"This is just to put in writing and more formally our thanks to you and all your crew for the superb job you did for our son's wedding on August 12. Your care in the planning and in the execution was splendid. We really appreciated how many creative ideas you offered us but also how you let us decide for ourselves what we wanted from those offerings and how respectful you were in honouring our own ideas. We've received many, many compliments on the delicious food and the beauty of the food presentation. In fact, the table looked like works of art, full of colour and texture and variety. We also were very grateful for the professionalism of your crew; they set up so efficiently before the actual ceremony and the arrival of the guests, then continued that lovely service throughout the evening. What a relief in the morning of the day after when we had no mess to deal with, no sense that ninety plus guests had been entertained in our home the night before. We would be happy to recommend you to others most enthusiastically and would call you again in a minute if we need catering."

Christine St. Peter

"The service provided by Kitchen's of Distinction was excellent! Many kind comments were made on the quality of the food, service and professionalism exhibited during the event. Your availability to answer questions and provide advice and tips to those interested in recreating the menu in their own homes was a highlight for our clients."

Vern Fischer, President
Fischer Finanacial Services

"I was extremely impressed with the way Shirley and Steven interacted with each other and with the guests while they were catering the party. They worked unobtrusively and efficiently in the kitchen, with a minimum of disruption to the guests, in fact, many of the guests engaged them in conversation while they worked, and I would say that they added to the festive ambiance of the party. After the event they were meticulous and considerate in their clean-up, leaving my home in a very satisfactory condition."

Conrad G. Brunk
Director, Center for Studies of Religion and Society, UVIC

"I can honestly say, Shirley I would have no hesitation in recommending your company and feel confindent that should we choose to have future gatherings catered we would again call upon your company to assist us."

Judie Robertson,
Capital Regional District

“Shirley is not only very professional but also very thorough, flexible and accommodating in the service she provides. The meals that Shirley has prepared are indescribably delicious. She prepares gourmet quality meals for our busy and often hectic work days – a perfect treat to those of us who work long hours and in dedicated careers.  The meals are prepared are tastefully, and the presentation is so beautifully arranged.  Shirley creates a great atmosphere to provide a fine-dining experience in board room dinner meetings.  I am more than happy to have Shirley cater for our future meetings and events, she is Vancouver Island’s top professional Aboriginal Catering company.”

Marcia Dawson, Provincial Aboriginal Coordinator, Success by 6 in BC

 

“I attended a large community gathering, 400+ guests, at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre in July of this year and was very impressed with not only the food but the presentation and variety of options. I approached Ms. Lang to cater a small birthday get together. Although I was working within a specific budget and had several dietary restrictions to consider Kitchens of Distinction was happy to take on my party. It took nothing more than a meeting over coffee, an email and a telephone call before the plans were set.  Ms. Lang was prepared with several menu options and ideas for our reception style event. The day of the event Ms. Lang arrived promptly and set up her delicious food in no time.  She even offered suggestions on food placement in the room to consider conversation clusters, flow of the room, as well as timing, storage, heating and service of each item. I look forward to using Kitchens of Distinction again and recommend them for any food service event large or small.”

Ron Rice, Event Planner

“I recently attended the National Annual General Meeting of Friendship Centres in Victoria where your company had catered the dinner. I must tell you that it was the most wonderful catered meal I have ever had.  Not only was the food delicious, it was most elegantly and professionally delivered. You and your staff were so pleasant and your attire was reperesentative of the fabulous meal. The display of food was the most impressive. It made me proud as a First Nation to have our traditional food displayed in such a manner. For that, I  thank you again for a pleasurable dinner enjoyed by all.”

Anne Morgan, Cultural/Education Coordinator, Toquaht Nation

“From the moment you arrived, promptly on time, you took control and proceeded to exceed our expectations at every turn. You provided decorations, which really made the season come alive. You began providing appetizers to the group as soon as people began arriving, some hot, some cold, operating in an unfamiliar kitchen with great efficiency. The food!!!!!!.... the most important ingredient, was in a word… outstanding!!! The quality and varitey was terrific, we were constantly hovering around to see what the next sumptuous item would be. The quantity was more than adequate and everyone without exception left that evening feeling fully satisfied!!! At the end of the evening your clean up was complete, returning everything to it’s previous place and leaving nothing for the host to have to attend to the next day. Again, I cannot say enough how much we enjoyed your ‘private catering experience’!”

Trisha Stern, Branch Manager, TD Canada Trust

“Shirley has provided her culinary expertise to several of Surrounded by Cedar’s functions in the community and it has always been delicious and beautifully presented.   Shirley uses the freshest ingredients and caters to her clients’ needs and tastes and always makes things look and taste fabulous. Shirley is very helpful in creating any meal or banquet that you can think of.  She offers her expertise in local cuisine and adds her own personal touches to taste and style. Without hesitation we would recommend Shirley and the professional staff of Kitchens of Distinction to host any type of function that is planned.  Everyone is courteous, helpful and professional.  Kitchens of Distinction would most definitely add flair and excellent taste to any event that they cater. Thank you to Kitchens of Distinction, for providing such wonderful service and food to the events that you have catered for Surrounded by Cedar.”

Barb Cowan, Executive Director, Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services

“Thank you so much for the great service & food you provided at the Land & Sea Mural Blessing at Ogden Point. Your serving staff was dressed appropriately and they moved around the crowd with ease.  I received many compliments on the food and its beautiful presentation. You arrived on time with all the equipment you required and your recommendation on the amount of food was perfect.
You and your company were one of the reasons this event was a great success. Thank you again.”

Lori McLaren, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

“In my capacity as the Culture and Community Liaison for the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, I have witnessed, first hand, Shirley’s dedication and commitment towards developing and sustaining a First Nations catering service that exemplifies cultural authenticity and integrity. It has also been my direct experience that Shirley demonstrates and maintains a high level of professionalism, no matter the size of the event. Whether Shirley is catering a private reception or a public function you can be certain that everything is presented with a meticulous eye to detail. Shirley has worked very hard to incorporate creativity into her culinary efforts. Implementing traditional methods for preparing and presenting food is a substantial part of her process. Shirley’s meals are not only very appetizing they represent a sincere connection to traditional practices and knowledge. In closing, I hope you will allow Kitchen of Distinction the opportunity to provide you and/or your guests with a ‘unique culinary experience’ that will serve to compliment your occasion.”

Leslie McGarry, Culture & Community Liaison, Victoria Native Friendship Centre

“The VNFC has hired Kitchens of Distinction for a number of events over the last few years from small meetings of about 10 people to a catered dinner for 350. Each event was done with the same attention to detail, an excellent menu selection, exceptional food, and professionalism. Complicated dietary restrictions did not hamper your creativity or restrict the number of delicious dishes you could offer our guests. As the host of the National Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres Annual General Assembly in 2007 it was with great pride we accepted accolades on your behalf. The night was perfect and the food certainly set the mood for the evenings celebrations. Thank you for being of service whenever the occasion arises and being open to new challenges.”

Ron Rice, President of Victoria Native Friendship Centre Board of Directors