basikneads catering 4.4 out of 5.0 4.4/5.0
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4592 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304
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703-823-4340
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Business Info
Services: Catering
Established: 1996
Accepts:

 
About

Chef Cornell Coulon previously regaled customers at Washington DC's Dupont Grille with his innovative and flavorful Global Fusion cuisine.

Cornell Coulon is a native of New Orleans and, like most people from the Big Easy, grew up with food being an integral part of his soul. He has cooked for as long as he can remember, at first mainly by hanging onto his grandmother’s apron strings. Chef Coulon’s dream of becoming a chef was born during his summer vacations from high school. The Great Chefs series on PBS began to open Chef Coulon’s mind to his own culinary potential as he attempted to refine techniques learned on the show in his mother’s kitchen. He subsequently took a job in a local restaurant working as a busboy initially, but quickly (and happily) made the move to the kitchen.

After a brief interlude as a major in Biochemistry at LSU, Chef Coulon returned to his boyhood dream of becoming a chef and decided to attend the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana. While in school he worked with local chef Greggory Payne at the Country Club of Louisiana. After graduating, he continued to develop his skills as a protégé of the renowned Emeril Lagasse at Emeril's in New Orleans. He then spent the next few years traveling extensively throughout Alaska, Mexico, Texas, and South Florida honing his unique style.

Chef Coulon continues to refine his trademark style here in Washington DC, most recently as the chef/owner of Au Dela and now Basikneads. A typical Chef Coulon entree blends culinary influences from around the globe such as Pan Asian, Mediterranean, and Central American, carefully assimilating them with a French flair. And, true to his Louisiana upbringing, Chef Coulon imbues each one of his creative entrees with Southern flavor and soul.

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Applies to Catering

Endorsements
I am a local wedding coordinator/planner and I would recommend Basikneads Catering to anyone looking for a caterer for their wedding or event.
Great Menu! Easy to work with.
I truly find it a great pleasure to work with Lena and Basikneads!!! I have had the privilege of conducting joint tasting sessions with them. The food and presentation is immaculate and so well received by potential clients. Lena is professional and very knowledgeable in the event managing and catering arena. She is wonderful to work with and always offers valuable suggestions which come from thinking outside the box. Basikneads continues to do what they do best, which is working with people's budgets while not sacrificing taste or detail. I?m always excited to work with clients Basinkneads refers to A Thyme To Taste because it gives me an opportunity to work with Lena and the wonderful staff of Basikneads.
Lena and the whole BasiKneads team were absolutely top tier! They were responsive to any potential problems and quick to provide solutions. They worked with the bride and groom to tailor the menu to their very specific needs and desires. On top of all that, the staff at the reception were fabulous - always on the ball! I can't wait for our next opportunity to work together!
A1 Travel Memories, who specializes in honeymoon and vacation arrangements endorses BasiKneads Catering who specialize in excellent food for your reception.
We enjoy have Hernan and Basikneads in our venue. Their cuisine is wonderful and their staff is great to work with. They exceed our expectations.
Lena and her staff made for a very enjoyable event I worked at the Hendry House. Very efficient and attention to 'culinary detail' was extraordinary. They were very attentive to the needs of their client's guests - and did so in a professional, respectful manner.
I photographed a wedding with very specific dietary restrictions (many vegan / vegetarian guests) that BasiKneads catered, and they did a wonderful job with the accommodations. Everyone was happily fed, and I would highly recommend them!
Delicious and unique food. I've had the pleasure of DJ'ing at a number of wedding receptions catered by BasiKneads, and have been impressed by their professionalism, the friendliness of their staff, and how they customize their catering to each event.
We always enjoy working with Basikneads. We love the upscale look they create. Hernan is a true proffesional.

Frequently Asked Questions for Catering
What catering services do you provide?
Buffet, Cocktail Reception, Family Style, French, Hors d'oeuvres - Displayed, Hors d'oeuvres - Passed, Plated, Stations
 
What bar services do you provide?
Limited Bar, Open Bar
 
What alcohol services do you provide?
Champagne Toast, House Beer, House Wine, Premium Liquor, Rail Liquor, Specialty Beer, Specialty Wine
 
What types of cuisine do you cater?
African, American (New), American (Traditional), Asian, British, Cajun, Carribean, Chinese, Creole, Ethiopian, French, German, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin American, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Pan-Asian, Polynesian, Russian, Southern, Southwestern, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese
 
Do you accommodate dietary needs?
Gluten Free, Kosher, Lactose Free, No Pork, Organic, Vegan, Vegetarian
 
Do you offer a tasting for potential clients?
Yes, and we encourage you to attend one! We will schedule a private tasting for you and up to four guests where you will meet with the Wedding Consultant and the Executive Chef. During this time, you will try our food, discuss menu and presentation, review the proposal, preview linen and china selections, and discuss logistical information!
 
