It is my great pleasure to provide this letter of recommendation for Eddie Kowalski of Lola's Cafe. I have known Eddie and his work for many years and feel well-qualified to serve as a reference for one of the finest professionals with whom I have ever worked. For many years until October 2006, I served as Chair of the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill's (ERVK) annual Medal Ceremony. ERVK is a distinguished organization established to promote the legacy of the former First Lady. With members of the Board and the legions of donors and supporters coming from all over the United States and even from abroad, ERVK has a distinctive regional, national and international profile that reflects the luster and image of Eleanor Roosevelt. Working as we do in the name of Mrs. Roosevelt, we must apply the highest standards to everything we do, most especially to the Medal Ceremony which is our premier fund raising event. The Medal Ceremony attracts an audience of 350-500 people from places as diverse as the Hudson Valley, New York City, Boston, Cleveland and Washington, DC. The event is always fully subscribed and has earned a wonderful reputation and following over the years due as much to the quality catering provided by Eddie Kowalski as to the world class medalists. Working with Eddie and his staff is an experience that goes far beyond the absolutely exquisite cuisine--but let me say a word about the food first. Over the course of my own professional career, I have worked with many caterers. I have found most to be unimaginative and unwilling to go the extra mile to get inside the particular event and truly find out what will work best. Eddie has never presented us with boiler plate menus used time and again with all sorts of clients. Rather, Eddie gives considerable time at the outset to understanding the nature of the event, getting to know the audience, and understanding the needs and parameters of the client. Eddie's menus are always creative yet sensible. His food is absolutely magnificent, elegantly presented and served in a timely fashion--always. This past October's Medal Ceremony fell on a freezing cold October Day. The speakers ran over their allotted times and the program ended 40 minutes late. We are all still trying to figure out how Eddie and his staff delivered hot, perfectly prepared food to everyone in that freezing cold tent! Eddie commands the respect and diligence of a splendid staff which results in mutual appreciation, and happy employees who are cheerful, polite and hard-working. In advance of every ERVK Medal Ceremony, staff members from Lola's Cafe often sat in on committee meetings, if necessary, in order to gain a full understanding of what the event meant and how to work with the various constituencies ranging from international political leaders, celebrities of every ilk, and individuals who are household names. The major part of my own professional career was spent at Vassar College. During the time I served as the College's Vice President for Development, I had responsibility for countless dinners and events hosted by the President. I worked with many, many caterers and food service people. Never did I have the pleasure of working with someone as professional, capable, honorable and efficient as Edward Kowalski. I am delighted to offer this unqualified endorsement.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Judith L., New York, NY

Kelly S.- Boston, Mass. From our initial telephone conversations with Ed, my husband and I were impressed with his professionalism, his casual demeanor, and his knowledge of food and event-planning.  This is not a man who gets frazzled easily, which is exactly what we were looking for in a caterer.  When we mentioned that we’d like to incorporate local flavor as well as tastes of the season into our menu, Ed was able to rattle off no less than a dozen different ideas, each one more mouth-watering than the last.  When we told Ed that we didn’t know from whom we should rent china, glassware, and linens, or of a good bartender, Ed assured us that he worked with a reliable rental company, and he knew several bartenders whom we could interview to determine which would be best for us.  Ed ultimately worked directly with the rental company and with our bartender (Kevin Kihlmire from River Station Restaurant who I also highly recommend), along with our florist, baker, and Locust Grove, to ensure that our wedding day was perfect.

What really thrilled us the most about Lola’s was the food.  We adamantly did not want “typical” wedding food – we wanted hors d’oeuvres and dishes that our guests would remember and enjoy.  Ed delivered on our request:  our guests could not stop raving about the food (and many went back for second and third helpings).  The hors d’oeuvres were not only unique and perfectly themed for the end-of-fall season, but the waitstaff was always present with a full plate.  The mini crabcakes and eggplant crisps, specifically, were favorites of our guests, as were the mini hamburgers.  Each station for dinner was impeccably presented and the food was exquisite.  Our friends and family are still talking about the mushroom ravioli and beef tenderloin.  I have attached a copy of our menu for your information.  We highly recommend each dish and hors d’oeuvres. 

I cannot say enough about Lola’s waitstaff.  When I first arrived at Locust Grove prior to our ceremony, I was greeted by Nina, our maitre’d for the evening.  Nina was fantastic.  She made sure everyone in the wedding party was lined up and walking down the aisle at the right time; she personally brought hors d’oeuvres and drinks to my husband and I as we took pictures overlooking the Hudson River after the ceremony; she ensured that the reception moved along flawlessly; she even worked out a miscommunication with the band.  She was immediately by my side if she noticed that I was without a drink or food and she was eager to make sure my husband and I were happy.  Nina and the entire staff worked with our vendors to make sure everything was as I had painstakingly planned.  Our guests’ plates were readily cleared, and water and wine glasses were always filled.  Our guests did not go without and the waitstaff made everything appear effortless.  At the end of the night, the waitstaff left Locust Grove in spotless condition.

Tom and Kerry M.- New York, NY      Tom and I just wanted to thank you and Mary again for all your help onSaturday. The both of you really stepped up and went above & beyond,which we appreciate more than you know. It was a gorgeous day. And
your food! We're still getting raves... many of our guests have told
us that it's the best food they've had in a long, long time. We can't
thank either of you enough.