Tallahassee Area Caterer Cooks Up Cool and Delicious Catered Office Luncheons

Chevre with Fig and Walnut Tapenade...

Tuscany Cheese Spread with Sun Dried Tomatoes...

Kalamati Olive, Sun Dried Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese Bruschetta....

What do these three delicious hand-crafted culinary treats have in common?

They are part of the fabulous menu of food from Canopy Rose, a Tallahassee-area catering company.

Planning a Tallahassee area event where catered food is needed? The Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company offers delicious and diverse menus.

Whether your tastes are for a classic favorite, tried-and- true meal or a trendy treat, Canopy Rose will deliver.

In the early 1990's Canopy Rose chef/ owner, Kathi Dameron started serving her famous Pasta Square Casseroles from her first commercial kitchen in the Eastwood Pharmacy, in a space as tiny as a tea loaf, cut in half.

From those humble beginnings, Kathi prepared food for a notable list of famous Floridians. The most famous of which at the time was the late Governor Lawton Chiles who would send a staffer over to pick up one of Kathi's unique daily specials to take along on his private plane as he traveled the state on official business.

As Kathi's business grew, so did her catering facilities.

In January 2008, Kathi opened shop in her fifth catering location.

Canopy Rose is now once again available to cater your office luncheons, beach parties, open houses, political fundraisers, black tie galas, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, graduation parties, breakfasts or banquet dinners.

Canopy Rose is a DBPR Licensed and fully- insured catering operation. While we have catered exquisite meals for groups of thousands on a number of occasions, smaller groups of 25 to 250 is more typical in this market. Canopy Rose has also catered elegant and indulgent dinners for small, intimate groups such as romantic wedding proposal celebrations, family engagement parties and other once-in a lifetime events.

For menus, pricing and availability contact the offices of Canopy Rose at 850-539-7750.

Appetizer Menu

Appetizer Menu From Canopy Rose Catering ( List under construction. Call Kathi at 850-539-7750 for immediate assistance.)

Canopy Rose Seafood Selections

Iced Gulf Coast Shrimp Display with Fancy Dipping Sauce

Marinated Shrimp Martinis

Iced Florida Seafood Extravaganza

Shrimp and Marinated Tortellini on Sticks (Please also ask about our fabulous Canopy Rose Kebab Station featuring Florida seafood, beef, chicken, vegetable, cheese and stuffed tortellini.)
Lobster Phyllo Triangles

Whole Smoked Nova Scotia Salmon on Display with Capers, Sliced Roma Tomatoes, Onions and Chopped Egg

Clams Casino

Shrimp or Clam Beignets

Crab Quesadillas with Haute and Spicy Fresh Fruit Salsa

Miniature Maryland Crabcakes

Seafood Paella Party Platter Station

Seafood Jambalaya Party Platter Station

Canopy Rose Beef Appetizer Options

Chef-Carved Whole Round Steamship Round of Beef with Miniature Rolls, Cocktail Rye and French Baguette Rounds

Miniature Beef Wellington Bites

Brazilian Beef Brochettes

Ropa Viejo Bites With Spiked Mango Salsa

Stuffed Cuban Picadillo Bites

Polynesian Meatballs Served Hot In Chafer

Canopy Rose Chicken Appetizers

Tuscan Sunset Bruschetta Chicken Pinwheels

Cornbread-Crusted Chicken Strips

Sweet and Jazzy Chicken Wings

Chicken Pecan Strips

Chicken Coconut Bites

Tropical Chicken & Fruit On A Stick

Chicken Pecan Salad In A Mound Surrounded By Clusters of Red And White Grapes and Strawberries

Chicken and Salsa Papusas

Canopy Rose Cheese and Vegetable Options

Summertime in the Garden Stuffed Grape Leaves

Art Deco Spinach Florentine Phyllo Shells

Portobello Potstickers with Chevre Cream

Kalamata Olive, Shitaki Mushroom and Spinach Pastry Pinwheels with Herbal Cream Cheese

