Finding Catering at the Last Minute

Finding a Caterer at the last minute may be the last situation you would like to be in. If your caterer has suddenly canceled on you, or you have left planning till the last minute; here are a few tips to keep you organized.

Stressing out and getting overwhelmed may be the first thing to come to your mind. It can be a tricky situation with an upcoming event or wedding, and your caterer calls you last minute to cancel. For whatever reason they cancel, your caterer may feel as uncomfortable as you.

Isaac's Catering was designed to allow internet searches an opportunity to find many catering options in the one location. You can select the type of catering required and the location where your function will be held. A large number of caterers may be listed; however it is best to do a quick search to find menus and pricing to suit. This will narrow down a list of names and numbers to a general idea that you are comfortable with. Phone and/or email a few catering companies explaining your situation.

For caterers to provide the information you are looking for, it helps to include full details of your function:

Date, number of guests, type of function, location, facilities available, access for loading/unloading

Due to your time restrictions with dates, some caterers may already be booked on your specific date. It is a good idea to ask for referrals for local caterers that provide a similar menu and pricing. It may take a few emails and phone calls to see who is available. Be honest and upfront with your needs, and this will allow caterers to provide all the necessary information within a short period of time.

Isaac's Catering has a range of catering and event specialists to help you when planning your next function; Entertainment, Photographers, Party Hire, Accommodation, Venues and more...

Some Ideas for Your Menu

Are you planning to have a party? Then, you should be asking yourself is it a big or a small event? If you find a difficulty in preparing for the event then should seek the help of a caterer but you must first estimate the cost, and choose the menu carefully. It is important to have some catering menu ideas so you can really choose the best foods to serve. The menu is one of the most important aspects in planning your party, remember that always.

There are different kinds of catering menu ideas. And you should ensure that the group of foods in the menu that you are planning can be very well executed by the caterer that you chose. Also, make sure that they have proper certifications and permits as well as insurance to operate. You must look for a caterer with a good reputation and can provide you a better service.

Catering menu ideas should fit the type of event you are planning. Some of these are interactive buffets & theme dinners, awards gala Dinners and auction or gala events. There are also menu fit for company picnic & barbecue, comfort foods and also winter menus like a Christmas menu ideas. Vegan or the Vegetarian menu is one option, too. Themes for an event or party will help you to choose what particular food to prepare. It is important to order the right amount of food so you must plan carefully the number of persons to invite and you must have an allowance for surprise guests and the like. Because running out of food can be an embarrassing experience for the party host. Aside from these, foods should be presentable and enticing, pretty to look at and easy to eat like the appetizers and desserts.

How About Some Tasty Tapas Catering?

Tapas are an amazing catering option for certain functions. The food options available are generally suited for intimate functions to allow guests plenty of time to chat and listen to people giving speeches. Tapas catering are perfect for styled weddings and private corporate dinners.

Tapas catering includes appetizers or snacks. Many types of foods are included in Tapas menus, and are generally small bite size options that guests can easily eat while drinking beverages and talking. Tapas menus have evolved over the years, while foods are predominately Spanish, ingredients from all over the world are now considered part of Tapas catering.

Options including ham or chorizo, beef or lamb meatballs and breads are provided. These are salty options; however sweets can be served to follow. Breads are a main part of tapas to enjoy the sauce-based options. Many flavoured dips can be served to compliment the types of breads provided; crisp breads, soft bread, garlic roasted oil bread. There are so many options when it comes to Tapas menus.

Seafood is also an integral part of Tapas menus. Prawns, squid, salmon are great options that can be partnered with other ingredients to provide beautiful flavours. Vegetarian options are also available including Marinated vegetables, fetta, olives and breads enjoyed with Baba Ghanoush. Dessert is a great way to finish a Tapas menu, and is perfect to cleanse the palate after dinner. A Lime Tart is perfect to refresh the mouth after eating salty Tapas. Lime Tart can be served with Macadamia Nuts and Fresh Cream.

Are Tastings Necessary?

Much talk of tastings has been circulating over the last couple of years. Magazines, internet articles, wedding checklists have all written about tastings, with some insisting on a tasting before you book. Tastings can be a great way to have a pre-celebration before your function. Certainly look into this, but don't feel pressured if your caterer doesn't offer this service. If your price per person is very reasonable, there may not be the budget to include a tasting for the price offered.

