Defazio?s Catering Service in Richmond, Virginia

Join Chefs Jessica Crockett & Joe DeFazio, Wednesday September 12 from 11am-2pm in the Barrel Room at New Kent Winery for an “Authentic Italian” cooking class experience. We’ll be providing recipes, demonstrations & gourmet food while New Kent Winery will provide the paired wines. Food includes eggplant caponatina, chicken tuscany and creamy rose panna cotta. RSVP to 932-8240 or info@newkentwinery.com. Hope to see you there!

Golf, Grouper, and Gracious Hosts – Some things should never change.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit Myrtle Beach. Although the purpose of my trip was golf, my dining experience became the focus of my sojourn.  The group of men that invited me and organized the three day tournament is in my opinion highly unique. Unique, because this group has been converging on Myrtle Beach for over 50 years.  They gather twice a year for the same thing, it never changes, they won’t let it, it does not need to change, it is perfect as is. Golf is the excuse, laughter and needling are nonstop and the food is wonderful in a restaurant that is also largely unchanged.

Much like the group, this particular restaurant has been the mainstay for locals and tourists for a quarter of a century. It has proudly refused to succumb to the trendy fashions that plague so many of today’s restaurants.  Like the three generation of friends who meet there, it has no reason to change; nothing’s broke, it is perfect as is.

Not often have I witnessed a restaurant that the more it stays the same the better it tastes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the newest version of Asian fusion and I’ll be first in line to try the latest wok cooked pasta or whatever is claiming to be the cutting edge at the moment, however, the tried and true is definitely worth giving a shout out to.

If you love Italian, if you love seafood, if you love anything blackened, if you love classic Frank to dine by; you WILL love Rossi’s tried and true it is “the good stuff”.

By the way, did I mention that they also have a wonderful Piano Bar aptly named Eighty Eights……a perfect ending to your evening.

Thanks for stopping by,

Joe

The economy over the last two years has made us stronger, more creative, more cost conscience and more aggressive in our marketing efforts. We constantly strive to develop new customers from within our current corporate, private and civic base. Our referrals from associates, friends and other businesses are greatly appreciated and an essential ingredient necessary to our continued growth. Thank you.

Coleen Smith whom most of you deal with has done an exemplary job managing our corporate clients. Her fast response is often complimented. Her attention to detail has in no small way played a major role in our customer satisfaction and retention.  She has also proven herself a highly regarded wedding planner. We have proudly quadrupled the number of weddings that we did just three years ago.

Chef Ladale’s dedication to consistency, quality and presentation has been the backbone in customer satisfaction. Together he and his staff are in constant pursuit of healthy, nutritious and affordable menu offerings.  Many of our monthly specials have been customer inspired.  So let us know what you would like to see featured.

On the creative front, I have recently developed an all new, very exciting menu entitled “On Call Hors d oeuvres which can be found on our website.  Also in keeping with the times, we have a Facebook fan page and I have begun writing a few foodie blogs which has spawned a new ladies group called “Wives with Knives”. You can read all about it on our web page under blogs.  It’s gathering lots of interest.

The future is green and we’re trying to do our part. We try to buy recycled materials and will be happy to pick up your plastic trays, bowls, lids, etc. just let us know. We also offer a limited line of green, earth friendly serving products.

May is national barbecue month and national salad month. The warmer weather and sunshine bring us outdoors for grilling and barbecuing, along with eating a little bit lighter foods like salad, fruit and vegetables. May is the perfect time to get outdoors and start grilling up foods like steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs and chicken, along with vegetables like potatoes, corn on the cob and kebabs of mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and peppers. Add a little barbecue sauce to your chosen meat to add some flavor and spice. Barbecue pork sandwiches are another great option to make during this time of year. Keep your recipes light and simple but with lots of flavor to enhance the taste of your meal. DeFazio’s offers complete dinners in Richmond, VA, as well as catering service and box lunches for any occasion.

You can make a salad as a side or as a meal in and of itself. Make a light and delicious spring salad with some fruit, lettuce, nuts and raspberry dressing. Add some diced chicken and pile on ingredients like fruits, vegetables, cheese and nuts to make a meal out of a salad. There’s no wrong way to make a salad, just add the good stuff you like and top with a creamy dressing for a healthy and light meal or snack.

