WHAT WE THINK

April 20, 2026

Caribbean food is all about vibrancy. Color, heat, freshness, and seasonality expressed through fruit, spice, and fire. It’s cuisine built on contrast: sweet plantains against smoky jerk, bright snapper escovitch with tangy heat, and coconut rice and peas bringing comfort and depth. Our Flavors of the Caribbean station is the main highlight of our Spring/Summer […]

March 12, 2026

At Schaffer, we approach every event like a high-stakes sporting competition. Just as a championship game relies on captains, runners, and strategic plays, our catering teams coordinate with the same intensity and precision. Each dish, table, and service moment is executed with athletic focus—ensuring that guests experience seamless timing, peak performance, and unforgettable results. Our […]

February 24, 2026

On their honeymoon in Spain, Charlie and Kathleen Schaffer found themselves lingering over glasses of sherry — captivated not just by the taste, but by the stories. In Andalucía, each varietal carries centuries of craft, place, and patience. Names like Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez aren’t simply styles of wine; they’re living histories shaped by time. That […]

February 11, 2026

As Los Angeles prepares to host some of the world’s most significant global sporting events — including FIFA World Cup 26™, Super Bowl LXI, the LA28 Olympic Games, and the 2028 Summer Paralympics — Schaffer is proud to be actively engaged through Business Connect (LASEC). As a leading Los Angeles catering and hospitality company, we’re excited to support brands, […]

December 18, 2025

There’s something about the holidays that brings out everyone’s love for a little extra flair—and the bar is no exception. This year, we’re having fun with Shaken Not Stirred, our modern espresso martini bar that adds energy, creativity, and just the right amount of mischief to any gathering. It’s festive, it’s interactive, and it sets the […]

October 16, 2025

Let’s settle this once and for all: that “coordination fee” on your proposal isn’t a sneaky add-on — it’s the quiet force that keeps your event from unraveling. In other markets, this same charge might be called a production fee or service fee, but no matter the name, it’s what ensures everything runs smoothly. Whether […]

September 17, 2025

As summer winds down and the school year begins, there’s a certain spark in the air and a collective reset. While most people think of back-to-school as a time for sharpened pencils and packed lunches, it’s also one of the best-kept secrets in event planning. Guests are returning from summer travel, communities are reuniting, and […]

August 14, 2025

Today’s event  guests expect more than just a beautiful plate—they want an experience. Holiday gatherings have become less about a seated, single-course meal and more about connection, movement, and conversation. Food stations invite guests to explore, mingle, and engage with chefs in real time, turning dining into entertainment. They’re interactive, customizable, and endlessly creative—the perfect […]

July 15, 2025

Schaffer’s Executive Pastry Chef, Lydia Maracine, whose work has delighted palates across Jean‑Philippe Patisserie, Bottega Louie, and the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, decided to explore how eight distinct fats shape the beloved chocolate chip cookie. She put Vermont Creamery, Plugrá, Kirkland Grass‑Fed, Paysan Breton, Maison Bordier, Beurre d’Isigny AOP, Les Prés Salés, and even the unconventional Wagyu beef tallow […]

June 17, 2025

At Schaffer, sustainability has been core to our identity since the beginning—long before it became a trend. As a women-owned, small business in Los Angeles, we are committed to thoughtful consumption and fostering an equitable, diverse work environment. In recognition of our early efforts, we were honored with the Sustainable Quality Award from the City […]

May 15, 2025

At Schaffer, we approach each partnership not just as a catering brief, but as a moment of brand expression. Whether collaborating with creators, platforms, or leading names in tech, wellness, and entertainment, our focus is on crafting experiences that resonate both offline and on-camera. From YouTube’s Creator event at Rolling Greens to Amazon Echo’s wellness […]

April 17, 2025

After a turbulent start to 2025, Los Angeles is turning a new page—one full of momentum and opportunity. The city is coming back to life with a stacked lineup of global events poised to energize our communities and boost the local economy. From the FIFA Club World Cup this summer to NBA All-Star Game in […]

March 17, 2025

As winter fades and spring blooms, our kitchens can mirror nature’s revival by incorporating edible flowers into our dishes. Beyond their visual charm, these blossoms add unique flavors and subtle aromas, turning meals into multisensory experiences. For instance, pansies bring a mild, grassy note, while violas add a gentle sweetness — both enhancing dishes with […]

February 14, 2025

A raspberry Italian millefoglie wedding cake. Photo by Jose Villa // Vogue Weddings

December 11, 2024

At first glance, theater and catering might seem worlds apart, but for Schaffer’s Account Manager, Janet Russell, and Staffing Manager, Seth Gorelik, their deep theater backgrounds have proven to be invaluable in crafting unforgettable events. Janet, a former stage manager in the Bay Area theater scene, brings her precision, organizational skills, and calm under pressure […]

November 1, 2024

Creative blocks can feel daunting, even for seasoned professionals. For Lydia Maracine, our Head Pastry Chef here at Schaffer, the answers for these challenges can be found in our most natural cycles and habitats.  While Lydia has a variety of systems in place to aid creative blocks – embracing imperfection, letting ideas breathe, collaborating with […]

September 3, 2024

Life is a web of synchronicities. Right place, right time. Event planning is an industry where these synchronicities are not only embraced but actively cultivated. Every event is woven from the connections and collaborations that span across various artisans throughout the year. These connections are the seeds that, when carefully nurtured, blossom into memorable events […]

August 7, 2024

With a bevy of accolades and a roster of events, it can become challenging to continuously ideate genius on and off the plate. To keep the creativity ever flowing, we like to travel around the world, immerse ourselves in other cultures and explore unique cuisines to draw inspiration often found in our seasonal lookbooks! In […]

August 7, 2024

Chef José Andrés has said, “tapas are at the same time a simple way of eating and an entire way of life … they are a commitment to being together, sharing dishes, sharing an experience.” At SCHAFFER, we love tapas for just that sentiment – they are a symbol of hospitality and the opportunity to […]

June 26, 2024

Tablescape designed by Victoria Nadler of Amber Sol Collective for legendary singer Cher’s recent FreetheWild Charity Dinner at her Malibu home. Photo: Courtesy Schaffer LA

May 30, 2024

Since 2009, we have been committed to being a cornerstone of hospitality, catering, and event services in Los Angeles and beyond. Obtaining this legacy isn’t earned solely by the culinary genius that ends up on the plate, but by our staff’s collective efforts to make a memorable experience for guests from start to finish. Our […]