“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”
~George Bernard Shaw
THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST
Put the party in overdrive without lifting a finger
Okay, so there’s a shindig on the horizon. And, as hostess, you’ve done the intelligent thing and have decided to hire a caterer. Not only will you be able to wow your guests with unforgettable fare and drinks that hit the spot, but you’ll be able to spend time enjoying yourself at the event while someone else worries about the food behind the scenes.
By now you have probably set the date, decided on the venue, estimated how many guests will be invited, and thought about what kind of food you would like to serve. Your next step is to hire the holy grail of the party experience… the perfect caterer.
If you’re wondering just how you’re going to decide who to use, read through our handy guide.
Armed with a list of things to look for, you’ll be in contact with the cream of the crop in no time.
COMPARING APPLES WITH APPLES
Qualities of top-notch caterers
In no particular order, these are the top ten things that you should be looking for when hiring a caterer:
- Great taste
The proof is in the pudding! Ask to taste the caterer’s signature dishes, then go from there.
What you’re after is fresh, timeless, sublime food that is going to blow your guests away.
- Excellent references
Word of mouth is still the best gauge, so ask friends if they know of any good catering companies.
When interviewing the candidates on your shortlist, don’t forget to ask for references.
- Value for money
Affordability is important, but don’t go for the cheapest quote at the cost of quality. The ideal is a caterer who will work with you, and who strives to offer you top-notch food at the best possible price.
- Warm personality
You’ll be working together closely, so it’s important that you like the caterer you’re going to hire for your bash. If you don’t get a good vibe from them, or if you don’t ‘click’ straight away, move on.
- The ‘it factor’
Catered events aren’t an everyday occurrence, so make sure that whoever you choose is going to dazzle. You’re looking for classy, creative, beautifully-presented food that’s made with flair.
- Flexibility
Make sure that you choose a caterer who is willing to discuss your specific needs. If you want to avoid a specific ingredient, or want something presented in a different way, they should accommodate you.
- Passion
There are a lot of catering companies out there, and not all are created equal. Avoid the cookie-cutter approach and rather hire someone who absolutely loves what they do and is willing to go the extra mile.
- Professionalism
It’s paramount that whoever you choose is approachable, accountable, punctual and responsible.
Make sure that your chosen caterer is one who handles financial and business aspects with aplomb.
- Precision
The ideal is to find a caterer who listens carefully to your brief, then tries to execute every detail as close to your requests as possible. Attention to detail and precise follow-through are as important as flavour.
- High standards
A good caterer is one who is ultra-strict about hygiene, uses the best quality produce, and adopts authentic methods - which means all food is made from scratch (no pre-mixes or frozen items allowed!)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Get deciding, then get hiring!
You can’t go wrong with our 10-point action plan:
- Become au fait with the qualities you’re looking for
- Ask friends, relatives and colleagues for referrals
- Look in foodie magazines, websites such as SA Foodies or your local newspaper for inspiration
- Call local clubs and venues and ask if they can recommend a good caterer
- Make a comprehensive list of all the catering companies in your area (with referred favourites at the top)
- Don’t dilly-dally! Good caterers are in high demand, so pick up that telephone and start calling around
- Make a shortlist of those available on your required date
- Ask if you can sample one or two of each shortlisted caterer’s dishes before deciding who gets the nod
- Make your decision
- Make your booking and pay the required deposit without delay
Now that the job is done and the decision has been made, you can sit back with a big, self-satisfied smile on your face and a cup of tea in hand, knowing that your soirée is going to be absolutely fabulous.
“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing
and devote our attention to eating.”
~Luciano Pavarotti
