More open rules attract business to Gem State
-KEVIN BLOCKER
Ellie Aaro, co-owner of Beacon Hill Catering & Events, says revenue at the East Spokane venue declined 70% last year. Around the middle of last year, Beacon Hill Catering & Events co-owner Ellie Aaro announced the business was expanding its meal and delivery service, Beacon at Home. The move was in direct response to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s then titled “Safe Start” plan, which closed the majority of all public gathering places to help stem the tide of COVID-19. “Little did we know that that would be our main source of revenue through the year,” Aaro says of the $45 delivered family meals for four.
Valentine’s Day Dinner & Serenade from the Spokane Symphony
Symphony Concertmaster/Lead Violinist Mateusz Wolski. The symphony is partnering with Beacon Hill Catering to provide a chef-prepared meal for two (pick up at the Fox box office on Feb. 14 from 1-4 pm). Ordering deadline is Feb. 10 at 6 pm. The gourmet dinner comes with a 12-minute virtual video musical serenade from Spokane Symphony Concertmaster/Lead Violinist Mateusz Wolski and pianist Archie Chen. Selections include Massenet’s romantic classical piece, “Meditation from Thaïs,” Monti’s passionate fiddle music, “Czardas,” plus one other piece.
Beacon Hill’s meal is ready to heat and serve. Purchasers also have the option of adding a bottle of wine from Barrister Winery. An easy-to-use video link comes with each meal purchase, and will be emailed. The music link is live at 1:30 pm on Feb. 14 so the music can be a romantic serenade during dinner, played on a phone or laptop compute
Potato Latkes 8 large russet potatoes, peeled, shredded and rinsed under cold water ½ cup minced shallots 2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme 8 eggs.
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he limits on large gatherings and the restrictions on food service have been a double whammy for local catering companies that relied on gatherings large and small. Spokane s Beacon Hill Catering and Events found itself retooling after last spring s graduation and wedding cancellations in anticipation of the summer event season, only to feel the whiplash of revised governmental restrictions in July. That wiped out most of the industry for the year, says Beacon Hill s Ellie Aaro, who co-owns the 20-year-old company with her father, Pete Rayner. What else could they do but regroup and soldier on? They looked to capitalize on their assets: a great reputation, full culinary capabilities and a flexible delivery system. If people weren t able to come to them, they d bring their food to the people: Beacon at Home was born.