Best Of 2012: Caterer
Michelle Talarico has done just about everything in her 23 years in the catering business, including a recent birthday for a 10-year-old turtle named Bubbles. "This was a major, $3,000 party," she says, adding that guests brought Champagne for the pet owners and broccoli for the guest of honor. Talarico's offering to Bubbles: a layered vegetable cake. Outside the reptile arena, her gigs range from charity events to family reunions to sit-down dinners for hundreds. "I think what we do best is listening to what our customers want and work within their budget," she says. "We feel like if people need food and service, we're going to bring our best to bring it to them." — Pam Zubeck