Royal Fig Catering » catering in Austin

Carmel and Todd – Summer Wedding at Mercury Hall

Royal Fig — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:13:56 +0000

Now that the weather is cooling off and the days are getting shorter, we decided to look back to this summer and get a little warmth and inspiration from some past events. On July 10th, Royal Fig had a big role in the wedding day of Carmel Richards and Todd Sanders at Mercury Hall. We always love working at this charming, sun and color-drenched venue. And the complementing shades of ivory and taupe with bursts of bright summer pink selected by the bride set the mood for the day. To continue the lively pink pattern, the couple chose to start the cocktail hour with bright and fresh Prickly Pear Margaritas, and a Watermelon Gazpacho Shooter.

Photo by AJH Photography

The food was a focal point throughout the event, and Carmel and Todd selected a diverse blend of entrees for their dinner guests. On the family-style menu:

Poached Turbot with Olive Tapenade
Roasted Tomatoes with Artichoke, Gruyere, and Breadcrumbs
Broccolini with Almonds and Brown Butter
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Peaches
Creole Mustard Mashed Potatoes
Sirloin Burgers with Truffle Butter and Duck Fat Fries with Herbed Mayonnaise and Ketchup

Photo by AJH Photography

After dinner, the guests were served a cool Prosecco Gelee with Fresh Berries and Mixed Berry Puree while the couple took a break to dance the Foxtrot to Frank Sinatra.

Photo by AJH Photography

The entire early-afternoon reception captured the heart of carefree summer fun. It was a memorable day at Mercury Hall for Royal Fig, and most certainly a perfect day for Carmel and Todd. Congratulations to them as they approach their 5 month anniversary, and may we all look back and remember the warmth and love radiated on this day!

Photo by AJH Photography

Thank you so much to Carmel and Todd for leaving us this wonderful review on Wedding Wire:

“Royal Fig catered our wedding on July 10 at Mercury Hall. They were amazing! From start to finish, we received great care and professionalism in planning and carrying out the menu and event details.

Kristen Stacy helped us choose a gourmet, family-style feast. Our menu included watermelon gazpacho with mixed green salad and feta, pork tenderloin and peaches, poached turbo with olive tapenade, sirloin burgers with truffle butter and duck fat fries, sage brown butter broccolini, creole mustard mashed potatoes, roasted tomatoes with artichokes and gruyere, corn bread, popovers, and champagne gelee with berries for dessert. The prickly pear margaritas were extremely popular. Some guests told me it was the best margarita they have ever had, and I definitely agree. We also had a kids menu of macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders and fruit.

Really, the options for a great menu are endless with Royal Fig. They have an extensive menu and will create or customize any dishes to your liking. The champagne gelee was an item Dan Stacy customized for us based on some of the ideas we stated during our first consult with Kristen. Every single item on the wedding day tasted incredible and looked beautiful. Dan is an extremely talented chef. Weeks after the wedding, people were telling me the food was not only the best “wedding food” they ever had, but maybe one of the best meals they ever tasted.

I’ve never planned a wedding before, so I didn’t see the need in hiring a wedding coordinator. If you use Royal Fig, you won’t need to! Their intern, Natalie Osborne, helped me with everything from linens, room arrangements and the ever-important wedding timeline. All of the little details I never thought of doing were under control. They took care of the rentals as well.

When we walked into the reception, Kristen greeted us with glasses of champagne in our toasting glasses we wanted to use for the reception. She kept things rolling right on time, and consulted us as needed if anything needed to be adjusted.

I would be remiss if I did not state what a great value Royal Fig was for us. I shopped around and got quotes from other caterers before visiting Royal Fig. I was shocked at the prices being charged for “appetizer only” meals or cheap buffet chicken dinners. Their cost compared to the gourmet dinner Royal Fig offered was insulting. Royal Fig has a great al a carte system, so we could choose what we wanted, such as appetizers, entrees, side dishes, beverages, linens, china, cake cutting service, set up, waitstaff, bartenders, etc. Everything was itemized and flexible. They even have very casual menu options, too, if you are looking for a more low key affair.

If you want people to talk about how great your wedding was for a long time to come, then Royal Fig is the answer. Thank you, Royal Fig, for a stress free, memorable wedding. You really made the day!”

