Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
About us
Events and Catering Specialist exclusively for Italian Maid Cafe (former managing partner of Affairs with Flair LLC Events and Catering).
Business highlights
29 years of experience
Services we offer
Corporate & private event catering
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
5.028 Reviews
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Showing 1-25 of 28 reviews
Mary G.
Dec 2018
When outstanding. Their attention to detail and thoughtfulness was off the charts! Gena thought of unobtainables no one would have guessed.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Thank you so much, [Member Name Removed]! We absolutely loved catering the special Blues Brothers in Hawaii themed birthday celebration at your amazing home. It was a fantastic party and we look forward to the next opportunity to cater and plan a party for you and Jerry. Most sincerely, Gena"
Jeff M.
Sep 2018
Hired Gena for a surprise birthday party for 50 people. Corresponding with her was easy and she was very responsive. Menu selection was easy and the price was fair. She was on time, very pleasant and professional. The two ladies who came were as well. The setup looked terrific and very professional. Food quality was excellent and all the reviews from the guests were A +. Will use again and recommend without hesitation.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Thank you so much, [Member Name Removed]! What a lovely party. I believe Angelo was completely surprised and touched by the outpouring of love. All of your guests were so very kind and complimentary. We loved it! Till next time... .. kindest regards, Gena"
Nancy K.
Aug 2018
Gina did an awesome job. I didn’t have to worry about a thing...she did it all!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Thanks so much for your review [Member Name Removed]! We loved handling your birthday party this year. We can't wait to cater for you again. Always our pleasure! Always, Gena"
Richard S.
Dec 2017
Fantastic. Gena communicated well and customized the menu to meet the needs of my crowd. The food, presentation and service were all great, everyone enjoyed themselves and loved the food. Gena is professional and personable - she's happy when her customer's are happy.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"[Member Name Removed], I am REALLY happy now! Thank you so much for this amazing review. Your party was a joy to cater. I loved all the personal touches you added. Your home was amazing, warm and welcoming. Loved singing Christmas carols with the group. It was all a blessing! You were a fantastic host! Merry Christmas! Wishing you and your family God's blessings in the coming new year. Let's do a repeat next year! :) Most sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen"
Bethany L.
Nov 2016
We couldn't have asked for more, Gena came over ahead of time to go over options and fully customize the menu as well as numerous email discussions on the various options. During the party everything was handled perfect and everyone raved about the food! We will definitely be using her again. Not only was the food excellent, but she handled all the various decorations and customization making it a very easy and enjoyable party for us.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Thank you so very much! As you can imagine our holiday season was a whirlwind! We are excited about the new year and look forward to catering for you again! You were fantastic hosts! Blessings! Gena"
Rene H.
Jan 2016
Gina takes all the stress away and let's you focus on your guests. Her and her staff are extremely efficient and friendly. I already have her scheduled for our Christmas party in 2016!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Thank you so very much {Member's name removed}! It is a great pleasure working with you and I always look forward to your parties. You are an awesome hostess and plan a fabulous evening for your guests to enjoy. I know we do! Enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016 my friend! We greatly appreciate you and your review. Thanks again! Always, Gena"
Joseph C.
Oct 2015
Gena and her staff did a marvelous job of catering an event at my home. We had about 30 people, and she provided food, table decor, and service for a wonderful party. The food was outstanding, and she was a joy to work with. I will certainly ask for her help again at a future event!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Thank you so much for this wonderful review. Your event was such a special opportunity for us and we thoroughly enjoyed catering for you and your guests and listening to the most talented young man and lady from the Houston Grand Opera. That was indeed a special treat. We welcome the opportunity to cater for you all and little Harley anytime. You have a lovely home and are wonderful hosts. Wishing you blessings throughout the year. Sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Events and Catering Specialist"
Jennifer H.
Sep 2015
Gena and her crew catered my mother's 70th birthday party at my home. We were thrilled with the service and responsiveness, and our guests loved the food (several asked for Gena's contact info). Gena coordinated renting tables and chairs for the event, and provided linens and made custom floral arrangements for the tables. Everything was perfect, with Gena taking care of all of the hard work so we could just enjoy the party! Would definitely recommend and we will use her again!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"[member name removed], Thanks so much for this awesome review! It was a wonderful pleasure working with you and Heather on your mom's special party. Can't wait to coordinate another party with you again in your lovely new home. We can hook up again on conference call anytime. LOL Again, thanks so much [member name removed]! I appreciate your kind words so much. Sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Events and Catering Specialist"
Lisa H.
