Would you believe that I've enjoyed Expressions Catering quality food three times in May? Expressions catered two full means that I enjoyed - the Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center and The Patuxent Partnership annual dinner at Historic St. Mary's City. In addition, I really enjoyed the heavy hors d'oeuvres event celebrating the past year of United Way held at Rosedale Manor House, Greenwell State Park.
DINNER REVIEW
You know how difficult it is to cater large events. Both meals were tasty, but the dinner under the tent at St. Mary's City was especially wonderful so I'll focus on that. We were first treated to passed and tabled hors d'oeuvres - huge sea scallops wrapped in bacon - every time I thought the last tray had been passed, another waiter appeared with more succulent scallops. Other appetizers that I tasted included crab dip, crudité, cheese assortment, breads, and crackers. I had just a small dose of each to save room for dinner.
Such a beautiful evening on the St. Mary's River in front of the State House, lovely breeze, cocktails, live music by Ed Warren - it was difficult to get the crowd to move to the tent for dinner! We gathered under the tent a full half hour after scheduled and I actually thought dinner would be a disaster. By the time the formalities of seating, honoring the flag, and invocation were complete and we finally sat, it was more like an hour behind schedule. The staff may have been frustrated but they were very professional and said nothing to the guests - realize that our late start meant that they had to work late.
The salad was dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette that was especially tasty. There was adequate space between tables for servers to move about removing salad dishes and serving the entrée without making hardly a sound. The tenderloin of beef was very tender, not as rare as I would like, but that's our fault for sitting down late. Even so, it was melt-in-your-mouth tender and just flavorful enough that I didn't add salt or pepper. We also had fish - tilapia with a very light breading and a fruit salsa, potatoes, and green beans. You know what a fan I am of crunchy green beans - they still had crunch!
Assorted desserts were already on the tables when we sat for dinner. I didn't try dessert after getting on the scales at a doctor appointment earlier in the week. Will save desserts for weekends only - we'll see how long that lasts!
HEAVY HORS D'OEUVRES REVIEW
I just love hors d'oeuvres - you can have a meal without feeling too full and enjoy a lot of different tastes. The dining table at Rosedale Manor celebrating the past year of United Way fund raising and accomplishments was laden with goodies: crab dip (I think the best I've ever had with huge lumps of crabmeat), meatballs (just the right size for eating without having to bite in half or cover your mouth with a napkin because they're too large - perfect portion), 1/2 croissant sandwiches stuffed with beef or ham (good idea to cut them in half given the other food available, again perfect portion), crudité, and mini desserts of warm bourbon pecan pies, lemon meringue pies, and trifles containing fresh strawberries. Darn it, I completely forgot my swearing off of desserts until the weekend - oh well, they were mini, right?!
TASTE FOR YOURSELF
You can try Expressions culinary expertise yourselves - Expressions Catering provides food service at the Brome Howard Inn, 18281 Rosecroft Road, St. Mary's City. They are open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Hit Thirsty Thursday from 3:30 until 6:00 p.m. for cash bar and $10 hors d'oeuvres specialties. Check the website (www.expressionsofstmarys.com) for schedule and upcoming events (wine and dinner pairings) and they occasionally close if someone rents the Inn for a special event.
Bon Appetite!
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