When recent storms hit the Tri-State area last month and resulted in subsequent flooding in those areas historically prone to the rivers exceeding their banks, the regional division of the American Red Cross issued a request for emergency food support from the Culinary Response Team (CRT) unit of Merri-Makers Caterers from Edison, New Jersey. Best known for over 35 years of off-premise wedding and event catering, Merri-Makers is putting their experience and resources to good use with this new division.

The CRT was established in 2007 when the last wave of serious flooding hit north and central New Jersey communities leaving thousands of households without electricity and water.  The CRT, managed by long-time Red Cross volunteer and Merri-Makers team member, Jim Corrigan, hit the ground running and prepared tens of thousands of meals for disaster victims. Subsequently, the American Red Cross and CRT entered into a “Memorandum of Understanding” to provide mass care feeding during local, regional or national disasters and to be in a “state of readiness” as the needs of the American Red Cross arise, in most cases urgently. The company has refrigerated semi trucks that can deliver meals to locations thoughout the continental United States and are considered first response for disasters east of the Mississippi.

 This year’s emergency call went out for food to be mobilized in the communities of New Milford, Ridgewood and most of Passaic County, all of which were subjected to the cresting Passaic and Hackensack Rivers in northern New Jersey.  The CRT expedited over 20,000 fresh-made, culturally-sensitive meals to the victims and support service teams in a 72 hour period. Corrigan explains, “Watching the rainfall at our corporate headquarters in Edison and the daily news reports, we knew to stay on our toes in anticipation of the call from The Red Cross. My cell phone never left my side.”

The Culinary Response Team is always looking for other businesses or government agencies in need of nutritional support services. For more information contact Jim Corrigan at 732-225-0009 or jimc@merrimakers.com.

For over 35 years, Merri-Makers Caterers have been committed to providing impeccable service to their clients. Their team of professionally-trained chefs and experienced event planners pride themselves on their attention to detail and fresh ideas to make your event truly memorable. Visit us on the web at http://www.merrimakerscatering.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MerriMakersCatering, and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MerriMakers.

The Jersey shore has been a popular wedding location choice for New Jersey brides for years. There is something unique about the natural aura of the waterfront alongside a bride on her wedding day- with the rolling waves and sound of the water, an appeal to crave is created. Outdoor ceremonies and ballrooms with waterfront views have become ever so popular. Long Beach Island is an ideal destination wedding location for a bride and groom to experience all the magical aspects associated with a waterfront wedding experience.

Mallard Island Yacht Club, is one of two impressive locations, in the Long Beach Island area that will be sure to appeal to the bride looking for a waterfront wedding location. Surrounded by the natural brilliance of the Barnegat Bay, this destination wedding location proves to be stately yet intimate.

http://merrimakerscatering.com/locations/mallard-island-yacht-club.html

In itself, the prestigious exterior is enough to move you to a satisfied state of mind, with its dynamic red roofing set atop a crisp white structure. Even more so, the presented interior will be sure to amaze brides with its perfect execution of elegance in both the ballroom and bridal suites.

Lastly, The Boathouse is what will be the dealmaker in booking this location for your special day. The Boathouse is a place where couples will exchange their vows amidst the calming breeze of the bay and magnificent waterfront vistas. Just imagine making a grand entrance on a rented yacht to commence your wedding ceremony at this brand new wedding location. The idea is lavish and so is this venue!

Bonnet Island Estate, the second Long Beach Island wedding location, is truly the essence of classical elegance. Inspired by the great coastal mansions along the east coast from Nantucket to Charleston, the estate proves to have a unique feel of grandeur.

http://merrimakerscatering.com/locations/bonnet-island-estate.html

The ballroom at this location is what will truly amaze you. It is defined by 30-ft high cathedral ceilings and resembles an inverted hull of a classic sailing ship. Even more so, the ballroom encompasses a perfect number of windows to ensure all-around views of the waterfront to satisfy any bride, groom and guest by day or night.

Even more so, The Boathouse Chapel, although similar in name to Mallard Island’s ceremony site, is one-of-a-kind and known as the jewel of the location. It is an original post and beam barn that gained almost an elite status as it was transported from Vermont to Bonnet Island Estate. Located on its own private island, this destination location will be sure to provide a wedding characterized by seclusion and intimacy.

During the recent economic state, one may think that having a destination wedding, and even more so a waterfront wedding, is unrealistic at this time. However, Merri-Makers Caterers has come up with a solution to put brides and grooms at ease when it comes to the tangible price of their wedding in order for them to focus on what their day is really all about.

