Imagine a night filled with elegance, philanthropy, and tantalizing culinary creations. That’s exactly what happened at The Finest Gala 2023, a prestigious event organized to support the Arkansas Chapter’s Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. And at the heart of this unforgettable evening was none other than Vibrant Occasions Catering.
On September 23, 2023, at the enchanting Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Vibrant Occasions Catering took center stage as the exclusive caterer for this remarkable gala. Chef Serge Krikorian, the talented chef and managing partner of Vibrant Occasions Catering, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are truly honored and humbled to be chosen as the exclusive caterer for The Finest Gala 2023. It is a privilege to support such a noble cause and use our culinary expertise to make a difference in the lives of individuals battling cystic fibrosis.”
Known for innovative menus and dedication to using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, Vibrant Occasions created a dining experience that left guests astounded. Our talented team of chefs prepared an array of exquisite dishes that not only satisfied hunger but also delighted the senses.
Let’s take a journey through the culinary delights that adorned the menu of this extraordinary evening:
First Course: Garden Salad
A refreshing start to the meal, this garden salad was served with a house vinaigrette dressing that enhanced the vibrant flavors of fresh greens and crunchy vegetables.
Second Course: Grilled Mediterranean Steak Kebabs & Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs
Tender steak and marinated chicken breast, both skewered and grilled to perfection over an open flame. The blend of sliced onions, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, and fresh cilantro infused these kebabs with a mouthwatering Mediterranean flair.
Accompaniments:
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes – Baby reds, yellow, and purple fingerling potatoes drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and lightly seasoned, creating a crispy and flavorful side dish.
Roasted Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets carefully roasted to perfection, resulting in charred bits around the edges that added depth and richness to every bite.
Vegan Entree Option: Stuffed Acorn Squash
A vegan delight that showcased Vibrant Occasions Catering’s commitment to inclusivity. This dish featured P. Allen Smith’s Ralston Farms’ Harvest Blend Rice combined with sauteed vegetables like chickpeas, spinach, peppers, and corn, along with dried cranberries and toasted walnuts. All these delicious ingredients were lovingly stuffed inside a roasted acorn squash and drizzled with a vegan cucumber aioli, creating a harmonious medley of flavors.
As the evening progressed, guests not only indulged in these delectable culinary creations but also found themselves immersed in inspiring speeches, live entertainment, and fundraising activities, all contributing to the fight against cystic fibrosis. The Finest Gala 2023, with its elegant ambiance and impactful mission, brought together a community dedicated to making a difference.
Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, The Finest Gala 2023 raised an incredible $225,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This achievement proves that when communities unite, they can bring hope and support to those affected by cystic fibrosis.
To complete the enchanting evening on a sweet note, the dessert choices were nothing short of extraordinary:
Baklava: A Greek favorite that consisted of layers and layers of buttery, flaky phyllo pastry embracing a luscious center of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Topped with a generous drizzle of sweet syrup, this dessert was a true treat for the taste buds.
Apple Brown Betty: Roasted Fuji apples sauteed with Crystal Ridge Distillery’s Apple Pie Moonshine, combined with an oat streusel that added a delightful crunch to the soft and warm apple mixture.
The Finest Gala 2023 was a night to remember. Vibrant Occasions Catering’s dedication to excellence, commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, and meticulous attention to detail made this event truly unforgettable. But more importantly, it was a night of coming together, celebrating life, and making a positive impact on the lives of individuals battling cystic fibrosis.
Remember, Vibrant Occasions Catering isn’t just about serving delicious food; we believe in using our culinary expertise to uplift communities and support worthy causes. So the next time you’re searching for an exceptional caterer who combines outstanding cuisine with a heartfelt commitment to making a difference, look no further than Vibrant Occasions Catering. Whether it’s a gala, a wedding, a corporate event, or any special occasion, the Vibrant Occasions team will go above and beyond to create an experience that leaves a lasting impression on both your taste buds and your heart. With innovative menus, emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients, and dedication to accommodating dietary preferences, you can trust that every guest will feel included and satisfied. And the best part? By choosing Vibrant Occasions Catering, you’ll not only be treating yourself to an exceptional culinary journey but also supporting our mission of giving back to the community. Together, let’s celebrate the joy of food and make a positive impact, one delicious meal at a time.
TEAM CREDITS
Host: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Arkansas Chapter
Event Chair: Cat Sims
Breath of Life Honoree: Christine Millner Gay
Todd Miles Award: Mary Nell McBryde
Emcees: Cori Keller and Ebony Mitchell
CF Ambassador: Steph Hansen
Auctioneer: Gaylen Mcgee
Venue: Argenta Plaza
Caterer: Vibrant Occasions Catering
Libations: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Signature Cocktail: Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Entertainment: Haywood King & the On Call Band
AV: Central Arkansas Entertainment
Photographer: Twist Creative Studio
Videographer: Content Titan
PLEASE NOTE: Photos in this blog post were taken by the Vibrant Occasions team.
Recent Comments