Handheld Catering is Hiring!

Searching for Experienced Catering Drivers and Servers in San Jose, CA

Handheld Catering is searching for driven individuals with serving and/or delivery experience to assist with catering delivery, set-up and serving for San Jose area catering jobs.

About Us:

Handheld Catering is a San Jose based full-service catering and event planning company that offers fresh, high-quality, and (most importantly) delicious food to the entire San Francisco Bay Area.

The name Handheld Catering embodies our philosophy on food. We believe the food we eat should be plucked from the earth by the hands of farmers, hand-checked for quality by purveyors, and lovingly prepared into something unforgettable by the hands of the chef. That’s why at Handheld Catering we follow the Farm-to-Fork approach for our San Jose catering clients.

Location: San Jose, CA
Hours: Part-time
Salary: $16.00 to $25.00 /hour

Job Description:

Smile, greet and be courteous to customers, work with management and all other associates to provide a high level of customer service, be punctual, work your schedule, conduct yourself at all times in a professional business manner, assist in any way possible and as directed to provide for a clean and safe environment, perform other duties as assigned.

Make deliveries in a pleasant, timely manner according to Company standards. Ensure that the shift contributes to the financial best interests of the company.

Requirements:

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Delivering, setting up and breakdown of event catering buffet lines, refill drink and salads as needed. Setup drink stations.

General:

• Observe all rules and company policies.
• Maintain a neat, well-groomed personal appearance at all times and observe Company dress code.
• Observe shift operating hours at all times as scheduled or assigned by Manager.
• Adhere to all local, state, and federal health and civil code regulations.
• Follow all approved procedures for deliveries
• Drive in a safe manner and follow all the rules of the road.
• Coordinate orders with the catering clerk.
• Practice proper “on location” customer service and communication.
• Handle damaged and spoiled products according to Company Policy and assist in controlling the level of damaged goods.
• Comply fully with all Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Perform other duties and assignments as directed.
• Greet all customers and provide them with prompt and highly friendly, courteous service or assistance.

Physical Demands:

• Standing, walking, reaching, bending, twisting, ability to carry/lift 40 lbs, and push/pull 200 lbs
• Repetitive Action – Driving to and from customer event locations and the company headquarters in a timely manner, assist setting up when requested, keeping delivery van neat and clean, keep maintenance records (gas/service)
• Working Conditions – Inside, outside, cold
• Safety Risk Factors – Twisting, slippery floor surfaces, cluttered floor surfaces, toxic exposure, nuisance dust, fumes, sprays, hazardous cleaning solutions.
• Machines, Tools, Equipment – Catering delivery van

Education and/or Experience:

• High school education preferred but not required.
• Successful completion of a training program or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Apply on Indeed Today!

If you’re interested in joining our team, please click here to apply on Indeed, or email your resume to info@handheldcatering.com.

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Benefits of a Corporate Happy Hour

Why We’re Catering More Silicon Valley Corporate Happy Hour Events

The typical nine-to-five grind is quite demanding to the vast majority of employees. The office environment is not exactly conducive for the formation of social bonds either. Silicon Valley is full of corporations who value company culture, and with this, we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of happy hours.

Happy hours came about through the 20th century Navy. The sailors were allowed to take some time in the afternoons to let off steam by engaging in group activities like dancing, sports, or watching movies. This was a way of boosting their morale just as it does for employees of today.

Here are 4 ways your employees could benefit from regular happy hours at the office:

1. It strengthens company culture

A company with a strong culture is likely to perform better when it comes to acquiring talent and achieving the set goals. When colleagues engage each other without work-related pressures, they are more likely to have a positive view of their work-life balance. Such employees are inclined to give 100%, 100% of the time.

2. It fosters team bonding

Encouraging your employees to participate in team building activities that take them away from their desks and deadlines, helps to facilitate genuine bonding between them. Such bonds extend through the office and enable your employees to understand and appreciate their personality differences. It also enhances the ease of communication between them, which results in improved teamwork.

3. It is a way of celebrating accomplishments

If a particular department or an employee has achieved a certain milestone, a happy hour is a perfect time to celebrate. Involve a corporate event catering company to handle the menu and hors d’oeuvres, and show your employees that you value their contributions.

Appreciation and recognition go a long way in motivating employees, boosting their morale and building their confidence in the tasks they undertake. Job satisfaction plays a major role in turnover rates, so giving them a couple hours to enjoy a break with colleagues goes a long way.

4. It has a positive impact on your business

Think outside the box by planning a corporate happy hour where your employees engage, interact, and network with other industry peers. Your employees will be able to gain the skills that fellow peers are using to succeed and boosts their productivity, as well as increases your company’s return on investment.

Let Handheld Catering Handle Your Corporate Catering and Happy Hours

The whole point of happy hour is to stop any business activities and hold non-work conversations. This could be achieved right in the office with the help of a corporate catering company like Handheld Catering. Our San Jose event catering company can take care of all the details of your corporate event. Being a full-service catering company, we give you the chance to enjoy the event rather than worrying about it. Contact us online today or call (408) 692-4782 to get started.

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How to Plan a Breakfast Catering Menu That Makes Everyone a Morning Person

Fuel Guests and Employees with Corporate Breakfast Catering

Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day, however, a whopping 31 million Americans skip breakfast every day. This is because of time constraints, the expenses involved, and a lack of appetite in the morning. So, how do you come up with an appealing breakfast catering menu?