The next time you need some barbecue, grilling or salad think of DeFazio’s Catering for your next social occasion, whether it’s a buffet luncheon, corporate party, graduation party, holiday party or wedding catering you need, we’ve got it covered!

Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, is a celebration that includes Mexican food, music, decorations and fun. Food suggestions for this fun holiday include Mexican foods like chips, salsa and queso, fajitas, tacos, burritos, margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, chimichangas, churros, Mexican salad and five layer dip. Mexican food is known for its spice and incredible flavor filled foods.

A favorite dish loved by many is sizzling beef or chicken fajitas with onions, peppers, lots of spice and flour tortillas. It’s an easy meal to fix and will satisfy the appetite of guests and yourself at your Cinco de Mayo party. Grab some chips, salsa, queso and pile on the veggies in your fajita while sipping on a daiquiri all during this fiesta celebration with friends, family or co-workers.

Speaking of parties and celebrations we cater all different kinds of special events all year round! If you’re throwing a Cinco de Mayo party or any other kinds of special events, whether at home, work or a special location, we would love to help you plan it and provide mouth watering food for your special event. DeFazio’s can provide catering no matter what the occasion or location, whether it’s a buffet, luncheon, graduation party, wedding, holiday or corporate party. Don’t forget that we also provide everyday box lunches and complete dinner’s right here in and throughout Richmond, Virginia.

Call or email us for professional catering service at reasonable prices for your special event or holiday party today!

We had SUCH a fabulous time at the 1st ever Wives with Knives event! If you didn’t make it, here is what you missed:

Why we are here…….
-    Because we all share a lust and love for the “Good Stuff “- good food, good wine, good restaurants, good company
-    Because we are all very social – we love to mingle and meet while we nibble and drink
-    Because we want to play with knives……skillfully !
-    Because we like SPECIAL and we get special privileges, special treatment, special prices-
-    Because it’s a cute name, the wine is FREE! And we get a knife and a plant!!!
Wives with Knives Benefits
-    Knife skills lessons
-    Free knife sharpening
-    Wholesale pricing for new knives
-     Platters and equipment available
-    Catering discounts from 10% – 30% off
-    Special ordering of hard to find products
-    Personal advice from the Chef – call or email
-     Wine purchases at cost + 10%
-    25% discount for private parties in DeFazio’s Kitchen (excludes Corporate Team Building)
-    DeFazio Reward Dollars (May be used towards purchasing food, wine, catering,  rent a waiter/bartender, other catering services.)
-    $200 for a bridal referral
-    $25 for shower referral
-    $50 for rehearsal dinner referral
-    $50 for referring a private customer
-    $100 for referring a new corporate customer
-    $50 for the best new hors d oeuvres recipe
When is Our Next Social?
July 27th and October 26th (so mark your calendars and reserve your spot!)
Are we under any obligation?
Absolutely not, only to have fun!
Is there a charge?  Not for our quarterly meetings .  It’s all about fun, food and FREE**
**Cooking classes – wine dinners – wine tastings, couples cooking class, trips to Italy, etc. will        have charges, of course.
How many “Wives with Knives “may attend?
Approximately 30 (more if we have a tent party or when we have grilling lessons).  Some classes and special dinners may be limited due to space constraints, etc.

If you missed this one and you can’t wait for the next one, don’t forget to mark your calendars for July 27th.  The theme will be all about GRILLING. Can’t wait to see you there!

If you have never heard of it do yourself a favor and Google it.

The City of Hope is a Los Angles based research center devoted to the study of and hopefully eradication of women’s cancers. It is one of only 40 such centers it the country. Currently Virginia does not have such a center.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of catering lunch for Team Markel which was over 200 strong of the estimated 1000 folks that converged on the nation’s capitol for the City of Hope’s walk for hope.
The purpose of this rally was simple; draw attention, educate and inform the public and raise awareness and money. Stories and testimonials were both inspiring and tear jerking. The statistics and numbers are frightening. Women of all ages, varying socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures are potential victims of the many debilitating and fatal forms cancer. At present the City of Hope has over 800 different studies and research projects under hand.

At the City of Hope’s request, Richmond’s own Anthony F. “Tony” Markel was asked and agreed to chair a very ambitious multiyear campaign to raise an unprecedented one billion dollars for research. To my knowledge there is no other effort in the county with goals set this high.

