Food Truck Weddings!

To be honest, I hadn't given much thought to food trucks as wedding caterers....not until Brandon, owner and head chef of the Wandering Dago, contacted me. After that, well, food trucks were all I could think about.

(c) Wandering Dago

Having evolved over the years from the basic pretzel, knish, and dirty water dog (a personal favorite of mine) to true culinary masterpieces, food trucks have taken center stage. Move over kitschy kitchens and bourgie bistros, the food truck revolution has arrived. 

And so has Wandering Dago. Originating from Montana, Brandon made his way to the Hudson Valley by way of Colorado and Brooklyn. He and his partner-in-crime, Andrea (an environmental lawyer) moved to Schenectady and started in the college town-food truck industry but it just didn't click. So what's a food truck guy to do?

(c) Wandering Dago

Well, if you're Brandon, you put your thinking cap on (which also happens to be a chef hat) and you start cooking....but not for people just strolling down the sidewalk - no, you start cookin' for weddings.

And not just small backyard shindigs, we're talking big, 300-guest weddings. With a fully stocked commercial kitchen in the truck, the Wandering Dago comes prepared to create delicious dishes using locally sourced meats and vegetables grown in the their very own garden. Brandon works with the future bride and groom to create a completely custom menu tailored to their wants, needs, and budget.

Once the menu is set and the big day has arrived, the WD truck arrives at the venue early in the morning to begin setup. Brandon supplies the tables for food service and although he recommends buffet style (see his great blog post here), he can also accommodate family style, full service, or truckside service. The WD crew works hard to prepare amazing food and provide excellent service to the newly weds and their guests!

(c) Wandering Dago

(c) Wandering Dago

(c) Wandering Dago

While a food truck is not as conventional as a traditional caterer, there are so many bonuses. There's no need to rent a kitchen tent when hiring a food truck. The entire kitchen is self contained and hidden. Plus a food truck adds that hip, sort of quirky vibe for a truly unique event. Additionally, the cost per person can much less expensive than a traditional banquet hall or caterer.

For more information on how to hire WD for your next event, please hop on over to his website:

Wandering Dago

Schenectady, NY 

email: catering@wanderingdago.com

phone: 720-271-9728

Happy Planning (and Eating!), 

Lizzie

Farm to Table

If you are lucky enough to call the Hudson Valley your home, you probably already know that the Valley is host to a variety of farms and orchards which produce an amazing array of fruits, vegetables,  cheese, yogurt, and meats. 

And if you are reside in the Hudson Valley, you most likely have come across The Valley Table, a quarterly publication dedicated to sustainable agriculture, food, and cuisine in our region.  The Valley Table is such a phenomenal resource for those who are looking to source more of their diet from local farms, orchards, and wineries.  If you are planning an event and are searching for a "farm to table" caterer, pick up an issue of The Valley Table.  It is chock full of fantastic information and because of the publication's focus, restaurants and caterers from all over the region advertise in the magazine and on The Valley Table's website.

(c) Hudson Valley Green
Gratuitous photo of sugar snap pea plants in Lizzie's Garden. 

As I perused the most recent issue of The Valley Table, I realized it was high time to update our "Local Vendors" page with new caterers who focus on serving high quality, deliciously prepared local foods.  So here are a few more eco-conscious caterers in the Hudson Valley:

Harvest Real Food Catering
4496 Route 209, Stone Ridge (Ulster County)
http://harvestrealfoodcatering.com/

Main Course Catering

175 Main Street, New Paltz (Ulster County)

http://www.maincoursecatering.com/

Oliver Kita Fine Catering

18 West Market Street, Rhinebeck (Dutchess County)

http://www.oliverkitafinecatering.com/

Red Devon

108 Hunns Lake Road, Bangall (Dutchess County)

http://www.reddevonrestaurant.com/

For additional "farm to table" caterers, please visit our "Local Vendors" link at the top of this page (or just click here).  If you know of any caterers who should be included in our list, please email hvgreenblog@gmail.com and let us know!

Happy Planning...and Happy Eating, 

Lizzie

FYI: Subscriptions to The Valley Table are $20 but several restaurants, libraries, and other public venues have issues free for the taking! 

Organic Cuisine and Local Caterers

 October 2011 Issue 

If you have never managed to get your hands on the Chronogram, a monthly publication focusing on the arts, culture, and spirit of the Hudson Valley, then you should because: 1) it's free; and 2) it's great. 

Whenever I see the Chronogram magazines in local cafes, bars, or libraries, I always grab a copy. The articles are thought-provoking and the photos are inspiring. The Chronogram allows me to explore the Hudson Valley without having to leave my couch. It serves as a wonderful resource for upcoming events such as art exhibits, farmers markets, concerts, plays, and the like. 

As I perused the October issue, I found several advertisements for restaurants/caterers using local and organic ingredients. The locavore movement has begun to infiltrate our eateries and I'm loving it. With the holidays rapidly descending upon us, I'm sure that many people will be procuring caterers to provide delicious cuisine for their party guests. 

source

Here are just a few caterers that I found in the October issue. The chefs are committed to creating amazing dishes with seasonal, local, and organic ingredients. Doesn't get much better than that! 

Bistro-To-Go

948 Route 28

Kingston, NY 

Ulster County

http://www.bluemountainbistro.com/catering.php

Rusty's Farm Fresh Eatery

5 Old Farm Road

Suite D

Red Hook, NY 

Dutchess County

http://rustysfarmfresheatery.com/

The Artist's Palate

307 Main Street

Poughkeepsie, NY 

Dutchess County 

http://theartistspalate.biz/artistspalate/catering.html

And if you aren't in the market for a caterer, you may want to visit the restaurants in person to savor some local ingredients. The Artist's Palate might be a great place to have your next date night. :)

I will continue to be on the lookout for other caterers and restaurants that focus on serving up the best ingredients of the Hudson Valley. Visit Hudson Valley Green's Local Vendors page often for updates! 

Happy Planning (and Eating),
Lizzie