The inquiry displays a necessity for finding meals service suppliers specializing within the delicacies of Puerto Rico and working inside an outlined geographic proximity to the person initiating the search. For example, a consumer in Orlando, Florida, in search of culinary choices for a celebration would possibly enter this phrase right into a search engine to determine potential native caterers providing dishes comparable to mofongo, arroz con gandules, and lechn asado.
Such a focused search offers a number of benefits. It permits people to simply uncover culturally related meals choices for occasions, supporting native companies specializing in Puerto Rican delicacies. Moreover, it gives a handy technique of accessing genuine dishes for celebrations, gatherings, and even particular person meals, preserving and selling cultural heritage by means of culinary experiences. Its rising recognition factors to the broader curiosity in numerous culinary choices and the convenience with which people can now join with specialised companies inside their communities.
The following sections will discover varied facets of participating a caterer specializing on this delicacies, together with components to think about when deciding on a supplier, menu choices, and parts of Puerto Rican culinary custom that contribute to a profitable catering expertise.
1. Authenticity of flavors
The phrase “puerto rican catering close to me” inherently implies a want for real Puerto Rican culinary experiences. Authenticity of flavors acts as a important determinant in satisfying this expectation. The success of a “puerto rican catering close to me” service hinges immediately on the supplier’s skill to precisely symbolize conventional Puerto Rican dishes. For instance, a caterer providing mofongo should guarantee it’s ready with the proper plantain maturity, seasoned appropriately with garlic and pork cracklings (chicharrn), and preserve the correct texture. Deviation from these established culinary requirements diminishes the authenticity, probably leading to buyer dissatisfaction.
Shoppers looking for “puerto rican catering close to me” usually accomplish that to evoke a way of cultural connection or to share this heritage with others. Subsequently, utilizing genuine components, preparation methods, and conventional recipes turns into paramount. Contemplate a catering service offering arroz con gandules; if the sofrito, a foundational component of Puerto Rican cooking, is inadequately ready or makes use of non-traditional components, your entire dish’s authenticity is compromised. Equally, substituting key components comparable to recao (culantro) with cilantro will alter the general taste profile, creating an inauthentic model of the dish.
In conclusion, the authenticity of flavors just isn’t merely a fascinating attribute however a basic requirement for a profitable “puerto rican catering close to me” service. Precisely replicating conventional dishes by means of correct ingredient choice and preparation immediately impacts buyer satisfaction, cultural illustration, and the general worth of the catering expertise. Any perceived deviation can undermine the caterer’s credibility and negatively affect their skill to draw and retain clientele in search of an genuine style of Puerto Rico.
2. Menu customization choices
The provision of menu customization choices immediately influences the suitability of a “puerto rican catering close to me” service for numerous occasions. The flexibility to change menus ensures the catering aligns with particular consumer necessities, dietary restrictions, and occasion themes.
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Dietary Lodging
Menu customization permits for the inclusion of vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices inside a Puerto Rican culinary framework. As an example, a caterer would possibly provide plant-based variations of conventional dishes like pasteles or create gluten-free mofongo utilizing different flours. This lodging ensures broader visitor participation and satisfaction, increasing the caterer’s potential consumer base.
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Occasion Theme Integration
Shoppers could search particular dishes to enrich a selected occasion theme, comparable to a vacation celebration or a cultural pageant. Menu customization permits a “puerto rican catering close to me” service to tailor its choices to match the occasion’s ambiance. For instance, through the Christmas season, the caterer may emphasize conventional vacation fare like lechn asado or pasteles, aligning the culinary expertise with the festive event.
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Budgetary Concerns
Menu customization offers flexibility in managing occasion prices. By adjusting portion sizes, substituting components, or providing tiered menu choices, caterers can accommodate various budgetary constraints. A consumer would possibly go for a simplified menu that includes fewer elaborate dishes to cut back bills whereas nonetheless sustaining the specified Puerto Rican culinary theme.
