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| Food Company Owners, Shelly Barsotti and Andrea Hagar |
Tools of the Trade
Let’s be honest.
We might not all be Julia Child in the kitchen, but we love to look like we know what we’re doing. That means stocking our cupboards with the latest gadgets and “chichi” gourmet goodies. So we turned to the experts some of Dallas top caterers to tell us the one item they couldn’t live without. From wasabi-coated peas to cast-iron skillets, their answers were surprising and illuminating. And we can’t wait to go shopping. After all, this is Dallas, and, though we can’t all cook, we do know how to accessorize. >>
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In addition to providing lunch and desserts to Forty Five Ten’s T Room, Food Company (4115 Lomo Alto Dr. 214-521-7193) caters parties in some of the city’s toniest homes. The secret to owners Shelley Barsotti and Andrea Hagar (above) success? “Good, basic equipment, such as a Kitchen Aid mixer. It’s great for taking directly to a party and using on site,” says Hagar. Kitchen Aid 5 quart Artisan mixer ($249) Available at Viking, 4531 McKinney Ave. 214-526-3942. >>
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George Catering
<< Wasabi-coated peas. George Brown likes to use them on Asian salads. $2.99 at Kazy’s Gourmet Shop, 9256 Markville Dr. 972-235-4831.
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Two Sisters Catering
Framboise and Canadian aged white cheddar. “It’s awesome,” says owner Connie Chantilis. “It’s the sharpest cheddar out there. With the framboise, the combination is quite nice.” Bonny Doon framboise, $13, at Best Cellars, 3205 Knox St. 214-252-9463. White cheddar, $9.99 per pound, at Whole Foods Market, 4100 Lomo Alto Dr. 214-520-7993. >>
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Wendy Krispin Catering
<< Handheld blender. Owner Wendy Krispin loves the blender’s versatility. “You can blend, pure, process soup right on the stove, and even make a milkshake in a glass,” she says. It’s the gal pal. $99.95 at Williams-Sonoma, 51 Highland Park Village. 214-219-1753.
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Food Company
Cast-iron skillet. “You have to cook cornbread in a cast-iron skillet,” says co-owner Andrea Hagar. Le Creuset skillet, $85, at Viking Culinary Arts Center, 4531 McKinney Ave. 214-526-3942. >>
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Andrew Ormsby Catering
<< Molds. Have you ever wondered how chefs make their stacked food so pretty? The secret’s out: “Molds are great,” says owner Andrew Ormsby. You can buy them in different sizes and shapes. They’re great for stacking and vertical presentation. Stacks: The Art of Vertical Food Kit, $24.95, at Sur La Table, 5809 Preston Rd., Ste. 580, Plano. 972-378 5532.
