Recommendations for Catering?

[Heaven]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Natt]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.