Linda K.
Yelp
Where to start in describing our experience with 2 Dine 4 Catering who we used for the wedding festivities on New Year's Eve for my son and his wife? The whole experience was nearly flawless, and I don't say that very often. I have a reputation as being obsessive about good, seasonal and tasty food.
Understand that I live in Michigan and was charged with finding a caterer in Austin on about 8 weeks notice to take care of three wedding events over the New Year's Eve weekend. When I contacted 2 Dine 4, they were very patient with my numerous questions and requests for detailed descriptions of the appetizers, food photos, references, and finally picking out the appetizers for the afternoon reception. I did this without ever personally tasting anything they prepared, which could be disaster. But no so with 2 Dine 4. Everyone that I worked with from the owner, Stephen Shallcross, and Nikki, the event planner, were extremely helpful, professional and easy-going. Even Chef Chism took the time to personally talk to me about the events and guide me in my selections. To describe 2 Dine 4 as professional in all aspects of their business is an understatement.
Now a word about the appetizers for the reception. They prepared a selection of stationary and passed appetizers that were delicious and beautiful. Imagine warm and perfectly cooked coconut shrimp skewers with mango chile sauce. The wild mushroom pot stickers with red curry and lemon grass sauce were a huge hit, along with warm yorkshire popovers filled with roast prime rib of beef, English cheddar and horseradish sauce. Perfectly seared and crusted ahi tuna on wonton crisps were spot-on and Taiwanese crispy chicken wraps in Mandarin pancakes with a Thai basil sauce and sesame slaw were artfully displayed in paper snow cone cups. How about crab ceviche and green chile pork empanadas with avocado crema? This doesn't include the beautiful antipasti platter with numerous tasty selections and the delicious petite cherry pies, chocolate bourbon pecan diamonds and coconut cream tarts.
2 Dine 4 also has a perfect house (the Swoop House) on Gonzalez Street where we had the rehearsal dinner the night before. What a treat and perfect setting for our group! Again, they prepared fantastic passed appetizers, including delectable crab cakes and goat cheese bruschetta with olive tapenade and fresh tomato relish. Among the perfectly plated courses, we enjoyed crispy fried quail on hearts of romaine salad, praline bacon with tomato and maytag blue cheese vinaigrette. Everyone loved the roasted tomato bisque and mini grilled pimento cheese sandwiches gracing the soup. The main course was a wonderful beer braised shortrib with tobacco onions, crab mornay mac & cheese and grilled asparagus. What can be wrong with a hot apple tart with rum-carmel gelato to cap off the meai?
They also took care of a brunch the following morning. Again, everything was so good!
I would highly recommend 2 Dine 4 to anyone planning a wedding or any other special event, large or small. Because they are a full service caterer and event planner, they can arrange all the details for an event, including seating, linens, china, glassware and anything else. They made perfect suggestions for a florist and photographer. We couldn't have done it without their help. Kudos for 2 Dine 4!