Behind The Scenes of A Tallahassee Catering Gig

Caterer Kathi Bess of Canopy Rose Catering Assembles Garden Party Salad for a catered function at the Mary Brogan Museum, Tallahassee, Florida.

Sous Chef Sonnie Preps Peppers In The New Canopy Rose Kitchen

Canopy Rose Chef/Owner Kathi Bess Whips Up Chicken Baked Ziti for 100.

Sous Chef and Catering Assistant Extraordinarre, Sonnie Unwraps

Canopy Rose Congo Bars at the Mary Brogan Museum in Tallahassee, Florida.

Canopy Rose Catering Sets Up Several Identical Stations at the Mary Brogan Museum to facilitate fast and efficient food service. While the budget for this function is fairly small, Canopy Rose does an excellent job providing delicious food in a pretty presentation all while staying on budget!

The guests arrive for a fabulous evening in Florida's Capitol City on the Friday before the 2010 Florida Legislative Session begins.

To hire Kathi Bess (formerly Dameron) & Canopy Rose Catering as your Tallahassee, North Florida or South Georgia caterer, call 850-539-7750 for availability.

Making Congo Bars For 100

                           Working out the lumps reminds me a little of life!

Canopy Rose Congo Bars ready for the oven.

Canopy Rose Congo Bars ready for catering a party!

To hire Kathi Bess (formerly Dameron) & Canopy Rose Catering as your Tallahassee, North Florida or South Georgia caterer, call 850-539-7750 for availability.

From The February 24, 2010 "Entertaining with Kathi" Newspaper Column

In addition to teaching cooking classes and catering weddings, luncheons, parties, and other special events Canopy Rose owner, Kathi Bess also writes a regular newspaper column in the Northeast Chronicle / Tallahasssee Democrat newspaper. The "Entertaining with Kathi" column has been running for almost 4 years now! The inspiration for today's column came from Ernest Hemmingway's Parisian Literary Salons of the Twenties and Thirties.  Enjoy!

What about a salon dinner party?
By Kathi Bess • Entertaining with Kathi •

February 24, 2010

"Join us for an intimate, invitation only Salon Dinner Party and the opportunity to meet the New York Time's Best Selling Author " the elegant engraved invitation read.

My interest was piqued.

This wasn't your standard post-modern invitation. For one thing the invitation didn't come by way of  Facebook or e-mail, or even e-vite. No, this invitation was delivered the old fashioned way — by letter carrier. With it came the promise of something more, something grander.

Now don't try to Google the term "Tallahassee salon" because chances are you won't find the sort of salon I'm referring to in this article. No, I am not talking about a place where one goes to get one's hair cut, colored or curled. But on the other hand, the discourse served just might curl your hair with delight, as it does mine. I have always been fascinated by the very concept of a salon gathering where important ideas are exchanged. Popular back in the 17th, 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, these gatherings of the intellectual, social, political and cultural elites of their day fell out of favor. In recent years, one's knowledge about salons came by way of books, literature, art, history and the politics of these long-gone eras. The French Literary Salons of Hemingway's day sounded downright delicious to this writer, as did the Washington DC Political Salons of Pamela Harriman's day. I love the very idea of this social and literary alchemy, and it looks like I'm in good company.

I keep stumbling on telltale signs that suggest a renaissance is brewing. Salons are springing up in Paris, London, Baghdad, New York and even the mountains of North Carolina. Are the intellectual salons of a bygone era really experiencing a rebirth? Oh, I sure hope so!

I'd love to see one in the Tallahassee/Havana area similar to the one held monthly at the Soho House in London, where writers gather together once a month to share works-in-progress and inspire, goad and cajole one another. On my Bucket List for the next time I'm in North Carolina, I'm booking reservations at a country inn that is patterning Sunday afternoons after the famous international salons of the past.

I wish to encourage you to show your commitment to good conversation by hosting a salon this spring!

Simply pick a subject, select a guest speaker, draw up your invitation list, and create a dazzling menu that complements the theme of your salon. There is nothing more fun than a menu that creatively matches a special event.

Let's begin with a fiery icebreaker.

Fiery French Brie Cheese

1 wheel of Brie cheese

Chipotle Red Pepper Jelly

Flatbreads

Place cheese on a serving platter. Top with jelly. Garnish with fresh herbs, red grapes, and Florida strawberries.

•Kathi Bess is a caterer, food writer and teacher of cooking classes. Visit her online at http://www.canopyrose.com/

To hire Kathi Bess (formerly Dameron) & Canopy Rose Catering as your Tallahassee, North Florida or South Georgia caterer, call 850-539-7750 for availability.

Where can you order Cruffles and Cake Balls in North Florida and South Georgia?

