LA company successfully caters major event amid extreme heat and wind

Culver City, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/06/2013 -- Los Angeles catering company and corporate event planner LA Spice recently achieved what may be a first in the West Coast culinary profession. The premiere caterer demonstrated exceptional finesse at catering a major business event in extreme weather—in the middle of California's Mojave Desert.

At an event hosted by Virgin Galactic and aimed at promoting space tourism, LA Spice faced even more than the usual logistics of presenting a banquet for almost 700 guests. Catering company staff also coped expertly with such challenges as extreme heat and powerful winds. Wind gusts are so strong in this part of the desert that, only a few miles from the event site, major wind farms are common fixtures. The intrepid staff of LA Spice met the challenges of the rugged desert terrain with style and expertise.

The strong desert winds posed a particularly daunting challenge: how to keep massive tenting from blowing down. As event producer Andrea Bessey explained, "The wind was so strong, that at certain times during the day we were concerned that the movement of the sidewalls in the field kitchen would knock over transit cabinets of food. You definitely felt like you were in a windstorm."

But for a catering company known for its logistical and creative event-planning prowess, this was all in a day's work. LA Spice Catering arranged delivery of 2,000-pound concrete blocks, which were lifted into place by crane and then attached to each tent pole. The staff then set up a field kitchen inside a large tent, weighing down a sidewall with sandbags to counteract the force of the powerful wind. China and flatware were left inside the catering truck until the very last minute to protect them from the blowing sand.

"We had to bring all water in for this event," said a company spokesperson. "The location had no water available." To contend with the extremely high heat, the LA Spice team made sure that the international guests stayed hydrated and had plenty of shade possibilities for the outdoor portion of the event. A spokesperson for the event said that home caterers can likewise apply similar tips. For example, when prepping for an outdoor party on a hot day, consider using misting fans as well as stationary pillars, which can be set up on tarmac, patios, or other stable foundations.

Guests dined on such elegant fare as salmon with purple mustard sauce, summer vegetable succotash, Tuscan kale Greek salad with organic chicken, and heirloom tomato and fresh mozzarella farfalle salad. In the end, LA Spice staff made facing the challenges of catering amid powerful winds seem like a breeze. As for the old saying that begins, "If you can't stand the heat," LA Spice proved yet again that is has the "fire in the belly" to make even the most challenging event a red-hot success.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice is the premier gourmet catering company of the Greater Los Angeles area. The company prides itself on its impeccable cuisine and on consistently bringing fresh, new ideas to the table. LA Spice understands that clients are deeply invested in the success of their events and employs expert caterers and designers committed to creating unique and memorable events. For more information, call (424) 500-2125 or visit http://www.laspicecatering.com/.

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Drink and Food Specials Honor Distinctive Drink

Culver City, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/03/2013 -- Culver City, CA – Catering and event planning specialists LA Spice celebrated National IPA day August 1st with food and drink specials and recommended pairings in the LA Spice Cafe. National IPA Day is a celebration of India Pale Ales, a very particular variety of beer that has developed a wide following domestically. As IPAs are known for their distinctive, somewhat bitter taste, the LA Spice Cafe prepared a number of spicy, flavorful dishes to accompany the particular brew such as pulled pork sandwiches, Ariba Chilaquiles, and the LA Spice Signature Sandwich.

LA Spice is one of the premier providers of catering in Los Angeles as well as the operators of a stand-alone cafe in Culver City. The LA Spice Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week (and breakfast and lunch on Sunday), and LA Spice Catering is available for booking 365 days a year. They are full-service personal and corporate events planners capable of handling events that range from 10 to 10,000 people and their services can include food, decoration, planning, serving, and cleanup.