Some restaurants and catering businesses recommend a pre-tasting to select your options of Finger Foods, Plated Dinners, Desserts and wines. When a restaurant or venue has an in-house catering service, this is a great option as they will generally have staff and food ingredients required to provide small portions for tastings. Do ask the cost of this service, it may be part of your package, however generally will not be included to keep the costs down for your function.

Mobile caterers may not have the flexibility to offer tastings, as they don't have a restaurant or staff on call to suit your time schedule. Don't be concerned about this, as mobile caterers run very differently to a set venue or restaurant. As mobile caterer's source food fresh for each function, buying smaller quantities for tastings may prove to be an expensive and time consuming task.

Special Diets and Catering

As a professional caterer, it is important to understand if you will be catering for any special dietary requirements. This can include people who simply choose not to eat certain foods; however others have severe allergic reactions to certain food types.

When planning to use a professional caterer, it can be a good idea to choose a menu that offers a range of both hot and cold food options. This may sound simple, yet will generally offer a range of different ingredients. With diversity comes choice for guests. Your caterer will not change the type of catering to suit one or two people; however they may be able to provide suitable options for vegetarians, people with gluten intolerances or seafood or nut allergies.

While this may not be a big consideration for you when initially planning your menu and catering, when you receive RSVP's, guests will generally let you know in advance. This will allow you to discuss with your caterer in advance. Working with a caterer that you can easily talk with or email any details will save you time, additional money and stress. If you are planning a BBQ menu, your chef may provide individual mini quiches for vegetarians, however for large corporate events this may require larger changes to the service, planning and presentation.

Common Food Restrictions

Vegetarians: Don't eat meat

Gluten Intolerant: Allergic reaction to foods with gluten

Seafood and Nuts: Allergy that can have serious health implications

Vegans: Generally will not eat animal derived ingredients

Guest Numbers and Catering

Guest numbers are very important when planning your function. Your choice of venue may depend on the number of guests attending and the space required. When organizing your function catering do consider the number of guests you are happy to cater for.

Catering is generally booked on a certain number of guests. This will generally apply for all bookings, with the price depending on the total number of guests. If you are having a small function a surcharge may be applied, with the total amount quoted before any booking is secured. With larger functions the price per person may be reduced or additional items provided on the menu to accommodate for guest numbers.

You may not have accurate numbers when booking a caterer, especially if RSVP's are required close to your function date. It is important to check any minimum numbers, especially if your function is on a Saturday night. Saturday's are the busiest time for functions and weddings and may have a minimum charge. While many caterers are happy to work with you, it is difficult to cancel orders last minute with suppliers. Keep this in mind with last minute cancellations, as while some guests do cancel other guests may not RSVP.

It seems to be industry averages when working on guest lists for weddings, that as many as 10-15% may not be able to attend due to distance, work or family commitments. Speak with your caterer and ask about minimum guest numbers, when final guest numbers are required and if guest numbers are down if you are able to keep remaining food. While this may not be suitable for all menus, buffets generally will have food remaining. Work with the number of guests you are happy to cater for, and book a caterer to suit your menu and location. They will work with you to provide excellent food and service, no matter the number of guests in attendance.

How to Work With Your Caterer

Working with your caterer on the day of your function is sometimes overlooked. Many hours of planning goes into a function before the actual event, however a few minutes at the job can really make the difference, especially if there are any last minute changes.

Make yourself available to your caterer, or have a point of contact for the function. If you know you will be busy with photos at a wedding, or organizing games for a party it is very beneficial for your caterer to have someone they can speak with. The MC is the perfect point of contact at a wedding, and a friend or family member if the function is held at a private property. Timing is very important when catering to ensure food is served hot or cold to guests. If guests are running late it is good to be able to confirm any changes to the schedule.

Guests generally do have questions like where to put presents, where can I leave my coat, and it is good to have someone available to direct these questions. Sometimes the small details are overlooked, and your caterer will help out if possible. When drinks are being served without a full bar operating, there can also be many bottles, empty glasses and general rubbish cluttering the party space. A caterer will work with you to reduce the rubbish, however if they are not specifically looking after the bar they may be busy with serving the food.

It is very important when holding a function at a private residence to provide plenty of bins for trash. This does sound so simple and makes for good common sense, yet this is often overlooked. Placing bins around will encourage guests to keep the area tidy, as save you time picking up bottles during the night.