Jul 2015
My baby shower could not have been more perfect. The ladies took great care of my guests and the food was absolutely AWESOME!! We had the Chicken Salad Crustinis, crabcakes, meatballs, pecan crusted Chicken, texas two step cheese spread, and fresh fruit and my guests are still talking about how good the food was. I will be using Gena again for my next event. Thank you for making my day as special as it was.
Lisa
Spring, Texas
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"[member name removed], Thank you so much for this amazing review! It was indeed a pleasure for us to cater your baby shower. We are looking forward to seeing pictures of the wee one once she arrives. Our very best wishes to you all! Most humbly, Gena"
Gail H.
Feb 2015
I have never had anything catered before and needed someone who would walk me though everything. I did not know what to expect; but Gena proved herself over and over again. She was VERY easy to work with and also worked well with the wedding planners. Big Plus! She immediately put me at ease and made me feel that I could trust her implicitly. That was very important to me, as I was juggling many "balls" at the time and needed to be able to hand this off to someone and let it go. I was also able to contact her the day before the rehearsal dinner, adding people, and she graciously said, "No problem!"
Her tables were elegantly appointed, including fresh flowers, table clothes and silver serving pieces. The food and drinks at both events were beyond exceptional and plentiful! I was repeatedly asked who was catering and could they get their name. My family, not only loves to eat, but we love our coffee; therefore it was a "power plus" when some of the family wanted to know who chose the coffee! When I told the the caterer -- they were shocked. They loved it.
Gena and her staff work amazingly well together and with the variety of teams it takes to put on an event. It was seamless. They work quietly and tirelessly in the background and the food comes and empty trays leave almost without you knowing. The food is always at the appropriate temperatures. She always had the proper amount of staff to make sure each event ran smoothly.
Now -- the thing that impressed me most was the fact that her services are completely self-contained. She brings everything -- even her own water, for the fruit-infused water and for making coffee. At each of our events she had full semi-commercial kitchens available to her; but she did not use them at all. She told me that she would not need anything and that she would bring everything she would need. I would never have believed it, if I hadn't seen it. She even brings very nice storage containers, and packs the leftovers for you to take home. When she says she brings everything -- she really does.
Gena also added a very special touch, which brought tears to my eyes. She made a special care package for the Bride and Groom (my son) to take on their honeymoon with them.
You will never go wrong with Gena. Your guests will feel like they are tenderly cared for and definitely well fed. They will definitely be impressed!
Thank you Gena! You are definitely a "wonder woman!" You & your staff made both of our events exceptional.
May God richly bless you.
Gail Hamilton
Her tables were elegantly appointed, including fresh flowers, table clothes and silver serving pieces. The food and drinks at both events were beyond exceptional and plentiful! I was repeatedly asked who was catering and could they get their name. My family, not only loves to eat, but we love our coffee; therefore it was a "power plus" when some of the family wanted to know who chose the coffee! When I told the the caterer -- they were shocked. They loved it.
Gena and her staff work amazingly well together and with the variety of teams it takes to put on an event. It was seamless. They work quietly and tirelessly in the background and the food comes and empty trays leave almost without you knowing. The food is always at the appropriate temperatures. She always had the proper amount of staff to make sure each event ran smoothly.
Now -- the thing that impressed me most was the fact that her services are completely self-contained. She brings everything -- even her own water, for the fruit-infused water and for making coffee. At each of our events she had full semi-commercial kitchens available to her; but she did not use them at all. She told me that she would not need anything and that she would bring everything she would need. I would never have believed it, if I hadn't seen it. She even brings very nice storage containers, and packs the leftovers for you to take home. When she says she brings everything -- she really does.
Gena also added a very special touch, which brought tears to my eyes. She made a special care package for the Bride and Groom (my son) to take on their honeymoon with them.
You will never go wrong with Gena. Your guests will feel like they are tenderly cared for and definitely well fed. They will definitely be impressed!
Thank you Gena! You are definitely a "wonder woman!" You & your staff made both of our events exceptional.
May God richly bless you.