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Fusion Delicacies Adaptation
Menu customization allows the creation of fusion dishes that mix Puerto Rican flavors with different culinary traditions. This will enchantment to a broader viewers and provide a singular eating expertise. For instance, a caterer would possibly provide mofongo-stuffed dumplings or pernil-infused tacos, combining Puerto Rican parts with worldwide delicacies.
In conclusion, menu customization choices are essential for a “puerto rican catering close to me” service to stay aggressive and cater to a various clientele. The flexibility to adapt to particular dietary wants, occasion themes, budgetary constraints, and culinary preferences ensures a higher degree of consumer satisfaction and expands the caterer’s market attain.
3. Geographic proximity
The phrase “puerto rican catering close to me” basically prioritizes geographical comfort. Proximity immediately impacts a number of important parts of the catering service, together with meals freshness, supply effectivity, and total cost-effectiveness. The shorter the gap between the caterer and the occasion location, the much less time the meals spends in transit, thereby preserving its optimum temperature and texture. For instance, a catering service situated 5 miles from the occasion venue will doubtless ship more energizing, hotter meals than one situated twenty miles away. This facet is especially essential for dishes comparable to lechn asado, the place sustaining the crispness of the pores and skin is paramount. Distance is a consider figuring out supply capabilities. That is the primary core of “puerto rican catering close to me”.
Moreover, geographic proximity influences logistical feasibility. A caterer situated nearer to the occasion web site can extra simply handle last-minute changes, deal with unexpected points, and guarantee well timed setup and repair. Contemplate a state of affairs the place a catering consumer unexpectedly will increase the visitor rely. A neighborhood caterer can reply extra rapidly to this transformation by making ready and delivering further meals gadgets, whereas a extra distant supplier would possibly face logistical constraints because of journey time and useful resource limitations. This enhanced responsiveness contributes to a smoother, extra profitable occasion execution. Transporting meals throughout longer distances inherently will increase the danger of delays or injury, probably disrupting the occasion schedule and negatively impacting the general expertise. Gasoline prices, journey time, and automobile upkeep all contribute to the entire price of the catering service. By deciding on an area supplier, shoppers can reduce these bills, making the catering choice extra inexpensive.
In conclusion, geographical comfort just isn’t merely a peripheral consideration however a central determinant within the number of a “puerto rican catering close to me” service. It immediately impacts meals high quality, logistical effectivity, cost-effectiveness, and the caterer’s skill to reply to unexpected circumstances. The nearer the caterer, the higher the chance of a seamless, satisfying culinary expertise, making proximity a key decision-making issue for shoppers in search of genuine Puerto Rican delicacies of their instant neighborhood.
4. Repute and evaluations
The seek for “puerto rican catering close to me” inherently includes an evaluation of popularity and evaluations as important determinants of service high quality. These indicators, derived from previous consumer experiences, operate as proxies for predicting future efficiency, influencing decision-making processes when deciding on a caterer. A powerful popularity, evidenced by constructive evaluations and testimonials, suggests constant supply of passable service, together with meals high quality, punctuality, and professionalism. Conversely, detrimental suggestions or an absence of evaluations raises issues about potential inconsistencies or shortcomings in service supply. As an example, a caterer with a number of evaluations praising the authenticity of their mofongo and their responsiveness to dietary requests is extra prone to be chosen over a caterer with restricted or detrimental suggestions.
The proliferation of on-line assessment platforms has amplified the significance of popularity within the catering trade. Potential shoppers actively search out and scrutinize evaluations on platforms comparable to Yelp, Google Opinions, and social media to gauge the reliability and high quality of “puerto rican catering close to me” choices. These evaluations usually present particular insights into facets of the catering expertise, such because the style of the meals, the presentation, the effectivity of the service employees, and the general worth for cash. A caterer’s responsiveness to evaluations, each constructive and detrimental, additionally contributes to its perceived popularity. Addressing issues raised in detrimental evaluations demonstrates a dedication to buyer satisfaction, whereas acknowledging and appreciating constructive suggestions reinforces the notion of a good and customer-focused enterprise. Sensible significance lies in potential clients having the ability to make well-informed choices, thereby minimizing the danger of an unsatisfactory catering expertise.
