First, let me just say, I wanted to write my 5-star (10-star?) Yelp review IMMEDIATELY after my wedding, but had to wait so I could include photography of the absolutely amazing spread created & served by the Swartz Catering team (seeing is believing right?) We were referred to Swartz Catering by our venue: The Pierce House in Lincoln. After my first phone call with Sue Shapiro, who runs operations, I booked them -- she actually kept asking if I was sure I wanted to lock it in before even having a tasting -- and I was sure. As much as possible, they use local, seasonal and organic food. That was one of my biggest criteria in booking a caterer and before I even had to ask, they explained that was their approach to all the food served. Swoon. After that, I had a bit of a non-traditional request: I wanted fried chicken served at my wedding. And not just any fried chicken: I wanted Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc Fried Chicken. No problem. Not only did they make it better than Keller's chicken (I swear, it's true) they also made killer suggestions on other dishes that would pair well with fried chicken in summer. We had lemon beurre blanc salmon, fresh pesto orzo salad with heirloom tomatoes, an array of roasted, seasonal organic vegetables & a green salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. This doesn't even include the unbelievable apps (mini lobster rolls!) & desserts (frozen chocolate hazelnut mousse!) I had multiple people come up to me during & after the wedding saying not only was it the best food they ever had at a wedding, but it may have been the best food they ever had period. And I'm not one to argue -- I completely agree. More than the food is Sue & Howard. Sue handled everything from logistics to sourcing the exact blue striped napkins and cream brocade tablecloths to the gold rimmed plates that I wanted. She also was just the salve I needed when wedding day stress (cough: parents) started to get to me. Did I mention that Sue also oversaw our liquor vendor & noted when we were running out of a particular favorite liquor of my husband's (despite ordering a case of it, whoops) she called the liquor store DURING the wedding to have them send over more so we wouldn't run out -- we had no idea until the next day! Not only do you want Howard and his team cooking & meticulously serving absolutely incredible food at your special event, but you want someone as professional, kind and organized as Sue managing it. I hope one day to have another special event that I'm able to work with them again -- they were a massive part in making my wedding the absolute best day of my life. read more