Common Roots Catering

6-30-12 Wedding - Kelsey & Meghan

With our 2013 wedding season on the horizon, we enjoy looking back on some of last year's sweet, summer celebrations.

One such celebration was the wedding of Kelsey and Meghan, at Schaar's Bluff in Hastings - part of the Dakota County Parks System.  

A beautiful ceremony was held outdoors, with a reception and dance inside the main event space, following the ceremony.

Guests nibbled on: roasted apple & cheddar crostinis, roasted beet endive cups with blue cheese mousse and candied walnuts, caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil, roasted potato cups filled with creamy leeks and shiitake mushrooms.

Finishing the menu were a multitude of miniature desserts like caramelitas, lemon curd bars, blueberry & sour cream bars, dark chocolate & zucchini chocolate-orange cupcakes.

The couple made great use of the on-site fire pit and provided s'mores for their guests, later in the evening.

Photos Courtesy of Anne Ingman - Ingman Photography

We were so thrilled to be a part of Kelsey and Meghan's special day.  

Congrats, again to you both!

-Common Roots Catering

 

 

Yelp Du Nord - American Swedish Institute

Common Roots Catering & Cafe were honored to participate in Yelp du Nord  - the biggest local Yelp party in history.  Nearly 1,000 attendees braved the winter weather and piled into the American Swedish Institute for a night of food, drink, fun, and generosity. 

   

images by canary grey

We wowed the crowd with our mini sea salt chocolate chip cookies, named

best chocolate chip cookie in the cities 2012 by City Pages.

 

image courtesy of city pages

Not only did we have a blast and meet some great people, more than $3,000 was raised for One Heartland, a nonprofit organization that supports children affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and other challenges.

Thanks to Yelp & The American Swedish Institute for letting us take part!

-Common Roots Catering

12/18/12 - ISES Event at the American Swedish Institute

"And the award goes to..."

...valuable information and education, community and camaraderie, and fresh local and organic fare!

Common Roots Catering was proud to be one of several sponsors for the December ISES Educational Program this past month at the American Swedish Institute.   Other sponsors included: Event Lab, Lauren B Photography, and AV for You.

 

Guests were greeted with Nordic-inspired spiced tea and Peace Coffee upon arrival, and the day began with an educational segment, consisting of three presenters at different stations, speaking about events in print publications, social media and marketing, and the MN Star Awards.

As guests were seated for lunch, they found themselves at "high tea" with a Swedish twist. 

Alongside coffee and tea with cardamom-infused creamer were dessert centerpieces with a variety of treats:

• scone bites with devonshire cream and jam
• miniature ginger snap cookies
• cherry-oatmeal bar bites
• orange pound cake bites with dark chocolate and candied orange peel
• lemon curd tartlets
• chocolate-dipped brownie bites
   

 

Lunch was served "buffet-style," and there was something for everyone!  Selections included:

• tea sandwiches and crumpets
• pickled beets, deviled eggs, and cornichons
• fresh organic fruit
• citrus fennel salad
• cucumber cups with goat cheese and fig
• chicken and ginger curry endive cups
• beef bourguignon tart with wild mushrooms and burgundy gastrique

 

 

Common Roots would like to send a big THANK YOU to all of the event sponsors and attendees. It was a pleasure to work with you and serve you, and we look forward to seeing you at future ISES events!

Looking Back - Matt & Emily 6/23/12 at the Round Barn

With the cold setting in, we find ourselves yearning for those easy-breezy summer days...and weddings like Matt & Emily's.  

One of the highlights of our past summer was the opportunity to work at a great venue like the Round Barn Farm and with this lovely couple. 

On their special day - Matt & Emily created a "vintage-chic" atmosphere for their guests - and a simply unforgettable event.  

In addition to their beautiful decor and personalized flair, the couple's attention to detail was not overlooked on their menu. 

They carefully chose a summer menu for their June wedding that highlighted the best of the season, with offerings like:

grass-fed beef brisket with a cherry-barbecue sauce, and bourbon-peach chicken, served with fresh rosemary green beans and our popular toasted corn salad, with fresh cilantro, cotija cheese and a smoky tomato vinaigrette.

With this event, we enjoyed every minute of the creative process - from the initial vision, to seeing it all come together - thank you, Emily and Matt, for including us in your special day!

photo credit & additional images:  Photogen, Inc.

New Venue - Insert Coins!

If you're looking for a fun new venue for your next event, be sure to check out Insert Coin(s). They offer a spectacular setting for any event including corporate events, birthdays and receptions. This club houses a unique mix, featuring multiple floors with state-of-the art gaming opportunities, vintage video games and a dance floor. Insertcoins offers a complete package with 4 distinct areas that can meet any need.

Want a chance to check it out? Stop by the Insert Coin(s) Event Industry Social!

Insert Coins Event Industry Social

12/4/12 from 4-7P

Featuring entertainment, creative cocktails and bites from local caterers (including Common Roots Catering)

 

Know A Good Caterer?

Dear Friends,

As we move through our busiest catering season yet, we are hoping that you - our friends, clients and business associates - will consider voting for us in Minnesota Meetings + Events Magazine's "Best Of 2012" Awards.  
 

