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.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings, we recommend booking 6–12 months out to secure your date, especially during peak season (April, May, September, October, December). Corporate and social events can often work on a shorter timeline, as little as two weeks' notice, or 3 business days for delivery. Reach out and we'll let you know what's available.
Is the food cooked fresh on site?
Yes. Our chefs cook on site whenever possible, using a satellite or mobile kitchen setup — even at venues without a kitchen of their own. Everything is scratch-made, not reheated from a central commissary.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Yes. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, shellfish-free, kosher-style, and all major dietary needs. For buffet events, guests with dietary needs don't have to eat from the buffet. Our staff can bring their meal directly to them, as long as we have the details in advance.
Do you offer kids' meals?
Yes. Kids' meals start at $22 per person and include passed apps during cocktail hour plus a kid-friendly dinner (chicken tenders, fruit, potatoes, ketchup, ranch). Just let us know your headcount and we'll take care of the rest.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes. Private tastings run Tuesday–Thursday, typically after 4 PM, at Toast Cafe (11455 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley). The fee is $130 for two people ($150 with dessert), $50 refunded if you book with us — or complimentary if you book before your tasting. Additional guests can be added at $25/pp (up to 5, non-refundable), and your planner attends free. Fee must be prepaid at least 7 days out. Tastings are available for events with a $3,500 minimum food spend.
The venue doesn't have a kitchen. Can you still cater there?
Yes, this is very common. We typically set up a mobile kitchen in the loading area, garage, or another hidden space to cook on site. If there's no room for that, we'll design a menu that travels well and arrives in excellent condition without compromising quality.
Can you handle rentals like tables, chairs, tenting, and lighting?
Yes. As a full-service caterer, we can coordinate all rental needs (dance floors, lighting, tents, draping, heaters, and more). If you'd rather manage rentals yourself, a $200 coordination fee covers our time reviewing and cross-checking that order.
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 cater Persian weddings?
Yes. We have a dedicated Persian menu and a team fluent in the food traditions, presentation, and scale these celebrations call for. Persian menus start at $38/pp and include display bites and a full buffet. Tasting eligibility starts at $3,000 in food spend. Reach out to discuss your menu and we'll build a proposal specific to your event.
What is Toast Cafe?
Our brick-and-mortar cafe at 11455 El Camino Real in Carmel Valley — it's our private tasting location for prospective clients and also open to the public. It's available as a private event venue for up to 135 guests, with a $1,000 rental fee (free for non-profits with a food and beverage purchase).