To place an order please contact Catering-Vancouver-Dot-Net at 604.721.1491 or email us
How do I pay for my order?
We require a credit card to guarantee all orders (we accept all the major credit cards except Discover). Please let us know if you'd like to pay by other means when you receive your platters, otherwise, we'll have your credit card receipt ready for you when you pick-up, or we'll bring it with your delivery. Established corporate / institutional customers receive an invoice for submission at the time of delivery or pick-up.
Will you modify your ingredients in a given dish?
Yes we will
Do your prices vary by season?
Some prices may vary with seasonal availability and fluctuating costs. You will be advised of any changes when you place your order.
Is a gratuity automatically added to my order?
We do not automatically add gratuities to catering orders. We are often asked if tipping is customary, to which we respond that some customers do and others don't. The matter is up to you. Gratuities are shared among all who helped prepare and execute your order.
Do you have service staff available?
Our Catering Department does provide service staff as part of its special event catering.
Do you use frozen or prepackaged food?
No. All of our food is made and delivered fresh to your event.
Do you provide tables, chairs, napkins, plates, etc.?
We will work with you to arrange for all the appropriate rental items for your event. They will be delivered to your venue, cleaned and returned back the next day. All of our proposals will include rental items if you request. We allow for a small mark up if we are coordinating the rental items. There are a few venues in Austin that require same day pickup of rentals. There is often a premium charged ($300+) for this service. We will work with you to determine the best way to handle your rentals.
Can your staff handle setting up seating for the ceremony and then rearranging that seating for the reception?
Yes. We will work together to determine the best placement of the tables and chairs and make sure they are placed for the reception. This often requires extra staff members be added to the event at an additional cost. If you have people in your wedding party that can lend a hand that is most helpful.
How does the food setup work? Do you put it out in rounds, or just lay it out in trays and once it's gone it's gone?
Unlike some catering companies that deliver their food in plastic warming containers and serve in chafing dishes, most often we display ours on beautiful ceramic platters -- hot from our mobile kitchen if required. We will refill the platters during the entire event as needed. We will sometimes require the use of chafing dishes depending on the menu.
Can you provide a certified bartender?
Yes, we can. Typically, bartender is on site to make special drinks as well as limit the alcohol consumption of your guests. Due to the extra responsibility involved, there is an extra fee charged for a cerified bartender.
Can you provide someone to cut the wedding cake?
Yes. At every event, one of our staff members is available to cut and serve the wedding cake. There is a small fee of $50 for this service. You are welcome to have a family member perform the duties as well. We will also wrap the cake topper for you to take at the end of the event.
Is the tax and gratuity included in your proposal?
Due to state sales tax laws, we include sales tax on all of our proposals. We do not include gratuity. The gratuity is your decision based on our service. We hope you will like our food and service enough to tip our hard working staff.
How do you handle leftovers?
We will work with you to do what you wish with the leftovers. Often, we make a few "to go" boxes for the bride and groom to enjoy in private. You payed for the food and therefore are welcome to the leftovers.
Do you offer tasting's?
We have two tasting opportunities available: A private meeting where you can sample from a sample box or attend an event we are catering and sample that evenings fare.
How much time do you need for setup and clean up?
We often arrive 1.5-2 hours before the event and stay 1-2 hours after for clean up. It is up to your venue to dictate the hours the hall is available.
Can you provide liquor?
At this time we don't have a state liquor license. We will be happy to take delivery of your alcohol at your venue, place it in ice if need be, and provide a bartender to serve it to your guests. Ultimately, you are responsible for alcohol consumption at your event.
Do you require that a contract be signed before the event? What is your payment policy?
Yes. We have a standard caterers contract that is signed upon delivery of the deposit. We require 1/2 the event total at contract signing. The remainder is due on or before the event day. The contract protects us both from unforeseen events that could ruin an otherwise happy occasion.
How far in advance do I have to place a catering order?
We suggest ordering at least 24-48 hours in advance since some items from our catering menu require 24-48 hours notice, but we are also able to process last minute requests.
What is the minimum number of people required for catering orders?
We have 15 person minimum for catering orders.
What is your delivery area?
We deliver in the Greater Vancouver Area. We strive to meet your needs so please call our catering office for more details.
What is included in our Catering order?
All Corporate orders come with all necessary basic plates, cups, utensils, napkins, serving utensils and condiments.
What additional services can you provide?
We can provide delivery, set-up and clean-up service, wait staff and bartenders. Full bar service is available (7 days notice required).
How do I decide on a menu?
