On February 8, Benefit v.14 celebrates the art in everything, including culinary excellence.
We spoke with Monica DiRenzo, the Event Planner for J. Scott Catering, one of three caterers who will be presenting palette-pleasing dishes for guests of the Main Event.
Can you give me a bit of background on the history of J. Scott Catering?
In the past 19 years we have gained the experience necessary to cater weddings and events of all styles, sizes and themes. We seek to create a one-of-a-kind event that identifies you with special details and touches that make it unique. You will find J Scott is a creative and unique catering company offering the best products and services available. At J. Scott Catering, our focus is on quality throughout all aspects of the event. Quality of food means never using frozen or prepared products. Quality of service means offering polished and experienced staff who will execute a flawless event. Quality, to us, means exceeding your expectations at every turn.
Our professional event planners are prepared to help you every step of the way. As a full-service, off-premise caterer our services don’t stop at the end of the menu, we will help guide you throughout the planning process.
If you could choose one venue in Philly as your ‘dream venue’, where would it be and why?
One of our favorite Philadelphia venues to work at is the National Museum of American Jewish History. The museum overlooks Independence Mall and has the most amazing views. The staff is wonderful to work with and the architecture of the space is absolutely amazing.
You mention that you personalize events. What was your most challenging catering job so far – in terms of creativity?
J Scott caters over 500 events every year, that being said it is hard to pin point an exact event. We recently catered the wedding of George Perrier’s daughter, and having catered to a talented and acclaimed Chef, that definitely tested our creative boundaries, but the event was fantastic!
Looking at the pictures on your site, presentation is clearly an important aspect of your menu items. Would you say that your chefs are also visual artists?
Our executive Chef, Erin Morrison is extremely talented and creative and he is constantly “ eating with his eyes”.
Are you planning any special dishes for the Benefit?
Yes, but they will all be a surprise.
What are you looking forward to most about the event?
We are looking forward to meeting all of the guests that come through the door, to have they taste our food and enjoy the artwork.
Join J. Scott Catering at the Main Event on Saturday, February 8.
