Questions to Ask A Caterer

1. Are they licensed and insured for off-site catering? A food service license is valid for restaurants, hotels and clubs. If the food service is at a rented venue or your home, the caterer is required by the Health Department regulations to have a separate, off-premise catering license. Caterers with these licenses have the equipment and training to safely transport and serve food outside of their kitchens. Most states do not allow catering to be produced in a home kitchen.

2. Do they have liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance? Liability insurance is for your protection. Workman’s compensation insurance protects you in case one of the service staff is injured while working your event.

3. Can you visit their kitchen? If a caterer says no – run! A professional caterer will be proud to show you their kitchen and introduce you to their culinary staff. Seeing the kitchen will tell you a great deal about the level of professionalism of a caterer.

4. Can you make changes to their menus or design your own menu? Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. You should be able to choose foods that you and your guests will enjoy. Your caterer will certainly have suggestions of foods that will fulfill your wishes, yet be practical to produce with the facilities available at your reception site.

5. Will they provide a tasting of their food? Most caterers are eager to have you taste their most popular items and will prepare a sampling for you when you meet. Don’t expect a full meal – you just want to have a sense of their flavors and presentation skills.

6. Do they have a contract? For your protection, it is important to have a contract that is clear about financial arrangements and that specifies how payment is to be made. Along with the contract, you should receive a written estimate showing all items you will be paying for.

The single most important question is one you ask yourself: Do I really like this caterer and do I feel confident she will do an exceptional job for me on my wedding day? If the answer is yes – reserve your date right away. (Premium days book up very quickly.) If you have doubts, it would be best to continue looking until you find a caterer you trust with your wedding day.

Want information about Chic Le Chef's Catering quickly?
Call us at (707) 987-9664 or email us at: info@chiclechef.com