Everything but Ordinary

Inspirations Catering Brings Their Big Idea to Urban Union in Downtown Arlington

With over twenty years of experience, you might think caterer Kristene Toledo has a winning formula behind her success. But there’s nothing formulaic in Kristene’s approach, and to her, there’s no such thing as a routine event.

“At Inspirations Catering, we pride ourselves on creating a highly customized menu that fits our clients’ taste, budget and style,” said Kristene. “What our events do have in common is an emphasis on exquisite food, expert coordination and gracious service.”

We suspect that her long-time commitment to innovation led her to her Big Idea which, in turn, brought Kristene and her business to Downtown Arlington.

We’ll get to that Big Idea in a minute.

Driven by a background in interior design, Kristene not only strives for cuisine that’s flavorful and unique but also beautifully displayed.

“We want to inspire people to think of food as art,” said Kristene.

About five years ago, Kristene launched Inspirations Catering out of a small, commercial space in Ft. Worth. With her husband Mannie as her brainstorming partner and biggest cheerleader, she has wow’ed clients all over North Texas, from Prosper to McKinney to Ft. Worth to Arlington. Her business mantra is summed up in her tagline: Gather Around the Table.

“'Gather Around the Table' isn’t just a phrase; it’s our vision,” said Kristene. “It’s important to make time to sit with your kids, friends and family around the table, laughing and talking and reconnecting.”

Among her many Arlington clients, Legal Draft Beer Co., located in Downtown’s Urban Union, is one of Kristene's regulars. As soon as she laid eyes on Urban Union, she began to envision her business there.

“We needed a better space for meeting customers along with an adequate kitchen and prep area,” said Kristene. “We love the proximity to Legal Draft and everything about Urban Union. I graduated from UTA in 1991, so that could also be why this area just feels right!”

It all came together in an ah-ha moment earlier this year, as Kristene was wrapping up an event at Legal Draft and noticed available retail space directly across the parking lot. Suddenly she envisioned not only a home base for her catering business but an intimate event space anchored by a gorgeous, expansive dining table overflowing with specialty cheeses, cured meats, fresh veggies, nuts, olives, specialty dips, dried fruits, and breads.

Charcuterie Board Parties – the Big Idea – was born.

Now open in their new Urban Union home, Inspirations Catering not only continues to serve clients all around the Metroplex but can host small groups in-house for exclusive Charcuterie Board Parties. At these parties, guests mingle while selecting a lovely wooden board (many size and style options are available) then choose from an eye-popping selection of delicious options to fill it. Kristene and her team then beautifully package the board for the guests to take home and enjoy.

“We’re so excited about this new concept,” said Kristene, “because it really builds on our strengths in catering, design and hospitality. We constantly experiment with new dips, sauces, hummus and other recipes and are sourcing more and more of our food locally. We also offer seasonal Board Parties and theme events like a South of the Border Board Party and an all-sweets Board Party.”

Inspirations Catering is taking reservations now for private Charcuterie Board Parties and is looking ahead to offer "Open Party" days. In addition, Inspirations Catering also offers a nice selection of fresh, pre-made charcuterie boards plus gourmet cheeses, nuts and other unique food items that you can walk in and purchase from their retail space.

A Big Idea that’s delicious? Perfection.

Open House

Get to know Inspirations Catering by stopping by from 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3 for their first open house. Throughout the day, you’ll be able to sample from their expansive charcuterie spread and enjoy other treats from around their lovely farmhouse-style table.

More about Inspirations Catering

506 E. Division Street, Suite 130

Urban Union

Arlington, TX 76011

682-429-9400

inspirationscatering.net

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Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington Cultural District, Downtown Arlington blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate.