In The Kitchen with Alice Garretti, Acquolina Catering
There’s nothing like the relief of knowing dinner is taken care of – especially when it’s as mouth wateringly delicious as the food produced by the mother-daughter duo at Acquolina Catering. A fan favorite of friends such as Land of Belle’s Annabelle Moehlmann (they even catered her wedding!) our interest was piqued when the food experts opened up a new home delivery service, Acquolina To-Go, when Covid hit earlier this year. Serving the city, the suburbs and The Hamptons, we were so excited to learn more. We sat down with Alice Garretti, half of the mother-daughter team, to discuss Acquolina’s origin story, her favorite recipes, and more about their weekly home subscription service.
When did you start Acquolina and how did you start it?
My mom launched Acquolina about 20 years ago. She was famous for her cooking skills and over the top dinner parties. One friend asked her to help with an event, then another – the rest is history
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
I get to be a part of happy moments. Wedding celebrations, birthday parties and just simple friendly gatherings. I think people, now more than ever, feel the need to connect and I love that I help do that though food.
What are your five best tips for entertaining?
Lighting, wine/cocktails, music, a fun tablespace and obviously great food:
Lighting – Lighting sets the mood. Dim the lights and use a ton of candles. Everyone and everything looks better in candlelight.
Cocktails – For cocktails, I love a good martini. Keep the glasses chilling in the freezer and all other ingredients ready on a bar cart. I recommend using Cerignola olives.
Music – Music should fill the room creating a full atmosphere but not be too overwhelming as to interrupt conversation.
Tablescapes – I sometimes organize dinners just so I can do work on a tablescape. Tell a story, create a theme or just use your best china and crystal. Lowes garden center has very good potted plants.
Food – When you don’t have to stress about the food you get to enjoy the party. Whether you want a fully catered event, or you placed an ACQ-to Go order let the professionals take over for the night.
What is your favorite thing to serve at a party?
Probably risotto. It’s such a special dish and that people don’t normally make themselves so it is a real treat. It's also a white canvas for whatever is in season. From Porcini mushrooms and truffle in fall to asparagus and robiola cheese in the spring, risotto is sure to impress any guest.
Name your three must-haves in the kitchen:
Olive oil, Parmesan cheese and a good white wine. If you would not drink it, why would you use it in your cooking?
How did you pivot your business during Covid, and tell us a bit about the delivery services you are now offering:
Acquolina, as with the entire service industry, got completely turned upside-down by the pandemic. We quickly pivoted and launched a new to-go business, focusing on bringing Acquolina straight to your door.
Now you can host beautiful family dinners at home without the need of a chef on site and without sacrificing on presentation or quality. Acquolina To Go delivers made-to-order food in beautiful ceramic containers that can be easily popped into your oven. We deliver to the Hamptons, CT and most of NY State. We don’t know when things will go back to normal, but we are happy to have developed this new way to entertain.
What’s your favorite item from the delivery menu so far?
The artichoke lasagna and the veal ossobuco are divine. We also have a weekly menu where the chef gets inspiration going to the market and using the best ingredients that the season has to offer
Tips for cooks at home?
Keep it simple. Have a few tried and true recipes that you can make without too much thinking or stress. Your famous Roasted Chicken will always be popular no matter how many times your friends have it. If it is delicious and you are able to enjoy the party and not worry about the food. Or just order Acquolina To Go! :)
