How to Choose A Caterer
How to Choose a Caterer
Caterers are not all the same! Choosing the right one can be daunting.
Knowing what qualities to look for will ensure a flawless event.
Knowing what qualities to look for will ensure a flawless event.
Personable and Adept Communicator
Meet with a few caterers and get a feel for their flare and personality. Ask if they will be the one that attends the event OR will they be sending their staff. Most times, if they can make you feel comfortable during the planning stages, it will transfer to your event and guests if they are hired to provide service during the function. If they can communicate well with you then it is likely they will make your guests feel good too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even tough ones!
Attention to Detail
Sometimes, talking to someone in the service field feels like they are “reading from a playbook”. During your planning discussions, ensure they are asking questions and understand your vision well. Are they bringing things to your attention that perhaps you didn’t think of? Are they guiding you through the plan making you feel as though they have thought it through and not just “going through the motions”. Are they listening to you, and do they sound excited about your event?
Clean & Organized!
Some caterers might be great “cooks” but can they actually pull off YOUR EVENT in an organized fashion so that everything runs smoothly? Do they understand food safety practices and did they walk you through how the event will be organized? Ensure timing is well planned for travel and preparation along with the actual flow of the event and ensure you discuss who will be responsible for the tear-down and clean up.
Characteristically “Sang-Froid”
This one is the most difficult characteristics to find in a good chef or event planner and you want to ensure that the caterer you use bears this quality. Watching “Kitchen Nightmares” might be fun but you don’t want those scenes to play out during your event. Your caterer of choice should be able to maintain composure, poise and coolness even IF things go a little off the track. Take some time to check references and reviews.
Gallery
Pasta and Rice
Half Pan Penne Marinara
$40
Full Pan Penne Marinara
$75
Half Pan Penne Bolognese
$20
Full Pan Penne Bolognese
$35
Half Pan Penne Bolognese w⁄Meat Sauce
$55
Full Pan Penne Bolognese w ⁄Meat Sauce
$90
Half Pan Homestyle Mac & Cheese
$45
Full Pan Homestyle Mac & Cheese
$80
Half Pan Meat or Veggie Lasagna
$45
Full Pan Meat or Veggie Lasagna
$85
Half Pan Tri Colour Cheese Tortellini
$45
Full Pan Tri Colour Cheese Tortellini
$85
Half Pan Egg Plant Parmigiana
$55
Full Pan Egg Plant Parmigiana
$85
Half Pan Mediterranean Rice
$40
Full Pan Mediterranean Rice
$75
Fresh Crepe Manicotti (meat or cheese, min 12pcs)
$6.50ea
Arancini (min order 12)
$5.50ea
Mains
Baked Lemon & Herb Salmon
$market price
Baked White Fish
$market price
Veal Chop
$market price
Veal Marinara
$8.50 ea
Grilled Glazed Chicken Breast or thighs
$8ea
Southern Style chicken Breast Strips
$7/pp
Chicken Marinara
$8.50 ea
Baked Chicken Legs
$4.50 ea
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy)
$4.50 ea
Italian Meatballs (min order 12)
$3ea
Sides & Salads
Half Pan Glazed mixed veggies
$45
Half Pan Broccoli or Cauliflowerets
$35
Half Pan Sauteed Mushrooms, peas or mixed
$35
Half Pan Roasted Carrots
$30
Half Pan Roasted Potatoes
$30
Salad (Medium or Larger Bowls – market price)
Garden
Caesar
Pasta
Creamy or vinegarette macaroni
Quinoa Tabouleh
French Bean & Potato
Coleslaw
Broccoli & Cauliflower
Mediterranean Balela (chickpeas)
Wild Rice
Party Platters
12” Assorted Seasonal Fruit
$35
16” Assorted Seasonal Fruit
$70
12” Assorted Sweets
$35
16” Assorted Sweets Platter
$70
12” Raw Veggies
$35
16” Raw Veggies
$65
16” Appetizer size Cheese Pizza Squares
$55
16” Appetizer size Veggie or Meat Pizza Squares
$65
Custom Charcuterie Platters – Market Price
(Assorted cheeses, deli, jams, fruits and other delicious little bites and nuts)
Custom Grilled Veggies Platter – Market Price
Fresh Cream Cupcakes (min order 24pcs)
$70
Other Party Favorites…
Philly Beef Sliders
$4.50ea
Deli meat or veggie rainbow wraps
$3.50ea
Chicken tenders
$4.50 ea
Chicken tenders
$4.50 ea
Shrimp Shots
$market price
Deviled Eggs
$25/doz
Caprese Skewers (olive, tomato, bocconcini)
$2.50ea
Cucumber, cream cheese salmon wheels
$market price
Mini Cheeseburger or veggie buns
$2.75ea
***Other customizable appetizer ideas…mini samosa’s, falafel bites, mini arancini, doggie rolls
Breakfast Service
Grab & Go:
Yogurt
Juices
Bagels
Croissants
Baked Goods (sweet)
Fruits & Cheeses
Hot Selections:
Eggs
Bacon
Sausage
Potatoes
Pancakes