A Culinary Affair’s goal is to deliver one-of-a-kind events that create storybook memories.   Below are some of the rules that we abide by in order to achieve that goal and keep you happy!

Why is it important that I use a licensed and insured caterer?
The food is prepared by professionals who are trained and certified as to proper food handling and sanitation. Maintaining your food at proper temperatures helps prevent food borne illnesses.  This protects you, your guests, and the event facility.

Do you offer tastings?
We offer tastings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by appointment.  Let me know when you are ready to schedule a complimentary tasting, where we can discuss and plan your event.

Do I have to chose something from the menus on your website?
The menus are listed to simply provide ideas.  We are happy to customize an authentic and exotic menu reflecting your personal style and budget.

How do I book your services?
In order to reserve a date for your event, we require a signed Catering Agreement and a non-refundable booking fee of one thousand dollars ($1000) or 50% of your estimated total, whichever is less.  Once your Food, beverage and event details are finalized, we will provide you with a detailed contract.  

When is the final payment due?
The final payment is due 2 weeks prior to the date of your event, along with your final guest count.

Can I change the final guest count after the 2 weeks?
You may add a certain amount of guests up to the day before the event.  However, you may not decrease the amount of guests, since we schedule staff, pay for rentals, and place special orders based on that amount.  

Why is the final payment due 2 weeks before the event? 
We need that much time to professionally finalize the details that create a successful event.  Less than 2 weeks prior to an event, everything becomes “short notice”, and costs us more.  

Is there a penalty for late payments?
If the balance is not received by its due date, a 10% late fee is added to the total.  If final payment is not received by the date of your event, you have voided your contract and cancelled our services.  Therefore, A Culinary Affair will not provide its services and your contract becomes null and void.   

Why are payments non-refundable?
In order to give you 100%, once your date is reserved, we reject other opportunities for that date.  We contract suppliers and other professionals, proceed with the research, design, coordination, and evaluation of all elements contributing to a "5-Star" celebration.  A Culinary Affair will keep all deposits to satisfy prepaid rentals, special orders, bookings, time, loss revenue, etc.  

It’s just going to be close friends and family, they will help.   Do we have to have servers?
If you choose full service, then we provide servers in order for us to do our job correctly and for you to be satisfied.  Otherwise, you may want to consider our drop-off only service.  

Why do we need servers if we have a buffet setup?  What will they do?
Listed below, are our service staff duties to help create a flawless reception!

SERVICE STAFF DUTIES PRIOR TO THE RECEPTION:

• Make sure food is maintained at safe temperature levels

• Setup tables and chairs, place tablecloths, silverware, fold and place napkins

• Setup appetizer, buffet, cake tables, bar, guest welcome (sign-in) tables

• Prepare chaffing dishes, add water and fuel

• Beverage storage/cooling

• Arrange glasses, drinks, ice buckets, and accessories for bar

• Setup coffee and dessert station (May be done during reception if setting up in cocktail area)

SERVICE STAFF DUTIES DURING THE RECEPTION:

• Assist with stationary hors d'oeuvres

• Pass hors d'oeuvres

• Assist with beverages

• Replenish tables

• Pickup dirty plates and glasses

• Confirm food service timing with Event Planner or designated person

• Make sure there's plenty of ice and clean glasses at the bar

• Check food temperature on buffet tables

• Make sure there are serving utensils for all dishes

• Pour champagne for toasts

• Assist with serving food

• Answer questions regarding food type and ingredients

• Replenish buffet

• Cleanup prep/kitchen area

• Start washing dishes

• Make sure dessert plates, spoons and cake knives are on the cake table

• Slice and serve cake to guests

• Assist guests at the coffee/dessert table

• Clear up buffet tables

• Turn off fuel and carefully discard hot water from chaffers.

• Pack leftovers for client

• Clear up guest tables

• Wash and place dishes and glasses in racks for rental pick-up

• Continue clearing all tables  

SERVICE STAFF DUTIES AFTER THE RECEPTION:

• Cleanup time…

• Remove decorations, floral arrangements, candles, photos, drapery, heirlooms, etc.

• Remove gifts/souvenirs

• Remove all food, drinks, dishes, glasses, etc. from tables

• Discard ice from bar

• Pack unopened beverages and return to designated person

• Wash dishes, utensils, and glasses and pack in racks

• Load van/truck

• Stack rentals in designated area

• Discard debris from soiled linen and place in bags

• Write down amount of broken/missing/damaged items

• Clean up kitchen/prep area and return to original condition

• Empty trash

• Walk through with facility attendant to make sure the venue is cleaned to their satisfaction.

How many servers will I need at my party?  
The number of servers needed for a particular function will vary based on the service style chosen, the formality of the event, and the time frame in which you would like the food to be served.  The number of servers may range from 1 server per 50 guests for a casual buffet service to 1 server per 8 guests for a formal plate service.

We can prepare our own food, can we just get servers from you?
For your convenience, we offer a “Service only” package. Should you choose this package, we ask that you sign a waiver for our food liability insurance, since we will not be providing the food.  Call or email us for more details.

Can we provide our own alcohol?  
A Culinary Affair does not provide alcoholic beverages.  The rules vary among different event facilities; some may allow you to bring your own, while others appoint an alcohol licensee that you must go through.  If you are purchasing your own alcohol, we can make suggestions based on our experience, as to how much alcohol may be needed for the number of guests that you are expecting.  

I'm interested in your services, what do I do next?
To receive more information, and/or schedule a tasting call us at 770-402-3333 or please fill out this form so that we can start planning for a successful event.

 IT’S MORE THAN GREAT FOOD THAT SETS A CULINARY AFFAIR APART

IT’S IMPECCABLE SERVICE, AND OUR FANTASTIC CUSTOMERS!  

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 Thank you for visiting us online.

 It  would be an honor, 
should you allow us the opportunity 
to assist you with all your catering and special events needs.

Contact us at imagine@acacatering.com
770-402-3333