Cocktail Caterers specializes in Tasty Bites, Extended Cocktail Parties, Small Plates, Stations & Beautiful Tablescape Buffets. We are an LGBT Certified Business. Kurt Kretzschmar enjoys creating dishes like the ones he grew up eating. Foods made from the best & freshest ingredients available. Growing up surrounded by immigrants really instilled the importance of cooking with passion. It didn’t matter if it was Christmas Dinner or a Sunday Dinner. All of the meals felt special & he learned that the food didn’t have to be fancy or have 20 components; it just had to be made with great ingredients & love. Always having a love of food, Kurt enrolled in Johnson and Wales University in Providence Rhode Island where he honed his skills and learned the disciplines of the Culinary Arts & Food Service Management. After graduating he worked on Long Island at a prestigious country club where he developed his catering creativity by making elaborate table displays, elegant hors d’oeuvres & beautiful platters. After leaving the country club he headed to Europe to travel & experience foods from all over Europe. “One of the most influential moments in my culinary life was an experience I had while staying with family friends in San Mango, Italy. "My friend’s Aunt was making dinner for about 20 guests & I was watching her make a Putenesca Sauce & handmade Pappardelle. Almost every ingredient in the sauce came from their land. It was the most intense, wonderful flavors I had ever experienced. To this day it is like the Holy Grail of fresh flavors that I chase daily” Because of his experiences in Europe, especially in San Mango, Kurt realized the importance of buying local, fresh ingredients. “At Cocktail Caterers we believe in supporting local businesses & purchasing locally grown & raised products. We tailor all of our menus based on our client’s tastes, style & then combine them with local, seasonal ingredient & add an International flavor based on our travels and experience.