Subtle ethnic twists. Elegant but not stiffly formal. Forget the chopped liver swans. These are some of the trends caterers say distinguish contemporary entertaining from years past. Whether planning a bar or bat mitzvah, wedding or large gathering of friends, party-givers are asserting themselves more and showing surprising savvy, according to a sampling of Bay Area party planners and caterers.
People are picky, and they have decidedly more sophisticated palates.
They're eating out more. Low-fat options are commonly requested. It is not unusual, either, to have requests for nonfat fare. In addition, clients are as particular about presentation as taste. They want stylized foods.