The Good Stuff.
Joe

Hello to all my foodie friends, my beloved customers, and my social network Fans. Finally…….drum roll please…… we have selected a date for DeFazio’s first official “Wives with Knives” quarterly social. Wednesday April 13, 2011

You are cordially invited to have a great time:

DeFazio’s Kitchen 2601 Tuckernuck Drive Richmond 23294
Join me and my staff along with other adventurous Foodies for a perfect, after work, salute to spring. There is no agenda and there is no charge except to meet new folks who share a love for The Good Stuff- and this time it’s all Italian.

We will taste, sample, and pair regional Italian wines including Prosecco to some of Italy’s premier cheese’s, We will –of course- play with knives, and offer expert instruction on basic knife skills.

It’s all Free; why? I say why not, we have all been cooped up all winter long, we all have been budget conscience, we all have been weight conscience ( at least the real foodies have) I say let’s celebrate DeFazio style. Come meet some new folks, share some recipes, drink some wine, eat some cheese, break some bread and play with knives in our 2700 sq ft kitchen.

Space is limited, there is no cost, this is a seasonal event and this one is free:

“ Wives with Knives” is The Good Stuff

The first 20 to register by emailing Joe@defazioscatering.com will be given a choice of a FREE PAIRING KNIFE ( the exact replica of the one that I use to carve vegetables into flowers and to flute mushrooms) or a grown from seed ORGANIC BASIL PLANT a perfect start for your herb garden.

For more information on DeFazio’s Catering, please visit our website or fan us on facebook.

Having been chosen to cater the commissioner’s suite at the CAA Tournament was quite an honor as we provided lots of delicious food and had so much fun! We have truly had a great time catering the Commissioner’s Suite at the CAA Tournament Friday – Sunday and even for the CAA Championship game tonight. It’s been a pleasure to have met so many great people.

During the tournament we wanted to switch it up a bit so we completely changed food spreads for every “session.” We had a variety of appetizing menu items to choose from. On Saturday, we have these tasty choices: BBQ, Mac and Cheese, Quesadillas, Tenderloin Kabobs and Meatballs. Then on Sunday, we thought we would do something a little fun, but simple too. On Sunday, we offered the following menu items: a taco bar (make your own tacos and nachos), Famous DeFazio’s “boat” of salads – tuna salad, chicken salad and pasta salads. Of course, we offered our yummy DeFazio’s desserts which included brownies, cookies, and cream puffs. Doesn’t all that food make your mouth water?

Come out and enjoy some of our incredible food while watching the VCU game. All of us here at DeFazio’s are excited and can’t wait for tonight’s final game! It’s going to be a close one! Go VCU!

For more information on DeFazio’s Catering, please visit our website or fan us on facebook.

March madness is of course basketball time, and it is a fun time for college basketball fans. DeFazio’s has been fortunate to have been selected to cater the commissioner’s suite, the media the players and sponsors over the years. This year we are proud to be back in the commissioner’s suit. We will provide lots of fun food and interesting Hors D’oeuvres for all the VIP s that attend.

The other Madness is Mardi Gras and New Orleans is one of my very favorite places to eat.

The mere mention of Mardi Gras can inspire many of us to blacken something, whip up a po-boy and spend Sunday slow cooking a file gumbo. If you have been to New Orleans then you know exactly what I mean. After two plus decades of professional foodie ism It is my opinion that New Orleans is in the top 3 cities in this country for food, not just Cajun food or spicy food but all food. Oysters, to benyets, street side lucky dogs, fried bayou catfish, chicory coffee, pralines and all the perfectly blended seasoning and spices make this town and region truly delicious. New Orleans is made up of Italians, French, African, American Indians, Irish , Germans, Greeks, Croatians, Spanish, Cubans and Filipinos all of whom have contributed to a flavors that are unequalled anywhere else in the world.

The food is truly gutsy full flavored and I love to cook it almost as much as I like to eat it. Join me and my “Wives with Knives” and we’ll make “the good stuff!”

PS: I have CAA tickets for my “Wives with Knives” send an email to joe@defazioscatering.com, tell me you favorite New Orleans restaurant or recipe and you could win tickets to your choice of games!!

For more information on DeFazio’s Catering, please visit our website or fan us on facebook.