Preparations for the solemn event are always accompanied by fuss. The organizer must provide for the decoration of the room, and the distribution of invitations, and of course, a banquet. Most people associate a banquet with a wedding, anniversary, New Year and the successful conclusion of a major contract.
Banquets are traditionally held in cafes and restaurants. This makes it possible for the heroes of the occasion to call a large number of guests and not to worry about cooking and cleaning. However, this option may not be very convenient. In addition, in the summer months, many prefer outdoor recreation. Is it possible to combine a magnificent celebration and an outing? Now yes, after all, catering companies have now appeared in almost every city.
What is catering?
Over the past few years, probably many have already managed to hear this unfamiliar expression. What does it mean? Catering is an English word that can be literally translated into Russian as "delivery of food, products."
Thus, catering is a service in which the company is engaged in the preparation and delivery of food, table setting. Thanks to this, a solemn event with a banquet can be held not only in the restaurant, but also in any other place:
Every year, the number of people wishing to take advantage of this opportunity is growing.
List of Catering Services
Initially, catering intended for the preparation and delivery of food for catering, however, most large catering companies did not stop there and offered a wider list of services (each company has its own).
The standard set includes:
cooking according to a predetermined menu;
food delivery at the appointed time and place;
provision of all necessary utensils for a banquet;
rental of tables, chairs, additional furniture, which is required for lunch;
table setting;
services of staff for a meal (waiters, bartenders).
This is quite enough for the organization of outbound catering. A feature of the described service is that everything is done at a professional level. Thus, the prepared dishes, table setting and service will be no worse than in any expensive restaurant.
Moreover, giving preference to an outdoor banquet, the customer has the opportunity to once again emphasize his originality.
Turnkey catering. What is it?
Now many large catering companies offer turnkey banquets. What does this mean? Such catering is a service that includes an extended list, where in addition to catering, the company offers the following:
decoration of the venue of the banquet (fabric, flowers, balloons) ;
providing a leading celebration;
rental of musical equipment;
departure of beauty service masters (hairdressers, makeup artists, manicurists);
photo and video shooting.
Thanks to this integrated approach, customers can completely shift all the cares of organizing the celebration to the shoulders of professionals.
Benefits of Catering
To date, catering restaurants do not feel a lack of customers, and the reasons for this state of affairs are obvious. Outside banquets have a number of advantages.
The first and most important difference from holding a holiday in a cafe is the ability to organize a magnificent celebration anywhere in the world.
The quality of service is always at the highest level. The hero of the occasion will never have to blush for the poor work of the staff or the tasteless food. The cook works in strict accordance with standards and an approved menu, the waiters are well-trained, the serving is perfect.
A holiday without worries. Of course, if necessary, the birthday girl herself will prepare dinner for 10, 20, 50 guests and spend it all night, but it is much more pleasant to entrust this work to specialists and just have fun.
Suitable for any occasion. Whatever the occasion of the meeting, an off-site banquet is the perfect solution.
Disadvantages of Catering
Despite the large number of advantages of catering services , there are some disadvantages. Rather, these are not even flaws, but moments that require special attention.
Choosing a place for a banquet. In general, you can determine a place for a fun celebration. The main thing is that there should be spacious enough for guests and have the opportunity to set tables and other furniture (that is, the base should be flat).
Cost. Organization of an exit banquet will cost a little more than a similar celebration in a cafe.
Stationary service and departure
Depending on the goals and features of the order, it is customary to subdivide catering services into 2 areas:
visiting - to any place chosen by the customer (in this case, the cooks prepare food on their territory, and they bring the finished meal to the place of the banquet);
stationary service (a typical example of such an option is the daily preparation of meals for employees of the enterprise, work is carried out on the spot).
And in that, and in another case, the customer receives a fully organized thoughtful service at the highest level and at the same time does not spend any effort.
To attract as many customers as possible, many catering companies offer in addition to the usual and special menus. These are vegetarian dishes, low-calorie and salt-free cuisine.