To read more about LA Spice Catering or the LA Spice Cafe visit their websites http://www.laspicecatering.com/ and laspicecafe.com, or speak to an LA Spice representative directly by calling (424) 500-2125 or (424) 500-2130. You can also "like" them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter and Google+.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice, under the direction of LeAnne Schwartz, provides state-of-the-industry catering and event planning in Los Angeles and the surrounding Southern California area. They were named Best Catering Company, Los Angeles by the readers of The Daily News and are members in good standing of the International Caterers Association, the International Special Events Society, WBENC, and Vistage.

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LA Spice catering incorporates ethnic cuisine to reflect the diversity of Los Angeles

Culver City, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/07/2013 -- Gourmet catering company LA Spice is pleased to announce new additions to its menu that reflect the cultural diversity of Los Angeles. LA Spice breakfast reflects Mexican with the tomatillo salsa, Portuguese with Linguisa sausage, and a South American breakfast with the pequillo pepper. Their hot Entree Chicken a la peperonata reflects Italian and Greek with chicken, bell peppers, tomatoes, pine nuts, basil, feta cheese and the Torta de Jamon Sandwich reflects Mexican which includes cooked ham, tomatoes, jalapenos, lettuce and Mexican crema on teleras bread. Coq au Riesling represents French with chicken stew, bacon lardons, button mushrooms, and thyme. The Soba Noodle Deli Salad represents Japanese with sugar snap peas, adamame, shiitake mushrooms, shaved asparagus, ponzu vinaigrette.

The company has also added items like tomato gazpacho with lemongrass (fusion of Spanish and Asian cuisines), Serrano ham wrapped oysters (Spanish), green tea noodles (Chinese/Asian), buffalo tartare on rosemary focaccia (fusion of American, French and Italian), chorizo crostini (fusion of Mexican and Italian) and more to highlight the rich diversity of cultures present throughout the city.

In addition to its savory dishes, LA Spice offers creative desserts like goat cheese curd cake to add a special touch to any event.

The multiculturalism of Los Angeles provides a unique opportunity to highlight the diversity of global cuisine. LA Spice is committed to creating events that highlight the values and tastes of its clients, and the company strives to help clients find ways of making their events more environmentally friendly by minimizing waste, using biodegradable cutlery, using locally sourced meat and produce and planning leftover food donations. LA Spice is the go-to company for sustainable, socially-conscious catering in Los Angeles.

The company employs a staff of expert private and corporate event planners and caters a wide variety of events, including weddings, milestone parties, holiday parties, corporate parties, and much more.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice is the premier gourmet catering company of the Greater Los Angeles area. The company prides itself on its impeccable cuisine and on consistently bringing fresh, new ideas to the table. LA Spice understands that clients are deeply invested in the success of their events and employs expert caterers and designers committed to creating unique and memorable events. For more detail please visit, http://www.laspicecatering.com/.

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LA Spice catering launches program to create food centerpieces for donation

Culver City, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2013 -- Gourmet catering company LA Spice is pleased to announce the launch of its food centerpiece donation program for philanthropic and socially-aware clients.

Amidst growing awareness about food waste from events like weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and large corporate parties, the Los-Angeles based catering company arranges non-perishable food items into eye-catching and thought-provoking centerpieces for later donation.

Clients choose a charitable organization or food bank and provide the food goods to LA Spice to arrange into elegant, interesting centerpieces. Ideal centerpiece items include canned and packaged goods, shelf-stable products as well as personal care products. LA Spice arranges the centerpieces and places cards at each table explaining that the centerpieces have been carefully arranged for donation.

LA Spice continually devises ways to help clients give back to the community and make catered events more environmentally-friendly. Through measures like the use of reusable or biodegradable cutlery and e-invitations and procuring locally grown foods whenever possible, LA Spice is the go-to company for sustainable, socially-conscious catering in Los Angeles.

