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Recipes

Blueberry Mint Lemonade

Our Signature Blueberry Mint Lemonade Recipe

Homemade Blueberry Mint Lemonade

Perfect for a Vancouver Picnic!

Looking for the taste of a Vancouver summer? You won’t find a better pairing than our homemade blueberry lemonade, complete with local blueberries that just beg for picnic sipping. Tangy, sweet, and oh so refreshing, our blueberry lemonade has been a favourite for many at our catering events. We thought why not share the recipe so you can enjoy the drink in the comfort of your own backyard!

Truffles Fine Foods Blueberry Lemonade Recipe

The Not-So-Secret Ingredient

Not only does it hit the mark with flavour, but it’s as gorgeous looking as it tastes. After all, we eat with our eyes first! The blueberries create a delightful purple hue that brightens the drink and impresses anyone who sips it. If you want to wow your friends at your next cocktail party, this blueberry lemonade is sure to hit the mark.

As luck would have it, we’re in the midst of Vancouver’s blueberry season. From the fields of Abbotsford to the backyard containers of urban Vancouver gardeners, you can find local blueberries around every corner. Blueberry picking is one of our favourite activities, one that brings back waves of nostalgia and very very blue fingers.

At the end of blueberry picking, you oftentimes find yourself with more buckets of blueberries than you know what to do with. So, after your annual blueberry picking, set aside some of the tasty berries to make this untraditional yet beloved picnic drink.

Truffles Fine Foods Blueberry Lemonade Recipe

Homemade Blueberry Mint Lemonade

Are your tastebuds cheering for blueberry lemonade yet? Without further adieu, here is the recipe from our Truffles Fine Foods’ Executive Chef Dave Bell!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup frozen Blueberries
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2/3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 sprig of mint

Instructions

  1. Muddle blueberries and mint together
  2. Pour boiling water over sugar and stir until completely dissolved
  3. Add lemon juice, cold water and muddled blueberries and mint to the sugar water mixture
  4. Mix well
  5. Strain blueberries and mint using a fine sieve or cheesecloth before serving
  6. Serve over ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

The Best Pairing for Blueberry Mint Lemonade

Refreshing and filled with summer flavour, this drink is best enjoyed outdoors on a sunny day. For the perfect backdrop to enjoy your blueberry lemonade, join us at Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden for our Summer Gourmet Picnic. Enjoy a four-course meal inspired by Italian alfresco dishes, admission to the gardens, and you guessed it, our signature blueberry lemonade! To accommodate everyone, we have plant-based options and a kid’s menu available.

To see available timeslots and book your picnic, click here. Hurry, our Summer Gourmet Picnic is available for a limited time only!

Events & Celebrations

How To Have A Micro Wedding

Over the past few months, our lives and the way the entire world operates has evolved into something so unprecedented and unpredictable that planning just about anything is near futile. Due to the seriousness of Covid-19, our industry has faced several challenges from closures of our stores to the cancellation of events. With that said, our province has endured and we are slowly moving into phases that allow us to operate again. We know how important it is for you to tie the knot. And, as the old saying goes, “The show must go on!” When it comes to having your wedding, is it not just as relevant and applicable? 

With current restrictions in place, our culinary team has been able to pivot by welcoming any and every request pertaining to Micro Weddings. If this concept is new to you, I invite you to read on.

Read more “How To Have A Micro Wedding” →
Events & Celebrations

How To Prepare For A Wedding

It goes without saying that we, at Truffles Fine Foods, has seen our fair share of weddings and events. Having been in the catering industry for 15 years, we have grown accustomed to seeing the best and worst of planning. Yes, planning – the most stressful process of any event you host (especially if it is your own wedding). Planning is what ultimately determines how successful your wedding is. I know “success” is subjective, but you want to put yourself in the eyes of the guest. If I were to attend a wedding, for example, does it look put together or is it missing several elements? Have I had to wait for my dinner because the bride and groom arrived late? Did a golf cart drive through the background of the ceremony as the vows were being said? I’m only using these examples because I have witnessed them firsthand! 

I digress. You get the gist. If you’re planning or know someone who is planning their wedding, you’re in luck because here some some high-level tips to make your event smoother and successful! It will also (hopefully) help you mitigate the stressors that seem to manifest themselves in the days leading up to the big day.

