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ABOUT US |
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Welcome to Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering! |
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I am Shirley Lang, a Culinary Explorer and the owner/head chef of Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering. I have been in the catering business since 1999. I won my first 2 cooking awards this summer when a friend entered me into a Fundraising event for Tour de Rock. I won First place for my booth presentation and Third place for the People's Choice Awards for my Juniper BBQ Ribs. I was so excited and so grateful to have the opportunity to give to our community! |
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Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering specialize in Aboriginal cuisine with a contemporary flair, providing our clients with A Diverse Cultural Culinary Experience. My passion for food and different cultural cuisine is expressed in the many diverse flavours that I use while creating a meal. I am constantly thinking of new ways to prepare and present ingredients, always experimenting with flavour combinations. I never limit myself to one cuisine or type of dish to offer my clients. Unlimited possibilities can be expressed through the world of food! Please view my sample menus for an idea of what we offer. |
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I look forward to the opportunity to share my passion and enthusiasm for the culinary world with you! Let's explore the culinary world together! |
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Contact me at 250-858-7777
E-mail |
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The True Meaning of Kitchens of Distinction
I am always asked, why did I name my catering company Kitchens of Distinction?
The dictionary defines the word 'distinction' as "excellence that sets someone or something apart from others: a novelist of distinction".
I feel that the kitchen is the heart and the soul of any home, any where in the world, in any culture. We share the preparation of food in the kitchen, we share the flavours of the food we lovingly prepare, we share laughter, we share secrets and stories in our kitchens, we share our family and friend time in the kitchen. We bond with one another in the kitchen, it is an intimate safe haven. When you are at a party, where does everyone eventually end up at one point or another? Yes, you guessed it, the kitchen, the one place where everyone is on neutral ground. We are all equals in the kitchen, human, vulnerable, and so authentically magnificent.
For me, the kitchen has always been warm, welcoming, comforting, safe. My fondest memories are of days gone by as a child, growing up on a large working farm, watching my mother and grandmother cook wonderful comfort meals using the freshest and finest ingredients of the meats and poultry that we raised ourselves, and produce that we planted, nurtured and harvested throughout the seasons. These are heart warming memories of my mother and grandmother, lovingly taking the time, to teach me to cook, to read recipes, to learn measurements. The kitchen was the place that I learned to never give up, if you make a mistake ... it can be corrected or adjusted to create something else, to be resourceful. The kitchen was the place that I learned to try new things without fear, to be confident in my abilities. This location and the teachings that took place there, would one day prove to be where all things fundamentally began in my world. No matter what path I took the kitchen was the space that fed my soul, that calmed my world, and that continued to nurture my gifts, allowing me to succeed in other crafts. The kitchen is today the place that allows me to share my gifts and my passion for food and everything associated with it.
So when I was deciding on a name for my company, knowing the gifts and skills that I wanted to share with others, I couldn't help but draw from my life experiences. When I think of catering in my client's homes, I feel that their kitchens are the "Kitchens of Distinction", excellence that sets them apart from all others, authentic and magnificent.
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Lobster Bisque with Sour Creme, Caviar & Chili Threads |
What Extraordinary Services Do We Offer?
Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering uses only the finest, freshest, local organic ingredients whenever possible, combined with love, to create a menu that reflects your specific style and highest of standards. We consult extensively with you to design your menu to reflect exactly what you want to present. We cater events of all sizes, providing outstanding flavourful dishes and exceptional customer service. Depending on the amount of guests, your theme, your budget, your location and your design needs, we will guide you regarding the option of service staff, table service or buffet service, rentals, entertainment, etc. Our exceptionally talented staff believe that you and your guests deserve only the best and therefore, we will treat you as such. We have many decades of experience, not only with food preparation and design but also with event coordination and management.
Listed are some of our services, however, please feel free to ask us if you do not find what you are looking for. We pride ourselves in being flexible and adaptable.
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Private Dinner Parties: We will consult with you to determine the amount of courses and the type of meal you desire, along with the appropriate wine pairing. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Sensuous Seductive Cuisine: (Romantic Aphrodisiac Dinners for Couples) Our team of a chef and personal server will cater a 6 to 10 course specifically prepared healthy meal with ingredients that are considered aphrodisiacs to you and your partner in the surroundings of your choosing. Wine pairings are optional. We will decorate the area as well, setting the stage. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Clandestine Dinners: Our catering team creates theme dinners in matching venues, where the meal is designed with seasonal ingredients. Size of the venue will determine the amount of guests invited. Guests will not know the location of the event until 4 hours prior to service, nor will they know what is on the menu until they arrive. Invitations will have all other particulars; cost, theme, dress, etc. Sign up to be on our Exclusive Invitation list by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Hors d'oeuvre Receptions: Small bite receptions are a perfect place to highlight our creativity for you. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Wine & Cheese Receptions: Matching the Hors d'oeuvre, the cheese and the wine with our exceptionally talented staff is our specialty. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Dine With me Competitions: We will choose 4 singles or 4 couples (at one specific time) who will host and create meals for the others, one event a night for 4 nights, while voting on one another's performance for a grand prize. If you are interested in participating E-mail Shirley at KOD or call 250-858-7777.
