There are certain names that by their very mention evoke the very best in their fields... in caviar it's Petrosian, in jewelry it's Harry Winston, in champagne it's Louis Roederer, and in off-premises catering it's Sandy Spector. Because she is totally dedicated to her craft, Sandy's name is synonymous with quality, chic, and an innate sense of style.

That great sense of style is just one of Sandy's trademarks. All of her parties are uniquely designed for each client, occasion, and location. The season, occasion, time of day, content of the guest list, and personal preferences are also vitally important. The challenge is enormous, but Sandy wouldn't have it any other way. Each client is made to feel like a singular priority, and relationships are established that last through the years. In the initial consultation, caterer and client discuss all aspects of the affair. No detail is too small, no request too difficult, no question too insignificant to require the utmost attention. Never unnerved, never too busy, Sandy's bright demeanor and passionate enthusiasm are contagious.

Sandy brings to her craft the passion of all the celebration, music, art, hospitality, and joy of her very varied family background. "We've always celebrated everything with absolute resolve. I have a great family tree-Jewish and Gentile, Eastern and Western European, with strong Ukrainian roots." Embedded in those roots are heartfelt hospitality coupled with a firm commitment to old-fashioned hard work and solid education. Her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, all from New York University, are proudly displayed on the walls of her office, sharing space with ribbons and plaques of achievement and certificates of membership to some of the most prestigious culinary societies. Perhaps that's why her client list reads like a who's who of tri-state area's famous and soon-to-be famous. Hers is the only name mentioned when the affair must be nothing short of sheer perfection.

Sandy believes that a good caterer is a good party planner as well. She arranges for tents, portable facilities, tableware, furniture, linen, staff, escoffier-caliber accoutrements, custom appointments, chauffers, valets, and on and on. The firm is based on an absolute resolve to freshness and quality - using only the finest seasonal produce, fresh herbs - many of which Sandy grows herself - ocean-fresh seafood, the finest meats and poultry in the market, and exotic game. Sandy can be found in the wholesale markets, personally selecting only the most succulent ingredients, well before dawn. She even does her own butchering to assure that all meats, poultry, and seafood meet her exacting standards.

In Sandy's kitchen, they still hand-grate potatoes, slice, dice, and rice without the benefit of push-button gadgetry. Color and texture are vitally important and are a source of inspiration here. All hors d'oeuvres are handmade. There are no stock bases and no artificial ingredients used here; no preservatives, no food colors, and positively no shortcuts. Each menu is prepared for that date and that date alone. From start to finish, Sandy is there every step of the way. She is caterer, draftsperson, general contractor, coordinator, best friend, and confidante; she is never too busy to lend an ear or hand. It is natural to see Sandy fixing a hook-and-eye for a frazzled hostess as it is to see her whipping up an unforgettable champagne sabayon.

A true believer that cooking and entertaining well are an art, Sandy is constantly honing and refining her craft. Her cuisine, which is based on the classic techniques of Western Europe, is extremely diverse. You can find haute cuisine being produced next to sushi or tapas. She works very hard at keeping on top of constantly changing trends. "The new cuisine is still divinely decadent but with a difference. The sauces are lighter and the cooking techniques are more adventurous and our ingredients more global. This is a very exciting time; we are mixing classic comfort cooking with exotic dishes from other cultures. What a great time to have a party!"

An admitted perfectionist and taskmaster, Sandy's parties come off with seemingly effortless precision. That's why Bloomigdale's, Saks, Gannett Publishing, New Jersey Goodlife, Forbes Publishing, Modern Bride Magazine, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, American Ballet Theater, Victor Costa, Oleg Cassini, Phil Donahue, Scaasi, Nancy Addison Altman, Bill Bradley, Dick and Rene' Timpone, and Thomas and Betts Inc. are among her loyal and satisfied client's. But whether a client's in the social register, the Fortune 500, or the backyard pool, Sandy's enthusiasm never wavers. No wonder she's listed in Who's Who in American Restaurants and Caterers.

Sandy is always charming, humorous, unflappable, and caring, and her reputation continues to grow. Weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthday celebrations, romantic little dinners, classy clambakes, sophisticated California grills, opulent cocktail parties, beautiful brunches, and fantasy themes from Tara to Taras Bulba are just part of her repertoire. Sandy's approach to her work is at once glitzy and glamorous, honest and substantive. A true artist, she weaves her love and unique brand of magic for all of her clients.