ALACARTE CATERING Celebrates 16th Anniversary

ALACARTE CATERING of Sandy Springs celebrated their 16th Anniversary on April 27.

Co-owned by Rhonda Miglioli of Alpharetta and Irina Clow of Douglasville, ALACARTE looks forward to continued success.

“We’ve had a busy year,” stated Irina. “In addition to catering at venues such as the Fox Theater, Atlanta Symphony Hall, etc., for terrific celebrities, we’ve always been available for our private clientele’s parties and celebrations.” “This year, we’re so honored to also be involved with the ASO’s Decorators’ Show House from April 18th to May 10th catering parties and Le Café. And…we’re following that with the Swamp Fox Biker Bash in Marion, South Carolina in October.”

There is no rest for the weary, as the ALACARTE CATERING Chefs will be providing food for the Delta Classic Chastain concerts from June through September.

All this activity would be overwhelming for some, but the partners thrive on the challenges. Perhaps, it’s due to the two melding their talents and backgrounds to reach a winning formula.

“Coming from an Italian background, I always loved to cook and figured out how to creatively replicate meals with the ingredients I have on hand,” said Rhonda. “If the resulting dishes have good flavor and look appealing, we add them to the menu.” ALACARTE CATERING retains an excellent reputation for serving their many famous stage clients at venues throughout the Atlanta area (who often request certain favorite dishes), as well as 100s of their private clientele.

According to Rhonda and Irina, backstage catering is extremely gratifying, yet taxing. Often, preparation starts several days prior to the event and the chefs are up at 3 a.m. the day of the show – sometimes for a 17- or 18-hour day to cook, serve, and clean up.

Their biggest backstage spread was for hip-hop duo OutKast at Centennial Park last September. They had to hire an 18-wheeler refrigerated truck to cater for seven days. It was “no different than moving into a house.”

Gourmet cuisine is not the norm, however. Generally, celebrities look for comfort food that is tasty and high quality.

“They want us to create healthy meals that remind them of home,” added Rhonda. It’s all a matter of attention – most celebrities are very grateful for their efforts. Rhonda’s favorite celebs were Cher and Ricky Martin who went into the kitchen to thank the chefs and crew.

Chemistry is an integral part of the business. Rhonda met Russian-born Irina when both were employed at ‘Affairs to Remember’ catering company and hit it off immediately. Working in the food and beverage industry since she was 16, Irina brought her restaurant/corporate experience into the mix.

A former waitress/food manager/sous chef for famous restaurants and nightclubs, Irina was skillful working with temperamental chefs, back-of-the-house operations, and customers in the front.

“I’ve certainly dealt with characters in the past,” remarked Irina. “The industry is very difficult and you must be able to take it and dish it out – it’s cut-throat and not for sissies.”

Maintaining high quality is a must and the partners insist on supervising every detail of each event they create.
Irina possesses an excellent memory for faces and events - which go a long way to making clients feel special.

“We’re a service dedicated to creating an exceptional experience,“ she said. “Whether we cater a small party for ten or a banquet for 3,500, we cook appetizing food that’s beautifully designed at a great value. We take care of everything so the client becomes a ‘guest’ at their own party.”

Another asset to the team is Irina’s incredible palate. She can guess ingredients from looking and tasting a dish and can recreate ethnic dishes. Both chefs incorporate their unique cooking styles and offer a wide variety of menu options.

The partners’ passions extend to other areas. Rhonda enjoys gardening, painting, and restoring furniture at her Alpharetta home she shares with her husband of 31 years, Hubert, also in the restaurant business. They have a son, Mark, 29.

When Irina isn’t cooking, she’s devoted to Rotts ‘n Pups Rescue, a non-profit group she heads that rescues strays, abandoned dogs, and those from high-kill shelters. She coordinates a network of volunteers from Georgia to the Northeast to help rescue, foster, transport, screen, and make home visits. Irina founded the group following Hurricane Katrina.

For the past 16 years, ALACARTE CATERING’s Rhonda Miglioni and Irina Clow have offered unique and unforgettable culinary experiences for formal and informal events – large and small – public and private. Clients agree their cuisine, service, and commitment are unparalleled and wish them continued success.

Photo captions: ALACARTE CATERING
Partners Rhonda Miglioli and Irina Clow are behind the success of ALACARTE CATERING. With more than 30 years’ of combined experience in catering and food service, the partners and staff create and arrange incredible culinary events. They’ve successfully customized menus and décor to meet every taste and occasion. Clients throughout the Atlanta area appreciate their artistry and imagination and agree their cuisine, service, and commitment are unparalleled. For more information call: 770-992-3222 or email: info@catering2atlanta.com The website is: www.catering2atlanta

ALACARTE CATERING’s Signature Roasted Vegetable Platter – just one of the fabulous dishes available. Partners Rhonda Miglioli and Irina Clow are behind the success of ALACARTE CATERING. With more than 30 years’ of combined experience in catering and food service, the partners and staff create and arrange incredible culinary events. They’ve successfully customized menus and décor to meet every taste and occasion. Clients throughout the Atlanta area appreciate their artistry and imagination and agree their cuisine, service, and commitment are unparalleled. For more information call: 770-992-3222, or email info@catering2atlanta.com The website is: www.catering2atlanta