Barbara Llewellyn Catering and Event Planning

I gave my Husband the most astonishing Birthday Party on the «Potomac»
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Presidential Yacht.
The food was excellent, presentation was perfection and service
outstanding. Christine Berlin «the Event-​Planner» put together
a delicious Menu for us. Every small detail was considered and executed.
Thank you Christine, for all your patients and expertise.
Jeff: «the Head Stewart» very charming and so accommodating.
He made sure that everything was served elegantly and timed perfectly.
Thank you Jeff, for your outstanding service.

Barbara recently helped me organize an indoor/​outdoor cocktail party at our home for 40 physicians for my husband’s company. I had concerns about the weather, the cocktail menu serving as dinner, seating for 40 people, the wine, and generally keeping it as upscale as possible within the limitations of a corporate budget.
Starting with the proposal, you could really tell that they have both the experience and the work ethic to make it all come together. The planning process was smooth and fun, and the communication was excellent. The execution was flawless. They coordinated extra tables, linens, & heaters, as well as the delicious food and the wine. We had two servers, a bartender, and a chef. (Kate, MacKenzie, Blair and oh dear, I have blanked on the name…) The team was professional, accommodating, and really knew what they were doing. The passed beef tenderloin, ahi and zucchini bites drew raves. As another reviewer noted, it was beautifully presented, as well as being really good. I had a chance to taste the wine before I chose, and we ended up going with 2 reds and 2 whites, but mixed cases were no problem.
I can’t wait to use them again for something a little more intimate and low key. The only thing I would change is that I would not have worried quite so much before the event!

I’m writing about their event planning and catering services. Wow snobby snobby. I guess they only want to cater big events, and act snobby to anyone with smaller budgets. Look not every company have big lavish budgets to spend on events but to be told over the phone that we should go with another vendor. REALLY???
My coworker is trying to put on a small event after hours for our company and working with a small budget. After using them for a big company party previously, we decided to give them a call again to help us with a small gathering. We called for pricing information and we did not receive a call back. We actually had to call back to talk to them. The 4 or 5 times that my coworker did talk to them, they gave us prices that were different. Spring rolls for $ 1.50 then $ 3 but later explained that they cut them in half so the price of 1.50 was for HALF a roll! We also found out that they do not have their own liquor license and needs to subcontract any serving of alcohol. To top this EXCELLENT experience, (totally exaggerating), they tell us that we should «maybe find another vendor to serve your party.»
I’m in utter shock that any vendor would suggest this. Good luck being a snobby vendor. I’ll take my business elsewhere.
Allan

Barbara Llewellyn catered my wedding almost two years ago, and I’ve been meaning to write this review ever since. They were absolutely perfect, both with regard to food and with regard to organization.
Our coordinator worked with us to plan out exactly the menu we wanted, and then we got to do a tasting of exactly the dishes we designed. This is really truly excellent top notch cuisine. Our guests still tell us that this was not only the best wedding food they’ve ever had, but also simply the best food they’ve ever had.
And as for organization, I cannot stress how wonderful and *stress-​free* everything was. The biggest hiccup came when our event manager unexpectedly left the company 3 months before our wedding. We were immediately contacted, and they brought us in to meet with Barbara herself as well as their most senior coordinator (who flawlessly handled our planning from then on). They also gave us a free dinner with wine that night while we met and talked :)
As other reviewers have said, you can probably find someone who can cater your wedding for less. But I cannot imagine someone more perfectly planning an event, with superb food and stress-​free management. Everything was absolutely worth every penny.

True professionals. The food was amazing (delicious, beautiful, and creative) and blew our guests away while the service made everyone feel like they were in a high-​end restaurant. Planning went incredibly smoothly; they (Christine, their coordinator, in particular) were on top of all the details and perfect in working with our requests. They don’t just drop off food, they turn your venue into a restaurant (your restaurant!) for an evening.
This is quality; you’ll pay for it, but if you can swing it then you’ll be glad you did. They were a dream to work with for our wedding and we’re so happy we did.

Had their smoked salmon salad today – pickled red onions, huge capers, baby potatoes and tomatoes w/​the BEST smoked salmon I’ve ever had! They smoke it themselves. Actually, haven’t had a bad take out lunch there yet.

The takeout lunches are here! Absolutely delicious!

The food is amazing but service is really what stands out. We used Barbara Llewellyn Catering for a recent at-​home wedding ceremony and reception dinner. Christine, their coordinator, was on top of every detail, from pre-​planning, to menu development, as well as all the details that come up during an event such as this. The chef made delicious, beautiful food, the wait staff went way above and beyond in attending to guests’ needs. I couldn’t have been more pleased about the way Llewellyn Catering handled everything, from planning to set-​up to clean-​up. Five stars — absolutely!

Had a take out lunch here last week with my husband. He’d been here before and raved about the reuben sandwich. I wanted to try the fish and chips which sounded great on the menu. I am so glad we had lunch that day!
The food was so good! I was not expecting much. The husband has been known to disregard the 5 second rule and will eat just about anything. His taste buds are not to be trusted most days. That day, the buds did good.
We ordered a reuben, fish and chips, sweet potato fries with chili and lime, and the lemon blueberry trifle. The reuben though I thought it was a bit small for $ 9 was very tasty. The meat was moist and a bit spicy and just finger licking good. The fish and chips were some of the best I have ever had. Ever. Large pieces of white fish, lightly breaded and fried. They were not greasy at all and the fish was flavorful, flaky and moist. The fries were tasty too but some were a bit over salted. The sweet potato fries were delicious. The chili and lime is a great accompanying flavor profile for something sweet like a sweet potato. The blueberry trifle wowed the husband. I didn’t like it but then I hate all things blueberry. The lemon curd in the trifle was very lemony but a bit sweet for my taste. Husband devoured it all while sitting at a stop light. I know! Glutton!
I would definitely come back here for lunch. I hear they also do amazing catering.
Another reason to shop/​dine Oakland!

