Frequently Asked Catering Questions

What should I look for when comparing caterers?

Ultimately you want to know who offers the best quality food at your event. When comparing catering proposals, look which catering company has more chefs scheduled to work your event. That dictates who offers the freshest quality food on your event date and focuses more on the finished product.

Do you provide alcohol?

We have a beer and wine license. Hard liquor can be provided by our clients. Our BYOB (Bring Your Own  Booze) is our most popular bar package.

How many servers and bartenders do I need?

The more servers you hire, the better and faster service your guests will get. We usually recommend 1 server per 25 guests for buffet and 1 server per 20 guests for a plated service. For beer and wine bar service, we recommend one bartender for 100 people. For full bar we recommend one bartender for 70 people. Remember, more staff is always better.

Do you do tastings?

Yes, we offer only private tastings and schedule them usually Tuesday-Thursday. We charge a $130 tasting fee for two people ($50 will be refunded if you decide to book with us). You can bring additional people for a $25/person extra fee (non-refundable), up to 5 people total (including your wedding planner, or 4 people without one). The tasting fee must be prepaid at least one week before your scheduled tasting date. Tastings are available for events where clients spend a minimum of $3500 just on food (staff, rentals, sales tax, beverages not included). They are held at our cafe (TOAST CAFE) at 11455 El Camino Real, San Diego 92130 usually after 4 pm.

When is the final count due?

The final count is due 14 days before the event. This count is considered a guarantee. Once your party is booked, you'll be provided with a contract with the final count date.

The venue does not have a kitchen. Can you cater my event?

Most venues do not have a commercial kitchen. We typically use the loading area to stage our kitchen, so we can finish cooking the food on site. If that is not an option, we create a menu where the food is brought in precooked without compromising the quality of the food.

Can you provide tables, chairs, lighting, etc.?

We are a full service catering company. We can handle all your rental needs (dance floor, lighting, tent, draping, heaters, etc.).

Do you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?

Yes, we have you covered with vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, nut free, shellfish, kosher like and all major dietary needs. If you are doing buffet style dinner for your event, you do not need to offer all dietary meals at the buffet. Our staff can bring them their special meals (as long as we know in advance their details and how to locate them). Usually your event planner will assist with that task.

Which dinner service is best for me and what will my wedding catering cost in San Diego?

The prices below include food from our sample menu, chefs cooking the food fresh on site, satellite kitchen setup, tables for your buffet or food stations, china, flatware, linen napkins, water goblets and service staff. Sales tax, bar service, guest dining tables and chairs are not included but can be added.

Buffet is our most affordable option giving your guests a little more food options compared to a plated dinner service. It also has a more casual and relaxed vibe. Typical wedding with buffet dinner service price will range between $98/pp-$130/pp (sales tax, dinning tables and chairs not included in the price).

Family style dinner is our fastest dinner service while still offering your guests a little more variety compared to a plated dinner. Your guests will enjoy the communal experience which you do not see often at big banquet events. Typical wedding with Family Style dinner service price ranges between $118/pp-$146/pp (sales tax, dining tables and chairs not included in the price).

Plated dinner is the most elegant service, offering you restaurant quality presentation. It is also the easiest to request for a customized menu. A plated dinner service typically runs around $113/pp-$143/pp (sales tax, dining tables and chairs not included in the price).

Food stations will offer your guests the most variety of food. Typical wedding with Food Station dinner service ranges between $112/pp-$143/pp (sales tax, dining tables and chairs not included in the price).