Marion County 31st Chili Cook off Pictures

Lisa Crigar/Correspondent
Go Gators was the theme at Brick City's booth this year as they dished out some of their delicious chili on Saturday during the Marion County Chili Cook-off at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala. Folks lined up to taste several different recipes and enjoy food, live music and lots of fun. .

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Celebrating Ocala's Favorite Chef Birthday !

Join me in Celebrating Ocala's Favorite Chef Birthday !

November in Ocala, Florida (9 photos)

Join me in celebrating Ocala's favorite Chefs birthday Chef AL ! If you have had the pleasure of meeting Chef Al then you know he is a man of honesty and integrity. I would like to take a moment to honor the man that puts his heart in all that he does. So we would like to wish Chef Al a very blessed and happy birthday on November 9th, 2012!

ENJOY THANKSGIVING WITH CATERING SERVICES BY BRICK CITY CATERING COMPANY IN OCALA FLORIDA

Enjoy a catered Thanksgiving Dinner from Brick City Catering

The Thanksgiving Holiday is a joyous time designed for friends and family to get together and celebrate the history of America and the joys living. The best way to show appreciation and give thanks to your employees, friends and family this year is with delicious Thanksgiving catering from Brick City Catering.

Brick City is your trusted corporate Thanksgiving caterer in Ocala and what better way to celebrate with your employees than a Thanksgiving meal before Thanksgiving or even on Thanksgiving day. Brick City catering makes a catered Thanksgiving dinner affordable with our Turkey & Glazed Ham Buffet which includes sliced turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and homemade cranberry sauce.

Brick City Catering can also cater Thanksgiving at your home. Are you tired of all the time spent preparing the meal and then cooking all day long? What about the clean up at home for Thanksgiving? How does a delicious and juicy sliced Turkey with all the fixin’s delivered hot to your door this year sound? If you are planning a large home party with family this year, Brick City Catering is a great way to serve a delicious Thanksgiving dinner without the hassle and aggravation of cooking it yourself. Our catered dinner includes a traditional turkey meal with stuffing and mashed potatoes, vegetables or corn, and our homemade cranberry sauce. With service for 4 or more people this makes for the perfect family dinner without the wasted time spent on preparing the meal yourself. Enjoy the holiday with people you care for and let Brick City Catering take care of the food!

We have over 10 years experience as one of the premier caterers in Ocala Florida and our award winning staff are prepared to serve you and your guests for groups of 12 or more so contact us at (352) 304-6446 today or fill put our contact us form and we’ll get back to you right away!

VOTE FOR BRICK CITY AT WENONA AVENUE CATERING FOR OCALA MAGAZINE BEST OF THE BEST

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VOTE FOR BRICK CITY AT WENONA AVENUE CATERING FOR OCALA MAGAZINE BEST OF THE BEST

Wednesday, October 31 at 5:00pm athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OcalasBest2012

Voting will close on Oct 31st @ 5pm. You are able to vote more then once ! We appreciate all of our friends for taking the time out of your schedule to do this for us, Thank you All !!

What our Clients and Peers have been saying about us

“Brick City at Wenona Avenue Catering is one of Marion County's best catering options! Ahmed is well known within the community for is excellent attention to detail & presentation combined with fantastic food. He cares about the community and often supports local non profit events. I'm really looking forward to seeing him at the March of Dimes Honoring Excellence & Signature Chefs Auction this Sunday!” October 12, 2012

1^st Stephanie Harris, Community Director Marion County, March of Dimes
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering

“Ahmed and Brick City at Wenona Avenue Catering have catered several events in which I have been in attendance. Excellent food and professional service! What else can you ask for? I highly recommend them any of your catering needs.” October 11, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, On Time

1^st Roderick Leek 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2011, and hired Ahmed more than once

“Ahmed has created a catering company that is very professional and accommodates all of his clients needs going above and beyond their requests. His presentations are beautiful and the food is diverse and tastes fantastic. I highly recommend Brick City Catering for your next event.” October 11, 2012

1^st Luis Deschamps, VP Marketing, Diversified Event Productions
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering

“Al Ellatter own a catering company called Brickcity at Wenona Ave.. Al's wife works with him as well as a well trained staff. When you hire Al to cater an Event for you, you are hiring a well-oiled machine, synchronized to the point of perfection. The food is superb, the staff is kind and courteous and you will find nothing lacking.

Al will be catering our Events at the Ocala / Marion County Business Alliance at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Ocala.

I highly recommend Al and his staff at Brick City Catering for all your Events, Wedding Receptions and any other type of gathering you may have. You will not be disappointed. Call him at (352) 304-6446.