Types of Catering
In addition to the aforementioned major areas (stationary and outbound), there are various types of catering services. They differ according to the specifics of the event. Among the main types:
exit banquet;
registration of a buffet;
barbecue or picnic;
coffee break (a new service for the Russian consumer, but already very popular);
cocktail;
business catering (lunch delivery to the enterprise or office).
Each of the above options has several characteristics at once (menu, type of service, additional services).
Outing Banquet
Banquet is the most popular way to receive guests in our country. In the course of it, a certain place is assigned to each guest at the festive table. Another characteristic feature is that everyone present is offered the same list of dishes in a certain order.
Banquet - a universal service. It is perfect for any important event, whether it’s a wedding ceremony, birthday or any other holiday.
It should be noted that the exit banquet can be called a real heavyweight in all respects (long preparation and high cost). In connection with such features, it is recommended to choose such expensive and difficult to prepare dinners only for major events (marriage, anniversary, wedding anniversary).
Exit buffet
This type of celebration is widespread in Europe. "Reception" - the word French. If you literally translate it into Russian, we get "on the plug." This may seem somewhat strange, but this name fully describes the way this dinner is held.
According to the rules, the buffet dinner is held in the form of a relaxed meeting of guests who can freely move around the room and, if desired, approach the table with snacks. Personal chairs and plates are not provided for guests. In this regard, the dishes for the buffet are selected appropriate. This can be canapes, cheese, meat and fish slices, cold snacks on skewers and all that can be eaten without the use of spoons and plates. Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) can be placed on separate tables, or waiters can deliver filled glasses. The real decoration of the buffet table will be the chocolate fondue fountain (pieces of fruit on skewers that are dipped in chocolate).
At first glance, organizing catering of this type is simpler, but it is not.
Waiters are required to show maximum attention and diligence. Each table should have enough snacks and drinks.
The dimensions of the room or area in nature should be large enough so that guests can move freely and not crowd.
The meal is not suitable for all occasions (usually for corporate events, presentations, exhibitions).
The advantage of an exit buffet reception is that:
BBQ organization
Such a catering service is an ideal solution for going outdoors. It is best to choose a place with a picturesque view of the surroundings: the riverbank or meadow. The peculiarity of such a meal is the characteristic menu. It certainly includes the preparation of a barbecue or barbecue. In addition, meat and fish slices, cold and hot snacks, salads can be served. All menu features are discussed in advance.
In addition to cooking, the catering company provides all the necessary furniture, utensils, equipment. At the request of the customer, many companies offer an entertainment program, music.
Coffee Break Preparation
Not everyone knows the meaning of this expression, but the service itself is not new for the Russian person. Coffee break - a short break (15-30 minutes) for tea, coffee and a light snack. They arrange it during long meetings, presentations, negotiations.
In fact, this short break is very important in the work of any company, because after long discussions and decisions of important matters, the participants in the meeting can take a break, think over the information received and refresh themselves. It is quite possible that after a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, people’s mood will rise, the terms of the transaction will be more profitable, and there will be no disputes at all.
During a coffee break on catering tables, they most often have:
light sandwiches, canapes;
sweet and unsweetened pastries;
nuts
fruits and berries;
various desserts;
coffee;
several types of tea (black, green, herbal);
juice and mineral water;
alcoholic beverages (in some cases).
Catering Utensils
Any banquet is a serious event where misses and shortcomings are simply unacceptable. Dishes for a meal are extremely important, since the overall impression of the food and the event as a whole depends on it.
When ordering catering services, you don’t have to worry about this detail, because the executing company will do everything by itself. Indeed, the provision of dishes is one of the main services of catering companies. The feast will be provided with everything that is needed as part of a banquet, buffet or coffee break. Tables are served taking into account the menu and the number of guests, so there will be no shortage of dishes.
It is worth emphasizing that the serving is carried out taking into account generally accepted requirements and norms.
Considering all of the above, we can conclude: catering is a relatively new direction in the service sector for our compatriots, but it deserves close attention in cases where a high-quality organization of outdoor banquets is required.