Friends & Feast Events -

Michael Chen (CSGPMichael)

I may have been the last person to be able to taste the Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms during dinner call. Topped with Parmesan Cheese, from beginning to end, Executive Chef Yolanda Gallizzi took us all on a journey that left a lasting effect on our taste buds throughout the night.

Immediately after tasting Chef Yolanda’s appetizers, I immediately regretted not scooping up more. The small bite-sized stuffed mushrooms, may have been small, but was packed with flavor. The immediate release of a meaty, yet small hint of spice from the sausage blended perfectly well with the texture and mellow flavor of the mushroom. The combination presented a perfect umami experience, that made me want to immediately go for seconds.

I have known Executive Chef Yolanda, and her family for well over 14 years. The opportunity presented itself to hire her services, when several campus organizations of Citrus College had decided to hold a very special banquet. After crafting a menu in consultation with Chef Yolanda, we knew that she would be the only Chef for us.

Chef Yolanda prepared a spectacular Italian themed banquet for the Citrus College Real Estate Club. In addition to the stuffed mushrooms, was a beautifully prepared fresh basil bruschetta accompanied by some freshly baked crostini placed beautifully on a plate surrounding the bruschetta. The stuffed mushrooms provided the strong savory texture, while the fresh and light bruschetta provided a light and sweet flavor to compliment the stuffed mushrooms.

Shortly following appetizers, was the main course. Beginning with the Caesar salad, tossed in a tangy parmesan vinaigrette, provided a sweet, yet tangy flavor just before our main course. The seasonal vegetables consisted of a beautiful assortment of steamed vegetables that gave a pleasing and vibrant look. The vegetables accompanied a delicious cheese tortellini, with a white creamy basil sauce. Finally, the Chicken Parmigiana, topped with a delicious marinara sauced baked to perfection topped with mozzarella cheese completed our main course.

Chef Yolanda completed the banquet with a beautifully crafted Tiramisu cake. Having gone on a savory night prepared by Chef Yolanda, the Tiramisu was the highlight for our guests as the satisfying closer for the night. The Tiramisu contained the perfect blend of coffee and the chocolate kisses that were hidden within the filling. I wasn’t able to get my hands on one of the ladyfingers, but I have no doubt it would have only elevated the experience.

Executive Chef Yolanda prepared a truly amazing feast for our banquet. We have received nothing but positive and rave reviews about their experience with her food. On behalf of the campus organizations that attended the banquet, we wholeheartedly, and unequivocally recommend Executive Chef Yolanda to cater and provide her services to anyone in search for a professional caterer. Chef Yolanda was wonderfully pleasant to work with, and we look forward to having her serve our future events at Citrus College.

Patty Navarrete

The food and cake were amazing, everyone enjoyed the food even my pickiest eaters. We could not stop talking about how good everything tasted and so fresh. Our dinner order consisted of Seasonal Baby lettuce Green Salad, Blackened Veracruz Style Tilapia served with tartar sauce (no need for it, the tilapia tasted great on its own), Jasmin Rice with Onions & Peppers, Grilled Green Beans tossed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fresh Garlic (delicious). Bread and butter included.
Now let’s talk about the cake. We all loved it; White Cake with Bavarian Cream filling topped with assorted berries. The bread was moist, the filling so creamy. The most delicious cake, not too sweet just perfect combination. We could not get enough of it. I highly recommend Friends & Feast Events with Chef Yolanda, she is very knowledgeable about food and pairing the dishes, I enjoyed talking and working with her. A delicious experience looking forward to ordering again.

Pamela Bergman-Swartz

I have known Chef Yolanda for over 25 years and have used her services in the past for personal events. I enlisted the services of Chef Yolanda aka Friends & Feast Events for a Client Appreciation / Thanksgiving Open House Event at my home last week. I can't say enough great things about Chef Yolanda, her level of professionalism, her flexibility to work with her client and her knowledge of good food. Chef Yolanda sent me 3 different menus and worked with me to solidify which menu I felt was going to be the best for the type of event I was hosting. She also helped me at the last minute to locate a guitarist to provide background music for my event. The guitarist was excellent and my guests enjoyed a relaxing evening. Chef Yolanda and her team were at my home on time and prepared. She did everything from setup, cleanup during and after the event. My guests raved about the food and are still telling me how much they loved the food. Many have asked for her phone number which speaks volumes for Chef Yolanda and the great meal she prepared for my Client Appreciation event. I can always count on Chef Yolanda for her consistency with providing great food for all of my events. Thank you, Chef Yolanda.

TM Staff

Yolanda and her staff are very kind and easy to work with. She has catered two of our events now and this last one was for our annual conference of 650 people. She put together a breakfast menu for us of: quiches, potatoes, fruit, danishes - everything was delish and setup with ample time! And in the same day, she came back to serve evening appetizers of an assortment of great tasting, easy-to-eat food.

I recommend Friends & Feast Events to anyone who wants to satisfy their appetite and have their guests feel taken care of. Thank you Friends & Feast Events for another job well done!

London Mae

Yolanda catered an event I had in my house she knew exactly what to do, when to be here, set up and showcase her food to make it look delicious and it taste delicious. The selection had a great array of flavor and foods for all to enjoy. Many of us were so impressed that we enrolled in Yolanda's tamale cooking class! We had so much fun learning and cooking !
You are in good hands with Yolanda.

Tamiko Chacon

Friends & Feast Events provides high-quality, delicious food! They have catered two events for me and I was pleased with both. Yolanda is professional and presents the food beautifully. She is on time and both events were well-executed. I highly recommend her company.

Michele Chapman

Friends and Feast / Yolandas' food was delicious and she did a seamless job for our 50+ person retirement dinner. She gave us 3 menus to choose from and let us mix and match as well. She was very accommodating and easy to work with. Our organization will definitely be utilizing her again and will also be recommending her to our churches in the area.

raul Medrano

Had an event that (Yolanda) Friends & Feast Events catered for me and was so pleased with her set up. My guest & I were happy and impressed with the whole set up. Everything perfect for a late party with appetizers, the best pasta salad, salsa, and cheese & crackers, and more. She even made the birthday cake that was so moist. I highly recommend and would definitely use her again. I had to send her a message the next day to thank her again for all her hard work. She did everything from beginning to end. Now just want to have something just to use this catering again. A true 5 star.