Getting started

 

What service style is the best one for me?

We offer a wide array of service styles including fully staffed Live-Action cooking stations & elegantly plated sit-down dinners, staffed or self-serve buffets, and drop-off or will-call in disposable pans and platters. Our event coordinators are happy to customize your event - just let them know your vision.

 

Some basics to help set the scene:

 

Staffed events:

Yes, it’s just like it sounds. Your event staff will beautifully display all food + beverages, attend to your guest's every need, maintain their refreshments, ensure portion control, and clean up at the end of the event.  Choose from a wide array of service styles including live-action cooking stations, tray-passed mingling, staffed buffets, or elegantly plated sit-down service. 

 

Delivered buffet:

Your menu will be beautifully displayed & set up for guests to self-serve. Includes buffet tables, linens, chafing dishes, tiered platters, serving ware & coordinating buffet decor.  A delivery team member will return to pick up our equipment 2hrs later or the next morning. You are responsible for restocking and replenishing & all bussing.

 

Drop-off:

Just need the food?  Your order will be delivered within a 30-minute window. Our delivery team member will drop-off and can even help you set up if needed. You are responsible for keeping everything at the appropriate temperature, so just let us know if you need to purchase any disposable wire chafers.

 

Will-call:

If you have the time, you can come and pick up your order, yourself. Your order will be prepared and served in disposable pans + platters. Our team will help load your car when you come to pick it up from our commercial kitchen in Huntington Beach.  You are responsible for keeping everything at the appropriate temperature.

 

How far in advance should I reserve my date?

It is always hard to predict what dates will fill up the fastest. With the quantity of staff we employ, we are able to cater multiple functions every day. We do suggest that you reserve your date as soon as possible. Reservations are taken on a “first come first served” basis so if you know for sure you want the date but are unsure of what you want, we recommend submitting your $500 deposit to secure the date while you decide all of the details. We request final confirmation of all event details 2 weeks from your event, so you have plenty of time to plan.

 

How do the staff dress for events?

For a simple delivery or drop-off, our trained and professional staff will be wearing a simple t-shirt and pants. If you are hosting a staffed event, we can tailor the uniform. For example, for a sporting event, khaki shorts and a white polo might work for you. If it’s a formal wedding, a black button-down shirt and long black tie and black dress pants. And if it’s Halloween, our staff love to dress in costume - and they look great!. It's your event, and it’s your choice. 

 

Can I make up my own menu or make changes to the menu you gave me?

Absolutely! The menus in your proposal are just a place to start. We love to help you create a menu specifically for your event that includes the foods you and your guests will love.

 

Can you accommodate guests with dietary restrictions?

We are happy to work with you to accommodate any special dietary needs. We offer many vegan and gluten-free menu options. With some minor changes to recipes, we can make several of our listed menu items gluten free and vegan available also. Just let us know if we need to accommodate any food allergies, and we will create the perfect menu for your event. 

 

Can I provide a family recipe to be used at my event?

Of course! We know that family traditions are important. Our Chef will be happy to review the recipe and assist with adding this special menu item for your event. 

 

Do you offer children's meals?

Yes we do, and if the children are eating the same meal as the adults, the children’s price is based on smaller portions. We are also happy to provide a special kid-friendly alternative menu for the little ones!

 

I also need alcohol. Can you bring that also?

We carry liquor liability insurance, so if you would like to provide your own favorite alcoholic beverages we’re happy to provide a “Support Bar Package” which includes everything else you might need including, sodas, mixers, juices, garnishes, ice & cups. 

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Or if you want the hands-off approach we can provide a “Hosted Bar Package” with a range of tiers to choose from standard selections to the tippity top shelf.

 

How about chairs, tables, decor… can you do that also?

Need something special to make your event perfect? We offer a wide variety of event rentals to suit any occasion, from tables + chairs, linens, china, silverware + glassware to themed decorations. We can also design custom decor packages, seasonal centerpieces + floral arrangements. Plus we have lots of “friendors” we can recommend if you need anything else.

 

I have a last-minute order, can you help me?

While we strive to have all events confirmed 2 weeks in advance, we will do our absolute best to accommodate last-minute orders, especially for Memorials and Celebrations of Life. Please call us ASAP and give us as many details as possible and we will check the schedule to see if there’s anything we can do to help.

 

Do you offer tastings?

We’re celebrating 40 years in business this year, so if you're local, we can probably bet we’ve fed you on at least one occasion. If you haven’t had the chance to fall in Love At First Bite, we offer tastings so you can see the quality of our food firsthand. First, your coordinator will work with you to finalize your proposal and budget, and when your proposal meets your expectations, we will arrange a date and time for you to come to our commercial kitchen for your tasting. Tastings are available on select dates based on the schedule of our culinary team, so please make sure to give your coordinator a few options of dates and times.

 

How do I get a quote for my event?

Call us, email us, text message, or slide into our DM’s, whatever works for you works for us. Our Catering Coordinators are available to talk to you Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We also have an event contact form on our website. Once we receive your information, one of our event planning team will call or email you to gather the rest of the necessary details before sending you a customized proposal.