Best Caterer of Marin 2001 - Pacific Sun
When Jan Goldberg was informed that her company Delicious! Inc. (26 Medway Rd., #7, San Rafael, 415/453-3710), was voted Best Caterer by our readers, she and executive chef Edward Schreiber chose to "show, not tell" why they’re the best. And show us they did, bringing into the Pacific Sun office a sampling of their Evening at Casablanca meal — Cornbread Madeleine’s, Moroccan Charmoula Crusted Rack of Lamb and Crème Brûlée. The food is fantastic. But if you’ve ever hosted a catered event, you know that there’s a lot more to it than fabulous food. Jan’s emphasis is on service — it has to be in this business — and that means listening to a client’s ideas and desires. Jan will plan the layout and the flow of the event and will make sure that everything arrives when and where is should, taking care of all of the little touches so you the host can enjoy your own party. Delicious’ menu possibilities appear endless, but they’re strictly suggestions — the crew enjoys tailoring a menu to an event. It all started out when Jan (who describes herself as "just a mom with a flair for food") donated some of her creations to a fund-raiser. The event organizer requested her services again, this time as a professional, and the business grew from there, Jan acquired the necessary training along the way. When Ed came aboard he brought another level of cooking to the enterprise — and the word for it is Delicious!

Best Caterer of Marin 2002 - Pacific Sun
"We plan the food, the look, the logistics," says Jan Goldberg, owner of Delicious! (26 Medway Rd., #7, San Rafael, 415/453-3710), explaining the all-encompassing success of her 27 year-old party planning and catering business. "We consult on décor and refer you to florists and lighting technicians we trust. We can arrange for every detail to be taken care of." Among the delicacies prepared by chef Ed Schreiber are "herb-crusted rack of lamb, Chipotle-roasted salmon with corn-artichoke salsa, pistachio-crusted chicken stuffed with feta and baby spinach" and simply scrumptious fare like Hoisin-braised ribs and burgers with homemade avocado mayonnaise. "Every event demands a different outlook," says event planner Ellen Rossi. "We handle everything from cocktail parties to weddings to memorial services to bar and bat mitzvahs, and they all have a different personality." Of primary importance is finding out what the client wants and delivering it. "We give just as much personal attention to a party for a thousand as we do to a party of 20," says event planner Lara Gremmels. "We make it their party."

*The category for "Best Caterer" was not offered in 2003 and 2004."