Catering Services

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Always be prepared. You should know the approximate number of people, the type of food you prefer and a basic budget. A good service provider should be able to work with in your budget and give you the best food possible for your money. You should also shop around. In this competitive industry, you should always get at least three quotes before deciding.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. The most important things are: type of food desired, budget, dietary restrictions an estimated amount of people. You should always have an idea of what kinda food you are looking for. For example, finger foods, sit down or buffet are the most common types. You should know if any of the people in your party are allergic to things like peanuts and shell fish so you can avoid those as choices or make sure the provider has them clearly labeled. Have at least a basic budget and an estimate of people. Many caterers break the budget down by person. So if you have 20 people and a budget of $500 that means can spend $25 per person.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I feel that my work stands out because I am always looking for new and inventive ideas. I like having a very diverse menu for my customers and am always looking to add new items and recipes. I feel that in order to stay competitive and have an edge, you have to be able to cater to anyone's tastes and desires. I also feel that I not only offer a great product food wise, but have experience with budgeting, planning, decorating and many other aspects of putting on events.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The truth is that I never thought I would enjoy this work as much as I do. I started out in the industry as a temporary worker until I could get a new job in management. As I worked with the company I grew to love working with food and with customers. Now I love the fact that I get to provide a service that always seems to put a smile on peoples faces and the fact that I get to be creative in the process. After 3 years of working for someone else I was able to go into business for myself and that is amazing in my opinion. It's been a dream come true.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I would say my favorite story is about a job that almost did not happen. I had a lady that called me about her daughters sweet 16. They had originally planned on going on a trip to celebrate and that fell through. She was in a bit of a panic and was swamped at work. She had no idea where to start. The poor women didn't even have a clue about the theme, the budget or anything. So, I started researching as fats as I could. I had to call a dozen or so family members and friends to find out what a 16 year old girl liked. In the end I was able to come up with a mascaraed ball as the theme and we of course did a gourmet version of all the foods teens love. She was very happy and impressed. It made my year. The daughter was so happy she gave me a hug and said thank you.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Most of what I know was taught to me by my mentor Cara Brechler. The rest has all been self taught. I am always watching food programs, buying new recipe books and just experimenting in the kitchen with ideas and concepts. I do plane to take some specialty courses in order to broaden my horizon. One thing I have always been interested in is working with chocolate and sugar to make decorative pieces. I have also been learning to work with fondant and have even made and sold a few cakes now. I will continue to learn all that I can in order to provide the best service possible.