Crystal Lake Catering Company

01/08/2024

Well the weather outside is frightfull! And we think the best thing is fill the tummy with some amazing food. Try our Chili for 2

Carriedawaygourmet.com

11/16/2023

Orders must be in by 6pm Friday! Last chance to get this offer! Pre orders only! This will not be available for walk in service.

Carriedawaygourmet.com

11/14/2023

10/26/2023

As we are coming to a close to our 2023 season, it so fun to look back at all memories! Being able to serve clients at the beginning of a new chapter in life will always be one of our favorite aspects of the service industry!

09/21/2022

We love doing events at The Elberta Life Saving Station 😍😍

09/21/2022

A peak into what our 2022 season has been! Congratulations again Katelynn and Ethan! It was a pleasure to serve you 💕💕

04/26/2021

Saffron; a little goes a long way. Yes it’s true, it’s pricier than gold, but it’s certainly worth its weight! Use a small pinch in your Paella or other rice dish, for a floral note and punch of vibrant color!

Contact [email protected] to book your next event!

04/19/2021

We know you can’t beat a classic Paella, featuring mussels, squid and prawns… but what’s the most unusual thing you’ve seen in Paella or Jambalaya?

Contact [email protected] to book your next event!

04/12/2021

What is your favorite type of pan to use and what do you use it for? We just love our oversized Paella pan, perfect for weddings, social gatherings and community events. Remember folks, sharing is caring!

Contact [email protected] to book your next event!

04/05/2021

“Jambalaya vs. Paella… It’s all in the Pan!”

These two tantalizing dishes strike up an interesting conversation. Both dishes look quite similar, using a base of rice with a myriad of ingredients and from the untrained eye, might look the same, and although they share some qualities, there are some major differences.

Jambalaya’s etymology is somewhat of a jumbled culinary quest into Creole-Cajun culture in the South of the US. It’s known to have originated in Louisiana during the 18th century. Some suspect its name is influenced by the Spanish word for ham, “jamon”, mixed with its potential influencer of Paella, which is also from Spain. Or perhaps it’s inspiration comes from a Provencal word “jambalaia”, meaning a mixture of rice and other ingredients, which makes sense given the French influence for that region. A collision of culture one might say. Could it be that it’s title reflects not just its contents, but also it’s varied origins? Whatever the case, we sure love the taste!

Paella’s history has been far less controversial, with it’s recognition worldwide and its homestake deeply rooted in Valencia, Spain. The name for this ancient dish most likely originated from the latin word “patella”, meaning pan, which makes sense when you see the vessel it is cooked in. In actuality, Paella is the name of the pan, “frying pan”, but the dish of leftovers soon became widely known by the same name in the mid-19th century. This superb dish actually was originally known as a farm labourers food, cooked with rice and other ingredients over an open fire at lunchtime. On special occasions, meats like rabbit or duck would be added to elevate this hearty dish, with a touch of saffron for an extra special flavor and undeniable brilliant color. Valencia offered amazing fresh seafood, which eventually made its way into more modern renditions of the recipe and still today you will see large families gathered around the paella pan, sharing and enjoying their own take on this Spanish staple. There is no denying that if you want to impress your guests at a party, this dish is the way to do it!

One thing that brings these two dishes together, perhaps the most important, is the pan in which all the fresh ingredients are brought together with rice and served community style, boasting bold flavors and a visually stunning display. Fortune favors the bold and the bold flavors favor these fortunate dishes indeed. And they are surprisingly simple to make, a one pot wonder with maximum impact without totally breaking the budget. While Paella requires some more distinct ingredients, pricier seafood and saffron (which is worth more than gold by its weight), Jambalaya can offer the same satisfying display of deliciousness, without the need for specialist ingredients at a prime price.

Different dishes, from different corners of the world, with different flavors, but both a fantastic delight to impress the best. Whether a plentiful Paella or jubilant Jambalaya, we suggest you try them both, and just remember that it’s all in the pan!

Contact [email protected] to book your next event!

04/04/2021

Now Hiring high paid, intelligent, ambitious and well balanced food service professionals

Despite this pandemic storm, The Crystal Lake Catering Co. has a full Calendar of Events for 2021. We expect few cancellations and anticipate adding several more events over the next few of months!

Since 1999, The Crystal Lake Catering Company has built its respect serving hand crafted beers, regional wines, creative cocktails, well prepared, fresh, flavorful and seasonal foods on beautiful lake shores across Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Manistee counties making authentic Northern Michigan experiences. Please join us to produce genuine, meaningful and memorable life experiences.

Hiring:
Professional Bartenders
Professional Servers
Chefs
Chef Assistants
With the exception our culinary team, who prep cook, dish wash load & unload food service equipment, most positions are just one or two shifts a week. The culinary team can expect four to five shifts per week.

Earn high wages in a safe working environment:
Wages range from $20/hr to $12/hr
Our Covid-19 Operating Procedures approved by our local Health Department will ensure that we are employing best practices and a safe working environment.

Please call or email Jim to schedule an interview(see contact information below). Then and there we can discuss your resume and share our:
Calendar of Events,
Employee Policy
Covid-19 Operating Procedures

We look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers!
Jim Barnes
The Crystal Lake Catering Co.
231.651.9834
[email protected]

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