Shecky’s

FYI: Food isn’t just about great taste and tons of flavor. It’s also about presentation and how you enjoy it. Andrea Correale, Founder of Elegant Affairs Off Premise Catering & Event Design certainly knows this, and as you’ve seen from her delicious recipes right here on Sheckys.com, the pictures are as tantalizing as the taste. So, how did Andrea build this renowned business from the ground up (clients include Billy Joel and Ivana Trump!)? See below!

Andrea Correale Founder Elegant Affairs Long Island, NY elegantaffairscaterers.com

Growing up, who or what influenced you to take this path?

My mom and dad always went out of their way to make every single holiday, even every occasion at the house or around the dinner table, special. On Halloween, they would fill the kitchen with jack-o-lanterns, put out a black paper tablecloth and serve the family meal on orange, pumpkin-themed paper plates. They didn’t spend a lot of money, but they put their hearts into making every dinner or occasion an experience. It was exciting, and that is what inspired me to start Elegant Affairs.

What job really put your foot in the door for the position you hold today?

I was working at a local country club when I was asked to work a private party on a large estate in Long Island. I was asked to work with the family’s live-in chef and produce a special party at their home. I did it and did it well, so much so that I began my own business the very next day. The rest is history!

What inspired you to start Elegant Affairs?

I wanted to see and feel the expressions on people’s faces when they experienced one of my parties. I wanted to have the ability to stimulate the guest’s senses with fabulous music, warm lighting, delicious food and the aroma of the fabulous flavors, all in a beautiful environment.

You have a lot of celebs on your client list. Any fun things you learned from working with top names?

What I have learned is that no matter who they are, they’re people just like you and me!

What is your favorite recipe of all time (can we have it)?

Wow that is a tough question! I cannot possibly choose, I love so many of them! However, I have always enjoyed putting a fun twist on classic dishes. For example, some might think that something like meatballs, an old-school party favorite, isn’t elegant enough to be served as hors d’oeuvres at a party—but I guarantee that these little dynamos will tickle anyone’s palate:

Elegant Affairs’ Swedish Meatballs

Recipe

3 pounds of chopped meat

1/3 cup of quick oats

1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons of garlic powder

1/8 cup of onion powder

2 eggs

Directions

Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and blend well. Form meatballs. Place on grill.

Basting Sauce

6 ounces of beer

1 bottle barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon of garlic powder

1/2 cup brown sugar

Blend all of the above ingredients in a bowl. Use this sauce to baste your meatballs, and enjoy!

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think of Andrea’s job? Do you love to cook? What’s your all-time favorite recipe? What job would you like to see featured here?