Gail Hamilton
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Your review has overwhelmed me. Responses like yours make the long hours and hard work and planning we put into our events, worth it all. Besides gaining a repeat client, to gain a friend in the process is priceless. That is exactly what I take with me from your events, a sincere friendship. That is something to be cherished and honored. You have blessed my heart! Thank you so very much and may God richly bless you and your precious family. Blessings, Gena"
Rene H.
Feb 2015
Gena is so easy to work with. The food and service was amazing and everyone had a great time!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Thank you so much Rene for your review of our service. We thoroughly enjoyed catering for you in your beautiful home. It was an awesome party. The magician you hired was phenomenal! He constantly had me guessing, "how in the world did he do that?!" We look forward to the next time that we can cater for you. Blessings! Gena"
Celeste C.
Dec 2014
The food was both beautiful and delicious. We received many compliments on the presentation and the quality of the food.
Gena was extremely helpful during the planning phase, and was very easy to work with. She was flexible, and offered many suggestions. She takes a lot of pride and joy in her work, and it shows. She arrived in time to set up a beautiful display. She and her assistant took care of everything related to food during the party so that we did not have to worry about a thing. They were very friendly. Then they cleaned up, packed up all the leftovers, and restored the spaces to the original configuration. This allowed us to enjoy the party and visit with guests. We were very appreciative of all their hard work.
Gena was extremely helpful during the planning phase, and was very easy to work with. She was flexible, and offered many suggestions. She takes a lot of pride and joy in her work, and it shows. She arrived in time to set up a beautiful display. She and her assistant took care of everything related to food during the party so that we did not have to worry about a thing. They were very friendly. Then they cleaned up, packed up all the leftovers, and restored the spaces to the original configuration. This allowed us to enjoy the party and visit with guests. We were very appreciative of all their hard work.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"It was a great pleasure working with you in the planning stages of this event. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the menu you chose. You and Angie were great hostesses. We had a lovely time. Thank you so much again! We look forward to working with you on future events. Have a very Merry Christmas! Sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Events and Catering Specialist Italian Maid Cafe"
Dawn H.
Dec 2014
Gena catered my daughter's engagement party. I could not say enough nice things. She has a wonderful menu to choose from. She was very helpful during the process. My event was outdoors. It was a dress up affair. My daughter described what she had in mind and Gena took it from there. The decorations were absolutely beautiful. Her staff attending the party were a delight. She and her staff did all the cleanup work. The meal was way above expectation. The guests loved the food and the atmosphere. I would recommend Gena to everyone. I will definitely be using her again.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"It was such a great pleasure to meet you all and to cater this special occasion for you in your beautiful home. You made us feel most welcome. It was a joy to see you enjoy our food and your time with Grace. Looking forward to future events with you. Have a very blessed Christmas and thank you again! Most sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Events and Catering Specialist Italian Maid Cafe"
Antonieta G.
Nov 2014
Gena did an amazing job from the start. In our first meeting she provided wonderful menu selections and great tips on setting up for our back yard wedding. The day of the event I did not have to worry about a thing - it was all very well organized and the food presentation was lovely! The food was amazing! A couple weeks later - we are still having guests comment on how delicious it was. I would absolutely recommend Them!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Dear [member name removed]! Thanks so much! Your wedding in your home was lovely and you were a beautiful bride. It was a pleasure working with you on the planning and a blessing to be there for the reception. Looking forward to working with you again in the future. Blessings! Most sincerely, Gena :)"
Travis V.
Nov 2014
Gena and Italian Maid Café catered our wedding reception at a private residence in October of 2014. The event consisted of heavy hors d'oeuvres with wine, beer and mineral water as refreshments. Prior to finding Gena on Angie's List, I had contacted several "well known" Italian restaurants in Houston for quotes to cater the event. The response times ranged from adequate to sluggish and prices from reasonable to exorbitant. For the most part, once the these restaurants discovered I did not need to rent a private room in the restaurant to host the event, (and thus be forced to pay the restaurant price for wine and beer), the interest level dropped significantly and response times to questions changed noticeably.
With these experiences fresh in my memory, I contacted Gena/Italian Maid Café, I was immediately pleased with the quick response to my initial contact and her responses to any and all questions did not waver for the duration. She arranged a tasting for us and delighted us with the imagination and presentation of all fare offered. I must admit, I was somewhat apprehensive at first because she and Italian Maid did not come with a "high recognition" name. I learned a valuable lesson... consummate professionalism comes in all sizes and the positive reviews found on Angie's list are more than deserved.
