We really enjoyed this menu crafted for an event at Pollak Vineyards this week:

Wine Tasting Cocktail Hour
Country pate with grain mustard, and sliced cornichon on crostini
pairs with Mille Fleurs
Shrimp and chorizo skewer with red wine onion jam
pairs with Durant white
Duck pastrami wrapped fig, port and cherry reduction, smoked salt
pairs with Cabernet Franc
Tasting spoon of local roasted golden beets, feta, candied walnut, with lemon-thyme oil
pairs with Chardonnay

Cheese Station
Manchego, D’affinois, Caramount Farmstead Chevre, Stilton and Red Dragon, apricot preserves, mixed olives, spiced almonds, crackers, and baguette

Salad
Classic Caesar salad with garlic croutons and shaved Parmesan

Southern Buffet Dinner
Grilled chicken with smoked chili beurre blanc
Pulled pork with Carolina bbq sauce
Creamy cheddar, jalapeno, and tomato grits
Haricot verts with toasted almonds
Petite rolls and buttermilk biscuits with whipped butter
Viognier and Durant Red

Dessert and Coffee
Ancho-chocolate bread pudding with cinnamon whipped cream

Beverage
Imported and domestic beer, iced tea, Pellegrino water, assorted
sodas, coffee and decaf

Napkin Folds & Menu Cards

Table Names & Numbers

]]> http://www.hmcatering.com/index.php/2012/04/wedding-wednesdays-links-we-like/feed/ 0 http://www.hmcatering.com/index.php/2012/04/spotlight-hmcs-corporate-sponsorship-of-uva-art-museum/ http://www.hmcatering.com/index.php/2012/04/spotlight-hmcs-corporate-sponsorship-of-uva-art-museum/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:06:51 +0000 admin http://www.hmcatering.com/?p=1427 More >>]]>

We had a chance to catch up with Sarah Mullen, Director of Annual Giving at the University of Virginia Art Museum to explore Harvest Moon’s Corporate Counsel Level Sponsorship.

In the spirit of continued efforts to increase University of Virginia and Charlottesville Community partnerships, the Museum has partnered with Harvest Moon Catering to provide fare to its patrons and guests with HMC moving forward.

Last spring, UVaM decided to bring Harvest Moon on board as their signature caterer, partnering to book all of their events in the coming fiscal year . This ensures that HMC will be the premier caterer for all events from cocktail receptions to plated dinners with featured wine pairings to large plated dinners and wine pairings for Patrons.

Partnerships like this are what Owner Mark Hahn and Rob Gustafson are all about. As part of their sponsorship level, these two UVA Alumni Entrepreneurs are donating a $5,000 trade value as Corporate Sponsors of the Museum. They truly believe in supporting Charlottesville’s many arts organizations.

“We are very grateful for Mark’s generosity. HMC’s corporate sponsorship made it possible for us to hold an innovative, elegant Patrons’ Reception for our highest level donors, who were thrilled with the event.” For this event, HMC created a tour of Italy through food and wine pairings in celebration of the opening of the Museum’s exhibition, Bartolo di Fredi’s Adoration of the Magi: A Masterpiece Reconstructed.

The Museum still relies on its Volunteer Board a great deal to cater and staff numerous events. With a growing number and frequency of events, however, Mullen realized last year that they would benefit from bringing in a company like Harvest Moon. HMC’s level of professionalism, especially the service component, quickly separated them from other catering options in the area.

“We feel very fortunate to work with Event Planner Barbara Shifflett, who without fail designs beautiful and creative events that always come in on budget. And in our experience, HMC’s event captains and other staff are a real pleasure to work with,” Mullen said of the customer service.

As part of the Corporate Counsel level of sponsorship, UVaM will feature Harvest Moon in upcoming publications, and HMC also has the option to host an event at the Museum free of charge. Other benefits include a behind-the-scenes tour with Director Bruce Boucher, and Museum membership for five employees.

Mullen said of her experience, “Working with Harvest Moon has been a true pleasure, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in years to come. I would also highly recommend HMC to anyone who seeks refined events, delicious food, and top-notch customer service.”

18th Annual NNVAWI Conference
The Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International (NNVAWI) is traveling to Charlottesville, Virginia for its 18 Annual Conference on March 4 – 6, 2012. The 2012 Conference will be held at the University of Virginia, School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA.The Nursing Network on Violence Against Women (NNVAW) was formed to encourage the development of a nursing practice that focuses on health issues relating to the effects of violence on women’s lives. NNVAW was founded in November of 1985 during the first National Nursing Conference on Violence Against Women held at the University of Massachusetts/ Amherst. We now have international members and have added “International” to our name (NNVAWI). CHECK OUT NBC29′s News Clip on the Event.

UVA Art Museum’s Patron’s Party
UVaM exhibits art from around the world dating from ancient times to the present. In addition to its permanent collection, the Museum offers changing exhibitions, accompanied by related programs and publications. Stay tuned for full feature and great feedback from Sarah Mullen, Director of Annual Feedback for the UVA Art Museum.

We love this delicious new Specialty Cocktail recipe Event Planner Kelly Mahanes conjured up. Delicious with a beautiful splash of color to liven up your event!

Kelly’s Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
Maker’s Mark
1/2 blood orange squeezed
1/2 lemon squeezed
Agave Nectar

Southern Party Menu – New!

Local watermelon gazpacho shooter

Grilled andoullie sausage and shrimp skewer with chipotle aioli

Cheddar jalapeno Grit cake with pulled pork and pepper jelly

Chicken and waffle skewer with maple syrup

Fried green tomato with creole remoulade

Food Stations

Mixed greens with grilled sweet potato, roasted poblano toasted pepitas

smoked blue cheese chili cumin dressing

Chicken and sausage jambalaya with sweet corn muffins with  lavender scented  butter

Smoked beef tender with tomato jalapeno and cheddar grits

Summer succotash

Braised local greens

Seared pork tenderloin served with a praline mustard glaze

French style green beans with crispy country ham

Charro Beans

Dessert

Chocolate salted cookie

Sweet miniature shortcakes with strawberries and

Bourbon whipped cream

Trio of bread pudding tasting spoons

Burnt rum, Strawberry vanilla, Double chocolate