Got a Question?
Are you insured?
We are fully licensed and insured for product and liquor liability up to five million dollars. Our staff are covered by worker's compensation.
Do you provide tastings?
Yes, our Executive Chef is happy to prepare a selection of menu items for your enjoyment when you come in to plan your event. Since we do not keep premium or non-seasonal ingredients on-hand for tastings, we must usually shop locally for ingredients at retail stores. To off-set some of our out-of-pocket expenses, we charge $55 per person for tastings. If you sign a contract with us, we will deduct 100% of the tasting charges from your balance due.
Can I make up my own menu or make changes in your menus?
Absolutely! We love to help you create a special menu just for your party! All of the menus on this website are completely customizeable, you are welcome to make any additions or changes you prefer.
Can you provide for vegetarian and special dietary needs?
We have wide variety of vegetarian, vegan and other special needs menu items. When you come in to plan your event, we will discuss your dietary needs and suggest a menu that will be suitable for you and your guests. Please tell us if we need to consider food allergies.
How far in advance should I reserve my date?
Wedding receptions typically book 4-12 months in advance. Corporate events usually have a shorter lead time. If we're available, we can provide corporate lunches with a 48 hour notice. We suggest reserving your date as soon as it is confirmed. Summer weekends and all dates in December fill very quickly.
Do you have children's prices?
Yes. Children 5 to 10 years old are 50% of the adult price. Children 4 and under are free, but are counted for seating.
Can you provide rental items for my event?
Yes. Not only can we arrange for the rental of the usual party items such as tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware and silverware, but we also have access to fine china, crystal, and specialty linens. We can also arrange for larger items such as canopies, stages and dance floors. We rent them for you without a markup.
Do you provide wine or liquor?
While A Tasteful Affair is not licensed to sell alcohol, we do maintain the necessary liability insurance to serve your guests if you provide the alcohol. We can provide you with recommendations on where to find the best buys and offer suggestions on selections.
Do you provide bartenders and servers?
Yes. Our bartenders and servers are trained, professional, and just plain nice! We carry full liability insurance for both food and alcohol service. As a general rule, you need to allow one bartender per 100 guests for beer and wine bars and one bartender per 75 guests for full bar service.
Do you have a corkage fee?
No. We will open and serve beverages you supply at no additional charge.
Do your servers wear uniforms?
Our trained, professional staff are attired either in black and white uniforms or in all black uniforms with long, black bistro aprons. They are professional, neat, and always ready to help!
Do you charge extra to cut the wedding cake?
No, it is included in the price.
Do you setup and cleanup?
We will dress and set the tables, clear the tables, and clean the service/kitchen area, leaving it as we have found it. If you wish us to set up and breakdown the tables and chairs there is an additional fee.
How many servers will be needed at my event?
As a general rule, we provide one server for every 25 people at a buffet. We provide one server for every twenty people at a sit down dinner. However, the server ratio depends on how formal or complicated the event is and may be reduced or increased, depending on these factors. A lavish six-course, sit-down dinner may require one server per 10-12 guests or a very simple buffet many only require 1 server for 35 people. Using your event details, we will recommend the minimum number of servers required based on our experience. Our goal is to make your event run smoothly, therefore we have a two server minimum for events.
Besides the cost of food, what charges can I expect for a catered event?
When we provide your personalized proposal, we list of all of our estimated charges in order to provide you with a complete proposal. In addition to the package per person price, we include the following in each proposal: rental upgrades or additions (that we obtain on your behalf), labor charges for service staff, and sales tax.
What does the catering fee cover?
The catering fee offsets labor and administration costs such as dishwashing, packing for your event, shopping for food, clean up, site visits, working with rental companies, etc. The catering fee is not a gratuity and is subject to state and local tax laws.
Is a gratuity included in your bill?
Gratuities are not itemized in the bill (unless directed to do so by the client), nor are they required. They are, however, graciously accepted by our staff for a job well done. A gratuity of $25-60 per staff member or a percentage of the total is customary. We do not put tip jars on bars for private parties and weddings.
What is your "Drop Off" service?
We bring a buffet to you, set it up and return later to pick up non-disposable serving items. There are no servers. A delivery & pick-up fee is charged. This option works best for informal corporate events and informal parties of less than 30 people. Delivery/pickup charges without staff begin at $45 for the Tri Valley area. Outside the tri-valley or after office hours, there will be an additional 18% catering fee.
Do you provide paper goods, china, linens, or chafing dishes for drop offs?
For drop offs, we include quality paper plates and plastic eating utensils. We also provide a linen for the buffet and will set up any necessary chaffing dishes. If you prefer china and silverware, we will be happy to make arrangements, however these items require that our staff be present at your event.
How can I compare quotes from two different caterers?
In the catering industry there are a variety of ways to present a bid to a client. For example, some caterers include only the price of food in the per person cost, others include food and service, others include linens and/or china in the per person charge. It is important when comparing bids from two or more companies that pricing for all of the necessary items are included in both quotes for an accurate comparison.
How do you charge for labor?
We charge for our staff by the hour, based on a five hour minimum per staff person. We do our best to estimate the amount of time that our staff will be needed for your event. However, since many variables exist, the final cost is based on the actual time worked. For large full service events, we require an Event Manager to oversee staff and ensure the coordination of a successful event.
What are the hourly rates of your staff?
Event Manager: $45 per hour
On-Site Chef: $50 per hour
Bartender: $50 per hour
Event Staff: $45 per hour
Kitchen Staff: $40 per hour
