At Into the Soup we are often asked if we do catering. The truth is... not exactly. We are not a catering company, but we enjoy a good party. So if you want a fun, entertaining and first class event or party, then call us; and we will determine together if we are the right fit for you.
When we decide to do a party we not only bring the food, we bring the entertainment. Our goal is to create entertaining, learning experiences with food through hands on cooking demonstrations and food themed parties and events. Many groups, organizations and just plain folks have had Into the Soup as the primary entertainment for their most successful parties.
Still, if you are planning a wedding or a banquet, we are probably not right for you. We only do a few events per year, and our specialty is smaller, intimate parties and events of up to maybe 20 people. This so that we can focus on creating the best experience possible for you and your group. We also want to work with people who want to have fun. So if you and your group want to have fun, interact and learn something? By all means, contact us.
Why into the Soup?
It's Personal: You work directly with the chef to plan the event end-to-end, and it will be your chef that attends the event to cook the meal.
It's what YOU want: We work with you to create a great event or party based on what you want to accomplish. Whether the food is central or on the side, we will make sure it all works out great.
It's Casual: No pretentions here. Just good food. That said, we can make it fancy or down home. Again, it is what you want.
It's Intimate: We focus on smaller parties, so we can interact and get to know your guests. Want us to hang back? We can do that too.
It's Special: When it is an Into the Soup party, we guarentee it will be something to remember fondly.
It's Organized: We will help structure the flow of the evening - the food courses, the wine, etc. - for the best effect.
What do we do?
Cooking Demonstrations: Most people end up in the kitchen at parties, anyway. Why not bring the entertainment to the peope? Cooking and learning to cook is a fantastic ice breaker and/or team building exercise.
Teaching: Want to learn a fanstastic dish? Need basic cooking techniques? Want to expand your repertoire? We can help you with professional, hands-on, experiences. We make it fun, easy, and personal. We will teach individuals or small groups.
Entertainment: Cooking as entertainment? Absolutely. When Heidi comes to your house for a party, the party has arrived. Heidi makes sure that everyone has fun whether or not they want to get hands on. Her stories of growing up on a farm, working on charter boats in the Caribbean, backpacking Europe and Africa, and living the expat life in South East Asia are just the beginning. Heidi will make sure everyone has the opportunity to have fun. If you ask nicely, she may even sing you a song or two (she has the pipes).
Party Planning: Looking for the perfect dish to serve your guests? Do you want to keep the energy up but make them feel sated? Let into the Soup plan your menu. We are more than catering, we will make your dinner party an event to remember.
When to Call Into the Soup...
Customer Appreciation: Just signed a big account, sold a house, made a deal? Want to show your client or partner your appreciation? into the Soup is a perfect solutions. Thank your clients for their business or thank your employees for their hard work and dedication with a cooking experience from into the Soup. We work with you or your client to create a menu. They invite some friends, we bring all of the supplies and everyone has a great time in the kitchen!
Team Building: Looking for a unique, fun, and efficient team building opportunity? Why not combine it with a team dinner? Cooking and sharing a good meal is a great way for teams to bond. It is a basic, human activity that creates a sense of shared accomplishment. into the Soup will develop the menu, manage the activity, serve the meal and clean up. Also, consider this... it is a twofer - team building AND the team meal for less that you would pay in most top end restaurnts.
Private Instruction: Beginner or gourmet, there's always something new to learn. We guarantee that by the end of a 3 hour class you will be able to create, not replicate, a great meal.
Promotions or Special Appearances: Need to promote a public event and/or have a unique attraction for your event. Contact into the Soup, and we will work with you to make your public events the best they can be.
Couple's Culinary Therapy: Want a lovely evening with your better half but are tired of dinner and a movie? Try a cooking class with into the Soup. We'll help the two of you prepare a romantic, aphrodisiacal (huh?) meal. You may just go straight from the kitchen to the kitchen floor!
Bridal Packages: Tied the knot or still tied up in knots? We’ve got something fun in mind, so put away the seating chart and let into the Soup get you cookin'!
Other ideas (just to get you thinkin'):
Wine Pairings & Tastings
Superbowl Parties in the Kitchen
Bachelors who want to Impress
Girls Night Out
Mom's Night Out
When NOT to call Into the Soup...
Large Weddings or Banquets: Not our gig. Sorry. We may be able to help you find someone, though.
Serious Affairs with Serious People: We are about having fun and interacting with people. With Into the Soup, you get not only Chefs but people who entertain and compete for a living. We can hang back too, but please don't call us if you are looking for backroom people.
You Want to Go Cheap: We will develop the menu for your event and work out all the details for a great time. For this we charge a fair amount. We are not super expensive, and we can create flexible options.
What do we Charge?
Each event is designed based on the goal of the event, the distance, the number of people, and the type of food. We will develop a base rate plus food then work with you to make adjustments as needed on the key parameters.
Want to Learn More?
Just contact us to learn more. We are looking forward to hearing from you. References are available.
An appetizer made popular by Barry and Susan Wine at their restaurant, the Quilted Giraffe. A beggar’s purse consists of a mini crepe topped by a teaspoon of the finest caviar and then a dab of crème fraiche. The edges are tied with a chive. The ruffle at the top makes this edible package look like a miniature purse. Beggar’s purses are served at room temp. Nice work if you can get it!