I Catered My First Holiday Party
& a holiday gift guide because the theme of today is local supporting local
My last post felt like a bit of a hit-and-run literary experience, so I’m back with a lengthier expose on my very first catering gig. In addition to the salacious tell-all (it’s not salacious—not even a little bit), I’ve included a gift guide at the end of the post if you, like me, are still doing your holiday shopping.
The opportunity to cater my first-ever gig arose when I was exiting RIDE, the indoor cycling studio I previously taught at. It went just like the old adage: one door closed and another one opened, and that door just so happened to be an opportunity plan and cater their holiday party.
To be clear, I very much identify as a home cook, and a sometimes-line cook when my friend Derek needs the help for his pierogi pop ups, so this was a huge undertaking. While I was excited by the prospect of being able to create a menu, I am also no stranger to imposter syndrome (we know this, we love her, Mrs. Jennie Berzatto). I had to plan the party… ? Create and work with a budget…?! Act as head chef?!?!
Mom, can you pick me up? I’m scared.
I’m kidding. Sort of.
Instead of letting it get the best of me, I put that energy into planning every detail out like a m*therf*cker, diligently thinking through every aspect of the party I’d need to pull this off. From the food, to transforming the space, to learning how to execute a buffet-style service, I knew this was a challenge I wanted to take on. Sure, it was scary, but that felt like even more of a reason to say ‘yes.’ This experience not only pushed me creatively, but it gave me an opportunity to prove to myself that I could do it: be a leader, execute a thoughtful and tasty menu, and produce an event that was fully my vision.
The party was Saturday, but prep started the Tuesday before with menu-review night. I invited my two team members over for dinner and cooked the whole menu so that we could go over it, discuss execution and presentation, as well as hear any feedback they after trying each dish. It was also a great opportunity to hang out and introduce everyone so we were already familiar when Saturday came.
Thursday was for grocery shopping and kitchen cleaning, then on Friday I knocked out most of the cooking—save for frying the dumplings, which happened Saturday morning. (Yes, I’m still exhausted. Thanks for asking).
Weeks of focus, building out the ultimate project management spreadsheet, and assembling a team paid off last Saturday, December 9th, with a kickass holiday party. The menu consisted of: crispy rice avocado bites, cold sesame noodles - served with chili oil & cucumbers, veggie gyoza, and chicken gyoza. In addition to food, we had TWO batch cocktails: honey lemon (for whiskey & gin) & a guava limeade courtesy of Michelle (made to pair with vodka). I cannot thank both Dripping Springs Distillery and Still Austin for sponsoring our bar that evening.
Pictured below are my fabulous assistants, Michelle and Austin, who helped me pull the whole thing off. Austin was, for lack of a better term, my sous chef the day of, while Michelle held down the bar seamlessly.
I’m really happy with the way things turned out and think everyone, myself included, had a lot of fun.
Oh, and also:
Never underestimate the power of a red lip.
Seriously.
It’s the kind of thing that can revive you (me) to pull through the last leg of the night.
Am I starting a catering business? No. Would I like to do more events? Yes! I’m not sure what that looks like so, for now, I’m celebrating a job well done and I’m resting for the duration of the year. I’ve always believed in staying open to opportunities when they come one’s way… so for now, I’ll wait. I’ll rest. And when the right thing comes, I’ll say ‘yes’ again.
Jennie’s Shopping-Local-Is-Sexy 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
It’s that time of year again! If you have the means to, consider shopping local or at least purchasing some of your holiday gifts this year from small businesses. Here are a few of my favorites:
Austin local business that I love: Waterloo Records, Book People, Himaya Studios, Awkward Auntie (I purchased the cutest skull wine bottle stopper from her this year for someone that doesn’t read this substack and I can therefore tell all of you)
Blue Genie Art Baazar has a variety of things you can shop from local makers that make great gifts. Check it out! 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
Dear Dry Drinkery is a sober bottle shop with lots of NA bevvies for all of your NA loved ones.
Gift cards for your favorite local restaurants is always a good one!
Speaking of gift cards, consider a gift card this season for your tattoo-lovin’ loved one. My food half-sleeve is all thanks to the incredibly talented @megtaylorart and is in process of opening her own shop: Little Witch Tattoos. @ohayopokes and @studiomontes do really stunning hand-poked pieces as well and I recommend any of these talented artists!
If you came here for foodie-related gifts, here are a few of my favorite food brands. While these aren’t Austin-based, most of them are small businesses or businesses I personally enjoy supporting:
Hear me out: olive oil makes a great gift and it’s way better than bringing a candle/generic bottle of wine as a host gift - Graza (you can get graza at Central Market and now Target), Brightland (woman-owned brand!!!), Cantasole (
got me onto this incredible olive oil and apparently you can stay in their olive groves in Italy)Big Night Out - Brooklyn-based dinner party store for all of your dinner party needs! Great gifts for people who love to host.
Chilee Oil - Chicago-based chili oil company I discovered at a makers market that is absolutely divine
Cookbook Recs:
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat - this book is the bible (I said what I said) and it completely changed the way I cooked. Okay fine, at least watch the 4-part Netflix series.
More Than Cake by Natasha Picowickz - this is fabulous book for savory and sweet bakers. I went to her book signing here in Austin and loved pouring through this book.
Pasta by Missy Robbins - creator of the instagram famous pink peppercorn mafaldini, this is the pasta bible from a NYC pasta-legend. I, once again, said what I said.
Simple by Ottolenghi - really, anything by Ottolenghi makes a great gift. The recipes are approachable, unique, and delicious. What more can you ask for?
If you have any other local or small business faves, drop them in the comments below!
Dear Daughter….I will ALWAYS pick u up if you need me!!!!!Love your stories❤️👏🏻