If you have a staple catering menu you use for all your events- it’s time for an upgrade. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting, wedding, or casual get-together; tailoring your menu guarantees your guests will be satisfied and impressed.
In this blog, we’ll learn how to customize great menus that suit every palate, and perfectly complement your event.
Tip 1: Offer a Diverse Range of Food Options
Variety is one of the main ingredients for successful event catering. Every guest has a different taste, so a varied spread will ensure there’s something for everyone. Are your guests primarily families with kids, health-conscious adults, or a mix of both?
Some different menu options include:
- Sub and Wrap platters: Perfect for outdoor events like picnics and garden parties. Offer a few different options- veggie wraps, tuna subs, gyro sandwiches, Philly steak subs, etc. Check out some other great ideas here.
- Appetizers: Chicken skewers, garlic bread, veggie platters, boneless wings, meatballs – the list is endless! Everyone loves something to munch on while engaging in erudite conversation. Yummy finger foods are a must-have on any diverse menu. Why? They’re so easy to serve- platters, napkins, toothpicks– that’s it!
- Calzones: These soft, Italian classics are filled with mouthwatering ingredients. Your favorite pizza toppings stuffed in these delicious turnovers- the variations are endless.
The menu should ideally match the event vibe. Casual events may be perfect for pizza and pasta catering, while more formal gatherings call for plated meals and elegant appetizers.
Assortment ensures that your visitors have a plethora of options. Offering a mix of cuisines and flavors adds excitement to the spread.
Tip 2: Consider Dietary Restrictions
Before you decide on the menu, jot down whether your guests are non-vegetarians, vegetarians, vegans, or gluten-free. You’d be surprised how many people follow unique diets these days- from the carnivore diet to the paleo diet. Catering is not just about good taste; it’s about inclusiveness. None of your guests with special diets should miss out.
Consider gluten-free pizza crusts, vegan salad options, and a vegetarian alternative for the mains. Manny and Olga’s, for instance, offer customizable menus to address these needs, so everyone can indulge without worry.
Catering to dietary preferences also shows you’ve put thought into the menu, making your guests feel valued and appreciated.
Tip 3: Include Customizable & Interactive Menu Options
Woman is buying pasta in plastic free grocery store. Bulk foods in zero waste shop. Customer doing shopping without plastic packaging. Minimalist lifestyle. Sustainable small local businesses.
Including pasta bars where guests can choose their toppings, sauces, and add-ons work for brunches, work events, parties, and even receptions. Interactive food stations encourage mingling, spark conversations, and add an element of fun.
Pizza can be customized for meat lovers, vegetarians, or even gluten-free eaters. For your pasta station, ask your caterer to provide some boiled pasta, sauces, and 3-4 different toppings for guests to choose from.
Toss in some appetizers like garlic bread, chicken tenders, and a deli platter, and finish strong with desserts like baklava or cheesecake. You’re left with a wholesome, well-rounded menu.
Tip 4: Balance Taste and Presentation in Your Catering Menu
They say we eat first with our eyes, and event catering embraces that. Eating is a multisensory experience. Food that tastes good but looks bad won’t leave a lasting impression.
Equilibrate both for a great experience. The presentation reflects the thought and effort put into the menu, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Greek salad with fresh greens and feta or a deli platter artfully arranged is a fantastic start to the evening. Mini cheesecakes on tiered trays, surrounded by cookies, brownies, cannoli, and chocolate cake! A dessert platter of everyone’s dreams. Good presentation means an aesthetically pleasing visual paired with delicious taste.
Think of the main flavors- Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. A great dish– and menu, balance these perfectly. Here are some pointers:
- The taste of bitterness, though not the most popular – is crucial for balancing the richness or sweetness of a meal. That’s why dark greens taste so good with a fruit salad, and coffee pairs well with chocolate cake.
- Salt has two important roles in flavoring a dish. First, it enhances other flavors in the dish, particularly sweetness. Second, it balances bitterness. Think about salted caramel – it works so well because of the balance created by the salt and sugar. Salt is also commonly used in tomato-based dishes to bring out the natural flavors of tomato.
- Sweetness counteracts sour and bitter flavors. It’s used to dial down the heat of a spicy meal.
- Sour ingredients like vinegar and citrus, are great at balancing a dish. Their acidity adds sweetness, heat, and liveliness.
Tip 5: Budgeting and Scaling Your Catering Menu
The great thing about customized catering menus is that you don’t have to break the bank. It all depends on finding a balance. Pasta and pizza feed a lot of people and are affordable yet delicious.
Strategic portions and selection are key in controlling costs without compromising on quality. A smaller, intimate affair will afford a lavish menu based on quality ingredients and detailed presentations.
Manny and Olga’s catering fits the bill with menu options that are relatively affordable yet taste hearty and delicious– we provide inexpensive catering that doesn’t feel cheap.
Why Choose Manny and Olga’s for Your Event Catering?
- Menu Variety: A wide spread of pizzas, pasta, and much more ensures every taste is covered. We are proud of our adaptable menu that works for almost every occasion.
- Quality & Quantity: Focusing on quality and perfect customer service is our time priority. From customized pizzas to pasta dishes, appetizers to salads. We provide hearty, delicious portions of food.
- Custom Menu: Creating a menu with Manny and Olga’s and customizing it is super easy. From choosing your salad dressing to making sure there are enough veggie options– there’s something for everyone.
- Impressive presentation: Our packaging looks great and is hygienic. Eat out of the trays provided or jazz it up in your favorite silverware depending on the kind of gathering you’re having.
Manny and Olga’s offers tailored catering solutions designed to bring your vision to life. With a focus on quality and variety, we make event planning easier than ever. Ready to craft the perfect menu for your next occasion? Reach out to Manny and Olga’s today ato explore our customizable options and make your event truly unforgettable!