Hosting about 2,000 meetings and events each year, Lorain County Community College Conference and Dining Services is the go-to for community galas, weddings, conferences and business meetings accommodating groups as small as two people to more than 350.
Planners can choose from a standard catering menu or request custom items, says Dean Johnson, director of Conference & Dining Services. Whatever the event, or price point, the goal is to select a menu that offers complementary flavors from start to finish. Johnson says one of his favorite appetizers is an antipasti skewer, with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, salami, and mozzarella and a balsamic glaze. “They’re fresh, easy to eat, and it kind of prepares your palate for the dishes to come,” he says.
For a main dish, he loves their lemon, rosemary grilled chicken breast that comes with cucumber yogurt sauce and a side of sauteed mixed vegetables (zucchini squash, carrots and peppers), and some fan favorite garlic mashed potatoes.
For dessert? Many clients choose mini dessert displays, giving an assortment of sweets to each table. “We now offer lemon cheesecake bars that have a graham cracker crust and fresh whipped cream that offer a sweet ending without being overly heavy.”
Here are two tips Johnson shares for hosting your own great event:
Start with making a list of everything that you're going to need to facilitate your vision. Think themes, menus, linens, chafing dishes, etc. “There’s always something that will go wrong. It's just a matter of checking all your boxes to make sure that you have enough time to react to it,” he says.
Presentation matters. Make sure that visually the room is set, but also that each course is visually appealing and coordinates with the others in terms of color and style. Also be mindful of the common dietary restrictions and make sure to offer alternatives if needed.
