You don’t have to travel abroad to give attendees a slice of international flavor. Specialty caterers throughout the United States are appeasing adventurous appetites by delivering unexpected dishes that transcend borders. From California-based Yalla Mediterranean to La Teresita Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, creative catering is changing the way meeting professionals deliver F&B.
Make it Mediterranean
Yalla Mediterranean’s company motto speaks volumes: farm to fork by way of Greece, Morocco, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Tunisia and Egypt. With an emphasis on healthfulness and vibrant flavors, Yalla relies on sustainable ingredients to create dishes such as gluten-free falafels with GMO-free chickpea fritters (pictured) and shawarma featuring slow-roasted, Lebanese-spiced chicken. There are seven California locations.
yallamedi.com
Authentic Mexican
Founded in 1922, El Charro Cafe in Tucson, Arizona, is known for its chilaquilas (an enchilada-style casserole) and handmade chicken tomatillo tamales. The house specialty is carne seca—marinated Angus beef dried in the Sonoran desert sun and grilled with green chiles, tomatoes and onions. El Charro’s three locations are available for buyouts, or let its catering division deliver.
elcharrocafe.com
Cuban Revolution
La Teresita Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, serves traditional Cuban fare. Best-sellers include churrasco (grilled skirt steak), puerco asado (roast pork) and ropa vieja, a stewed beef simmered in spices and tomatoes until it falls apart in succulent shreds. Round out your catered event with plump yellow rice, black beans and crispy plantain chips, and finish it off with Cuban coffee.
lateresitarestaurant.com
Polish Delight
Nearly one-third of all Polish immigrants in the United States live in the Chicago area. Staropolska Restaurant in hip Logan Square is known for its homemade pierogies, stuffed cabbage, sauerkraut, potato dumplings and beets with horseradish. Arrange a private party in the Old World dining room, or let Staropolska cater your event onsite.
staropolskarestaurant.com
Korean Cravings
Kum Gang San Restaurant in Flushing, New York, serves up spicy Korean fare 24/7 in a large, kitschy space with a waterfall. Try the kalbi (barbecue beef short ribs), hae mool jungol (seafood and vegetables in broth), kimchi (fermented cabbage) and bibimbap (a signature dish of rice topped with vegetables, meat and egg). Eat in the grand banquet hall (seats 300) or have your event catered.
kumgangsan.net