Carmel and Todd’s Vendors:
Catering and Coordination: Royal Fig Catering
Venue: Mercury Hall
Linens: BBJ Linen
Rentals: Premiere Party Central
Cake: Sweetish Hill Bakery
Dinner Music Musician: Thomas Hughes
DJ: Dylan Jones
Photography: AJH Photography
Florist: Westbank Floral Market

Robin and Andrew’s Camp Lucy Wedding

Royal Fig — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:23:13 +0000

In August of this year,Camp Lucy opened for its first wedding, and Royal Fig Catering was there to be a part of the magic. Camp Lucy is a stunning new wedding venue located in the hill country of Dripping Springs. It is an inspired blend of Asian and American architecture and influences, and owner Whit Hanks has created multiple gorgeous backdrops for both indoor and outdoor weddings alike.

The first wedding here was on August 14, 2010 between Robin Bagley and Andrew Logan. Due to the Texas summer heat, the couple opted for an early morning ceremony under the trees. The lawn was lush and green, and was converted to a croquet field following the ceremony.

photo by Jenny DeMarco

After the ceremony, the reception was held in the main pavilion with an incredible brunch feast including:

Eggs Benedict on Homemade Biscuits
Artichoke, Bacon, and Brie Quiche
Crème Brulee French Toast
Tomato Caprese Salad

We also created several unique touches to display foods, like an elaborate Cheese and Antipasti display, and a tower of Handmade Cinnamon Buns on sticks. At the bar the couple had custom fresh Mimosas and Bloody Marys with our housemade pickled vegetables.

photo by Jenny DeMarco

The venue lent itself well to a Sunday brunch theme with the open-air pavilion. The main covered pavilion was breezy and comfortable atop the hill, even with the temperature and sun creeping up as the day continued. The pavilion has large wooden interior pillars that only allow space for banquet style seating, but the area is still spacious and inviting.

photo by Jenny DeMarco

The outdoor brick-covered grounds and archway adjacent to the pavilion work well with 60” round tables (like these featured with adorable outdoor umbrellas for shade). This brick area also functions well as a ceremony site, with the graceful archway that looks out onto the hill country.

photo by Jenny DeMarco

As early afternoon arrived, the couple exited the wedding from the Camp Lucy chapel. This is another ideal setting for indoor ceremonies, as well as smaller meals and functions. The couple looked stunning and happy as they left to enjoy the rest of the day, and the beginning of their lives together!

photo by Jenny DeMarco

For more information on Camp Lucy visit their website at www.camplucy.com. Thanks to Jenny DeMarco for all of the gorgeous pictures!

Vendors:
Catering – Royal Fig Catering
Coordination – Alicia Anderson, Love Punk Events
Floral – Love Punk Events
Rentals – Dripping Springs Party Rental
Photography - Jenny DeMarco Photography
Cake – Nothing Bundt Cakes
Music - Continental Graffiti

Texas Federation of Women’s Club Mansion Wedding – Kristin and Nik

Royal Fig — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:02:36 +0000

We have catered several weddings at the Texas Federation of Women’s Club Mansion this fall, and we’ve loved every one of them. However, the wedding of Kristin and Nik was one of my favorites because of the amazing teamwork we experienced with all of the vendors and the INCREDIBLE couple and family. Barbara Hearne from Barbara’s Brides, was the ringleader who pulled everyone together in perfect harmony! Thank you Barbara for yet another successful event!

The meal for this wedding of almost 200 guests was served FAMILY STYLE with a first course plated salad. This is another example of why family style service is such a great way to go for any size event. We served the guests in less than 30 minutes, where it would have taken that many guests at least 45 minutes to go through a buffet. The menu consisted of:

Cocktail Hour Appetizers
Dip Bar with Salsa Roja, Spinach Dip, Pumpkin Hummus, Port Wine Cheese Spread and Wasabi Guacamole
Mini Mac and Cheese Bites
Crab Cakes with Ancho Paint and Microgreens

Family Style Dinner
Plated Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Orecchiette Pasta with Butternut Squash and Roasted Root Veg in White Wine Cream Sauce
NY Strip Steak with Bacon Horseradish Puree
Cider Brined Pork Tenderloin with Sunchoke Creamed Spinach
Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Homemade Sourdough Bread

Late Night Snack
Fresh Fried Doughnut Holes with Lemon Curd and Chocolate Ganache
Milk Shots

Orecchiette Pasta with Butternut Squash and White Wine Cream Sauce

Family Style Dinner Service

Not only is Family Style dinner service convenient for the guests, it promotes conversation at the table.

Fresh Fried Doughnut Holes with Milk Shot

The Signature Cocktail - Grape Margarita

Here are some more of our favorite shots from Shannon Cunningham Photography and her second shooter, Tali Wildman:

Cake by Michelle's Patisserie

Floral by Bouquets of Austin, Linen by BBJ Linen

Menu table tents

More of the Fried Doughnut Holes! These made the perfect late night snack!

