When attending any kind of celebration or event, there's cherished moments and shared experiences that will undoubtedly stand out; however, fond memories aside, generally, the food is what people remember most.
Brides, grooms, hosts, event planners—they all seek ways to ensure their guests have an unforgettable time. Increasingly, food is the hook.
At Foodies on Board, owner and executive chef Ken Ou endeavours to leave a memorable impression with all his dishes, something unique for every client.
"Every order is different—especially catering weddings and events—and we always strive to create whatever the customer wants," says Ou. "We can customize menus for special events and functions to suit a customer's budget, and can create items for specialty diets or any kind of cuisine not on the regular catering menu, with proper notice."
"We also have a best price guarantee and will match the same kind of item if a customer presents a formal lower price quote from another vendor."
Menus reflect diverse cultures and are crafted with modern techniques, satisfying both intimate and large gatherings, from corporate orders and 2,000-person events (although he's personally catered for 5,000), to special celebrations and build your own buffet menus.
Ou's journey with food began at eight-years-old at his parent's restaurant in China, where he helped his grandfather peel vegetables, who he recalls was a great chef.
Today, with more than two decades' experience, and several gold medals in regional and provincial cooking competitions, Ou is an accomplished chef and has tied his apron in such renowned kitchens as Joe Fortes, Seasons in the Park, Hilton Hotel Metrotown, and Vancouver Convention Centre.
"I've worked at various places and learned different kinds of cuisine techniques from other great chefs," he says. "I do a lot of research and keep up with the global food chain."
Global influences, local ingredients
Ou's gastronomy casts a wide net. "People want to experience different cultural tastes and we're able to offer delicious healthy Italian, Chinese, Korean, French, Mexican, or Indian cuisine, so we can satisfy everyone's palate."
Market-driven dishes are created using the freshest local high-quality ingredients whenever possible, and when not feasible, they source through reputable sustainable purveyors.
Ou reveals his two most popular catered items are chicken bowls: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Bowl, with Asian coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, bean sprouts, coconut steamed rice, and Nuo Cham sauce; and the Mexican Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl, with grated cheese, salsa, fajita veggies, black beans, lettuce, and coconut steamed rice.
6th anniversary, new online ordering platform
Foodies on Board is approaching its 6th anniversary on July 11, and to celebrate, they're ready to roll out their brand-new ordering system.
"We developed our own system on our website, which has a lot of great functions," reveals Ou. "When your order is leaving our kitchen, the customer will receive a notification link to trace their order delivery in real time. It works similar to Skip The Dishes or Uber Eats.”
"Our new clients can subscribe to our Catering Club by filling in the information form on our Promotion Page, and then they'll receive an email coupon code for their next order, along with exclusive email offers."
In addition to the restaurant and catering services, Foodies on Board is also a wholesale provider to other cafés and coffee shops.
"We try to push the envelope every time," says Ou. "We have very high standards and work hard to exceed our customer's expectations."
For more information, visit foodiesonboard.com
