Tag team bonding

Saying Goodbye to Family: Sausalito Jazz & Blues by the Bay

Sausalito Jazz FestParties That Cook believes that the magic of food can and does create connections; it creates family. Not every company is as tightly knit as Parties That Cook. When you join our team, you join our family. Each member is unquestionably valuable, and the Founder & CEO, Bibby Gignilliat, has crafted a really unique culture of support.

So when Chef Jen informed us of her need to move across the country, we were a little heartbroken to say goodbye. To cope with the on-setting depression, we decided to close the office early and head out to Sausalito for their Friday night jazz concert. How better to say goodbye than with a casual company picnic on a sunny afternoon near the water?!

Walking up to the group, this intern was introduced to a number of “family members” she previously knew only by name. We all settled down on our blankets and devoured Bibby’s delicious curried tuna in mini pita pockets. (Picnic finger food in true PTC fashion.) Perfectly savory with a slight sweetness, I couldn’t get enough of these. But let me tell you, the raspberry bars were even more incredible. The mild tartness of the raspberries and the sweet, crumbly almond crust come together to just melt in your mouth. I didn’t even realize they were a PTC recipe, but I’m still dreaming about these bars.

Sausalito Jazz FestThe big band jazz later serenaded us as we caught up on everyone’s plans. Laughter rose and a few of our crew stood up and danced. Music creates family in a similar way to food, and I think this was the perfect way to spend a Friday night. Dusk began to fall and the temperature began to drop as I watched everyone in our party embrace Jen and tell her how much her energy, skills, and laughter would be missed. If that isn’t family, I don’t know what is.

Goodbye Jen! Best of luck on all your ventures and we hope you stay in touch!

Parties That Cook Runs with the Best: Nike Corporate Kitchen Challenge

Nike fun!It’s been a while since we heard from our Portland team, so let’s check in with them, shall we? There’s been a flurry of exciting activity up there, but luckily Carolyn was able to give us the scoop on a recent Kitchen Challenge! As you may recall from the blog a couple weeks ago, the Parties That Cook Kitchen Challenge is a distinctive mix of The Apprentice and Iron Chef. Fast-paced and competitive, the event never fails to get the creative juices flowing while bringing out the fun inner chefs of our guests. Our latest international corporate group from Nike was no exception!

In Portland, there’s no better place to host a Kitchen Challenge than at one of our favorite venues, Jeld-Wen Field, home of the MLS Portland Timbers Soccer Team. You can’t escape the competitive spirit! Before revealing the secret protein, starch and vegetable, Portland Lead Chef Laura began this cooking competition by presenting entertaining cooking tips and tricks. Teams would be working with flank steak, orzo pasta, and green beans. Preparation, techniques, and additional ingredients would be up to the team members. As usual, the only recipe we provided was for dessert: Boston Cream Pie Trifle with Strawberries. Yum! As Laura counted down to the start of the timed hour of cooking, anticipation built, and then the hustle and bustle began!

Nike Kitchen Challenge Team 1Both teams came up with dishes that represented its members – one team had an Asian influence from four of their teammates, and the other team added an Italian flair to their orzo pasta by making it orzo “risotto”. All the food was very creative and delicious!

Nike cooking competition team 2Ruby, our Nike host, graciously told Laura that the Kitchen Challenge was “fun and engaging because it offered both structure and the opportunity to think creatively and play.” High compliments indeed! Seeing as the food was delicious and the guests had a marvelous time, I’d say our PDX team scored a perfect 10 on providing the framework for another great event. Good job team!