At the recommendation of the people who manage the Presidential Yacht Potomac, I contacted Barbara Llewellyn to cater a shipboard birthday brunch for my wife. Christine, my contact there, was responsive, prompt, and kept on top of things without bugging me. Rather than a choice of set menus, she provided me with a dizzying array of choices for appetizers and entrees. I wanted to provide the wines myself, and they made this easy. She also made some excellent suggestions as to flowers, etc.
The Potomac, while a great venue for an event, is a somewhat challenging space for a caterer. Barbara’s people pulled it off without a hitch. Jeff and his crew were attentive, professional, and unobtrusive. The food was excellent and the presentation of the poached salmon was so beautiful we were somewhat reluctant to destroy it. But we did.
This is a great outfit of thoroughly professional people. No whining, no dramatics, no problems. Highly recommended.
John C, Tiburon

AMAZING FOOD AND SERVICE, yet their new specialty is the Delicious Daily lunch that is put on monday thru friday, offering amazing food at reasonable prices. if you are in the area I HIGHLY suggest making your way over to 25^th and Broadway, between Broadway and Telegraph Ave. Well worth the walk, bike ride or drive. Youll definitely leave satisfied!!!
I guess the consistent 5 start ratings are enough of a reason to give it a try anyway!!!

Truly «stunning from start to finish». Menu is always creative, presentation is like a work of art and taste is hands down 5-​Star event after event.

We used Barbara Llewellyn for our 60 person wedding and it was one of the best decisions we made! Fabulous staff and food. Very personable and professional from start to finish. Lauren was like a wedding coordinator, I didn’t have to give any direction, she listened to us and came up with a plan that was flawlessly executed. Thank you to Lauren and all of the staff for a fabulous night we will never forget!!!

Well Barbara and her staff did it again… another delicious meal. A beautiful event, great service and a fantastic meal.
Barbara and her staff attend to every detail from beginning to end. Nothing could be better than having them cater an event. I just sit back and relax and know that it will be perfect.
susan b.

I’m here writing about their lunch stand at the 25^th St office — i had no idea you could order dinner from here, though you can peek into the office after you order and see all the catering awards on the wall. And there are a LOT!
Mon-​Fri from 11:30 — 1:30 you can come by and there’s a few items available– usually some kind of a sandwich, some sides like sweet potato fries, something sweet and a drink like saffron lemonade. The sandwich favors meat-​eaters, and there’s usually a veggie option (though sometimes it’s an egg sandwich), and if you’re up for it, the food is delish! There’s a real homemade quality to the food, and the stand is like a grownup version of a lemonade stand — casual and friendly. Sandwich is about $ 7, fries i think $ 4, lemonade maybe $ 2.
Sit on the bale of hay or in the abandoned car lot across the street. Free lemon water if you want.

We just had a large event at our home to celebrate our wedding and Barbara’s staff was amazing! The food was delicious, every detail was perfect, and the service was impeccable. They could teach the Ritz a thing or two.
If you are looking for creative, high-​value events — I highly recommend Barbara. They took care of everything — it was wonderful from start to finish.
Susan Trainer, Blackhawk

Went back again to make sure I wasn’t dreaming on how good this was and… it was just as good if not better this time!
The sweet potato fries and the egg rolls are out of this world! The brownie for dessert is amazing! The friendliness of everyone that works there cant be beat. Makes me want to forget my packed lunch at home so I have an excuse to go everyday!

I’ve used BLC for events large and small over the past three years. Their staff is amazing, the food is unique and elegant, and no detail is overlooked. I wouldn’t host a party now without their help.

OMG! I attended a tasting at Barbara Llewellyn’s last week and it was exquisite! The table was so beautiful and the hors d’œuvre’s were to die for! Their crudite was like artwork. They served a fresh Meyer lemon martini and fabulous passes delicacies. The service was great, and the tasting menu was pretty impressive! I think Barbara is one of the most tasteful caterer/​event planners there is. Everything down to the finest detail was covered. Perfection!

Barbara Llewellyn catered our wedding, and they were completely fantastic. Most caterers when I first got in touch with them sent me a «sample menu» with pricing. Barbara (and her very nice associate Christine, but who was the one I actually worked with most closely) were the only ones to ask me what *I* envisioned before giving me the quote. Which was cool because I had some pretty specific ideas. The food (pre-​plated wild mushroom soup followed by a buffet including duck in pomegranate sauce, grilled salmon, polenta, leafy green salad, cheese & fruit board) was wonderful — when people talked to us afterwards about the wedding, they invariably talk about how good the food was. In fact it’s been months and one of my friends remarked to me just the other day about how great the food was!
It was not particularly cheap; we spent about ten thousand on the catering for 75 people, not including alcohol, but that did include passed appetizers, wedding cake, set-​up and break-​down, service and gratuity, and all the rentals… flatware, china, tables, and we splurged on specialty linens. If you know much about wedding costs you’ll know that’s not at all unreasonable (it’s easy to spend a lot more, for IMO no better service). They were very good about outlining all the options available, and keeping me apprised of costs as we went forward with the planning. I didn’t have a wedding planner and I didn’t need one because Christine was totally on top of the ball, and they had an event manager on hand the day of the wedding to keep everything flowing smoothly. At the end of the night they packaged up the leftovers for my husband and I to take home — we ate them for a week!
I recommend these folks *highly*. Very professional, very nice, will make your event stress-​free… and most importantly will supply you with amazingly yummy food!