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Charity & Fundraising Events: Please ask us how we can contribute to your next event. We are committed to donate our time and services for 4 Charities a year. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Diverse Cultural Celebrations: Our passion for diverse cultural cuisines allows us the flexibility and knowledge to provide you with the specific meal you are wanting prepared. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Weddings: Our experience and dedication to ensure every detail is looked after will leave you relaxed and able to enjoy every moment without worry. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Anniversary Celebrations: Your loved one and your guests will know how important they are to you as we will treat them as such. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Birthday Festivities: No matter what age we will ensure a very memorable entertaining event. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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New Year's Eve Galas: We will take care of all the details from beginning to end so that you and your guests can have a truly festive, memorable, and safe time. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Themed Festivities: Our staff are very experienced in creating all that is necessary to implement a specific theme. Positive long-lasting memories and great fun is guaranteed for all in attendance. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Corporate Functions: Our team are very professional, conducting themselves appropriately in all settings, ensuring all details are taken care of leaving you the time to socialize with your guests. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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BBQ & Out Door Events: We have catered BBQ's up to over 1000 guests, with great success and fun had by all. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Children's Events: Our team have the connections and know how to make your child's party the best ever! Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Personal Chef Service: When the need arises whether it is on a permanent basis or occasional basis, we have extensive experience being Personal Chefs, which includes: menu planning, shopping, preparing and serving meals, freezer orders, hiring and managing the cleaning and service staff.
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Dinner Clubs: What fun it is to share our love of food from other cultures with old friends and new friends! We can assist in setting up a Dinner Club or you can invite yourself to attend ours. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Trade Shows: When you are in business for yourself, it is a gift to be able to spend time with other self employed people and trade shows are perfect to meet new people and share our commonalities, as well as market our wonderful services to the public. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Cooking Demonstrations: Sharing our passion for cooking and food and sharing skills and lessons learned throughout the years is always a great time! Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Chef's Competitions: It's vital for self growth and development for our staff to compete and challenge one another to become better and better at our craft, sharing our passions and talents with others. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Mediation/Conflict Resolution: Shirley is a fully trained Family Mediator and believes that while sharing a healthy delicious meal together and discussing important issues, openly and honestly, most conflicts can be resolved. Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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Event Coordination & Management: We have decades of experience within our team to coordinate any size of event and manage it completely so that you don't have to worry about a thing. (see below) Inquire by E-mailing Shirley at KOD or calling 250-858-7777.
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We cater any event that you can possibly think of, including but not limited to:Luncheons, Staff & Client Appreciation Events, Art Gallery Exhibitions, CD & Movie Release Parties, Publication Launches, Valentines Day Specials, Christmas Dinners, Thanksgiving Feasts, Dinner for One, etc. Please just ask and we can consult on menu, location, design or themed decoration needs, budget, staffing requirements, rentals, etc.
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Testimonials for Events by KOD |
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“Shirley, I wanted to drop you a note thanking you again for the fantastic evening you planned for us to celebrate the wrap-up of OWL/TV. The evening on The Empress yacht, the Caribbean food, the ‘Island’ party motif, the flowers(!!) and the Caribbean music made the evening truly magical- one we shall remember for some time to come. (How did you arrange for the perfect weather?)
People have been calling all week to tell me how wonderful they felt about how they were treated and feted, and they all want to steal your ideas. How are we going to stop this?! Thanks again for a superlative effort!”
Christopher Howard, Producer, OWL/TV, Toronto
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“What a fantastic party you put on last week! On behalf of the Starlight Foundation Canada, I would like to express my most sincere appreciation for all your efforts, which paid off so handsomely. I can well appreciate the amount of time and effort you put into ‘Stars for Starlight’, the cocktail party, the sparkler parade, the fashion show, and the party at the Jaguar Club, to say nothing of the celebrities in attendance and the prizes you generated, were all great! You generated a large financial contribution for Starlight, but as important, also created a great deal of public awareness for us – AND, we all had FUN!”
Linda Corcoran, Executive Administrator, Starlight Foundation Ontario Chapter
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Roasted Beets, Chevre, Seasonal Greens, Cherry
Tomatoes
with Pomegranate Truffle Balsamic Dressing |
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“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your valuable contribution in making the ‘Working Together’ workshops a success. You did not have the luxury of time, you quickly adapted to the tasks and all the workshops were well attended by Aboriginal community members. The meetings were a resounding success! We met our objectives and the feedback was very positive. It was very important to approach the community in a culturally sensitive manner, which respected proper protocol of the various areas we visited. Shirley, you effectively coordinated your contracted duties and you were professional. Thanks for all your efforts.”
Evelyn Blair, Regional Manager, National Parole Board Pacific Region
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“I attended the Gladue Symposium on September 27 & 28. It was well run and most effective in helping to bridge the communication gap between First Nations Communities and the mainstream of Canadian Society. In particular Shirley, you did a fantastic job in coordinating the various speakers and programs’ for this two-day symposium. I look forward to attending further such meetings.”
Judge J.M. Hubbard, Provincial Court Judge
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“The 10th Anniversary Celebration was a great success and everything ran very smoothly and this was the result of the work done by Shirley Lang. Ms. Lang’s effort was tireless and her attention to the smallest details required guaranteed the trouble free day of the celebration. She was very enthusiastic about the project and covered all necessary details required to conduct such a large event. We are very appreciative of the efforts and the results of her excellent work.”
Charles J. McLaughlin, Executive Director,
Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society Substance Abuse Treatment Centre
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“Thanks for the manner in which you carried out the coordinating of the dinner at Tsow-Tun Le Lum for the Residential School litigants. The evening went well and it was obvious that the planning was well taken care of and carried out. Everything was well organized and the evening went very well as a result of your efforts. I appreciated watching the manner in which you conducted yourself during the ceremonies and formal activities during the evening. Your presence made a difference. Thank you for your work.”
Charles J. McLaughlin, Executive Director
Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society Substance Abuse Treatment Centre
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