Cascading Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Display

International Fine Cheese Display

Sun Dried Tomato, Pesto, Black Olive Torte

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Tuscany Cheese Spread

Vegetarian Garden Party - Party Pinwheels

Mediterranean Ratatouille Napoleons

Carmelized Pecan Kahlua Brie with Fresh Fruit and Imported Crackers

Southwestern Fiesta Party Platter with Tortilla Chips

Spinach and Feta Cheese Phyllo Triangles

Black Raspberry Cucumber Hearts with Herbal Cream Cheese

Elegant Sweets To Wow Your Guests

Bananas Foster Prepared By Chef Attendants at Specially Created Station

Decadent Death-By-Chocolate Display

Chocolate Nachos

French Chocolat Fondue with Angel Food Cake, Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Elegant Tropical Fruit Marshmallows, Strawberries and Seasonal Fruit

Margarita Cheesecake Bites with Key Lime & Mixed Berry Drizzle

Margarita and Mojito Iced Beverage Station

Gourmet Coffee Station

Elegant Lite, Low Calorie & Diabetic-Friendly Party Foods available, too from Canopy Rose. For customized menus call Kathi Dameron at 850-539-7750!

The Original Recipe of Sweet and Jazzy Available For Special Purchase

Canopy Rose is pleased to announce that our original recipe for Sweet and Jazzy Salad Dressing is available for special order at our downtown Havana location.

Since each batch is made to order, we request that when possible you order your dressing a couple days in advance.

Sweet and Jazzy Price List

1/2 pint = 4.00
1 pint = 8.00
1 quart = 16.00
1/2 gallon = 32.00
1 gallon = 64.00

The dressing is sold for 50 cents per ounce. For special orders we have a 1/2 gallon minimum.

There is an additional charge for jars.

Orders should be place by calling Kathi at 850-539-7750

A Kitchen Measurements Chart

Once upon a time it seemed that almost every popular cookbook came with at least one page dedicated to the valuable Table of Equivalents Chart. This handy kitchen math table, otherwise known as the "cook's cheat sheet" was a helpful guide for dealing with measurement calculations in the kitchen. For years, I had one posted in clear sight on the refrigerator door.

After my recent move to downtown Havana, it seems my trusty chart got lost in the transition.

While gearing up to prepare a gallon of our signature salad dressing, Sweet and Jazzy, for a client I noticed that my chart was no where in sight. Not to worry I thought... I'll just get one from one of the cookbooks in my extensive collection. But I soon discovered that a measurement chart was not quite as easy to lay my hands on as I had imagined.

After flipping through half a dozen or so cookbooks that appeared to be likely candidates and turning up empty, I picked up a book that I had been one of the recipe contributors to back in 1985. This book, ABC Southern Sampler, was a wonderful little collection of recipes from the Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Southeastern Regional Staff. I knew exactly what page to turn to find the kitchen chart.

Rather than simply photocopying the chart, I decided to do something even better... I decided to post it on this website so that if someone else is scrambling to find a measurement chart in a hurry they might just find it at http://www.canopyrose.com

Kitchen Math Table of Equivalents

1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
2 tablespoons = 1 ounce
2 tablespoons = 1/8 cup
4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup
8 tablespoons = 1/2 cup
12 tablespoons = 3/4 cup
1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon
2/3 cup = 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons
3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons
16 tablespoons = 1 cup (1/2 pint)
1 cup = 8 ounces
2 cups = 1 pint (16 ounces)
4 cups = 1 quart
1 jigger = 1 1/2 ounces
1 pound = 16 ounces
1 ounce (dry) = 2 tablespoons
1 liter = 4 cups, plus 3 1/3 tablespoons
2 pints = 1 quart
4 quarts = 1 gallon
16 tablespoons = 8 ounces
dash = 2 to 4 drops

Saturday Morning Food Market In Downtown Havana, Florida

We are seeking vendors for the Saturday Morning Food Market at Canopy Rose in downtown Havana, Florida.

