"New Califon company is prepared to serve" by Patrick Pizzuti of the

Hunterdon County Democrat

Tuesday September 09, 2008, 2:06 PM

Photo by Dana Kacedon Lane / Hunterdon County Democrat
STYLISH SERVICE - A La Carte is a new serving company based in Califon that offers butler-style service.  Here are  founders (from left) Monique Spicer and Joan Nitti.   Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a large event, a new service wants to make you a guest at your own party.  The company is called A La Carte.

"You provide the food, we'll provide the servers", is how the owners summarize what they offer.

"We can add more fluff to any occasion, make it more elaborate",  says Clinton resident Monique Spicer, who co-founded the business in January with Joan Nitti of Califon.

Both women have vast experience in the food & hospitality industry.  They met in 2005, working for a local catering company and it was soon clear that a future business partnership was "just meant to be",  says Ms. Spicer, who works for AT&T when she's not serving up the goods.

A La Carte . It's roughly comprised of 23 employees who function as the event planners, lead servers, bartenders, sous chefs, coat check attendants and event greeters.  Ms. Nitti often works closely with a client to help plan the event, even down to cuisine selection. "We're very detail-oriented", she said. "We want to make an everlasting impression and help make the occasion a memorable one".

Once they are at an event, A La Carte servers help in a variety of ways, including serving and replenishing cuisine, setting up the bar and mixing the drinks, wrapping food and putting it away, setting up coffee and dessert, washing dishes.

"A La Carte has handled intimate dinners for two as well as events of more than 200 attendees", says Ms. Spicer, who specializes in training and development, marketing, public relations and entertainment for the events.

The business has also donated its services to various charitable events in the area.  Including the 40th anniversary celebration and fund-raiser for the Clinton Rescue Squad and for benefits for the Hunterdon Hospice.  A La Carte's services were also supplied to Califon's Lower Valley Presbyterian Church. "When you give something, it always comes back to you", says Ms. Spicer.

For information about:

A La Carte, call (908) 399-0954