How Can an Event Space Take Your Next Catered Meeting to the Next Level

How Can an Event Space Take Your Next Catered Meeting to the Next Level

There are countless reasons to host a catered event. Whether you’re aiming to impress a new client, celebrate a work milestone, or throw a memorable graduation party without the hassle of cleaning up, it’s about more than just delectable cuisine—it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience. But where do you begin, and what should you look for? Start by asking yourself a few key questions to streamline the process and ensure your event is a hit.

Who’s Celebrating?

Consider the honorees of your event. A Long Island grandma’s birthday bash will differ vastly from a dental office’s quarterly meeting. Determining who you’re celebrating helps gauge the space needed and the vibe of the group.

 

Desired Features

Entertainment and Ambiance Knowing your guests and their numbers clarifies your desired features. You’re not just looking for a venue; you’re seeking an entertainment haven with customized lighting and sound to set the perfect mood. Envision a space that mirrors your business’s ethos, with comfortable seating, bridal suites, open cocktail areas, and themed stations for a personalized touch.

Full-Service Excellence Inquire about the service level. For events aimed at impressing clients or partners, opt for a full-service experience with bar packages that cater to every taste and elevate the occasion.

Culinary Delights

The menu is paramount. Collaborate with your caterer to curate a selection that satisfies all palates, using fresh, local ingredients. Presentation and the option to sample the menu beforehand are crucial details that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Why Choose K. Pacho?

K. Pacho stands out for its comprehensive offerings. The Gold Room, a current favorite, boasts brand-new furniture, redesigned restrooms, and an expanded cocktail area. Guests will be enchanted by the customized uplighting and themed stations that infuse the event with character.

Special Celebrations: Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, and Weddings

K. Pacho is the ideal venue for life’s special milestones, including bar & bat mitzvahs, sweet 16s, and weddings. Our spaces are designed to make these events extraordinary and memorable.

Making It Effortless

Allow K. Pacho’s catering experts to alleviate the stress of event planning. They handle everything, allowing you to engage with your guests. Reach out to us for inquiries or reservations. The Gold Room, along with our other venues, is primed to elevate your next event and leave an indelible mark on all attendees.

Summer Party Creative Ideas for a Sizzling Gathering This 2024

Summer Party Creative Ideas for a Sizzling Gathering This 2024

Summer Catering Ideas to Elevate Your Next Party

As summer rolls in most of us New Yorkers are looking forward to enjoying sunny days, hanging with friends and family, and bonding over delicious cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a poolside soiree, or a casual picnic in New Hyde Park, the right summer catering choices can elevate your party and make it extraordinary. 

Let’s explore some summer catering ideas that will impress your guests and make your gatherings memorable. 

Embrace Fresh, Flavorful Summer Produce

Personalize your summer catering with seasonal fresh produce. This means using fresh local ingredients to spruce up your dishes and elevate their flavors. You can set up a colorful salad station with a selection of choices, such as grilled peach and arugula salad, watermelon feta salad, and a classic caprese salad. 

Enjoy Barbeques and Grilled Meats

The smoky aroma of grilled meat is the hallmark of summer parties since they perfectly complement the outdoor ambiance of summer gatherings. So, fire up your grill and serve up an assortment of grilled favorites, from juicy burgers and marinated chicken skewers to grilled vegetables. 

Set Up Summery Refreshments

Refreshing beverages are also a must-have at any summer catering. Consider offering a selection of cold drinks to help your guests cool off and capture the essence of the season. Here are some refreshing ideas:

  • Fruit-infused water: Seemingly plain, you can elevate plain water by infusing it with fruit slices such as strawberries, lemon, or cucumber. Not only is it visually appealing when served in pitchers, but it also has a burst of flavor. 
  • Signature summer cocktails: Create a signature cocktail inspired by the season’s offerings. Think about fruit sangrias, tropical margaritas, or fizzy spritzers infused with mint or basil. 
  • Iced tea: You can also set up a DIY iced tea bar with various tea flavors, sweeteners, and garnishes. This will allow guests to get creative and create their perfect concoctions. 

