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For Immediate Release
DALLAS, PA – March 13, 2009 –Elaborate ice sculptures added the perfect touch of elegance to a lavish raw bar featuring various treasures from the sea, which was created by Metz & Associates, Ltd., the dining management provider for Blue Cross of Northeast PA in Wilkes-Barre. Delighted employees of Blue Cross enjoyed seafood specialties including little neck clams, James River Oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp cocktail, poached scallop salad and marinated green shell mussels in a roasted red pepper, shallot vinaigrette.

The raw bar display was created by Metz executive chef and general manager, Nello Allegrucci, and his staff, inside of Café Bleu at Blue Cross, where many of the company’s employees come for lunch. Allegrucci also impressed his guests with beautiful ice sculptures he carved himself, including an open scallop shell filled with various seafood delicacies, a treasure chest and an intricately carved angel fish.

The raw bar was featured as part of Metz daily Bravo station, an action cooking station that is always popular with customers. It was also part of the company’s chef program, which features a prominent Metz chef at Bravo. “Our guests always enjoy the Bravo station, because they can watch as their food is being prepared freshly right before their eyes,” Allegrucci said. “During the raw bar display, I shucked fresh shellfish, which was enjoyed by everyone.”

“This was our second year of featuring the raw bar and it’s always a huge hit,” Allegrucci added. “We bring in only the freshest seafood, and not only do the employees enjoy it at lunchtime, but many also purchase takeouts to bring home for dinner.”

Another guest chef appearance by Allegrucci preparing food at Bravo was the recent “Clubhouse Station,” where the chef prepared an array of club sandwiches to order, sometimes making as many as five at the same time. The Clubhouse Station featured traditional turkey clubs, as well as a wide array of others, including antipasto and Vera Cruz clubs just to name a few, all served up with homemade red skin potato salad.

“Our customers always enjoy the interaction of our Bravo station,” Allegrucci said. “They take the opportunity to ask questions while we are preparing their meals and it becomes quite a learning experience for everyone.”

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.