In conclusion, popularity and evaluations are inextricably linked to the choice course of for “puerto rican catering close to me.” These indicators present precious insights into previous efficiency, influencing consumer perceptions and finally shaping catering selections. The flexibility to leverage on-line assessment platforms to evaluate popularity is essential for each shoppers and caterers, enabling knowledgeable decision-making and fostering a tradition of accountability inside the trade. The continual monitoring and administration of on-line popularity is important for caterers in search of to draw and retain shoppers within the aggressive marketplace for “puerto rican catering close to me.”
5. Dietary lodging availability
The phrase “puerto rican catering close to me” more and more intersects with the important consideration of dietary lodging availability. Fashionable catering companies should deal with a spectrum of dietary wants and preferences to make sure inclusivity and consumer satisfaction. This requirement extends to Puerto Rican delicacies, which historically options components and preparation strategies that won’t align with all dietary restrictions.
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Vegetarian and Vegan Diversifications
Conventional Puerto Rican delicacies usually depends closely on meat and animal merchandise. Dietary lodging necessitates artistic adaptation to supply vegetarian and vegan options. For instance, a caterer would possibly substitute jackfruit for pork in pernil or create plant-based variations of pasteles utilizing vegetable fillings and plantain dough. Availability of those options expands the caterer’s enchantment to a broader clientele.
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Gluten-Free Choices
Many conventional Puerto Rican dishes, comparable to mofongo, make the most of components that comprise gluten. Offering gluten-free choices requires cautious substitution of components and modification of preparation methods. A caterer would possibly provide mofongo made with plantain flour or yucca flour to accommodate people with gluten sensitivities or celiac illness. These variations require experience and a dedication to sustaining genuine flavors.
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Allergen Concerns
Catering companies should be ready to deal with frequent meals allergy symptoms, comparable to nuts, shellfish, and dairy. This requires strict adherence to meals security protocols and clear communication with shoppers concerning components and potential allergens. A “puerto rican catering close to me” service needs to be clear about its ingredient sourcing and preparation strategies to make sure the security and well-being of all friends.
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Modified Sugar Content material
Given rising well being consciousness, some shoppers could request dishes with diminished sugar content material. This requires caterers to regulate recipes for desserts and drinks, using pure sweeteners or sugar substitutes whereas sustaining taste profiles. Providing choices with modified sugar content material demonstrates a dedication to assembly numerous consumer wants and selling more healthy consuming habits.
The flexibility to supply complete dietary lodging is turning into a defining attribute of profitable “puerto rican catering close to me” companies. By adapting conventional dishes to fulfill a spread of dietary wants, caterers can broaden their enchantment, improve consumer satisfaction, and contribute to a extra inclusive culinary expertise. This adaptation, nonetheless, should be undertaken with a dedication to sustaining the genuine flavors and cultural integrity of Puerto Rican delicacies.
6. Service professionalism
The success of any enterprise predicated on the search time period “puerto rican catering close to me” is intrinsically linked to the extent of service professionalism exhibited. Skilled conduct extends past merely delivering meals; it encompasses a multifaceted method to consumer interplay and occasion execution, considerably influencing consumer satisfaction and the chance of repeat enterprise.
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Efficient Communication
Clear, concise, and well timed communication is paramount. This begins with promptly responding to inquiries, offering detailed proposals outlining companies and prices, and sustaining constant communication all through the planning course of. Examples embrace instantly addressing consumer questions concerning menu choices or logistical preparations and proactively informing shoppers of any unexpected adjustments or changes. Lack of efficient communication can result in misunderstandings, dissatisfaction, and finally, a failed catering expertise.
