The first event we ever catered was for the Silver Lake Conservatory of Music 15 years ago. Since then, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to return year after year to be a part of their annual benefit dinner. These past 15 years have grown our relationship with SCM, from business to family… making this event the highlight of every year.
The Silverlake Conservatory of music was started in 2001 to help fill the void left by schools cutting funding for music education. They have been able to meet the needs of students all over Los Angeles and this event is held each year to help boost the funding to keep this education alive.
With all hands on deck, we returned once again on October 29th to be a part of this special gathering to benefit this special school.
As guests arrived at the Conservatory, they were greeted with tray passed appetizers and cocktails. As they mingled and viewed art and items available for the silent auction, they were able to choose from five different small bites passed around by our team.
Guests were then seated and served a plated salad while comedian Conan O’Brien took the stage to emcee the night. We love starting with a plated salad for any style meal, as it sets the tone of dinner and allows guests to cleanse their palates with some fresh greens before we enter the excitement of Family Style Dinner.
Windrose Farm Baby Tatsoi and Wild Mushroom Salad :: with Salsa Verde Dressing, Raw Shaved Zuckerman’s Farm Asparagus, Springhill Farm Cheddar Cheese and Sliced Fat Uncle Farm Almonds
After the salads were cleared, we moved on to serving main courses Family Style. Our servers dropped plates of grilled beef bulgogi skewers, miso glazed salmon, grilled eggplant and sweet potato skewers, along with delicious sides of turmeric and ginger sticky rice, tofu pad thai, and broccoli + cauliflower stir fry.
Guests passed these dishes around the table, serving themselves portions they desired from each plate. From vegan to not, we were able to meet the dietary needs of all our guests. It’s a dance, Family Style service. It’s orchestrated and choreographed, and at the same time feels collaborative and delightful.
As dinner winded down, the music began! We first heard special performances by the Conservatory’s own All Stars. This talented group of middle and high schoolers all met through the SCM and now perform together. Conan took the stage to introduce and talk with each student personally and highlight more of how important the SCM is to all students of Los Angeles.
As we began to serve our desserts for the night, The Red Hot Chili Peppers came on stage for a truly incredible private concert. Flea is a co-founder for the Conservatory, and also helped host the night. The RHCP played to a dancing audience, energizing the crowd and anyone in ear shot on Hollywood Blvd.
Two of the desserts we served during the night :: Mango and Passionfruit Rice Pudding, Spiced Coconut Chocolate Pudding
Following the RHCP, musician Thundercat closed the night with a special performance. We poured cups of Cardamom Coffee with almond milk to the remaining guests to give them one last boost of caffeine before the conclusion of the event.
This was such a joyous and celebratory night, and we are still floating on a high from being a part of the SCM family. They hold a special place in our hearts and the music community of Los Angeles, and we can’t wait to return next year!