Irresistible Desserts

No party is complete without something sweet to satisfy post-dinner cravings. Top off your summer lunch or dinner with irresistible desserts such as frozen treats. These can be anything from fruity popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, or gelato cups. Fresh fruits are a great addition to your dessert table, and when paired with creamy yogurt or a drizzle of honey, they add a touch of indulgence. 

However, if you’re thinking of something light, a lemon sorbet, coconut panna cotta, or mini fruit tart will do the trick. 

What Are Some Buffet Catering Ideas for a Special Event?

Buffet catering allows your guests to enjoy a versatile dining experience. It also allows guests to customize their meals and sample a variety of dishes. Here are some great summer buffet catering ideas you can use to make your special event memorable:

  • Global flavors buffet: Take your guests on a trip around the world with dishes from different cuisines, such as Italian pasta, Indian curry, and Mexican tacos, among others.
  • Farm-to-table buffet: Source seasonal and locally available ingredients with a farm-to-table buffet showcasing some region’s produce. 
  • BBQ buffet: You can also host a BBQ buffet with a variety of grilled meats, fixings, and sides. Some classics you may consider include pulled pork, chicken wings, smoked briskets, and ribs. 

What Is Your Favorite Summer Cocktail to Serve at a BBQ?

An excellent way to complement all the savory and smoky flavors at a summer BBQ is to serve some great cocktails. Here are some options you should consider:

  • Bourbon lemonade
  • Grilled lemon gin and tonic
  • Sunshine smash
  • Moscow mule
  • Spicy margarita

Get the Best Summer Catering Services in Long Island 

If you’re looking for summer catering services for your party in Long Island, KPacho is the place for you. We use fresh ingredients to give traditional recipes a modern twist. Contact us today to learn more about our catering services.

Summer Party Creative Ideas for a Sizzling Gathering This 2024

Summer Party Creative Ideas for a Sizzling Gathering This 2024

Add Some Sizzle to Your 2024 Summer Party With These Creative Ideas

Summer is just around the corner, and it is time to start planning the best party to celebrate the season. You could choose to go with some of the traditional standby ideas that have been perfected over the years. But we think adding your unique splash and flair to the event will make it much more enjoyable and memorable. With that in mind, we have some ideas for how you can add a splash of fun to your summer party this year! 

Cocktail Tasting Session 

Parties where only adults over the age of 21 are present can be a lot of fun for everyone. You can consider testing out some ideas that you might not necessarily go forward with at a party where children are present. One example is to have everyone over for a wine-tasting session. Send out invites and ask your guests to bring their favorite cocktail mixes to share or perhaps bring along something brand-new to experience for the first time with everyone else. If you want to be a hit with your friends, consider the cocktail menu from K. Pacho. There you will find classic cocktail blends and brand-new mixtures that you might not have ever tried before!

These types of parties are a lot of fun because of the new experience. You can enjoy one another’s company in a setting that you might not always have had the opportunity to explore. 

Picnic on the Beach 

This summer party idea works particularly well if you happen to live near the beach. However, you can always plan to get yourself and your loved ones to the beach for a picnic party.

A picnic on the beach is one of those bucket list items that many people have. You will feel like you are doing something out of a movie if you take the time to try this idea out. It is a small party among just the people that you know and love in your life. 

Make sure you pack foods that are easy to transport for your picnic such as sandwiches, veggies, and cheese packets. These are the classic staples of picnics because they are easy to get from place to place, and they are tasty favorites for most people. 

Carnival Theme Party 

Summer is the best season to look at a carnival theme for anything. It evokes memories of going to the carnival as a child and enjoying all the fun rides and games.

Gather together some of the classic carnival games, colors, and themes that are associated with this kind of party. Put it all together for your summer party and your guests will enjoy the experience that you have put together for them. To add even more fun to it, ask your guests to wear relevant costumes to make the event feel even more authentic and fun. 

Gaming Party 

Finally, many technologies can make any summer party so much more fun. From virtual reality to classic video games, you can set up a party that is all about gaming. 

Things can get competitive and fun with a gaming party. You might discover who in your friend group is the best at various games, and that can teach you a bit more about each of them. 

