Recommendations for Catering?

BiggieBoatBoomSkies · 08-20-2010, 02:57 PM

While planning my parents' 25th Anniversary party, I thought I'd turn to my favorite source for Lakes Region information.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good caterer or the like willing to do a small party? The problem I kept running into is that we would like to do buffet-style, and most venues who also do food have a minimum number of people required that we cannot meet. Now we are looking into food and venues separately (I wouldn't say no to some suggestions for that as well.)

We would also like the caterer to be willing to go outside the box a little with the menu. A few of our guests are health-conscious, and one is a serious Vegan. So one of the main dishes would have to be no meat, no fish, no dairy, no egg, and preferably organic.

I know, tall order huh?

Oh and this would be in the Meredith/Laconia/Gilford area. Thanks so much for any information possible!

Irrigation Guy · 08-20-2010, 03:49 PM

Had a meal for a small birthday party of 12 prepared by Kevin and it was great. He was very accommodating and reduced his prices according to the number of people we were serving. We did serve it buffet style, but we picked it up.

Give him a call and see what he thinks.

http://www.kevinscafe.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiggieBoatBoomSkies

While planning my parents' 25th Anniversary party, I thought I'd turn to my favorite source for Lakes Region information.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good caterer or the like willing to do a small party? The problem I kept running into is that we would like to do buffet-style, and most venues who also do food have a minimum number of people required that we cannot meet. Now we are looking into food and venues separately (I wouldn't say no to some suggestions for that as well.)

We would also like the caterer to be willing to go outside the box a little with the menu. A few of our guests are health-conscious, and one is a serious Vegan. So one of the main dishes would have to be no meat, no fish, no dairy, no egg, and preferably organic.

I know, tall order huh?

Oh and this would be in the Meredith/Laconia/Gilford area. Thanks so much for any information possible!

Meredith lady · 08-20-2010, 10:43 PM

We cater to ALL events and occasions..big or small. More than willing to work "outside the box". We can (and do) all food allergies...plus gluten free and vegan. We can deliver, send a server, or you can pick it up. Call Kevin or Laura at 603-253-7513. Thanks!

trfour · 08-20-2010, 11:34 PM

We also have an very elaborate Restaurant section, at your very fingertip's!

T

Lake Lady 6 · 08-21-2010, 05:28 AM

Try Annie's on Union Ave., Laconia, NH. It is in the Gables strip mall next to Cantin Chevrolet.

Shedwannabe · 08-21-2010, 08:08 AM

We used a local restaurant that was a very nice deal...until the end. They took away the substantial amount of unused food we had paid for and were planning to have over the next few days. They blandly said "it was standard practice" to take all the food. Not happy at the result. So get totally clear on what the catering involves and whether you or they has rights to the unused food.

Heaven · 08-21-2010, 10:49 AM

I have often wondered that myself -- does the food served belong to the client or is there some reason it typically is carted off? The once or twice I have seen food kept, the client has had forethought to bring containers for leftovers. I can almost believe there is a liability/health issue, but I'd love to know the answer to this?

SAMIAM · 08-21-2010, 11:08 AM

Caterers always bring way more food than is needed to a buffet so that they will avoid the embarrassment of running out of food.They also will change out an item that is getting low so that nothing gets down to the last scrap which looks pretty bad if you are the last person through.
They have back ups all heated and ready to go if needed and if they are not,they go back with the caterer.
Remember.....you are paying per meal served,not all you can take home with you.

Shedwannabe · 08-21-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Remember.....you are paying per meal served,not all you can take home with you.

No, you are paying per meal ordered, not served. If more guests show up, you have to pay more, but if less guests show up, you don't get a refund. We had one group that didn't come due to illness, and another who left before the reception (and actually a third who "took a nap" and missed the meal), so there was plenty of food we had paid for and not used.

Not sure how you can figure it belongs to the caterers when I paid for it and didn't use it at time of serving.

Heaven · 08-21-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Caterers always bring way more food than is needed to a buffet so that they will avoid the embarrassment of running out of food.They also will change out an item that is getting low so that nothing gets down to the last scrap which looks pretty bad if you are the last person through.
They have back ups all heated and ready to go if needed and if they are not,they go back with the caterer.
Remember.....you are paying per meal served,not all you can take home with you.

