Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Vendor Spotlight: Culinary Concepts

Christie Gowdy, Culinary Concepts's wedding specialist

Vendor Culinary Concepts Catering
Phone 858-530-1885
Email events@cateringspecialist.com
Website www.cateringspecialist.com
Social Media Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Company Background
Nearly two decades ago, Culinary Concepts was conceived in the heart of San Diego, the brainchild of a small group of event professionals, well-versed in the catering and restaurant industry. There was the experienced chef, bringing his international training and talented command of the kitchen to the table. Then came our fearless leader, a business-savvy sales director, full of creative and visionary innovations and not the type to shy away from any challenge (big or small). Next was the décor specialist, THE authority in event styling, who single-handedly necessitated that our little one story warehouse expand - rapidly! - to accommodate the props, linens, buffet accents, and equipment we used to bring our client's dreams to life. Along with our skillful and professional event staff and tireless kitchen team, Culinary Concepts began to blossom. From the very beginning, the goal of Culinary Concepts was to fill a void missing from San Diego's catering industry - we strove to be a company that  didn't simply offer our clients menu A, B, or C, but one that really listened to their customers and put creative energy into the creation and planning of each event. People took note of that attention to detail and our goal of making each event unique, and gradually, word spread across the county that we were the ultimate in creative, delicious, and personalized catering.

Culinary Concepts described in three words:
Creative. Fresh. Delicious.

What type of cuisine does Culinary Concepts cater?
Anything and everything! We pride ourselves in flexible and custom menu planning, incomparable food production and presentation, superior services and creative, striking décor. We believe in catering delicious meals that are created without harmful chemicals and additives. We're proud to present seasonal menus with flavorful local and sustainable foods, made with the freshest ingredients possible. We do not use processed food.

What got you interested in the catering industry and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
Our wedding specialist, Christie Gowdy says, "I was a wedding planner for 17 years and owned my own wedding planning business. I decided to venture in a new direction in my career but I loved the wedding industry and wanted to find something that combined all of my passions. Wedding catering is the best of both worlds! I have a great love of food and I take pride in my impeccable customer service, so a natural progression towards wedding catering just made sense for me. I searched for a catering company that would meet my high standards of service and I found it in Culinary Concepts."

"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how happy my clients are at the end of their event. When I'm approached by my bride and groom and they tell me that their wedding was better than they could have dream of, and that the food and service was amazing - that's a wonderful feeling. The major reward of my job is a customer that is satisfied above and beyond."

What's special about catering for weddings? What is your favorite part about catering for weddings?
"The most special part is that a wedding is normally a time when family and friends who haven't seen each other in a long time come together to celebrate the love of 2 people. It's such a joyous time in my clients' lives and it's really an honor to be a part of their special day. In wedding catering, we can be as creative with the menu as our client allows and every event is different - which is really great. I love working with couples and helping to design their venue and it's important to me that we exceed their expectations."

How would you describe the Culinary Concepts experience?
Personalized and professional. From the moment you inquire Culinary Concepts, to the moment you dance the final dance at your wedding - we work with you directly to create an event you'll never forget. We have great working relationships with vendors, coordinators, and other wedding professionals and so we work closely with them on your event as well. we are a catering company first and foremost but we don't stop working at the food - we create bonds with our clients and help to guide them through every step of the planning process.

Name one thing that sets Culinary Concepts apart from its competitors:
We personalize and customize ALL menus for brides and grooms, rather than sending out a stock menu. Our wedding specialist talks to each bride personally and has a detailed conversation in regards to their wedding menu vision - and from there, we custom create an exciting and delicious menu to fit their needs. Our wedding specialist personally attends ALL events to oversee the operation, which is something that definitely sets us apart from other catering companies. And finally, our qualified staff and amazing food set us apart. Our chef, Donald Coffman, doesn't put any limits on creative menu design; anything you can dream up, we can help cook and create!