Questions
This page is designed to help you with some of the questions we hear frequently. You may find some answers that you may be looking for under the Terms and Conditions section of your contract, and of course, you are welcome to call the Food Coordinator at any time to review any questions you may have as well!
What is a Banquet Event Order (BEO)?
The BEO is the document that will be created once we start filling in some of the details such as invited guest counts, style of food (buffet or plated), etc. This BEO you will find attached on the bottom of every message sent through our software, under the Coordinators signature. This BEO will continue to updates and change as your counts, details, timeline and selections are made, up to 12 days before your event date.
What is the Terms and Conditions section under the Contract that I am asked to sign?
The Terms and Conditions is a resource to you that covers much of what is reviewed in the first tasting. The Terms and Conditions list what we include in our catering, a description of the style of service you have selected, special plate (dietary restrictions), Staffing, Bar details (if a bar is applicable), taxes and fees, Gratuity and more. This section must be signed as read.
What is included?
We include with our services: China Plates, Black or White Linen Napkins, Silverware, Salt and Pepper, Water Glasses and Water Service (as long as the location has access to water), and a Catering Coordinator to work with you along the way.
Linen Tablecloths in black or white are included with Catalyst Booking after January 1, 2024
Why are colors not recommended to identify plates on table cards?
Different Venues and locations have different lighting. While colored cards, dots, and ribbons are a fun way to identify if your guests are having the chicken or the beef, from a serving standpoint, if the colors are hard to identify it can greatly slow down your service. You want to be certain that your table cards (recommended above the plate for less change of movement and easy for the serving team to see) are coded in a way that allows our staff to identify the plate quickly and efficiently. See our full description on table tents and suggestions on the Terms and Conditions section of your contract.
What size are your plates so I can plan for chargers?
Our plates are 10 1/4.
What do the items that are included look like (plates, linen napkin, silverware, glasses)?
See photos below. There are the same items we use for both tastings as well so be sure to look at them while in the restaurant during these times.
When sending our RSVPs - what should I ask about dietary restrictions?
If offering a Buffet Style Menu, it is common to not list the menu as all guests will be eating the same. If any dietary restrictions are placed on the invite, it is suggested to just have a Vegetarian option for guests to check.
When offering a Plated Style Menu, when you send our your invites you will have your entrees listed for your guests to choose from. This is typically two protein options, and a vegetarian option. If one of your selections is all Gluten Free (salad, Entree, and Sides) our Food Director will let you know and it is suggested to put a GF after that selection on your invites to guests with Gluten allergies know that this plate will be one they can select.
It is recommended to NOT ask on your invites if there are any dietary needs as this typically leads to a lot of information that does not apply and can be stressful to keep track of. Our rule of thumb is that if a guests does have a serious allergy or restriction, they would let you know when they RSVP as they are aware what they can and cannot eat. These allergies can then be brought to the Food Director's attention to discuss options. Note that not all dietary/allergies may be able to be accommodated.
Seafood and Nut allergies will be identified on the Banquet Event Order to notify our Team to use precautions. While we are a commercial kitchen and cannot make guarantees of no cross-contamination, we do take every precaution.
Why is it an upcharge if we wish to add on an additional plated option for guests above what is offered, or if we wish to have different sides for each plate selection?
We offer you two entree selections for your guests to choose from and a special plate for dietary restrictions for up to 10 guests. Your two sides are universal between the plates that have sides . Requesting an additional entree choice for your guest or requesting different sides for each plate requires more staff in the kitchen to plate these add ons (different sides per plate require an additional staffed plating line). Pricing and availability may be discussed with the Catering Coordinator.
When do I have to have all my counts, details and timing final?
The final BEO call is scheduled before 12 days out from your event date. This call is set up as a final review of all timing, details, selections and counts one more time for accuracy. With the volume of events we do, we want to be sure your questions are answered and discussed during this final call, where things can get lost in translation by email. This final call is set us so you feel confident that your details are accurate and you have a chance to talk through any questions to be sure you feel great about the catering experience.