There are so many great summer party ideas for 2024, and you should set up the kind of parties that people will remember forever. For more ideas and information on how to set up this kind of party, contact us today!

The 10 Absolute Best Cocktails For Summer

The 10 Absolute Best Cocktails For Summer

Summer cocktails aren’t only fun for you–they’re perfect for any parties or events you’re looking forward to this summer. However, with the seemingly endless amount of delicious cocktail recipes out there, many people find themselves stuck on which drinks are the best for their fun summertime celebrations.

If you find yourself in this tricky spot, worry no more. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the ten best cocktails to enjoy this summer and how to make them for you and your guests. Let’s dive in!

1. Moscow Mule

If you’re planning a summer full of family celebrations, this easy-to-make but tasty drink should be at the top of your menu. All it takes is three simple ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and lime.

Collect two ounces of vodka, ½ ounces of fresh lime juice, and three ounces of cold ginger beer to make this classic drink. Combine the vodka and the lime juice in a traditional cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for about 15 seconds. Strain the drink and pour it into a copper mug filled with ice, topping it with ginger beer and a lime garnish. Delicious!

2. Mai Tai

While some Mai Tai recipes differ, this is all the more reason to experiment this summer and find the best recipe for your tastes! There’s nothing quite like a fresh Mai Tai to make you feel like you’re vacationing on a beautiful island.

To make one of our favorite Mai Tai recipes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Ice
  • 3 fluid ounces of pineapple juice
  • 2 fluid ounces of orange juice
  • 1.5 fluid ounce of jigger spiced rum
  • 1.5 fluid ounce of jigger coconut-flavored rum
  • 1 teaspoon of grenadine syrup

Craft the drink by filling your cocktail shaker with ice and adding all ingredients to the shaker. Next, you can shake vigorously for about 15 seconds and strain the drink into a glass of ice–it’s that easy!

3. Red Sangria

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a sweet cocktail jam-packed with delicious fruit. This recipe uses several ingredients, but once you’ve mastered the sangria, you’ll be happy you went through the effort. To make our favorite red sangria for your summertime holiday parties, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Two bottles of red Spanish table wine
  • 1 cup of brandy
  • ½ cup triple sec
  • 1 cup of orange juice
  • 1 cup of pomegranate juice
  • ½ cup of simple syrup (more to taste)
  • Orange slices
  • Apple slices
  • Blackberries
  • Pomegranate seeds

Mix all these ingredients together and place in a tightly-sealed pitcher for 24 hours before serving.

4. Coconut Margarita

Beyond the classic Pina Colada (which we’ll get to shortly), why not mix things up this summer with a unique, flavorful coconut margarita?

While it’s more complex than traditional summer drinks, a coconut margarita will surely please guests at a holiday party or family celebration. To make this drink, collect the following:

  • 3 ounces of cream of coconut
  • 2 ounces of tequila
  • 1 ounce of orange liqueur
  • 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
  • Ice
  • Optional garnishes: honey, toasted coconut, and an additional lime slice

Pour the cream of coconut, tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice into a shaker with ice and mix for 15-30 seconds. Strain the margarita into a glass, garnished with a honey and coconut rim if desired.

5. Paloma

Making a Paloma is relatively easy, meaning you’ll have this recipe down quickly. To make our favorite Paloma recipe, you’ll need 2 ounces of tequila blanco, ½ ounces of fresh lime juice, 2 ounces of grapefruit juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of water.

Add the ingredients to a partially ice-filled glass to make a Paloma. Mix everything until combined. To garnish, consider running a slice of grapefruit around the rim of your glass and dipping the rim into sea salt before you make the drink.

6. Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry daiquiris are universally loved for their sweet, delicious, refreshing taste, and there’s no doubt that these drinks are best enjoyed in the summer when you’re looking for a drink to rest from the sun. You’ll need the following:

  • 4 ounces of strawberries, frozen
  • ½ cup of white sugar
  • ½ cup of lemon juice
  • ⅛ cup of lime juice
  • ¾ cup of rum
  • ¼ cup of a lemon-lime flavored carbonated drink
  • 6 cups of ice, more as needed

Blend the frozen strawberries. Add the sugar, lemon, and lime juice. Next, pour in the rum and carbonated drink. Add ice and blend until smooth.