In order to ensure solidifying a couples’ love and finding a place to do so in a location that is unique and representative of them, Merri-Makers Caterers has established “A Wonderful Wedding” menu package where the food, beverages and service come out to $99.00 per guest (the price does not include 7% New Jersey Sales Tax). This wedding package is available for usage at the destination wedding location of Mallard Island Yacht Club. Spending a little more on that rented Yacht grand entrance just became a little more realistic!

http://www.merrimakerscatering.com/weddings/wonderful-wedding-value-package.html

Merri-Makers Caterers has been providing quality food and expert service for wedding events for over 30 years. They are the exclusive on-site caterer for Bonnet Island Estate and the preferred caterer for Mallard Island Yacht Club, as well as being one of the latter for several other facilities around New Jersey. Also, they have been the recipient of many local, State and National awards, most recently being awarded Best Caterers by readers of “The Knot” magazine for both 2007 and 2008.

Laura Daly
VP of Corporate Sales
Merri-Makers Caterers
97 Sunfield Avenue, Suite C
Edison, NJ 08837
732-225-0009
info@merrimakerscatering.com

The team at Merri-Makers has recently created a new, budget friendly Wedding Menu.  It is a full and lavish menu featuring a variety of popular menu options.  Merri-Makers will be offering this menu for phenomenal prices at Neshanic Valley Golf Course.

This special menu is available for 2009 Weddings only.  Here is the price breakdown for weddings at NVGC:

Friday Evening: $89.00* per guest

Saturday Afternoon or Sunday: $79.00* per guest

Saturday Evening: $99.00* per guest

Your beautiful, dream wedding is available at budget-friendly prices at Neshanic Valley Golf Course!

Come check out the breathtaking views of the Sourland Mountains and the upcoming renovations for 2009!

 *Above pricing does not include 7% New Jersey State Sales Tax

This package expires 12/31/09

Contact Jillian Hodge for Additional Information:

732-225-0009

Take a glance at our newly created $99 “Wonderful Wedding” Menu.  For anyone who is concerned about keeping costs low, this is a perfect menu to check out.

“Wonderful Wedding” Package

Cocktail Hour

One Hour Unlimited Butler Style Hors d’oeuvres
Skewered Creole Gulf Shrimp served with Cilantro Crème Fraiche
*
Meat and Potatoes: Crispy New Potato Slice, Tenderloin of Beef, Horseradish and Chive Remoulade
*
Miniature Homemade Quiche
*
Exotic Mushroom Risotto Cake with White Truffle Oil
*
Hot Dogs Coins Enrobed in Puff Pastry and served with Pommery Mustard
*
Grilled Cuban Triangle: Pulled Pork, Smoked Ham, Garlic Pickle and Swiss Cheese Panini

Pasta Station
Miniature Penne Pasta: Home Style Vodka Coral Sauce With Plum Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
*
Broccoli Florettes with julienne of Sun-Dried Tomato, Roasted Garlic Broth and Finished with Fresh Cracked Pepper & Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Butcher’s Block
Corned Beef Brisket
*
Boiled New Potatoes in Browned Butter & Flat Leaf Parsley
*
Braised Cabbage

Fresh Vegetable Crudités
Crisp Garden Vegetables:
Miniature Carrots, Cucumbers Wheels, Celery Sticks, Red and
Green Pepper Strips, Broccoli Florets
Zucchini Rounds, Radishes and Cherry Tomatoes
served with Chef Selection of Seasonal Dips

Sweet & Savory Fromage
Whole Wheels of French Brie de Meaux
prepared two ways:

Roasted Garlic, Charred Tomatoes & Torn Cilantro with
White and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
*
Candied Granny Smith Apples, Brown Sugar Butter
Pecan Dust & Carr’s Table Wafers

Tapas Display
Fire Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
*
Country Blend of Olive Tapenade
*
Roasted Eggplant Caponata
*
Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Served with Grilled Pita Triangles & Garlic Parmesan Toast Rounds

Preview

Classic Caesar Salad
Hearts of Romaine Lettuce are tossed with Traditional Caesar Dressing
and garnished with shaved Asiago Cheese, Garlic Croutons
and freshly Cracked Black Pepper.

