Meeting the Caterer

A popular mantra in the catering business is "How can I make it happen for you?" For most, this isn't an empty statement. A caterer worth his or her salt (and all the other spices in the spice rack) stands firmly behind this phrase.

After you make contact with a catering firm, the caterer's first job is to figure out what you want and decide how the company can create it for you. This process usually begins with a client-caterer meeting -- sort of like a first date. Whether it happens during the initial phone call or a scheduled appointment, the client services representative wants to get as much information as they can to help them prepare a proposal for you. As a client, you should be ready to answer these questions:

• What is the proposed date and time of the event?
• Is this a social or professional function?
• Do you have a general budget in mind?
• How many guests will attend?
• Have you selected a venue or setting?

Of course, depending on the type of function, other questions can (and should) come into conversation. Keep in mind that this initial discussion is critical because it will be the backbone of the caterer's proposal. So, if you have certain ideas in mind, you need to be as explicit as possible. According to Dondis, this -- what's in the client's "minds-eye" -- is the most important thing to discover.

Photo courtesy Joel The catering company can work with the florist to create centerpieces to match the table setting.

One of the biggest mistakes a client can make is to only think about the budget. You can't expect to say to a caterer "I have "x" amount to spend; what can I get for that?" and get a reasonable answer. You also need to explain what you hope to get for that budget. When the caterer understands your budget and your expectations, he or she can figure out if they match-up. If they do, great. If they don't, then don't worry -- it's not a wash. It just means that it's time for more questions. Remember you're dealing with professionals and they're equipped to help you.

Photo courtesy Joel These Ahi Tuna skewers make a tasty and practical cocktail choice. Food items that can be served sans flatware are great for mobile, socializing guests.

Let's say you're planning a 50th wedding anniversary for your parents, and like most of us, you're on a pretty strict budget. Initially you have something really elaborate in mind. But, you discover that with the number of guests you hope to invite, your budget isn't going to afford you the luxurious event you envisioned. So it's time to prioritize. The client services representative asks you a series of questions related to your parent's tastes -- perhaps something like this:

• What is their favorite kind of food?
• Do they like formal or informal functions?
• When they entertain, what are their gatherings like?
• Do they prefer small or large groups?
• What do your parents like to do in their spare time?
• What's their favorite vacation destination?

From your answers, it's clear that your parents would be much more comfortable with a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Photo courtesy Joel Like the Ahi Tuna skewers pictured above, these cheesecake lollipops are perfect cocktail party fare.

Instead of a formal seated dinner with assigned seating and place-cards, your parents would much rather everyone be able to move about and socialize. A new vision starts to take shape in your mind: An outdoor southern-inspired cocktail party with fairy lights in the trees, soft jazz playing in the background and a light scent of magnolia blossoms swirling around the guests. With this new information, the catering firm can prepare a proposal that accommodates both your expectations and your budget.

Next, let's take a look at what goes into preparing a proposal.

Mmm...Pie! Catering is a business. And, just like many other businesses there are always new and exciting growth opportunities. It could be something like expanding your market area or increasing the services you offer. For Joel Dondis of Joel, it's e-commerce. Photo courtesy Joel Joel's famous White Chocolate Pecan Pie Imagine the best pecan pie you've ever had. Now, with that in mind, imagine another pie. This one has the same familiar appeal, but it's better. Way better. It's made with traditional pie fillings -- just the right amount (a lot) of Louisiana pecans -- perfectly encased in a pecan-meal crust and laced with white chocolate. Sounds really tasty, doesn't it? Trust us, it is. And, apparently we're not the only folks that think so. This was the very first dessert Dondis ever served at one of his catered functions. Word of mouth spread and soon everyone was talking about this pie. This White Chocolate Pecan pie was such a success that Dondis decided to take it to the next level -- the Internet. Now everyone, including catering clientele and their guests who have raved about this pie, can serve it in their own homes. Perfect for a dinner party or holiday gathering -- think about Thanksgiving and Christmas -- ordering is easy and delivery is quick. Dondis hasn't stopped there. The pecan pie is now available in a dark-chocolate variety. If you're looking for something a little more exotic, Joel also offers a Coconut Macadamia Pecan Pie. It has a homemade coconut crust and is filled to the brim with traditional pecan pie fillings, dark chocolate, shredded coconut and macadamia nuts. In addition to pies, Joel also has rich chocolate pecan brownies for you to indulge in. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional Southern sweet, try Joel’s melt-in-your-mouth pralines (pronounced prah-leens in New Orleans). Photo courtesy Joel With the caption "Southern Comfort," this delectible dessert has even been featured in the pages of InStyle Magazine as a "Top 100 Gourmet Food Gift" for the holiday season. For ordering details, you can visit the Joel Web site, call 504.827.2400 or 800.335.8994 or email pecanpies@joels.com.