7. Tequila Sunrise

A tequila sunrise is perfect for sipping on as you relax surrounded by the people you love. Our favorite tequila sunrise recipe requires the following ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounces of tequila
  • ¾ cup of orange juice
  • ¾ ounce of grenadine syrup
  • Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Pour the tequila and juice into a glass filled with ice. Mix together, then carefully pour in the grenadine and allow it to settle. Garnish your drink if desired.

8. Pina Colada

If you’re all about coconut-flavored drinks, then a pina colada should be at the top of your list this summer. To make our favorite simple pina colada, gather the following ingredients:

  • 6 ounces of white rum
  • 6 ounces of cream of coconut
  • 6 ounces of pineapple juice
  • ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks
  • 4 cups of ice
  • Optional: 4 ounces of golden or añejo rum and pineapple leaves or wedges to garnish

Place the ice, white rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice and chunks in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the drink into glasses and top with the additional garnishes if desired.

9. Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island iced teas are perfect for all your parties and fun celebrations. Making a Long Island iced tea requires ¾ ounces of the following liqueurs: vodka, white rum, silver tequila, gin, and triple sec. You will also need ¾ ounces of lemon juice and simple syrup, with cola to top it off.

Add all the ingredients besides the cola to a glass filled with ice to make this drink. Top the drink with cola and stir it together briefly. If desired, you can garnish your tea with a slice of lemon.

10. Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits, meaning tasty drinks abound. Making a mouth-watering frozen watermelon margarita is the perfect way to say hello to summer. To master this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups of seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
  • 6 ounces of tequila
  • 2 ounces of Cointreau liqueur or triple sec
  • 1 ½ cups of ice

Place the cubed watermelon on a cookie sheet in the freezer to make this drink. When frozen, place the watermelon and other ingredients into a blender or food processor, pureeing until smooth.

Fill Your Catering Needs With Kpacho

Catering for your summer events with Kpacho is the best way to keep your party lively and guests happy. Whether you’re looking to stop by our restaurants for a delicious meal, ordering takeout, or looking for quality catering, Kpacho has you covered. 

12 Best Mexican Party Drink Ideas for Cinco de Mayo!

12 Best Mexican Party Drink Ideas for Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching, and for many people, that means it’s time to plan for a fantastic holiday party with all of your friends and family! While you might have some excellent party-planning skills, there’s one thing many people don’t account for when planning their Cinco de Mayo celebrations: the drinks.

Having the best holiday parties means having the best food and drink to guarantee a fun time. If you want to spice up your Cinco de Mayo party and master throwing the best family celebrations, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 12 best Mexican-party drink ideas to kick your Cinco de Mayo celebration up a notch this year.

1. The Traditional Margarita

Families and friends will rejoice at the sight of a tasty margarita when they arrive at your Cinco de Mayo celebration. While you can add any number of twists to make your margarita sweeter or spicier, you can also stick to the traditional version: a salted rim, tasty tequila, lime, agave nectar, sea salt, and Cointreau are all you need to whip up this drink for your adult friends.

Bottom line: there’s no going wrong with a margarita, no matter what you’re celebrating. Why not take things to the next level and add a margarita bar?

2. Mexican Hot Chocolate

Cinco de Mayo celebrations should be fun and festive for everyone in the family, whether or not they drink alcoholic beverages. Along with putting a spin on some classic recipes by finding a non-alcoholic version, offer classic, tasty drinks like Mexican hot chocolate.

While it might be warm in May, that shouldn’t stop you from offering this rich drink with a kick. Full of bold, mouth-watering flavors with a bit of spice to shock your tastebuds, there’s no doubt that Mexican hot chocolate will be a hit at all of your family celebrations.

3. The Paloma

If you want to shake things up with your cocktails, consider offering guests a classic Paloma. With grapefruit soda and tequila tossed together for a perfectly-balanced sweet and sour taste, the Polama is fast, easy to make, and pleasing to the tastebuds. If you’re considering catering for your celebration, ensure you have a Paloma on hand to tame your mouth after eating spicy food.

