"Distinguished Engagements (DE) went above and beyond my expectations. When your catering service anticipates needs you didn't know you had, and comes prepared to fill in when the florist is a no show, you don't just have a caterer: You have the best caterer and event planner you can find!
DE came out to the venue we selected on several occasions to measure, examine, inventory, and run through different ideas for managing logistics. We had chosen a rustic barn without a kitchen, so we opted for picnic fare because we thought it would be "easy".
DE rolled with it! We wanted people to feel fully sated, and we wanted people to enjoy the meal! The compliment we heard most often was that people not only found it tasty, but they had so many options that they dined until they had their fill.
Ultimately I have only one regret, and that is not having DE fulfill the role of Event Coordinator/Designer, too; this would have made my planning much less stressful and far more manageable. DE made our family and guests feel loved throughout the day. And the house made meats for the charcuterie boards were beyond spectacular!"
DE came out to the venue we selected on several occasions to measure, examine, inventory, and run through different ideas for managing logistics. We had chosen a rustic barn without a kitchen, so we opted for picnic fare because we thought it would be "easy".
DE rolled with it! We wanted people to feel fully sated, and we wanted people to enjoy the meal! The compliment we heard most often was that people not only found it tasty, but they had so many options that they dined until they had their fill.
Ultimately I have only one regret, and that is not having DE fulfill the role of Event Coordinator/Designer, too; this would have made my planning much less stressful and far more manageable. DE made our family and guests feel loved throughout the day. And the house made meats for the charcuterie boards were beyond spectacular!"
Kate and Ben, June, 2018
Wedding
"Distinguished Engagements was wonderful to work with, and really listened to what we wanted for food and catering service. We needed a cold buffet luncheon of various salads, taking into account some guests who were vegetarian and/or gluten free. DE came up with fresh ideas for healthful food which was within our budget.
The food was presented attractively in generous amounts for each guest, and we received many compliments on these luncheons. I would not hesitate to call upon DE again, should we have a catering service need they could fulfill. I have also witnessed their work at two other events, and each time they have done an excellent job."
The food was presented attractively in generous amounts for each guest, and we received many compliments on these luncheons. I would not hesitate to call upon DE again, should we have a catering service need they could fulfill. I have also witnessed their work at two other events, and each time they have done an excellent job."
Lee Meyer,
Front Royal Women's Resource Center
"I could not have been happier with how the food looked. I appreciate how meticulous and attentive your staff was during the event and clean up. Thank you!"
Shannon, June 24, 2016
Rehearsal Dinner Gathering
"The food was delicious and well served. Thank you so much for all your advice and the work you and your staff did. We have been enjoying the leftovers too! Whenever you open your next restaurant, please let us know."
Audrey Morris, June 19,2016
40th Wedding Anniversary
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Everything was wonderful! All the food was delicious. Liz and Amanda were so helpful and kind. You all made Jillian's party a success and I am grateful."
Felicia Huweart, June 9,2016
"We just arrived home from the party and heated up our plates of food that your girls saved for us. It was delicious even 5 hours later. I did have a coconut cupcake (yes, I ate dessert before dinner)! I really appreciate all you did for us and will definitely recommend you to anyone I know looking for a catering service."
Jackie Rizzari, November 2015
"Let me start by saying that Theresa and her staff at Distinguished Engagements catering service are top notch. My wife and I were married on Thanksgiving day and wanted a traditional Thanksgiving feast, and boy did they deliver!
The turkey was SO moist and delicious, the cornbread casserole was a massive hit, and it all tasted like Grandma had just pulled it out of the oven. With all of this great food I keep glowing about, there must be something that they do better than many businesses out there.
What about their customer service, you ask? Let me just say, If you decide to hire DE to cater your event, the food will be great, the customer service will “wow” you, and you will be sitting here, like me, trying to say as many good things about them as possible. They truly live up to their name!"
The turkey was SO moist and delicious, the cornbread casserole was a massive hit, and it all tasted like Grandma had just pulled it out of the oven. With all of this great food I keep glowing about, there must be something that they do better than many businesses out there.
What about their customer service, you ask? Let me just say, If you decide to hire DE to cater your event, the food will be great, the customer service will “wow” you, and you will be sitting here, like me, trying to say as many good things about them as possible. They truly live up to their name!"
Chris & Erica Sherwood, November 2015
"My husband and I had the great pleasure of using Distinguished Engagements to cater an affair in our home for our fox hunting group this year. We can not say enough about Theresa's help in making our hunt breakfast a memorable one. She had a wide variety of menu suggestions we could select from, which resulted in a creative and delicious meal. The staff was extremely helpful and attentive to detail, and we received many compliments from our guests on how lovely the overall presentation was.
Our "breakfast" menu for 160 ultimately included such items as a savory boeuf bourguignon, perfectly grilled lollipop lamb chops, roasted salmon with a mustard seed crust, smashed potatoes, wonderful roasted fall squashes, and a tasty mesclun salad. We also served mini pastries for early arriving guests and had a cocktail hour that included salumi trays with artisanal cheeses, and passed mini crab cakes. And who could forget the amazing desserts which included tarts, cookies, and cupcakes all decorated to reflect a Halloween theme!
Theresa and DE removed the stress from the occasion and our breakfast went off without a hitch. She took care of ordering the dishes, cutlery, and linens, and when our party was over, you never would have known we had handled that many people in our home. It was flawless execution! We would not hesitate to use DE's catering service again for our next event."
Our "breakfast" menu for 160 ultimately included such items as a savory boeuf bourguignon, perfectly grilled lollipop lamb chops, roasted salmon with a mustard seed crust, smashed potatoes, wonderful roasted fall squashes, and a tasty mesclun salad. We also served mini pastries for early arriving guests and had a cocktail hour that included salumi trays with artisanal cheeses, and passed mini crab cakes. And who could forget the amazing desserts which included tarts, cookies, and cupcakes all decorated to reflect a Halloween theme!
Theresa and DE removed the stress from the occasion and our breakfast went off without a hitch. She took care of ordering the dishes, cutlery, and linens, and when our party was over, you never would have known we had handled that many people in our home. It was flawless execution! We would not hesitate to use DE's catering service again for our next event."
Susy Trotter and Tony Horan, October 2015
"We received so many comments about the food on New Years Eve. The prime rib was perfect, so tender you could "cut it with a fork". Everything was DELICIOUS. I wish I could have recorded [the comments] for you.
Thank you, and thank you to your staff as well."
Thank you, and thank you to your staff as well."
Kathi and Bennie
"Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated you and your staff on providing a great meal and catering service. All went well and many accolades were received from our attendees. I am sure all enjoyed the evening."
Dan Levin and Cathy Merlo, December 2012
The Barkley in Arlington, Virginia
"Thank you for the great job that you and your staff did at Rick’s retirement party. I appreciate all of the help and tips your catering service offered, and the food was wonderful. I also appreciate how considerate your staff was. My elderly mother told me that one of the young ladies offered to carry her plate and checked in with her later to see if she needed anything.
Thanks for helping to make this a special occasion for us. Please feel free to use me as a reference for future work.
Thanks again!"
Thanks for helping to make this a special occasion for us. Please feel free to use me as a reference for future work.
Thanks again!"
Jos, December 2012
Fairfax, Virginia