Along with signs of spring this week come positive signs in the Reno-Sparks business community, notably that many local businesses are holding more sales meetings, business gatherings, and inviting more clients and prospects into their business to meet and discuss opportunities. For us at The Cheese Board American Bistro & Catering Company, that’s exciting because business owners and managers are recognizing the importance of “setting the table” for clients, prospects, and employees with fresh, healthy, and delicious food and drink. In fact, new data forecasts business catering spending to increase 7% in 2012 as business owners look to differentiate their companies and build new relationships via the world’s oldest and simplest shared experience—sitting down and talking over great food and drink. We snapped the photo above of our own adorable Georgia as she was dashing out the door with a lunch delivery across town. Bon appétit!

You’ll notice a delightful change at The Cheese Board this week: our new Dessert Counter, which greets you right as you walk in! Besides opening up The Cheese Board and making it more inviting for our guests, the dessert counter showcases the handiwork of our dynamic duo, culinary stylist Caitlin Fletcher and baker extraordinaire Andrea Medina, who have put together a fabulous display of fresh, house-made seasonal cupcakes, pies, dessert bars, cookies, and even gluten-free dessert offerings. You can also pre-order Pecan or Pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. You know what they say: Life is uncertain, so eat dessert first. We can’t wait to tempt you with something yummy at The Cheese Board!

By Krista Phillips

Back in June, I received an email from a woman named Zoe in Australia inquiring about having The Cheese Board provide some hors d’oeuvres to serve at Burning Man.  A group of Australians were coming to the states for the festival, and they wanted to provide some “canapés” for their fellow campers, 150 in all.  They would have two refrigerators and one chest freezer onsite, and they needed something that they could assemble and grill over four days.

After emailing our ideas back and forth across oceans, we came up with petite chicken and beef skewers with a mango bbq sauce and chipotle bbq sauce, and deconstructed caprese skewers (marinated mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and fresh basil).  Zoe also wanted to have some items that were unique to Australia, so she shipped over some Vegemite and Tim Tams for them to make onsite. Fot the final touch, Zoe was able to source some kangaroo that they were going to grill onsite as well and serve on our crostinis.

As summer usually does, it flew by fast, and before I knew it Zoe and her fellow campers were in town to pick up their hors d’oeuvres.  I couldn’t wait to meet her!  She and her fellow campers were just as lovely as I thought they would be.  They made me an honorary member of their camp, Ashram Galactica by Coco Poco Loco.  Their motto, “Safety Third,” (after bacon and sex).  Hmmm…bacon! No wonder we got along so well!

I hope they make the journey again next year, as I would love to see them again!

Tired of industrial-grade office pizza that tastes like the box it came in? Well, the next time the boss wants everybody to work through lunch, or attend a marathon meeting ’til the cows come home, consider ordering the fresh, delicious soups, salads, entrées, sandwiches, and freshly-baked desserts from The Cheese Board. Since we opened in 1981, we’ve delivered for business throughout Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Incline Village, and beyond. Check out all the menu offerings on our web site, or call Krista or Debbie at ext. 105 or 104 to help you pick out something that’ll make workplace dining a lot more workable for everyone…especially those who like a little yumminess in their workday!

by Krista Phillips

Congratulations on your engagement!  Now comes the never ending to-do list of what needs be done before the big day.  A list long enough to send even the most organized party planner running for cover.  I totally get it.  I’ve been there, and now I do it for a living.  So, in order to make your lives a little easier The Cheese Board has created new all inclusive wedding packages (excluding tax) for Reno weddings.  The price per person includes the food, staffing for a 5 hour reception, place settings, and delivery.  This way you can see how much the food will cost per person for a plated or buffet dinner.  Simply use that price per person, multiply that by the number of guests that you are anticipating and you have your catering food costs.  Just remember to add the tax (7.725%) to get an accurate number.

Once you start the process of hiring a caterer, more questions will arise…which is better a buffet or plated dinner?  What about family style service?  Will there be a vegetarian option?  And where will the food be set-up?  The good news is that you can call or email me at anytime and I will be happy to answer all your questions.  The better news is that I will be at My Wedding Library next Thursday, February 24^th at 5:30pm and you will have the opportunity to pick my brain about all things food.  The best news is that there will be tasty treats, a yummy signature cocktail and a chance to win lunch for two at The Cheese Board!

Simply RSVP online at, http://www.myweddinglibrary.com/calendarandevents/catering101-thecheeseboard and come to My Wedding Library, located at 9333 Double R Boulevard, Suite 1600 next Thursday for a deliciously good time.

For all The Cheese Boards menus and contact information, please visit us online at www.cheeseboardcatering.com.

By Krista Phillips

I hate Valentine’s Day!  Usually, Valentine’s Day is just another work day for me.  This year it is on a Monday (insert lip curl here).  Seriously…aren’t Mondays hard enough as it is?  The thought of finding a sitter, making reservations, and changing into anything other then my favorite sweatpants makes me hate the “holiday” even more.

Here’s the good news, it doesn’t have to be like that.  It can be as easy as picking up take out and a great bottle of wine.  The important thing is just the chance to spend some time together to reconnect and enjoy being with each other.    And it doesn’t have to be with your partner, it can be with your mom or best friend.  If you and your partner have friends you don’t see as often as you would like, invite them over for a night in.  What ever you decide to do, make it something simple and enjoyable!

Dinner idea #1: An easy appetizer is a wedge of brie topped with apple garlic jam served with baguette slices.  While that would suffice as dinner for me, a yummy and comforting entrée I enjoy is roasted chicken with rosemary, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and cracked pepper.  I buy the chicken breast with the skin on and bone in, simply surround it with your favorite vegetables and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

Dinner idea #2: take out pizza and vino!

Remember to keep it simple, make it fun and most of all, enjoy!