Everything you need to know about Menu Tastings<\/h2> ![\"marigoldsandonions0001\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNjAwIiB3aWR0aD0iOTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYwMCIgZGF0YS11PSJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ldmVudHNvdXJjZS5jYSUyRmJsb2clMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMTUlMkYwMyUyRm1hcmlnb2xkc2FuZG9uaW9uczAwMDEuanBnIiBkYXRhLXc9IjkwMCIgZGF0YS1oPSI2MDAiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/a><\/div> Photo Courtesy of Marigolds & Onions<\/span><\/p> The idea of a tasting sure sounds fun, but\u00a0remember, you’re not there for a night on the town; you’re there to make some very important decisions that will impact one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. So what should you expect from a tasting?\u00a0Our friends at Marigolds & Onions<\/a> tell us:<\/p> “The tasting offers the couple an additional opportunity to meet the caterer and sample their selected wedding menu.\u00a0 At this time, the menu can\u00a0be\u00a0\u201ctweaked\u201d to ensure that the couple is\u00a0fully satisfied.\u00a0 Feedback on the food being\u00a0sampled is strongly<\/strong> encouraged:\u00a0discuss everything from presentation to actual taste and flavours (i.e. seasoning, types of sauce, personal likes & dislikes etc.).\u00a0 If the couple is\u00a0torn as to what to select, do not hesitate to ask for a sampling of more than one item, as caterers regard the tasting as a trial run to the big event. \u00a0During the\u00a0tasting, the caterer will often bring in rentals for viewing \u2013 from glassware to china to cutlery and linen.” <\/em>In short, the tasting\u00a0is your final\u00a0chance to speak now\u00a0or forever hold your peace.<\/p> Now what about the timelines and the costs associated with tastings? \u00a0“There is no set rule as to how far in advance you have to book your tasting and every couple is different in terms of the pace in which they plan their wedding. Some couples choose to book a tasting prior to finalizing their caterer selection – they wish to meet and greet various caterers prior to making their final decision\u00a0(be sure to inquire about\u00a0any fees should you end up NOT booking with a caterer).\u00a0 Other couples will book their caterer based on their rapport with their event representative and the reputation of the catering company. \u00a0In this case, the couple often\u00a0comes in for a tasting to finalize their menu and to work on other details as the wedding approaches.”<\/em><\/p>
\u00a0Some Venues have a “preferred” list of caterers. \u00a0What exactly does\u00a0this mean?<\/h2> ![\"fooddudes0001\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNjAwIiB3aWR0aD0iOTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYwMCIgZGF0YS11PSJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ldmVudHNvdXJjZS5jYSUyRmJsb2clMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMTUlMkYwMyUyRmZvb2RkdWRlczAwMDEuanBnIiBkYXRhLXc9IjkwMCIgZGF0YS1oPSI2MDAiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/a><\/div> Photo Courtesy of Food Dudes<\/span><\/p> As you search for your venue<\/a>, you’ll begin to notice that many venues have a list of “preferred” caterers. On the surface, this simply means that the venue has done extensive work with these particular companies\u00a0and has thus “pre-approved” them.<\/p> So why is this important? \u00a0Imagine being a caterer and being told you have a wedding\u00a0gig\u00a0for 250 wedding guests. \u00a0So far, so good, but here’s the catch:\u00a0you’ve never seen the space, you don’t know the limitations of the space, you don’t how where to set up your food stations, bars, delivery, etc… \u00a0You don’t even know where the kitchen is! \u00a0No easy feat.\u00a0This is where preferred\u00a0caterers come in – they know the space inside and out, a major advantage to helping ensure the success of your special day.<\/p>
Now here’s where things get interesting:\u00a0some venues with preferred lists will still allow you to bring in your own caterer (additional charges often\u00a0known as “landmark fees” may or may not apply), while\u00a0for other spaces, “preferred” actually means “required”. \u00a0General rule of thumb?\u00a0Large spaces = required; smaller spaces = suggested. \u00a0When in doubt, ask your caterer.<\/p>
For example, June Mittler at Food Dudes<\/a><\/strong> tells us: “if a client wants to book our company to work at a venue that we have not worked at before, we always get in touch directly with that venue \u00a0first to find out a little more about them to ensure a successful service before we get deep into the details and specifics. We\u00a0typically find out the size, what rentals are provided by the venue, if they provide their own bar, bartenders, or staffing, etc. We also like to arrange a\u00a0site visit by our event coordinator so that we get to know\u00a0the layout of the kitchen, what equipment is available for our use, meet our point of contact face to face, and basically get a good feel of the venue so we can help our clients out and be as knowledgeable as possible with a space we are not as familiar with.”<\/em><\/p>
