Amphora Catering Wins Bride’s Choice Awards for 2012

Herndon Virginia – February 6, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce that Amphora Catering has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Catering in the D.C. Metro Area!
The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Amphora Catering was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.
Amphora Catering is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.
“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Amphora Catering for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that Amphora Catering is one of the very best professional caterers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

About Amphora Catering

Amphora Catering has been a leader in servicing the Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland area for decades with its creative cuisine, exceptional style and competitive pricing. We have received awards and accolades from Wedding Wire, The Knot and (find others) to name a few. Amphora’s culinary and event design team will work with you to create a menu that offers today’s taste sensations created with a contemporary or traditional flare. Our creative culinary staff views each event as an opportunity to showcase impeccable attention to detail and taste. Throughout the planning stages, our food stylists will listen to your ideas and translate them into a truly memorable menu. Whether you are planning an intimate social gather for 25 or a corporate gala for 750 guests, Amphora Catering is your best choice. Our food reflects our commitment to exceptional quality and we stand by our motto, prepared to perfection, presented with style. For more information on Amphora Catering please visit www.amphoracatering.com or email catering@amphoragroup.com

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire, the nation’s leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including ProjectWedding.com, MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Weddingbee.com, and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).

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  ]]> http://www.amphoracatering.com/blog/amphora-catering-wins-brides-choice-award-for-2012/feed 0 http://www.amphoracatering.com/blog/inspiration-board-cranberry-sage-and-gold http://www.amphoracatering.com/blog/inspiration-board-cranberry-sage-and-gold#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:59:31 +0000 Amphora http://amphoracatering.com/?p=1069 With the winter chill upon us, we’re embracing what the new season will bring, which means we’re craving warm and inviting colors, like these delicious tones. From signature cranberry dishes to sparkly shoes and gowns in darker hues, let winter inspire a truly regal affair. And since winter weddings are rare, you can really make your event stand apart from the rest!

Top Row:

Gold Kate Spade shoes via A Beautiful Adventure
Save the date by Ceci New York via Snippet & Ink
Herb arrangement via Style Me Pretty
Table number via Wedding Talk, photographed by Millie Holloman

Middle Row:

Pretty bouquet via Honey of a Thousand Flowers

Bottom Row:

Herbs via Pinterest
Crown photographed by Elizabeth Messina of Kiss the Groom
Cocktail via BZ Events Blog
Vera Wang gown via Pinterest

In an effort to set things straight, here’s a selection of frequently asked questions that pertain to wine etiquette, particularly as it applies to drinking wine in restaurants. This is the first in a series of posts about wine etiquette, so keep an eye out for other posts that tackle etiquette questions related to wine tastings, dinner parties and more. 

At a restaurant, when is it acceptable to send wine back? What should I do if I just don’t like my wine?

You should absolutely send your wine back if it has any obvious and detectable flaws such as cork taint, oxidation or reduction. In layman’s terms, if you smell anything that resembles wet, musky cardboard, Band-Aid, wet dog (sounds strange, but when you smell it, you’ll know it), vinegar, burnt tire, or a sherry-like nuttiness when the wine in question is definitively not a sherry, send that bad boy back!

If the wine you ordered is in perfect condition but simply not what you had in mind, the restaurant may not take it back. Restaurants that are big on customer service and are intent on building personal relationships with their patrons may exchange a bottle in an effort to secure your loyalty, but the best way to avoid this predicament is to ask the sommelier, waiter or general manager about the wine before you order it. That way, they’ll feel more accountable, and will be more inclined to help you find a wine that you like based on your preferences.

Am I supposed to smell or inspect the cork when it’s placed on the table to make sure the wine is in good condition?

Unless the cork is drenched in wine, obviously moldy, or noticeably deteriorated, you won’t be able to tell much by just smelling or inspecting the cork. In most cases of cork taint, you’re likely to get that stale cardboard aroma when you smell the cork, but to be 100 percent sure, smell the wine in a glass and give it a taste.

When a sommelier pours me a taste of wine so that I can approve the bottle, should I actually taste the wine or just smell it to make sure it’s not flawed?

