Hotter than haute

POST FALLS - Haute cuisine and hot rods have something in common apart from the artistry that goes into their creation.

From the kitchen at Hot Rod Cafe now comes just about any delicacy for any occasion.

Satay, a catering company by Rob Elder, is the latest venture from the entrepreneur restaurateur.

"It sounds like saute," Elder said. Satay is a type of Thai kabob, and was chosen from a long list of ideas of names for the expanded catering service he recently kicked off.

"It is clean, crisp, elegant, high-end," Elder said. "We wanted to rebrand the catering side."

Despite the name, there are virtually no limits to the cuisine Elder and his staff will offer, though the name-specific product will be offered.

"It's wide open," Elder said. "Asian flair, American flair. It is all served on silver service with linens."

Starting with the basic menu, 40 pages deep, Satay will provide a full consulting service to match the food to the occasion and the imagination - "Everything from casual barbecue to five-star, seven-course meals."

Elder brings a quarter century of experience to the new venture. He opened Cricket's in Coeur d'Alene, "July 26, 11 a.m., 1985," he recalls, and, just as specifically, Hot Rod Cafe, "1998. Jan. 28."

Catering has been part of the business that whole time, but Satay will take it to another level.

"People don't think of ice sculpture when they think of Hot Rod," he said. Yet that is just part of the service he personally provides, whether for weddings, corporate events or any other special occasion. "That's always been a passion of mine."

He will work with his executive chef of three years, Pat Melior, and Brenden Latimer, catering manager for four years at Hot Rod Cafe, to coordinate and customize the menu for any event, whether a "birthday for 150 screaming kids or a professional corporate groundbreaking.

"This is an opportunity for us to bid more often," Elder said. "I always enjoy ... showing off our talent, creating a feel, an image."

It will also mean extra work for his employees, giving them more hours during the current economic slowdown.

Consulting with clients, Satay will help take any event to the next level, he said.

"People are still getting married, and businesses opening," Elder said. "Special celebrations in life go on."

He has previously catered events of up to 2,000, and has special trucks and other equipment to deliver the goodies.

"We felt there is a niche and a need for a very detailed professional caterer to really put together a special event," Elder said. "Whether it's grilled cheese or lobster, we make it something special."

Satay demonstrated at a recent bridal fair and is already getting bookings for later this year and even 2011, he said. Smaller functions can be arranged in as little as five days.

"Brides plan a lot more in advance," Elder said.

Costs typically range from $12 to $25 per person, but the sky is the limit.

Information: 660-6082 or www.sataycatering.com (under construction).