5 Essential Tips in Choosing the Best Caterers

Hosting an event requires effort and dedication, especially when choosing the right food to serve. You are fortunate if you hire the best caterers in California to make your celebrations not only memorable but hassle-free.

During these significant events it is essential to ensure the quality and presentation of the dishes on the table. The passion of the chefs and the staff in serving delicious dishes is also a must. 

So if you are looking for these qualities then hiring a catering company that provides high-quality culinary services is your best option. 

But how do you hire the right caterers with the right qualities? How do you plan the perfect menu? And how do you throw traditional Filipino events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthday parties like the ones back at home?

Well, consider these tips when choosing the best caterers. Read on and make sure to gain good insights!

#1. Check for Reviews and References

Seeking out good reviews is a good way to start looking for the perfect caterer, as this gives you a definite idea of their food, quality, and service.

Make sure to spend some time reading customer feedback through online sources such as official websites, business listings and social media platforms. This will help you decide whether to continue with their catering services.

You may also inquire about recommendations and experiences from family, friends, or previous clients. Their reviews can be considered as reliable sources since you will likely have a similar experience to theirs.

#2. Schedule a Menu Tasting

Even if a caterer is highly recommended and serves appealing food, it is still a good idea to read the menu and try out the dishes before hiring them.

Catering businesses like Manila Food Mart, a Turo-Turo restaurant in California, provide a vast catering menu of Filipino cuisine that you must definitely enjoy with your guests. Rest assured that you have plenty of dishes to choose from like your favorite kare-kare, caldereta and bopis! Choose as well those celebration noodles, the all-time Pinoy favorite pancit canton and pancit palabok.

Schedule a menu tasting and request various samples to determine the flavor, quality, and presentation. Taking the time to savor the food allows you to choose and create the perfect menu for your event.

Additionally, this gives you the opportunity to find out if the caterers are well-versed in their products and services. You can try by asking about the ingredients used as well as how they prepare the dishes. If a caterer is unable to answer these questions, then that is considered a red flag. Opt to hire only those who understand real tasty food like Manila Food Mart!

#3. Expertise with Events

Another tip for choosing the right caterer is the ability to accommodate your specific type of event. Find one that is willing to meet your expectations by discussing the style, theme, and size of your venue.

Moreover, it is important that the caterer’s specialty matches your event. If for instance you decide to host a classic Filipino birthday party, make sure to hire Manila Food Mart with their catering services that include serving traditional Pinoy dishes for authentic Filipino celebration.

Other than providing delicious meals on the table, every caterer must reflect the formality of an event through their services. So do not hesitate to share how you want to celebrate these momentous days and see if your chosen caterer has any experience with this kind of event.

#4. Provides Menu Flexibility

Your chosen caterer may have certain recommendations and specialties they are known for, but the ability to go beyond their standard menu options is also important. 

High-quality catering services must be willing to make changes or adjust the menu according to your preferences, especially if you are expecting guests with allergies or dietary restrictions.

At Manila Food Mart, you can choose from a variety of chicken, pork, beef, and seafood dishes to suit different tastes. So if you have guests allergic to seafood, you can try vegetable-based recipes like ampalaya con tofu (sautéed bitter gourd with tofu) or tortang talong (eggplant omelet).

Dishes with your choice of meat are also available for catering, such as afritada, a Filipino chicken or pork stew cooked in a tomato-based sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.

Consider informing caterers of your menu options and requirements ahead of time to avoid inconveniences and ensure that your guests will enjoy the food throughout the event.

#5. Excellent Customer Service

Choosing a catering business that serves delicious food is the safest option for planning a successful event. But if your caterer is not open to any of your ideas, you may want to reconsider.

Make sure to hire caterers who treat you as valued customers by listening to your suggestions and helping you plan your event at every step of the way.

Catering services such as Manila Food Mart offer the best Filipino dishes in Orange County and have accommodating staff filled with enthusiasm and hospitality. 

Allow your guests to enjoy both the food and the occasion by choosing a catering company you most feel comfortable with and whose work you respect.

The Takeaway

The search for the best caterer doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you keep these essential tips in mind. With the key ingredients of unique flavors, excellent service, and a quality dining experience, you are bound to find the perfect caterer.

Located in Lake Forest, Orange County, California, Manila Food Mart is here for you to relive and recreate the nostalgic feeling of joyous gatherings and special events by serving the most tasty, delicious Filipino dishes.

Look no further! Bring the celebration to the next level with the event caterers of Orange County and rediscover the comfort of home and family occasions today! Contact us!