Vendor Spotlight: {Monte's Downtown Catering}

We are so excited for the opportunity to work with a new, local caterer out at Rustic Oaks!  And we are extra excited because they are a “one-stop-affordable fine dining-shop!”  Monte’s Downtown Catering offers fine dining and full bar service and has the capability of supplying all of your china, glassware, etc.  It’s rare to find a local caterer that can do both food and bev at our site, so of course we were intrigued by this appealing option. 

So far so good, right!?  Monte’s obviously looks great on paper…but how does the food measure up?

Last week I had the opportunity to experience Monte’s Catering for myself.  Christian D’Agostino (aka Chris) invited my husband and me – and the Rustic Oaks owners - to wine and dine with him at his downtown restaurant.  From start to finish, I was so incredibly impressed!!  Let me elaborate…

We were greeting by Chris at the door.  He was charming and professional, and we soon found out that he is also extremely talented!  Chris is not only the owner of the restaurant, but also the executive chef!  And the best part about that is if Monte’s caters your event, you work directly with Chris – throughout the entire process!  Anyways, let’s get to the food!!
 

Rack of Lamb (with Cherry Sauce) and apple cheddar bread pudding…
Braised Duck Breast (with Cranberry Chutney) and sweet potato puree…

Gnocchi (with rabbit, olives, capers, and olives) and zucchini, squash, and mushroom parmesan… 

Is your mouth watering yet?!  It should be!!

Our dining experience also started off with an appetizer of shrimp and crab cakes (which were to-die-for) - and our meal ended with warm chocolate-hazelnut-creme truffle cake!

Wow.  Everything was so unbelievably delicious!  I can honestly say it was one of the (if not THE) absolute best meals I have eaten in the entire FM area!  And besides delicious, the food was beautiful; the presentation was top-notch!  I sent Chris a quick thank you message the day after we dined; it summed up our experience in one simple sentence:

“The food was delicious, you and your staff were professional and charming, and the overall dining experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations; we were impressed.”

Finally, I have to touch on the “Monte’s Dining Experience.”  When we met Chris, and tasted his food, I believe we were given much more than just a meal.  Monte’s offers a flexible fine dining experience.  And I truly think that Rustic Oaks and Monte’s Catering are a wonderful fit for each other. 

To our Rustic Oaks clients (weddings, business gatherings, special events, etc.): if you are aiming to give your guests a memorable dining experience – Monte’s definitely has my stamp of approval.  They will achieve the wow factor.

And if you are interested in a free, 3-entree tasting (or more information about Monte’s Catering), contact Chris:

Christian D'Agostino

Owner/Executive Chef @ Monte's Downtown

220 Broadway - Fargo, ND 58102

Phone: 701-526-0149

Email: christian.dagostino@montesdowntown.com

Website: www.montesdowntown.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/montesdowntown 

{A Monte’s Testimonial}

“We were so pleased with the food we tasted at Monte's; the menu choices were amazing!  Christian has been taking really good care of us throughout the planning process!  He also did a great job in helping us obtain the dishes and glassware we will need for the wedding.  (This has taken such a load off of our shoulders.)  I know the food and service will be impeccable and we cannot wait to share the experience with our family and friends!”

-Karen

(Mother of the Groom, May 2013 Rustic Oaks Wedding)

Today's Vendor Spotlight: Libby {Owner of Libby's Cupcakes Etc.}

To sweeten up this Monday afternoon, we get to learn more about Libby - owner of Libby's Cupcakes Etc!  

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Libby, and I must say, I am very impressed with her - and her awesome little cupcake business!  She puts loads of love and care into each of her baking projects AND her products sell themselves...her cupcakes are absolutely beautiful & DE-licious!!  

Libby and her business are semi-new to the FM wedding and event scene, but I know for a fact that we all will be seeing her name a lot more in this upcoming season (and years to come)...!  We are definitely excited to see her yummy displays make their way out to Rustic Oaks!  And I  encourage our couples {that are still hunting for a baker} to contact Libby; she's a super sweet person- and her goodies are lovely, very fairly priced, and personalized to your taste/event!

Lastly, you definitely need to check out the Libby's Cupcakes Etc. blog!  Her stuff is so creative and super fun to read; plus, it's full of lots of photos of her work!

{Meet Libby}

*A little about me...

Hi!  I'm Libby Martin, owner and baker of Libby's Cupcakes Etc.  I was born and raised in the the south but have called Moorhead, MN home for almost six years now.  My background is in interior design but I gave that up to be a full time Mom when my husband and I moved here.  We have two busy boys that keep life interesting.  When I'm not baking or doing what Moms do best, I enjoy...anything relaxing!

*A little about my business...

I opened Libby's Cupcakes Etc. in June of 2011.  What started as just a creative outlet quickly turned into friends asking me to bake for small events.  In the last 18 months I've done almost a dozen weddings and countless birthday parties, baby showers, graduations and everything in between.  In Janurary of this year I became a licensed baker in the City of Fargo baking out of the Square One Rental Kitchen & Event Center.  I don't know exactly what the future holds, but I am excited to see how my business will continue to grow and change!

*My typical clientele...

While I have catered to all occasions and celebrations, I really enjoy doing weddings the most.  There's something about working with brides to make sure their cupcakes and cake coordinate with the rest of their wedding style that meshes well my design background.  And it is always such an honor to be even a small part of such a big moment in two people's lives. 

*What sets me apart from my competition...

Real. Butter.  Maybe it's the southern girl in me but I appreciate the thick, rich, creaminess of real butter butter cream.  I think if you're going treat yourself to a cupcake, you should really indulge!

*A current wedding trend that I'm loving...

Burlap and flowers and ruffley things.  I don't get much for girly stuff around here so when a bride comes to me with that simple, pretty style that's trending now, I gobble it up!

*What I can offer Rustic Oaks brides & grooms (and other special events clients)...

After we've met and decided on the specifics for the cake and cupcake design, I offer delivery and set up as well as cupcake/cake stand rentals. I take great care in making sure the dessert table looks fabulous.  I also work well with event coordinators that might be on site.  The goal is that once the client has set everything in motion, they can enjoy their special day hassle-free.

*The best way to see more of my work/learn more about my business...

If you'd like to see more of what I've done in the past and what's currently going on in my world, you can check out my blog or "like" Libby's Cupcakes Etc. on facebook. 

*The best way to contact me...

Email seems to be the most effective way of exchanging all the information weddings and other large events require.  I check email often so feel free to conatct me at libbyscupcakesetc@gmail.com. 

{{Thanks for taking the time to get to know more about me and Libby's Cupcakes Etc!}}

{A new, local catering option!}

We are so excited to work with a new, local caterer out at Rustic Oaks!

Tonight, the owners & I will be meeting with Monte's Downtown - to talk about all of the great things they can offer our couples, clients, and guests.  And of course, we will be tasting some of their amazing-looking dishes!  

Check back soon for a full blog post about our meeting and dining experience!

"Monte's is elated to bring our upscale catering to Rustic Oaks for the perfect wedding celebration.

All menu requests and budgets will be accommodated.

Contact Monte's Downtown directly to book your catering and plan the details of your perfect event.

Full food and liquor service available.

Call us today to book your next amazing event, or visit us online at www.montesdowntown.com."