Services:
Established:	1996
Accepts:

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.

 

Early Signing Discount!   Posted By: basikneads catering For eligible contracts, we offer a 10% Early Signing Discount if signed within a certain date! Ask an Event Consultan... (more) Applies to Catering

Halo Photographic	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!
Ed Witles - The Elegant DJ	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.
Foxchase Manor	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.
{ invited }	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!
The Chocolate Chick	Great Menu! Easy to work with.
Rose Hill Manor	We always enjoy working with Basikneads. We love the upscale look they create. Hernan is a true proffesional.
Steve Hoffman - GOOD NOTE DJs	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.
A1 Travel Memories	A1 Travel Memories, who specializes in honeymoon and vacation arrangements endorses BasiKneads Catering who specialize in excellent food for your reception.
A Thyme To Taste	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.

Do you offer sample tastings of your food 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!

What is your corkage fee (if any) when a bride decides to bring her own alcohol? 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.

Additional Questions and Answers

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

Beginning Tuesday, May 12th, Basikneads event coordinators will now be available for live chat every Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 10am-12pm! 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 change based on event/meeting schedules.