Catering Weddings and Events

Food is usually very important to my clients. It is one of the areas that most or much of their total budget is spent on when planning a wedding or event. Along with decor and entertainment, the catering leaves a lasting impression whether good or bad....hopefully great.

All photos are of Whalesbone Catering - courtesy of David Kawai


Over the years, we have had the pleasure of tasting unique and tasty menu creations from several caterers here in Ottawa. Caterers include Thyme and Again Catering, Tulips and Maple Catering, and Scrumptious Catering.


For 2011, we were lucky enough to work closely with Epicuria and Whalesbone Catering. Epicuria uses the freshest local products to ensure the highest quality menus. Whalesbone Catering (including their restaurant on Bank Street) specializes in the freshest sustainable oyster and fish supply in addition to other fresh local ingredients. Each company is unique but both have earned a reputation for their impressive presentation, the highest quality of food and experienced and professional staff - they always work so hard to please guests.




A great caterer not only provides a menu, they should also be able to play a key role in alcohol selection, estimating consumption, and offering recommendation of the best type of alcohol that pairs well with the specialized menu they created for clients.


Although a planner must allocate a higher portion of their budget to leverage a caterer, the money spent definately does not compare when your guests leave raving for days after the event, about how great the food and service were at your wedding or event. It's very true, you get what you pay for!

Preview of Ottawa Event Space this week

It must be that time of the year again - once the snow melts and spring is in the air, it marks the beginning of the busiest time for wedding and events. This past week was a pleasure as I was invited to preview a few unique event spaces around Ottawa.

The Westin Hotel - several of us Planners mixed and mingled with Tia and Anne 24 floors above the City overlooking the Canal and admiring the Parliament buildings. What a spectacular view from the Parliament Hospitality Suite...as the sun set, we enjoyed the company and overall experience. Apparently they have undergone a 7 million dollar lobby renovation and added 12,000 square feet of state of the art meeting space.



From this Day Forward - a unique and intimate space nestled in the downtown area. Husband and wife, Tony and Izabela, have created an atmosphere that is romantic for any wedding or private event. Close by to the Museum of Nature for photos and for anyone having a civil ceremony at City Hall..better yet you can host both your ceremony and cocktail reception at this one location.



Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar - Phil and Vanessa are fantastic hosts and showed us first hand why Juniper's reputation is highly regarded. Before we sat down for a 4 course meal, we enjoyed a tour of the entire venue including a private room hidden away in the back and their very clean and impressive kitchen. All floral designs were created by Vanessa and the menu was delicious. Not only did I enjoy the company but the service was courteous and a pleasure to be around.



Soma Health and Fitness - this weekend was their launch of SOMA Events. What a great time at this modern yet elegant custom designed venue overlooking the Byward Market. Not only was the view beautiful but the music from their house band kept the group dancing. Definately for the clientele that is looking for unique.


And if you haven't already seen the publicity, the new Ottawa Convention Centre is all done and ready to begin hosting events. I'll be getting a private tour next week prior to the Open House on April 23, 2011. What a magnificent addition to Ottawa!