Los Angeles-based Catered Occasions announced today that that it has been named as the sole catering sponsor of the Outfest opening night gala VIP cocktail reception, to be sponsored by HBO on July 8.

Outfest 2004, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, is the oldest and largest film festival in southern California. More than 42,000 people will attend the internationally renowned festival between July 8 and July 19 to view nearly 200 films from all corners of the globe.

Catered Occasions will give attendees an experience of “food without borders,” a company spokesperson said--a Caribbean-influenced menu includes such dishes as mango cappuccinos topped with crème fraiche and served in a shot glass and jerk chicken in a plantain boat.

Catered Occasions is headed up by president Marilyn Caldwell.