Setting Your Budget

You want to make sure your life happily ever after is not filled with debt, so it is always best to set a budget before you begin making any plans. Ask yourself what is feasible or not? What is necessary? What is or isn’t an absolute must-have at your wedding? Once your budget has been set, you can start identifying venues, caterers, gown costs, and other expenses that you will incur during the planning process.

Identify Your Guest List

Another major headache for engaged couples is finding the proper venue for your big day. I know a lot of you have a dream venue in mind with certain criterias such as view, decor, location, etc., but nothing can be done until you have figured out your guestlist. I’ve encountered several couples who have families so large or a guestlist so long that most hotel or boutique venues were no longer feasible. So, what do you do? Start figuring out who you intend to invite first, and categorize them into people you must-invite followed by the standby list. The latter doesn’t necessarily mean people on this list won’t get an invite, but should folk from the first list cancel or fail to RSVP, there’s the standby list to help fill seats.

With a budget and your guest list in hand, the planning process will slowly start falling into place! In my upcoming blog post, I’ll provide a couple more wedding-related tips to make your planning process all the more easier. Stay tuned!

Events & Celebrations

The Pipe Shop – A Unique Experience

If you live along the North Shore or have taken the Seabus to and from downtown Vancouver, you have probably heard of, or at least seen signs of the “Pipe Shop”. Contrary to what you might think it is, it has nothing to do with vaping or the legalization of anything. In fact, it is a building filled with character, history, and has become an iconic landmark in North Vancouver for several decades. After having undergone a series of renovations, this coveted location was transformed into a gorgeous venue for big events and Truffles Fine Foods is a proud catering partner. So, before I dive into what this place features, let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Credit: Vancouver Archives

What is the Pipe Shop?

North Vancouver has a very rich maritime history where shipyards once dotted its coast (and they still do to some extent). What began as the Wallace Shipyard in 1906 and later renamed to the Burrard Dry Dock in 1921, North Vancouver’s ship building history has shaped the history of our West Coast. Believe it or not, over 450 ships had been launched from the pier just a stone’s throw away from the Pipe Shop! Back in the 1940s when naval vessels were constructed for the war effort, this building was known as the Pipefitter’s building where all the pipes needed for ships were laid out and readied to be installed onto the vessels. Men and women would work tirelessly to ensure that each ship had the necessary components for launch. Following the closing of the Shipyard in 1992 and after the Pipe Shop was decommissioned, this 9,000 square foot building was renovated into a marvelous structure that incorporates its rich history with a modern flair! From the outside, it looks rather simple and vintage, but you’ll be amazed at the vaulted ceilings, heritage pillars, and original wooden beams that criss-cross their way above.

Booking An Event

Whether it be a wedding or a birthday celebration, the Pipeshop is designed to house up to 350 seated guests comfortably. This unparalleled facility is close to the pier which provides patrons with a remarkable view of the Burrard Inlet, Downtown Vancouver, and even the Lion’s Gate Bridge. On a warm, Summer evening, glimpses of the sunset can even be seen! Nearby is also the bustling streets of North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area and the busy markets of Lonsdale Quay. Getting to and from the venue is also extremely convenient. There are paid parking lots nearby, but also free parking on evenings and weekends at the adjacent ICBC parkade. If you plan on taking transit, there are bus stops nearby and is a walking-distance from the sea bus terminal. 

 

On site, the Pipe Shop has Globe Lighting, 21 circuits of 20 amp power. Public washrooms are nearby, but all rentals (including table and chairs) are the responsibility of the renter. Although there are no kitchen facilities on site, we at Truffles Fine Foods have that covered. Since we are partners with the Pipe Shop, our team members have catered several parties and events at this venue and understand all logistics and challenges. Our team is able to work with you to plan your event and turn a good party into a great one. If you’ve any questions or concerns, reach out to our team today! We’re here to help.

Events & Celebrations

How To Plan Your Wedding Reception

Celebrity chef and Food Network host, Guy Fieri was once quoted saying: “Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.” I cannot agree more. And, when it comes to a wedding, the meal served at your reception is what all your guests look forward to – after the ceremony, of course.

The reception is the time and place where friends and family gather, chatter amongst themselves, share stories and fond memories of you, and have many laughs over the speeches delivered. What stands out the most, however, with any reception is the meal (barring any embarrassing stories, of course). I have been to several weddings where the food quality ranged from amazing to mediocre – and those impressions are what guests take away from their night. If they leave hungry, or something tasted off, you’ll hear about it for years to come! To prevent this from happening at your reception, allow me to propose Truffles Fine Foods.

wedding-hearts-hands

Planning Your Menu

During your wedding planning process, you have to narrow down your budget. Putting aside the cost of photographers, makeup, the decor, DJ, and venue, you need to establish how much you’re willing to pay for food while taking into consideration the number of guests in attendance.