And I can understand that, but I would think that the extra brought would be reflected in the price per meal as part of the cost of doing the party . . . I mean . . . it's all cooked mostly and ready to go out at the party, what the heck do the caterers do with it when they take it back? The only thing I can think of is take it home as part of their own personal meals, which might make sense if this is so. Surely, it can't be SOLD unless it has not been prepared for meal service? For SURE, if it has been out on a platter at the party (say cold cuts for instance, or "changed" out as you say) it cannot be resold!??

GsChinadoll · 08-21-2010, 02:45 PM

My husband is a chef and we do catering. The usual reason the food is taken back or disposed of on site is one of liability. A caterer has no control over how food temperature is maintained, stored etc. once he/she has left the hall or party. If someone should get sick after leaving the food out too long or in their car, then there is a chance of them being blamed for any "sickness" that develops.
A professional caterer should have a form that would be signed if any food is to be left behind after breaking down a party if that is what you would like. Sadly, nowadays everything has to be in writing.

SAMIAM · 08-21-2010, 06:07 PM

That was my next point GsChinadoll.....the cater knows what temps to hold,store and serve food .The customer does not.You can bet that if someone got a foodbourne illness ,due to improper handling that they would sue the caterer in a flash.

Rag Top Daze · 08-21-2010, 09:20 PM

Curt's Caterer, LLC did a great job for our party last summer. I'd use them again!
http://www.curtscaterers.com/Welcome.html

Meredith lady · 08-21-2010, 09:53 PM

Curts catering is really good..shop around and ask questions!

Natt · 08-22-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meredith lady

Curts catering is really good..shop around and ask questions!

Our daughter's wedding (150 guests) was held at our house and Curt's Catering
did an exceptional job. From assisting in the planning to cleaning up well when they left, not to mention the wonderful dinner in between. We speak very highly of them.

no-engine · 08-23-2010, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natt

Our daughter's wedding (150 guests) was held at our house and Curt's Catering
did an exceptional job. From assisting in the planning to cleaning up well when they left, not to mention the wonderful dinner in between. We speak very highly of them.

ANOTHER second for Curt's. I've had chances to be at events catered by them for 20 and up to 300 attendees.

As with any service, ask about retaining the leftovers or them removing.
I've seen it both ways!

BroadHopper · 08-23-2010, 08:34 AM

of The Common Man chain does an excellent job of catering. From a dozen to hundreds! He catered to my 25th high school reunion, a lobster feast that can't be beat!

BiggieBoatBoomSkies · 08-23-2010, 07:01 PM

Thank you so much everyone for your wonderful Recommendations. I've got quite a list now to research, and this has helped me narrow my search to the best options.

Breakwater · 08-23-2010, 07:17 PM

I have been to numerous functions catered by Contigianis. They do several jobs a year on islands, as well as homes around the lake. They also have a large function hall and a smaller, more intimate, room. I have been to Christmas Parties and weddings that they have done with groups as small as 12-15, to 1000+. Food is always delicious, hot, and plenty of it.

08-20-2010, 02:57 PM	#1
BiggieBoatBoomSkies Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Recommendations for Catering? While planning my parents' 25th Anniversary party, I thought I'd turn to my favorite source for Lakes Region information. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good caterer or the like willing to do a small party? The problem I kept running into is that we would like to do buffet-style, and most venues who also do food have a minimum number of people required that we cannot meet. Now we are looking into food and venues separately (I wouldn't say no to some suggestions for that as well.) We would also like the caterer to be willing to go outside the box a little with the menu. A few of our guests are health-conscious, and one is a serious Vegan. So one of the main dishes would have to be no meat, no fish, no dairy, no egg, and preferably organic. I know, tall order huh? Oh and this would be in the Meredith/Laconia/Gilford area. Thanks so much for any information possible!

