The Art of Catering Food Returns!

Looking to enhance your culinary operations in 2023? Catersource, in collaboration with the International Caterers Association, are thrilled to announce the return of Art of Catering Food, taking place March 26–27 at the Orange County Convention Center just in advance of this year’s main event. 

Small bites from previous Art of Catering Food events, sampled by attendees. Photo courtesy Catersource and Art of Catering Food

Focused through the lens of the catering chef, AOCF is a boutique event created by chefs for chefs bringing attendees a two-day intensive that focuses closely on catered events and the food and logistics it takes to make them so memorable. 

All the hallmarks of AOCF are in place: the quick burst Round Robins that keep attendees moving and learning; the high energy Lunch & Learn that pairs culinary concepts with a solid learning experience plus networking; a captivating keynote that will open your minds to ideas you may never have considered for your own kitchens; and finally, a step off property and into one of the most progressive catering operations in the Orlando area: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering corporate headquarters and commissary. 

A tasty Lunch & Learn 

Tacos have definitely evolved from a deep-fried hard corn shell filled with ground beef and shredded lettuce. Moderated by Roy Porter, join three skilled chefs as they broaden your approach to tortillas, fillings, and toppings! First, the tortilla: a canvas gently holding your composition together—where flavors, fillings, and toppings converge. Next, pointers on different proteins; beef, chicken, fish, pork, vegetables, tofu, and more. Finally, explore options for unique fillers plus preparation and technique including several cultural influences from around the world which have propelled tacos to new levels and bragging rights! 

Join Roy Porter and chefs from the International Caterers Association on March 26th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn about this tasty trend and enjoy lunch with your colleagues.

Chef Sean Sherman (from 2022 Best New Restaurant Owamni) delivered a culinary demonstration during the 2019 conference.Chef-driven sessions

AOCF’s chef-driven education program will focus on technique, problem solving, and unique ideas while helping attendees navigate new industry trends to make cuisine the main event of any occasion with such sessions as: The New Risotto…Dry Pasta; Salads...Who Needs Lettuce?; Beyond Basic: Doughnuts = Dollars; and Zero Waste Prep: Designing a Menu to Maximize Time & Profit. Note, AOCF sessions are developed to be shorter for the somewhat shorter attention spans that some chefs seem to have. Most sessions average about 30 minutes. 

Hands-on experiences and culinary demonstrations are the hallmark of Art of Catering Food.

Round Robin sessions

But then there are the Round Robin sessions, a favorite at just 20 minutes in length. Four classes will be held simultaneously and run four times, offering attendees a chance to get up and stretch and move from room to room as they learn. Best of all: a sample will be offered in each room, so that as chefs present their concepts, attendees can taste the result. 

Tour a catering kitchen 

Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, an award-winning Orlando member of the Leading Caterers of America, will open its facility to attendees of AOCF. Explore and learn from the Puff 'n Stuff team: efficiencies, cuisine, storage, and more. Surprises are in store; transportation to-and-from is provided. This is a terrific opportunity to look at how a premier catering operation runs. 

Beautifully plated samples await attendees of Art of Catering Food. Watch chefs onstage, taste what they are making moments later.

Wear it with pride

Attendees are encouraged to wear their chef coats: networking opportunities abound between sessions, during breaks, at the Sunday afternoon happy hour, and on the bus to the Puff ‘n Stuff facility—so wear your chef coat if you wish and show solidarity for your profession! 

Registration is open & waiting for you!

Quick! Head over to https://informaconnect.com/art-of-catering-food/ and get your ticket to Art of Catering Food. Hotel and travel information can also be found via the navigation bar at the top of the screen.