Party Time: Celebrating The Class Of 2010

Graduations:  What are people doing this year?  Think Barbeques, Balloons, Bouquets, Chocolates, and the "Graduation Bagel?"  New City's got it all.  

Plan ahead and make sure to have a relaxed, fun and fabulous event for your graduate and family.  Here are a number of ideas.

Catering: Unique Items – David's Bagels

Would you like a creative, festive version of the 3-6 foot hero?   David's Bagel's offers the ultimate in cool "hero like" sandwiches for graduation:  the "gigantic party bagel" which serves 15 and can be special ordered  in the number "10" for graduation says Jason Hemp.  This "10" bagel can be filled with any combination of deli meats that you desire.  They also offer traditional heros, full fish platters and fruit and cheese platters.   3-4 days notice is all they need.  They will go out of their way to help you figure out the right platters.  Jason will bend over backwards to help you plan a great graduation.

David's Bagels: 845-639-1664; www.DavidsBagels.com

Catering – Italian Cuisine – Pasta Cucina

Home parties are way up this year according to Jim Guaraci, the owner of Pasta Cucina.  He is delivering more than 200 plates a week of "The Cucina Classic,"  a complete meal for $11.99.  This includes bruschetta bread, three-green salad, Penne Ala Vodka, Chicken Francaise and homemade cannolis for dessert.  They will deliver tents, music, and theatrical setups for a night of entertainment as well.  I was intrigued to learn that they staged a full "murder mystery" for one graduation last year.  Guests are often involved in this live game of  "Clue."   "Almost anything can be done that you can dream of says Jim.  But for graduations, most stick to barbeques and pool parties." One interesting food theme offered is the "New York Street Fair" complete with pasta, Asian food and knishes.  When asked what advise to give people re booking, Jim urgently advised, "Pick up the phone and call soon or book online."

Pasta Cucina:  845-634-8777; www.PastaCucina.com

Catering –  Barbeques and Theatrical Entertainment, Gary & Company

Gary Oteri of Gary & Company says the trend this year is barbeques.  He will cater and bring grills, servers, tents and tables to your party.  Grilled items include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken kebobs, ribs, corn on the cob, and pasta salads.  Prices range from $19 per plate for a basic BBQ meal to $24 a plate for the shrimp kebab option.  For a bit more money, order a carving station or a pasta station by the pool.  Coconut shrimp and Asian veggies in rice paper are two favorites.  Gary says that business is about the same as last year and has leveled out from the previous year's downtrend.  He advises people "to book as early as you can – and to have a fun and relaxed party."

Gary and Company: 845-639-1700

Catering:  Drop By Gourmet Catering:  Affordable Gourmet Sandwiches and Platters

Reasonably priced with a lot of flavor for the buck.  For graduations, Angie Sanchez, the owner recommends ordering the gourmet sandwich platter for $7.95 per person.  "These are not average sandwiches." For instance, they make a white meat shredded chicken salad sandwich with raisins and walnuts on raisin challah bread.  For $1 more per person  per side, tack on macaroni, potato or coleslaw salads.  For a scrumptious specialty salad, try the favorite quinoa salad which includes grapes, apples, cashews, and parsley in lemon honey vinaigrette.  For a little "snazz," try the black Forbidden Wild Rice Salad with dried cranberries, pecans and scallions.  To tantalize your taste buds, order a tray of the favorite appetizer:  the focaccia bread made with figs, caramelized pears, goat cheese, arugula and truffle oil.  Angie will create a tailored menu for your party.  However, she recommends the sandwich platter, saying "take the pressure off yourself.  Take the paper off the platter, and it's good to go.  There's less fuss and it's great for kids and adults alike." Book one week ahead.  "Business is a bit slower this year so I lowered the price of our sandwiches" says Angela.  Don't you just love that?

Drop By Gourmet:  845-634-2828 or web:  www.dropbygourmet.com

Catering - Healthy Choice – True Food Catering

For a healthy, organic or gluten free party, give Pamela Schulz a call at True Food Catering.  "Theme"  bars such as the  "Burrito and Taco Bar"; "Cuban Bar", or "Barbeque Night" are favorites.  Menu items include fresh herbed chicken salad, mac and cheese and roasted veggies.  For dessert, one can get an "All Organic Ice Cream Bar" including a variety of toppings plus the famed fruit kebabs marinated in orange juice and fresh mint.  Other desserts are the outrageously addictive "Magical Special Bars" made with coconut, chocolate chips and walnuts.  Brownies, lemon bars or Super Cookies can be bought by the platter.   Asked how business is this year, Pam says that the trend is to order supplemental platters to add to your own BBQ.  The Mediterranean style platters and salads work well for this.  Pam recommends that "it is never too early to start planning to make your event extra special."