At Truffles Fine Foods, we marry convenience and luxury by offering the finest in ingredients, gastronomical creations, and options that work with the budget you have established.

Here are three pricing packages to get you started (all with 30 guests minimum):

The Premiere

$40 per plate

2 Entrees
2 Sides & 2 Salads
1 Dessert

Silver Screen

$50 per plate

2 Entrees
3 Sides & 3 Salads
1 Dessert

The Oscar

$60 per plate

1 Platter
2 Entrees
1 Chef Station
3 Sides & 3 Salads
1 Dessert

We also offer additional add-on options where you can pick and choose from 3 hors d’oeuvres, and/or dessert platters. The flexibility of our pricing for the amount of options found on our menu gives you the freedom to better plan your wedding reception meal while working within your budget. Our culinary team can also substitute dishes for individuals who have dietary restrictions.

 

Finding The Perfect Wedding Venue

Searching for venues can be stressful at times. Will there be enough seated space? Do they have their own kitchen? Is there parking for your guests? Taking these questions into consideration, I encourage you to visit our venues page. Truffles Fine Foods has partnered with several locations who have worked closely with our culinary team to deliver successful parties, meetings, and wedding receptions. From the picturesque UBC Boathouse to the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery, we pride ourselves on delivering the finest of foods in all venues to make your wedding reception a memorable one.

So, how about it? Let us worry about the food and venue. Reach out to us, let us know what your preferences are and we’ll take it from there! Our team of experts will work with you to make your special day all the more special.

Events & Celebrations

Truffles Partners With The Polygon

Gearing up for the wedding season? Or perhaps you are planning an event? We have some news for you! Keeping up with the latest news from Truffles Fine Foods, I am proud to announce that The Polygon Gallery has now confirmed that they are a venue partner with our culinary and catering teams! This announcement excites me as it already adds to a very extensive list of venues we have partnered with across the Lower Mainland.

What has me stoked about this particular announcement is that the Polygon Gallery really speaks to both the art scene in our city as well as the history of North Vancouver and the Lonsdale area. To this day, one can still see dry docks and ships coming to port albeit not as frequent as they used to. However, the Polygon Gallery pays homage to this history making this venue all the more desirable, in my opinion. In addition, the Polygon is an active gallery that does an active and amazing job at “presenting the work of artists who respond to transformations taking place in the world.”

exterior-polygon-gallery-truffles-fine-foods

The Polygon Gallery

If you haven’t heard of this venue or had a chance to explore the Lonsdale area, I encourage you to do so! The venue itself is a sophisticated and contemporary building overlooking the shores of the Burrard Inlet and downtown Vancouver. Located just a short distance away from the Seabus terminal and other major bus routes, getting to this venue is very easy.

I had the opportunity to take a gander at the space and it is absolutely gorgeous. Despite the day being cloudy when I went, the Polygon Gallery still boasted an amazing waterfront view while taking in the hustle and bustle of our lovely city. I would only imagine that, on a summer day, one can expect to see a sunset with a cocktail in hand.

interior-polygon-gallery-truffles-fine-foods

Venue Offerings

From a more logistical standpoint, this venue has all the amenities you need to host a successful party or event of any size. Their on-site services include:

  • Majestic views of downtown Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet from both the ground floor with an even better view from a covered second-floor balcony
  • Natural light emanating through their skylights and thirteen-foot ceilings
  • Built-in Audio/Visual systems and unique breakout rooms
  • Glass walls from floor-to-ceiling in the main floor lobby overlooking the new public plaza and Spirit Trail
  • An abundance of parking on the street and private lots in the area.

In addition, the venue is big enough to fit 540 guests at standing capacity, and 180 for a seated dinner. There is also a kitchen prep area on site allowing for our catering team to set up and serve the culinary creations we deliver.

I would go into further details about the Polygon Gallery, but I think the images speak for themselves. It’s a beautiful venue and, when teamed with Truffles Fine Foods, it definitely adds flare to any event you host.

For more information, you can visit them here.

To learn more about the other venues Truffles Fine Foods has partnered with, click here.

