Celebrating 80 Deliciously With A La Mode Catering
This silver platter setup was for an 80th birthday party at the South Pasadena Senior Citizen Center.
The catering included caesar salad, fattoush salad, pasta salad, turkey pesto on ciabatta sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, meat empanadas, caprese skewers, cheeseburger sliders, hot chicken sliders, veggie egg rolls, chicken salad & croissant sandwiches, cannolis, and beverages.
Turning 80 is a big deal, and we were honored to help make one special birthday celebration extra memorable at the South Pasadena Senior Citizen Center! A La Mode Catering had the pleasure of putting together a silver platter spread for a truly fun and festive 80th birthday party. Let’s just say—no one left hungry!
This event was packed with love, laughter, and of course, amazing food. The birthday host had a clear vision: fresh, flavorful, and finger-food friendly. So, we got to work building a menu that would have something for everyone.
A Little Bit of Everything
When planning catering for a group, variety is key. This crowd had a mix of tastes and preferences, so we made sure to bring a wide selection that could keep up with all the appetites—and it worked! Guests were constantly going back for seconds (and thirds… no judgment here).
We kicked things off with not one, not two, but three different salads. Because who says salad has to be boring?
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Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and plenty of parmesan made this classic a crowd favorite.
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Fattoush Salad – This zesty, refreshing Middle Eastern salad brought a fresh twist with its mix of veggies and crunchy pita chips.
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Pasta Salad – Light, tangy, and colorful, perfect for warm weather and easy snacking.
Sandwich Central
What’s a party without some amazing sandwiches? We brought the heat (and the cold) with a lineup that made everyone’s taste buds happy:
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Turkey Pesto on Ciabatta – Juicy turkey with a creamy pesto spread and fresh greens. The ciabatta held it all together perfectly.
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Ham and Cheese Sandwiches – Simple, classic, and always a win. We used thick-cut ham and sharp cheese for extra flavor.
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Chicken Salad & Croissant Sandwiches – Buttery croissants filled with creamy chicken salad… enough said.
Small Bites, Big Flavor
Let’s talk finger foods. These bites might have been small, but they packed a ton of flavor:
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Meat Empanadas – Flaky on the outside, savory on the inside. These were a hit with both the young-at-heart and the actual grandkids running around.
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Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. Fresh, tasty, and easy to eat while mingling.
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Cheeseburger Sliders – Bite-sized burgers with melty cheese. Always a favorite!
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Hot Chicken Sliders – A little spicy, a little crunchy, and totally addictive.
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Veggie Egg Rolls – Crispy, veggie-packed, and perfect for dipping.
There was truly something for everyone—from meat lovers to vegetarians, from classic sandwich fans to folks looking for something with a bit of spice.
Sweet Endings
What’s a birthday without dessert? While the birthday cake was brought in by the host (and it looked amazing!), we made sure to sweeten things up with a tray of cannolis. Creamy filling, crisp shells, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar—an Italian classic that never goes out of style.
Keeping It Easy for Everyone
One of the things we love about catering at places like the South Pasadena Senior Center is being able to make everything simple for the hosts. We handled the setup, silver platters and all, so guests could walk in and get right to the fun (and the food). Clean presentation, easy-to-handle portions, and a stress-free setup—that’s what we do best.
Plus, with drinks included, no one had to worry about running back and forth with pitchers or soda cans. We kept everything cold and ready to pour.
Why We Loved This Event
Every catering event has its own special vibe, and this one just felt like a warm family reunion. There was dancing, toasts, music, and more than a few moments that got us a little teary-eyed (in a good way). Seeing families come together to celebrate someone who’s spent 80 amazing years on this earth—it’s a beautiful thing.
And we have to say, the guests were some of the kindest, funniest folks we’ve ever served. There were lots of compliments, a few recipe requests, and more than one “Who made these empanadas?!” shout across the room.
Let’s Plan Your Next Party
Whether it’s an 80th birthday bash, a baby shower, or a casual get-together with friends, A La Mode Catering is here to make it delicious. We love helping hosts relax and enjoy their events while we take care of the food. No stress, no mess—just good vibes and great bites.
Thanks again to the host and guests at the South Pasadena Senior Citizen Center. We were honored to be part of such a special day.
Until next time, keep celebrating life (and eating well)!
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A La Mode Catering
Fresh. Friendly. Flavorful.