1. Have a breakfast station

This is an excellent way of displaying your breakfast menu. You can have a pancake, omelet, bacon, waffle, and fruits station. A breakfast station comes in handy in any corporate catering event especially with upper and mid-level attendees.

2. Include healthy options

With the increased awareness in health and wellness, most people are looking for caterers and hotels that have a ‘healthy’ menu. This is quite challenging especially if yours is a small startup. One effective way of making your breakfast menu healthier is by eliminating anything fried. Consider including low-fat spreads, whole grain breads, vegetables and fruits, and granola options.

3. Make it memorable

Most people prefer to skip breakfast when they’re not impressed with typical breakfast menus. This is your chance to get creative! Add a twist to your breakfast menu to make it more interesting by offering things like freshly made granola bars, breakfast pizzas, a fusion recipe, and so on.

4. Anticipate special dietary needs

Anticipate and plan for dietary preferences like food allergies, religious beliefs, and dietary restrictions. Handheld Catering offers many gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options, so talk to us about these dietary restrictions for an easy-breezy breakfast menu that everyone can enjoy.

5. Consider plated breakfasts

Plated breakfasts are ideal for business settings or formal events. Fortunately, with this kind of breakfast, you can provide anything from traditional to one-of-a-kind breakfast menus. Plated breakfasts allow you to create a beautiful presentation and adhere to special dietary restrictions for specific guests.

6. Remember the drinks

Although coffee is a must-have for most guests, it is critical that you offer such drinks as natural fruit juice, herbal tea, decaf coffee, milk, yogurt, and fruit-infused water.

Let Handheld Catering Handle all the Details for Your Corporate Breakfast Event

It can become quite tricky to cater to the breakfast needs of everyone without insights from the experts. Handheld Catering, our San Jose corporate catering company, will not only help you in planning your event’s menu but also help in its coordination. We can do everything from tablescapes, flowers and decor, to full-service breakfast menus that your guests or employees will be eager to attend. Get in touch with us today via our online contact form or by phone at (408) 692-4782.

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2019 Wedding Food Trends Everyone Will Love

Our San Jose Catering Team Talks Wedding Catering Trends for This Year

Planning to walk down the aisle soon? Wedding fare has changed a lot since last year, so check out some of the latest and greatest trends that are currently a hit at weddings, receptions, and venues widely.

Talk to your San Jose wedding catering team about 2019 wedding food trends and menu options for your big day:

It’s All About the Sweets
Create something magical for your desserts and sweets station. It is very 2019 to go all out with sweet treats using inventive ideas and contemporary presentation concepts. Consider opting for a custom s’mores bar!

Gussy Things Up a Bit
The tendency to go with a more casual event is waning as more couples are desiring a formal atmosphere and plated dinner service. This also gives the couple the opportunity to pull out all the stops with fine china, sparkling silver, and gorgeous table centerpieces, which contribute to the overall elegant style and décor of your grand affair.

Think Local
It is very trendy to highlight local fare and treats, depending on where you’re from, like Carolina Chess pie squares or Maine blueberry pie bites. Pay homage to where the couple comes from with something that is distinctively regional for the big day.

Something for Everyone and Every Diet
Cater to your guests by serving delectable items that adhere to numerous dietary restrictions. Ask us about creating menus suited for gluten-free, keto, low carb, or diabetic diets. This allows everyone at your event to indulge!

Skip the Open Bar
It is becoming more popular to skip the open bar and serve a signature drink or to stick with wine, beer, and champagne. First, this cuts down on costs for the newlyweds, and second, it curbs incidences of intoxication on your big day.

2019 is distinctly different in terms of wedding food trends than the past few years that gave way to a lot of self-serve stations and casual events. Talk to our San Jose event catering staff about all of our food, dessert and drink options for your wedding and reception!

Handheld Catering is THE San Jose Wedding Catering Team You Want for the Big Day

At Handheld Catering, we’re passionate about fresh, wholesome food. We believe every special event deserves fine foods served elegantly, especially weddings. Our San Jose full-service catering company can handle everything from the menu planning, to the flowers, and décor to plated service, serving-up farm-to-fork fare using the freshest high-quality ingredients for your guests. Get in touch with us at 408-692-4782 or contact us online 24/7.

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Why Catered Lunches are Great for Team Building

5 Benefits of San Jose Office Catering

Could your team benefit from some motivation and team building exercises? Start with something simple: a catered office lunch! Believe it or not, a catered lunch can be the perfect platform to forge relationships, build solidarity, and increase progress toward common goals in the workplace. Consider hiring a local and full-service event catering company, with experience in corporate event catering, that will handle everything from the planning of the menu, to decor and flowers, to serving the food and other event details–so you can focus on engaging your team.

Productivity

Feeding your team farm-to-fork food right in the office can greatly improve productivity. Studies show that creating an engaging and casual environment for your staff to interact can increase how productive they are on the job. Consider San Jose office catering as an investment in a strong bottom-line.

Retention

Did you know that catered lunches can also help with employee retention? Reports indicate that nearly half of prospective employees would be influenced to accept a position with a company that offers free and/or catered lunches.

Unity

Create a sense of solidarity and unity among your team with an in-office sit-down lunch. People that work side-by-side daily can have casual conversations with one another and build personal relationships. These bonds serve as further initiative to come in and work hard, and work better as a team.

Morale

Feeding your team is simply good for morale. Good food is appreciated and shows that you also acknowledge the efforts that your staff makes every day.

Networking

Hiring a local San Jose corporate caterer for your lunch event can also establish valuable connections with other businesses. Create a network by hiring an experienced catering company and inviting another businesses you’d like to partner with.