You can't have doughnuts without milk!

The bride put together a purple themed candy bar and it was beautifully executed by Barbara Hearne's team.

A beautiful ballroom shot with lighting by FILO

We just loved getting to know this sweet couple! Congrats Kristin and Nik!

The Texas Federation Mansion is a gorgeous setting for a wedding at anytime of year!

To top it all off, we received this wonderful 5 star review on Wedding Wire from the Mother of the Groom:

“Our heartfelt gratitude for a job well done at our son’s recent wedding reception. The food you prepared was delicious beyond compare, from the cocktail hour and dinner meal to the “special treat” doughnut holes with their oh-so-good sauces toward the end of the evening. You and your staff are to be commended on your fine service and attention to detail.”

Thanks to all involved with this special wedding and congratulations to Kristin and Nik!

Vendors:
Catering: Royal Fig Catering of course!
Reception: Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Mansio n
Dress: Blush Bridal Lounge
Photography: Shannon Cunningham Photography
Second Shooter: Tali Wildman
Coordinator: Barbara’s Brides
Floral: Bouquets of Austin
Cake: Michelle’s Patisserie
Lighting: FILO
DJ: Stafford from Complete Music
Linen: BBJ Linens
Rentals: Premiere Party Central

Holiday Party Specials!

Royal Fig — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Chocolate Cherry Walnut Brownies by Stardust Pastry; Photo by Sasha Haagensen, Rojo Pictures

The holidays are around the corner, so that means HOLIDAY PARTIES! Together with Stardust Pastry and Eric Hegwer Photography, we’ve created 3 great holiday packages that are designed to make your planning easy!

Add Eric Hegwer Photography to any of the packages below for $60/hr!

Cocktail Package —$15/pp
Includes Server(s), Bartender, BYOB Bar Package, and Choice of FOUR (4) Passed Appetizers from the list below.

BYOB Bar Package—You purchase the alcohol, we provide the rest!
Includes ice, bar equipment, bar tables, black linens, and acrylic cups. coke, diet coke, sprite, bottled water, and any mixers/garnishes needed from the following list: club soda, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, bitters, sweet and sour mix, tonic, lemons, limes, oranges, mint, cherries, and olives.

Passed Appetizer Choices (Desserts by Stardust Pastry)
Lobster Cappuccino
Braised Short Ribs with Polenta
Grilled Flank Steak with Shiner Onions
Medjool Dates with Bacon and Almonds
Chorizo in Red Wine with Arugula
Duck Rillette with Red Currant Sauce
Bourbon Sweet Potato Tarts
Brie with Apple Chutney on Croistini
Crab Cakes with Ancho Chile Paint
Shitake and Black Truffle Soup Shooter
Celery Root and White Chocolate Soup Shooter
Chocolate Raspberry Tartlette
Almond, Spiced Pear Caramel Tartlette
Brown Butter Macadamia Nut Financier (soft cookie)
Caramel Spice Cupcake
Chocolate Cherry Walnut Brownies
Panetone (Italian Christmas Bread +$1/pp)
Rum Savarin (Rum Soaked Butter Bread)
Pineapple Almond Cheese Cake (+$1/pp)
Assortment of Macaroons – Chocolate, Pistachio, Raspberry, White Chocolate, Hazelnut
Mascarpone Mousse Shots with Caramelized Pumpkin

Heavy Hors D’oeuvres Package —$24/pp
Includes Server(s), Bartender, BYOB Bar Package, and Choice of EIGHT (8) Passed Appetizers from the list above.

Holiday Dinner Package—$36.50/pp
Includes Server(s), Bartender, BYOB Bar Package, and Choice of ONE (1) Carving Station and THREE (3) Sides from the list below.

Carving Station Choices:
Smoked Prime Rib
Dr Pepper Glazed Ham
Truffle Roasted Chicken
Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Sides Choices:
Gruyere Scalloped Potato
Creole Mustard Mashed Potato
White Cheddar Polenta
Honey and Rosemary Carrots
Sunchoke Creamed Spinach
Braised Kale with Bacon
Gorgonzola Roasted Mushroom and Onions

Umlauf Sculpture Garden Wedding featured on Weddingchicks.com!

Royal Fig — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:31:09 +0000

We recently had the chance to cater the wedding of Shea and Louie at the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Gardens. Their wedding was featured on weddingchicks.com with incredibly unique photography by Azini Photography.

