Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
At Caribbean Catering, we pride ourselves on catering to a wide range of private events to ensure that every special occasion is made even more memorable with our exquisite culinary offerings. Whether you’re planning a dreamy wedding celebration, a sophisticated corporate event, a lively birthday bash, or any other type of celebration, we’ve got you covered. Our dedicated team is committed to tailoring our services to suit the unique needs and preferences of each event, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable dining experience for you and your guests. From elegant sit-down dinners to casual cocktail receptions, we’re here to bring your vision to life with our delicious cuisine and impeccable service.
We recommend booking our catering services at least 72 hours in advance to ensure that we have ample time to prepare and customize the perfect menu for your event. While we strive to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible, advanced notice allows us to fully understand your needs, source the freshest ingredients, and create a culinary experience that exceeds your expectations. Additionally, booking early helps secure your desired date and ensures that our team can dedicate the necessary time and attention to making your event a success. If you have a specific date in mind, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible to begin the planning process.
Absolutely! At Caribbean Catering, we understand the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests to ensure that all of your guests can enjoy our delicious cuisine. As part of our commitment to providing a personalized dining experience, we take into consideration any dietary restrictions, allergies, or special preferences during the customization process of your menu.
Our catering packages are designed to provide a comprehensive and seamless dining experience for your event. Here’s what you can typically expect to be included:
Food & Beverage: Our packages include a carefully curated selection of delicious dishes and beverages tailored to your preferences and event theme. From appetizers and main courses to desserts and beverages, we offer a variety of options to suit every taste and dietary requirement.
Servers & Bartenders: Professional and courteous servers and bartenders are an integral part of our catering service. Our experienced staff will ensure that your guests are well taken care of, from serving food and drinks to providing attentive and personalized service throughout the event.
Rentals: We provide all necessary rental items to ensure a seamless dining experience, including plates, silverware, and glassware. Our high-quality rentals are selected to complement the style and theme of your event, adding an extra touch of elegance to your dining setup.
By including these essential elements in our catering packages, we aim to provide a hassle-free and memorable dining experience for you and your guests. If you have any specific preferences or additional requirements, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to customize a package that meets your needs.
Absolutely! We understand the importance of ensuring that every dish on your menu meets and exceeds your expectations. That’s why we extend an invitation, at no cost, for you and a guest, along with your wedding coordinator or planner, to join us for a menu tasting at our associated restaurant, “Comedor” in San Juan.
During the tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a selection of dishes from our menu and experience firsthand the quality and flavor of our cuisine.
While our primary focus is on providing exceptional catering services, we understand that planning and coordinating an event can be a daunting task. That’s why we’re happy to offer our expertise and guidance to help make your event a success. In addition to assisting you with menu decisions and ensuring that every culinary aspect is taken care of, we also collaborate with experienced event planning professionals who can provide comprehensive support for all your event needs.
Whether you’re looking for assistance with venue selection, décor, entertainment, or any other aspect of event planning, we can provide recommendations for trusted professionals who have ample experience in creating unforgettable events.
At Caribbean Catering, we offer a range of beverage service options to suit your preferences and budget. Our flexible approach allows you to choose the option that best fits the needs of your event.
For those looking for a hassle-free experience, we offer customizable “open bar” setups, ranging from 2 to 5 hours. Our skilled bartenders will serve a customizable selection of liquors, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages to your guests.
Alternatively, if you prefer to provide your own beverages, we also offer a “bring your own” option. In this scenario, we can provide the necessary bar equipment, such as ice, glassware, and mixers, and our staff will assist with setup and service. This option allows you to have full control over the selection and quantity of beverages served at your event.
No matter which option you choose, you can trust that our team will handle the beverage service with professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring that your guests enjoy a memorable and refreshing experience.
While we provide rental options for plates, silverware, and glassware as part of our catering services, we understand that additional rental equipment such as tables, chairs, and linens may be needed to complete the setup for your event. While we do not offer these items directly, we are happy to provide recommendations for trusted rental companies in the area.
Our pricing structure is based on a per-person basis, allowing for transparency and flexibility to suit a range of budgets and preferences. The cost per person varies depending on factors such as the menu selections, guest count, and any additional services or accommodations requested for your event.
We strive to maintain transparency in our pricing, and there are no hidden fees or charges that you need to be aware of. The price we quote you includes all the services and items discussed during our consultation process. Our goal is to provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the total cost of our catering services upfront, ensuring that there are no surprises or unexpected expenses along the way.
We understand that guest counts can fluctuate, and we’re here to accommodate any last-minute changes to your guest count to the best of our ability. With a notice of at least 24 hours before your event, we can adjust our preparations and catering services accordingly to ensure that every guest is well taken care of.
