Understanding Expectations for Food When Several Companies Are Involved
Catering enquiries sometimes come directly from the host, and sometimes through a company responsible for planning or running an event.
When several companies are involved, our client brings together the wishes of the host and the venue. We cannot always speak directly with everyone concerned, so we place particular importance on understanding the reasons behind the requests we receive.
A Site Visit Reveals the Possibility of Serving Warm Dishes
In September, we were entrusted, through our client, with the food for an event welcoming a brand’s valued customers. The initial request was for pinchos: small bites that guests could enjoy easily.
We use our own consultation sheet to understand the requirements and conditions, and visit the venue whenever possible. On this occasion, too, we went to see the equipment and available space and spoke with the venue team.
This led us to consider adding warm dishes while retaining the ease of the pinchos format.
We developed the menu by combining my experience as a chef working in many different venues with the perspective of our concierge, who has spent many years looking after clients. We concluded that, even within the venue’s limitations, a carefully chosen method of service would allow us to serve warm food comfortably.
We adjusted the menu while obtaining the confirmations the proposal required. Experience also helps us distinguish between matters we need to discuss again with the client and decisions we can make within the responsibility already entrusted to us.
On the day, guests said, “It really is lovely to have something warm to eat!” and “This is delicious!” Our client also received compliments.
Understanding the Context and Offering a Practical Response
At an event involving several companies, new requests may arise along the way. It may also be difficult to decide how best to convey those requests to the person responsible for the food.
“We have received this request. What would you suggest?”
When a client asks us a question like this, we first check the conditions, then offer a specific approach and explain the reasoning behind it. If something is difficult, we say so and consider whether there is an alternative.
You do not need to organise every detail of the food requirements before speaking with us. Unresolved questions and comments from others involved can be valuable clues to the context of the event.
Taking responsibility for the cooking and delivering it to a high standard are fundamental to my work. Beyond that, I try to understand expectations that have not yet been put into words and find the food and style of service that suit the occasion.
We want guests’ enjoyment to reinforce their trust in the host and in our client. Looking that far ahead is part of our responsibility.