New York Caterer Serves Up Delicacies in Darien

By Casey Donahue - DARIEN, Conn. – About 10 years ago, Amanda Smith was in Central Park when she came up with the idea of selling pre-made picnics for the free concerts held in the park. Her business has expanded since then, and her catering company recently opened a new location in Darien.

"It was just at the beginning of the Internet age when I started doing the picnics. People could order it online and pick it up at the park," Smith said.

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Greenwich Harbor Yacht Show

Amanda Smith Caterers was one of the exhibitors at the Greenwich Harbor Yacht Showcase.

For the opening party we offered our ceviche trio - octopus acapulqueno; scallops, melon & habanero chilies; mojito sea bass

- and during the weekend we prepared Paella Valenciana table side.

Greenwich Street Fair

The hottest weekend of the year and Amanda Smith Caterers was there with great helpers

selling homemade lemonade and watermelon juice, genuine chilled gazpacho, delicate finger sandwiches and quenching ice pops with flavors like cucumber, cherry-lime, mango-chili, hibiscus flower and coconut.

A welcome sight along the route of shops along Greenwich Avenue.

this just in!

I ordered 13 baskets from you this past Tuesday for a company outing to see the Philharmonic in Central Park. We ended up moving our picnic indoors, but thanks to the amazing food, we didn’t mind. Everyone raved and raved about the different salads and desserts, it was so nicely prepared. My CEO requested that I contact you and thank you, and ask if you cater small corporate lunches in Manhattan. We are often have lunch meetings at our offices and are always looking for good caterers in the city.

Thank you again

Successful First Day!

Yesterday we had our first evening as the official caterer for the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the park. Despite a day full of rain (the first in weeks) - the show went on, and there we were.. serving 300 VIP meals and baskets along fifth avenue and central park west. Thanks to my great team in the kitchen and on the streets, everything went of without a hitch and on top of everything we received this compliment which made it all the more sweet!

Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 8:41 PM
Subject: Re: New York Philharmonic Picnic Confirmation
Amanda,
We just wanted to let you know how impressed we were with tonight's dinner. Not only was the food amazing, but you truly thought of every detail. We will return to NYC next year for this event, mainly because of you. Thank you.
All our very best,
Ashley

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC

It's official! Amanda Smith Caterers is going to make the picnic baskets exclusively for the New York Philharmonic. We are really proud to have this opportunity. Please spread the word.... order your basket now and pick it up in the park!!

Dates are:

July 13 in Central Park

July 14 in Central Park

July 15 in Cunningham Park Queens

July 16 in Prospect Park Brooklyn

happy 2010

The end of the year came upon us like a flash. One moment we were busy at work like the elves and suddenly we found ourselves underneath the tree filled with buche de noel and champagne and paper scattered everywhere!

It's been quite a year with a lot of new challenges, many surprises, disappointments and accomplishments; but there are few of us who aren't happy to know that it is over.

Amanda Smith Caterers is gearing up for the new year with many new projects. Not only is the catering keeping us busy but we find that more and more clients are asking us to help in the coordination and planning of their events as they find themselves restricted by venues or simply they want us to oversee the details.

The cooking classes have proved to be incredibly popular and one of our students even offered to host the next one in her home. Companies have shown interest as a group activity for their staff and the word is spreading that not only is it a great place to learn but a good time to be had by all.

In addition, we are looking for a permanent home for our kitchen where we can receive our clients not only for breakfast, lunch or a glass of wine, but also where they can visualize their parties first hand.

All of this may seem like an overzealous plan, but we feel that our surviviving the last 12 months is a message that we should keep moving ahead and with full force. We hope that everyone enters this new year with the same strength and energy... of course after you get up from under the tree and tip toe your way to the new year.

Thank you for your constant support - we couldn't have done it without you.

Feliz Ano Nuevo a todos!


Amanda Pilar Smith and her Team