Who is my\u00a0On Site\u00a0Catering Dream Team?<\/h2> ![\"danieletdaniel0001\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNjAwIiB3aWR0aD0iOTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYwMCIgZGF0YS11PSJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ldmVudHNvdXJjZS5jYSUyRmJsb2clMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMTUlMkYwMyUyRmRhbmllbGV0ZGFuaWVsMDAwMS5qcGciIGRhdGEtdz0iOTAwIiBkYXRhLWg9IjYwMCIgZGF0YS1iaXA9IiI+PC9zdmc+\")
<\/a><\/div> Photo Courtesy of Daniel et Daniel<\/span><\/p> Flawless execution of your wedding day\u00a0involves crystal clear communication between all of your event\u00a0staff – all working in tandem from\u00a0behind the scenes. \u00a0Russell Day from Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events<\/a><\/strong> shares with us\u00a0exactly what your caterer needs to provide:<\/p> Catering Coordinator:<\/strong>\u00a0One of the most vitally\u00a0important people – this is the person who has been the couple’s primary point of contact from the very beginning of the planning process. \u00a0The couple can expect that the coordinator\u00a0will have communicated all set up details to the staff and will be on site to troubleshoot so that all the little details are not left to the couple on their special day. \u00a0The coordinator\u00a0also\u00a0looks after any changes and will execute the service with professionalism and a smile! Bonus tidbit: in the unlikely event that the coordinator\u00a0cannot be available on the day of your wedding, reputable caterers always have a back up plan and will ensure that another representative is\u00a0introduced to the couple well in advance and is\u00a0thoroughly\u00a0briefed\u00a0ahead of time.<\/p> Head Chef:<\/strong>\u00a0We select our chefs very carefully for our events.\u00a0 If there has been a tasting, our Chef will arrive armed with tasting pictures and full knowledge of plate presentation and all event details.\u00a0 Upon arrival, our chefs\u00a0will sort through all of the equipment required and will be briefed by the coordinator\u00a0on any details that may have changed so as\u00a0to ensure total event success.<\/p> Head Waiter:<\/strong>\u00a0The first server on any event is a head waiter.\u00a0They will look after ensuring that the service runs smoothly, efficiently and that the service staff is friendly and accommodating.<\/p> Delivery Staff:<\/strong>\u00a0The unsung heroes of your big day – efficient, friendly and organized, delivery personnel are vital to making sure the day runs smoothly. \u00a0Good delivery staff will arrive promptly (barring any unforeseen traffic!) and will be in and out with a minimum of fuss, ensuring that all items of a couple’s order are checked, packed, and delivered to the proper locations on site.<\/p>
Review the Reviews<\/h2> ![\"encorecatering0001\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCA5MDAgNjAwIiB3aWR0aD0iOTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYwMCIgZGF0YS11PSJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5ldmVudHNvdXJjZS5jYSUyRmJsb2clMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMTUlMkYwMyUyRmVuY29yZWNhdGVyaW5nMDAwMS5qcGciIGRhdGEtdz0iOTAwIiBkYXRhLWg9IjYwMCIgZGF0YS1iaXA9IiI+PC9zdmc+\")
<\/a><\/div> Photo Courtesy of Encore Catering<\/span><\/p>
Photo Courtesy of Marigolds & Onions<\/span><\/p> The idea of a tasting sure sounds fun, but\u00a0remember, you’re not there for a night on the town; you’re there to make some very important decisions that will impact one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. So what should you expect from a tasting?\u00a0Our friends at Marigolds & Onions<\/a> tell us:<\/p> “The tasting offers the couple an additional opportunity to meet the caterer and sample their selected wedding menu.\u00a0 At this time, the menu can\u00a0be\u00a0\u201ctweaked\u201d to ensure that the couple is\u00a0fully satisfied.\u00a0 Feedback on the food being\u00a0sampled is strongly<\/strong> encouraged:\u00a0discuss everything from presentation to actual taste and flavours (i.e. seasoning, types of sauce, personal likes & dislikes etc.).\u00a0 If the couple is\u00a0torn as to what to select, do not hesitate to ask for a sampling of more than one item, as caterers regard the tasting as a trial run to the big event. \u00a0During the\u00a0tasting, the caterer will often bring in rentals for viewing \u2013 from glassware to china to cutlery and linen.” <\/em>In short, the tasting\u00a0is your final\u00a0chance to speak now\u00a0or forever hold your peace.<\/p> Now what about the timelines and the costs associated with tastings? \u00a0“There is no set rule as to how far in advance you have to book your tasting and every couple is different in terms of the pace in which they plan their wedding. Some couples choose to book a tasting prior to finalizing their caterer selection – they wish to meet and greet various caterers prior to making their final decision\u00a0(be sure to inquire about\u00a0any fees should you end up NOT booking with a caterer).