SMALL PLATES, BIG TASTES

A day in the kitchen begins with participants arriving and wondering what they will be doing for the next few hours. Chef Diane will begin the program with a brief but important orientation of the activity, including safety and basic knife skills.

The group then breaks into their teams, either before you arrive, or by us. Each team chooses a "chef de cuisine" and “sous chef”, and is presented with their menu of sensational small plates.

Perhaps they’ll be creating a selection of Spanish Tapas, or Greek Mezethes, or an eclectic selection of small plates from around the world.  No matter, all their senses, problem solving, timing and communication skills will be put to the test as they organize themselves and the timing of their dishes to assure that everything is ready to eat on-time, and in time for each course.

The food preparation for Small Plates, Big Tastes lasts for approximately 90 minutes.  At last, it’s time to admire the fruits of your labors ~ a meal worthy of a fine restaurant.
 
It's during dinner when the real team building occurs. Now the ice has broken and a new paradigm of behavior has begun, people bond even further while dining together. This is the "magic time"—when everyone starts sharing about who they really are when not a company employee.

To reinforce this experience participants are asked to discover the meaning of the exercise, what they’ve learned from it, and how to apply it to their current working world.

They are left with the question - "If you can do this as a team exercise, with all of the challenges and surprises you’ve experienced today, what can you do as a unified work team?"

Anything!

Some Small Plates, Big Tastes menu choices may be:

 Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Figs with Melted Gorgonzola Centers
 Mussels in Tomato and Garlic Sauce with Crusty Bread
 Feta, Onion & Tomato Turnovers
 Peppered Roasted Filet with Gorgonzola
 Asiago and Pepperoni Puff Pastry Pizzas
 Chicken Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce
 Panko-Crusted Shrimp with Tamarind-Honey Dipping Sauce
 Raspberry Chipotle Pork Tenderloin Baguettes
 Chicken Kebabs with Harissa Yogurt Sauce
 Eastern Shore Crabcakes with Homemade Tartar Sauce
 Polpettini: Little Meatballs Braised in Tomatoes, Garlic and White Wine

For groups up to 20 guests, select 5 Small Plates
For groups of 21-25 guests, select 6 Small Plates
For groups of 26+ guests, select 7 Small Plates

Small Plates, Big Tastes is priced from $78 per person.
All prices are exclusive of tax, staff, alcohol, and gratuity.