Served with a Parmesan Crusted Artisan Bread Stick

The Main Entrée

A Grand Assiette
Hand-Carved New York Strip Loin
Montreal Seasoned and Slow Roasted
*
Pan Roasted Chicken Fresco
Garnish of Artichoke Hearts, capers, and Sun dried tomato
Complimented by a Lemon and Tarragon Butter Sauce
*
Seasonal Vegetable Du Jour
*
Signature Potato Croquette with Boursin Cheese and Roasted Garlic

Dessert

Custom Wedding Cake
served on a painted plate of Fruit Coulis
*
Freshly Brewed Regular & Decaffeinated Colombian Coffee
*
Herbal & Decaffeinated Tea Selection

Beverages

Champagne Toast

Five-Hour Open Bar

Featuring the Following Selections:
Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Coconut Rum,
Whiskey, Scotch, Triple Sec, Sweet & Dry Vermouth

Assorted Beers to include Budweiser & Miller Lite
Sonoma & Napa Valley Wine Selections of
Cabernet Sauvignon & Pinot Grigio

Menu, Beverages & Service $99.00 per guest*

*Above pricing does not include 7% New Jersey State Sales Tax

This package expires 12/31/09

This offer is currently valid for the following venues:
Mallard Island Yacht Club * Neshanic Valley Golf Club * The Berkeley Hotel

Many brides dream about an outdoor wedding under the stars, however never make it a reality because they simply cannot find a location.  Well the search is over…. there is a perfect outdoor wedding spot located right in central NJ.

Merri-Makers at Neshanic Valley Golf Course is located in the hills of beautiful Somerset County.  It truly has views that you need to see to believe.  You will be absolutely blown away by the landscape and surrounding Sourland Mountains. 

The view is unsurpassable and it is the ideal location for an outdoor wedding and ceremony. 

Worried about mother nature? Don’t.  Our majestic tent, “Splendor in the Grass” can accomodate up to 500 guests in comfort and will sheild your guests from the outdoor elements.  “Splendor in the Grass” is a tent set up right on the Neshanic Valley Golf Course property.

This outdoor tented location is perfect for a variety of events….. galas, fundraisers, company picnics, and more!

With it’s centrally located location and outstanding views it is definitely a MUST SEE!

Imagine your wedding under a tent like this……

 

Along with the popularity of cooking shows for people of all ages, are supporting statistics that show that brides today on average are a few years older than they used to be. They exude confidence and are unabashed at creating celebrations centered on their personal preferences and individual styles. Brides are no longer as concerned about conforming to traditional expectations. They understand that the wedding reception is an opportunity to indulge in their individuality. And no element of a wedding day shows this more than the reception. Dining at a catered event is now exciting, delicious and entertaining like never before.

Brides Want A Unique, Personalized Wedding

Chef McCann – winner of the national 2006 Chef of the Year awarded by International Caterers Association – said the recent craze for brides to have their receptions reflect their individual tastes and preferences has changed the culinary trends for the better. Their joie de vivre philosophy allows him to be more creative; and catering chefs love the opportunity to create a reception dinner that leaves guests exclaiming, “!”

Some brides are opting for theme menus that express their personal concerns like environmental. For example, Merri-Makers has devised menus that utilize local food sources emphasizing fresh, fresh, fresh! While others want fun spirited menus that are based on the bride and groom’s favorite foods. These menus feature familiar foods with an upscale twist like macaroni and cheese gone “adult” prepared with semolina pasta, lobster and artisan cheeses.

The static buffet table has hit the road and in its place are more interactive chef-attended culinary kiosks and food bars. These allow for more guest interaction and a more vibrant flow to the room. One example for a food bar is the popular Chips Bar that features several varieties of tasty chips made from sweet potatoes, beets and other non-traditional vegetable roots and tubers. These bars also feature several different types of fresh house made dips. Another example is Merri-Makers’ Seviche Bar featuring a variety of fish served in savory cones. The idea is to create a food event that is delicious and interactive.

Another trend is to feature what chefs call the high-low epicurean creations like a full flavored braised short rib paired with a succulent tenderloin, or fresh Maine lobster with mini Italian meatballs.

Premiere catering chefs like Chef McCann are emphasizing dishes that focus more on flavor and presentation. Gone are “big” dishes and in their place are several tastings stocked with more flavorful choices. “Trios” are one of Merri-Makers flavor sensation specialties. These dishes have one food item that is served three ways like tuna, which on one plate includes individual servings of Tuna Tartare, Tuna Seviche and Porcini Dusted Seared Tuna.

People’s tastes are becoming more sophisticated, said Chef McCann. Food is entertainment and now guests are playing a starring role to help “finish” dishes like deconstructed salads. Instead of pre-mixing salads like a Caesar, Merri-Makers serves salads that are deconstructed with Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, white anchovies, croutons and dressing served in a shot glass and placed in the middle of the salad. It creates a more interesting presentation, keeps the salad fresher and allows the guests to add what they want.

