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Delights For All
FOOD IS far more than sustenance for Isabel Rodriguez, of Isabel’s Delights. It’s a passion that started her on an entrepreneurial journey. Loving to cook and entertain, she hosted many a gatherings over the years. She enjoyed it so much she often helped other people host parties, too. At the encouragement of her friends, who knew wonderful food when they tasted it, Isabel decided to take her zeal for cooking and entertaining into the professional arena.
“I’ve always loved to entertain,” says Isabel. “But it’s never something I thought I’d get paid to do.” Isabel’s passion for food and celebrations runs deep. A background in corporate sales and marketing provided her many domestic and international travel opportunities and exposed her to culinary delights from around the world. An avid reader of epicurean books and magazines, she combines her learned knowledge with her home grown knack of flavor and flare for a menu that seems infinite.
“My clients are not limited by a set menu,” Isabel explains. “The menu should be more about delicious food because that’s really the key ingredient to a gathering.” Isabel’s expertise is bountiful with fare from places ranging from the Mediterranean to the Middle East. And her Paella is an entree to be remembered. She’s a back-to-basics cook making everything from scratch. Even her Sangria is mixed up right there in her kitchen. It’s gourmet all the way.
A former long-time vegetarian, Isabel understands the importance of making sure everyone at an event is content and well fed. Even when it comes to the products used in cooking vegetarian cuisine, she’s not only respectful; she’s familiar with many of the ingredients on the market and eager to learn more when the need arises.
When planning an event, every item on the menu is custom selected. Isabel meets with her clients to understand their tastes and style. To eliminate any surprises on the day of the event, Isabel meets with her clients ahead of time and offers samples of the menu items. From the mouth-watering entrees, imported cheese hors d’oeuvres, to the exquisite cakes and artistically decorated cookies, her clients know exactly what to expect. Isabel takes her personal approach to event planning one step further by creating beautifully designed favors for guests making the day even more memorable.
Isabel’s not one to go it alone, her clients are involved every step of the way. She works closely with her staff, too, going through menus and schedules because it’s vital to her that everyone involved is on the same page.
The menu isn’t the only area where Isabel offers a multitude of options. Think of all those times you wanted to have friends and family over for a dinner party, but the thought of preparing a large meal had you postponing it over and over again. Postpone no more. Isabel can prepare a wonderful meal, either in its entirety or just the main course. And don’t bother with picking it up; she’ll deliver it right to your door. You won’t be sweating and stressing alone in the kitchen, you’ll be cavorting with your guests in the living room or out on the lanai.
If there’s a larger gathering in your future, Isabel’s caters wedding receptions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, graduation parties, even send-off parties. Isabel particularly enjoys catering weddings and helping the bride-to-be plan her event. By using a location for the reception where they can work with a caterer or event planner of their choosing, the bride can make her reception a personal event with her own sense of fashion, food and flair. Traditional location or not, from private home to a garden or a rented hall, Isabel works with the bride to make the event intimate and unique. She understands that the bride is welcoming her guests, family and friends, to share in a private affair, and works to enhance the fellowship of everyone.
Isabel understands that few brides can tout, “money is no object” when it comes to planning their reception. Again, one of Isabel’s special talents comes through. She has a way of creating an atmosphere that is glamorous and elegant, that doesn’t leave the happy couple (or their parents) penniless. She even has a variety of place settings on display to help make the selection process easier. From planning the menu to the table arrangements, Isabel works with the bride to make sure she’s comfortable with the cost. Because Isabel works so closely with her clients through the entire planning process, brides can relax and spend their wedding day chatting it up with family and friends, dancing and enjoying luscious cuisine.
If you’re looking for a location to have your event, Isabel’s has a banquet facility too. It has a living room style foyer with comfortable couches, an open area for tables or mingling and a stunning tiled bar for relaxing and taking in the libations. Her facility is also the perfect place for a business meeting; it is equipped with wireless networking, high speed internet connection and a digital projector for power point presentations.
Isabel’s not in her catering business alone; she has her family backing her up. Her husband, José, has a background in engineering, but now handles the behind-the-scenes business and marketing tasks for Isabel’s Delights. Her oldest son, also named José, assists in the kitchen and with events. Even her younger sons, Juan and Jordan, are involved helping mom out, when they can, and giving hugs when needed. And there are two key people Isabel couldn’t do without. Rachel Daignault is responsible for menu development and Liliania Fernandez handles production in the kitchen. Together, they form a team that affords Isabel’s Delight with its unique menu and keeps the operations running smoothly.
No matter what style of event you’re hosting, an intimate international- themed dinner party with friends, a casual luncheon for club members, a multi-ethnic dinner with business partners, or an elegant wedding reception, Isabel’s Delights brings it all together. Her friendly persona adds warmth to any event and her stellar cuisine and presentation lets you to sit back, relax and enjoy the day. G
For more information or to schedule a meeting, call Isabel’s Delights at 352- 376-3120. Check out their website at www.isabelsdelights.com.Isabel’s Delights banquet facilities are located at 4010 NW 22nd Drive, in Gainesville.
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