This is a frequent question I get from people who are unfamiliar with what I do. As chef and owner of Dawn’s Dinners, Inc., most of what I do is catering, even if I am preparing a individual meal for a single client.
To cater is to provide food and services or to provide food professionally or even to provide things to satisfy a person or need – to serve. I have yet to find a definition that includes how many one is serving to be considered catering or to be a caterer. I guess in this respect, many chefs are caterers, even if they work behind a line in a restaurant.
During this time of year, many caterers are so busy trying to meet the needs of the masses, trying to focus on the huge, million dollar events that draw hundreds, if not thousands of guests. The nice thing about earning this type of business is that a catering company can really get their name out there to lots of people in a short time period.
But my goal is not serving the masses. I enjoy working smaller events. I like to work with clients who want something different, unique, and special.
If you are planning a business meeting or party, there are five things you should consider:
1. What is your budget?
2. How many people will be attending?
3. Are there any guests with special needs? Allergies, aversions, vegan or vegetarian?
4. What image are you trying to portray? Sleek and opulent, homey and comfortable, festive yet casual?
5. Can your caterer create that image?
Every event that I plan is unique. Most menus I develop use interesting and fresh ingredients. My biggest goal is to put together the puzzle of your special event.
At Dawn’s Dinners, we specialize in customizing interesting menus for our clients. We use fresh ingredients, even organic when possible. Dressings and sauces are made from scratch. We pull from all over the globe including dishes with Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Spanish, European and even American influences. We are creative using breakfast foods like waffles in dinner menus and traditionally dinner entrees like filet and baked potatoes in breakfast dishes. We do everything in house, including baking bread and desserts.
For more information about Dawn’s Dinners, Inc., visit www.dawnsdinners.com. Feel free to email me at chefdawn@dawnsdinners.com with questions, comments, and to book your holiday event.