Admin, Author at En Ville

There are many ways to make your wedding feel uniquely yours. Think about the small details that make a huge difference. You can opt for a personalized wedding menu or your personal vows to make the day extra special. Whatever you have in mind, make sure it describes your relationship or personal styles and leaves a memorable experience. Below are a few ways to add a personal touch to your wedding and give your guests a memorable experience.

Who Said You Can’t Serve Mojito Instead Of Champaign?

Surprize your guests with fresh minty Mojito instead of champagne towers. You can add some fruits or berries and create Raspberry Mojito or Pineapple Mojito. Your friend and family will appreciate such a fancy drink on a hot summer wedding.

Opt For A Different Seating Arrangement

You may want to forego the traditional round tables and get a few long ones when choosing wedding catering Toronto. The long tables are a nice way of creating an intimate party that your friends and family will love especially if it’s a small wedding. You can also name each table at the reception based on a different theme.

Enter Or Exit To Music That Speaks To You

You have the liberty to choose music that communicates to you as the wedding couple. You can choose that song that reminds you of the first time you met or the day of your engagement. You can close off with a special dance song that you both like. Think of a memorable way to exit the wedding while keeping the guests involved. Cool ideas such as using paper lanterns or throwing sparklers when exiting will help to create a memorable experience.

Ditch The Sit-Down Meals

More couples are choosing less structured ways to serve dinners. For instance, offering your guests a couple of food trucks or food bars that they can go to and get their favorite biting is much more fun. This is one way to allow your guests to enjoy the food and still mingle and dance. If you really want to have a main meal where you can feast, serving it family-style is a nice way to pull it off.

Choose A Suitable Wedding Location

You can get married anywhere you like just make sure the place is special to you. You can choose to wed in the area where you first met or your hometown. You may even opt for a destination wedding, which allows you to travel to wherever you want for your nuptials.

Come Up With Your Own Traditions

You don’t have to do things in a certain way because everyone else in your family did it. You can always come up with your own traditions that are meaningful to you. Think of a way to showcase your different personalities and religious or cultural background as a wedding couple.

Opt For Mixed-Up Dessert

Instead of the usual tiered wedding cake why not treat you guests to baked goods such as home-made cookies, cup cakes, mini cakes and pies? You can add a striking effect by customizing the latest trend of the translucent cake that’s often layered with thin frosting and topped with fruits and flowers. This is definitely a sweet alternative for the couple that wants to incorporate a personal touch in their wedding.

Most wedding couples have a great idea of what they want their wedding to look like. They may not have every single detail planned out but at least have drafted an overall outlook of how things should be like.

Miller Lash House is that outdoor wedding venue that has a fantastic backdrop, natural beauty and so much more. Wedding couples can cut down on the cost of décor given that the great outdoors provide an enhanced natural beauty due to the surroundings.

Colorful Backdrop

There’s something pretty unique about Miller Lash House that has wedding couples totally hooked. This particular wedding was especially beautiful due to the venue’s green backdrop. The trees, green grass and minimal décor made the scene breathtakingly stunning. Every element of décor was designed to contrast and make the centerpieces stand out.

Sweet And Simple Menu By En Ville Caterers

What made the wedding even more spectacular was the delicious food prepared by En Ville Caterers. They served two of their popular menus.

Coconut Shrimp + Grilled Pineapple & Mango Sauce with Hot Chili

These small servings are designed to be eaten easily by the guests while mingling. The dishes are artfully arranged so it perfectly suits an elegant occasion. The dishes complement an elegant theme really well and grilled pineapple adds a healthy taste to the menu. It’s ideal for smaller and more intimate weddings.

Niagara Pinot Noir Poached Pear + Peppered Boursin & Parmesan Frico

Guests also had an option of this diverse yet simple menu. En Ville’s caterers and servers are interactive with the guests making sure they enjoy every aspect of their meal. Guests could have the two choices served or just choose their most preferred option.

