We get to know the founders of Acquolina Catering, Yolanda Garretti and Adam Sikora, who count an impressive roster of Who’s Who as their clients, from Isabella Rossellini and Lady de Rothschild to big-name firms such as the Guggenheim Museum, Architectural Digest and Bulgari. Plus, they share great insider advice on event prep and fixing last-minute party disasters.

Acquolina is…
An Italian expression that can be loosely translated as mouthwatering. It is the sensation that one gets when they see or smell fabulous food. A great meal should trigger all the senses.

We first met when…
A mutual friend, who thought we should meet, introduced us. It’s a very New York story. Although we come from very different backgrounds, we quickly realized that together we made a very strong team. We are a great combination of life experiences and cultures that, together, enable us to create menus and events that intrigue our varied clientele.

We got into catering and event planning because…
It was the perfect combination of our passions: food and throwing parties. When you help create a special culinary experience for your clients and their guests, it is almost a magical feeling. We wanted to provide wonderful food for parties of all sizes. There is no reason why a wedding for 300 people cannot have perfectly prepared risotto. You only need the passion and the client who wants to elevate their event. Every person, and therefore every event, is unique and requires special attention. We believe there is not a more fulfilling job than finding that special touch and making people happy.

Our entertaining style…
Classic and elegant with a modern tilt. Food and events should work seamlessly together to enhance the guest experience. They should complement and elevate without overpowering…

And when it comes to our food…
It all starts with the fundamentals of traditional Italian cooking. Our classical trained chefs create unique dishes inspired by cuisines from all over the world. Our food combines tasteful simplicity with elegant design while remaining true to our Italian roots.

When planning a wedding, we always begin with…
Understanding the wishes and vision of the client in as much detail as possible. More importantly for us, where does the food fit into that vision? If they want to treat their guests to a wonderful meal in a magnificent setting surrounded by friends and family, then we are the right caterer for them. All the elements of a wedding should blend with no one element sticking out. They should all combine in a way that make each other stronger.

And when we plan a wedding menu…
We listen to our clients and take inspiration from all the elements of the wedding. We like to know some of our clients’ favorite travel destinations, favorite restaurants and cuisine — and, of course, if there is anything that they do not like. What not to serve is almost as important as what is a must have. We like to think that the food is the most important element of the wedding. After all, your guests spend more time eating than anything else. There is no reason to accept bad food just because it is a wedding. A wedding is exactly where the food should be the best. A room full of the most important people in your lives deserves a great meal.

Most memorable wedding we ever catered…
Our first wedding at the New York Public Library. It was a seated dinner for 350 guests in one of New York City’s most iconic buildings. Most people have been to the library but to see it decked out in all its wedding glamor is a sight to behold. We used the whole building and moved the guests from magical moment to magical moment. The bride had amazing vision. That being said, it was not always in sync with what the library would allow. So managing the bride’s expectations within the boundaries of the library was very challenging. We had one long table, more than 350 feet with no breaks. Serving was interesting to say the least, but what a sight it was. Oh, and we used all of the bride’s personal china! What a wonderful experience!

Our quick fix for last-minute party disasters…
It’s always different. Sometimes it’s American Express; sometimes it’s Visa or Mastercard! My famous line is that there is not much we cannot do or fix with enough time and money. First, identify the problem as quickly as possible. Second, distract the client and party planner. Then, start to think outside of the box. Easy solutions are just that: easy. The true test of a caterer in New York is how to identify possible solutions in the city around you. We are blessed to be in a city that has everything at our fingertips. We never knew you could use the commercial clothes dryer at the Bryant Park Hotel until the giant centerpiece at the library broke and we needed to dry the cloth in 15 minutes. Of course, the party planner should have ordered one more specialty cloth and the florist should have known it would fall. But they didn’t. So, as usual, the caterer needs to fix everything — fast and without anyone knowing. If everything goes perfectly our job is easy, but how often does that happen?

When planning your own party, don’t forget to…
Make it pretty! Beautiful plates, flowers, glasses, cutlery, chairs and linen. Everything should be bursting with passion and love.