Events & Celebrations

How To Prepare For Your Wedding

With spring now in full bloom and summer just around the corner, it is time for us to talk about another season: the wedding season. Yes, the time of year when love is in the air, when the brides and grooms profess their commitment to each other by saying their vows, and when families and friends gather to witness such a wonderful event unfold.

With so much preparation and planning that goes into the actual wedding ceremony and reception, it can potentially bring out the worst in some of us (cue bride and groomzilla). Everything has to go according to plan, vendors need to arrive at certain times, photographers have to get take photos on your good side – the list is endless! At Truffles Fine Foods, we have seen it all and that is why we are here to help.

Our Game-Changing Wedding Checklist

We believe that the last thing any bride and groom should feel on their special day is stress, which is why we came up with this handy wedding checklist to help you stay on top of your wedding at all times! Whether your wedding is over 12 months away or just under a year, this list can help keep you organized and ensure you have everything you need when celebrating your big day. Perhaps you are thinking of hiring a professional day-of coordinator or maybe you just want to voluntell a family friend. Regardless of which route you choose, we are confident that our checklist is there to benefit all; and, as always, so is our catering team.

Wedding Catering With Truffles Fine Foods

Your wedding day will be, without a doubt, filled with joy, toasts, and tears of happiness. After all the weeks and months of planning, you can finally sit back and let it all unfold. For many years, our culinary experts have helped contribute in making the day so much more memorable by providing the catering experience you have only dreamt of. Whether your wedding day is an affair of 200 or more guests, or a small, intimate core of the most special people in your life, we take great pride in making your special day even more special. From the planning process to the execution, our team of culinary connoisseurs is committed to working with you and are settling for nothing less than remarkable. We believe the food we serve should be as creative and unique as the bride and groom. It would be our pleasure to work together with you and create a customized menu for you and your guests. Our menu options provide for an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, main courses, and desserts. You decide what you would like to feed your guests and we will happily work with you and the budget you set!
Are YOU ready to plan your wedding with Truffles Fine Foods? CONTACT US today!

All photos Ⓒ Butterfly Photography

Wedding

VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN WEDDING

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A DREAM COME TRUE WITH A VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN WEDDING

THE SAYING THAT “LOCATION IS EVERYTHING” is perhaps no more true than it is for wedding venues. No amount of creativity, decor, and picture-book ideas can compare to the beauty of a naturally-blooming garden on a sunny day. Working with La Vista Events, bride Elise knew exactly what she wanted for her July 2016 nuptials to her now-husband, Austin.

Hasti Maloufi, owner of La Vista, recalls the simple and straight-forward reason the couple chose to celebrate with a VanDusen Botanical Garden wedding: “[It] was the perfect backdrop to showcase Vancouver’s West-Coast style with features of large plant collections and lush greenery.”

Following the charming ceremony, guests were encouraged to explore the gardens while sipping cocktails and nibbling canapés prepared by the culinary team at Truffles Fine Foods. VanDusen’s Visitor Centre was transformed into a gilded wonderland of florals, twinkling lights, and garlands of greenery where the newly-married couple celebrated with a reception including all of their friends and family.

Planning & Design: La Vista Events
Photographer: Taryn Baxter Photographer
Videographer: Chris Carr
Venue: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Decor + Florals: Niche Events
Table Rental: A&B Partytime Rentals
Chair Rental: The Little Wedding Shoppe
Officiant: Bride’s Aunt
DJ: DJ Barron S from GirlOnWax Events & Wedding DJs
Hair + Makeup: Denise Elliott Beauty Co.
Cake: Couture Confections by Rebeka Garcia
Desserts: Sweet Thea
Caterer: Truffles Fine Foods
Invitations: Minted
Bride’s Dress: Isabelle’s Bridal
Jewelry: Earrings from Swarovski
Bridesmaid Dresses: Zara
Groom’s + Groomsmen Suit: Moores



All photos generously provided by Taryn Baxter Photographer. #austinelise1616

 

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Wedding

WEDDING CATERING: 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CATERER

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Wedding catering involves much more than simply food. Before you hire your wedding caterer, ask these 10 questions to keep your budget in check and ensure you’re getting exactly what you need.

ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE PARTS of any celebration with loved ones is the food. Whether it’s a seated meal or trays of canapés, food is what draws people together, and wedding catering is no exception. When thoughtfully planning the various details of a wedding, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Truffles Fine Foods has put together 10 questions to ask your potential caterer before you sign a contract. While some aspects may not seem important in the early stages of planning, by arming yourself with information, you’ll potentially save yourself a lot of stress down the road.