Contact Handheld Catering Today for San Jose Corporate Events and Catering

Your team works hard for you; show them that you appreciate their efforts with catered lunches from Handheld Catering, a San Jose event catering company. Food is a small price to pay for all the benefits that you can garner from catered lunches and meetings. Consider making an extended lunch a monthly or quarterly affair and treat your team to fine food in an uplifting atmosphere. Contact us online today or call (408) 692-4782.

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How to Get Attendees Engaged at a Corporate Event (Hint: It’s the Food)

What’s the most important part of an event?

Is it the venue?

The décor?

Actually, it’s the food – especially at a corporate event, where getting employees and guests engaged is no easy task.

Here are just a few catering food ideas to show you how food can keep your corporate events exciting for your attendees.

Hire a caterer

You don’t have to have a fancy party to hire a caterer.

For example, if you’re going to plan an employee appreciation day or an in-office Christmas party, chances are your employees will look forward to it if they know the food is catered.

An experienced corporate event caterer should give you a comprehensive menu that can be customized to suit your event needs. The best in the business provide in-house staff with their services.

This means your employees can sit back, relax, and enjoy the food and company.

Coffee for meetings and conferences

Keep discussions in meetings and conferences lively through coffee catering. Consider a mobile coffee cart carrying a variety of coffee beverages.

This way, you can keep employees and conference delegates from roaming outside a venue to look for a coffee shop, especially if you’ve scheduled the event in the morning.

Or, arrange roasting demonstrations between meetings and presentations where guests can learn how to make the perfect espresso and taste their own brew.

Loosen up the crowd with an open bar

Team-building activities are a great place for your employees to get to know one another. Having an open bar as part of your corporate event catering can help people let go of their inhibitions and loosen up, allowing colleagues to interact more freely.

Looking for an alternative to beer? Unwind with classic cocktails, antipasti, an array of small dishes, and piano music that sets the mood for memorable conversations and meaningful connections.

Custom food and drink to brand your event

Corporate events like trade shows and product launches are great platforms to showcase your brand. Stand out and capture the attention of attendees through custom food and drinks.

Create signature cocktail drinks that reflect your brand’s personality. Or, use edible marketing: feature your company logo as the design for custom-made cupcakes or serve cookies that double as business cards.

Food and beverage play a special role in social occasions and are one of the best ways to bring a diverse group of people together. Impressive catering entices attendees, and complements your corporate event, making them even more engaging.

A company in the Bay Area like Handheld Catering will listen to your corporate event planning needs. Whether you’re having an open bar for informal events, a mobile coffee cart for meetings, or a full course holiday dinner for the company, guests are happy and ready to make meaningful connections over good food.

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5 Great Purposes for Table Numbers in Event Planning

When it comes to corporate event planning in San Jose, CA, tabletop numbers can take the stress out of seating arrangements as well as help your caterer organize meals. Keep reading to learn more from the professionals at Handheld Catering.

Seating Arrangements

While table numbers have several purposes, primarily they’re used to help event planners make seating arrangements. Once you have a layout of your event room, you can assign numbers to each table and then assign seats to each guest. For corporate events, use table numbers and seating arrangements to encourage networking and teamwork. In the event of a cancellation, you can easily change your seating charts to accommodate vacancies at company events.

Dining and Catering

Most venues use table numbers to help their wait staff and chefs plan and execute meal services. Just like in a traditional restaurant, table numbers help the hosts organize their patrons and help the wait staff remember orders. Even if you don’t use a decorative tabletop number, the venue staff will probably ask for some kind of seating chart and meal planning system to ensure that your guests get the food they requested. Table numbers are also useful if dining is buffet-style. To start a buffet line, you can call out table numbers instead of having everyone get up at once. This helps you manage the buffet lines, so it doesn’t get too long and crowded.

Creative Centerpieces

There’s no shortage of ways to express your personal style with a decorative tabletop number. Some people incorporate them into their floral arrangements using 3-dimensional numbers. Give meaning to your table numbers by including a special note saying what each number means to you. For example, if your corporation has a list of goals for an event or for the year, write one goal on each placard and use it as a conversation starter. You can keep it simple by placing your number in a decorative photo frame illuminated by candles, or a miniature chalkboard with hand-drawn numbers.

Entertainment

Table numbers can also be used to organize games and special events at your gathering. At a business luncheon use table numbers to assign collaborative projects and let tables compete for the best new ideas. This allows for team building. For business meetings, corporate event planning companies in San Jose, CA, can help you with your seating arrangements. Contact the experts at Handheld Catering for more great ideas.

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Tips to Boost Attendance at Your Event

There’s nothing more disheartening than spending hours of hard work planning an event, only to have no one show up. Though it’s likely they have their reasons, it’s hard not to take something like this personally. No matter if it’s a wedding, a business meeting, a fundraiser, or another event, you want your attendance to be high. To avoid this kind of embarrassment at your next event, use the tips below.

Select the Right Date

Think carefully about the date and time of the event you are planning. Certain seasons, days of the week, and times of day can be better suited for some types of events. For seminars, mornings are the best. Employee appreciation and networking events are best on weekday nights right after work. Weddings and parties are great on Friday nights and the weekends. If you are not sure about which date to select, ask some potential attendees about their availability.

Choose the Best Location

The venue where you host the event will also impact the attendance. Select a central location that will be easy for people to get to. And, of course, make sure the venue fits in your budget, too.