Chocolate Chip Cookies And Ice Cream

The menu was filled with a beautiful mixed green salad and perfectly cooked steak, but the stand out menu item was the dessert! Not only do these warm chocolate chip cookies and ice cream look insanely delicious, but they are a favorite of the bride and groom! Sweet and simple- just like the couple.

Gorgeous Bridal Party

The wedding was so unique in very many ways. The couple looked stunning and the rest of the bridal team were elegantly dressed. Their hair and makeup was perfectly done; the bride switched to a beautiful dress at the reception with stunning flowers that integrated well with the rest of the décor. You could quickly tell that the bride and groom were in love with each other.

If you did not grow up attending many formal dinner parties, as an adult these events probably make you nervous. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there but these Top Ten Rules of Dining will help anyone to gain some insight on fine dining etiquette.

1. Where do you sit?

Fine dining parties tend to have seat plans on board in front of the dining room, or place cards on the table. If neither of these exist just wait to be seated. Remember to sit up straight and don’t lean over your plate!

2. When do you eat?

It’s best to wait until everyone has been served and the host or hostess begins to eat, or when you are told it is okay to eat. Never salt your food even before trying the meal as it’s an insult to the cook. If you need salt the most polite approach is to put some on the side of your plate for dipping.

3. How to use a Napkin

A napkin should only be used to dab the mouth, not wipe it and it should be folded and placed on your knees. Never tuck it into the front of your shirt!

4. How to Eat Soup

Your soup spoon will either be round or shaped like an egg. The classic way to eat soup is by scooping a bit starting at the centre front of the bowl and push away. Drink the soup from the edge of the spoon and never put the whole spoon in your mouth.

5. What Glass do I use?

When fine dining there may be a number of different glassware but actually, it is not that difficult if you pay attention to the server. The server will pour a bit of water into water glasses, a bit of wine into the wine glasses and so on. When toasting, never clink the glasses together, simply raise them.

6. How to Order Wine

It is considered impolite to discuss the price of wine so just select one you like in your price point. If you mention a wine in your budget and ask the server for recommendations, he or she will understand. No need to smell the wine, just gently sniff when you take your first sip. Don’t send it back unless it has gone bad and tastes like vinegar.

7. How to Use the Cutlery

There is a lot of cutlery but it’s not very difficult. The general rule is to start outside and work your way in. The entree fork is on the right though! Always hold your knife and fork and cut food as you eat. Don’t cut your dish up in to little pieces and eat like a child. If you set your cutlery down, place face side down on the plate and when you are finished, cross the knife and fork on the plate. Never leave your soup spoon in the bowl.

8. How to Behave at the Table

When you are eating at the table put away your cell phone and any other devices, sit up straight and don’t put your elbows on the table. It is also considered good manners to make eye contact with the rest of the guests and have a conversation, taking your time to eat, and fully enjoying the experience.

9. How to Eat Bread

If you do not have a bread plate it is acceptable to place your bread to the left of your plate but it is not acceptable to put the bread directly on the plate. Don’t cut the bread, just tear it. If you want butter place some from the butter dish on the side of your plate. Don’t put the butter from the dish directly on to your bread.

10. How to Dress for Formal Dining

Generally speaking just dress very nice. Jackets and ties for men and dresses for women are usually acceptable. These rules vary from occasions and hosts but the main rule of thumb is that if it is fine dining, dress fine.

For any fine dining occasion contact en Ville at, 416-533-8800.

Hot chocolate is a winter must-have for children and adults alike. Hot chocolate quality can range from a powder you mix with water to something much, much more exquisite and delectable. Award-winning pastry chef, Jacques Torres left his position to open a chocolate shop and as a connoisseur of all things chocolate, he knows a thing or two about fine chocolate and how to make the world’s best hot chocolate. One of his secrets for the best hot chocolate is to use 60-70% dark chocolate, and corn starch and milk powder for a thicker, more velvety texture. Use these instructions to achieve the hot chocolate of your dreams:

Make the Whipping Cream Topping

Use one cup of heavy cream, pour it into a medium sized mixing bowl and put it in the freezer. You will come back to this later to whip it. Not only will it be easier but it will be thicker and more delicious. Use a large whisk after about five minutes and whisk vigorously until you have achieved the desired consistency. A pro tip is to use 3 whisks at once as this will get air into the mixture quickly and the whipping cream will be light and fluffy. When the mixture looks like marshmallow fluff put it in the refrigerator.