08-20-2010, 10:43 PM	#3
Meredith lady Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 217 Thanks: 290 Thanked 138 Times in 26 Posts	catering.. We cater to ALL events and occasions..big or small. More than willing to work "outside the box". We can (and do) all food allergies...plus gluten free and vegan. We can deliver, send a server, or you can pick it up. Call Kevin or Laura at 603-253-7513. Thanks!

08-20-2010, 11:34 PM	#4
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	We also have an very elaborate Restaurant section, at your very fingertip's! T __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

08-21-2010, 05:28 AM	#5
Lake Lady 6 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 102 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Catering Recommendations Try Annie's on Union Ave., Laconia, NH. It is in the Gables strip mall next to Cantin Chevrolet.

08-21-2010, 02:45 PM	#11
GsChinadoll Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Northern MA & Moultonboro Posts: 54 Thanks: 333 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts	Liability My husband is a chef and we do catering. The usual reason the food is taken back or disposed of on site is one of liability. A caterer has no control over how food temperature is maintained, stored etc. once he/she has left the hall or party. If someone should get sick after leaving the food out too long or in their car, then there is a chance of them being blamed for any "sickness" that develops. A professional caterer should have a form that would be signed if any food is to be left behind after breaking down a party if that is what you would like. Sadly, nowadays everything has to be in writing. __________________ Don't let people drive you crazy when you know it's within walking distance.

08-21-2010, 08:08 AM	#6
Shedwannabe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Laconia Posts: 133 Thanks: 3 Thanked 22 Times in 15 Posts	We used a local restaurant that was a very nice deal...until the end. They took away the substantial amount of unused food we had paid for and were planning to have over the next few days. They blandly said "it was standard practice" to take all the food. Not happy at the result. So get totally clear on what the catering involves and whether you or they has rights to the unused food.

08-21-2010, 10:49 AM	#7
Heaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 516 Thanks: 126 Thanked 94 Times in 66 Posts	I have often wondered that myself -- does the food served belong to the client or is there some reason it typically is carted off? The once or twice I have seen food kept, the client has had forethought to bring containers for leftovers. I can almost believe there is a liability/health issue, but I'd love to know the answer to this?

08-21-2010, 11:08 AM	#8
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,837 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	Caterers always bring way more food than is needed to a buffet so that they will avoid the embarrassment of running out of food.They also will change out an item that is getting low so that nothing gets down to the last scrap which looks pretty bad if you are the last person through. They have back ups all heated and ready to go if needed and if they are not,they go back with the caterer. Remember.....you are paying per meal served,not all you can take home with you.

08-21-2010, 06:07 PM	#12
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,837 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	That was my next point GsChinadoll.....the cater knows what temps to hold,store and serve food .The customer does not.You can bet that if someone got a foodbourne illness ,due to improper handling that they would sue the caterer in a flash.

08-21-2010, 09:20 PM	#13
Rag Top Daze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 119 Thanks: 11 Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts	My recommendation Curt's Caterer, LLC did a great job for our party last summer. I'd use them again! http://www.curtscaterers.com/Welcome.html __________________ I live for a rag top day

08-21-2010, 09:53 PM	#14
Meredith lady Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 217 Thanks: 290 Thanked 138 Times in 26 Posts	Curts is awesome Curts catering is really good..shop around and ask questions!

08-23-2010, 08:34 AM	#17
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,512 Thanks: 3,118 Thanked 1,090 Times in 784 Posts	Alec Ray of The Common Man chain does an excellent job of catering. From a dozen to hundreds! He catered to my 25th high school reunion, a lobster feast that can't be beat! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-23-2010, 07:01 PM	#18
BiggieBoatBoomSkies Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you so much everyone for your wonderful Recommendations. I've got quite a list now to research, and this has helped me narrow my search to the best options.

08-23-2010, 07:17 PM	#19
Breakwater Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 43 Thanks: 0 Thanked 57 Times in 16 Posts	Can't beat Contigiani's Catering in Laconia I have been to numerous functions catered by Contigianis. They do several jobs a year on islands, as well as homes around the lake. They also have a large function hall and a smaller, more intimate, room. I have been to Christmas Parties and weddings that they have done with groups as small as 12-15, to 1000+. Food is always delicious, hot, and plenty of it.