When it comes to catering for your important event you may have questions. That’s great because we have some answers for you. As always, feel free to get in touch with us and we’re happy to help you and looking forward to catering your occasion.
Q: “What is your catering service travel range?”
A: Our range can be pretty far from either our Concord or Tilton, New Hampshire locations. We draw a big radius around our locations and cater weddings and events all over the state. We provide catering for events and weddings all over the Lakes Region and the Greater Concord area.
We get as far south as Hollis, as far east as Strafford and Dover, as far west as Lebanon/ Hanover/Dartmouth and as far North as Lancaster, Woodstock, Tamworth, Bethlehem, etc.
Destinations are subject to availability of course.
Q: What is your Travel/Delivery Fee?
A: Our catering travel/delivery fees do vary by destination. They are always reasonable.
Q: What if I want catering but I do not need staff for the event?
A: That’s fine. We have plenty of events that are just scheduled for drop off service. Drop off catering is easy to coordinate with our guidance and advice.
Q: What if we need staff for our event, do you have staff?
A: Yes! We are so lucky and grateful to have an amazing catering and bar staff that can be there throughout your entire event.
Q: Do I have to include your staff in our food count?
A: No. We do not require our clients to pay for our staff meals. Of course, other vendors (photographer, officiant, DJ) may ask for you to pay for their meals. Be sure you get clarity on that.
Q: How does your staff get paid?
A: We pay our catering and bar staff the best wages around thanks to our wonderful clients.
Staffed events are subject to Staffing/Service Charges and Minimum Gratuity. Our staff earn competitive hourly rates, plus gratuity sharing.
Q: Do you offer bar services?
A: Yes. We offer bar services.
Q: Do you offer Gluten-Free, Vegan & Vegetarian options?
A: Of course we do! You may even discover you can offer your guests a great mixture of various dishes to suit all preferences and be enjoyed by everyone in attendance equally.
Q: What about food allergies?
A: Allergies do vary in severity. We are not a nut-free facility as an example. Guests with varying levels of allergies should use the same caution they use in daily life and while eating out.
Q: How do I know if I am ordering enough food without overdoing it?
A: We will always give you sound advice with the idea of not wasting food (or money). What you order will depend on your logistics. Meaning… Staffed events with per-person menus are portioned as such to be plenty of food for your guests.
The per person price of the menu covers this. When ordering appetizers it really comes down to how many you want available per guest. Again, we will help guide you in this process.
When ordering for drop off service it is just a matter of getting the amount you feel comfortable with.
Q: How does my food stay hot and fresh while traveling?
A: Your food will travel in equipment that will keep the hot food hot and the cold food cold.
Q: What time do you arrive?
A: For drop off catering orders we aim to arrive a little earlier or on-time for the time listed on your contract and in our schedule. For staffed events we will generally arrive anywhere between forty-five to sixty minutes before the start time listed.
Q: What if I don’t know my guest count just yet?
A: That’s ok. Depending on how far out you are booking it is not expected you know your final guest count. All catering contracts are assigned a “Final-By” date. This is the date when you will give your final count and make any last changes to your order.
Q: Can I make changes to my order after my final-by date?
A: We try to take a “case-by-case” approach to this one. Last minute changes can be challenging for logistics such as prep and product availability. Too many last second changes can also increase the margin of error.
Q: How do I know how many appetizers to order for my guests?
A: If you’re only serving appetizers (small bites) you will want to keep in mind this might be your guests’ meal. You should order as such. For quick events where food is simply there as a gesture (think of an “open house for a business” as an example), you may consider keeping things light. When there is another meal coming after appetizers you’ll want to order based on if you want a light, average or heavy cocktail hour. While working with our clients we can offer guidance on various scenarios so you can decide which is best for your event.
Q: Have you been to “ABC Venue” before?
A: We get to new places all the time… including new function spaces, private residences and “Uncle Harry’s Barn.” In all cases we set ourselves and you up for a successful event by asking the relevant questions about the space.
Q: Are your menus set? Or, Can we change things around?
A: We have plenty of curated/arranged menus. Arranged menus sometimes make choices easier. But of course you can substitute or change out items. Some changes will not impact the cost at all. Example… Want mashed potatoes instead of roasted potatoes? That’s an even swap. Some changes or add-ons will change your price. Example… Want lobster meat with your Mac n Cheese Bar? That will add to your budget.
Q: What if I want something that I do not see on your menu?
A: We consider requests for off-menu items “custom menus.” We do a fair amount of custom menus. When a custom menu is being considered we ask that you clearly communicate with us what you are looking for so we can price it out for you. If your custom menu request is not a good fit for us, we will let you know so you can keep searching.
Q: Do you have plates, flatware, glasses?
A: Yes. Many events use china, flatware and water goblets for guests. We can supply those. On certain menus the price of those items are already worked in.
Q: If I just want to use disposable plates, etc for my event is that OK?
A: Of course. Many spaces are better suited for disposables.
Q: What if I want a buffet from the wedding menu, but would rather use disposable plates, etc is that OK?
A: Yes. While the wedding menu prices include real china, etc you can certainly choose to use disposables for a wedding buffet. You’ll save some money too.
Q: How much table space will I need for food?
A: It will depend on what you order and if you want to put all the food out at once. For a staffed event we will let you know how much table space you need for cocktail hour, dinner and dessert. Standard Buffet set up is two, eight foot tables. A Plated Meal will not require buffet tables.
Q: What if my venue does not have a kitchen?
A: A venue kitchen is not necessary. Even if a venue does have a great kitchen we will not rely on it much. For staffed events we just require a “catering space” to call home for the event. A catering space could be a separate tent for outdoor events and a separate room for an indoor event. The logistics and details of your event will determine the best space within your venue. We’ll help you figure it out.
Q: Can we meet with you in person to discuss our event?
A: You are certainly welcome to come to either one of our locations to meet with us. An in person meeting will come down to availability. We also recommend phone and email too.
Q: Do you offer Event Planning Services?
A: We do offer event planning services as separate contracts from catering services. As part of your catering service you will get some aspects of planning around the food portion of your event. If you are looking for Day of Coordination or Full Planning Services we welcome you to reach out to us to see if your event is a good fit. .
Q: Can I get a quote?
A: As you browse our website you will see all of our menu items are priced. These prices reflect the prices of the food. Choosing menu options is the first step in coming with your budget. After that… Whether you are booking a staffed event or a drop off will determine the other aspects of your total. Beyond food your catering contract might include: Delivery/Travel, Staffing/Service Charges, Basic SetUp (for drop off), NH Tax and Gratuity. Be sure to visit our “How to Budget” page for more info by Clicking Here. Of course, when you give us the details of your event along with food selections, we’re happy to help you budget.
Q: How do tastings work?
A: Check out our tasting info page by Clicking Here.
Q: What is the best way to coordinate with you to plan my event?
A: We are available for our clients by phone, text and email. We usually get high marks for our communication and responsiveness.