Cruffles and Cake Balls are one of the hottest culinary trends sweeping the country and it is no wonder.

These little bites are simply heavenly. Decadent Cruffles are popping up at wedding receptions, birthday parties and soirees of all types.

Question: What are Cruffles and Cake Balls?

Answer: Cruffles and Cake Balls are a delicious cross between cake and truffles.  A decadent mixture of cake and assorted confections are hand-rolled into moist bite-size bites and then draped in dark chocolate, white chocolate and/or other fabulous coatings.

Question: Where can I get Cruffles and Cake Balls?

Answer: The Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company makes Cruffles and Cake Balls by special request. They can be reached at 850-539-7750 or at canopyrose@aol.com or visit the website at http://www.canopyrose.com/

Question: Do they come in different flavor combinations?

Answer: Absolutely! Chocolate Kahlua Cruffles, Hummingbird Cruffles Carrot Cake Cruffles, Red Velvet Cruffles, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cruffles, Chocolate Irish Cream Cruffles, Lemon Raspberry Cruffles, Italian Cream Cruffles, White Coconut Cruffles, Butter Brickle Cruffles... the list is endless! Chef/ Owner Kathi Bess will be happy to custom-design a Cruffle especially for you and your special event.

To hire Kathi Bess (formerly Dameron) & Canopy Rose Catering as your Tallahassee, North Florida or South Georgia caterer, call 850-539-7750 for availability.

Spotlight on A Marvelous Mediterranean Entree For Tallahassee Lunch Meetings

Are you responsible for your next lunch meeting?

Make it memorable!

Today we are spotlighting a marvelous Mediterranean menu from the kitchen of Canopy Rose, a Tallahassee-area catering company.

Entree:
Penne Pasta with Grilled Chicken, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese and Pesto

Salad:
Mediterranean Garden Party Salad with Sweet & Jazzy Dressing

Bread:
French Bread with Tuscany Cheese Spread

Dessert:
Lemon Squares

To hire Kathi Bess (formerly Dameron) & Canopy Rose Catering as your Tallahassee, North Florida or South Georgia caterer, call 850-539-7750 for availability.

Tallahassee Caterer Shares Ways To Create The Wow

"Catering is all about creating the wow," says the owner of the Tallahassee-area catering company, Canopy Rose.

For almost the last four years, caterer Kathi Bess has been writing a newspaper column in the Northeast Chronicle / Tallahassee Democrat newspaper.

The column, "Entertaining with Kathi" comes out every other week and features unique vignettes and recipes relevant to entertaining.  These articles are about sharing with readers how to create the wow at home, with or without the hiring of a caterer.

Originally opened in 1994 in a space the size of a tea loaf cut in half, Canopy Rose eventually morphed into one of the busiest catering operations in North Florida, operating out of a 3000 square foot catering facility in North East Tallahassee.  The client list often read like the Who's Who of Florida.

By the mid-oughts Canopy Rose decided to slow down and smell the roses, allowing the owner an opportunity to pursue another great passion- writing.   It was during this time that Kathi Bess (then Dameron) began writing the popular "Entertaining with Kathi" column.

Well, as fate would have it, by 2008 Canopy Rose would  wow once again! A move to the historic quarter of neighboring Havana, Florida  presented the perfect opportunity to ressurrect the legendary Canopy Rose!

Two years later Kathi was married and building a brand new catering kitchen.

Kathi still caters, writes and creates the wow. 

To hire Kathi Bess (formerly Dameron) & Canopy Rose Catering as your Tallahassee, North Florida or South Georgia caterer, call 850-539-7750 for availability.

Lunch / Dinner Buffet Package for Drop-Off or Full Service Catering in Tallahassee, Florida

To make things as easy as possible for Tallahassee-area catering clients, we are excited to announce our  simplified catering menu. 

1. Call us at 850-539-7750 to verify availability for the date and time that you will need catering services.

2. Select your options from the simplified menu or allow us to custom create a special menu for your event based on your group's taste preferences, location logistics and your alloted food budget.

3. Get set to reap the kudos from your guests for a deliciously executed event.

Lunch or Dinner Catered Buffet Package

A Simplified Menu  

(Choose Your Salad)

Mixed Greens with Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Blue Cheese Crumbles and Spiced Pecans

accompanied by Sweet & Jazzy Dressing

Mixed Greens with Peppered Oranges, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese

accompanied by Tangerine Vinaigrette

Classic Caesar Salad with Home-made Croutons 

accompanied by Creamy Caesar Dressing

Garden Party Salad 

accompanied by Sweet & Jazzy Dressing 

~ see regular catering menu for additional options ~ 

(Choose Your Entree)

