Wilder Fresh Kitchen

$25/person

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Introduction: Wilder Fresh Kitchen is a boutique caterer with a long history of fine food and service in the Baltimore/Washington area. Our history includes owning two restaurants The Wild Orchid Cafe and a large catering company Company's Coming Catering, for 25 years in the Annapolis area. The husband and wife team Karen and Chef Jim Wilder have a commitment to original menus, recipes and locally sourced ingredients. Their flare for "Southern Hospitality" shows in all their service staff many of whom have worked with the Wilder's for many years. You will have an event that is completely original and specifically tailored to your needs and budget I enjoy the fine art of cuisine and presentation. I also enjoy designing a menu and event using the conversation with the host or hostess as clues. Sometimes my clients let me have the reins but most times my customers are very specific about their vision. My job is to take that vision and make it fit for the venue, the budget, the dietary restrictions, the guest list etc. It a little like being a detective to figure out exactly what they might have in mind. I often ask questions like " What is the goal you would like to achieve with this event?" Some will say "Just have fun" But others might have a specific mission such as "impressing my in laws" or "securing new customers". Everybody has a goal in mind and it is my job to verbalize that for them.

Overview

Hired 25 times

Serves Annapolis, MD

Background checked

10 employees

28 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.

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Facebook, Instagram

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25 photos

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and value.

Very good 4.6

13 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Alison R.

Oct 7, 2018

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Hired on Thumbtack

Our experience with Karen at our wedding was fantastic. She met us to do a tasting before the wedding - the food was great and well thought out to meet our dietary needs (pescatarian). Throughout the planning process she was very responsive and willing to update the menu to meet our needs, as well as help us with rentals. Her staff were very friendly and professional throughout the event. She gave us confidence that everything would be well taken care of, and it was. Our guests were very happy. We give her our highest recommendation.

Details: Bride or groom • Dinner • Cocktail hour / hors d'oeuvres • Cold beverages (non-alcoholic) • Hot beverages (coffee, tea, etc.) • Asian • Italian • Mexican / Latin American • Mediterranean / Middle Eastern • Indian • Buffet / self serve • Banquet hall / ballroom • Yes - partial kitchen (refrigerator and sink only) • 81 - 90 guests • Disposable plates, utensils, and cups • Paper napkins • Serving/warming trays, dishes, and utensils • $$ (standard)

Wedding Catering

Jessica A.

May 13, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Karen did a rooftop reception for us. The food was outstanding, and she was just fantastic to work with in planning. I live out of town, so it was a gift to be able to just show up, and have everything done! She visited the venue prior to the event to get a sense of the space and to make recommendations to me on tables, etc. It was great to have someone there to think through all the details and be the point person, since I couldn't!

Event Catering (Buffet)

Jennifer B.

Sep 5, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Karen was an absolute pleasure to work with - she crafted a great menu and all of the food was fresh and delicious. We had appetizers and a buffet dinner for 8. She was professional, prompt, and overall it was a wonderful experience. We will definitely hire her again for future events!

Personal Chef

Natalie B.

Sep 15, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Karen and her team helped me pull off a wonderful evening entertaining guests in my home. She was responsive, detailed oriented and planned a great menu. Everything tasted great and was not overpriced. Highly recommend.

Event Catering (Buffet)

Natasha N.

Jan 2, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

Karen Wilder provided catering for my New Years Eve 2016 wedding. The food was excellent! Everything was well seasoned, tender, and flavorful. My wedding did not have a traditional kitchen with a stove, we used chafing dishes. Nevertheless, the food was hot as though it had just come out of the oven! We had a cocktail hour where her staff passed around appetizers - the lamb chops, sushi, and Maryland crab cakes were exceptional! The bartender was quick to serve drinks, and made very good drinks. She also delivered drinks to guests' tables. The staff cleaned up afterwards, and contained any left over food for us after the event. You cannot go wrong with this food! Top notch!

Wedding Catering

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Karen Wilder

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have some standard pricing systems mostly for delivered platters. The prices are available on my standard menu selections. Mostly my menus are customized to meet my clients budget needs and I know how to design a menu which looks extravagant and elegant but is actually cost effective
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When I am presented with an event description I like to present a customized menu that I think they will like as well as including a basic menu of all the many items we prepare. We have so many options as we are small and detail oriented. We are constantly checking out new ideas and trends
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have participated in many ISES events ( International Society of Event Specialists) and have regularly enrolled in classes provided by area chefs. I also have in the past been a member of NACE ( National Association of Catering Executives) which offers many learning opportunities

Wilder Fresh Kitchen

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