She arrived at our venue with her assistant, Tracey in a timely fashion, set up in minimum time and the food was presented in such a way as drew favorable comments from the guests throughout the reception. The menu items were prepared with both taste, (which was wonderful), and presentation in mind.
The level of service never ebbed from the first guest's arrival to her storing the remaining food for later consumption prior to being released for the evening.
I can wholeheartedly recommend her services for any size event you are planning. She will not disappoint!Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Dear [member name removed], You two are such a sweet couple and I am so happy that you have found love together and that you found us to cater your wedding reception. It was such a pleasure and I thought everything turned out splendidly. Working with you from the beginning was enjoyable. Thank you so much for your kind words. Looking forward to working with you all again in the future. Blessings! Most sincerely, Gena :)"
Nancy K.
Nov 2014
Gena designed, decorated, and catered our "Open House" party for over 90 guests! Our new home is an Italian design, so we wanted an Italian themed party. I made a few suggestions, but, Gena took it to a whole new level. It was a spectacular event in every detail. She is so creative and organized. The atmosphere that she created made you feel like you were literally in Tuscany. Her staff was friendly and efficient. The food was served over a 4 hour period and it was hot, fresh and delicious! The bartenders were amazing and kept the drinks flowing. It was the largest, but, easiest and most successful party that I have ever hosted. If you want a beautiful affair with spectacular food and great service, Gena is the go-to girl!!! On top of her obvious party planning gifts, she is also one of the nicest and most personable people that I have ever worked with.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Dear [member name removed], Working on your event was a sheer pleasure for me. Our ideas just melded together from the beginning and I loved that you let me take the ball and run with it. Your home is a reflection of you. It is warm and inviting and makes you feel welcome immediately. Let me say, your guests comments were a reflection that you and I had done well. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful occasion with me. Wishing you and Steve many happy years in your amazing Villa! I love when I gain a new client, but the biggest blessing is when you gain a friend. That is where the true success is. Thank you my friend! Most sincerely, Gena"
Stephanie S.
Sep 2014
Gena and her crew were timely , professional, and a real pleasure to work with. Her food was great and she was very accommodating in terms of menu. I would definitely recommend her and I will be using her again !
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"[removed member name], Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We had such an awesome time catering and participating in your 50th birthday party. We all definitely had our "groove" on. So much fun! We look forward to the next time we can cater for you and your precious family. Wishing you many more happiest of birthdays! Kindest regards, Gena"
Sean C.
Aug 2014
We had a celebration for a colleague and wanted something different. We decided on a Champagne Dessert Cocktail party. I spoke with Gena about the idea and she came up with a delicious menu, asked about the honoree and provided decor in her favorite colors and then came early to set-up, serve and take down. Gena is a joy to work with - easy to contact, responsive and friendly. Her skills are amazing and the feedback we had from the guests was incredible. Most importantly, our friend was ecstatic and will have a lifetime of memories - thanks Gena for making that happen!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"As soon as we stepped out of our car, we knew you all have hospitality in spades. You are as warm and welcoming as your beautiful home is. It was an awesome pleasure for us to cater this special reception for such a wonderful lady and friend of yours. Thank you so much for your kind review. We truly look forward to the next time we can once again cater for you. We think YOU are awesome! Till then, Most sincerely yours, Gena Ricklefsen"
Paul C.
May 2014
Gena and her team did a good job and we would certainly hire them again. She brought fresh linens for our event to go with the white table and chairs set up pool-side; everything looked lovely. We thought the buffet presentation was beautiful and the food tasted good Highly recommend the stuffed olives and Texas 2 Step dip. The desserts were artfully displayed and quite tasty. Gena and team were also very helpful in putting away all of the left-overs. On the negative side: the beef tenderloin was overcooked and it was cut all at once instead of carved to order; the bartender was late because of an address mix-up (but once arrived, she was great); and the buffet was still in the early stages of being set up when our guests were arriving (they were out of the way, but unsightly with boxes and coolers out, etc.)
