Catering and the Black tie Dining experience.
How often have you attended a function where the food tasted “offish or like cardboard” as someone once so aptly described it?
This usually happens when there is a lack of attention to detail…EVERY DETAIL!
An event has to be a multi-sensual experience to be savoured in the moment and remembered and talked about. With this in mind, food becomes a VITAL part of the illusion. Yes everything in that moment is an illusion…You are transported away into a world of fantasy.
Not only must the food that is served be of the highest quality and at it’s freshest, but it must look visually appealing. Everything about it..the presentation, the table layout, the cutlery…Everything must transport the guest into the realm of the sublime. This is part of what I mean when I say ART IN MOTION!
In all cases, select a menu that is visually appealing, tastes sublime, evokes the senses and creates the illusion of sumptuousness.
While your black tie event must have a theme, never, feel forced to cater to the beat of a gimmick. While certain lunches and cocktail themes make sense in some contexts, A BLACK TIE EVENT STANDS COMPLETELY SEPERATE.
So, for expamle items such as pap and vleis, Italian meatballs and spaghetti, Mexican nachos by their very nature contrast the sophistication of everyone gathered in tuxes and evening gowns.
SERVING THE FOOD.
Serve food with elegance. Wait staff serving drinks and light hors d’ oeuvres upon arrival always lends more class as opposed to guests having to crowd around buffet tables laden with oily, heartburn inducing appetizers.
Similarly, wait staff serving at the tables is always much classier than guests having to serve themselves at a buffet table…This also allows for less movement and more control.
THE MENU
The menu itself will probably include appetizers upon arrival, a salad or starter, an entree with veggies, dessert and finally a cheese platter and coffee and elegant chocolates. A selection of table wines (one white, one red) lends a nice touch.
The presentation (and I cannot stress this enough) is all important. Be creative but exercise caution in your menu selection. Serve a meal that is memorable and suitable for most tastes.
Always consider special meal requests ahead of time and cater for them..Going that extra mile makes all the difference. Are there vegetarians attending? Muslim guests to arrange halaal meals for them? Jewish guests for any kosher requirements?
Above all, never be afraid to ask questions when presented with menu selections..Often, items are not clearly illustrated or described with several adjectives being used to describe a simple hamburger….Always ask and if possible arrange for a pre tasting of menu choices ahead of time. And if you’re not happy, look around. There are a number of excellent caterers around and many venues have in house catering services as well.
Again, at Light Years Designer Events and Entertainment, we strive to go beyond the extra mile. Our strict and exacting standards and our tenacious policy of NO COMPROMISE will always ensure that you the client will get nothing but the very best service and products….Every eventing rand spent with us will give you a ten fold return on investment which will be translated to nothing less than an absolutely spectacular event on your behalf! We create ART IN MOTION!!
That’s pretty much all for now….Enjoy your next black-tie dinner and feel free to leave feedback. Have a great week and stay safe!
