Hearts, Minds, and Stomachs

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Our 2017 Vendor Showcase on June 13 in Tysons Corner was an action-packed day of unlimited samples, collaborative teamwork, furious note-taking, and bonding with our colleagues across all Charm City Concierge regions!

We were so privileged to try the delicious breakfast options from Modern Market, energizing morning coffee and mouth-watering smoothies from Bev-Rage, carefully crafted summer lunches from HUNGRY, and a high-end happy hour hors d’oeuvres spread from Windows Catering. New friends and old favorites combined as a reminder why Charm City Concierge is your premiere resource for the best quality and selection for your events!

 

 

 

Here are the highlights of our showcase sponsors:

 

Modern Market 

Nice to meet you! Why we instantly loved them:

  • Transparency: pictures on the menu are what you get!
  • “Craft ingredients” are healthy choices, made from scratch, in new and innovative recipes
  • Perfect for an intimate gathering or the entire office!

We sampled:

  • Breakfast sandwiches: Rocket Egg (cage free eggs, basil aioli, arugula, tomato, provolone on ciabatta), Egg and cheese (cage free eggs, provolone on ciabatta); honeyed fruit medley

 

Bev-Rage —

Thanks a “latte” for:

  • Customizable hot, iced, frozen espresso drinks + smoothie bars + specialty drinks
  • FRIENDLY SERVICE! Your own personal barista
  • Attuned to your preferences, quick and reliable, flexible and fun! The BEV is all the RAGE with Charm City.

We sampled:

  • Many. Coffees! Chai lattes, iced mochas, cappuccinos, salted caramel, peppermint, vanilla, strong black hearty espresso!

 

HUNGRY Catering

BRAND NEW VENDOR! We learned:

  • Chef-centered menus: professionals specialize in select gourmet meals so your lunch is seriously on-point (who wants barbeque made by a pastry chef anyway?!)
  • Options! Sandwiches have a time and place, but now you can pick a menu based on culinary ethnicity and expertise (drunken noodles, lamb masala, Cajun gumbo, Belgian waffles, lobster mac, WOW!)

We sampled:

  • EVERYTHING!! Chicken and waffles, barbeque sandwiches, blueberry French toast, sliders, marshmallow-filled macarons, incredibly fluffy cupcakes

 

Windows Catering

         We were most impressed with:

  • Casual office lunch to premier gala event: Windows does it all!
  • Superior presentation: the cutest appetizers on a stick, creative combinations of sweet and savory
  • Commitment to excellence: knowledge and expertise to answer all our questions, and they can make it happen in a flash!

We sampled:

  • Lollipops of meat and cheese, gourmet mini donuts on a stick, fresh raspberry-stuffed macarons, tiny prosciutto pouches, mini dessert parfaits, crab cakes, wine and beer, and so much more!!

 

In addition to the graciously provided meals, Charm City staff also had the opportunity to engage with a variety of vendors we use day to day, and to introduce ourselves to some brand new partners!

  • Mouth Party Caramels enticed us with creamy sweet morsels in multiple flavors—these are fantastic for gifts or to keep on hand in the office when you need a mid-afternoon candy fix
  • Rackhouse Bakers delighted us with whiskey and limoncello infused baked goods in clever, customized packages. We can’t think of an occasion that DOESN’T warrant a whiskey cake!
  • Javazen was a real eye-opener, and we didn’t even crash after this caffeine-fix! Ask your concierge for the secret behind this healthy energizer!
  • Cookie Dough and Co. knew all our deepest spatula-licking secrets. Try this sugar-rush as an alternative to an ice cream party—we promise not to tell if you lick the tray!
  • Pinch Dumplings served up an assortment of steamed and fried gourmet Chinese dumplings, and we think you’ll agree that local, organic, handmade makes a HUGE difference.
  • We are SUPER pumped to introduce you to From the Farmer, our new virtual farmer’s market delivering right to the office. Fresh produce by the bag or a la carte, delicious add-ons like artisan cheeses and meats, plus tons of pantry essentials are right at your fingertips—stay tuned for all the info!
  • Elyse by Nicole is perfect for the holidays: imagine the ease of gift-giving when trendy, affordable accessories are right in your building’s lobby for sale! Or for every day: if your office functions are getting a little predictable, try a jewelry-making party!
  • Heli is the most adventurous adrenaline rush we have EVER witnessed. Like to ski? We bet you’ve never done it like this before. This is your opportunity to experience an escape.
  • Scoops2u knows just how to sweeten up your day! From ice cream sundae socials, to making your own ice cream bars, to fun and unique food truck options, they can give you that cool treat you need on a hot summer day. Great customer service is the cherry on top!
  • Plum Relish sets you free from leftovers, complicated ordering for dietary restrictions, and tired old office lunches. Catering should be about real food, simple choices, and easy ways to get your meal to your table!
  • Capital Party Rentals is the nation’s largest event rental service, right in your backyard! Rentals for any occasion, big or small, casual or swanky, Capital Party is your go to!
  • Interior Plantscapes inspired us to paint the office GREEN—with adorable succulents, living walls, and air quality-enhancing plants of all kinds. Especially in the summer, bring the outdoors in for a calmer, quieter workplace.
  • Osborne Events enchanted us with wine! We love planning unique and memorable experiences for our clients, so what better trip to take than a personally-designed winery excursion?
  • Monumental Markets unhinged the doors to healthy and totally customized vending options. We think you’ll ditch your traditional soda machine once you see this.

 

It’s safe to say the entire staff at Charm City Concierge engaged in a food coma the following day. Now that we’ve recovered, we can’t wait to share all that we’ve learned and experienced with our clients. With our ever-widening network of vendor friendships, we’re fully equipped to handle even your wildest requests, so send them our way, and let Charm City simplify your day.