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Dear (Remove member name), It was my great pleasure catering and servicing your wedding party on April 26th in Tomball. It was a picture perfect day for an outdoor event and oh what a lovely location you chose. Deciding to place our buffet stations under and around that humongous old oak tree was absolutely the right call. It created a beautiful focal point and made for easy flow of traffic for your guests. The turquoise and white linens on the guest tables and buffet tables, accented by the black spandex covered bar-high tables made for a beautiful presentation by the pool and the tree and coordinated well with your invitation. It was well planned that I come out weeks before the party to view the venue. The pre-dinner appetizers you chose, the Texas Two-Step and the Olive Stuffed Cheese Balls, are two of my favorites too and are always received well at our events. The bar tending service that we always use has never once been late for us, till this day. I can tell you that Charlene felt as horrible as I did about her misunderstanding of the instructions given her; but, she did do a great job once there. Her being late threw us off a bit since one of my associates had to cover for her until she arrived. While I believe that our dinner buffet was set-up near on-time, the preparations for it were pretty much out in the open as you said in that area as there was no other convenient spot that we could put them while setting up during your pre-dinner hour. I do apologize for that and can also say that I am sure glad I brought a complimentary helper that day to assist with the loading and unloading, for my benefit. It was a long stretch from the driveway to the buffet area, and the steps made it a bit more difficult. As to the beef tenderloin, I was as shocked as you were to see that it had been pre-sliced. That was not the instructions given to our kitchen staff nor what I planned for. The only explanation that I have is that we were also catering for NGEN Radio at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion that evening in the Woodlands and their entree was our Home-Style Pot-roast which our cook was instructed to slice. He not only sliced the pot-roast; but, the tenderloin as well. Trust me when I say I took up the matter with our chef that day and that we are promptly compensating you for that error. Thank you again for the beautiful pictures you sent and for the encouragement that you would gladly hire us again. We look forward to not only a continued business relationship; but, in growing our friendship. My best wishes to you both! Most sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Events and Catering Specialist for Italian Maid Cafe"
Carlo A.
Dec 2013
Gena was excellent and very professional. She accommodated us on a very short notice (less than a week). My wife and I even got the chance to taste test the food even if the restaurant was closed on that day. She also came to the house the next day to get an idea of how to setup the place. Booking her was just quick and efficient.
On the day of the party, she came early with her associate, and was able to setup everything in less than 1 hour. The presentation was just excellent with LED lights, gold colored tablecloths, glistening silver chaffing dishes, real looking disposable cutlery, that would make the buffet area inviting and festive. The carving station with heat lamps reminded me of ballroom parties in a hotel. The salad presentation was just gorgeous that I didn't even want to touch it. If you are wondering about the salad dressing, it is to die for! The salmon was moist, the swedish meatballs was very flavorful, and the pork loin was wonderful. In short, it was great party and all my friends and relatives were just blown away by the quality of the food and service. And to top it, Gena and her associate were just very friendly.
On the day of the party, she came early with her associate, and was able to setup everything in less than 1 hour. The presentation was just excellent with LED lights, gold colored tablecloths, glistening silver chaffing dishes, real looking disposable cutlery, that would make the buffet area inviting and festive. The carving station with heat lamps reminded me of ballroom parties in a hotel. The salad presentation was just gorgeous that I didn't even want to touch it. If you are wondering about the salad dressing, it is to die for! The salmon was moist, the swedish meatballs was very flavorful, and the pork loin was wonderful. In short, it was great party and all my friends and relatives were just blown away by the quality of the food and service. And to top it, Gena and her associate were just very friendly.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"[member name removed] Thank you so very much for this amazing review. It was a great pleasure for us to cater for you and to meet your family and friends during your "25th" :) birthday celebration. We are excited to meet the new addition to your family in 2014 and the opportunity of catering for you to celebrate your baby's christening. You and [member name removed] must be so excited. I am excited for you! Thank you again! Best wishes for you all! Sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Events and Catering Specialist 2013 Super Service Award Recipient from Angie's List....thanks to people just like you!"
John B.
Oct 2013
Everything was wonderful! The entire crew was very punctual and set up was quickly completed The dishes were well maintained and serving areas were kept clean and appetizing. Gena was on hand throughout the party and when the guests had finished, the cleanup was as quick and efficient as the setup! they boxed up the remaining food for our family to eat the following day.
All our guests complimented the food selections and festive appearance of the set ups. We will use Gena and her crew again this year for our Holiday Party! We know that they will deliver.
Do contact Gena to work out your menu and party setup soon!
All our guests complimented the food selections and festive appearance of the set ups. We will use Gena and her crew again this year for our Holiday Party! We know that they will deliver.
