Photographs by ChiChi Ubiña

Amanda Smith Caterers is a boutique catering and event planning company that recently expanded to Fairfield County and opened up their store front this past September on Tokeneke Road in Darien. After 10 years in New York City, they have gained a reputation for creating original menus that are executed beautifully with seasonal products, presented gracefully and served by a professional staff. In addition to catering intimate events and elegant galas; they offer a variety of services which include corporate luncheons for groups of 10 and more; cooking classes for kids, college students and adults; wine tastings and, come the Summer season, their popular 3-course Picnic dinners. Amanda Smith Caterers takes pride in attention to detail and giving their clients a beautiful and professionally presented party for any occasion.

For their Holiday menu, they incorporated some of Amanda’s traditional flavors of a coriander almond soup as well as seasonal New England flavors of lamb and apples combined with a zesty celery root purée. As a finale, the combination of cranberries used in their soufflé tart, fine chocolate in their classic mini brownies and a mousse from Amanda’s book, Paris in a Basket, as well as poached pears in soft port wine with vibrant fresh ginger. What a way to start the holiday season!

Amanda Smith Caterers, 7 Tokeneke Road, Darien, CT - 917-626-6055

Wines by Le Wine Shop, 39 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT - 203-869-6008

Foie Gras on Brioche with Muscat Jelly

Blinis with Salmon & Creme Fraiche

Lavender Crusted Tuna on Asian Pear with Honey Wasabi Cream

Baby Lamb Chops, Celery Root Puree with Rosemary Jus and Bourbon Baked Apples

Cilantro Almond Soup

Ginger Port Poached Pears

Almond Butter Cookies

Cranberry Souffle Tarts with Relish

Chocolate Mousse