Relish Catering and Merriment

For much of last year, I was preparing for my destination wedding. Even though it was small, the planning process was rather overwhelming. There were so many decisions to make, and, like most brides, I wanted them all to be perfect.

Perfection. It’s an ideal that Relish Catering & Merriment, a division of the KC Hopps company, strives for whether they’re catering a wedding, a corporate event or a private home party. They understand the importance of executing seamless, memorable events so that you can enjoy your guests and soak up every precious moment. An exceptional, reliable staff will carefully and passionately attend to every detail, from innovative cuisine and creative presentation to efficient set up and tear down, including everything in between. “Every event, from simple to extravagant, is as unique and special to us as it is to you,” said Bethany Neal, the sales and marketing director for KC Hopps.

Catering director Tony Donofrio and catering and events chef Rey Rodriguez combine their talents to lead a team of hospitality professionals in providing special events of all sizes and types. They offer an extensive menu that includes buffets, plated dinners, platters and hors d’oeuvres, boxed lunches, à la carte selections and desserts. The possibilities are endless; they will also work with you to create a customized menu if you don’t see what you’re looking for. Since Relish is owned by KC Hopps, they have access to the kitchens of the other KC Hopps restaurants, such as the well-loved Stroud’s, Blue Moose and Barley’s Kitchen + Tap. Do you have a favorite item at one of those restaurants? You could have it at your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner!

To relish is to have enjoyment of or delight in something that satisfies one’s tastes, inclinations or desires. After sampling some of the most popular selections from the Relish menu, I can assure you that this food will delight and satisfy. It is fresh and on trend, served with style and class. No matter how casual or elegant your vision is, Relish will rise to the occasion.

To me, nothing elevates a buffet table quite like a cheese display or charcuterie. The Relish versions are something to behold. Their cheese boards are designed based on region, and only the highest quality cheeses are included, displayed artfully with complementary fresh fruits and vegetables. The charcuterie includes a selection of pâtés and terrines, imported cured sausages and ham with cornichons, olives, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard and Farm to Market hearth-baked breads. They are almost too pretty to eat.

The pulled barbecue pork on mini brioche with jalapeno coleslaw from the passed hors d’oeuvres menu is a dainty, sophisticated take on local barbecue tradition. The tangy pork is accented with a little kick from the jalapeno slaw, and I loved everything about it. The Cranberry Walnut Salad is a favorite accompaniment for buffets or plated dinners, and it’s also a great option for working lunches. I also highly recommend the Spicy Bloody Mary Shrimp Ceviche Shooter to get your party started. This appetizer combines the flavors from the shrimp, tomato juice, pico de gallo and lime so perfectly, and who doesn’t love a shooter?

Mac and cheese is always a crowd pleaser, no matter who the crowd is. I love to try unique versions of my childhood favorite. Relish offers a decadent lobster mac and cheese that’s as rich and creamy as you’d expect. The lobster add-in turns this familiar comfort food into an upcycled pièce de résistance that can be served with any of the remarkable entrée options.

Relish is a preferred vendor at many well-known venues around Kansas City. The company has earned a glowing reputation among its peers, and they have many friends in the industry. They are happy to make recommendations for florists, DJs, bakeries, photography and specialty items such as linens, chair covers and decor. They are also fully licensed to provide liquor, opening up the possibility of signature cocktails, custom pairings and a wider selection of spirits for your guests. They will work with your budget and listen to your vision, and they will help you bring it all together in the most memorable way.

In addition to catering at multiple venues on both sides of the state line and in private homes, KC Hopps recently acquired their own event space in Briarcliff Village. The View is a full-service venue in the Courtyard Marriott at Briarcliff, offering versatile indoor/outdoor event space and a gorgeous panoramic view of downtown Kansas City. The space can accommodate up to 500 people seated or can be split into four smaller venues for a more intimate setting. There is even space for outdoor wedding ceremonies set against our beloved KC skyline.

There is still availability for the upcoming wedding season! Bethany, Tony, Rey and the entire Relish team are ready to help you with showers, luncheons, brunches and receptions. ■

Learn more by visiting the Relish Catering website, relishkc.com, or send an email to relishcatering@kchopps.com.

Cravings writer Erin McIntosh works at the Kansas City Art Institute and is a freelance writer and portrait photographer. In addition to writing about the amazing KC food scene, she contributes to KC Parent Magazine. She is currently working on her first book – part memoir and part single parenting survival guide. Erin is a mother and stepmother to four children and the family table is the hub of the household. But whether at home or out on the town, Erin believes that sharing a great meal with family and friends is vital to health and happiness.