Herban Feast and SoDo Seattle Venue
04-Jun-2008
Every now and then I am invited to attend a special event in regards to food or wine. Sometime these are restaurant opening parties and I love the opportunity to get a sneak peak at a location and the food someone will be serving. A couple weeks ago I was invited to see the new location for a catering company, Herban Feast. Herban Feast is an established catering company but has always come to your location. Now, they have a really great facility to offer for events.
Some of you may remember a pottery/outdoor furnishings company called Herban Pottery. They were originally in a little building in the U-district and then expanded to a larger spot in what we now call SoDo. I’m not sure what happened to Herban Pottery but their old location in SoDo is the new location for Herban Feast.
The building has been totally transformed. The character of the 1907 building has been retained and enhanced with high exposed beam ceilings, polished wooden floors (a bit uneven in places due to the original nature of the building), lots of large windows and other historical details. The day of their opening event they had several different "scenarios" set up so that we could see some idea of the offerings. Some areas sported traditional round tables with full linens; others were set with tall, smaller bar type rounds; one section sported a "patio" look with wooden decking and teak tables and chairs; another section brought to mind a living room with couches, cozy chairs and benches. Although the building is really great as is, there are plans afoot to add more options – an outdoor space, for instance.
One of the benefits of this location is that they can take care of everything. In addition to the space they handle the tables/chairs, linens, china, glassware, etc.
Herban Feast focuses on local and organic ingredients recognizing, of course, that to provide the perfect experience they sometimes need to bring in supplies from further afield. But what really impressed me about this company was the desire to be part of the community. The building adjacent to theirs houses several small businesses and the general manager who led us on a tour of both buildings was well-versed in those neighbors and talked about ways they hoped to partner with some of them. His enthusiasm was contagious and I really liked the idea of pulling together local resources, whenever possible.
This attitude was also in evidence during this showcase event as Herban Feast partners with other local niche businesses to provide a full suite of offerings for your event. A valet service was available; photographers roamed the venue; a local DJ played tunes; and several bakeries showed off their wares, including sample wedding cakes.
The food they presented that day was very nice and I really liked some of their creative presentation ideas. As you would expect they are a full-service catering company and provide a very wide range of services and options for your event, including things like a hot Dim Sum bar which was staffed by two chefs that day. In addition to this opening event I had the opportunity to attend a "real" event this last Sunday and while the food for that event was fairly streamlined and simple it was also very good and creative.
So if you are looking for an event location this might be the place you are looking for. And if all you need is catering at your own location, chances are Herban Feast can help you out there, too.
The website has all kinds of information, including upcoming events that are open to the public or places you can sample their offerings.
Herban Feast SoDo Location
3200 1st Ave S.
Seattle
206.932.4717
Culinary Fool 
this place looks awesome!
Where\’s my plate?
I enjoy the photos as much as your posts. BIG HUGS, Steph
I like it :)
@ currie: It really is a very nice place – makes me want to plan an event! ;-)
@ Steph: Step right up! ;-) Thanks much regarding the photos!
@ Hedge: good!
A month or two ago we went to a little party at a friends house where Herban Feast led an appetizer cooking class. We watched and learned and then got to eat all the great appetizers. Then, we were suprised by a full dinner they had prepared. Great food and nice people – it was a fun evening. I was impressed with Herban Feast. E
HI EE!
Sounds like a fun time! Good to hear they really do come through. (I want to be invited next time!) ;-)
~B