Catering Help from a Celebrity Chef

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Your guests aren't only bringing awesome presents to your quinceañera - they're bringing their appetites too! With a caterer, you can give them a feast they won't forget.

We asked celebrity chef and caterer Michael Parise to weigh in on your biggest decisions about food. His company, Cannoli Kings Catering, is rated #1 in Los Angeles. A-listers like Lindsey Lohan, Tyra Banks, and Halle Berry can't resist his treats! Michael's recipe for success is simple: “Think outside the box,” he says. “Your life is going to be very colorful and creative – your food should reflect that.”

LUNCH OR DINNER?
Lunch. “Lunch is more family friendly and low key,” Michael says. “People aren’t thinking of drinking as much, so you can concentrate more on the food.” At night, you traditionally serve hot foods that aren’t so colorful (think chicken and mashed potatoes). But in the daytime, you can serve cold foods, like salads that give splashes of color.

SERVED MEAL OR BUFFET?
Buffet. "It’s fun and interactive," Michael says. "People can try more foods out and it puts them in a more comfortable atmosphere.” So get your guests out of their seats – it’ll prepare them for hitting the dance floor later!

EAT INSIDE OR OUTSIDE?
Outside. "Eighty to 90 percent of quinceañeras we do are outside.” Outdoors, you have more space. If it rains, don’t worry. As long as you have tents set up, the show will go on!

TRADITIONAL MEXICAN CUISINE OR NOT?
Traditional – with a twist! "You need to keep your traditional foods, because the older people will be looking for it,” Michael says. “But you can also go crazy with it.” He’s done taco bars with kobe beef, which is Japanese. He’s stuffed ravioli, an Italian favorite, with lobster, then poured Alfredo sauce that is infused with baja sauce (made with cilantro and chili peppers) for a Latin flair. It all goes back to thinking outside the box!

Now, think outside the box with Michael’s ice cream muffins – here’s the recipe!

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