Area offers.” McCalls is proud to be part of the Gazette’s Best of the Bay Area 2010 list under the “Caterer or Personal Chef” category. McCalls also catered the events for the winners in two other categories: Gala or Event for Elegance (San Francisco Opera Ball) and Gala or Event for Creativity (SFMOMA 75th Anniversary Gala).
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Tags: mccalls catering
Dinner in Honor of Dmitry Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation
President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia and his wife, Svetlana, were the guests of honor at a dinner in San Francisco on June 22 hosted by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, First Lady Maria Shriver, Charlotte Shultz, the state’s chief of protocol, and her husband, former Secretary of State George Shultz.
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Tags: mccalls catering
Happy 1st Anniversary, Rakhee & Raman! Looking Back – Part II
From Maharani Weddings
There is a ton of guilt free indulgences in store as we continue yesterday’s love story. Rakhee and Raman had their reception on June 20, 2009 at one of my favorite San Francisco locations….City Hall. It is upscale, elegant, and formal and makes you feel like you are in a movie…just take a look…
Tags: bay area wedding catering, mccalls
Happy 1st Anniversary, Rakhee & Raman! Looking Back – Part I
From Maharani Weddings
I am very excited to share today’s post! Rakhee and Raman got married on June 19th and 20th at her family home in Alamo. It was a stunning affair filled with love and tradition. This wedding has so much eye candy to take in, that it is a good thing it is calorie free.
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Tags: bay area wedding catering, mccalls
Low-Sodium Wonder
From Sodium Girl
May 21, 2010:
…Today’s installment is from my recent menu tasting for my upcoming nuptials. And yes, this may be my favorite part of the entire party planning process (although hanging with mom while picking out linens is also a blast…hi Mom). But before I release you to feast your eyes upon the incredible dishes we “critiqued”/devoured, let me set the scene:
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Tags: mccalls, wedding catering
Tony Bennett, k.d. lang Star @ Black & White Ball
Excerpts From Miss Bigelow’s Social City:
“The Black & White Ball is an iconic, San Francisco event and nothing says, ‘San Francisco’ better than the artists performing tonight,” said SF Symphony President John Goldman.
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McCalls Chef Josip Martinovic on View from the Bay
About Josip Martinovic:
Josip came to the USA in 1999, but his story starts in his homeland of Croatia where he completed his 4-year studies at the culinary academy in 1989.
In 1991, Josip moved to Germany where he worked at the Four Seasons Hotel and eventually ran the Kitchen at Julep’s New York Bar and Restaurant in Munich for 6 years.
In Europe, he worked with many top chefs where he gained strong skills in all aspects of cooking and learned to respect and master the techniques of different cuisines; including German, French, and Italian.
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Tags: bay area catering, mccalls
Stars Shine at the Shanghai Opening-night Gala
The spirit of Shanghai shimmered in the spotlight on Wednesday at the Asian Art Museum during the joyous opening-night gala celebrating the exhibition, Shanghai.
“Our exhibition only needs one word, ‘Shanghai’,” announced Asian Art Museum Director Jay Xu. “Because it is the most dynamic and fastest-growing city in the world, Shanghai is big enough for all of us!”
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Tags: asian art museum, mccalls catering
Fall Antiques Show Meets King Tut
San Francisco’s Fall Antiques Show has been around a long time, but not, perhaps, as long as the treasures on display as part of its “Egypto-mania: Nile Style in the Decorative Arts” theme this year.
Among the gilded French dressers, mirrors and urns was an exhibition featuring an Egyptian Revival scarab and figurine of Osiris from the Palace of the Legion of Honor; an 18th-dynasty ebony chair from the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose; and an English mahogany gueridon, after a design by Thomas Hope, loaned by philanthropist Ann Getty.
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Bride and Bloom: The Heart Grows Fonder
McCalls is noted in this issue of Bride and Bloom, which features the wedding of Cyndie Wang and Willie Lee at San Francisco’s City Hall on August 18, 2007. Click on the cover photo to see full coverage of the event.
From the article:
“When it came time to plan the wedding, there were two very important factors for Cyndie — the date and the venue. She knew she wanted the perfect venue, something that fit her vision of a ‘classic, city, black tie event.’ After she found San Francisco’s City Hall, she booked the date 8-18-07 because it had eights, which are good luck in Chinese culture, and a seven, which is good luck in western culture. This meshing of eastern and western traditions ended up being a continuing theme throughout the celebration.”
Tags: mccalls catering, wedding
RealWeddings: Courtney and Hugh
McCalls provided the exquisite catering for Courtney and Hugh’s wedding, as featured in TheKnot’s “Real Weddings” section of their print magazine. Here’s what they had to say:
“Once Courtney was introduced to Hugh through a mutual friend, they were inseparable.
The Bride Courtney Baber, 39, merchandising vice president
The Groom Hugh Lewis, 42, business development director
The Date October 21Five years later, the couple and Courtney’s Persian cat, Casey, arrived at their beach house in Stinson where glowing candles and rose petals had been strewn throughout the house. Just as Courtney sat down to take it all in, her cat jumped up onto her lap. That’s when Courtney discovered the beautiful engagement ring that Hugh had tied around the feline’s neck. Just over a year later, the couple wed at a historic mansion in San Francisco.”
Tags: mccalls, wedding catering
Food Network: Behind the Bash
Giada is invited behind the scenes of the San Francisco Opera’s Opening Night Ball, an 800 guest black-tie gala over nine months in the making. Equally extravagant and elegant, the ball’s exotic Moroccan theme make the menu and the decor an exciting challenge for caterers McCall Associates and event designer Robert Fountain. And with a menu that includes jicama and watermelon salad, Moroccan spiced lamb chops, and a gorgeous layered fruit and mascarpone dessert, Coupe Rossini, it’s going to be a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. It’s the largest event of the San Francisco social season, and Giada is with the event team every step of the way to see how they pull it together.
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Tags: food network, mccalls catering
800 Discriminating Mouths to Feed In Just a Few Hours
If the San Francisco Opera Gala is one of the most hallowed events of the fine arts season, it follows that organizers would choose from among the city’s holy trinity of caterers. With guests paying hundreds and even thousands of dollars to attend the opening gala, a night of beautiful gowns and music, it would almost be a sin to serve a mediocre menu.
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Tags: mccalls catering, sf opera
Joy To The World
A Skyanana character and McCalls Executive Chef Lucas Schoemaker from Miss Bigelow’s Social City, captured at San Francisco Protocol Chief’s Charlotte Shultz holiday party for members of the San Francisco Consular Corps and Host Committee.
Tags: mccalls catering
McCalls a “Best of Weddings 2010″ Winner
“Who makes the tastiest Northern California wedding cakes? What are the top Northern California bridal salons? Where are the most beautiful Northern California wedding locations? Recent brides in Northern California rated their wedding vendors, and here’s who came out on top.”
TheKnot ranked McCalls a “Best of Weddings 2010″ winner in its catering category. The full list is here, and we are honored to be included.
Tags: mccalls catering, weddings