Foodies all over the country have heard of Portland’s amazing food scene and one group of restaurants makes it on almost every list – Eventide, Hugo’s, and HoneyPaw which make up the Big Tree Hospitality Group’s trio of amazing restaurants. You may know them from being James Beard Award winning, or Bon Appétit’s top 50 restaurants, or the countless lists of reasons to visit Portland, ME like this one and this one.
We were so excited when we started to hear that Big Tree Hospitality Group was branching out into catering because we knew it was VERY good news for our wedding couples! A few years later and we have not been disappointed! Having the Big Tree team a part of event at Hardy Farm and The Maine Boathouse have been epic. Their crew makes meals that are perfect for a Maine wedding, it is also delicious and stunning.
We got the opportunity to chat with Amy Britt Caramante and Kristen Rocha, from Big Tree to learn more about the catering arm of the business and we wanted to make them our next Vendor Spotlight.
You are so well-known for your area restaurants, what made you add a catering component to your business?
We wanted to take our brand of hospitality out of the restaurant setting and into bespoke events. To give people the same caliber of food from their favorite New England restaurants, but on the most important days of their life. As well as share the experience with all of their friends and family.
What is one of the offerings you have that makes guests swoon?
This one’s easy. The brown butter lobster roll. It’s really awesome to watch guests bite into these for the first time. For guests that have been to Eventide, it’s a really fun moment where they connect who we are! We’ve even had a guest say, “This tastes just like the one at Eventide!” It’s pretty fun.
Our guests and couples absolutely have loved the events you have been a part of at Hardy Farm. Is there anything special you and your staff like about serving on the property?
We really enjoy being on the property of Hardy Farm. Not only is it gorgeous, but being in the house allows us to see how special the behind the scenes moments of each event are.
Now that you have a catering side and get to get out around the area more, what has been one of your favorite events you have gotten to be a part of?
We love working with Maine Coast Heritage Trust on their annual fundraiser clam bake on Gosling’s island off of Brunswick. It’s a full day for families to enjoy good food, the island and Maine Beer Co beer. We set up tables in between two islands to create a tide dependent dining experiences. There’s something really cool about cracking a lobster with your feet in salt water on a summer day.
Photos: Big Tree Hospitality and Emily Delamater
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