Do contact Gena to work out your menu and party setup soon!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"[Member names removed], Thank you so much for this wonderful review and thank you also for once again choosing me to cater your party this year. We had a wonderful time and everyone there seemed to enjoy themselves as well. You and your home are very warm and welcoming. It is always a pleasure to see you. Thanks to your review, and others like yours, I received the 2013 Super Service Award. Thanks so much! Hoping that your Christmas was lovely and that your new year will be bright! Most sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Events and Catering Specialist for Italian Maid Cafe"
Sherri M.
Sep 2013
You know your event/party has been a huge success when people are still talking about it a month later! The secret to guarantee that success is to hire Gena. I had a client appreciation party for about 100 guests. I have never used a caterer before so I checked in with Angie's List, (always a smart move). It was an easy decision to choose Gena after reading her excellent reviews. Gena was prompt and polite in her response. She kept in touch with me, fine tuning the details and giving me encouragement right up until the party. She and her staff showed up earlier in the day for an initial set up and then returned later with trays of delicious food. The buffet tables were arranged in a warm, inviting way and the food displayed beautifully with attention to garnishment and placement (hot & cold, various heights, etc.) My clients are still raving about how good the food was........every single item was fabulous. I served a little of everything, beef, chicken, pork and shrimp. Also cheese, crudities, fruit and three types of tarts for dessert. Gena and her staff were courteous and professional at all times. They kept the food replenished, assisted guests and kept tables clear of clutter and trash. At the end of the evening, they cleared and cleaned everything! Swept and wiped down the kitchen, bagged the trash and packed up the remaining food for me to take home. Hiring Gena was the best decision I made concerning my party and I would hire her again for any event.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"[member name removed], Thank you so very much for this wonderful review. I truly enjoyed the time we spent planning your event together and watching it come to fruition. It is no wonder you have so many clients. The wonderful turn out you had speaks well of the business that you do and the personal touch that you also add. It was great being able to share in celebrating with you and your beautiful family. You have accomplished so much! Congratulations! I would always welcome the opportunity to cater for you again. It was definitely a joy and a privilege. Take care my friend, and stay in touch! Till next time... Always, Gena Ricklefsen"
Cheryl T.
Jul 2013
I can't find enough adjectives to describe Gena, her quality of food, her accessibility, and her approachability! She was beyond extraordinary in every category! After a month of looking for a caterer to help cater a 50th anniversary involving 250 guests, we faced unreturned emails by other caterers, unreturned phone calls, and even phone calls where I didn't feel like the caterer had a vested interest; I finally broke down, joined Angie's list, and immediately found Gena. I knew after a quickly returned phone call and speaking with Gena for merely a few minutes, she was the right fit. She took our vision of "country church picnic with burlap and lace theme" and came up with a terrific menu of appetizers and helped me stay within budget. Aside from the food, Gena became an immediate part of our family. She made it a priority to communicate with everyone involved, including my mother in law, and made sure we were all on the same page. She was easy to get a hold of and was very flexible with last minute changes and ideas. Once a vision is communicated, Gena takes it and runs with it. I'm still amazed how she decorated her area with vintage pieces that perfectly fit with the decor and theme! The food was extraordinary(especially the Texas 2 Step Pecan Dip!!) and displayed beautifully, the kids table was amazing and a hit for the kids (and adults), but most of all the peace of mind and calmness that Gena brings is a blessing in and of itself. The servers and Gena did a great job of making sure we didn't have to lift a finger and they were all very personable and accommodating to the guests. Gena has a passion for this job and has an impressive résumé including catering for some KSBJ (local radio station) events. No matter how large or small, Gena will become a part of your family and event and will help make the day extraordinary!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Oh my goodness [member name removed]! Your kind words and comments have touched me deeply. If you can believe it, I am sitting here speechless. I knew we would be friends after speaking to you that very first time. This was one of those times when there was just an automatic connection between two people. I thank God for the opportunity to meet you and your precious family and to be a part of such a special day for an amazing couple who had an awesome story to tell of their life and their lives together. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything [member name removed]. You have blessed my life and the lives of those who work with me...my family and friends. I will share your comments with them and the staff of Italian Maid Cafe who prepared the wonderful food you enjoyed. We look forward to the next time! May God richly bless you all! Always, Gena"
Karen S.
Jan 2013
Our guests thought it was a grand event and the food and service was perfect.