Mail Invites Early

The earlier you can send out save the dates, the better. This will allow people to schedule this day and time early on and lowers the chance that they will already be committed to another event. Be sure to personalize the invites, too. A handwritten note will get more attention than an easily-ignored email.

Plan the Agenda Early

By planning the event ahead of time and communicating it to the guests, you can give them another reason to commit. In the invitation, include the major selling points of the event like a free meal, guest speakers, a petting zoo, etc. If the event is open to people of all ages, offer activities that appeal to the different age groups.

Remind People about the Event

The good thing about mailing invites early is that it gives people more time to plan. The bad thing, however, is that you run the risk of people forgetting about the event. Mail or email reminders to attendees about two weeks before the event so they don’t forget.

Hire a Professional

If all of this seems like a lot of work, it’s time to consider hiring a professional. A private event planner in San Jose, CA, can handle improving attendance and any other party planning task. This will relieve all the stress of throwing an event and guarantee that it will go off without a hitch. Contact us at HandHeld Catering to learn more about how we can boost attendance at your next event.

 

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What Should Be on the Menus of Your Corporate Event?

Before you can order from a company that provides full-service catering in San Jose, CA, you need to know what you want to serve. Your menu will be dictated by the time of day, how you sell your event, and what you want to get out of it. Catering breakfast provides incentive for people to arrive on time and stay for the entire meeting. Catering lunch keeps people from drifting away from a meeting. Dinner and early breakfast meals are a good time to connect with customers and supporters. Mid-meeting snacks keep the energy level up and provide a respite, in which people can process information from the meeting.

 

At Breakfast Time

Breakfast may be the easiest meal to decide on a menu for. Eggs can be scrambled, fried, or boiled. Pancakes, waffles, and French toast are always a hit. Granola and yogurt are good together in a parfait or separate, especially if you need to cover those who are vegetarian. Don’t neglect the drinks; coffee and tea should always be on the menu, but it is equally important to include fresh fruit juice, preferably orange if they are in season. Add cereal and milk to help people feel like kids again!

 

At Lunch Time

Lunch is relatively easy because you can let people decide on their own menu! A sandwich bar makes it easy for people to eat as healthy as they want. Spice it up with a variety of breads, lettuce, tomato, a couple types of cheeses and lunch meat. Add a salad and soup bar for vegetarian options. Ice cream with toppings is always a good finisher.

 

 

At Dinner Time

Pasta is always a great choice because it can be served with a variety of sauces: tomato sauce for the vegetarians, Bolognese for the meat eaters, and chicken Alfredo for those who don’t like tomatoes. You might also try an Indian-style rice dish with curry sauces to choose from. Finish the evening off with coffee or tea and a themed dessert, and you’ve got yourself a great way to connect with your customers or your employees.

 

Snack Time

Coffee and tea with pastries and fruit in the morning or cookies and muffins in the afternoon make for a good snack. Of course, you can always serve breakfast food for dinner or lunch, and lunch menus make for okay dinner options, too. Consult with your company providing the full-service catering in San Jose, CA, and see what they recommend for your budget. Then, communicate with the people that are coming, so they know what to expect.

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Fun Fun Fun in the San Jose Sun: Where to Go

Several festivals are still coming our way with food, fun and more. So let’s get right to it so that you can mark your calendars for these great local activities.

 

Italian Family Festa

August 25th & 26th at History Park is the 38th annual Italian Family Festa. Each year the Festa adds new activities to keep the Festa fun and relaxing while providing a truly cultural experience to the community. This year’s addition is the Galbani Cooking Stage, sponsored by Galbani Cheese, with celebrity Chef Marco sharing his recipes and cooking tips. With Italian music, entertainment, cultural exhibits and presentations, cooking demonstrations, grape stomps, wine tasting, bocce and more, this is a weekend filled with fun that shouldn’t be missed.

 

Viva Frida!

September 9th marks a festive tribute in honor of renowned Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo! Head over to Mexican Heritage Plaza to enjoy food, art, music, culture, tequila, and margaritas. Listen to live Mariachi as you admire paintings from local Chicano and Mexican artists and there be a variety of food vendors plus Mexican antojitos, Frida themed photo booths and a festive atmosphere to celebrate one of Mexico’s most renowned artists. The event is kid friendly so the whole family can enjoy this festival and this year there will be a Frida and Diego lookalike contest but tickets will not be sold at the door, so be sure to get yours ahead of time.

 

Chile, Mole, Pozole

Sunday, September 16th from 11am-4pm you should again visit Mexican Heritage Plaza at The School of Arts and Culture for Chile, Mole, Pozole – a celebration of Mexican Independence Day featuring traditional food, unique family recipes, and art that bridges the traditions of Mexico and East San Jose. At this inaugural event, twelve families will prepare their salsa recipes using locally sourced vegetables. As an attendee, you can sample these delicious salsas and hear the stories behind their creation. Additionally, there will be 3 local restaurants on hand serving up the delicious Mexican staple dishes of mole and pozole.

 

Looking To Spice Up Your Party Menu?

Whether you have a small gathering of friends, a large reunion, corporate event or a local wedding, Handheld Catering will work with you to design a custom catering menu to please all of your guests. We offer fresh, high-quality and, most importantly, delicious food to the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today and let Handheld Catering take care of the food.

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Check Out These Great San Jose Wedding Venues

Weddings are fun! Nerve-wracking, but fun. And a huge part of that fun is planning the entire thing but trying to find the perfect location around San Jose can be a little overwhelming at times. So today we thought we’d shine the light on a few of the more ‘top-of-the-line’ venues.