Grilled Flank Steak with Caramelized Onions

Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Nectarine Salsa

Grilled Chicken with Black Beans, Yellow Rice and Tropical Salsa

Chicken Cordon Blue Pasta Squares Casserole

~ see regular catering menu for additional options ~

Bread Basket

(Choose Your Dessert)

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

~ see regular catering menu for additional options ~

A Sample Legislative Luncheon Catering Menu

A Florida Legislative Picnic Luncheon for 300 Guests 

In The Florida Capitol Courtyard

Tallahassee, Florida

Catered by Canopy Rose Catering
850-539-7750

Salad Station :

Authentic Greek Salad with Home-made Potato Salad, Feta Cheese and Olives

Key West Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Cheese Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad

Mixed Greens with Fresh Fruit, Blue Cheese Crumbles and Spiced Pecans

Sandwich Station:

Turkey Club Sandwich Wraps

Roast Beef and Havarti Wraps

Goombay Wraps

Chip and Dip Station:

Baskets and Baskets of Everyone's Favorite Chips Accompanied by Delicious Canopy Rose Dips

Beverage Station:

Assorted Iced Sodas, Water, Lemonade, Ice Tea

Dessert Station:

Fudge Brownies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ice Cream

Catering Contact:

Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company

Kathi Bess, Chef/Owner

Phone: 850-539-7750  

A Sample Catering Menu

A Spring Soiree In A Tallahassee Garden For 150 Guests

Catered By Canopy Rose Catering

850-539-7750  

6:30 PM ~ Signature Cocktails & Champagne Around The Old Fountain

               Canopy Rose Spring Tapas Table

               Canopy Rose's Margarita Shrimp Kebabs

               Phyllo Straws

               Cascading Fresh Fruit & Crudites

               A Trio of Fancy Dipping Sauces

7:30 PM  ~ Dinner

                Greek Salad

          

                Mediterranean Pasta with Shrimp, Artichoke Hearts, Sun-Dried

                Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives  

                Artisan Bread Basket with Tuscany Cheese Spread 

8:00 PM  ~  Dessert Table & Gourmet Coffee Bar 

                Canopy Rose Chocolate Tiramisu Torte

                Strawberry Coconut Cake

                Hummingbird Cake

                Mozart Torte

                Key Lime Bars                 

This catering menu was designed by Kathi Bess, Chef/ Owner
Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company
850-539-7750

Legislative Day At The Capitol 2010

Planning a 2010 event at the Florida Capitol?

Since the Florida Legislative Session of 1994 Canopy Rose has been catering delicious breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, and receptions on the grounds, porticos, reception areas and private offices of the Florida Capitol.

Our client list has read like the Who's Who of Florida.

Our beautifully presented  and deliciously prepared foods have been served to several of Florida's Honorable Governors, Senators, House Representatives, Supreme Court Justices, and Citizens. 

Tallahassee Catering Company:  Canopy Rose Culinary Arts Studio and Catering Company

Catering Contact Person: Kathi Bess,  Chef/Owner

Caterer's Phone Number: 850-539-7750

Caterer's E-Mail Address:  canopyrose@aol.com

Caterer's Availability: Call to check on availability. Events can be booked a year or more in advance.

Catering for Springtime Tallahassee Soirees

Now is the time to reserve your Spring Garden Party catering! Tallahassee area gardens will be in full bloom soon.  At Canopy Rose Catering, we create exquisite menus to complement the style and sophisticatrion of your event.

To hire Kathi Bess (formerly Dameron) & Canopy Rose Catering as your Tallahassee, North Florida or South Georgia caterer, call 850-539-7750 for availability.

Cooking Classes by Canopy Rose

Canopy Rose Culinary Arts and Catering Company is excited to announce our next cooking class.

Cooking Class Date:                Saturday, February 13, 2010  11:00 AM

Cooking Class Location:          Canopy Rose Catering ~ Havana,  Florida  (12 miles from Tallahassee)

Cooking Class Style:                A Delicious Combination of Demonstration, Hands-On Participation,
                                               and Make and Take

Cooking Class Size:                 Maximum Enrollment is 6 Participants

How To Reserve A Spot:       Contact Kathi Bess at 850-539-7750 or at canopyrose@aol.com

Cooking Class Title:                Chocolate Kahlua Tiramisu Torte  

Learn the secrets to making this fabulous multi-layered Canopy Rose original creation. This is a hands-on class utilizing demonstration and participation. Each class member will have the opportunity to make their own pan to take home with them. Class participants will receive instruction, culinary tips, class hand-outs, samples and a delicious dessert to take home!

Cooking Class Price:                  $65.00 Payable at time of reservation to hold space.


Seating is very limited and by ADVANCE RESERVATION only.




Looking for a GREAT Valentine's Gift for a loved one? How about a Cooking Class Gift Certificate?