Sydney Wunder

Occasions’ Top 5 Event Venues in Denver: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Hospitality

In the vibrant landscape of Denver’s event venues, Occasions Catering stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence and unparalleled hospitality. Our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences shines through in every event we cater, and we’re thrilled to share our top five favorite venues in Denver that perfectly accentuate our culinary prowess.

Spruce Mountain Ranch:

Nestled against the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Spruce Mountain Ranch offers a breathtaking setting for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. This venue ensures that your event is met with the highest standard in bar services and rentals, courtesy of exclusive partners, Peak Beverage and Event Rents. With its impressive catering kitchen and Western charm, Spruce Mountain Ranch is the perfect canvas for Occasions Catering to showcase our custom catering services.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA):

Step into a world of endless possibilities at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, where creativity knows no bounds. Our professional catering team thrives in this dynamic environment, where performance-level lighting and rigging systems allow us to bring your culinary vision to life. Our staff love their professional catering kitchen equipped with stoves, ovens, ice machines, and a great prep space. Whether it’s a corporate event or a non-profit gala, the DCPA’s high-capacity venue in the heart of Denver’s art district provides a stunning backdrop for our elegant and professional catering services.

Mile High Station & Ironworks:

For those seeking an industrial-chic ambiance, Mile High Station & Ironworks offer the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary style. Our customized catering services shine in these sister venues, with their large capacities and two-story balconies providing the ideal setting for weddings and corporate events alike. With Occasions Catering at the helm, your event at Mile High Station & Ironworks is sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience.

Grant-Humphreys Mansion:

Steeped in history and charm, Grant-Humphreys Mansion is a timeless venue located in the heart of Denver. Our exclusive partnership with this historic venue ensures seamless event planning and impeccable service, allowing couples to celebrate their love story in style. With multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces and Occasions Catering’s bespoke catering menus, Grant-Humphreys Mansion offers a truly unforgettable experience for weddings and special events.

History Colorado Center:

Experience the rich history and culture of Colorado at the History Colorado Center, where stunning views of downtown Denver and the majestic mountains provide the backdrop for your next event. Our partnership with this modern museum venue allows guests to explore interactive exhibits while indulging in culinary delights curated by Occasions Catering. Whether it’s a gala, fundraiser, or corporate event, the History Colorado Center offers a unique and immersive setting for Occasions Catering’s upscale catering services.

At Occasions Catering, we’re dedicated to making every event a culinary masterpiece. With our custom catering services and professional hospitality, we’re here to elevate your event and create unforgettable memories. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life at one of Denver’s top event venues.

Sydney Wunder

Bridging Communities: Occasions Catering’s Bilingual Staff Program

At Occasions Catering, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity. That’s why we’re proud of our new bilingual staff program, an initiative aimed at breaking down language barriers and creating equal opportunities for all members of our community.

Recognizing the vibrant Spanish-speaking population in Denver, we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that language is not a barrier to employment at our company. We’ve recently translated all of our training materials into Spanish, offering an opportunity for individuals whose first language may not be English to join our team and excel in their roles.

But our commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop there. We’ve partnered with Engen, a platform that offers free English classes online, to provide additional support for our bilingual staff. These classes allow both English and Spanish speakers to improve their language skills, fostering better communication and collaboration within our team.

The flexibility of online classes also ensures that our staff can access language learning resources on their own schedule, accommodating the demands of our ever-changing work environment. Whether it’s before or after hours, our team members have the freedom to learn and grow at their own pace.

At Occasions Catering, we firmly believe that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities in the workplace. Our bilingual staff program is just one way we’re putting that belief into action, ensuring that language proficiency is not a barrier to success.

But beyond providing employment opportunities, our bilingual staff program is a reflection of our broader mission to be stewards of the community. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive workplace culture, we’re not only enriching our team but also contributing to the strength and vibrancy of our community as a whole.

We make the world a better place one event at a time, and we’re proud to be leading the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. We’re committed to continuing our efforts to provide work experience and jobs for those who may not have those opportunities otherwise. Because at Occasions Catering, we believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table. 
If you are interested in joining our ever-growing diverse team of event professionals, visit our careers page to learn more about our open positions. 

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Sydney Wunder

Serving Our Community: Occasions Catering’s Commitment to Making a Difference

At Occasions Catering, we believe in more than just providing exceptional culinary experiences—we are committed to being stewards in our community. For over 54 years, our company has been dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported us, and our latest volunteer adventure at The Food Bank of the Rockies is a testament to that commitment.

Located in Denver, The Food Bank of the Rockies is a nonprofit organization that provides food to those in need through its food bank and daily lunch programs. When we heard about the opportunity to lend a helping hand, we knew we had to get involved.

A group of 15 of our staff members eagerly volunteered their time to pack produce bags and organize pallets full of food in the warehouse. Together, we worked tirelessly, packing a total of 1,055 bags of fresh produce—equivalent to 4,395 meals! But we didn’t stop there. The other half of our team tackled the task of packing 19 pallets, totaling a whopping 22,486 pounds of food and providing 18,175 meals for those in our community who need it most.