Are you also able to provide the wedding cake?
We do not do wedding cakes, but we do work in cooperation with Peter Brett of Peter Bakes. He is one of the top pastry chefs in the Metropolitan area and was recently featured in The Washington Post. You may reach him at peter@peterbakes.com or via his website www.peterbakes.com.
 
If a bride decides to bring her own wedding cake, do you have a cake cutting fee? If yes, how much is the fee?
We do not have any cake cutting fees, and we are more than happy to cut and serve your cake for you!
 
Do you allow outside alcohol? If yes, what is the corkage fee?
While we have several alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar packages, you are welcome to provide your own beverages! We do not charge any corkage fees, so you will only pay for the bartender.
 
Do you provide rentals for items such as linens and flatware?
We are able to provide tables, chairs, linens, china, and glassware in addition to the necessary catering and bar equipment. We can also recommend external vendors should you require other items such as tents or projection screens.
 
Are you able to provide your own wait staff?
Absolutely! The amount of staff depends on the number of guests attending, as well as the type of meal you are going to serve. Our staff has a long history with BasiKneads and are therefore quite experienced and knowledgeable of BasiKneads procedure.
 
What is your maximum catering capacity?
1000

Additional Questions and Answers
 Does Cornell specialize in certain types of food and service?
While we have catered all different kinds of receptions, we do not have one specific specialty. We have created wonderful and delicious menus for all kinds of cuisines, so just ask!
 
 What is the caterer’s average price range? Do you have set menus at particular prices?
Unfortunately, we do not have set prices. Our pricing reflects a number of variables, such as guest count, equipment, menu style and type, and staffing. Once we get an idea of your budget and what you are looking for, we can begin to build a proposal that is most suitable to your needs.
 
 How involved is BasiKneads in my reception?
In addition to basic food preparation and service, a Wedding Consultant Lena also work as or alongside your wedding coordinator to establish reception guidelines. Before the reception, this consultant will conduct a site visit to determine room layout, linens, timeline, and other necessities such as party favors, guest books, menu cards, and place cards. They can assist with other vendors such as tent companies, lighting, and DJs. An Event Consultant is also almost always present on the day of your wedding to ensure that everything goes according to plan. Our aim is to make this as smooth a process as possible, so we are happy to help in any way that we can!
 
Who is the main contact? Will that be the same person you work with when planning also oversee meal service on the day of the wedding?
Your contact will be the same person that you meet with during the tasting and site visit. A representative of the company will be present on the day of the reception, in addition to the Catering Manager who oversees the staff. The Catering Manager is given an event packet prepared by your contact with all pertinent information regarding reception details and contacts.
 
 Do you handle all table settings? Will you put out place cards and favors?
Yes. We arrive with all equipment and immediately begin setting the tables. If there are such things as place cards, favors, menu cards, etc. then that must be communicated to your Event Consultant in advance. The Event Consultant will then set them up when he/she arrives.
 
Will you be willing to include a recipe I provide?
We do our best to accommodate special requests. We have in the past prepared family recipes and offered a couple tastings to ensure that the recipe is prepared to the family’s liking.
 
 Where and how is the food prepared?
The food is prepared in our kitchen. Certain items may be taken raw and finished on site to ensure that they are served properly at the reception. Most sites have kitchens on-site; if not, certain arrangements must be made to provide either a caterer’s tent. We have also used the garage if at a private residence, or conference or party rooms. This is something that is discussed at the tasting and finalized during the site visit.
 
Do you work with fresh food?
Yes. We have almost daily deliveries from local produce companies to ensure that we use only the finest and freshest ingredients.
 
My site requires licensing and insurance information. Can you provide that?
Absolutely. All sites require this information, and we will be glad to forward it to them.
 

Tips and Advice

NOW AVAILABLE ON AOL INSTANT MESSANGER (AIM)!!!

Basikneads event coordinators are now available for live chat! Skip the long phone calls and tedious emails and chat LIVE with your favorite consultant about all the in's and out's of your upcoming event!

For weddings and private events, please send messages to Lena at: LENAbasikneads
For corporate events, please send messages to Danielle at: DANIbasikneads


We look forward to speaking with you!
basikneads catering


*Hours subject to event/meeting schedules.