My Favorite Summer Dishes from Washington, D.C. Caterers
What’s a great summer event without great seasonal dishes? They say that food is the most important part of any event, and I couldn’t agree more. Good food brings people together and is the anchor to any occasion, both big and small.
Over the past 18 years in the industry as an event creator, I have produced all kinds of culinary events, including food festivals, private chef experiences, experimental tasting dinners, and more. Because of this, I have met and worked with caterers of all kinds. From the type of cuisine to the serving style, each catering company is so unique and brings its own flair to every event.
I wanted to start a blogging series in order to show my admiration and appreciation for the caterers of the world. Having worked in many different major cities around the world, from New York City to Los Angeles, I thought it would be best to break down the list by location, starting with my home state of Washington, D.C.
I’ll be honest, there are too many great caterers in the DMV to choose from! So, since Summer is officially here, it’s got me thinking of some of my favorite seasonal dishes from local Washington, D.C. caterers and I’m so excited to share these specifically with you all.
I hope that when it comes to planning your next Summer event, this will be a helpful guide in deciding who to hire to feed your guests. Warning: this blog may cause salivating and unexpected cravings. Read at your own risk!
*Image sourced from Susan’s Instagram
Susan Gage’s Gazpacho Tower
Susan Gage is one of the top caterers in the Washington, D.C. and DMV area. She and her team constantly provide extraordinary food, meticulous planning, and thoughtful, professional service. When it comes to favorite Summer dishes, a personal favorite is the Gazpacho Tower which has layers of avocado, tomato & hearts of palm surrounded by golden tomato gazpacho! It is absolutely to die for!
Purple Onion’s Peach Ice Cream
Purple Onion Catering Co. is another one of my favorite Washington, D.C. caterers and event planning teams. They design and cater events of all kinds, from weddings to corporate.
As far as their Summer dishes go, they have one of my all-time favorite desserts — peaches and biscuits served with homemade peach ice cream. Trust me, it’s even better than it sounds! I’m hoping we have a client who selects this item soon!
*Image sourced from Ridewells’ Instagram
Ridgewells’ Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Ridgewells has a remarkable 90+-year history as a leading DC catering company. This summer they are serving your guests strawberry basil margaritas — what a refreshing first impression as your guests arrive!
*Image sourced from Heirloom’s Instagram
Heirloom’s Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you know me you know I have a serious weakness for ice cream sandwiches! Heirloom Catering & Event Design is one of the top Washington, D.C.caterers that has been curating event-based experiences since 2015. This summer, you can have your own dessert bar full of scratch-made cookies and housemade ice cream — an interactive and delicious experience.
*Image sourced from Design Cuisine’s Instagram
Design Cuisine’s Tomato Tartlet
I am a firm believer that Tomato Season should be a fifth season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Tomato)...am I right? Design Cuisine who has been a leading caterer in the Nation’s Capital for the last 35 years is serving up an Heirloom Tomato Tartlet with Roasted Garlic Flan. This is an hors d’oeuvres that you’ll be hunting down at your next party.
*Image sourced from Captain Cookie’s Instagram
Captain Cookie & The Milk Man’s Ice Cream Truck
Bonus entry! If you are looking to have an ice cream truck surprise your guests at an event space or even your home, look no further than Captain Cookie & The Milk Man.
Follow Captain Cookie on Instagram
As a Washington, D.C. Event Planner who specializes in culinary events, finding the right caterer for my clients is extremely important. Knowing that Washington, D.C. caterers like the ones listed above are in the area put my mind at ease! Not only do their delicious summer dishes make the event guests happy, but I get to enjoy these treats as well — talk about a win-win situation!