Once again, I’ve arrived late to the hottest party in town. I recently learned that Long Island’s vegan “pride and joy” Chef Jay Astafa opened a boutique vegan catering company in 2013. Since duty calls, I felt compelled to provide you with this extremely useful bit of information because no one should miss out on the opportunity to have the über-talented Chef Jay cater one of their events. This includes non-vegans as well as vegans because “sky’s the limit” with the culinary skills of Jay Astafa.
Jay’s accomplishments are extremely impressive, especially considering that he’s only 21 years old. Although he became vegan in 2007, his career took off in 2009 after he created an extensive vegan menu for his dad’s Long Island restaurant 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe. Jay’s delectable food creations became an overnight sensation, and his fans continue to travel from near and far to chow down on the “one-of-a-kind” dishes he creates for 3 Brothers.
Actually, I think it’s fair to say that Jay has developed a “cult” following, and my own cult membership took effect immediately upon sampling Jay’s vegan “crab cakes.”
Jay’s Vegan “Crab Cakes” From 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe
In addition to cooking at his father’s restaurant, Jay’s culinary training includes graduating from New York’s Natural Gourmet Institute, and studying restaurant management at the International Culinary Center. Personally speaking, I’m most impressed with the Compassionate Teen Award Jay received from PETA’s youth division in 2010 for his role in bringing vegan fare to 3 Brothers.
“AS A VEGAN CHEF, FOOD IS MY ACTIVISM!”
-Jay Astafa
As clear proof of his extraordinary talents, Jay took first place at the Vegan Iron Chef culinary competition in San Francisco in March 2014, only a few years after PETA named Jay’s Seitan Bacon Ranch Pie the “Best Vegan Pizza” in the United States!
After hosting his wildly successful 2-day fine dining pop-up restaurant called Jay Kitchen at the Old Bowery Station in NYC in 2013 where he presented an 8 course gourmet vegan tasting menu, Jay started Jay Astafa Catering.
Jay Astafa Catering specializes in off premise catering and events as well as custom designed menus, and caters everything from cocktail parties to full sit-down dinners. Although the company currently operates out of 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe in Farmingdale, NY, they are able to cater anywhere in the New York metropolitan area, and will also travel for destination weddings and events. As a boutique company, they take their time with each client ensuring that their event stands out from the rest.
Jay’s company has successfully catered a wide range of events from weddings, dinner parties, cocktail parties, birthday parties, and corporate events. These events range from 10 guests to as many as 400 guests. Just recently, Jay’s company catered a 400 guest event for Samsung + Russell Simmons, as well as a vegan destination wedding in Miami. Some of Jay Astafa’s past clients include Will Travel For Vegan Food, Vaute Couture, and Farm Sanctuary.
Jay’s impressive resume seems to know no bounds, and continues to grow with each passing day. In April 2014, Jay appeared on Food Network’s “Rewrapped” to create a vegan cherry pie 3 ways! I’m not sure of the results, but I’m impressed nevertheless.
To check out some of Jay’s delectable food creations, I suggest following his feed on Instagram. You will be amazed!
Clearly, whether you’re planning a small cocktail party or your dream wedding, Jay Astafa Vegan Catering is the company to make all of your “foodie” dreams come true!
For catering inquiries, send an e-mail to jay@jayastafa.com.
Click here to go to the website of Jay Astafa Vegan Catering
Click here to go to the website of 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe, Farmingdale, New York
Click here to read my post Long Island’s Very Own 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe
Love and peace,
Debby
xoxo
