“My fam loves cheese. Even our dogs are named as cheeses: Manchego and Brie, and their puppies are Gouda, Raclette and Mozza,” said Karla Reyes, whose family is best known for their ham and catering business, The Plaza.
The energetic twenty-something just started a new food venture: a cheese buffet catering called Le Petite Fromagerie, offering services like raclette buffet, grilled cheese buffet (perfect for kids), gooey cheese fondue and the very classy assorted cheese buffet.
Sounds exactly like what your next party needs.
At such a young age, Karla has an impressive knowledge of the food industry. She adds a youthful energy to the the family’s decades-old catering business.
Her grandfather told her that she can start her own venture as long as it won’t compete with The Plaza. She also also owns a mobile bar called Swizzle.
“I figured, if we have dessert bars and mobile bar at events, why not a cheese buffet?” Karla asked. She was inspired by the current F&B trend where companies are hired for specific food or drink services.
So how does this work?
For the assorted cheese platter (Prices start at PHP300 per head), Karla categorized the cheeses based on feel, texture or smell.
The options are: creamy (brie or camembert), fresh (mozzarella or chèvre), nutty (gouda or gruyere), sharp (cheddar) and funky (gorgonzola, stilton). Clients may choose five kinds of cheese, which are served with crackers, crostinis, dried fruits and nuts, with an option to add on a charcuterie platter or truffle honey.
The raclette buffet (Prices start at PHP375 per head) allows guests to melt cheese on the spot. For bigger groups, as much as half a wheel of cheese can be melted. This can be a nice centerpiece in a grown-up party.
The cheese fondue (Prices start at PHP300) is a mix of different cheeses, kirsch and white wine which are melted and combined into a ceramic pot. It’s a heavy treat that pairs well with wine. Karla suggests to serve it with salad and sausage.
Packages are for 30pax and 50pax but they can customize for a smaller or bigger event. They also have add ons like truffle honey, different spreads and even wine.
Don’t know much about the differet kinds of cheese? Karla generously offered advice: read and eat to educate your tastebuds.
“Taste the differences between cow milk, goat milk and sheep milk. From there, you can start to appreciate the different cheeses made with these kinds of milk and even identify them as your palette develops. Keep trying different cheeses so you know what you like and what you don’t like,” she said.
For more information, visit La Petite Fromagerie’s Facebook page and Instagram account. You may also call them at +63917 791286 or send them an e-mail at lapetitefromagerie.mnl@gmail.com