Photo by Azini Photography

The menu for this cocktail reception reflected their Cajun roots and included some veggie friendly options. We started with a bountiful cheese display featuring cheese from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, house made breads, marmalade, and pickled vegetables. Passed appetizers included Boudin Balls, Crab Cakes with Spicy Remoulade, Edamame Falafel with Tahini Dipping Sauce, and Bourbon Sweet Potato Tarts.

Photo by Azini Photography

Our officemate, Stardust Pastry made an assortment of mini cupcakes including two of our favorites, carrot and boston cream!

Photo by Azini Photography

To see more pictures from this wedding, check out the post on weddingchicks.com. Azini Photography did a wonderful job capturing the spirit of this fun couple.

Royal Fig featured on Austin Bridal Secrets

Royal Fig — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:07:30 +0000

Thanks to DJ RJ for featuring Royal Fig Catering on his website AustinBridalSecrets.com. Click here to listen to the 18 minute radio interview and hear co-owner, Kristen Stacy, talk about the ins and outs of Royal Fig.

Austin Bridal Secrets is a podcast run by DJ RJ that helps brides find vendors they would like to work with by getting to know them over the airwaves.

Enjoy!

Megan and Stahl – Summer wedding at Vista West Ranch

Royal Fig — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:29:09 +0000

Megan & Stahl
Vista West Ranch 7/17/10

When Megan contacted us exactly one month before her wedding day to discuss catering options, we were a little nervous. Could an entire wedding be planned and executed in such a short time? As it turned out, we had nothing to worry about. Megan was a breeze to work with, and happily followed our recommendations for the perfect southern meal to complement the couple and the venue.

Megan and Stahl had originally booked Barr Mansion which had recently sustained unfortunate fire damage, so they made the decision to move their big day to Vista West Ranch. Their vision was for a rustic, barn-side wedding. The setting was perfect to match Megan and Stahl’s style, and all the little details were captured by photographers The Nichols and Sherry Hammonds Photography. It was so fun and unique that the Urbans wedding day was recently featured on the national Weddings Unveiled Magazine blog. Check it out here!

During the cocktail hour, the guests mingled in the Biegarten at Vista West Ranch, where we served fun trail mix and light beer snacks in the Mother-of-the-Bride’s Fostoria crystal bowls. It was just the right blend for a night of rustic elegance!

Dinner was served buffet style and included:

NY Strip Steak with Roasted Corn Salsa

Jalapeno Roasted Potatoes

Brown Butter Green Beans

and Buttermilk Biscuits

We had many, many compliments on the steak, and had more than a few go through the line twice.

Photography by The Nichols

We were thrilled to be a part of this wedding, and the couple, the family, and the guests had a great time. Thanks to all who helped make this a fun night for us, too! And congratulations to the happy couple!

See more pictures at The Nichols blog: http://thenicholsblog.com/2010/08/09/megan-stahl-married

Royal Fig will be at BATFEST!

Royal Fig — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:09:58 +0000

Royal Fig is going BATTY! Come out to Batfest on the Congress Street Bridge on August 21st from 1pm to midnight and taste some fabulous food. Admission is FREE and it’s a great family event.

Here is our version of festival street food! We are vegetarian friendly and everything is made from scratch!

Photo by Eric Hegwer, Austin Food Photographer

Two types of Handmade Soft Pretzels - Parmesan and Jalapeno

Edamame Falafel with Tahini Dipping Sauce

Pork Belly Cuban Sandwiches

Texas Watermelon and Feta Salad

Truffle Popcorn

For more information about Batfest visit the Roadway Events website.

Thanks to BZ Events

Royal Fig — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:51:11 +0000

Cilantro Masa Cakes with Black Bean Salsa, Photo by Rojo Pictures

Several months ago, Cortney Zieky, the “Z” of BZ Events, called me to ask if their team could hold their monthly staff meeting at our office. So they called in an etiquette coach to do a seminar for their staff as we cooked up some tasty treats! On the menu was:

Grilled Flank Steak with Shiner Onions
Tabasco Poached Shrimp Shooters
Cilantro Masa Cakes with Black Bean Salsa
Yucatan Pulled Pork on Arepas
and a selection of Artisan Cheeses from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop

Here are two blog posts about this fun evening that feature photography by Rojo Pictures:

BZ Events Blog CLM Etiquette Blog

Thanks BZ! We’d love to have you back!

Things to consider for your outdoor wedding or event

Royal Fig — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:30:02 +0000

Living in Texas, there are certain times of year when outdoor weddings are absolutely ideal, and as such, exceedingly popular. Of course, now is not that time! We’re in the heat of summer and it’s hard to imagine doing anything outside that involves more than a bathing suit and a beach towel, much less a full wedding gown and heels or a formal tux! But, I know there are a lot of couples out there, several of our clients included, that are making their last minute wedding preparations for the fall (September-October) or beginning to make arrangements for their spring wedding next year (April-May).

