Catering the Time Away

It's happened again. It seems like we were just preparing for the 2009 Holiday Season, and "pow," today is already February 1st, 2010 - amazing. People often say time can "stand still" or they need to "save time," but time keeps moving. In the catering business, it is amazing how it passes so quickly.

From an operations perspective, we're already beginning to focus on summer and holiday business. We're busy inventorying linens, purchasing new color offerings, looking at new and stylish serviceware, and adding fresh menu items while also focusing on creatively reinventing some traditional ones.

In just over a month, I will be speaking at the Catersource Conference in Las Vegas with Puff 'n Stuff Catering's Owner, Warren Dietel. We'll be showcasing our process for executing the perfect event. Every year, we attend to see the upcoming catering trends first-hand so we can continually "wow" our clients, whether the event is big or small.

This year is off to a busy start and we are looking forward to the challenges that brings! I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year and look forward to the opportunity to assist in creating your special event!

At Your Service,
Kevin Kulikowski, Director of Business Operations

Celebrating 30 Years Serving Central Florida!

This year will mark the Puff 'n Stuff Catering 30-year Anniversary. Since 1980, we have been Orlando's premier catering and full-service event planning company and are now the largest of our kind in Florida. We've achieved this status largely in part to one word: Innovation. It’s what drives our business and our team members—evidenced in everything from our Special Event Planners and expert Chefs to our state-of-the-art facility.

But if you've ever wondered where it all began, and a more commonly asked question--how we got our name, here's a short history:

In 1971, Puff 'N' Stuff (sans Catering) opened as a puff pastry shop in San Fernando, Trinidad, owned by three friends who thought they'd put their baking skills to good use: Yuklan Laing, Gwyneth Pogson, and Susie Dietel. Because they specialized in puff pastries, and created some other "stuff" too (cakes & breads), the name Puff 'N' Stuff was a natural fit.

When Susie and her husband, Glenn, moved to Florida in 1978, they wanted to bring a piece of home with them. So in 1980, they opened Puff 'N' Stuff here in Orlando, Florida. The pastry shop quickly grew into something more, and they were cooking up full meals and providing catering services in no time.

In 2003, their son, Warren Dietel, had a vision for the company, so he purchased the company from his parents and immediately set out to grow Central Florida’s premier catering operation into a full-service event planning company. He updated the brand, added "Catering" to the company name, and grew the business over 250% in 3 years. Puff 'n Stuff Catering is now recognized as a national leader in our industry.

So for you, "Puff 'n Stuff" may invoke thoughts of a TV show or a head shop. But for us, it is a legacy, an evolution, and an inspiration.

Passionately Perfecting Life's Celebrations for 30 years!

New Twist on Traditional Catering Favorites

Many of our clients want to know how to create a unique event without the custom price. Here are a few cost-effective ideas to make your next event seem tailor-made for you.

Un-Traditional Brownie
Presentation can make a huge difference. Take a simple, traditional item, such as a brownie – why does it have to be square cut from a large baking pan? Using an individual-sized baking dish in a different shape adds dimension and a sense of customization. It’s the same cost as a regular brownie, but it looks like an expensive, gourmet dessert.

Creative Comfort

The craze is still comfort food with a twist. Sliders are hugely popular, but they don’t have to be boring. Simply switch the cheddar with manchego and replace traditional ketchup with chipotle-flavored ketchup, and you’ve now got a fun, creative slider without impacting your budget.

Big Taste Beef
We've noticed a big shift toward high flavor, low cost proteins. In the past year, we’ve created some unique dishes made with short ribs or beef brisket to accommodate clients who can’t afford the tenderloin. Our espresso-glazed short rib on hazelnut mashed potatoes is just one of many examples. Chefs plate the item and present it to the guests.

Even in this economy, quality is still key. The parties are less elaborate than they used to be, but they’re much more personalized. You can have a great party on a budget ... and you don't have to stick to the chicken fingers!

Chef Paul Lorraine, Executive Chef

407.629.7833 | paul@puffnstuff.com

Puff 'n Stuff Catering Blog Launch

Welcome to the Puff 'n Stuff Catering blog! We're thrilled you're here and look forward to sharing our expertise and ideas with you. We're crafting new and exciting menus and event ideas to meet every budget. If you don't see what you're looking for, just give us a call and our expert team of Planners & Chefs will custom create the perfect blend for you. This business has been my family's for over 30 years so rest assured we are passionate about perfecting life's celebrations!

Check back as our Team will be adding event ideas, recipes and even special offers in the coming months! Please let us know how you think we're doing!

Cheers,

Warren