Most wine flaws present themselves on the wine’s “nose,” meaning you’ll be able to pick up the flaws by simply smelling the wine. While the nose will pretty much tell you all you need to know to assess the wine’s condition, it’s totally acceptable to taste the wine as well when it’s presented to you. If you’re trying to determine whether you actually like the wine, irrelevant of its condition, then you should definitely give it a taste.

Is it appropriate for a sommelier to taste my wine before he or she presents it to me? Should I be upset or honored?

This is a topic that has been widely debated in the wine community. Some people feel cheated if the sommelier sneaks a small pour to taste, while others acknowledge that the sommelier is doing so simply to ensure that the wine is not flawed before pouring it for you and making you pay for it, especially if the wine in question is something along the lines of a 1982 Petrus.of their profit.

If the restaurant does allow outside bottles and its corkage fee is reasonable (anywhere between $10 and $25), then you should feel absolutely comfortable bringing your own wine to a restaurant. I do it all the time! The wine doesn’t necessarily need to be an expensive and fancy bottle from an older vintage, although it’s always fun to bring a celebratory bottle to a restaurant., In most cases you’ll save money on wine by bringing your own, even though you’ll be paying a corkage fee. The corkage fee is usually a lesser amount than the markup most restaurants use when pricing their wines.

While it’s not obligatory or expected, I always like to offer my server or the sommelier a taste of the wine I brought if it’s something unique, offbeat or otherwise noteworthy. I wouldn’t feel as compelled to share if the bottle were something commonplace like Yellowtail or the equivalent.

Is it acceptable to audibly sip your wine at a nice restaurant the way you would at an instructional wine tasting?

Yes! Wine is meant to be enjoyed and aerating your wine when you sip it will make it more enjoyable; trust us. Don’t be shy just because you’re in a restaurant environment. The sommelier will understand.

We are excited to announce that Carrie Westbrook of Amphora Catering was proudly featured on WTOP’s segment on turkey tips and trends for cooking the infamous bird for the holiday season!

Much to every host’s dismay, the economic situation hasn’t improved much since last year. Still, this doesn’t mean we have to cancel all holiday celebrations—it simply calls for a little more creativity. As you’ll see, creative thinking and a little planning go a long way toward making it all work. Here are some tips for throwing a fabulous holiday party on a budget.

Maintain a Tight Guest List

As nice as it would be to invite every Dick and Jane you know to your fabulous holiday bash, this isn’t the time to go overboard with your invite list. That person you met at last year’s office holiday party and promised to call but never did? Cut her from the line-up. Party planning sometimes requires ruthlessness—but it’s worth it in the name of better food, drinks and decorations. After all, the holidays are about spending time with the people who are most important to you, so being picky about who you invite will help you create an intimate setting. A group of no more than 10 or 12 is perfect for a cost-effective yet elegant get-together. An added bonus of intimate gatherings: you’ll have more time to spend with your guests, enjoying their company (and vice versa), rather than constantly making the rounds or worrying whether everyone is having fun.

Focus on a Festive, Rustic Menu

Let’s face it: food is one of the most important components of any party, let alone a holiday party—and besides drinks, it’s usually the most spendy. But you don’t have to forego your budget or compromise quality to feed your guests. Here are a few affordable suggestions for filling fare that won’t empty your wallet.

Dress up Standard Fare: Get creative with the basics. Take potatoes: they’re filling, cheap and versatile. These potato stacks, for example, are easy to make, affordable and elegant. Another basic (inexpensive) ingredient: flour. Make a simple crust and compile a selection of sweet and savory tarts or galettes like this rustic potato tart. Dishes like these require few ingredients and making the crust is easy and affordable.

Take it Down a Notch: I don’t mean you should compromise on flavor. However, if you rethink typical portion sizes, you’ll be able to offer a wider variety of food for a lower cost. Small bites are fun and festive, like the food shown here. From miniature hamburgers to tiny cookies with shot glasses of milk, there are many appetizers you can make (or purchase) that won’t cost a ton of money. Not only are everyday foods undeniably cute in miniature form, they’re also easier to handle while mingling or holding a drink. Tip: Look for seasonal food offerings to keep the cost down but the taste factor right where it should be.