 

Corinthian Grand Ballroom

Located in Downtown San Jose, the Corinthian Grand Ballroom is the premier location for your wedding ceremony & reception. The Corinthian Grand Ballroom is “Silicon Valley’s most elegant and historic private venue” and can accommodate up to 350 guests!

 

Wedgewood Weddings | Boulder Ridge

Located in Boulder Ridge, high above the Santa Clara Valley in San Jose, Wedgewood Weddings offers panoramic views of the entire Silicon Valley and features a stunning backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. 360-degree views of the lush valley make the perfect backdrop for your weddings photos and this venue can handle up to 200 guests. The average wedding cost at Wedgewood Weddings, Boulder Ridge is estimated at between $13,657 and $17,522 for a ceremony & reception for 100 guests.

 

The Ranch Golf Club, South Bay

Offering more than just an 18-hole golf course, The Ranch Golf Club in the South San Jose hills offers a unique wedding venue that you have to see to believe. With an endless view of the countryside that extends far beyond the meticulous fairways to the glistening, San Francisco skyline, it’s a location that neither you nor your guests will soon forget. For a ceremony & reception with 100 guests, the average wedding cost at The Ranch Golf Club is estimated at between $16,734 and $27,167.

 

Cinnabar Hills Golf Club, South Bay

This 27-hole golf course is nestled in Coyote Valley, providing a beautiful view of the lush rolling hills. The clubhouse has large windows with elegant white edging that frame the exquisite views and a massive, decorative skylight atop the room with a pyramid-like quality adds impressive lighting. At Cinnabar Hills Golf Club you can expect to pay between $9,825 and $17,592 for a ceremony & reception with 100 guests.

 

Got Something a Little More Budget-Friendly Planned?

We know that the above locations aren’t for every wedding and you can also check out some of our favorite Bay Area Wedding Venues. However, no matter what venue you choose, Handheld Catering can provide you with Bay Area wedding catering that is customized to your specifications. Almost nothing makes us more excited than crafting a delicious and fresh-made meal, but we’ve got to say — true love comes pretty close. Handheld Catering is thrilled to offer wedding catering services throughout the Bay Area including Santa Clara, Los Altos, Sunnyvale and San Jose, so that newlyweds and guests alike can have the dining experience of a lifetime.

 

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Handheld Catering On Location At Stanford University

Recently we were honored to be a part of a two-day event at the University’s Center on Global Poverty and Development. This research center works to improve the lives of the world’s poor and is working diligently to turn path-breaking research into real-world results. From research and awarding student fellowships to convening conferences and events, the Center strives to improve policies that will make people’s lives better.

 

What Was On The Menu

With 2 full days of breakfast, lunch, and snacks, Handheld Catering worked up an impressive menu for all four meals. Of course, as a Certified Green Business, we used all biodegradable products for all plating and utensils, as well as napkins the cups for beverages and coffee.

Day 1 Menu

Breakfast

• Fruit salad
• Egg, potato, spinach, bacon, mushroom, onion, tomato and cheddar cheese frittatas.
• Vegetarian option with egg, potato, spinach, red pepper onions and Swiss.
• Build your own bagel bar with assorted sliced bagels, sliced cheddar, and Swiss, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado.
• Assorted juices, tea and of course plenty of coffee.

AM Snack

• Assorted mini muffins & mini scones with jam and butter.
• Assorted soft drinks, mineral water and lemon and mint-infused water.

Buffet Lunch

• Baby arugula salad with orange and grapefruit segments, shaved fennel, red onion and a honey lemon vinaigrette.
• Seasonal vegetables.
• Garlic and leek mashed potatoes.
• Fried Sea Bass with a tarragon white wine sauce.
• Vegetarian entree which was roasted red bell peppers filled with wild rice, spinach, corn, fava beans, and tomatoes.
• Dessert was salted caramel brownies, lemon bars, and blueberry crumble bars.

Day 2 Menu

The Daily Start Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs with fresh chives.
• Roasted breakfast potatoes with red peppers and onions.
• Chicken apple sausage.
• Fresh fruit platter.
• Assorted mini croissants.
• Assorted Greek yogurt cups with granola on the side.
• Beverage service with coffee, tea, and juice.

AM Snack

• Assorted breakfast breads – banana, zucchini and lemon poppyseed.
• Assorted soft drinks and mineral water with lemon and mint infused.

Buffet Lunch

• Naan
• Steam basmati rice
• Aloo gobi with potatoes, cauliflower, and peas in Indian spices.
• Vegetarian option of Dall-Indian spiced lentils.
• Chicken tikka masala
• Dessert was individual gulab jamun/ mango fruit custards

You Need Handheld Catering

No matter if you’re having a formal event or a small social gathering, Handheld Catering can customize a menu that’s perfect for you. Whether you substitute certain items from one of our delicious menus or you have us craft one from the ground up, we will make a meal that you and your guests are destined to enjoy. Contact us today for your upcoming Palo Alto corporate event catering needs, wedding, reunion or just a gathering of friends. We’ll take care of everything – you just enjoy the party.

 

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Handheld Catering Certified As Green Business

You likely know that at Handheld Catering we strive to use the freshest ingredients from local growers and farmers and that we practice the farm-to-fork approach. However, we are proud to announce that we are now the first caterer in Silicon Valley to be Certified as a Green Business and only the 36th in the entire state of California to receive such a distinguished honor. This is a milestone that we are extremely delighted to achieve and we couldn’t wait to share this news with you.

 

So What Does ‘Certified’ Mean?