LA Spice has an expert staff of private and corporate event planners and offers catering for a variety of events, including weddings, holiday parties, corporate parties, milestone parties and much more. The aim of LA Spice is to provide unforgettable events that showcase each client's unique style and values.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice is the premier gourmet catering company of the Greater Los Angeles area. The company prides itself on an unwavering attention to detail and impeccable cuisine. LA Spice understands that clients are deeply invested in the success of their events and employs expert caterers and designers committed to creating unique and memorable events. For additional information please visit, http://www.laspicecatering.com/.

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LA Spice Catering launches green catering program for eco-minded consumers

Culver City, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/10/2013 -- In response to growing environmental awareness, Los Angeles-based gourmet catering company, LA Spice, is proud to announce its "green" catering program, developed with the eco-conscious consumer in mind.

The company has devised several ways to help clients make events more environmentally-friendly, including simple but impactful changes to event invitations, cutlery, cuisine, decor, centerpieces and lighting.

As part of its green program LA Spice will guide clients on reducing the impact of their event through simple steps like sending e-invitations and using biodegradable, compostable cutlery.

LA Spice will work with clients to procure locally-grown foods and incorporate more finger foods in order to reduce water consumption from dishwashing and waste from disposable tableware. Innovative ideas like edible centerpieces and reusable decor are additional ways to reduce waste, and the company will aid clients in working with the local community to donate leftover food from events.

LA Spice creates mouth-watering menus and eye-popping decor, and the company uses sustainable, locally-grown foods wherever possible. The catering experts provide gourmet catering in Los Angeles for a variety of events, including corporate parties, weddings, holiday parties and much more. The aim of LA Spice is to provide unforgettable events both large and small that go off without a hitch.

The company's green program was inspired by the passage of Earth Day 2013 as well as ongoing efforts to provide clients with more sustainable catering options.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice is the premier gourmet catering company of the Greater Los Angeles area. The company prides itself on an unwavering attention to detail and impeccable cuisine. LA Spice understands that clients are deeply invested in the success of their events, and as such, employs expert caterers and designers committed to creating unique and memorable events. For additional information and questions please visit, http://www.laspicecatering.com/.

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Culver City, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2013 -- With summer quickly approaching, Los Angeles-based gourmet catering company LA Spice is pleased to announce the launch of new theme "Summer's Bounty in Beverages" that will focus on the plentiful fruit, herbs and spices available in summertime.

Utilizing an abundance of fruits and herbs the company has concocted a variety of gastronomical beverages infused with herbs like basil, mint, lavender and rosemary. Spicy drinks including jalapeno margaritas using fresh chiles will liven up any event, and fruity drinks incorporating the abundance of seasonal summer fruits like watermelon, berries, cherries, peaches and apricots will make guests pucker for more.

Sangria and fruit-infused wines are popular this year and are refreshing, eye-appealing choices for the warm summer months. Beet juice has a vibrant color, is deliciously sweet and pairs well with ginger, apples, limes, berries, and mint.

LA Spice has developed a variety of nouveau lemonades incorporating citrus fruits like lime and other flavors for a unique and refreshing take on the traditional beverage. Tea-infused beverages are another hot trend this year, taking iced tea to new heights, as are "skinny" low-calorie cocktails, made by reducing the amount of sugar and syrups used to make traditional drinks like the mojito, sea breeze and martini.

Paired with an abundance of farmer's market salads and flavor-packed finger foods and tapas, the company's "Summer's Bounty" beverages make summer events a hit.

LA Spice incorporates locally-grown food into their menus whenever possible and works with clients to donate any leftover food from events in order to prevent waste and make events more sustainable. The company has also devised several ways to make events more eco-friendly, including incorporating recyclable, compostable or reusable cutlery, decor, centerpieces and lighting.