True Food Catering:  845-480-5710

Catering –  Italian Deli – Uncle Gerry's

Gerry Ranaudo, former head chef at DeCicco's, opened Uncle Gerry's Italian deli this year which resides inside the M&M Farm market.  Specialties include 2-6 foot hero's, sandwiches and wraps.  Or for a meal, order by the tray.  Items include Chicken Francaise, Vegetable Lasagna, and Tortellini Alfredo.  For a fish dish, try the Salmon Teriyaki or Salmon in Lemon, Butter Dill sauce.   Balsamic glazed Portobello mushrooms also sound delicious.  Everything is homemade and contains no chemicals or preservatives says Gerry.  He also makes homemade mozzarella and delicious fennel sausage, hot or sweet.  Other delicacies include caponatina, edamame salad, along with  traditional the potato and coleslaw salads.  Business must be good, Gerry said that the counter was hopping all day.

Uncle Gerry's:  845-639-6026

Tent Rental:  Allstate Party and Tent Rental

In need of a rental or planning a large or small event, call Lowell Fox, the owner of Allstate Party and Tent Rental.   Allstate offers white graduation tents, chairs, tables and even air conditioning.  Does your graduate want to celebrate with dancing:  You can liven up your affair with a rented dance floor, lighting, and even find a DJ through Allstate.  Brighten up the your tables with a rainbow of  colors – over 75 linen table cloths to choose from.  Allstate is one-stop shopping and recommends caterers, florists and event planners.  They are equipped to do any size event from smallest to grandest. Because of the economy, business is down 20-30% according to Lowell.

Allstate:  845-398-8888

Casual Catering – Rocket Wraps

For a casual graduation,  Rocket Wraps best selling wraps; the buffalo chicken or teriyaki wraps are favorites.  Classic Caesar Salads or the Buena Vista Salad made with fresh mozzarella, plum tomato salsa over wild field greens or mescalin can go with the wraps.  The "Thai Wrap" with peanut satay and ginger slaw is a favorite says the owner, Lowell Fox, also the owner of Allstate.  For dessert, there are home baked big cookies in peanut butter, oatmeal, and chocolate chip flavors.  All baked goods are made with good oils.  Prices are reasonable.

Rocket Wraps: 845-639-9727

Ice Cream –  Wally's Ice Cream

"June is Grads and Dads" says Mary Kilduff the owner of Wally's Ice Cream.  Many people can and do order last minute." They order ice cream cakes in chocolate and vanilla, and sandwiches by the dozen.  "This year Main Street is being ripped up so that could be a problem.  However, the weather has been better so business is coming back." If you have a home cooked meal this could be a cool answer  to "what's for dessert."

Wally's:  845-634-3001

Flowers/Balloons – Bassett Flowers and Gifts

Joe Trotta of Bassett Flowers says that graduation and prom time are the most traditional time for purchasing flowers.  Basset Flowers offers classic corsages with cap and gown "presentation bouquets" made of roses or mixed flowers.  Bouquets go from $20-$100.  Balloons are also a favorite  with "Congratulations or Happy Graduation" - add 1-2 to a bouquet.  Guys receive flowers too!  Masculine colors are used such as blues, purples, yellows and reds.  "Business Is picking up" especially this time of year says Joe.  Call 2-3 days ahead to get "exactly what you like." As for the latest in the flower industry, take a look at "flower jewelry." For young women, they offer a live orchid ring.  But "the age old bouquets are what people are really going for," says Joe.

Bassett Flowers: 845-634-3638; www.BassettFlowers.com

Chocolates – Dolce

The chocolate  "Cap & Gown" edible candy dish sets the theme for a party or makes a great gift says owner John DaBenigno.  Fill the cap with chocolate dipped strawberries, truffles or kisses.  Or, order a huge bowl of chocolate dipped strawberries with a "cap & gown" centerpiece.  For school colors, order dipped strawberries in purple chocolate for North High school. Not that wild? Then go for traditional white, milk or dark chocolate.  For the fashionable or fun female graduate, how about a chocolate "High Heel Shoe" centerpiece?  Dolce also offers chocolate dipped cup cakes by the tray—great for any party.  Dolce is extremely accommodating, creative, and service oriented. They have a "go-give" attitude.  Bring your chocolate ideas to me and I'll create them" says John.

Dolce:  845-634-2784; www.Dolcechoplace.com