Special to the Town Crier
Millennium logo
Paul Alexander is working on a prototype. He has an idea and two designs. He has a welder. He has scheduled a meeting with his clients and he hopes they will be impressed.
This may sound like the beginning of some Silicon Valley engineering story - but it's not.
Alexander owns Continental Catering and has a reputation for doing unusual things with food and table design.
The inventions he is unveiling are "edible centerpieces" for the tables at a Los Altos Millennium celebration planned for Dec. 31 on the grounds of the Hillview Community Center in Los Altos.
Alexander no longer does the cooking, but he does see and taste everything his company serves.
He is a stickler for excellence, approaching a huge party with a plan detailing organization, staffing requirements, timing, and menu.
While he provides an over-abundance of food, he never "pre-plates," a technique used in many hotels.
Pre-plating allows the chef to keep food warm for up to an hour. In Alexander's opinion, it makes for a tired meal.
For the Millennium celebration, Alexander will divide and conquer, setting up as many separate kitchens as are needed, each staffed with eight chefs.
Each kitchen will be responsible for a 250-person quadrant inside the tent.
The event's menu includes a double entrée of filet and salmon accompanied by pesto-mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, served fresh and piping hot to each guest. Plus, of course, the edible centerpieces and a "millennium dessert.
Invitations for the Millennium celebration have been mailed to all Los Altos and Los Altos Hills residents.
Fliers with event details are available at the Town Crier, City Hall, and Chamber of Commerce.
For more information or questions about event sponsorships or group tickets, call 941-0786.
Lodestro is a member of the Millennium Committee.