Becoming a Certified Green Business is reserved for those companies that are verified to be complying with environmental regulations in the areas of pollution prevention, business waste, energy, water and air quality and that show they truly care about sustainability. Handheld Catering is committed to taking action to conserve resources and prevent pollution and this Certification lets the rest of the state know exactly how committed we are.

 

What Differences Do Green Businesses Make?

As of 2018, there have been 3,108 California businesses Certified Green and the overall savings has been huge. Take a look at some of these savings from the past year.

• Greenhouse Gas Emission – With the equivalent of planting 419.696 trees in one year, greenhouse gas was reduced by 356,322 metric tons.
• Utility Usage – Small businesses saved $9,000,000 in utilities.
• Diverted Waste – 122,030 metric tons of waste was diverted from landfills and that’s the equivalent of 15,253 garbage trucks worth.
• Water Conservation – 60,621,760 gallons of water saved – enough to fill over 90 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

 

Why Get Certified?

Becoming a California Green Business Partner not only means that you’re doing your part to fight climate change, but that you’re committed to improving the health of our citizens and environment. Savings in energy, water and garbage thanks to cost-saving practices mean less waste and more money retained by the company and by using less toxic products, your staff members benefit as well.

Recent studies have shown that consumer’s desire to patronize businesses that are doing their part for the environment has been steadily increasing and 42% of surveyed California Green Businesses reported an increase in business since receiving their recognition.

 

Let Us Do The Cooking

Handheld Catering is available for all of your private and office events in the Bay Area. We will customize a menu specifically to your likes or specifications and since we use those locally-sourced fresh ingredients and we are Certified Green, you know that you and your guests will be treated to an unforgettable meal.

Whether you have a wedding, reunion, small family get together or a large and very important client or corporate meeting, Handheld Catering will craft a delightful breakfast, lunch or dinner that you can be proud of. Contact us today and let us do the cooking so you can enjoy the gathering.

 

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Summer Might Be Winding Down, But You Don’t Have To!

There’s still plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful weather in the Bay Area. As Summer winds down and Spring starts to peek its gorgeous head out at us, we wanted to point out a few great festivals that are on the horizon.

 

The San Jose Jazz Fest helps wrap up the Summer August 10-12. With over 100 artists scheduled to perform and almost a dozen stages, the weekend is destined to be fantastic. Visit their website for a complete list of performers but there will be headliners including Jane Monheit, Yissy & Bandancha, Johnny Gill, Sarah McKenzie, Kool & The Gang and more, this is one festival in San Jose that you don’t want to miss.

 

August 18 & 19 you can visit the Assyrian Church of the East, Mar Yosip Parish, located at 680 Minnesota Avenue in San Jose to enjoy the 26th Annual Assyrian Food Festival. Admission is free and the festival showcases Assyrian food, traditions and educating the community about Assyrian heritage, as well as preserving and passing on Assyrian cultural traditions to the next generation. Make plans to attend the festival and enjoy authentic food, music, and dance.

 

The Italian Family Festa takes place August 25 & 26 at History Park in San Jose. Admission is free and there will be Italian food, live music, wine, grape stomp, bocce, cultural seminars and historical/genealogical displays. Leave the animals at home for this one, only service animals are allowed, and Saturday night there will be a street dance. The music lineup is certain to please and vendors will be offering so much delicious Italian food, you might gain a few pounds.

 

The 2018 Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival will take place this year September 15 & 16 in Central Park. This festival will feature the talents of local and regional artists with nearly 175 booths to visit, 25 community groups serving international foods, four vintners pouring fine wines, micro-brewed beer, live entertainment on three stages, and the ever-popular Kids Kingdom.

 

There’s not much that can beat the sights, sounds, and tastes in and around the Bay Area. Take the time to enjoy your weekends outdoors with the festivals above and be sure to watch our Blog for regular updates on happenings in and around San Jose.

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Get Outside this Summer! 3 Great Activities in the Bay Area

Summer means sun and that means it’s time to get outside and enjoy some of the Beauty around the Bay Area. There are a lot of great places to go hiking this summer but we’ve put together 3 area selections and paired them with a great place nearby to dine afterwards.

Encased by Mountain View and East Palo Alto, the Baylands Nature Preserve is a 1,940 acre undisturbed marshland. With 15 miles of multi-use trails you can hike, run, or bike your way around as well as enjoy wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, and a variety of nature walks and programs on ecology and natural history. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash and as it’s a preserve, there’s no collecting of plants or animals allowed. One your hiking adventure is complete, stop by the Kali Greek Kitchen for a fantastic local organic menu. With a great selection of light meals and filling plates along with a variety of beer and wine, this is a perfect stop on the way back home.

Also nearby there is the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, a 3,436-acre preserve that is rich in wildlife and ecosystem diversity. Monte Bello is Italian for ‘Beautiful Mountain’ and is surrounded by other open space preserves and parks, making trip options nearly limitless. There are multiple hiking trails available, from a self-guided 3 mile loop with an average 5% grade that will take you about 3 hours to complete, to the Canyon Trail that is popular with bicyclists, and trails that connect to other nearby open space preserves. Once you have completed your day of open space fun, stop in to get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant. Named in part after the Arlo Guthrie song, Alice’s has been around since the 1960’s, is family owned and operated, and they serve locally sourced ingredients served up in a casual atmosphere that is perfect after a day enjoying the outdoors.

