Hey there, cool kids! We’re back with another installation of our cooking party recaps. These posts give you an inside look at what makes our culinary events so fun, and why hosts keep coming back for more. Now where did we leave off? Oh, that’s right: January.

Let’s kick things off with a Sumptuous Small Plates event with Nomis Solutions Software. Thanks to “great Yelp reviews” and “better food options”, host Valerie G. decided to give Parties That Cook a try. The group of about 30 came together under the guidance of lead chef, Irfan, in one of our favorite venues, Dacor Kitchen! After the event, Valerie seemed very pleased with her decision! “Everything was amazing — from working with [event planner] Christina to menu options, great on-site staff and organization,” she said. “Everything was perfect!” We’re so glad we were able to make everything work, Valerie!

That same day, in Chicago, OMSNIC hosted it’s very own Small Plates event (emphasis on the small). This group of 9 may have had doubts about their cooking abilities, but in the end, found THEIR food “delicious and perfect”! According to the host, Leslee H., “Everyone was pleased with themselves and their co-workers. It was a great way to unite our group and start our training session off right – showing them that often times projects look more challenging than they actually are, particularly if you are working together.” We couldn’t have asked for a better take-away from a corporate event! These team building activities are all about building camaraderie while overcoming challenges together. The fact that groups get to enjoy a gourmet meal at the end of the event is just the cherry on top!

Let’s check out another Chicago event, shall we? About one week later, SKF USA Inc. hosted a Sumptuous Small Plates event for 15 guests. Host Stacy R. selected a scrumptious menu including some popular skewered items: Spice Crusted Salmon Skewers with Harissa Yogurt Dipping Sauce and Whole Grain Mustard and Garlic Beef Brochettes with Kumquat Aioli. The verdict? “The food was delicious!!” Stacy was pleased to report that everyone gave positive feedback on the evening. “I thought the best part was having our leadership team work together in small groups and build bonding relationships in a relaxed atmosphere,” she said. That’s why we love our Sumptuous Small Plates event! If you’re looking for a relaxed evening of mingling and getting to interact with friends and coworkers, Small Plates is the way to go!

Closing out the month, well, as far as this blog is concerned, is a PricewaterhouseCoopers Small Plates event for 50 guests! To keep the group down south, host Paula F. opted for the beautiful Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose. Lead chef Jed did a great job, as usual. “Jed was wonderful; very accommodating and great when working with the group,” according to Paula. The menu, which included such favorites as Canapés of Camembert with Olive Tapenade, Porcini Mushroom Tartlets, and Savory Cupcakes Lobster Macaroni Cheese, was a hit. Paula even confessed that she’s already looking forward to trying the recipes out at home! To sum it up, Paula added, “The food was great and working in teams to cook appetizers was a great opportunity to network with people we hadn’t met in person. Well organized, well run, accommodating and fun!” Thanks Paula! Now that all guests have received copies of the evening’s recipes, we hope everyone will continue whipping up tasty dishes!