Making the Hot Chocolate

Bring 2 cups of whole milk to a boil over medium-high heat. This will make four servings so adjust your amounts to suit the number of guests you are serving.
While the milk is heating measure ½ cup of milk powder and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Combine the two in a small bowl and mix to combine.
Measure about ¾ cup of coarsely chopped dark chocolate. You can cut chocolate from a bar or use dark chocolate chips used for baking recipes.
When the milk is boiling turn the heat down to medium and whisk it. Add the chocolate all at once while you continue to whisk.
Keep whisking while you add the mixture of milk powder and cornstarch. When the chocolate is all melted bring the mixture to a boil again for a super velvety and flavourful result. This double boiling technique will help to develop the flavour fully.
This makes a very rich hot chocolate that is dessert quality. If you want a thinner hot chocolate simply start with 3 cups of milk rather than two to dilute the recipe.
Pour the hot chocolate immediately into 4 serving glasses and use a spoonful of whipping cream to garnish each. Your guests will be in hot chocolate heaven.

En Ville catering is available to create custom menus for any holiday occasion or event, including rich and decadent hot chocolate recipes to serve to your guests. en Ville is a top wedding catering company in Toronto and services are available anywhere in the GTA and the surrounding areas. Locations that we can service include Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Whitby, Hamilton, Oakville, Woodbridge, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, and Burlington. Give us a call to see what we can do for your next holiday party or event, 416-533-8800.

Christmas is a magical time of the year so why not add to the enchantment and get married? Having a Christmas wedding is a great way to bring the family together to celebrate love, in addition to all of the reasons why family loves to unite during the holiday season. Here are ten Christmas wedding ideas to inspire your festive union:

1. Winter Floral Crowns

Floral crowns are a hot trend in wedding decor in Toronto, and a Christmas bohemian floral crown will delight you and your guests. With silver, green and red the colours will match most Christmas colour themes, and little holiday details such as delicate pinecones and red cranberries will make for a pretty, unique and festive look.

2. Wedding Christmas Log

A yuletide log cake is a Christmas tradition in many households so why not bring the tradition to the dessert table? A wedding log can be filled with chocolate, hazelnut or even chocolate orange filling.

3. Classic High Collared Shrug

Your wedding attire can include a high collared shrug (faux or fur) that is reminisce of horse and buggy and old time Christmas. This attire is romantic, wintery and sophisticated.

4. Lots of Lights

Christmas is all about lights so bring tasteful white lights to your wedding with tea lights, fairy lights and candles. Nothing wows guests more than walking into a reception area and being greeted by many little soft lights.

5. Recreate a Christmas Market

Your caterers will love to help you recreate a Christmas market with soft, baked pretzels as the appetizers, bratwurst, mulled wine and chestnuts. You can even hire a German band!

6. Wedding Favours in Tiny Santa Sacks

Your guests will love to receive their wedding favours in tiny, burlap Santa sacks. Their mementoes from your wedding will be just as much of a surprise as opening up a gift in Christmas Day.

7. Tiny Festive Food

Tiny festive food will simply delight your guests. Your wedding caterers can make mini minced meat pies, little ginger bread men and shortbread cookies. Any food that brings you fond memories of the holiday season will make a great choice for this idea.

8. Mistletoe

Mistletoe is such a fun and festive detail that brings out romance at holiday parties. So why not add this to your wedding so unhitched guests can have an opportunity or two to steal a kiss or two for Christmas?