You should begin by deciding if you want heavy or light foods. You can then choose from the several menu items listed on our website.
How soon in advance should I start planning my event?
Typically, you should begin planning small events at least one month in advance. Large events like weddings should be planned at least six months in advance. Of course, crises do occur. Last minute planning may still be possible.
How do I estimate the number of guests that will attend my event?
If you have an event that was not RSVP, you still need to know how much to prepare, right? You don't want to prepare too little food and not have enough for your guests, but you also don't want to prepare too much and risk wasting any. So how do we determine how many guests will show? Here's an easy formula:
# of guests invited x .66 x 1.15 = number of guests to anticipate
For example: 300 invited guests x .66 = 198 x 1.15 = 228 anticipated guests.
What should I consider in selecting a caterer?
Quality, Service and Value are three of the main items that you should consider. Your caterer should provide personalized service to make your event a success. Of course, the price should fit within your budget.
Can you prepare an intimate dinner for two?
Yes, any private site can be transformed into a romantic hideaway.
What is your lead-time for events?
Formal events require 2-4 hrs. set-up time and deliveries require 30 minutes to one-hour set-up.
Can you provide theme menus for a special occasion?
Yes, theme events are available. Staff wardrobe is available at an additional cost.
Do you have a list of previous customers I can contact as a reference?
Yes, we have a list of references available.
What distinguishes you from other caterer's?
Our food and service. You'll find our culinary presentations to be comparable to any five star restaurant but the flavor of our food surpasses any establishment... because we prepare with the freshest ingredients coupled with perfect spices and seasons.
How much of the clean up am I responsible for after an event?
Our staff will clean the food preparation and food service area and all other areas should be worked with event site janitorial service. Normally, each event site charges a deposit and clean-up fee, which is usually a minimum amount, as long as there is no structural damage.
Do you travel long distance?
Yes, we are available to travel in BC.
How many hours does the staff remain at the event site?
Based on the number of guests and the services we provide, the staff can remain on site for 2-8 hours. Typically, most large events have 3-5 hours food service time and staff can remain an additional 2-3 hours if bar services are required.
What price range is your menu?
Prices range from $10 - $50 and greater. Buffets are typically less expensive than seated dinners. The price may increase based on the meal; i.e. custom menu selections may be slightly more expensive.
Can you provide a list of event site?
Yes, we have several venues to choose from including our own
|
Questions to Ask :
|
|
• How many years have your wedding caterer been in business?
• What percentage of your wedding caterer business is dedicated to
wedding receptions?
• Does your wedding caterer have liability insurance?
• Is your wedding caterer licensed to serve alcohol?
• When does your wedding caterer require the final head-count?
• What is the ratio of servers to guests for your wedding caterer?
• How much gratuity does your wedding caterer expect?
• What is the cake-cutting fee of your wedding caterer?
• What is your wedding caterer bartending fee?
• What is your wedding caterer fee to clean up after the reception?
• What is your wedding caterer payment/cancellation policy?
|
Questions to Ask Wedding Caterer :
• What type of food items do you recommend for my budget and number of guests?
• What type of service, sit-down dinner or buffet, would be best?
• Discuss menu selections, ask the cost per person.
• Do you provide linens? Is there an additional fee?
• Is there a color selection?
• Do you supply glasses, plates and silverware?
• Is there an additional charge?
• Do you handle all rental equipment such as tables, chairs, serving pieces?
• Would it cost less if I handle the rentals myself?
• How much time will you need to set up?
• Can we go over the table locations and seating arrangements ahead of time?
• Do you handle clean up? Rental returns?
• Will you personally handle and attend my reception?
• If not, what is the name of the person who will?
• Do you make arrangements for flowers, decorations, and music?
• Do you provide the wedding cake?
• If not, is there a cake cutting fee?
• Do you charge extra to pour coffee?
• Will you provide the groom's cake, if we want one?
• Do you provide the liquor?
• What is the per drink cost?
• Is it cheaper if we provide our own liquor?
• Do you charge a corkage fee per bottle if we provide our own wine and champagne?
• Do you require a guaranteed number of guests?
• What is the latest date I can give you a final guest count?
• Do you have a contract?
• When will you provide the final per person cost?
• What is the payment policy?
• What is the deposit to hold the date?
• What is your refund or cancellation policy?
• Are gratuities already figured in the total price?
• If so, what percent is being charged?
• Do you provide food for the photographer, videographer or musicians?
• Is this an extra per person fee?
• Will you pack a to-go snack for the bride and groom?
• Will you pack the top tier of the wedding cake?