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Punctuality and Reliability
Adherence to agreed-upon timelines is important. This consists of arriving on time for consultations, deliveries, and occasion setups. Unpunctuality can disrupt occasion schedules and create a detrimental impression. As an example, a caterer arriving late to a marriage reception disrupts the fastidiously deliberate itinerary and causes pointless stress for the consumer. Reliability additionally extends to fulfilling commitments outlined within the catering settlement, comparable to offering the agreed-upon menu gadgets and portions.
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Look and Demeanor
The looks and demeanor of catering employees immediately replicate on the professionalism of the service. Employees needs to be well-groomed, dressed appropriately, and preserve a courteous and respectful angle in the direction of shoppers and friends. For instance, catering employees serving meals at a company occasion ought to current an expert picture, reflecting positively on each the catering service and the consumer. Conversely, unprofessional apparel or a discourteous angle can detract from the general occasion expertise.
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Downside-Fixing and Adaptability
Unexpected points can come up throughout any catered occasion. The flexibility to successfully problem-solve and adapt to altering circumstances is a trademark of service professionalism. This consists of addressing sudden dietary restrictions, resolving logistical challenges, and accommodating last-minute requests. A caterer who can calmly and effectively resolve such points demonstrates a dedication to consumer satisfaction and reinforces the notion of a dependable {and professional} service supplier.
These sides of service professionalism, when persistently carried out, elevate the expertise related to “puerto rican catering close to me” from a easy transaction to a value-added service. They differentiate respected suppliers from much less dependable options and contribute considerably to long-term success within the aggressive catering market. The funding in these skilled attributes interprets immediately into consumer loyalty, constructive word-of-mouth referrals, and a stronger total model popularity.
7. Pricing transparency
Within the context of “puerto rican catering close to me,” pricing transparency assumes important significance, influencing consumer belief and knowledgeable decision-making. Clear and upfront communication concerning prices establishes a basis of confidence between the caterer and the possible consumer, finally shaping the catering expertise.
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Itemized Value Breakdown
Offering an in depth breakdown of all prices, together with meals, labor, leases, and repair charges, allows shoppers to know exactly how their cash is allotted. This transparency eliminates ambiguity and prevents sudden expenses, fostering belief. An instance is a catering proposal that itemizes the associated fee per serving for every menu merchandise, the hourly charge for serving employees, and the rental charges for tables and linens. Omission of such particulars can result in mistrust and probably misplaced enterprise.
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Inclusion of Taxes and Gratuity
Clearly stating whether or not quoted costs embrace relevant taxes and gratuity prevents confusion and funds miscalculations. Ambiguity surrounding these expenses may end up in important discrepancies between the preliminary estimate and the ultimate invoice. A good “puerto rican catering close to me” service will explicitly state the tax charge and gratuity coverage in its proposals, making certain shoppers are totally conscious of the entire price. Failure to reveal these expenses upfront constitutes an absence of transparency.
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Coverage on Extra Charges
Disclosing any potential further charges, comparable to journey surcharges, setup charges, or extra time expenses, is essential for sustaining pricing transparency. These charges, if not clearly communicated upfront, can shock shoppers and injury the caterer’s popularity. A transparent coverage outlining the situations beneath which these charges apply and the strategies for calculating them permits shoppers to make knowledgeable choices. Hiding such charges till the ultimate bill is taken into account misleading.
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Contractual Readability
The catering contract ought to clearly outline all phrases and situations associated to pricing, cost schedules, and cancellation insurance policies. This authorized doc serves as a safeguard for each the consumer and the caterer, making certain a mutual understanding of economic obligations. Ambiguous or obscure language inside the contract can result in disputes and erode belief. A well-written contract promotes transparency and accountability, fostering a constructive {and professional} enterprise relationship.
These elements of pricing transparency immediately have an effect on the consumer’s notion of the “puerto rican catering close to me” service, impacting their willingness to have interaction the supplier. By prioritizing clear and upfront communication concerning prices, caterers can construct belief, foster constructive relationships, and set up a popularity for integrity inside their local people. This dedication to transparency is important for long-term success within the aggressive catering market.
