FAQs

Event Catering FAQs Q: What types of events do you cater? We design and execute unique dining experiences for birthdays, anniversaries, and intimate gatherings. Our gourmet catering services elevate corporate events, including board meetings, client dinners, and company celebrations. Q: What types of cuisine do you consider your specialty? Chef Zach has a classic cooking background from Le Cordon Bleu. His experience has contributed to Zach’s love of traditional and modern French, Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian cooking. His signature dishes, known for their bold flavors and meticulous preparation, have consistently delighted patrons. He is also committed to using farm-to-table and organic ingredients, underscoring his dedication to quality and sustainability. Q: How do I choose between a plated dinner or a buffet? A buffet allows the guests to help themselves to as much or as little food as they would like. Food is served buffet-style in chafing dishes or “family-style” at the table. A plated dinner consists of multiple courses served at the table, like a restaurant. A buffet is ideal for a casual event or when you have many different tastes involved. Buffets tend to cost more because more food needs to be purchased, but having leftovers for the next day is very likely. Plated dinners are typically more formal and suitable for business dinners and special occasions. Q: Can you customize the menu to suit our theme and preferences? A customized menu should offer enough variety to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements but not so much that it becomes overwhelming or confusing. You want to balance your dishes' flavors, textures, colors, and temperatures and avoid repetition or redundancy. The menu should reflect the theme, using fresh, seasonal ingredients to ensure the best flavors and presentation. We can also use unexpected flavor combinations to surprise and delight your guests. Zach Hamel Cuisine takes pride in suggesting menu items that celebrate the theme and dazzle the eye. Q: How do you create a unique culinary experience? Zach Hamel Cuisine creates a unique culinary experience through a blend of creativity, personalization, and meticulous attention to detail. We start by understanding your audience's likes, dislikes, dietary restrictions, and cultural backgrounds. This helps us craft a menu that is delicious and meaningful to them. Presentation is crucial in making a lasting impression. Artistic plating, garnishes, sauces, and edible flowers can enhance the visual appeal of each dish. We can complement this with a themed table setting with appropriate tableware, linens, and centerpieces. The ambiance plays a significant role, too. Soft, warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, while carefully selected music enhances the theme and dining experience. Our attention to detail is what sets the Zach Hamel Cuisine experience apart. Personal touches, such as custom menus with guests’ names or personalized place cards, show thoughtfulness and care. We ensure that the service is seamless and attentive, with courses flowing smoothly and guests’ needs being anticipated. Q: Do you offer a tasting session before the event? Zach Hamel Cuisine offers menu tasting before the event if the client wants to do so. The price of the tasting would be included in the contract. Q: How do you handle special dietary requirements or restrictions? The best way to manage special dietary requirements or restrictions is to check with the guests beforehand. Chef Zach can help ensure that the menu avoids problematic ingredients or develop alternatives for menu items. Cross-contamination is always a concern with allergies, and we utilize separate cooking surfaces and utensils when allergies are known. Q: How do you source your ingredients for the menu? Chef Zach shops at your preferred stores, organic grocery stores, and farmers' markets to find the best ingredients. He uses the highest-quality ingredients, including fresh, organic, and local produce, free of hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. Q: Will you be bringing additional staff? Yes! I offer expert staffing solutions tailored to your event needs. With access to a network of skilled servers and bartenders, I can ensure your event is well-staffed with the right professionals. We'll collaborate to determine if the proposed staffing fits your budget and event size. Staffing services are billed separately from food services and grocery costs. Q: How do you determine the budget for these events? The budget for each party is unique depending on the guest count, style, size, and menu complexity. Your total will consist of a service fee and a grocery budget. Once the menu details are discussed, Chef Zach can create an estimate for you. Once you approve your final budget, he will ask for a deposit. There are two options for contracting for an event: 1.Price Per Person: This includes my labor and food costs, based on the agreed menu. The final price is calculated per person regardless of guest attendance. However, please note that an additional charge will apply if unexpected, last-minute guests arrive 2.Labor Plus Grocery Reimbursement: My labor fee and the cost of groceries are billed separately. Please note that additional staff will always be billed as a separate labor charge. A gratuity is typically expected and greatly appreciated by our dedicated team. Q: When and how do I pay you? The final payment is due after the event. We will save the food cost receipts and provide you with an invoice, including labor and food expenses. If our contract covers the chef’s labor and food costs, you will pay the agreed amount upon event completion. Clients can pay using Venmo or Zelle. We also accept checks. Q: What is your cancellation policy? Zach Hamel Cuisine requires cancellation at least five days in advance. Any purchased groceries will need to be reimbursed. Cancellation after five days in advance results in a full charge and the cost of any groceries purchased. Q: Can you provide references? Yes, please get in touch with us for references.