For us, volunteering at The Food Bank of the Rockies was more than just a way to give back—it was an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. Seeing the impact of our efforts firsthand reinforced our commitment to serving our community and inspired us to do even more.

But our dedication to making a difference doesn’t stop there. At Occasions Catering, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From sourcing local and seasonal ingredients to reducing waste and carbon emissions, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Our partnership with The Food Bank of the Rockies is just one example of how we are living out our values as a company. We take great pride in our strong relationships with the community and the environment, and we will continue to seek out opportunities to make a positive impact wherever we can.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to serving our community, both through our exceptional catering services and our dedication to making a difference in the world around us. Because at Occasions Catering, it’s about more than just food—it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. If you’d like to volunteer to help The Food Bank of the Rockies, check out their website for open volunteer hours and sign up! https://www.foodbankrockies.org/get-involved/volunteer/

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Sydney Wunder

Elevate Your Event: The Irresistible Allure of Interactive Food Stations

Interactive food stations at catered events offer more than just a meal—they create an engaging experience. These stations redefine dining by offering diverse culinary options, from DIY taco bars to live cooking stations. They encourage guests to mingle, fostering a lively atmosphere while sparking conversations about flavors, techniques, and preferences. With each station boasting its unique menu, attendees have a world of tastes to explore, ensuring everyone finds something delightful. Beyond satiating appetites, these stations become social hubs where guests interact, share their culinary adventures, and bond over their favorite bites. From the sizzle of a grill to the creativity of a build-your-own dessert station, interactive food setups transform events into dynamic, flavorful gatherings that leave a lasting impression on everyone’s taste buds and conversations.

Here at Occasions Catering, we take interactive food stations to the next level. Our culinary team prides itself on creating immersive dining experiences that captivate and delight guests. One of our newest additions, the hand-pulled mozzarella station, offers guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the cheese-making process. Watch as our chefs expertly craft fresh mozzarella cheese right before your eyes, using a special technique with warmed milk. It’s a feast for the senses and a true crowd-pleaser.

Another fan favorite is our hand-torched bruschetta station, where guests can indulge in a variety of tantalizing flavors. From a more unique mushroom, asiago and prosciutto bruschetta to a classic heirloom tomato and mozzarella bruschetta finished with balsamic glaze, each bite is a burst of flavor. But what sets this station apart is the showmanship—our chefs torch the bruschetta on-site using a hand torch, offering guests a fun display of fire and adding an extra element of excitement to the dining experience.

And for those with a sweet tooth, our affogato station is a must-try. Treat yourself to a late-night pick-me-up with espresso poured over hand-churned ice cream, creating a decadent and indulgent dessert that is sure to satisfy. Or why not try our Fudge Carving station, where guests are treated to a variety of hand “carved” fudge flavors.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or social gathering, our interactive food stations are guaranteed to impress. So why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your event with Occasions Catering? Contact us today to start planning a culinary experience that your guests will never forget.

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Sydney Wunder

Pantone’s Color of the Year: Fuzzy Peach

Colorado’s Palisade peaches, renowned for their exquisite taste and vibrant hue, take center stage as Pantone’s Color of the Year embraces the delightful tones of Fuzzy Peach. This harmonious blend of warmth and whimsy isn’t just a trend—it’s a celebration of Colorado’s finest produce, infusing event catering with a touch of local charm and flavor.

For event planners and caterers in Colorado, incorporating Palisade peaches and their signature shade into décor and menu offerings adds a unique and western twist. Imagine tables adorned with peach-inspired centerpieces or drinks crafted with the sweetness of these local peaches. It’s more than just a color—it’s an homage to the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

And when it comes to culinary creations, our chefs at Occasions Catering go above and beyond to highlight the exquisite flavors of Palisade peaches. We source these juicy gems directly from Colorado farmers, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful produce for our clients’ events. From refreshing cocktails to delectable desserts and savory dishes, infusing Palisade peaches into our menu offerings tantalizes taste buds and elevates the visual appeal.

Picture our Charred Palisade Peach salad, where the sweetness of the peaches perfectly balances the smoky flavors topped with a champagne vinaigrette, or our housemade lavender ricotta, enhanced with the vibrant hues and delicate aroma of these local treasures. Passed apps like our Grilled Peach and Burrata Flatbread burst with flavor, featuring the irresistible combination of Palisade peaches and other locally sourced ingredients like burrata and lavender honey.

But we don’t stop there. Our culinary team gets creative with Palisade peaches, incorporating them into chutneys and sauces, like the one drizzled over our Colorado Crispy Chicken, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor that sets our dishes apart.

Beyond aesthetics, embracing Palisade peaches in event catering speaks volumes about sustainability and supporting local produce. It’s a statement of eco-conscious choices and a commitment to offering guests an authentic taste of Colorado.

As 2024 unfolds, expect Palisade peaches to steal the spotlight in Colorado’s event scene. Their infusion into catered affairs, from weddings to corporate gatherings, promises a touch of regional flair and a sensory journey that captivates attendees, making every event an unforgettable ode to the beauty and flavor of Colorado’s prized produce.

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