Cook the Old-Fashioned Way: Break out your slow-cooker! Many cuts of meat that you may turn up your nose to for a fancy, sit-down dinner party are actually perfect for group holiday parties. With a little effort, you can serve a satisfying, warming meal for your guests with money to spare. From soups and stews to pot roast to short ribs, the options are endless for creating meals that will wow your guests and warm their souls. If you plan a meat-based meal, crock pots are very helpful in stretching the meat—and your dollar.

DIY Decorations

Decorations are essential for holiday parties. Twinkle lights, snowflakes, and other holiday-themed items help make the environment festive and put your guests in the holiday spirit. There are many ways to decorate your party space without spending a lot of money. Some take a little extra effort while others can be thrown together using items you probably already have on hand.

Take these string lights placed in hurricanes, for example. They’re simple yet stunning and they give off a soft light that helps create the perfect party ambience for this time of year. Another great DIY idea: use paper to cut out these beautiful snowflakes to make a garland. If you don’t want to buy paper, use pages from old magazines or newspapers. You might add a little extra sparkle by spraying the snowflakes with silver or gold glitter. Another surefire way to create a holiday-worthy environment: light tea candles and set them on mirrors or in decorative glasses. Scatter small branches or aromatic, fresh-cut herbs (sturdy ones like rosemary work best) around the candles, along with a few fresh cranberries, to create a beautiful centerpiece.

The key to throwing a holiday party on a budget is to keep things simple and make use of what you already have on hand. Don’t add a lot of fluff to the menu or decorations. Instead, do what you can in a tasteful manner to create a festive environment this holiday season. Play some holiday music in the background, relax, and enjoy the party with your guests!

Additional Thoughts from Amphora Catering …

If cooking and baking aren’t your forte, we suggest that you contact a caterer to help with the food for your holiday party. To find a local caterer near you, a great option is to visit http://www.localcatering.com which will help directly connect you to a caterer in your area. Caterers have the ability to customize holiday menus to meet your budgetary needs while including all of the food preferences you love for the holiday season. Here at Amphora Catering, our Catering Consultants draft proposals that feature menu options ranging from a light affair of passed appetizers to elaborate seated/plated meals. Which ever party you envision for your holiday gathering, a well established caterer is a wonderful option to help your dreams become a reality!

Here are a few of the hot new trends in Wedding Floral Arrangement Trends …

Super Smooth
For large and luscious centerpieces and bouquets, combine big blooms like peonies, garden roses, and dahlias. They appear soft and almost velvety when simply paired together with understated fillers like dusty millers, seeded eucalypti, blue privet berries, or wheats.

Branching Out
Looking for simple centerpieces with height? Consider cherry blossom, smaller birch branches, forsythia, or plain branches with small green leaves. Baby’s breath can also be arranged alone in tall vases for a softer statement.

Almost Edible
Fruits and veggies are a fun addition to floral décor, but fiddleheads and cabbage have been done before and let’s go beyond vases filled with limes. Visualize radishes among white dahlias, blackberries and thistle paired with anemone, and mini-oranges tucked between garden roses.

Au Natural
Airplants, succulents, and moss can all survive without soil or water for the evening, and can therefore be displayed in a variety of creative ways. Place the airplants inside antique bottles or under glass cloches and display them among candles and moss to create a one-of-a-kind tablescape.

Keep it Simple
Group three to four vintage bottles in the center of your table, and place one to three stems of your chosen bloom in each bottle. Dahlias, poppies, billy balls, and garden roses are especially eye-catching when used this way, but these DIY arrangements can look abundant with almost any flower.

Lone Blossom
Let your favorite flower fly solo by omitting the fillers and requesting a full bouquet a single bloom. Peonies, ranunculus, or cabbage roses make a statement when arranged by themselves. Or for something entirely different, forgo the flower and use only the filler; lavender or wheat can be beautiful on its own.

This information can be found directly on www.EGala.com