Belle Fete Catering
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Introduction: The feedback I hear most often from my clients is that most caterers "over-sell and under-provide". Many chefs and/or catering companies excel in one or two areas (i.e., great food and presentation, but so-so service; or fabulous service but mediocre menus). No matter what the size, occasion, or budget of the event, it is my job to ensure that all 3 areas (food quality, presentation, and service) are covered. Also, I am personally handling every step of the catering process, unlike many other chefs or catering companies who have a large, over-extended staff dealing with multiple events on the same day or week. If I choose to bid on or undertake an event, I am "in it" 110%. I also hire the absolute best servers, bartenders and sous chefs in the industry. All have been trained and employed for many years by 5-star hotels and restaurants. When it comes to service, especially, you get what you pay for.
I love crafting new menus and coming up with creative ideas for specialty events, based on different needs and desires. I am also a "people person", I really do love working with nice, interesting people and I think my clients appreciate the same. I have many loyal clients who have become dear friends and cheerleaders.
Overview
Hired 20 times
10 employees
17 years in business
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Reviews
Exceptional 5.0
23 reviews
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Yuri K.
Dec 18, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
Hired on Thumbtack
Wedding and Event Catering
Matthew T.
Jul 15, 2014
We had a very condensed time frame to plan everything (more or less two weeks). David worked with us to plan a menu within our budget. His menus selections are quite versatile and can appeal to many different palates (including our vegetarian and gluten-free friends). We had our choice from a number of different global culinary traditions, as well as seasonal and thematic offerings. Despite the variety of choices, David's recommendations and guidance kept our menu focused and cohesive--our food was able to capture that perfect summer feel.
As we left our wedding photo shoot to meet our guests at the reception, we were a little nervous about all the loose ends we had left. Little did we know, David and his team had already gone out of their way to tie these up before any guests had arrived (i.e., moving the chairs, lighting the candles in the pool, prepping our cake, making an ice run, etc.). When we finally arrived, our guests were very complimentary about the hors d'oeuvres, as well as the service. The buffet was absolutely delicious, and not just because we hadn't eaten all day--we've been having leftovers for two days now and it's just damn good food.
Throughout the reception, David and his team washed and kept everything tidy as they went along, and by the time our guests left the place was spotless.
All in all, David deserves 10 stars!
Jennnifer S.
Jul 18, 2014
I began using Belle Fete for our smaller dinner parties over 5 years ago. David is always accommodating with any special menu requests or last minute changes. His creativity with food is displayed in the presentation of every course he prepares from appetizer to entree to desserts, it is always beautiful AND delicious.
David is consistent with his approach of offering relevant and honest suggestions to enhance every party we have hosted, whether it was for 10 people or 90, he informs me when he thinks that I have ordered to little or too much and what wine/drinks to pair with each course.
As I began to use David more and more for our personal social gatherings, I felt confident that he would be a great fit for our corporate events as well. David has put together over a handful of cocktail parties for us during the holiday/NB Christmas Boat Parade time and has always done an exceptional job with his menu offerings, staffing, and overall level of service.
I really can't say enough about the professionalism of this company, the quality of their food and the level of service that they provide. They are attentive, reliable, and consistent in each step of the planning process for any size event. I am always sure that our guests will have a memorable experience whenever we hire David and his team to cater our events!
Geraldine D.
Aug 4, 2014
When we were having a 30 person party at our home I contacted several OC catering companies who seemed good but weren't as flexible as I wanted regarding staffing requirements. We found David through Thumbtack after an internet search. I checked him out as thoroughly as possible and after a few conversations decided to hire him. He was fantastic and we were so glad we did. David's food was beautiful and delicious and fun! He arrived so thoroughly prepared I literally did nothing which has never happened before. Everyone was very impressed with David himself as well as the quality and presentation of his food. He went above and beyond to make sure we were happy. I found several guests in my kitchen at one point asking him for a recipe :) He also brought a bartender, Elisabeth, who managed a very busy spot with great skill and humor. She was a definite asset that night. We were very happy with David in every way. He left my kitchen shining at the end of the night and left us with all the leftovers. Thank you David - your food, your professionalism, your attention to detail and your incredible customer service, were a huge part of the reason our party was a great success and we feel lucky to have found you!
Anna P.
Sep 21, 2014
We had a cocktail hour for about 25 guests, followed by a private dinner party for 45. We interviewed many different caterers and selected David and Belle Fete catering.
In their proposal they included many fabulous menus from previous similar events they had done. This really helped simplify the (sometimes) over whelming challenge of planning these big events. They were responsive, knowledgeable and efficient. We also used David and Belle Fete as our event coordinator and they were amazing. The entire evening was perfect! The food and presentation as well as the staffing could not have been better. We had great comments from all of our guests and highly recommend Belle Fete!!!!
FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
As mentioned previously, I typically like to determine a client's budget and work backwards. I provide as much as possible to remain within budget, and it typically works to my clients' benefit. The 2 major factors involved in pricing: economies of scale (i.e., the larger number of guests, typically the less cost per person for a particular menu item) and market pricing/seasonal choice and availability. Also, staffing is determined based upon desired serving style (drop-off/set-up only; buffet; tray-passed; sit-down table service).
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am constantly in contact with Orange County's and Los Angeles' top event planners, and other chefs whom I respect and admire, in staying current with the latest trends. I am also always working on developing new menus as well as searching for the freshest and best ingredients to use in preparation for my events.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My mother is one of the most talented cooks I know, and she was definitely a major influence in my passion and interest in cooking. After college, I co-founded a food manufacturing company that I ran for several years ("Heaven's Bistro", the first low-fat, super premium pizza on the market in the early 2000s. I personally created and developed the BBQ Chicken Pizza, rated the best tasting low-fat pizza on the market by Men's Health Magazine in the June 2006 issue). It was a natural transition to segue into catering.