9. Festive Nail Art

The bride and bridesmaids can have festive nail art with Santa and snowmen decal, or even to reflect the Christmas themed colour scheme of your wedding.

10. Mulled Wine

A Christmas wedding is not complete without the warm and aromatic taste of mulled wine at the reception. Nothing says warmth throughout the winter quite like this tasty and traditional classic.

For wedding catering and planning contact en Ville Catering for a service that is committed to providing innovative, one-of-a-kind catering events in Toronto and the surrounding area. The company was founded in 1982 by Geoffrey Johnson and is driven by a passion for excellence and a keen attention to detail. For more information contact the en Ville team at, 416-533-8800.

Everyone knows and loves their Christmas dinner but many do not know what others eat around the world. Whether you are looking for inspiration to change up your Christmas dinner or want the taste of home these Top 10 International Christmas dinners will have wishing it was Christmas already, even more.

Germany features roast goose and fried cabbage. Their main meal is held on Christmas Eve and it’s said that if you don’t eat well on this day you will be haunted by demons. All the more reason to go back for seconds!
Italy steers clear of red meat on their main feasting day, Christmas Eve and instead enjoys the Feast of Seven Fishes. Fried eel is a delicacy and the main attraction. On Christmas Day Italians eat pasta and meat dishes.
Mexico on Christmas Eve they tend to go for corn dough pastries (tamales), spicy fish dishes, sweet fritters called buñuelos and stews.
The British Christmas dinner is where Canadians and Americans draw some of their inspiration with turkey with all the trimmings, except they prefer Christmas pudding and mincemeat pies over apple pies.
In Japan Christmas is not a national holiday. Less than 1% of Japanese celebrate Christmas but they have a tradition of eating KFC on Christmas! The story goes that in the 70’s a KFC marketing campaigned coined the phrase “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” which means, Kentucky for Christmas, and ever since a bucket of KFC has been a staple in Japan.
In the United States, the dinner is similar to Canada and Britain, but American Christmas dinners can even change based on the geographic location of the household such as beans served on the southern end. This is of course, in addition to turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, squash, corn, fruitcake and pumpkin pie. Many households from the United States eat roast beef instead of turkey since their later Thanksgiving also hosts turkey as the main course.
In France they have a réveillon before Christmas Day and New Years Day. This is a long dinner and party held until very late. There are many courses and dishes can include: smoked salmon, lobster, goose or duck liver (foie gras); oysters, goose or turkey with stuffing, roast duck and a traditional Christmas cake for dessert called, “La Buche de Noel”. This is a creamy Christmas log that comes in different flavours such as chocolate and hazelnut and it is served with champagne.
In the Netherlands some like to celebrate the traditional Christmas dinner as we know it but others opt for something they call Gourmet. The host chops small vegetables, pieces of meat, fish and shrimp and the guest cooks it him or herself. Guests will create different small portions using their own little pans. There are many sauces and salads to accompany the meal.
On Christmas Eve in Peru the family eats their main meal consisting of turkey stuffed with ground beef and peanuts and topped with cherries and pineapple slices. After midnight the family puts baby Jesus in the nativity scene and the family resumes their seat at the table to sing Christmas carols.
Canada is similar to the Brits and USA but has its own personalized flavour. A Canadian dinner has to have turkey with stuffing (dressing), vegetables, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy. Pies, butter tarts and shortbread cookies are typically on the dessert table and oftentimes homemade and eggnog with a little run can also usually be found in Canadian homes on Christmas Day.

Contact en Ville to discuss any vision for your holiday catering at, 416-533-8800.

