For those who enjoy glazed spare ribs with their cocktails, without having to pony up for dinner, Seattle’s sleek Block 41 was the place to be on a recent Thursday for our ezFoodFest, a traveling food festival showcasing some of the best caterers in cities across the country.
Our ezCater event was exceptionally glamorous, with veils of emerald lighting and a striking display of crispy, luscious, bright, and comforting foods. There were, of course, dozens of high-profile restaurants and caterers, too, all of whom were determined to feed their guests exceptional food. People converged at one flowing tabletop or another to mingle and commune, some even danced.
Our traveling ezCater series called ezFoodFest is meant to recall the world’s most gluttonous events like the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. It’s an event in which you can be your gastronomical self, fill up on food and drinks, then dance to the music. Over the course of the year, our traveling food festival will continue to showcase some of the best caterers in cities across America, a group that includes high-profile restaurants, buzzy new spots, and globally diverse foods. Recently, our ezFoodFest festivities landed in San Jose, California, and Seattle, Washington. Later this year, we’ll take ezFoodFest over to Boston, Denver, and Chicago.
In case you missed ezFoodFest Seattle, check out our visual tour:
1. Greetings, Seattleites
Greetings, Seattleites. Even if the weather is dreary, join your fellow eaters at ezFoodFest Seattle. All you need to do is request an invite and get Instagram-ready.
2. We’ll Play Host
On a recent Thursday, ezCater played host at the cool, upscale Block 41, greeting guests at the door, wearing their sharp signature green T-shirts.
3. ezFoodFest Seattle, Past the Slinky Chandelier
Walk up the staircase, past the slinky chandelier, following the path of goodies, beginning with those lovely green tote bags. ezFoodFest Seattle is where drinks are poured generously and where delicious bites of food materialize from behind you, all for the grabbing.
4. At ezFoodFest Seattle, We’re Made of Soft Cotton Tees
It’s not a party without a thoughtful (free) T-shirt. Even if you’re not a soft-cotton-tee swinger, grab one for a friend.
5. Check In
Check in at the reception desk to get your free drink ticket for a refreshing cocktail.
6. Caterers, Meet Your Diners and Feed Them
Caterers, now’s the time to spring forward to meet your diners and feed them. The team at Romano’s Macaroni Grill are prepared for the evening with cheesy bites. Their catering team have a blueprint for delish: think smoky truffle macaroni and cheese, tender broccolini greens, and sun-dried tomato orzo—a catered affair with a touch of nonna’s magic.
7. Hello, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
At ezFoodFest, the feast ranges from the traditional to the on-trend and snacky. At ezFoodFest Seattle, people filed around Auntie Anne’s table. They served loads of soft mahogany-brown pretzels, with plenty of loft and chew. Their soft pretzels and dips make perfect snacks for an afternoon at the office.
8. Hello, Sizzling Wok Cooking
At ezFoodFest, we want our caterers to tell the story of who they are and what they care about. The P.F. Chang’s crew showed up with spare ribs, crispy wontons, and their farm-to-wok philosophy. At P.F. Chang’s, they cull clean ingredients from farms and have their cooks pleat dim sum and hand cut slices of meat every day from scratch. They’ve also conquered a 700-degree flame, true to the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking. Props, P.F. Chang’s.
9. Bounce Around, Mingle
You’re welcome to bounce around and try samples from over a dozen caterers. As the celebration goes on, you’ll find that your city is full of impressively pedigreed chefs and plenty of good eats. Do some people-watching or dare to mingle with other eaters, and with your caterer, too. The night is full and perfect.
10. When There’s Music Echoing…
Everything about the evening was flawless, but the undisputed climax was the magic on the dance floor. At ezCater we say, when there’s music echoing in the venue, get up and dance.
11. Mark Your Social Calendar
Figure out where the next ezCater event is going to be. Why wait till next year? There’s another one coming up soon. Looks like your social calendar is going to get crowded now that ezCater is in town.
Want to claim a seat at the next ezFoodFest?