The launch of "Summer's Bounty in Beverages" was inspired by the abundance of fresh fruit, herbs and spices available in summertime coupled with the ample sunshine that defines Southern California.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice is the premier gourmet catering company of the Greater Los Angeles area. The company offers catering for weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, cocktail parties, holidays and much more. The company prides itself on its unwavering attention to detail and impeccable cuisine. LA Spice understands that clients are deeply invested in the success of their events. As such, the company employs expert caterers and designers committed to creating unique and memorable events. For more detail please visit, http://laspicecatering.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Corporate Events and Residential Entertainers Must Address Growing Allergy Concerns with Menu Choices

Culver City, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/20/2013 -- With allergies and sensitivities to gluten on the rise, award-winning LA Spice Catering has developed a full menu of options from appetizers to desserts so that even gluten-free foodies can enjoy their gourmet creations. The pesky gluten protein is found in grains like wheat, barley, rye and others, according to the Mayo Clinic. Devising an entertaining menu for special events is not easy when so many key ingredients are missing, but the LA Spice planners are adamant that their menus include interesting options for gluten-free diners.

Examples of the inventive new items made without gluten include crunchy tostones with micro cilantro, kumquat panna cotta with basil syrup, Korean style rice flour crepes with pork belly and spicy daikon slaw, braised lamb shoulder on chickpea cake with pickled cauliflower, grilled cheese mini-sandwiches with Beemster goat gouda and Pawlet cow cheese on gluten-free bread with a shot of tomato bisque and vanilla buttermilk pudding with honeyed Meyer lemon confit.

Said LA Spice owner LeAnne Schwartz, "We want to make sure all foodies can enjoy our food…even those with restricted diets or special dietary needs." Careful to replace any possible offending ingredients with acceptable ingredients like rice flour, chickpeas and plantains, Schwarz adds that they have worked to develop unique offerings that are gluten-free and will still satisfy adventurous taste buds.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice Catering was voted "Best Caterer" of Los Angeles by readers of The LA Daily News for 2010 and 2011. The company describes itself as "…the Spice of LA…," focused on events that take off from the best food and wine available. They design and produce events that combine themed, creative ideas with menu planning and clever entertainment, for intimate parties to large-scale weddings. More information can be found on the website at http://www.laspicecatering.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/03/2013 -- LA Spice Catering, experts at innovating menus for the most demanding corporate catering events, brought a "Pan African" menu to a recent formal awards gala at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Given such an extraordinary venue, their talented planners and chefs will take a leap into exotic worlds, bringing lucky guests along with them.

The Annual Awards Gala and Formal Dinner for a leading commercial furniture design and manufacturing firm took its inspiration from the African Mammal Hall, drawing on ingredients from the four corners of the vast continent. The cocktail reception opened the evening in the newly remodeled, historic Rotunda, with appetizers like mini-yam tart bites with shredded spiced beef or grilled Boerewors (South African sausages) with chunky tomato sauce.

Guests moved on to a three-course sit-down dinner, served in the African Mammal Hall, with some of the world's most stunning specimens looking on. Savannah elephants, spotted hyenas, hippos and more, are all displayed in dioramas that accurately recreate their native habitats. Fortunately, none of them were on the exotic menu, but LA Spice chefs blended a mix of traditional and current dishes from South Africa, Morocco, and parts of North, South, East and West along the Continent. Imagine first course choices like wild rice and Ethiopian berbere spiced nut salad, main course items such as Moroccan chicken tagine with saffron, preserved lemon, garlic, and olives, and desserts such as fig and sesame tart with cardamom and orange cream.

According to LA Spice owner, LeAnne Schwarz, "Formal awards events always push the envelope for innovative ways to acknowledge and reward employees and entertain guests. We believe in going a step beyond the entertainment factor and sizzle to create a menu that inspires, delights, and opens new worlds for guests." In fact, the sizzle goes a long way to producing a memorable event, and the African-themed evening made sure to include entertainment by an African dance troupe, a fun photo booth, and wait staff outfitted in appropriate safari attire—including pith helmets! LA Spice will recreate some of these mouth-watering African dishes on request, or develop new menus to suit another inspiring venue and event.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice Catering was voted "Best Caterer" of Los Angeles by readers of The LA Daily News for 2010 and 2011. The company describes itself as "…the Spice of LA…" focused on events that take off from the best food and wine available. They design and produce events that combine themed, creative ideas with menu planning and clever entertainment, for intimate parties to large-scale weddings. More information can be found on the web site at http://www.laspicecatering.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

