Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Staff Feature: Shawn Bittman, Executive Chef


We are proud of our talented team and will be doing a weekly feature over the next few weeks highlighting each member.

Sandor (Shawn) Bittman, our Executive Chef.

"How Thyme Flies! Having been in the culinary trade for the last 25 years, it's hard to believe the last 12 have flown by here at A Thyme to Cook. Looking to do something new and interesting, I left hotel kitchens behind and joined the crew at ATTC to work in off-premise catering. When I started, my oldest son was six years old....now he's going on 18 and I am a full-time father again with a four-year old. Yep, some say you have to be crazy to be in this trade, I guess it's true. My love of food allows me to try some really cool things such as fizzy grapes and fruit pearls. You've never seen a happier crowd than at my son's daycare when I bring in some new foods for the kids to try.

On top of a busy work schedule, I balance some adult time by volunteering in local government as the Chairman of Planning and Zoning in my hometown of Sprague. I'm also a part time pool shark and a member of the American Pool Players Association for the past 15 years. To round out my busy schedule, I'm also a member of the American Culinary Federation, Connecticut Chef's Association and Knights of Columbus."


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Back from a whirlwind week at Catersource in Las Vegas!

The ATTC team with our friend Pauline Parry from Good Gracious! Events.


The ATTC Team got to mingle and share experiences with caterers from around the world during a jam-packed week of education and experiences. This year, not only were we attendees, but educators! Linda presented a 75-minute seminar on "25 Years and 25 Things We Have Learned the Hard Way"; and Gina did several short demonstrations - "Hot Rocks are a Cool Station" in the X-perience Room. Linda was also an "Expert" at the "Ask the Experts" luncheon and a presenter for the International Catering Association CATIE awards. Chef Shawn and Chef Bill got to go on a tour of the kitchens at Caesar's Palace....gorgeous kitchens and a unique sneak peek at what goes on behind-the-scenes.




While we did not receive any CATIE awards this year, it was an honor to be nominated three times amongst some incredible caterers. We were runners-up to South Africa, Toronto, and California. We did receive some other recognitions - Linda was sworn in to the International Catering Association as Membership Chair; and Gina received the ICA Service Star Award.
Some other highlights:

Live champagne chandelier; a new take on S'Mores; personalized crisps; Mango Mousse with Meringue Sticks and "Pop Rock" Surprise!

The education was enlightening....the events were inspiring and we are all energized and re-charged for the 2010 season!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Style Me Pretty Featured Wedding


Another featured wedding on Style Me Pretty today! Focusing on the GORGEOUS flowers provided by Blush Floral.



Thursday, February 18, 2010

STYLE ME PRETTY SHOOT


Our Inspiration to Reality Shoot - Ampearsand - is live on Style Me Pretty today!

We had such a blast working with such cool vendors! Thank you to all......

PHOTOGRAPHER: Steve DePino
INVITATIONS: Stonington Paperie
CATERER/EVENT PLANNER: A Thyme to Cook
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Buzz Media

It was a very cold whirlwind of a day.....but just look how it turned out!

Thank you Style Me Pretty!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Cake Tasting Week

Some of our wedding couples taste testing cake. Hailey & Randy - 9.18.10; and Alexis and Adam - 6.19.10

Wrapping up our Annual Cake Tasting Week today! Visions of Chocolate Ganache, Carrot Cake and Lemon Buttercream have been dancing in our heads all week!

The traditional wedding cake is still the most popular choice for a wedding; however, cupcakes are still making an appearance! Especially decked out in unique liners - check out some great ones at Layer Cake.

Buttercream to fondant; sugar flowers to polka dots or stripes! Our brides & grooms are very creative! They are finding inspiration in art, fashion, nature and architecture......we have some spectacular sweets planned for 2010!

Monday, February 8, 2010

2009 CATIE NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED!

EXCITING NEWS!
We have been nominated for THREE CATIE Awards!


Best Single Plate Presentation
Cocoa Panna Cotta with White Creme de Cacao Gelee
Vanilla Bean Tuille and Caramelized Fig
on a Black Currant Reduction Painted Plate

Innovative Mixology
"Promiscuous Mary" with Tomato Horseradish Foam
Best Use of Food as Decor
Edible Runway
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Dessert

This is the 4th year in a row that we have
been nominated for a prestigious
CATIE Award (Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence)
Winners will be announced March 8th at the ICA’s annual
award gala in Las Vegas honoring top catering companies,
their chefs, owners, and events!
Stay tuned....











Saturday, January 30, 2010

What a magical night!
The Fairy Tale Ball proved to be an amazing event once again for the Southeastern Connecticut Children's Museum.


Special thanks to the Connecticut Caterers Association for their collaborative efforts to create and execute a delicious menu. It was inspiring to see such a talented team come together.


There is unbelievable creativity that surrounds us. You can see all the AMAZING Fairy Tale inspired tables on our Facebook page.

Here are a few photos of our "trash table!" Every single thing was recycled or re-purposed for this event. Thank you to all of our staff for their contributions!









.......and here is a peek of behind-the-scenes during the dessert prep. Thanks Bill for your version of Charlotte's Web: Grand Marnier Chocolate "Charlotte" with Spun Sugar Web and Fairy Godmother's Wand!