The Dish

offering awesome culinary options

by lauren baugh

When I first started my position as Executive Director in August of 2019, I was thrust into planning events. I sought out mentors, and I am so thankful for all of them, one company in particular. Karen and Mike Gavala, who co-own G3 catering, offered help with every detail, not just catering, for our regular lunches. When it came time to plan a 200-plus person gala, I figured I would just kind of know what to do. I learned that was not the best approach. While many of those involved in the Bar helped me, they were busy with lawyering. I had so many deadlines to meet, and Karen came to help. She kindly offered to meet with me in person and show me things I had a hard time seeing myself. I am a visual learner and have great creative vision, but the ideas come to me when I am on site.

Karen and Mike continue to offer this to me for each event. We either meet in person, email a zillion times (this is because I often have many random thoughts, questions and, of course, ideas) or chat on the phone. They always offer constructive ideas to help solve any problems I may not see. While planning this year’s gala, which is a huge undertaking, I knew the venue (the Edison Ford Winter Estates) and the theme. With this event being outside for the first time since I joined the team here at the LCBA, I had a vision and no idea how to execute it. Without hesitation, Karen offered to meet me at the EdisonFord Estates and help. Karen and I met with Lindsey, the Events Coordinator, and Karen walked the site with me. Together, we planned the bar area (did you know G3 has a liquor license and can provide a FULL bar for your event?!), the cocktail reception, the dinner service, the table layout and even where the band should be placed. After that meeting, I left with a vision of what, where and how, as well as with a few meal options to please even the pickiest eater.

Each event I have with G3, I always have some sort of crazy idea, and they are always able to help me execute the idea in a cost-effective, sensible and logical way. Recently, I met with them to take a tour of the Burroughs Home and Gardens. They have taken over the responsibilities of

both operations and management of that facility, and I had never been there. It is a beautiful place on the water, and I am sure the sunset is breathtaking! After the meeting, we decided to talk about our upcoming events (did I mention they are our exclusive LCBA event catering company?). During the discussion, I learned they own a venue in Fort Myers called “Misty Morning Barn”. Their website shows photos that make me want to have a party there so bad (anyone up for an upscale Hoe Down?!). After Mike and Karen treated me to lunch, they hugged me goodbye. How many of your professional vendors do you hug? More than likely none. You chat on the phone or via email and get the order in, and then you see their staff when the order is fulfilled. This is not how G3 works. They are not only extraordinary business people; they are also wonderful humans in general. I should also mention Mike sits on the board of LARC, Inc. (an organization meeting the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families). This is noteworthy. I can honestly say I recommend my friends, Karen and Mike Gavala (G3 Catering) to anyone seeking incredible culinary options for any event, small or large!

Photos top left clockwise: Mike and Karen Gavala, sausage stuffed cremini mushrooms, chicken cordon bleu bites with veloute, beef tenderloin sliders, shrimp with cocktail sauce, strawberry shortcake, Misty Morning Barn exterior during an event, baked brie wth fig jam and pignoli nuts, New England lobster rolls on mini hand-made rolls.

G3 Catering

12165 Metro Parkway Fort Myers, Florida 33966

G3Catering.com MistyMorningBarn.com Facebook.com/G3Catering

(239) 887-0069 info@g3catering.com

Lauren Baugh is the Executive Director at Lee County Bar Association and can be reached at lauren@leebar.org.