Last year, we were honored with the title of "Best Up and Coming Caterer."   This year, we are aiming for the top!

If you are a fan of our catering, please take a few minutes to complete this survey - and vote for Common Roots Catering as "Best Caterer."

TO VOTE: http://mn.meetingsmags.com/minnesota-meetings-events-11th-annual-readers-choice-best-awards-official-online-ballot

Thanks so much for taking the time to vote for us - we appreciate your business and your support!

Volunteer Day @ Laughing Loon Farm

Our staff had a wonderful time volunteering last week at Laughing Loon Farm - learning about their sustainable farm practices and picking 450# of eggplant and 100 cucumbers. 

After a tough season of not-so-great weather, this organic farm near Northfield could appreciate your help in the recovery process.  Check out their website and facebook page for more information on how you can help.

Fresh produce from Laughing Loon Farm can be found seasonally in our cafe and catering menus in a variety of dishes.  

Thanks to Laughing Loon Farm for letting us visit!

Common Roots Catering

St. Jude's - Theatre of Dreams

Rarely does one receive an invite to a red-carpet 'family gala'.  However, the lovely folks at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital sent out invites for their  Theatre of Dreams event on June 28th at Stages Theater in Hopkins - with exactly that description.

Wanting to create an event that embodied the spirit of their organization - this fun-filled event was constructed to "..celebrate families, the theatre and the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital".  

The event featured kid-friendly activities, bites & beverages, and a show - all tailored to the Dr. Seuss theme, making it truly fun for kids and adults alike.

 

Set with the task to construct 'kid-friendly' options with a Dr. Seuss theme in mind - we had a great time putting together this fun and colorful menu:

green eggs & ham - organic deviled eggs - colored green, topped with crispy fried pancetta, and fresh thyme

there's a wocket in my (pita) pocket - pita half, filled with - garlic-herb hummus, organic lettuce and tomato

go dog go - thousand hills hotdogs, wrapped with pretzel dough and topped with poppy seeds - served with honey mustard and smoked paprika ketchup

cat in the hat fruit skewers - with sliced organic strawberries and pineapple

butter (milk) battle vegetable cups - with organic carrot and cucumber `spears` - served with buttermilk dipping sauce

yink ink drink - hibiscus-infused organic lemonade

A special thanks to the event planners and volunteers - It was a thrill and honor to be included!

Common Roots Catering

photo credit & additional images: Kate Sweet Photograhy.

Style-Architects - Launch Party

Looking for a help with your upcoming wedding or special event?  

Look no further than Style-Architects, a boutique lifestyle services company 
dedicated to creating imaginative and awe-inspiring events, weddings, 
public relations and branding services. 

Their team of discerning women with public relations, lifestyle editorial, 
fashion merchandising and event planning experience collaborate 
with each client to provide holistic expertise.

Image by Canary Grey Photography

Common Roots Catering was honored to partner with Style-Architects 
for their launch party in May.

Provided by Common Roots:

aprepa cups - with english pea guacamole and pea shoots
black and blue steak skewers - with grass-fed 1000 Hills beef
chipotle shrimp skewers - with sustainably-sourced shrimp
pesto chicken crostini - with organic, free-range Larry Schultz chicken
fig tartlets - with honey-mascarpone, candied lemon and fresh rosemary

Image by Canary Grey Photography

We are are thrilled add Style-Architects as a suggested vendor and encourage 
anyone wanting to plan ‘awe-inspiring’ events that go ‘above and beyond’ 
client expectations to contact them.

Happy Event Planning!

Common Roots Catering

April 13th, 2012 @ The Bell Museum of Natural History

Bell Social

Feeling curiously social, or just curious?

Celebrate the completion of Freeze Frame at the Bell Museum of Natural history with an edifying evening of original art, contemporary science and local food, featuring Minneapolis band Brute Heart performing live in the diorama hall.

Friday, April 13, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost: $10 for nonmembers, $8 for members & UMN students w/ ID
Buy your tickets in advance online

You're invited to visit the Bell Museum and celebrate the completion of Freeze Frame, a photographic installation by artist in residence Areca Roe. Starting at the Winter Solstice, tour the public submitted photos depicting experiences of nature and winter in the Midwest. For the past few months, Roe has been using those photographs as her medium and inspiration, working with select images from the more than 600 submissions we received to create Freeze Frame: Capturing Nature in Winter. Roe will be on hand to share her artistic vision. The evening also includes University of Minnesota Duluth scientist Ron Moen discussing his current work using photography to further wildlife research. 

Adorn yourself with feathers, furs and antlers in a free interactive photo booth, enjoy delicious local food and refreshments from Common Roots Catering (with a full cash bar available) and listen to live music from Brute Heart, recently featured on 89.3 The Current’s new Local Current Vol. 2 CD, performing live in the diorama halls.

Watch Brute Heart performing "Eclipse" - and enjoy the video's artistic nods to natural history!

Location: The Bell Museum is located at the corner of University Ave. & 17th Ave. SE in Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota campus. View a map  Also, our research collections and academic curators are housed in various locations on the University's campus in St. Paul.

Museum Information: Call (612) 624-7083