Calling Creative Chefs, Bread Bakers, Pastry Chefs, Candy Makers, Local Growers... From Tallahassee, Havana, Quincy, Monticello, Crawfordville, Wakulla, Thomasville, Apalachicola, Bainbridge and the surrounding North Florida and South Georgia communities.

Come bring your hand-crafted edibles to sell!

Food Vendor Requirements:

1. All prepared food must be prepared in a DBPR licensed and inspected kitchen facility. If you do not have access to such a kitchen, we might be able to connect you with an approved kitchen that you can work out of. Generally there is a fee to work out of another establishment's kitchen. The Canopy Rose Kitchen is also available for rent on a limited basis for $25 to $50 per hour.

2. All prepared food vendors will need to provide a current food handlers card.

3. All food vendors will need to carry their own product liability insurance.

4. All raw food used will need to be purchased from approved, licensed and inspected sources.

5. All food vendors will maintain safe food temperatures throughout the production, transportation and marketing of their food through the use of coolers, cambros, chafers, refrigeration, etc. All food vendors will bring their own supply of plastic or latex gloves and hair nets or chefs hats.

6. Food vendors are independent contractors and are responsible for pricing their own food and supplying all their own to go containers, bags, display props, etc. Bring everything you will need to conduct business!

There will be a small weekly vendor's fee. An inexpensive monthly cooperative advertising program will be made available to all interested applicants.

Interested vendors should contact Kathi Dameron at 850-539-7750.

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Canopy Rose Births New Marketplace Concepts!

I love the synergistic nature of Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company! I am a strong believer in the value of professional and artistic alliances for birthing new concepts in the marketplace.

Today's economy calls for creative, out-of-the box solutions. There is absolutely no reason why creatively intelligent women should not be earning viable incomes through the use of their unique talents and gifts!

With this line of thinking as a launching pad, a new concept is springing to life. It is a concept that allows fellow entrepreneurs to come into the Canopy Rose Studio and test out their ideas.

Perhaps you are asking yourself, "Why would Kathi Dameron open up her business to give other people business?" I say, "why not?"

I believe that when God puts something on our hearts, we are far better off when we accept it and not fight it.

I also believe that together we can accomplish far more than we can ever accomplish as a lone ranger!

Canopy Rose has been opening its doors to a handful of culinarians to come in and teach classes.

Next on the drawing board is to open up our doors to a few gifted culinary artists who will be creating hand-crafted foods to sell on Saturday mornings in downtown Havana from 8am to 2pm.

We hope to start this hand-crafted food market possibly as early as May 10, 2008!

Once things are finalized, I'll be posting menus, bios and other bits and pieces of information on this website. In the meantime, if you need catering or I-Strategies please don't hesitate to call Kathi at 850-539-7750!

Food, Food and More Food

For Food, Food and More Food in the Tallahassee area, Canopy Rose is covering the bases in delicious and innovative ways from A to Z!

Food - Articles

Food - Business

Food - Classes, Food - Catering, Food - Consulting, Food - Collaborations

Food, Menu and Special Event -Design

Food - Eclectic, Exciting, Ethnic and Extraordinary

Food - Fabulous Florida Favorites

Food - Great Tasting Global Fusion

Food - Help For Hostesses

Food - International

Food - Jaunts

Food by Kathi Dameron

Food Literature

Food Memoirs

Food News

Food Origins

Food Politics

Food Quick Meal Solutions

Food Restaurant Consulting & Collaborations

Food Styling

Food Tourism and Tastings

Food USA

Food Vegetarian

Food Wonders

Food Xtra, Xtra Read All About It In The "Entertaining with Kathi" Newspaper Column

Food Yarns

Food Zuppa

When it comes to food in the North Florida and South Georgia area... Canopy Rose is a regional specialist. From original newspaper and magazine articles to custom-designed gourmet menus for catered events to culinary collaborations with local chefs and so much more! Canopy Rose is blazing new trails in the field of culinary arts.

