From the Willard Hotel to Nationals Park, Signature Caterers creates memorable events. They have literally cobbled together makeshift kitchens among trees and moss, as well as at farms, in backyards, on rooftops and pretty much anywhere someone is having a party. Established in 2000, the company prides itself on operating like clockwork.
“To us, each event is like a Hollywood production,” says Justin Dekelbaum, director of catering for the company. “Your experience is storybook perfect, while we make magic behind the scenes.”
Customer testimonials seem to bear this out. Some excerpts: “We were blown away.” “Amazing.” “We had the best possible experience.” “Well beyond our expectations.” “Truly phenomenal.”
The company, which is strictly kosher, is known for its attention to detail and frequent and effective communication with clients.
“We are service-driven. We are not just caterers. We take the role of almost an event planner at certain events. All the food is custom-made for your menu,” Justin says.
Signature Caterers’ parent company, the Shalom Group, also includes Shalom Kosher, a Silver Spring supermarket; and Max’s Kosher Café and Marketplace in Wheaton. Signature Caterers recently relocated into a brand-new state-of-the-art 15,000-square-foot facility in Rockville.
Although Signature Caterers does not have its own event space, Justin says, “We are looking to possibly do some kosher cooking classes here [at the new Rockville facility]. No one else offers that in the area. We offer tastings for clients here, too.”
Justin also described a plan to host cook-offs with nonprofit groups competing against each other to create a meal. The cook-offs and the classes should be piloted by the end of 2019.
Fall Jewish Holidays
Rosh Hashana, Jewish New Year, Sept. 29.–Oct. 1
Signature Caterers offers nearly 50 made-to-order choices on its Rosh Hashana menu. Favorites include hefilte fish loaf, four varieties of noodle kugel, brisket or corned beef, matzah ball soup and broccoli-mushroom souffle.
Yom Kippur, a day of atonement, Oct. 8–9
The Yom Kippur menu is typically lighter fare of bagels, lox, blintzes and kugel. Rather than having this meal catered, many people pick up Yom Kippur platters from Signature’s sister store, Shalom Kosher, in Silver Spring. The 25,000-square-foot kosher grocery store has a deli, meat department, bakery and much more.
Chanukah, festival of lights, Dec. 22–30
While most people prefer to prepare their own Chanukah meal at home, they turn to Signature Caterers for Chanukah doughnuts and latkes. Signature’s latkes come with mango chutney, plus a cinnamon-sugar-vanilla dipping sauce. The doughnuts include traditional jelly-filled varieties but also some filled with a chocolate mousse, raspberry mousse or a cookie filling.
