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1. Do you offer menu tastings?
2. What kind of cuisine do you specialize in / offer?
3. Do you prepare the foods onsite or are they cooked at your kitchen and then delivered?
4. What services do you provide?
5. Do your prices include staff?
6. Why do I need a service captain?
7. Will you set-up and break-down my event?
8. Is gratuity for the staff included, and if not how much do I give?
9. What is the operations charge?
10. Do you charge for delivery?
11. Do you travel valley wide?
12. Do your menus include china plates and silverware?
13. How long in advance do I need to reserve your services?
14. When do I have to have my final guest count and any rental or menu changes to you?
1. Do you offer menu tastings?
Yes we do. We first schedule a consultation and once the menu and event details are planned we schedule a date for a testing for two.
2. What kind of cuisine do you specialize in / offer?
Our culinary staff is well trained in all types of cuisine and can prepare and create special menu items per your request, so when we answer we do it all we truly do.
3. Do you prepare the foods onsite or are they cooked at your kitchen and then delivered?
When delivery menu items are selected they will be delivered hot and fresh ready to eat. We feel some items are always best warmed or finished at the very last minute. Our sales staff will explain which items will require any additional preparation and or staff.
4. What services do you provide?
Creations in Cuisine Catering is a full service catering company. That means we offer event planning, floral displays, a full line of rental equipment, entertainment, transportation, bar packages, staff and access to the valleys most elegant venue locations.
5. Do your prices include staff?
Our menu prices listed are for food selections only. Staff is available at an additional charge for buffet service, plated meal service, bartending service and utility workers. Our sales staff will inform you which menus require staff and will recommend the appropriate staff levels to assure your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
6. Why do I need a service captain?
All our captains are trained to insure you receive attentive, professional and competent service. If you require only one service staff member for your event we will always send a service captain. If you require one or more service staff we will send a captain to oversee the event and manage our on-site staff.
7. Will you set-up and break-down my event?
Yes we will. Buffet set-up and decor is included in all of our full menu pricing. When you order rental equipment we also set-up and break-down all rentals. If you have ordered rentals from another company we can set-up and breakdown but additional charges will be applied.
8. Is gratuity for the staff included, and if not how much do I give?
No it is not. Gratuity is always left to our client’s discretion. We suggest that you handle it just as you would as if you were dining in a restaurant, 15-20% of the food and beverage total. All gratuities do go directly to our staff members who worked the event and can be added either to the final invoice or given to your service captain to distribute.
9. What is the operations charge?
The operations charge is based on 15% of the food and beverage total. The operations charge covers the cost of Site visits and consultations, linens and buffet table decor; disposable plates, utensils and napkins. For events with china it will cover the staging and cleaning of your order and fuel charges. All other basic services and equipment needed to stage, prepare and service your event are covered in this charge. The operations charge does not cover any gratuity.
10. Do you charge for delivery?
Yes we do, for any non-staffed event. Delivery for catering services and rentals are based on your zip code and will be added to your final invoice.
11. Do you travel valley wide?
Yes we do. We also travel to Sedona, Tucson, Flagstaff and points beyond with additional staff and travel fees.
12. Do your menus include china plates and silverware?
No, they do not. We do include plastic plates and utensils. We do rent china plates, silverware and glassware.
13. How long in advance do I need to reserve your services?
Some dates are more desirable than others but it is always a good idea to get on our calendar as soon as possible. Creations in Cuisine Catering will do its best to accommodate last minute events, although some menu selections may be substituted and delivery service may be the only option.
14. When do I have to have my final guest count and any rental or menu changes to you?
We ask for a final decision on all services at least one week before your event. The sooner you get your order in the better it will be to assure you have all the rental equipment you need, the right menu selections and service levels.