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Inspired Catering is a full service company serving New England and New York. We're dedicated to creating innovative fare with an emphasis on fresh flavors and whimsical presentation. Our professional staff will take charge of the logistics of your event, making you feel like a guest at your own party. After graduating from La Varenne Culinary School in Paris, Lisa Cole returned to Hartford and established Inspired Catering. Thirty years of creating events, traveling, and developing recipes for several restaurants have formed a vibrant, authentic perspective.
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Inspired Catering has been creating events throughout New England since 1987. We are a full service caterer, providing rentals, linens, staff, bar and display. We'll work collaboratively with your florist, event planner, or photographer, or direct you to a vendor we trust.
At Inspired Catering, we want every client to feel as though their event was perfectly tailored to their vision. We're passionate about creating customized events that reflect each unique client and venue. Feel free to contact us for a personalized menu.
My husband and I have nothing but EXCELLENT things to say about Lisa, her staff, service, and DELICIOUS food. Since meeting Lisa last fall, she has been nothing short of professional, personal and very insightful. Outside of providing us with a myriad of menu options, we found her very resourceful and experienced, from recommending other vendors, giving us insightful pointers and useful recommendations so that we were completely prepared for our special day.She did all in the most unobtrusive way.
Reviews (16)
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Maya HawkinsNelson
Jul 14, 2021
Inspired Catering recently catered a party that I attended and the food was amazing! All of the food was amazing (the mac and cheese they made was to die for) and the staff was so warm and helpful! Definitely calling them for my next event!
Joshua Coffell
Dec 23, 2020
We hired Inspired for our grand opening not long ago. They not only delivered exactly what I had asked for but went above and beyond. They exceeded my expectations in every way!
Nidhi Banda
Nov 19, 2020
I know Lisa both personally and professionally and have been at many of her catering events. Her staff is extremely professional, organized and courteous; I have seen them effortlessly navigate many different kinds of events, big and small. Beyond that the food is AMAZING! It's delicious and the presentation is always INSPIRED and creatively done. You will not be disappointed with Inspired Catering!
Joshua A. Coffell
Nov 15, 2020
Inspired catering and Chef Cole are simply the best! I hired them for my recent book launch and the food not only visually appealing but tasted amazing. All the staff was friendly and efficient. Without them, my event couldn't possibly have been the success it was. I will definitely be hiring them again!
Roseanne Lombardo
Oct 25, 2020
After attending several events catered by Lisa Cole, I hired her for an important family occasion. Her expertise in attention to detail came through in all aspects of the event. We couldn't have been any happier. I would strongly recommend her. She's easy to work with and her food is beautiful and delicious and She gave us great ideas when we were planning the event. Looking forward to working with her again
Marco Schooley
Oct 22, 2020
I highly recommend Lisa and the Inspired Catering team. They have catered numerous parties for my family. The food is always delicious and the service is excellent. In addition, the Inspired team is always willing to tailor the menu to each event. IMO, Inspired Catering is the best catering company in CT, hands down. P.S. - Make sure to try the dumplings!
Keating Coniff
Aug 26, 2020
Although I've never done a review before, my recent experience with this business was so outstanding I wanted to give a shout out to Lisa and her staff. The party they did for us was seamless. The service was perfect and the food was loved by all. Can't say enough good things
Haley Heslin
Aug 13, 2020
Lisa and her team are beyond professional. The food is always outstanding and unique, they are accommodating and very personable. I couldn't have asked for a better caterer and I will certainly be calling them in the future!
Mike Buchanan
Sep 06, 2019
Lisa and her team were fantastic! The food was amazing, their service was spectacular. Everyone was so friendly and professional. I could not have been more pleased with the catering they provided for our Wedding. I highly recommend Lisa and her team!
Kelly Beamish
Jan 15, 2018
Lisa and her team at Inspired Catering were absolutely amazing. We hired Lisa to cater our New England picnic-themed rehearsal dinner. We wanted a family-style dinner with multiple shared dishes coming out at once (not traditional single plated meals) and she executed our vision flawlessly. She took the time to meet with us, listen to our ideas, and offer helpful suggestions.