1. What is included in each catering package?

Any experienced wedding catering company will be able to provide a variety of catering packages tailored to suit different budgets, tastes, and styles. Some packages include the bare necessities while others are jam-packed with no detail overlooked.

Wedding catering is about far more than the food your guests will indulge in: consider whether table linens, cutlery, dishes, and glassware are included. Other costs, such as cutting the cake, coffee or champagne service, gratuities, service charges, setting up, tearing down, and even garbage and recycling fees may be à la carte add-ons – which can quickly cause your budget to balloon.

2. What’s in the small print?

Like any contract, the agreement you make with your wedding caterer is no different. Read the fine print and make sure you understand fully what you’re signing up for. Have your wedding caterer review the contract with you and make sure they clarify the payment schedule (such as a deposit – ranging from 25% to 75% of the total cost), the refund and cancellation policies, and other important details such as extra charges and gratuities that may – or may not – be included.

3. Where will the food be prepared, and is an on-site kitchen facility necessary?

Depending on the style of meal you’re planning to serve, your caterer may prepare the food in advance and transport it to your venue, or they may prepare it on-site. Confirm whether or not the caterer requires an on-site kitchen facility. Because cooking at the venue may require that a makeshift kitchen be built either inside or outside, this often incurs a greater cost, so clarify this detail with your wedding caterer as you review the budget.

4. Can the menu be adapted to include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary requirements?

What’s good for one guest may not be good for all guests, and vice versa. It’s very likely that a handful of your guests will have unique dietary requirements, and accommodating those requirements is seen as thoughtful and considerate. When inviting your guests, ask what may be necessary for them and then discuss those with your wedding caterer to decide what options will be available for those guests.

5. Where is your food sourced?

The source of your menu’s ingredients is about more than global impact. Where the ingredients come from can also affect your budget as some caterers will charge extra for premium ingredients. Hoping for local or seasonal items? They may be more affordable but, again, a caterer may charge extra for their efforts to source with specific vendors, so decide in advance if this is important to you and whether or not you’re willing to pay extra.

6. What kind of licenses and insurance will you arrange?

Few weddings are complete without cocktails and dancing. Keep in mind that licenses, such as for serving alcohol or SOCAN, are a legal requirement for weddings that are held in public venues. Other requirements may vary depending on your municipality, so ask your caterer if they can arrange these for you – or point you in the direction of someone who can. If your caterer is supplying alcoholic beverages, confirm that your wedding caterer has both a business license and liquor license.

7. Are meals for children and other wedding vendors included and, if not, how are they priced?

Your photographer, videographer, and DJ (and their assistants!) need to eat too, and it’s a common courtesy to offer each of them a hearty meal. If you’ve encouraged guests to bring their children, the munchkins also have to eat. Some caterers may charge a reduced per-plate price for wedding vendors and underage guests, so confirm this with your caterer before they provide you with an estimate.

8. What will the catering staff wear?

Black bowties at a luau-themed wedding would be as out-of-place as Hawaiian-print shirts at a formal affair. Ensure your wedding caterer’s staff is dressed appropriately for the style and ambiance of your wedding.

9. What do you suggest?

Wedding catering companies do more than simply cook food and prepare meal. Chefs are artists and many relish the opportunity to highlight signature dishes or offer their suggestions for perfect pairings. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your menu, your wedding caterer is your best resource because they’re working from a place of experience and knowledge.

One of the best and most fun parts of wedding planning is deciding on the menu, something most couples do with a tasting. When your wedding caterer does a tasting with you, it’s a great opportunity to discuss your menu options in person, decide on a possible menu theme, and discuss any potential food restrictions. Be sure to ask your caterer if the tasting is complimentary or if there’s a charge for two (which is often deducted from the final invoice).

10. How far in advance to I need to confirm guest numbers and menu details?

Confirm with your wedding caterer how much notice they require with a final guest tally, and then provide your guests with an RSVP date based on that conversation. Your caterer will also want to have all your menu details approved and finalized at the same time. This step is vital to the caterer to ensure that the freshest ingredients are available while allowing for ample time to source any hard-to-find items that may be on your menu.

NEED CATERING FOR YOUR WEDDING?

Truffles Fine Foods is an experienced caterer to weddings of all styles and sizes. If you can imagine it, our team can create it. Our staff is dedicated to providing lasting memories through our unique and inspiring menus. Please contact us today to discuss options for your next event!

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