Hello Stephanie and Leah,
A follow up for my showing today at Critics Choice Catering.
Background: Critics Choice Catering is a family-owned catering and special event company that has been operating in the South Bay for 40 years! They just moved into a new space and event venue they named “Urban Palms” on 190th street in Gardena https://www.criticschoicecatering.com/
Items Shown & Result:
7262596 Portico Simply Bronzini (European Sea Bass) Fillets, 5-7oz. IQF 1/10lb.
The team loved this product. Will order ASAP and put on new wedding menu
They are interested in the pocket Bronzini when/if available in the LA market
7245297 13/15 IQF Peeled & Deveined Tail-On Premium Shrimp; Ecuador Premier Gold 10/2lb.
The team loved this product. They raved about the Ecuadorian, so they are going to give it a shot.
7240735 16/20 IQF EZ-Peel Premium Shrimp; Ecuador Premier Gold 6/4lb.
They use P&D 16/20 Tail-on as their work horse.
Chef was a little hesitant because he liked the 16/20 P&D Tail on tiger shrimp (Block) they were currently using
Since we did not have this in Caliber stock, I offered the EZ Peel in lieu of the 7240739 16/20 IQF Peeled & Deveined Tail-On Premium Shrimp Ecuador Premier Gold 10/2lb
Stephanie, as an option, for the Tiger, LA has 2292472 Portico Classic Shrimp, Tiger, P&D Tail-on 16/20 4/2.5lb in inventory if the chef HAS to stick to Tiger.
Stephanie, for their order, you are going to want to order the 7240739 16/20 IQF Peeled & Deveined Tail-On Premium Shrimp Ecuador Premier Gold 10/2lb
7078951 Portico Classic Shrimp, White, P&D Tail-on 21/25, Cooked 4/2.5lb
I offered these as a value-added product for their large events. They liked them and will potentially order when needed. Client will need to be reminded about them
5811096. Acme Norwegian style, sliced
Chef was not a fan. He asked specifically for Scottish fresh-smoked salmon. I informed him of the Blue Hill Bay SUPC: 6830154 blue hill bay salmon side, sliced and he wasn’t interested
Items Discussed but not shown:
0879389 Portico Imperial Trout, Rainbow Butterfly Boneless 6 oz. 1/10lb
The client loves the idea of adding Trout to their menu. They are also interested win the single filet when those arrive. I will set up a time to drop a few pieces off with the chef.
7104460 Portico Imperial Tuna, Yellowfin Steak Skinless 6oz. Tasteless Smoke 1/10lb
– The client currently uses 6oz seared AHI steaks on their menu. Chef asked for samples which I agreed to drop some off. I also brought up the Saku blocks and Poke cubes, all of which they were open to.
7246608 Portico Classic Shrimp, White, Garlic & Herb Marinated 16/20, Butterflied 2/5lb.
We were out of inventory, but I showed them pics. They were VERY interested in these.
To conclude, the visit went VERY well! Stephanie did a great job taking notes as we went and communicating with the chef afterwards. She and I sat down for about 10 minutes afterwards. We discussed our notes and I gave her the overview of the Caliber support website. We had about 8 staff from the office including Michelle. Michelle’s daughter Casey asked me about supporting their “Grand Opening” event in January where they will be showcasing the venue to caterers and event specialists from LA and OC. I said I’d be happy to support them by being present at the event and answering any seafood questions. As far as product support they may be looking for, that is something that will need to be discussed with Leah.
Anticipated order per event:
Based on my experience, I would anticipate 2-6 cases Branzino, 2-6 cases shrimp, and 1-3 cases “other” seafood per event of 100-200 guests.
Caliber Action items:
Drop off samples of Trout and 6oz Yellowtail steaks at venue this week
Follow up with SC for first order
Pull a sample case of the 7246608 Portico Classic Shrimp, White, Garlic & Herb Marinated 16/20, Butterflied 2/5lb and get some over to them to see.