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Member, Thank you so much for the wonderful review you posted about your mom's birthday party that we were so pleased to cater for you. It was a joy and a pleasure for us to be a part of her very special day. I am telling you, she looks and is amazing for being 90 years young. I loved watching her facial expressions during the day as she was taking in everything and enjoying all the love that was being shown to her by the family. That was priceless. What you did for her by hosting this special birthday celebration meant alot to her and the family too. Days like that make for wonderful memories for everyone. Thank you for choosing Affairs with Flair LLC Events and Catering to be a part in making these wonderful memories and honoring your lovely mother. We absolutely look forward to and welcome the opportunity to cater for you again. Have a blessed year! Sincerely, Gena Ricklefsen Affairs with Flair LLC Events and Catering"
Kelly E.
Dec 2012
Gena with Affairs with Flair did an amazing job catering for my 50th birthday party @ the Braman Tasting Room in Richmond!!! Once I met Gena to finalize the menu, I KNEW I made the right choice in chosing her as my caterer. Not only is she a professional, she is just a warm and wonderful person that you feel like you have known forever, even though you just met.
Gena provided us with 6 hor d'oeurves that we chose for a small, intimate birthday party of 23 people. I tried each and every one (several times) and words cannot express how delicious every one of them were. My guests all raved about the food and all of them asked "where did you find her?" The favorite hor d'oeurves were the beef wellingttons, the crab cakes and the parmesan bites. The pork tenderloin crositinis, jack daniels meatballs, dill shrimp and her famous Texas dip were all so delicious, it was hard to put our plates down. Gena even remembered to bring a cake knife and cake server for my cake the I actually brought myself. Thank goodness, as I didn't even think about it.
Gena was on time, decorated the food tables with bright, beautiful table cloths and decorations, set up all the food in beautiful chafing dishes, provided all the plates, cutlery and even the cake stand (again, for a cake she didn't provide). I seriously didn't have to lift a finger. She and her grandson did everything. They came back at the end of the party, packaged up what was left over for us to take home and enjoy.
I cannot rave about her enough. If you need a caterer, she is your lady!!!! I will definitely use Affairs with Flair again and will be introducing her to my company which also caters in on a regular basis. We will be hosting an event in our home in the Spring and will be calling on Gena again to do a wonderful job for us.
Cheers Gena and thank you, thank you, thank you!
Gena provided us with 6 hor d'oeurves that we chose for a small, intimate birthday party of 23 people. I tried each and every one (several times) and words cannot express how delicious every one of them were. My guests all raved about the food and all of them asked "where did you find her?" The favorite hor d'oeurves were the beef wellingttons, the crab cakes and the parmesan bites. The pork tenderloin crositinis, jack daniels meatballs, dill shrimp and her famous Texas dip were all so delicious, it was hard to put our plates down. Gena even remembered to bring a cake knife and cake server for my cake the I actually brought myself. Thank goodness, as I didn't even think about it.
Gena was on time, decorated the food tables with bright, beautiful table cloths and decorations, set up all the food in beautiful chafing dishes, provided all the plates, cutlery and even the cake stand (again, for a cake she didn't provide). I seriously didn't have to lift a finger. She and her grandson did everything. They came back at the end of the party, packaged up what was left over for us to take home and enjoy.
I cannot rave about her enough. If you need a caterer, she is your lady!!!! I will definitely use Affairs with Flair again and will be introducing her to my company which also caters in on a regular basis. We will be hosting an event in our home in the Spring and will be calling on Gena again to do a wonderful job for us.
Cheers Gena and thank you, thank you, thank you!
Response from Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist
"Oh my goodness! Your review has warmed my heart beyond words. You and Barney were such a delight to work with and it was pure pleasure for us to cater your special birthday celebration. I can only say thank you so very much for the opportunity and that we look forward to future events and good times with you. A special thanks for the referral to those in your company as well. I can tell you we have grown because of, and owe a great deal of gratitude to people like you who were kind and shared our information with their friends, family and co-workers. Again, you have thoroughly blessed my heart. Thank you and may God bless you this New Year! Most humbly, Gena Ricklefsen"
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FAQ
Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist is currently rated 5.0 overall out of 5.
Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist offers free project estimates.
No, Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist does not offer a senior discount.
No, Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist does not offer emergency services.
No, Gena Ricklefsen, Events & Catering Specialist does not offer warranties.