8. Logistical capabilities
Logistical capabilities are foundational to the profitable operation of any meals service, notably inside the localized search context of “puerto rican catering close to me.” These capabilities embody the coordinated administration of assets, processes, and infrastructure obligatory to make sure seamless service supply. The effectiveness of those logistical operations immediately impacts meals high quality, timeliness, and total consumer satisfaction.
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Transportation and Supply Infrastructure
The flexibility to effectively transport meals from the preparation web site to the occasion location is paramount. This requires a fleet of automobiles outfitted to take care of meals temperature and stop spoilage, in addition to expert drivers acquainted with native routes. For “puerto rican catering close to me,” this might imply navigating congested city areas or delivering to distant areas with restricted entry. Environment friendly transportation ensures that dishes like pernil or arroz con gandules arrive on the occasion on the appropriate temperature and in optimum situation.
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Tools Administration and Upkeep
Catering companies depend on a various vary of kit, from ovens and fridges to serving platters and chafing dishes. Correct administration and upkeep of this tools are important for making certain its performance and security. For a “puerto rican catering close to me” service, this would possibly contain sustaining the specialised tools wanted to organize conventional dishes like pasteles or making certain that serving tools aligns with the occasion’s aesthetic. Malfunctioning tools can result in delays, meals security hazards, and compromised service high quality.
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Staffing and Labor Allocation
Satisfactory staffing ranges and efficient labor allocation are important for managing the assorted duties related to catering, together with meals preparation, setup, service, and cleanup. A “puerto rican catering close to me” service should have adequate employees to deal with the calls for of the occasion, from expert cooks able to making ready genuine dishes to attentive servers who can present glorious customer support. Insufficient staffing can result in gradual service, compromised meals high quality, and dissatisfied shoppers.
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Stock Management and Procurement
Environment friendly stock management and procurement processes be sure that the required components and provides can be found when wanted, minimizing waste and maximizing cost-effectiveness. A “puerto rican catering close to me” service should have established relationships with dependable suppliers who can present contemporary, high-quality components. Efficient stock administration prevents shortages, reduces spoilage, and ensures that the caterer can persistently ship on its menu guarantees.
In conclusion, logistical capabilities aren’t merely a behind-the-scenes consideration however a basic determinant of the success of any “puerto rican catering close to me” service. Efficient administration of transportation, tools, staffing, and stock immediately impacts meals high quality, service supply, and total consumer satisfaction. The seamless integration of those logistical parts is important for offering a constructive and memorable culinary expertise.
Incessantly Requested Questions About Puerto Rican Catering Companies
The next part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the procurement of meals service specializing within the delicacies of Puerto Rico inside an outlined geographic space. These solutions intention to supply readability and help in making knowledgeable choices.
Query 1: What components needs to be thought of when evaluating a Puerto Rican catering service’s menu?
The analysis ought to prioritize authenticity of dishes, customization choices for dietary wants, and the caterer’s skill to accommodate particular occasion themes. Ingredient sourcing practices and preparation strategies also needs to be assessed to make sure alignment with culinary expectations.
Query 2: How far upfront ought to a Puerto Rican catering service be booked for an occasion?
Reserving lead time varies relying on occasion measurement, complexity, and the caterer’s availability. Nonetheless, securing companies no less than two to a few months upfront is usually really helpful, notably for large-scale occasions or these occurring throughout peak seasons.
Query 3: What’s the typical pricing construction for Puerto Rican catering companies?
Pricing buildings fluctuate, generally using per-person charges, fixed-price menus, or personalized packages. An itemized price breakdown, encompassing meals, labor, leases, and repair charges, needs to be requested to make sure transparency and facilitate budgetary planning.
Query 4: How can the authenticity of a Puerto Rican catering service be verified?
Authenticity could be assessed by means of evaluations, testimonials, and menu descriptions. Requesting samples or references from previous shoppers is advisable. Scrutinizing the caterer’s information of conventional dishes, ingredient utilization, and preparation methods can be really helpful.