LA Spice Café Opens to Hot Reviews

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/15/2013 -- LA Spice Cafe is the newest addition to the thriving, competitive cafe scene in Culver City. Launched in February by the owners of LA Spice Catering, the colorful eatery is already racking up enthusiastic reviews from the likes of Eater LA and Thrillist.com, trend-trackers of all things L.A., who rate it "…a super-casual cafe from the ultra-legit catering company of the same name."

Chef Joachim Weritz, with Michelin ratings on his resume, has created an adventurous menu drawn from LA Spice Catering's well-known themed feasts. Diners can taste a flavor remix of L.A.'s multiple cuisines, but borrowing the flair of a sophisticated catered event. As implied by the company and cafe name—variety is, after all, the "spice" of life—the menu pulls inspiration from L.A.'s ethnic stew, while drawing on the freshest, locally available, seasonal ingredients.

Among the favorites so far are sandwiches, which Thrillist calls "next level," with inventive choices like Star Anise Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi, or "Adult No PB & J", featuring Pinot Noir Grape Jam.

LA Spice Cafe owner LeAnne Schwartz has helmed the popular 25-year-old LA Spice Catering Company to attain ratings as Best LA Catering Company in 2010 and 2011, by readers of the L.A. Daily News. She says of the new cafe, "It is as adventurous as our catering and event company, but we are careful to take care of special dietary needs, like gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan."

About LA Spice Cafe & LA Spice Catering
LA Spice Cafe opened in Culver City in February 2013. Owner LeAnne Schwartz has built the restaurant's menu, environment, and vibe, around the approach used in her successful catering company of the same name. More information about the restaurant can be found on the web by visiting facebook.com/LASpiceCatering. LA Spice Catering, based in Los Angeles, describes itself as a caterer that takes off from the best food and wine available, combining themed, creative ideas in special event design with menu planning and entertainment, for events from intimate parties to large-scale weddings. For more information, visit the web site at http://www.laspicecatering.com.

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A mix of old and new themes in color, design and lifestyle, creates warmth and safety

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/10/2013 -- For 2013, trend experts from color forecasters to corporate event planners predict a mix of old and new themes in interior and fashion design—key influences on home and corporate caterers entertaining—that reflect a need for warmth and safety. The nostalgic desire for security and attraction to all things "vintage" have emerged as one strong catering trend, namely tea parties. LA Downtown News sums up the trend in their 2013 forecast, dubbing it "there's no place like home."

LA Spice Catering owners noticed a renewed interest in tea parties from clients of all ages. In response, they developed their take on the tea party, blending elements like soft hues with vintage china, worn surfaces, and old-fashioned garden blooms, accented with crystal, silver and porcelain. Menu choices balance old and new as well, with a mix of traditional tea sandwiches, savory bites, and teas displayed with their appropriate serving pieces. Los Angeles may be one of the most trend-conscious communities in the country, so the best caterers, like LA Spice, wisely build event themes around the latest trends in food, color and interior design.

The most memorable catered parties and events capture trends while blending each client's personal style and tastes with features that guests will find exciting and new. LA Spice tweaks their presentation as "not your grandmother's tea party." Inventive additions to the mix include tuxedo-ed wait staff and more varieties of exotic teas. They readily adapt the tea party to everything from baby and bridal showers to garden parties and luncheons.

About LA Spice Catering
LA Spice Catering was voted "Best Caterer" of Los Angeles by readers of The LA Daily News for 2010 and 2011. The company describes itself as "…the Spice of LA…", focused on events that take off from the best food and wine available. They design and produce events that combine themed, creative ideas with menu planning and clever entertainment, for intimate parties to large-scale weddings. More information can be found on the web site at http://laspicecatering.com.