\u00a0 Other couples will book their caterer based on their rapport with their event representative and the reputation of the catering company. \u00a0In this case, the couple often\u00a0comes in for a tasting to finalize their menu and to work on other details as the wedding approaches.”<\/em><\/p> Photo Courtesy of Food Dudes<\/span><\/p> As you search for your venue<\/a>, you’ll begin to notice that many venues have a list of “preferred” caterers. On the surface, this simply means that the venue has done extensive work with these particular companies\u00a0and has thus “pre-approved” them.<\/p> So why is this important? \u00a0Imagine being a caterer and being told you have a wedding\u00a0gig\u00a0for 250 wedding guests. \u00a0So far, so good, but here’s the catch:\u00a0you’ve never seen the space, you don’t know the limitations of the space, you don’t how where to set up your food stations, bars, delivery, etc… \u00a0You don’t even know where the kitchen is! \u00a0No easy feat.\u00a0This is where preferred\u00a0caterers come in – they know the space inside and out, a major advantage to helping ensure the success of your special day.<\/p> Now here’s where things get interesting:\u00a0some venues with preferred lists will still allow you to bring in your own caterer (additional charges often\u00a0known as “landmark fees” may or may not apply), while\u00a0for other spaces, “preferred” actually means “required”. \u00a0General rule of thumb?\u00a0Large spaces = required; smaller spaces = suggested. \u00a0When in doubt, ask your caterer.<\/p> For example, June Mittler at Food Dudes<\/a><\/strong> tells us: “if a client wants to book our company to work at a venue that we have not worked at before, we always get in touch directly with that venue \u00a0first to find out a little more about them to ensure a successful service before we get deep into the details and specifics. We\u00a0typically find out the size, what rentals are provided by the venue, if they provide their own bar, bartenders, or staffing, etc. We also like to arrange a\u00a0site visit by our event coordinator so that we get to know\u00a0the layout of the kitchen, what equipment is available for our use, meet our point of contact face to face, and basically get a good feel of the venue so we can help our clients out and be as knowledgeable as possible with a space we are not as familiar with.”<\/em><\/p> Photo Courtesy of Daniel et Daniel<\/span><\/p> Flawless execution of your wedding day\u00a0involves crystal clear communication between all of your event\u00a0staff – all working in tandem from\u00a0behind the scenes. \u00a0Russell Day from Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events<\/a><\/strong> shares with us\u00a0exactly what your caterer needs to provide:<\/p> Catering Coordinator:<\/strong>\u00a0One of the most vitally\u00a0important people – this is the person who has been the couple’s primary point of contact from the very beginning of the planning process. \u00a0The couple can expect that the coordinator\u00a0will have communicated all set up details to the staff and will be on site to troubleshoot so that all the little details are not left to the couple on their special day. \u00a0The coordinator\u00a0also\u00a0looks after any changes and will execute the service with professionalism and a smile! Bonus tidbit: in the unlikely event that the coordinator\u00a0cannot be available on the day of your wedding, reputable caterers always have a back up plan and will ensure that another representative is\u00a0introduced to the couple well in advance and is\u00a0thoroughly\u00a0briefed\u00a0ahead of time.<\/p> Head Chef:<\/strong>\u00a0We select our chefs very carefully for our events.\u00a0 If there has been a tasting, our Chef will arrive armed with tasting pictures and full knowledge of plate presentation and all event details.\u00a0 Upon arrival, our chefs\u00a0will sort through all of the equipment required and will be briefed by the coordinator\u00a0on any details that may have changed so as\u00a0to ensure total event success.<\/p> Head Waiter:<\/strong>\u00a0The first server on any event is a head waiter.\u00a0They will look after ensuring that the service runs smoothly, efficiently and that the service staff is friendly and accommodating.<\/p> Delivery Staff:<\/strong>\u00a0The unsung heroes of your big day – efficient, friendly and organized, delivery personnel are vital to making sure the day runs smoothly. \u00a0Good delivery staff will arrive promptly (barring any unforeseen traffic!) and will be in and out with a minimum of fuss, ensuring that all items of a couple’s order are checked, packed, and delivered to the proper locations on site.<\/p> Photo Courtesy of Encore Catering<\/span><\/p>
\u00a0Some Venues have a “preferred” list of caterers. \u00a0What exactly does\u00a0this mean?<\/h2>
<\/a><\/div>
Who is my\u00a0On Site\u00a0Catering Dream Team?<\/h2>
<\/a><\/div>
Review the Reviews<\/h2>
<\/a><\/div>