Query 5: What logistical concerns are essential when deciding on a Puerto Rican catering service?
Key logistical components embrace the caterer’s transportation capabilities, tools administration practices, staffing ranges, and stock management procedures. Proximity to the occasion venue, skill to handle meals temperature throughout transport, and contingency plans for unexpected circumstances are additionally essential.
Query 6: How can dietary lodging be addressed when participating a Puerto Rican catering service?
The caterer’s willingness and skill to accommodate dietary restrictions, comparable to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free necessities, needs to be explicitly mentioned. Menu customization choices, ingredient substitution insurance policies, and allergen consciousness practices needs to be clarified to make sure inclusivity and visitor security.
In abstract, the number of a supplier requires cautious consideration of menu choices, reserving lead instances, pricing buildings, authentication strategies, logistics, and lodging of dietary wants.
The following part will present a guidelines that may used to pick out “puerto rican catering close to me”.
Suggestions for Choosing a Puerto Rican Catering Service
Choosing a meals service specializing within the delicacies of Puerto Rico requires cautious consideration. The next suggestions intention to facilitate knowledgeable choices, making certain a passable catering expertise.
Tip 1: Consider Menu Authenticity
Assess the genuineness of conventional dishes supplied. Confirm ingredient sourcing and preparation strategies to make sure constancy to genuine Puerto Rican culinary traditions. A menu deviating considerably from established recipes could point out an absence of culinary experience.
Tip 2: Scrutinize Pricing Buildings
Request an in depth, itemized price breakdown. Guarantee transparency by clarifying inclusion of taxes, gratuity, and potential further charges. Examine pricing throughout a number of suppliers to determine aggressive charges.
Tip 3: Study Logistical Capabilities
Assess transportation infrastructure, tools upkeep protocols, staffing ranges, and stock management processes. Decide the caterer’s skill to handle meals temperature throughout transport and deal with unexpected logistical challenges. Proximity to the occasion venue is advantageous.
Tip 4: Confirm Dietary Lodging Choices
Inquire concerning the caterer’s capability to accommodate dietary restrictions, comparable to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free necessities. Request particulars on ingredient substitution insurance policies and allergen consciousness practices. Guarantee inclusivity for all friends.
Tip 5: Evaluate Repute and Testimonials
Analysis the caterer’s on-line popularity by means of evaluations and testimonials. Search references from previous shoppers and make contact with them to assemble firsthand suggestions concerning service high quality and reliability. A historical past of constructive consumer experiences is indicative of competence.
Tip 6: Make clear Contractual Phrases
Fastidiously assessment the catering contract, paying explicit consideration to cancellation insurance policies, cost schedules, and legal responsibility clauses. Be certain that all phrases and situations are clearly outlined and mutually understood. Search authorized counsel if obligatory.
Tip 7: Affirm Insurance coverage Protection
Confirm that the catering service possesses ample legal responsibility insurance coverage protection to guard towards potential accidents or damages. Request proof of insurance coverage and assessment coverage particulars. Inadequate protection could expose the consumer to monetary threat.
These suggestions function a framework for choosing a Puerto Rican catering service, mitigating potential dangers, and maximizing the chance of a profitable occasion.
The concluding part will summarize key concerns and reiterate the significance of due diligence within the choice course of.
Conclusion
The previous evaluation has explored the multifaceted concerns inherent in sourcing “puerto rican catering close to me.” Vital components embrace menu authenticity, pricing transparency, logistical competence, dietary lodging availability, and repair professionalism. Thorough analysis of those facets is important to make sure a passable occasion expertise.
The number of a supplier warrants diligent inquiry and evaluation. Prioritizing these concerns contributes to the preservation and celebration of Puerto Rican culinary heritage whereas making certain the success of catered occasions. Knowledgeable decision-making stays paramount in navigating the choices accessible and securing a catering service that meets particular wants and expectations. A proper resolution offers nice recollections.
