Meet Elayne Sawaya | Catering Concierge & Food Matchmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elayne Sawaya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elayne, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
First let me start off by saying that this is my opinion derived from 20 years of boots-on-the-ground experience in the hospitality industry. You asked for only one thing so I will provide the first thing that comes to mind, though there are many things that I believe outsiders/clients are probably not aware of in the world of catered events and that is budgets dictate menus, the look, the feel and the style of service that caterers can accommodate. So when you are consulting someone like myself who is helping you produce the event and she/he asks “what’s your budget?” it is not a trick question. The answer you provide will help me match you with the caterer best suited to your needs and the result you would like to achieve. That said, there are some budgets that cannot be accommodated by the caterers I work with. However, most budgets are workable and I love tinkering to see how we can make most budgets work . When someone says there is no budget, there is always a budget and it is the most important element in your overall vision. I, as Catering Concierge, am here to help you define, refine and transform your 2-dimensional plans into a 3-dimensional event experience. Thus I will need the answer to “what’s your budget?” so that we can collaborate in a meaningful, productive way that culminates in an event that we are both proud of.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I lived abroad for 3 years in two cities: Geneva and Vienna. I learned French and German and was able to experience cultures and lifestyles that gave me a world view that I wold never have had, had I not decided to take off and try living abroad. I used to produce documentary films and television series in the US. Those jobs took me around the world 2 times where I was able to work in places like India, Syria, Japan, Pakistan, England, Scotland, France, and Hong Kong. Working in a country provides a completely different experience from just being a tourist. It gave me a love of things that were uncommon and new and taught me the beauty and richness of cultures different from my own. I love learning about a culture and how it differs from the one I’m familiar with. Because I grew up in a first generation Lebanese family I was exposed to things that other kids in my school and social circle might not have been. I learned to respect and love other ways of thinking, eating, doing and celebrating. During my career in television I was lucky enough to produce an interior design show and I learned to appreciate that the way something looks is 50% of the experience. I learned the art of tablescaping, the use of color, how to vary shapes, texture and sizes to create a total feel for the event. You’ve heard the term “mouthfeel” well I think “eventfeel” is also something I care about.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to small ethnic restaurants: Mid-East Tacos, Azizam, Spoon and Pork, Bowery Bungalow, Mini Kebab, Bavel, The Lonely Oyster, Pizzeria Sei on the Westside and Ojai Roti in Ojai. I would take them on a hike along the little known Corralitas Red Car Trail in Los Angeles, shopping in Little India in Artesia, Silverlake and Echo Park. I would travel with them to Carmel, and Big Sur because California, for me, is the most gorgeous state in the US.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I thank the chefs,caterers and party managers who have taught me the realities of making an event successful, and provides a guest experience that stands out from the ho-hum world of rubber chicken events. The saying “it takes a village” fits perfectly in the hospitality arena. Front of House and Back of House all contribute to a successful event.

Website: https://www.cateringconcierge.net

Instagram: @cateringconcierge

Other: 213-999-5856
elayne@cateringconcierge.net
esawaya@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photo Credit: @thegabrielcastillo