She had some ideas about decor and plating that we definitely wouldn't have thought of. She even used one of her contacts at a local rental company to secure us some hard-to-find items! We knew her food would be delicious (it was) but Lisa's ability to make sure that the entire event, from facility configuration, timing, service, and decor, was perfect that made our experience truly exceptional.

I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you are looking for an experienced caterer serving delicious wholesome food who is a joy to work with and who won't let any important details go unnoticed, you won't be disappointed by Inspired Catering.
Anita Friars
Dec 09, 2017
We hired Inspired Catering for my niece's backyard bridal shower. Lisa's food not only tasted amazing but was beautifully presented. She welcomed our input and created a menu that was perfect for the event. The staff was very professional and focused on the needs of our guests. They packed up all the rental items for us and left the kitchen in spotless condition. Overall it was a wonderful experience working with Lisa and her team!
Jakub Lis
Oct 27, 2015
I recently attended an event catered by Lisa Cole and Inspired Catering in Longmeadow, MA.I was completely blown away. Her recipes are uniquely creative and offer a variety that would satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. The staff were incredibly friendly, and were able to answer questions about the menu, food allergies, etc. To top it all off, her presentation was phenomenal.

Every platter is meticulously arranged to the highest standard, offering an upscale catering experience to highlight any party. The skill with which the event is handled is evident of a truly professional caterer whom I would highly recommend to anyone.
Cynthia R.
Dec 01, 2014
I have been fortunate to have been a guest and numerous events catered by Inspired Catering and have been meaning to post a review for some time. From promotional events at Nordstrom to a small wedding to a huge gala event fundraising event, the food and decor always wows. The service and staff are amazing so recently we hired Inspired Catering to cater a large family wedding.

We were glad we did! Chef, owner, Lisa Cole is the epitome of excellence in her professionalism, her flexibility and her creativity. I have worked with other caterers and have not ever felt the comfort and confidence that she provides. It was a memorable and wonderful event!
Charles Crawford-Silva
Apr 14, 2012
I have attended many Inspired Catering events and the food is always awesome. Lisa Cole always serves a wide range of food, so everybody can find something they will enjoy. In addition to the food being delicious, Lisa's food presentation is always unique providing an added artistic flavor. Lisa is very easy to work with and is flexible to your needs while her staff is also very professional.

I would definitely recommend Inspired Catering for any type of event. I am not even engaged, but I know Lisa is catering my wedding! My favorite menu items are the shrimp diablo, vegetable dumplings, and beef tenderloin with red pepper butter.
Claudia M.
Dec 22, 2008
Inspired Catering did my wedding. My wedding reception was supposed to be an outdoor tented affair but the weather didn't cooperate and a last minute (and I do mean last minute) change had to be made. Lisa and her crew made it seem like no big deal. Her food is fabulous. It was one of the things that saved my wedding from being a complete disaster.

All our guests raved about the food. One friend who had been to an ungodly number of catered events that year told me that this was the best food by far. I especially loved the steamed dumpling with the guava dipping sauce.
James R.
Dec 22, 2008
I have used Inspired Catering for many events both Professional and Private and I could never be happier with the food, decor, and professionalism of the staff. Lisa Cole is one of the most creative chefs in the Hartford area. Each creation is a succulent taste pleasing experience. All of my guests have always raved about the food and the experience Inspired Catering offers.

I highly recommend Inspired Catering for any type of event that you are having. Ms. Cole will work with you on themes, ideas and has a mind for flair that creates an ambiance that your guests will never forget. I always use her and would never consider anyone else, even if my most closest of friends recommended another caterer in the area. Inspired Catering brings new meaning to what is considered a classy event.