Mel Schoonover” October 10, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

1^st Mel Schoonover 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2012

“As an Ambasador of Ocala/Marion County Chamber I go to events throughout the year. Brick City has been the caterer at several events and has always layed out a professional display of good quality food.” October 10, 2012

1^st Debra Jenkins, Ambassador, Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering

“Ahmed "Al" is one of the best among all people I have ever met. He is a responsible and smart person with lots of knowledge in his field. Energetic, wise, hard working. Excellent family man. Excellent Business man. I highly recommend him for your catering requirements!!!” October 10, 2012

1^st Ray Rogers, Partner, RKR & ASSOCIATES,LLC
was with another company when working with Ahmed at Brick City At Wenona Avenue Catering

“I have had the pleasure of eating their food on a number of occasions. I have always enjoyed every bite. I can not speak highly enough about the quality of their work and the amazing flavor of the food. Anyone wanting unbelievable food and tremendous service needs to call Ahmed Ellatter and his team.” October 10, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative

1^st Jim Wells 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2002

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. & Mrs. Ellatter on several occasions and over many years. I have utilized their services for small business meetings as well as large scale formal events. Always professional, they are hard working and dedicated to their clients. They can easily provide what you want and yet they are creative enough to help you add that "WOW" that your looking for. I highly recommend them with no hesitation.

Chriss Smith, CEO
Versatile Events, Inc.” October 10, 2012

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

1^st Chriss Smith 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2008, and hired Ahmed more than once

“We have used Brick City Catering on numerous occasions here at The Chamber and several of our members have also used Al's organization for their own events. Each time, the staff was prompt, professional, and the presentation of the food items was above and beyond what most caterers will do. The only thing that trumps Al's presentation is the quality of his food. Delicious!” October 10, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

1^st Felecia Prather 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2012, and hired Ahmed more than once

“I hired Brick City to cater my business' anniversary open house. The display and food were beautiful, and it tasted even better than it looked. I received many compliments on the food which really should have gone to Brick City. The creative displays were the hit of the event.” October 10, 2012

Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative

1^st Mark Kovalsky 
hired Ahmed as a Catering in 2010

Tis the season to get STUFFED !

Whats on the menu for this holiday ? Who will get the wishbone ? Or maybe you have a party to arrange and your feeling overwhelmed ? Let Brick City at Wenona Avenue Catering make it an event to remember ! Chef Al can prepare you a traditional Christmas dinner or you can spice things up like having

delicious pomegranate-glazed duck breast 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground fennel
• 3 tablespoons coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground lavender
• Three 1- pound duck breast halves, trimmed of excess fat and scored
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pomegranate Glaze

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together fennel, salt, lavender, and coriander. Place duck breasts, skin up, in a large dish. Sprinkle evenly with the spice mixture. Flip breasts over and place the zest, brandy, and thyme evenly on the flesh; let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the duck breasts, skin side down, in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Cook until the fat is rendered and the skin is crisp and thin, about 15 minutes.
3. Transfer breasts to oven and cook until pink in the center, about 4 minutes. Let duck rest for 2 minutes before slicing. Divide duck evenly among 4 serving plates and spoon over pomegranate glaze.

Edamame Dumplings

Bring a little Asian flavor to your winter menus with these simple edamame dumplings.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 1 large egg white
• 1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 scallion, white part only, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, (optional)
• 48 dumpling wrappers, cut into 2 3/4-inch rounds
• Cornstarch, for baking sheet
• 2 to 3 napa cabbage leaves or parchment rounds
• Ginger Dipping Sauce

Directions

1. Place carrot, edamame, egg white, ginger, sesame oil, scallion, salt, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and Sriracha sauce, if using, in the bowl of a food processor; process until smooth.
2. Place 1 dumpling wrapper on work surface and top with 1 teaspoon filling. Brush edges with water and press to seal, forming a half moon shape. Keep wrappers covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out. Repeat process until all wrappers have been filled. Place dumplings on a baking sheet dusted with cornstarch until ready to steam.
3. Fill a large saucepan or wok with 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Place cabbage leaves or parchment round in bottom of bamboo steamer. Place dumplings in steamer, working in batches if necessary, cover and steam until wrappers have softened and filling is cooked through, about 8 minutes.

Chestnuts in Soy Caramel

Everyone knows the song "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire." This year, change the ingredients to chestnuts in soy caramel and Japanese eggplant to make the prefect holiday appetizer.

Ingredients

• 4 cups tightly packed dark-brown sugar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 cups cooking sake
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 20 chestnuts
• Pinch of Maldon sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Place brown sugar and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook, swirling occasionally, until darkened in color, about 10 minutes. Carefully add sake and soy sauce. Cook until thickened and syrupy, about 30 minutes.
3. Slit the skin of each chestnut with a large "X" to allow steam to escape as they cook. Spread 5 nuts evenly on a small baking sheet. Transfer to over and roast 15 minutes. Peel chestnuts immediately after roasting; cut in half and set aside. Repeat process with remaining chestnuts.
4. Line a nabe (a clay or cast iron Japanese pot) or a cast-iron skillet with an even layer of small, clean stones. Heat stones in oven until very hot, 5 to 10 minutes.
5. In a medium skillet, combine chestnuts and 6 tablespoons soy mixture. Cook until heated through. Remaining soy caramel may be refrigerated in an airtight container for another use, up to 2 weeks. Remove nabe from oven and spoon glazed chestnuts over heated stones. Serve immediately.

Meet Our Chef !

AL ELLATTER

At Brick City Catering Inc we take pride in each and every event we host. Our menu offers a variety of cuisine selections and we offer a wide range of features and facilities. Whether you want a romantic setting or a family friendly mood, or a fine dining set-up, we can create it for you.