4. The Horchata

Nothing beats a classic horchata when it comes to Mexican drinks. Horchata is iconic for a reason: it’s downright delicious. Its sweet, creamy flavor with a touch of cinnamon compliments any dish. Made from agua fresca, ground rice, soaked almonds, and cinnamon, horchata can go with anything and are a perfect option to ensure a balance of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for your party. Like the Paloma, horchata can help soothe your palette if you struggle with spicier flavors. Bottom line? A horchata is pretty tough to resist.

5. The Michelada

If you prefer your drinks on the savory side, consider offering the Michelada at your Cinco de Mayo get-together. This unique cocktail is similar to a traditional Bloody Mary but differs in some fundamental ways. Combining Mexican beer, Clamato, spices, lime, hot sauce, and other sauces, the Michelada is packed with solid flavors suitable for anyone seeking a drink that stands out.

6. The Agua Fresca

This drink is far more than just your average fresh water–you can make the agua fresca with pretty much any fruit to create a mouth-watering fruit juice perfect for the hot weather. Choose multiple fruits to give your guests plenty of options when choosing their beverage. If you want to take things up a notch with some fresh fruits, sugar, and vodka, agua fresca is a must-have at any Cinco de Mayo gathering.

7. The Mezcalita

If you like oranges and spice, the mezcalita is right up your alley. This drink is a delicious, orange juice-based beverage with a slight bitterness, spice, and some alcohol for anyone looking to party with friends during Cinco de Mayo.

The mezcalita is jam-packed with complex flavors, and you test your spice tolerance by adding a few extra jalapeños into the mix. If you don’t mind your drinks matching the spice in your food, you might find your new favorite drink in this Mexican classic.

8. The Sangrita

Don’t mistake it for a sangria–the delicious Sangrita is well-deserving of its spot on our list, even if it’s not as well-known as the former. A Sangrita is a tasty cocktail with various citrus juices, Mexican spices, and tequila. Unlike sangria, which originated in Spain and is wine-based, a Sangrita is a Mexican cocktail that suits any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Its refreshing flavors make the Sangrita a must for your Cinco de Mayo get-together.

9. The Tepache

Tepache de Piña is a tasty, traditional craft beer made from pineapple peels, giving the drink its title of pineapple beer. Combined with sugar and various spices, the Tepache is a classic that should be a staple for any family gathering.

With pre-colonial roots, Tepache has been increasingly popular in recent years. With minimal alcohol content (typically about 2% ABV), Tepache is the perfect beverage to offer family and friends at your Cinco de Mayo party.

10. The Ponche

This drink is perfect for a festive occasion like Cinco de Mayo. The Ponche is a warm, comforting beverage that shouldn’t be reserved for winter celebrations. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the mouthwatering combination of brown sugar, apples, pears, prunes, cinnamon, raisins, and other flavorful ingredients packed into a cup of Ponche.

Not interested in serving hot beverages at your Cinco de Mayo celebration? Try putting Ponche on ice for a perfectly-chilled summer drink.

11. Mexican Coffee

You want to keep your Cinco de Mayo celebrations festive all day long, meaning that you and your guests will likely want a caffeine boost at some point during the festivities. Complete your Cinco de Mayo celebration with Mexican coffee and make an adult version by incorporating some tequila and Kahlua into your cup.

12. The Carajillo

Another delicious coffee-based drink you can serve on ice is the Carajillo or the “coffee cocktail.” The Carajillo is easy to make, only requiring espresso and Licor 43 on top of some ice for a summertime energy boost. If you and your guests prefer to drink your coffee hot, the Carajillo is equally delectable when warm.

Fulfill Your Catering Needs With Kpacho

Looking to plan your Cinco de Mayo celebration or holiday events with some delicious Mexican food from your favorite restaurants? Kpacho has you covered. We meet all your catering needs to ensure that your Cinco de Mayo festivities meet your standards. Our tasty food is perfect for catering or take-out for your next holiday party and will surely wow your guests.

Contact us to hire our catering services today, or visit our restaurant to find more tasty bites by checking out Kpacho today.