Hiring a Caterer

Let's face it; we are all looking for a party. There are some who just want to attend parties, but for others putting together a good party is the greatest high of all. And when it comes to a successful party, most people would say that the food is a key ingredient.

Parties can come in all shapes and forms, whether it is a business event, a wedding reception, a fall fair, or any number of different other occasion. If you are one of the people who takes responsibility for planning, then you are likely concerned about the quality and the type of food that will be served at your event. Unless you have the time to make the food yourself, or the talent around you to leave the cooking up to other people, you are probably going to want to think about using the services of a caterer or chef for hire. We're going to take a quick look at some criteria to keep in mind when hiring the caterer is up to you.

Check references. For starters, always ask for and then check references before you put any caterer on your short list. All a person needs to do to be a catering company is say that they are one; just take a look at how many Toronto caterers there are in the phone book! There is hardly any licensing involved and when it is, it usually revolves around the health aspect (we will get to that in a second). The only way you can know that the caterer you hire will do a good job is if he, she, or they have a good record of providing great food in the past. Ideally, the caterer will have five references; if it's a newer company then they probably will have done some cooking for individuals, and you should make sure that everyone has been satisfied in the past.

Check documentation. While all catering companies should have Food Safe and other certification, recognizing both the company and all staff, sometimes this important step is skipped. Ask the caterer of the company for proof that the staff have had training, as far as proper food handling procedures; doing so could save you from a nightmare!

Has the caterer done similar events? There are all sorts of different foods and events that a caterer can be called upon to provide or provide for, and you need to know that your caterer is capable of handling your own event. Check to see exactly what kind of events the caterers on your short list have provided food for in the past, and the number of guests they have served. Just because they have been a wedding caterer does not mean that they would be good at craft services for a Toronto film.

Extras? Try not to take anything that has to do with the food for granted. Ask your caterer concrete questions about what you can expect to be provided; will they bring coffee and tea, or do you have to? Is dessert included? If so, what kinds of dessert will be provided? The best caterers don't just leave it at the food, either; they take care of the cutlery, napkins, dishes, even chairs and tables.

If you are in charge of or holding an event where food will be served, the caterer you hire may have the biggest impact on how that event is perceived. Make sure you take the time to check out the caterer and what will be provided before you agree to hire.

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