The Windy Hill Preserve is a 1,335-acre preserve featuring open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak. There is a very popular 8 mile loop that goes through the forested ridges to the valley floor and back again that combines the use of 4 different trails popular among hikers and equestrians alike. Leashed dogs are allowed on most of the trails but you need to plan accordingly as there are a couple where they aren’t allowed. Once your workout is done for the day, stop by Nick’s Next Door for some great American Bistro Cuisine. With a fantastic menu, a great wine list, and plenty of spirits, you’ll be glad you made the stop.

 

Be sure to watch our Blog for other exciting happenings around the Bay Area and don’t forget to contact us for all your catering needs during both private and corporate events this summer.

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3 Reasons to Have Your Summer Vacation in San Jose

Deciding where to make a Summer getaway? Beautiful San Jose is the largest city within the Bay Area and a popular vacation destination throughout the year, but Summers in San Jose are a sight to behold. Be sure to visit our Blog for inside information on festivals and other fun adventures in and around the area, but here are 3 fantastic reasons to plan your Summer vacation in San Jose.

Island Reggae Fest starts at 11am on July 14th at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. The Island Reggae Festival is an area tradition that is celebrating its 7th anniversary this year. There will be lots of live music, a Polynesian Dance Showcase, plenty of food & merchandise vendors, arts & crafts, a tattoo showcase, & unlimited carnival rides for kids 12 & under. This is a full day of fun in San Jose that you won’t want to miss so be sure to take along your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy some time in the sun.

The Paper Plane in downtown San Jose is the perfect spot for a taste of signature crafted cocktails and delicious food while enjoying a late night happy hour that even includes discounts on food. They rotate out their menu every 6 months to match the seasons and feature 16 signature cocktails with 6 on tap, 5 ‘new school’ cocktails from around the world, and 5 classic cocktails. It is a fun, easy-going atmosphere that will make you wish you lived closer to San Jose.

Looking for something special for you and your significant other? Le Papillon is an upscale French restaurant and steakhouse that is the perfect choice for special occasions. Featuring more than 500 wines along with 3 & 4 course dining options, you’ll have your choice of elegant selections suited to any taste. Their menu changes seasonally with a focus on the freshest, local organic ingredients possible and is a great spot for a taste of San Jose.

Got friends and/or relatives coming to visit you in San Jose? Handheld Catering is available for private events and we will customize the perfect menu for your get together, no matter how large or small. At Handheld Catering, we follow the Farm-to-Fork approach, using fresh locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, and serve gourmet meals that are unforgettable for private/special gatherings, weddings, and even corporate settings. Give your guests a taste of San Jose with catering you can be proud of.

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Best of the Bay: Where to Catch the 4th of July Fireworks

Nothing says Summer in America quite like a traditional Independence Day fireworks celebration. The Bay Area has some of the best choices around and while it may be hard to choose from, we’ve put together a list of some of the area choices you have this year.

 

San Jose – The Rotary Club of San Jose is celebrating their 104th year and they are inviting everyone to Discovery Meadow in beautiful downtown San Jose starting at 6:00 pm. Enjoy family-friendly events, restaurants, and popular hot-spots and at 9:30 enjoy the world-class fireworks display.

 

Santa Clara – You can celebrate the 4th every night July 1 – 4th at California’s Great America with nightly fireworks displays. There will be live music, military members both current and veteran will receive free park entry, and there’s even a VIP options available that includes dinner and some of the best seats in the park to view the fantastic fireworks display.

 

Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center – Morgan Hill Freedom Fest: Parade & Fireworks on the Green will have a parade at 10 am, live music starting at 6 pm, and an awesome fireworks show after dark. You can take your own picnic or select from a nice variety of vendors on hand and there will be beer and wine available as well.

 

Scotts Valley – Start your Independence Day celebration with a parade and flyover at 3 pm and enjoy live music, food, games and more throughout the day along with a fireworks display scheduled to start at 9:20.

 

Gilroy – At 9:30 pm the city of Gilroy will host their annual 4th of July Fireworks show at the Gilroy High School located on Tenth Street. In the past, the city has put on about a 20 minute display featuring around 400 different fireworks.

 

Alameda County Fair – The Fair runs for several weeks in both June and July but for the 4th celebrations they have a day packed full of fun events. Contests, horse racing, kid’s games and more await you and the family in Pleasanton throughout the holiday.

 

No matter where you decide to take the family this holiday, please stay safe and have a fantastic time. As you plan private events this Summer & Fall, whether a wedding, family reunion or just a night among close friends, remember that Handheld Catering will craft a menu that is perfect for you and your guests. Visit our site and call us today and we’ll do all the cooking.

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Get Your Summer in Line with These San Jose Festivals!

Food & Music festivals during the beautiful Summers of San Jose go hand in hand. There are some fantastic festivals coming our way & while we can’t possibly cover them all, there are several that we wanted to make sure you are aware of.

 

SubZERO Festival

June 1st & 2nd from 6pm to midnight the 11th annual SubZERO festival will take place in San Jose’s downtown SoFA district. This ‘artistically bent, hi/lo-techno mashup’ is where ‘street meets geek.’ Join the artists, performers, & musicians on multiple stages celebrating the indie creative spirit & you can also enjoy South FIRST FRIDAYS monthly art walk. There are dozens of artists & vendors already scheduled & you can click here for a complete breakdown of the musical guests & what time/stages they’ll be on.

 

Come Be Greek For A Day!

