Blog posts from September, 2014

Since the owners first acquired this business we have been getting asked for Bone China. We knew that this kind of dinnerware offering was in high demand especially for high-end luxury events but we were unable to secure enough space to stock it and the right manufacturer to help us bring it to market. This year – we are able to do so. I am pleased to announce our new line of Lucido Bone China Dinnerware – now in stock at our Mississauga, Ontario headquarters.

As a rental company, being able to offer customers three different price points of dinnerware – in Pearl White dinnerware, Quadrato Square Dinnerware and Bone China – allows you to attract all levels of events and appeal to the widest customer base in your market. Bone China plates allow you to offer a higher priced dinnerware rental. The translucent brilliant white that comes from a bone china plate makes for an impeccable table setting that really sets off the food and decor.

Our Lucido fine bone china comes is the following items:

• Lucido Bone China 12” Oversize Plate
• Lucido Bone China 10.5” Dinner Plate
• Lucido Bone China 9” Luncheon Plate
• Lucido Bone China 8.5” Soup Plate
• Lucido Bone China 7.5” Dessert Plate
• Lucido Bone China 6” Side Plate
• Lucido Bone China 8oz Cup and Saucer

Round folding tables usually come in standard sizes such as 4ft (48"), 5ft (60") and 6ft (72") rounds and are designed to hold 6 people, 8-10 people and 10-12 people respectively. In the last decade, there has emerged another size that has become a popular option for party rental companies and event venues to own-the 66 inch round folding table (5.5 foot round folding table).

66 inch round folding tables are perfect for events because they allow venues to sit 10 people comfortably at the table while fitting more tables in the room because the circumference is 6” less than a 6ft round.

As a former corporate event planner, I was constantly playing the numbers game with the hotel venue we held our annual event at. I had a strict hold on a ballroom that only fit 300 people when the stage, screens and decoration was all set. Problem was...we had a better than estimated registration rate. 66 inch round folding tables could have been the perfect solution for me because it would’ve allowed more people in the venue than a 72" standard ballroom round folding table allows.

Hopefully this short blog post answers the question of what the purpose of a 66 inch round folding table is and why event venues buy them.

Picture courtesy of Frog Prince Paperie

Appetizer spoons will vary in cost depending on a few factors – shipping, volume (i.e. how many you are ordering), and the material of the product. Appetizer spoons can either be porcelain in material or melamine. I've seen both and it's really a matter of personal preference as both are safe for food use. Melamine will naturally be slightly less weight than porcelain but porcelain can hold food at a cold or hot temperature for longer periods. Porcelain appetizer spoons range in cost from $0.60 to $3.82 each without taxes or shipping. Melamine appetizer spoons range in cost from $0.73 to $2.22 each spoon without taxes or shipping.

Shipping for either porcelain or melamine appetizer spoons would be fairly minimal. As an example, shipping 50 wonton spoons from Toronto, ON to Vancouver, BC would add less than $0.50 per spoon for shipping.

Our Pearl White Dinnerware line has always been our lowest priced white dinnerware line but we weren't completely happy with the consistency and quality our manufacturer was producing. For those who are new to this blog or our company, consistency of the product and quality of the product is something we constantly strive for. Some would say we can be a little fanatic about it – stress testing our folding tables and event chairs to ensure they are a high quality.

Our customers are some of the biggest and most well-known party rental companies in Canada so we understand the need for porcelain plates that the rental customer will be happy with while also holding up over time allowing for a recoup and potential profit on a rental company's initial investment. But our original manufacturer of Pearl White Dinnerware wasn't holding up to our standards of quality – so we went looking for another manufacturer that could meet them.

I'm pleased to announce we've found another manufacturer that, based on our due diligence, should allow us to offer Pearl White dinnerware to our customers without the flaws that existed previously. What our customers should expect moving forwards is a great value, low cost dinnerware line that allows them to offer their customers white dinnerware to rent for their events.

And I’m also pleased to announce that we’re back in stock on all of the Pearl White Dinnerware set:

• 10.25" white round dinner plates – Wholesale Price: $1.80 each
• 9" white round salad plates – Wholesale Price: $1.15 each
• 7.5" dessert plates – Wholesale Price: $1.05 each
• 6" side plates – Wholesale Price: $1.00 each
• Rim Soup Plates – Wholesale Price: $1.75 each
• 6" Bowls – Wholesale Price: $1.00 each
• Soup Plate – Wholesale Price: $1.75 each
• Can Cup and Saucers – Wholesale Price: $1.50 a set
• Bell Cup and Saucers – Wholesale Price: $1.50 a set

Looking for new specials to offer for the fall / winter season? What about doing a limited time offer special on risotto? Risotto is not only what I would consider an adult comfort food but can be a low cost menu item made wonderful with some white wine and seasonal vegetables.

If you have risotto bowls on hand this is an easy special to consider. Risotto bowls are one of those versatile restaurant dishes that can not only be used for risotto but also for stacked salads or interestingly plated main entrees.

To help get your inspiration juices flowing I’ve rounded up some restaurant-worthy recipes that can be easily featured in a risotto bowl of your choosing. Check them out below:

Risotto with Parmesan Peas by Chef Michael Smith

Parmesan cheese…farm fresh peas…..white wine…have I got your attention yet? Chef Michael Smith is known for his simple, healthy and fresh cooking style while being a passionate ambassador of the lovely Prince Edward Island and its resources. Risotto with Parmesan Peas is a fresh, delicious risotto worthy of a spotlight on the specials menu as a side or entrée.

Check out the full recipe here.

Sweet Vanilla Risotto with Poached Peaches and Chocolate by Chef Jamie Oliver

A twist on the classic risotto, and similar to a rice pudding, Chef Jamie Oliver once again innovates a risotto into a delectable dessert. Per his website, Jamie states that this recipe "...has to be one of the best rice puddings I've ever made! It's lovely served with the peaches, but you could also use apricots, strawberries or rhubarb."

Check out the full recipe here.

Cheddar Cheese Risotto by Chef Nigella Lawson

A grown up and (I’d like to think) sophisticated version of a classic and comforting macaroni and cheese, Chef Nigella Lawson has perfected this fall classic in risotto form. A perfect blend of sharp cheddar and starchy rice, this risotto is relatively easy to make (as far as risottos go!) and would pair perfectly with a delicious white wine.

Check out the full recipe here.

Stacked Caprese Salad by Chef Tyler Florence

Photo source: www.steamykitchen.com

A risotto bowl is still a bowl and as such is perfect for stacked salads or a seasoned salmon nestled on a bed of saffron rice. To switch up the recipes and if you don’t already have it on the menu, a stacked Caprese salad makes a great option plated on a risotto bowl. Chef Tyler Florence pairs succulent tomatoes with mild bocconcini cheese with the classic balsamic and olive oil for a simple yet scrumptious special.

Check out the full recipe here.

I hope these recipes spark your creativity in some of the options that exist for warm fall menu specials. And if you need a guinea pig, I also don't mind being the taste tester to your new inventions – just sayin'.