Loving Aurora Provisions

Some of my past experiences with catering are, well, not so good. An example of what I'm referring to is the typical catered business meeting. The menu too often includes cold cut platters and potato salad or gigantic sandwiches, served on "freshly baked" rolls. Brownie or cookie platters usually appear. Sometimes there's a fruit platter -- which I must admit adds a nice dose of healthfulness to any mix. Then there's the catered reception. Menus always seem to feature passed hors d'ouvres including filo wrapped mushroom pies, quiches and chicken, all of which invariably are chewy, cold and over baked.

And then there's Aurora Provisions.

I have had the good fortune of attending events catered by Aurora Provisions on multiple occasions within the past three months. Their foods are exactly as they describe on their web and menu -- beautiful. The items they create are gorgeous and delicious and their staff is as creative and interesting as their cuisine. Aurora Provisions elevates events. They really are amazing.

I don't recall exactly what I ate at the Aurora catered events, but a few items stand out. The mini burgers with curry catsup and sweet relish + mini BLT’s with thick cut, smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes and smoked mayonnaise + Root beer barbecue chicken skewers. I'll never forget the bacon wrapped dates. All of these items were amazing, I wish I could remember more.

Their foods were perfectly cooked and served at the right temperatures. The aromas were just extraordinary. As Aurora's staff weaves through the guests they take just a moment to explain that their ingredients are from various local farms and the breads are baked each day at Aurora's Pine Street market. This knowledge is impressive and the pleasant personalities add an invaluable touch of class.

I decided to write about Aurora after speaking with a friend who called to ask about area catering companies. I explained that we have had really good experiences with Black Tie Catering, Browne Trading Market, Add More Thyme Catering, and of course, Aurora Provisions. All of these companies are fantastic. Aurora just happens to be top of mind.

You won't find cold cuts at any of these places. Just high-quality foods that are full of vision and flavor. Cheers.

Aurora Provisions
www.auroraprovisions.com
64 Pine St., Portland, ME 04102
(207) 871-9060

Black Tie Market & Bistro
www.theblacktieco.com
1 Union Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 761-6665

Add More Thyme
www.addmorethyme.com
36 W Elm St., Yarmouth, ME 04096
(207) 846-0427

Browne Trading Market
www.brownetrading.com
262 Commercial St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-3118