Choosing
a caterer can be one of the most important decisions you make
to ensure that your celebration is a success. Here are some
key questions you should ask any caterer you consider, along
with answers for Cuisine D'uva.
Please do not hesitate to for more details.
Do
you specialize in certain type of food or service?
We
specialize in the needs of the client. We offer a lot of
variety and choice when it comes to the menu . We
make everything from scratch.
Menu
and price options will depend your personal preferences,
budget, the type of food and how it is served. See the summary
of the services we provide, along with a list of sample entrees and hors
d'oeuvres.
We will gladly
accommodate special needs, such as restricted diets, vegetarians,
diabetics, or kosher guests, etc. If desired, we can include
a recipe you provide such as a special family dish.
Where
will the food be cooked?
Food is cooked in a commercial kitchen. We know that the
transportation and maintenance of adequate temperatures for
perishable food are critical, so we also own a refrigerated
truck with warming units.
How
much food will be provided? How large are the portions?
The
amount of food depends on the number of guests, the type
of gathering, the time of day and year, and the type of food
served.
What
happens to leftovers?
You have the option of
keeping any remaining food. Your guests might welcome
a cold plate later in the evening, or you might want to
give leftovers to guests who will be entertaining out-of-town
relatives. We can also donate remaining food to a homeless
shelter.
Who
cleans up after the event? Who
takes care of the garbage? Will plastics be recycled? Cuisine D'uva takes care of clean up during and
after meal service. We are an environmentally
responsible caterer, and will gladly separate plastics
for recycling at your request.
What
is the estimated cost per person, and what does that cost
include?(e.g., taxes and gratuities?)
Are costs itemized depending on the foods chosen, or
is there an inclusive flat rate?
This is an
important question. When you compare caterers, you need
to compare apples to apples. The type of
food served is the major factor in determining price. Please
let us know your budget up front. Don't assume that a buffet
or food stations will be less expensive than a sit-down
dinner. See the list of entrees and hors
d'oeuvres for sample
prices. We can quote prices 90 days prior to your event.
Our quotes include taxes.
What
happens if we wish to extend our party longer than originally
planned - will there be an overtime charge?
Yes.
How
much of a deposit is required?
A deposit of 50% is typical. We accept both cash and checks.
What
is the ratio of wait staff to guests? What will staff
be wearing? That depends on the type of service. A full sit-down
dinner requires more staff than a buffet. Generally
there will be at least 1-2 servers per 50 guests. Staff dress
professionally in black and white.
How long have you been in business?
Seven years.
Are you a full service caterer? Yes, we
can take care of all your party needs, from tables to tents,
chairs, glassware, salt and pepper shakers, linens, flatware,
china, steaming trays, bar, paper and plastics, floral arrangements,
decorating, etc.
Do you subcontract anything? No food preparation is subcontracted. If you desire
full service catering (e.g., floral arrangements), some of
those functions may be subcontracted.
Can you provide liquor? How will it be served:
in pitchers, carafes, by the bottle or the glass? Is there
a corkage fee? We are not currently serving liquor at events.
Do
you have photographs of food and displays?
Some photographs are on this website. We
also have a photo album we can show you.
Can we arrange to taste foods on the menu?
Yes,
at your home.
Will
there be a contract?
For larger events, yes. A
contract ensures that we have a mutual understanding of
what your needs are and what food and services will be
provided, so there are no surprises.
How
much advance time is needed to confirm a reservation? When
do I need to provide a final guest count?
It is best to confirm your reservation two months in advance.
For busy dates (e.g., holidays), the sooner the better. A final
guest count will be needed one week in advance.
What
if a family death or illness changes the date of the
event? What are your cancellation charge?
We will be flexible in accommodating your needs.
How
much advance time do you need to set up?
This depends on the type of service and number of guests, but
plan on 3-4 hours.
What business licenses or permits, certifications,
and insurance, do you have? We are fully insured,
and have all required permits and sanitation certificates.
Will the owner be there? The owner, Paul
Duva, will be there for you through all stages, from planning
to meal service on the day of the event. The only exception
would be when multiple events are scheduled for the same
date and time--that's why it's important to book with us
as early as possible.
May
we call two or three of your clients? Of course. We encourage you to do so.
We look forward to making your event special. Please contact us for more information.
