HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING CATERER: THE FOOD
- Dec 9, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: May 5, 2020
For many couples, the food they serve at their wedding is almost as important as the venue they select. But, picking a wedding caterer is no small feat. We have assembled a few questions to ask when you are interviewing caterers about their food.
The Question:
Do you specialize in a certain type of cuisine?
The Reason:
Many companies are known for specific types of cuisine, such as regional specialties or accommodating specific health preferences. It is a good idea to inquire about what means the most to you; specific flavors, specific proteins, a particular dessert, etc.
Our Response:
We specialize in regional and global food with big, bold flavors. On Safari delivers the world on your plate but doesn’t forget about the comforts of home. We can prepare curries from around the world or recreate your favorite childhood recipe.
The Question:
Where do you source your food?
The Reason:
Caterers, especially large ones, have a significant effect on the larger food production market. Where they choose to buy their raw ingredients can helps to grow those businesses they are buying from. Caterers who buy sustainably, help to support small farmers with positive growing practices. Though this is not the most important aspect of the decision for many couples, we would encourage you to at least take it into consideration when choosing your wedding caterer.
Our Response:
We care about people and our planet. That's why we source our ingredients with a focus on sustainable farming and humane animal raising practices. We utilize as much local product as possible from Washington-grown produce to PNW produced grains and meats.
The Question:
Which dietary restrictions and choices can you accommodate?
The Reason:
Your guest list may include vegans, vegetarians, and even a few gluten-free guests. Knowing the limitations of your guests or your own preferences is important, as is knowing the ability of your caterer. Preparing food for a wide variety of restrictions includes knowing the proper practices for handling allergies and true intolerances.
Our Response:
Our event catering team has considerable experience with allergens and dietary preferences We offer fully vegan and vegetarian menus as well as fully gluten-free menus. We can also accommodate a wide array of allergies. Please note that we are not a gluten-free or nut-free facility.
The Question:
Do you offer kosher menus?
The Reason:
Catering for guests who require kosher menus can be complex because it covers both the food that is served and how and where that food is prepared. It is important to understand whether your caterer is able to comply with your particular requirements.
Our Response:
Our team has detailed knowledge of and experience with Kosher food practices. We specialize in kosher and kosher-style catering. All meals made in our catering kitchen can be prepared kosher-style in keeping with the guidelines for meat or dairy meals, and we can use kosher meats upon request for an additional cost. Meals can be prepared kosher or Glatt kosher if cooked in a kosher kitchen. On Safari Foods is a preferred caterer at many kosher synagogues in Seattle also works with the Seattle Va’ad.
The Question:
Do you have any kid-friendly meal options?
The Reason:
While the trend toward adult-only weddings is widespread, for many their wedding is still very much a family affair. Kids' tastes are not always as sophisticated as adults, so if there is a large group of children present, a kid’s buffet can be a great idea.
Our Response:
We can accommodate even the pickiest palate! Depending on the style of your event, we can prepare a kids-only buffet or incorporate kid-friendly foods into the buffet. Everyone loves our creamy mac and cheese!
The Question:
Do you offer custom menus? Or is it prix-fixe only?
The Reason:
Keep in mind that neither option is inherently better than the other. It’s just that some couples come to the table with a very clear idea of what they want, while others are happy to be led by the expertise of their caterer. Either way, it’s a good question to ask before diving in.
Our Response:
We offer pre-set menus that can serve as a starting point or we can create an entirely custom menu for your unique wedding.
The Question:
Is there a tasting? What are the details?
The Reason:
Some companies provide free tastings while others charge. Some companies offer a fixed menu for tasting while others let you customize. If you don’t have any experience with the caterer you may use, trying the food beforehand is always a good idea.
Our Response:
Once you have worked with us on initial menu options, it's time to schedule a menu tasting. Wedding catering tastings are free for parties who have already confirmed their wedding with On Safari Foods and are $150 for non-confirmed parties. If you confirm after the tasting, the $150 fee will go towards your final bill. (Tastings are for a maximum of 4 guests, will include approximately 80% of your menu, and are offered Tuesday through Friday, 1pm-4pm.)
On Safari Foods has repeatedly been voted the Best Wedding Caterer in Seattle. We offer each and every couple mouthwatering cuisine, exceptional service, and most importantly – peace of mind.
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