Staff Feature: Emily Secchiaroli, Office Assistant

I have worn a lot of different "hats" while working at A Thyme to Cook since 2001 - from serving food, to loading trucks, to helping with photo shoots! But now, most of my time is spent as an Event Floor Captain, Party Manager, or Office Assistant. I love being able to see the behind-the-scenes planning at the "cookery" translate into beautiful celebrations!

Outside of the cookery, my time is spent spoiling my two nephews whom I adore! I am also busy working on my own wedding plans as I am newly engaged - the numerous weddings I have seen will surely be an inspiration! In the mix of it all, I am in the process of completing my Master's in School Counseling and decorating my new home.

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."

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!

Style Me Pretty Featured Wedding

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

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......

FASHION: White Dress by the Shore

PHOTOGRAPHER: Steve DePino

INVITATIONS: Stonington Paperie

MAKEUP: Dana Bartone

FLORAL: Jessica’s Country Flowers

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!

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!

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....