The holidays are quickly approaching and this is one of the busiest times of the year for catering companies, when we are not engaged in wedding celebrations throughout the year! If you are a likeminded catering company and want to add to your lunchbox of tips and inspiration, or if you’re curious about what we do around the holiday season here are ten tips for holiday catering:

Start with a compelling theme. Themes for catered holiday dinner parties are fun and festive. This can be a colour scheme (red and green, anyone) or themes that take advantage of trends. Perhaps Elf on a Shelf?
Include onsite and offsite choices. The price should always be per person and should include some appetizers and/or hors’d oeuvres that can be passed around, salads and desserts.
Include the option to have a buffet or sit down menu to accommodate the range of guests, formality and traditions of the customer.
Start to put together a marketing plan to get the word out about your services.
Hold a catering event night to sell services to the general public. This is a great way to draw in new business, as customers love to meet the caterers, and try a selection of possibilities before deciding on their caterer. This could even be a significant differentiator between clients choosing your company over another.
If you can find 10 local businesses that are booming during the holiday season, you can invite them to a sampling menu at their location. Be sure major decision makers for the company are present. Forming partnerships with restaurants is an excellent way to drive new and recurring business for the New Year.
Offer a catering tasting menu to anyone interested in your catering service for the holidays. Catering companies do this for wedding receptions and they should also be delighted to offer some samples for other celebratory occasions throughout the year.
When the time comes for nightly catering events be sure that the head caterer has a loud and strong voice so they can be heard over many tables at once.
Hire your best servers to join your catering team throughout the holidays and pay them extra. This is a great way to develop your team, offer more responsibility, and some extra earning for the holiday season.
One of the most important tips for a catering company is to hire and train servers to be catering sales reps at events. Depending on the size of the occasion, have at least one on the floor to answer questions, ask guests how they are enjoying their evening, and to engage in conversation. The goal is to book new clients for occasions in the New Year. This is a guaranteed way to propel your business forward.

en Ville is an award-winning catering service that is committed to providing innovative, one-of-a-kind catering events in Toronto and the surrounding areas. The company was founded in 1982 by Geoffrey Johnson and is driven by a passion for excellence and a keen attention to detail. For more information contact the en Ville team at, 416-533-8800.

Not only do you want to hire a sustainable caterer but your guests may be expecting it! Sustainability and caring for the environment has become a primary focus and area of concern for many individuals living in the city and here’s a list of questions you can ask a caterer to determine how sustainability focused they are:

Does the Catering Company Offer Bulk or Bottled Beverages?

In Toronto bottled water is pollution of the past so many and most catering companies offer filtered spring water by the glass, not bottled. Some catering companies use attractive ceramic or glass jugs and matching glassware sets, making presentation even nicer than simply handing out a bottle of water to your valued guests.

Where do the Caterers Source their Food?

Buying local is always best to reduce the carbon foot print, and fresher food simply tastes better! If your caterer has formed relationships with local farmers, bakers and culinary artisans, they are on the road to sustainability.

Does the Catering Company Provide Reusable Wares or Disposable?

France just banned plastic dining ware and we’re sure Toronto will follow suit. Plastic plates and cutlery is so wasteful and if a catering company even used disposable wares for a fraction of their events it would still be too much waste and pollution. A sustainable catering company should always use plates and cutlery that can be reused, all of the time.

Does the Catering Company Recycle and Compost?

So much pollution and waste can be prevented with recycling and composting, so do not hesitate to ask if the catering company has a program in place to handle any materials that can be composted and recycled. This can include programs at their headquarters where all the food is prepared, and at events, for food scraps and unusable food items. A catering company can take their responsibility toward the environment up a level is to use their leftover frying oil for bio-diesel fuel and donate food that is untouched to homeless shelters. That is going above and beyond the call!

Does the Catering Company have a Green Kitchen?

Finally the company’s kitchen is a spot where sustainability practices can make a significant difference. A catering company is sustainable if their kitchen runs on renewable energy, if they recycle all of their paper, compost during food prep and use green cleaning products to maintain their space. Additional ways that the catering company can practice sustainability is to donate or reuse their surplus equipment, furniture, office supplies and computers.

Choosing a sustainable caterer for your event offers the peace of mind in knowing that your occasion is contributing toward the sustainability of the future environment and doing your part to ensure a greener future.