We had an amazing time catering the Hippodrome Foundation Usher Event on October 5, 2024! Check out our buffet dinner spread:
Menu Highlights:
• Baked penne pasta with mozzarella and tomato sauce (vegetarian)
• Baked chicken and broccoli
• Caesar salad
• Assorted breads
Dessert was a hit with:
• Mini strawberry shortcake cups
• Assorted cookies, cheesecake, lemon bars, and rice crispy treats
Our Services
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We cook and deliver your selected menu items in disposable aluminum pans, ready to serve. This service does not include set up or on-site staff. You’ll be responsible for setting up your own chafing dishes, serving utensils, and any additional equipment needed for your event.
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We handle the setup of chafing dishes and provide serving utensils. Our team will serve food at the designated serving table(s) only. Staffing and service hours are based on the number of guests and the length of your event.
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We provide a full setup, including chafing dishes and serving utensils. Our team will serve food at the tables and may also walk around with hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Staffing and service hours are tailored to the size and schedule of your event.
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We bring a personalized fine dining experience directly to you, whether it's in a hotel suite, a private residence, or another safe and comfortable location. Our team handles everything needed to create a memorable meal for you and your guests. Service details, including staffing and hours, are customized based on the number of guests and the timing of your event.
While we understand that you may not know exactly what you’d like for your event, having an idea of the menu and your budget would help us tailor a great menu. Here are a few suggestions below:
Menu 1: “Soulfully Satisfied”
A Southern-style spread full of bold flavors and comfort.
Appetizer
• Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon
• Mini Crab Cakes with Remoulade
Entrée
• Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
• Southern-Style Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
• Buttery Cornbread Muffins
Dessert
• Mini Sweet Potato Cakes
• Assorted Butter Cookies
Menu 2: “Seaside Elegance”
Fresh, light, and full of coastal flavor.
Appetizer
• Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
• Fish Ceviche with Plantain Chips
Entrée
• Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce
• Wild Rice Pilaf
• Garlic Roasted Broccolini
Dessert
• Mini Key Lime Cakes
• Coconut Macaroons
Menu 3: “Backyard Luxe”
A sophisticated twist on cookout favorites.
Appetizer
• Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
• BBQ Meatball Skewers
Entrée
• Grilled BBQ Chicken Quarters
• Baked Mac & Cheese
• Tangy Coleslaw
Dessert
• Mini Peach Cobbler Cakes
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
Menu 4: “Garden Party Bliss”
Fresh, vibrant, and herbaceous (perfect for a lighter option).
Appetizer
• Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
• Roasted Veggie Flatbread Bites
Entrée
• Herb-Encrusted Chicken Breast with Roasted Tomato Sauce
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Seasonal Roasted Vegetables
Dessert
• Mini Lemon Pound Cakes
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
At Rare Essence Gourmet, we specialize in a wide variety of flavorful dishes tailored to fit any occasion. Below are sample menus from a few of our past events:
Menu 1: Small Bites & Elevated Appetizers
• Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Crispy chicken with shredded lettuce and sliced dill pickles on a brioche bun.
• Thai Chili Chicken Meatballs
Seasoned ground chicken rolled into 1 oz meatballs, baked and tossed in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce.
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
Shrimp served in individual shot glasses with Creole-style cocktail sauce.
• Fish Ceviche
Cod marinated in lime and orange juice with diced peppers, red onion, avocado, fresh mint, cilantro, honey, and cumin. Served with a crispy plantain chip.
• Meatballs Marinara
Italian-seasoned ground beef, lightly baked and simmered in Roma tomato marinara. Topped with shaved Parmesan and fresh basil.
• Crab Salad Toast Points
Lump crab meat with diced English cucumber, sweet bell pepper, and celery, tossed in a lemon Old Bay aioli. Served on toasted sourdough points.
• Hawaiian Teriyaki Steak Bites
Lightly fried sirloin dusted in cornstarch and flour glazed in teriyaki sauce, and finished with chopped cilantro.
Menu 2: Elegant Dinner Selections
• Herb-Encrusted Stuffed Meatballs
Served with roasted tomato sauce and shaved Parmesan.
• Ginger & Brown Sugar Party Wings
Paired with pickled carrot sticks, a spicy red pepper dipping sauce, and green onion garnish.
• Fall Harvest Salad
Mesclun mixed with sliced Granny Smith apples, roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans, sweet potato croutons, and a choice of cheese (feta, goat, or blue).
• Pan-Seared Salmon & Jumbo Shrimp
Topped with Creole sauce and served with fried kale and seasoned rice pilaf.
Menu 3: Stationary Buffet
• Cheeseburger Sliders
Shredded lettuce, Colby Jack cheese, and tomato.
• Chicken Sliders
Topped with shredded lettuce, pickles, and Rare Essence Signature Sauce.
• Nacho Bar
Includes avocado dip, cumin-lime sour cream, cheese sauce with smoked chili flakes, tomato salsa, and tortilla chips.
• Vegetable Platter
Carrot and celery sticks, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, cauliflower florets, and creamy ranch dressing.
• Fall Harvest Salad
Mixed greens with roasted butternut squash, sliced apples, feta cheese, and pecans.
Menu 4: Buffet – Dinner & Breakfast Combo
Dinner Selections:
• Oven-roasted turkey with Gravy
• Seasoned Green Beans
• Mashed Potatoes
• Braised Cabbage
• Fresh Rolls
• Iced Tea & Water
Breakfast Selections:
• Bacon
• Hash Browns
• Scrambled Eggs
• Coffee with Creamer
• Orange Juice