What bites to choose for a 5@7 networking event: 3 formulas, 3 atmospheres

Organizing a 5@7 networking event requires careful selection of the meal plan. It must satisfy the guests, but above all, serve its primary purpose. To encourage exchanges. Whether with colleagues, suppliers or customers. That’s why we’ve come up with a range of bites snacks that are your best allies. Around a BBQ cooked by La Distinction, in a cocktail party or with a theme of local and seasonal products, you decide the atmosphere.

Here are three menus to suit different moods. They are composed with canapés and menus from our delectable stations that will kick-start the success of your evening.

Employee happy hour - Afterhour relaxation

For a relaxed atmosphere, opt for comforting, accessible bites that encourage conviviality:

Mini grilled cheese: Perfect for a nostalgic touch, cooked on the BBQ, but still tasty.
Arancini with wild mushrooms: An Italian bite that combines crispiness and melt-in-the-mouth goodness.
Mini-burgers: A classic with beef from local Lanaudière merchants, a must for after hours.
Mini lobster guédille: Always a choice of seafood to satisfy every taste bud. Simple yet elegant.
Falafel: Crunchy and vegan, with no allergens or dietary restrictions.
Assorted mini macaroons: A sweet ending in two bites that’s sure to please everyone.

Nachos, fancy poutine and ice cream?

Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from ordering the delicious nacho bar with its shredded chicken, pork or beef. It’s a classic! You’ll find, however, that it’s highly gourmet at a high-end caterer.

You can even pamper your employees with a poutine bar (or even a deluxe one) and add an hour’s service from Mr. Wilson’s ice cream parlour. Imagine the success of your 5 à 7!

5 à 7 for suppliers or customers - Business casual

The atmosphere here is more professional, but without being too formal. Bites should be sophisticated, but easy to enjoy on the move. We want to talk business without making deals.

It’s about building relationships, or getting our customers to build relationships with our business development resources:

Lebanese chicken satay: A classic revisited with oriental flavors.
Duck confit samosa: An elegant bite with an exotic twist.
Classic salmon tartar: There will always be fans, including those who’ve always dreamed of trying it.
Avocado toast: Healthy, versatile and ideal, because the taste is appreciated by most.
Beef carpaccio: Refined yet accessible, excellent for business networking.
Lemon mini-tartelette: For a fresh, acidic dessert.
Seasonal fruit: An alternative for those who don’t eat processed sugar.

5 à 7 - Cocktail dinner

For a more demanding clientele, the choice of appetizers is simply different. It reflects the luxury and quality of the event. A cocktail reception is usually associated with a philanthropic gathering, an awards ceremony, a fund-raising event, a retirement party, etc. So, people will probably have bistro tables set up in the room.

People will probably have bistro tables set up in the room. Canapés may be served directly to them. You can therefore select those that are more refined. For example, verrines or more elaborate presentations.

Duck foie gras, pear and vanilla jam: An explosion of flavors for a gourmet audience.
Crispy shrimp, smoked paprika aioli: Sophisticated and surprising, ideal for a distinguished audience.
Risotto quenelle with Parmesan and smoked duck breast: A rich, well-enhanced dish.
Fish tartars: Delicate, perfect for impressing high-end customers.
Date, goat cheese and cashew nuts: A mouthful that combines creamy flavors in perfect harmony.
Mini-cannoli: A sophisticated Italian dessert to end on a sweet note.