General Information

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Q. What areas do you provide service to?

A.  We cater throughout the Bay Area, Peninsula, Silicon Valley & the Wine Country.

                       

Q. Do you recycle/compost?

A.  Our goal is to create zero waste events. We recycle/compost in our kitchen and at your event.

                       

Q. What type of events do you cater?

A.  We provide service for meetings, social gatherings and celebrations of all types and sizes.

Q. How long have you been in business?                       

1. A.Organic Chef Catering was founded in 2006.
   

Q. How much experience do you have? 

A. Our Executive Chef and Director of Operations have over 26 years combined industry experience.  We have worked at all levels of the hotel, restaurant and catering industry.  Together they have managed hundreds of events, receptions and dinner services. 

Q. What is your order minimum ?

A. There is a $1,000 food order minimum. Drop off or box lunch service requires a minimum of 25 guests per event and depends on availability. This does not include tax, delivery or service.

                       

Q. How do I make a reservation?

A.  A credit card authorization on file reserves your event date.

                       

Q. How much do you charge for delivery?

A.  Delivery rates vary from city to city, please contact us for more details.

                       

Q. How much does it to cost to cater an event?

A. Events vary greatly in price depending on the type of menu, service, number of guests and many other specific event conditions. See budget planning below for further details.

Menu Planning

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Q. What kind of menus do you offer?

A. We offer seasonal menu options to complement each clients taste and budget.

Q. What type of food do you specialize in? 

A. Organic California cuisine with Mediterranean, Latin and Asian influences. 

Q. Can you provide vegetarian and vegan options?

A. Absolutely.  We have a passion for creating delicious vegetarian cuisine for our clients.

Wedding Planning

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Q. Do we cater weddings? 

A. Yes we offer an exclusive and limited number of wedding engagements each year.  Our unique line of high end service products combined with our organic cuisine is a special combination geared towards creating exceptional wedding celebrations.

Q. Can you coordinate the china, glassware and linen rentals for our event?

A. Yes. We can coordinate all of the rental items needed to execute your event including tenting and ceremony chairs when necessary. 

We carry a unique and diverse range of tableware products to complement our style of food; adding a naturally elegant décor to each event.  Some of our service products include Rosenthal dinner plates, Riedel glassware, Spanish Terra Cotta and many natural serving platters from acacia, bamboo, oak and olive wood.  

Q. Do you offer tastings? 

A. Our wedding package includes a personal tasting with our executive chef and catering director.  

During the tasting the chef will prepare a selection of items from your menu.  Once you have sampled the menu items, our catering director will sit down with you to view linen swatches, discuss the layout and begin gathering a schedule of events for the wedding day.

Please note, we do not offer advance tastings without a reservation at this time.   For a list of credentials, please visit our reviews page for a short list of clients and the about us page for the chefs culinary training and background. 

Q. When and where are tasting appointments held?

A. Tastings are generally held at noon on the confirmed calendar date to avoid schedule conflicts with our current event productions. Appointments are held either at the venue where the reception will be held or can be arranged at your private residence.  Please contact a sales rep for more details.

Q. How much space is required for a sit down buffet?

A. 20 square feet per person.

Q. How much space is required for a stand up cocktail party?

A. 12 square feet per person.

        

              

Cost Planning Guidelines

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Q. How do I plan a budget for my event? 

A.  Calculating a budget for your event is a critical first step to creating a successful event.  Please contact one of our sales representatives for assistance. 

   

Sample Dinnerware Set - Glassware, China and Silverware $6-10 per person

Sample light hors d’oeuvres - $12 - 15 per guest ( 3 or 4 hors d’oeuvres )

Sample heavy hors d’oeuvres - $17 -20 per guest ( 6 or 7 hors d’oeuvres )

Sample executive box lunch - eco friendly package $13 per person

If a chosen venue does not have the basic requirements (ex. oven, refrigeration, access to running hot and cold water) then please remember to take this into account when calculating your budget.   Saving on a venue rental in this instance will only defer the cost to your event rentals.

Q. How do I calculate a food budget?

1. A. A good rule of thumb when planning a food budget for an event is to calculate the staffing and rentals you will need to accommodate the event. These fixed costs won’t fluctuate once you establish the minimum requirements to service the reception. Please contact one of our sales representatives for assistance. 
   

Payment Options and Security Deposits

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Q. What are my payment options ?

A. We accept cash, business/personal check and all major credit cards.

Q. Do I need to submit a security deposit to guarantee my date? 

A. Yes.  We require a 50% security deposit to guarantee your date. The security deposit is a credit towards your final balance. Final balances are due upon delivery unless you prefer to pay the total balance in advance.  Credit terms can be established for established clients. For more information click here.

Q. What is the service charge? 

A. The service charge applies to the planning and coordinating the event, developing the menu, email communication, phone time, etc.  The service charge applies to parties of 8 or more and is not a gratuity.

Q. When must I have my final guest count confirmed?

1. A. The guest count must be confirmed no later than five business days prior to the event date.
   

Q. When must I have my menu selections confirmed?

A.  All menu selections must be confirmed no later than 7 business days  before the event date.

Q. What is your cancellation policy?

A. A reservation guarantees our services during the specified date and time of your event.  We are committed to your date and will turn away business once your date is booked.  For this reason, cancellations made 90 days prior will receive 50% of the security deposit.  Security deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable for events booked with less than 90 days notice.

Q. Do I need to tip?

A. Gratuities for service staff are graciously accepted by for a job well done.   This is left to your discretion and overall satisfaction. Visit http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php for guidelines.

Q. What if my guests cause breakage?

1. A. If an item we have provided for an event is broken due to negligence or has gone missing the client will be charged the fair market price to replace it.  Rental items are counted upon delivery and upon return from every event. Missing and/or damaged items will be added to the balance due unless they are successfully recovered.
   

Q. When is payment due?

A. 50% security deposit is due upon signing.  50% remaining balance is due on the date of the event.  A 5% late fee if not paid by the delivery date.