The best possible way to follow the activities of Canopy Rose is by tuning in to the ongoing dialogue at www.canopyrose.com

While we can't possibly share everything we are cooking up (for obvious reasons) we do share a nice smorgasboard of our world for you to sample.

We love to hear from you regardless of whether or not you need help with an upcoming event. It is a great joy to hear from friends, old and new!

Don't be shy!

Drop us a line! We would love to hear about what is happening in your life!

We can be contacted at:

Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company
101 West Seventh Avenue
Tallahassee, Florida 32333
canopyrose@aol.com
850-539-7750

Canopy Rose Lite Food Menu Options

The following Canopy Rose 'lite' food menu is under construction. But here is a sneak peak of what we are cooking up for this exciting new line of healthy food options.

Garden Party Strudel with Red Pepper Coulis
A garden party of flavors come together in this delicious vegetarian entree perfect for dinner parties. Serve it as an elegant first course or as an entree at lunch or dinner. Our version incorporates the nutritional powerhouses of fresh broccoli, asparagus, yellow squash, cabbage, onions, carrots and assorted gourmet mushrooms wrapped in delicate phyllo layers. Available scored and ready to bake. Baking directions and Red Pepper Coulis included. Several seasonal interpretations of this recipe will be available for purchase or special order in party-size quantities.

Napa Cabbage Rolls with Tempeh, Brown Rice and Raisins
Based on a traditional favorite from Eastern Europe. Our version goes lite with pureed tomatoes, a splash of fresh lemon and the sweetness of fructose.

Grilled Chicken and Colorful Vegetable Kebabs
Fresh seasonal vegetables skewered on a stick and alternated with chunks of chicken.

Beef and Colorful Vegetable Kebabs
Fresh seasonal vegetables skewered on a stick and alternated with chunks of beef.

Aromatic Salmon and Vegetable Medley en Papillote
A fabulous preparation of lemon-kissed salmon and julienned fresh veggies and leeks prepared in a heart of parchment paper. Perfect for elegant dinner parties!

Southwestern Chicken Breasts Ole!
Chicken Breasts topped with a chunky homemade salsa.

Pineapple Batido Chicken Breasts with Black Bean Salsa
Batidos are light and healthy fruit-based fruit shakes that are popular in South Florida. In this Florida-style lunch / dinner entree Canopy Rose marinates and bakes fresh chicken in an icy shake of fresh pineapple, orange juice and other fresh seasonal fruit. Served with a delicious black bean salsa.

Key West Style Gazpacho
Cool and refreshing with just the right blend of spice! A light fruity Gazpacho is perfect fare for summer days that won't leave you reaching for a terry cover-up at the beach or on the high seas. Mango, papaya, cucumbers and red onions are just a few of the heart-healthy ingredients that come together to create this lovely, iced Florida soup.

These food and recipe ideas have been developed by Chef Kathi Dameron in the Kitchen and Offices of Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company.

Canopy Rose Lite

Canopy Rose was asked to create a line of custom-designed 'lite' foods to support the efforts of people in the Tallahassee area who are on the transformational journey of losing weight, improving their health and taking proactive control over their body's insulin levels.

The objective was to come up with delicious foods based on a balanced diet of lean animal proteins, garden-fresh fruits and vegetables, and limited grains that would deliciously and nutritionally assist in the stabilization of blood sugars.

With diabetes-related disease and death an ever growing problem in our sugar-rich world, the timing was perfect for me to embrace this project. My own father fell victim to the ravages of diabetes. Could he still be alive today if he had found an effective way to control his blood sugar levels? That is a question that haunted me for many years. Even though my dad was extremely proactive in visiting Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for annual check ups and doing all the things that his team of medical professionals recommended, the final prognosis was death at the age of 68, following a reduced quality of life during his final years that replaced his great joy of snow skiing for almost daily dialysis treatments.

Probably everyone of us knows someone whose life has been destroyed by the devasting disease of diabetes.

It is my sincere desire to make a positive difference in this world with whatever gifts that I have been given and therefore I find myself welcoming the daunting task of putting together this important line of lite foods.