Changes Create More Stylized Table Settings

Many of the cutting edge options also help the bride to create more stylized table settings that are more artful and less cluttered. Mineral water bottle service is replacing the sweating, dripping water pitchers. Thin, long and elegant crostini sticks are replacing bulky bread baskets.
Family style pastas are served for all guests at a table creating a fun sharing experience. China service is more elaborate and now offers plates with several compartments to serve a trio of different versions of one featured item rather than one large plate.

Other vessels offering a fun twist for table presentations that are a Chinese restaurant “To-Go” box with chop sticks for Asian-style dishes, edible spoons and clear cellophane containers.

Culinary Trends Are Hitting Another Stratosphere

Rocket science is literally on the horizon of wedding reception cuisine. The art of molecular gastronomy is the next trend to hit the catering culinary scene. It is the art of applying scientific studies to cooking, which has devised edible menus, foams that are sauces turned into froth and foods that taste similar, but look different like shrimp noodles.

Chef McCann welcomes change and as an award-winning chef known for turning an idea into a dinner for 3,000 he is up for the challenge. Brides bring it on!

“Overall, the wedding industry has grown and options have changed,” said co-owner Rick Bott. “But, one thing has remained the same for us regardless of the evolving trends, we make sure that this special day is the absolute best it can be from start to finish,” he added.

“The name Merri-Makers is synonymous with trust. We are successful and celebrating 30 years in business because couples know that we have delivered perfect memories for 30 years,” said co-owner Andy Bott.

Merri-Makers, was voted one of the best caterers in the nation by “The Knot” magazine’s Best of Wedding Picks 2007 & 2008. Merri-Makers, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008, is a premiere catering company and has exclusive catering rights to some of New Jersey’s most prestigious wedding sites. Merri-Makers is well known for the distinctive food service and trusted, professional service for all types of social and corporate events. Merri-Makers, has catered the past three Governor’s Inaugural Balls, as well as President George W. Bush’s political fundraiser in May 2007. Top corporate clients include Lockheed Martin, Sanofi Aventis, Washington Mutual and IBM to name a few.

Merri-Makers Catering Locations:

Merri-Makers at NJ Convention & Expo Center, Edison - MAIN OFFICE – (732-225-0009)
Merri-Makers at Bonnet Island Estate, Manahawkin (609.494.9100);
Merri-Makers at The Chapel on Sandy Hook (732.264.3355);
Merri-Makers at the Reception Center – PNC Arts Center grounds,- Holmdel (732.264.3355);
Merri-Makers at Water’s Edge, Sea Bright (732.842.1714).

Co-owners and brothers Rick and Andy Bott are pleased to announce that their New Jersey catering business, Merri-Makers, was voted one of the best in New Jersey by “The Knot” magazine’s Best of Weddings Picks 2007.The magazine, one of the most popular among brides-to-be, reports that more than 25,000 brides participated in the survey for the Best of 2007 issue. In order to win a Best Picks, vendors were required to score a minimum 85 points out of 100. Merri-Makers scored 94 – from “start to finish,” said participating brides.

“We are very pleased to receive this recognition from our brides,” said Rick Bott.

“None of this would be possible without our savvy wedding couples expecting the very best and our team members meeting and exceeding their expectations,” Andy added.

Merri-Makers, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2008, is a premiere catering company with several premium and waterfront sites – Merri-Makers at Bonnet Island Estate, Manahawkin; Merri-Makers at The Chapel on Sandy Hook; Merri-Makers at the Reception Center (PNC Arts Center grounds), Holmdel; Merri-Makers at Water’s Edge, 1465 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ.

Additionally, Merri-Makers is well known for the distinctive food service and professional service for all types of social and corporate events. Merri-Makers has catered the past three Governor’s Inaugural Balls, as well as President George W. Bush’s political fundraiser in May 2007. Top corporate clients include Lockheed Martin and Sanofi Aventis, Washington Mutual, Tiffany’s and Freehold Raceway Mall and many others.

The recognition from “The Knot” follows a prestigious culinary award received by Jack McCann III, Merri-Makers’ Chef de Cuisine. McCann was voted Chef of the Year 2006 by the International Caterers Association. The International Caterers Association (ICA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, mentoring and service for professional caterers and promoting the profession of catering to clients, industry members, vendors and the public.

The Knot
Best of Weddings 2007
NY & NJ Caterers
Merri-Makers Caterers, Edison

Score of 94.0:
For “phenomenal” food and service “from start to finish,” celebrate your nuptials with these “excellent” caterers. Their “wonderful” and “professional” staff will make your “special day the very best!”

www.Merrimakerscatering.com (732 225-0009)