While we strive to be as flexible as possible, please note that certain limitations may apply depending on the specific circumstances of your event, such as menu selections, staffing, and availability of ingredients. However, we will do our utmost to accommodate your needs and ensure that your event runs smoothly, regardless of any changes to the guest count.
Our culinary team boasts extensive experience and expertise in creating exceptional cuisine that delights the senses. Led by our founder and coordinator, who brings over 36 years of culinary experience to the table, our team is dedicated to crafting dishes that exceed your expectations and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
In addition to our founder’s wealth of knowledge and expertise, we work with a team of seasoned culinary professionals who share a passion for creating exquisite flavors and presentations. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, allowing us to offer a diverse range of culinary offerings that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Certainly! You can find references and testimonials from our satisfied customers in various places, including our homepage, Google reviews, and our Facebook page.
Yes, we are proud to hold a valid liquor license, allowing us to provide alcoholic beverage service as part of our catering offerings. Our liquor license ensures that we comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages, providing you and your guests with peace of mind during your event.
Our cancellation policy is designed to provide clarity and fairness for both our clients and our team. Here’s how it works:
Notification of Cancellation:
- Cancellation made 120 days or more before the due event date: 50% of the total contract amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- Cancellation made 119 days or less before the due event date: 100% of the total contract amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we strive to be flexible and accommodating whenever possible. However, cancellations made within 119 days of the event date incur significant costs and potential losses for our team, including expenses related to food preparation, staffing, and logistics.
If you need to cancel your event, we kindly ask that you provide us with as much notice as possible to minimize any inconvenience or financial impact. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to our cancellation policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
At Caribbean Catering, we believe in minimizing food waste and giving back to the community. When it comes to leftovers from your event, we take proactive steps to ensure that any excess food is put to good use.
One of the ways we handle leftovers is by partnering with local charities and organizations that support those in need. Rather than letting perfectly good food go to waste, we coordinate with these organizations to donate any surplus food from your event. This not only helps to reduce food waste but also provides nutritious meals to individuals and families in our community who may be experiencing food insecurity.
Absolutely! At Caribbean Catering, we understand the allure of outdoor events and are well-equipped to accommodate them. Whether you’re planning a romantic garden wedding, a lively beach party, or a corporate picnic in the park, we’ve got you covered.
When customizing the menu for your outdoor event, we take into consideration the unique challenges and opportunities that come with al fresco dining. From selecting dishes that can withstand varying temperatures to ensuring that all food is served safely and hygienically, our team is committed to providing a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for you and your guests.
We’ll work closely with you to create a menu that not only reflects your tastes and preferences but also complements the setting and ambiance of your outdoor event. Whether you’re envisioning a casual barbecue feast or an elegant cocktail reception under the stars, we’ll ensure that every detail is taken care of so you can relax and enjoy your celebration to the fullest. With Caribbean Catering, the possibilities for outdoor dining are endless, and we can’t wait to help bring your vision to life.
Of course! We understand the importance of catering to guests of all ages and dietary preferences, including children and picky eaters. In fact, any child under 12 years of age is considered our guests, at no cost. We offer a variety of options to ensure that everyone at your event finds something delicious to enjoy.
For children, we can create kid-friendly menus featuring familiar favorites like chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, mini sliders, and fresh fruit skewers. These dishes are not only tasty but also designed to appeal to younger palates, ensuring that the little ones are happy and satisfied.
For picky eaters or guests with specific dietary preferences, we offer a range of customizable options to accommodate their needs. Whether it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions, our culinary team is skilled at creating delicious dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. We’ll work closely with you to ensure that every guest feels included and well-catered for, allowing everyone to enjoy the dining experience without any worries or limitations.
No, gratuities are not included in the pricing. At Caribbean Catering, we believe in providing transparent pricing and allowing clients the flexibility to express their appreciation for exceptional service through gratuities if they choose to do so. While gratuities are not mandatory, they are always greatly appreciated by our hardworking staff who strive to ensure that your event is a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
Absolutely! Our arrival time for setting up at an event depends on various factors, including the number of guests, the complexity of the setup, and the specific conditions of the location. However, to provide you with an example, for a wedding with 200 guests at the Museum of Puerto Rico, we typically aim to arrive approximately 2 hours before the scheduled start time of the event.
This allows us ample time to unload and set up our equipment, arrange the dining area according to your specifications, and ensure that everything is in place for a seamless dining experience. Additionally, arriving early gives us the opportunity to address any last-minute details or unforeseen challenges that may arise, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and according to plan.
Of course, we understand that every event is unique, and we’re committed to working closely with you to determine the optimal setup and arrival time based on your specific needs and preferences. Our goal is to make the catering process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for you, allowing you to relax and focus on creating lasting memories with your guests.