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LA Spice Catering Launches Theme Based on 50 Shades of Grey

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/29/2012 -- LA Spice, a Los Angeles-based gourmet catering company, has announced the launch of its new theme, based on the international bestselling erotic novel, 50 Shades of Grey. The book is part of a trilogy series that has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Scenes involving cocktails, wine and gourmet cuisine are abundant in 50 Shades of Grey, which LA Spice will recreate as part of its new theme.

Among the food and drink the company will offer, inspired by the book, are Cosmopolitans, Chablis and Champagne, stuffed grape leaves, gazpacho, grapes with gourmet cheese, lamb with yogurt mint sauce, Spaghetti Bolognese, and indulgent desserts like Creme Brulee and Tarte Tatin.

LA Spice will work with clients to create a thoroughly satisfying menu including these and other dishes mentioned in the trilogy series, and the company aims to create provocative and alluring food displays and decor based on the 50 Shades theme. Grey ties and handcuffs and rope, oh my!

LA Spice provides gourmet catering in Los Angeles for holiday parties, weddings and corporate events, in addition to theme parties. Click on the link for more information on corporate caterers. The 50 Shades of Grey theme is part of an ongoing effort by the catering company to create unforgettable events for its clients.

About LA Spice Catering
Serving Greater Los Angeles, LA Spice is the city's premier gourmet catering company. The company prides itself on providing attention to detail and exquisite cuisine, and understands that clients are deeply invested in making their event a success. To achieve this, the company utilizes the talents of expert caterers and designers who are committed to creating unique and memorable experiences. For further information please visit us at, http://www.laspicecatering.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

LA Spice Catering welcomes internationally trained Chef Joachim Weritz

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/31/2012 -- LA Spice Catering is pleased to announce Chef Joachim Weritz as its new Executive Chef. The German born, internationally trained Chef studied regional cuisines around the world and has worked with some of the most historic and highly regarded restaurants, including Michelin-rated restaurants in Italy and Germany.

Early in his career Chef Weritz studied at the Culinary Institute of Essen, later taking internships in both Italy and France where he received classic French culinary training. He further expanded his knowledge of regional cuisine while traveling throughout Western Europe.

In the early 1990s, Chef Weritz launched his own gourmet catering company which specialized in Mediterranean and Macrobiotic cuisine. In the latter part of the decade, he moved to New York where he began his American career as Chef de Cuisine at the historic Barbetta, Manhattan's oldest Italian restaurant.

In 1999 Chef Weritz moved to Los Angeles and accepted a position as Chef de Cuisine for the prestigious Patina group. Soon thereafter, he accepted a position in the catering department of the Hollywood Bowl's VIP Lounge.

While residing in Los Angeles, Chef Weritz traveled extensively throughout Asia. Inspired by the cuisine, he began to transform the menu of the well-known Malibu restaurant, Moonshadows, infusing seasonal, local, contemporary California cuisine with some of the tastes from his travels..

Chef Weritz is committed to sustainability, using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, and successfully avoids using endangered species in his dishes. He has said his goal is to "give something back to the world," and he chooses do so through his carefully crafted cuisine.

Chef Weritz has been a member of the Natural Resources Defense Council for 10 years and is also a member of the Slow Food movement. His more recent travels throughout Latin America have further added to his in-depth culinary knowledge and skillful cooking techniques. For more information on L.A. Caterers, click on the link or visit the web address www.laspicecatering.com.

About LA Spice
LA Spice is a first-class catering company serving the Greater Los Angeles area. The company is focused on customized, creative cuisine, and provides catering in Los Angeles for weddings, corporate events, holiday and theme parties, and more. LA Spice is committed to using local, sustainably-sourced ingredients in its cuisine whenever possible. Click on the link for more information catering in LA locations.

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