Gourmet Catering & Custom Designer Cakes

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

A. Great Customer service cannot be overrated.
Hire someone that you have a good rapport with: It makes a big difference in getting your ideas across, boosting your confidence Day-of, and ensuring that you end up with the Party of your Dreams!
Having a Caterer who understands and believes in your concept is Priceless!
The little details will set your event apart.
Be upfront and realistic about your budget.
A Great Affair can be had at almost any Price Range. It's better to do something less elaborate or on a smaller scale extremely well, than over-extend and have the end result not live up to your expectations.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Displays & Stations are great way to save money! Not only will you cut down on or eliminate Service staff compared to Plated Dinners, but you create an interactive Eating Experience!
Themed Displays are unique & eye-catching and in an age of Food Allergies and Lo-Carb Diets, you enable your Guests to pick and choose what they prefer and in what portions- Perfect to please even the most picky eaters!
Use Seasonal Produce.
Out of Season Fruits and Vegetables can be a Budget Buster! Taste-wise they often range from Sour to Flavorless. While it may seem more exciting to have Fresh Raspberries on your Chocolate Torte in January, your taste-buds (and your budget) will thank you if you switch to a flavorful Salted Caramel Cream or a Raspberry Coulis instead.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Ingredient Quality & Preparation Methods!
Food is the one thing that can make or break an event! Be sure to ask about the quality of the ingredients and where they buy them. A tomato from California won't come close in flavor to a locally grown Carolina Heirloom!
Serafina uses only the highest quality ingredients, from Organic Dairy Products to Kosher Meats, Premium Flour to Genuine Belgian Chocolate and fresh Locally Sourced Fruits and Vegetable whenever possible.
Ask when your menu items will be prepared.
Are your appetizers made fresh for your event, or are they pulled from the freezer and reheated?
We Custom Create a menu specifically for You, shop for the freshest ingredients, and prepare each item to Order.
What percentage of the food is pre-made or from a box? Boxed Mixes and pre-purchased products from Mass Market Companies generally use the cheapest ingredients in their products.
We never use pre-made or boxed mix products and you will taste the difference!

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

A. Your Budget.
Having a realistic idea of what you can afford to spend will save you and your Caterer time and aggravation. It will help you make informed choices about Menu's, manage your Guest List, and can prevent you from getting in over your head!
Your Concept.
While a good Caterer can help you narrow down many great ideas into a cohesive Party, it's very helpful to have an idea of the concept you are trying to achieve.
Here are some thoughts to consider:
The Date you would like to hold the Party.
The Time of Day that would be best for your event.
Where it will be hosted.
Do you want an intimate Dinner Party gathering of just your closest friends, a Casual Backyard BBQ or an Elegant All-out Affair?
Would you prefer a Sit Down Dinner with Plated Service or an all Dessert Cocktail Reception?
Will you incorporate a Theme?
What Style of Food do you envision? Traditional, Ethnic, Eclectic or a Fusion?
Get a notebook and take some time answering these questions and noting any other ideas you may have.