Celebrating their 47th year, The San Jose Greek Festival will be held the entire weekend of June 1-3. Spotlighting the South Bay Area’s Greek community, this cultural festival includes traditional live music and dancing and of course delicious Greek food and drink, along with local-made and handcrafted items. This is a family friendly outdoor festival where you and the kids can experience authentic Greek cuisine and culture that’ll have you all saying “Yiamas” (to our health)!

 

You’ve Got a Date On Fridays.

Each and every Friday this Summer you can visit San Pedro Square for the Downtown San Jose Farmer’s Market from 10 AM – 2 PM. Live entertainment sets the atmosphere perfectly and with over 30 California-based growers, you have the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown produce along with handmade goods, arts & crafts, and lots of family-friendly activities. Get out and enjoy beautiful downtown San Jose and have a blast at this weekly food & music festival.

 

Get Your Reggae On.

July 14th at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds starting at 11am you can enjoy a fantastic day full of fun. The Island Reggae Festival is enjoying its 7th year & will have tons of live music, a Polynesian Dance Showcase, plenty of food & merchandise vendors, arts & crafts, a tattoo showcase, & unlimited carnival rides for kids 12 & under. This is a full day of fun in San Jose so be sure to take along your lawn chair or towel/blanket.

 

So much music, so much food… so little time.

 

The awesome music festivals around San Jose are really just getting started & we know that you want to stay up-to-date on the great options in the area. We also know that the beautiful weather of the Bay Area means that you likely have your own upcoming event this Summer or Fall. At Handheld Catering we can handle all of your San Jose catering food needs to ensure that your special occasion is just that: special. Reunions, corporate events, weddings, and any other social event is the perfect time to call Handheld Catering.

 

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What’s New in San Jose Food?

Summer is the time for food & fun around San Jose and we’ve found a few things we think you’ll really enjoy. From vegan pastries to delicious seafood, these San Jose food events are definitely kicking it up a notch.

 

Eat, Pray, Amore!

On Saturday June 2 from 6 to 8:30 PM, a spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be hosted by the Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill. Tickets are only $5-$7, proceeds go toward the church’s Texas youth trip planned at the end of the month, & the night will include live music as well as the spaghetti dinner, drinks, & dessert. Click here to purchase tickets & help a good cause.

 

Outdoor Seafood Boil!

June 28th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM visit the Sunnyvale TAP’T location for a Summer Kickoff Seafood Boil. The price is only $25 & includes a “bag” of seafood including; crab legs, shrimp, clams, mussels, sausage, corn, & potatoes prepared with TAP’T’s house cajun spices. There will be open seating out on their patio along with 24 craft beers & other beverage selections for your enjoyment. Visit their website for directions & more info.

 

MILQ Tea Bar & Lounge

Jackson Avenue recently welcomed newcomer MILQ & so far the buzz has been pretty, well, buzzing. Set with a unique decor complete with lighted tables with swirling water inside them, club-like lighting throughout, & even live music, MILQ brings a new flavor to San Jose. Whether you’re looking for some good boba or want to cool off with something new, MILQ looks set to not disappoint.

 

Cinnaholic

Been smelling something new & delicious on your way to work? Downtown San Jose has a new reason to look forward to lunch time & the aroma appears to be only half the delight. The desserts & pastries at Cinnaholic will leave you questioning your assumptions regarding vegan foods & selections & I suggest that if you desire to make it home with any to share, put them in the trunk. Although this is kind of genius on Cinnaholic’s end… I had to return & restock 3 times before I finally figured out the trunk trick.

 

Let Us Do The Cooking!

Of course Summer in San Jose also means lots of weddings, corporate events, reunions, and so much more and we know that you want the best when it comes to catering your special day. We love what we do here at Handheld Catering for Bay Area event catering and we’ll work with you to create a custom menu that will leave your guests impressed.. and ‘fully’ satisfied. Give us a call today and let us help you make this a day to remember.

 

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Fest Profile! The Sunnyvale Art Wine & Music Festival

Today we are profiling The Sunnyvale Art Wine & Music Festival

Saturday, June 2 at 10 AM kicks off the 44th annual Sunnyvale Art, Wine & Music Festival. Just head down to historic Murphy Avenue in downtown Sunnyvale both Saturday and Sunday to enjoy live music and over 350 of the nation’s best artists. There is no admission fee and carnival rides are available for kids ages 3 – 8 years old, while the adults can enjoy the selection of margaritas, sangria, champagne, quality beer, and of course, plenty of fine wines courtesy of vendors such as the Artisan Wine Depot.

Sponsored this year by the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce and the festival is set to take place come rain or shine. With a fantastic list of vendors on hand at the food court , no one in the family is going to go hungry that day. Of course there will be the festival-favorites such as roasted corn from Ear-Good Corn Roast, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and other guilty pleasures, but there will be some fantastic selections from Mediterranean Grill & Go, Capelo’s Barbecue, The Tamale Factory, Gaspachos, Elks Care, Roderick’s, Barrett’s, & Aroma Concessions.

Local musical performers such as Aftershock, California Blues Machine, Third Sol, Sage, & Charged Particles will be on stage throughout both days and again, there’s bound to be something for everyone at this festival. This is a weekend full of gorgeous arts and crafts, local live bands, fantastic food, wine, and fun for the whole family.

The Sunnyvale Art, Wine & Music Festival is open from 10 AM to 6 PM both June 2 & 3 and if you’re interested in becoming a vendor you can contact the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce or find additional details and an application at http://www.caartists.com/schedule/Sunnyvale_application.pdf

Need catering in Sunnyvale? Give Handheld Catering a call for weddings, corporate event or office catering, and special events.

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