Royal Fig has been fortunate to serve and coordinate many outdoors weddings in the past year, and we’ve learned a few rules. But I did a little research to see if what we learned were sort of universal truths in the wedding industry. Turns out they are! I came across this incredible article by Nina Callaway at About.com that really sums it up well. I cannot think of a better list of Top-10 Outdoor Wedding Tips than this! Enjoy!

1) Make your guests comfortable. Think about what the weather will likely be at the time of day and month of the year of your outdoor wedding. Sunny and hot? Don’t leave your guests uncomfortably melting – have your ushers give guests ice-cold bottles of water as they are seated. Consider printing your wedding program on a fan so that guests may cool themselves. Don’t forget to have plenty of sunscreen on hand as well. For a very warm location, look into renting large electric fans (don’t forget a generator) and/or a tent to shade the sun’s rays. If it will be cold and damp, make sure you tell guests that so they can wear extra layers. A simple xeroxed insert will do. You might want to have lap blankets on hand, or rent portable heaters.

2) Have a backup plan. What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case. Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. In a pinch, the tables can be scooted to the back of the room during the ceremony. A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. A heavy rain will soak the ground underneath, leaving guests with soggy and muddy shoes. Make sure any tent you rent is sturdy so it won’t flip over, and that it has thick and weighted sides. We love to recommend Premiere Tents and Events for all of your tenting needs!

Chance of rain? Opt for a tent!

Same goes for our mobile kitchen

3) Plan for Wind. Many outdoor weddings suffer from windy conditions. Avoid light fabrics like chiffons and china silks in your dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Tell your hairstylist that you’ll be having an outdoor wedding so she/he can plan a style that won’t leave you looking like Cousin It! Men in the wedding party should use pomade or other styling product. Again, tell your guests in a printed insert so that they can plan accordingly. And of course, make sure your tent will stand up to gusting winds or find an indoor backup plan.

We know a thing or two about windy wedding conditions! Always have back up linen clips and shims to level your tables.

4) Can everybody hear? When you picture your dream wedding at the beach, you’re probably not hearing the roaring of the waves, the rushing wind, or the local kids running and screaming around you. Look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the couple and officiant. Your DJ or band may be able to easily arrange this for you.

Memory Lane Event Center has a great set up for ceremony musicians!

5) Decorations. One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you, lessening your need to decorate. But you still need to do some work. Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mowed, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the bridal party or friends to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it’s been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the couple as they say their vows; strings of lights or lanterns in the trees; luminarias; torches; or farolitas.

These Chinese lanterns added a nice punch to the natural landscape

Vista West Ranch provides a perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. Floral by Petal Pushers and coordination by Lizze Belle Events

Another great shot from a wedding we catered at Vista West Ranch. Photography by the Nichols. Click the picture for more pictures from this beautiful rustic wedding.

6) Make things tasty outside. Does your caterer have experience planning an outdoor wedding menu? Make sure they’re planning things that will keep well outdoors in the heat. Avoid things like mayonnaise salads or dishes which must be served cold.

7) Don’t leave your guests parched. Since alcohol is dehydrating, consider serving a variety of lemonades, teas and punches. Be sure to have plenty of ice and water around as well. For a fancy cocktail, why not serve a classic mint julep or a mojito? The mint will refresh and cool your guests. Check out our beverage menu for a list of options!

Ice-Cold, refreshing margaritas to greet guests as they arrive! We prepared 350 of these cocktails for guests at a corporate party we catered at the Mexican American Cultural Center.

We made a prickly pear margarita to match the bride's dress!

Guests helped themselves to this outdoor drink station before the ceremony started. It kept everyone cool! Our fresh squeezed lemonades even come in a variety of seasonal flavors.

8) Those pesky flying things. Be sure to put out citronella candles or a bug zapper so that your guests won’t spend the whole ceremony swatting at the air.

9) Here comes the sun. Consider timing your outdoor wedding for sunset where your guests will see you take your vows surrounded by the warm glow of the sun. Those having a daytime outdoor wedding should orient the ceremony so that the sun will be on guests’ backs rather than in their eyes.

The sun was really shining on this day at Zilker Clubhouse! The ceremony was held inside while the sun went down.

10) Permits. Don’t forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.

This short list of do’s and don’ts can really save your outdoor wedding and make it picture-perfect, just like you imagined.