Quality foods. Elegantly presented.

It is a philosophy from childhood that led me, in a not-always-straight line, to the bed and breakfast/catering world. From a family of high standard gourmet cooks I developed a clear sense of authenticity, technique, and passion. And with a husband whose own baby teeth were cut on bagels from his family-owned kosher bakery in St. Louis (Pratzels!), being in the food business was almost a given.

Collins House Catering opened in 1986, during the B&B’s first year in business. We began with small on-site weddings, and expanded into full service corporate luncheon catering, weddings, parties, etc. Our reputation was based on excellent home-baked breads and desserts, and on an uncompromised standard for ingredient quality.

And it still is. Today, however, we have moved into a new arena - we have opened a small cafe and from-scratch bakery, on Madison's Northeast side, where we continue our traditions of excellence. Manna Cafe and Bakery, our new and blossoming venture, draws directly from foods and flavors of the Collins House, as well as the warm, welcoming style we have become known for. Our catering continues from this wondeful new space, supported now by a full bakery and a joyous staff.

In 1986 we were child-free and full of the freedom to create. Over the years a family just sort of happened, and for a while we scaled back our business accordingly. Today, I am delighted to have both of those “babies” as an integral part of our new business. One is a teenager with his heart set on a future in the food world; he is one of my most dedicated kitchen workers, and some of his recipes have worked their way into our repertoire. The other, a younger and very different teen, is an extraordinary barrista and server, whose smile and energy brighten those around him.

We look forward to catering many wonderful occasions. Please explore our website and enjoy.

Barb Pratzel