Understanding the Ingredients of Catering
At any gathering, providing food for attendees is a given. In our previous blog, 3 Essential Factors for Event Planning, budget and guest count plays a significant role in the vendor selection, but the 'why' behind this connection with food can often be unclear. Angelique Kingston (Angie) and Christina Perotte (Chris), co-founders of Thymeless Catering and culinary instructors, provide insight to the complexities associated with catering costs.
“Eat, Sleep, Cook”
From Passion to Profession: The Journey to Thymeless Catering
Raised in Caribbean households, Haitian (Chris) and Guyanese (Angie), food was always a central part of life. Angie has fond memories of cooking with her grandmother, while Chris grew up with a mantra of 'eat, sleep, cook,' and always eager to be in the kitchen. It was no surprise both of them eventually gravitated toward the culinary world. Before they met, they already recognized that food wasn’t just a passion, it could be a career.
In high school, Chris and Angie each realized cooking could be more than just a hobby. The idea of culinary school began to take shape, but for both, the path was unique. Angie remembers being inspired by a PBS chef who attended Johnson & Wales University (JWU). After watching the show, she knew that was where she wanted to go. Chris’s journey was a bit different. In her senior year, at a crossroads in her life, she received a letter from Johnson & Wales University; a coincidence she took as a sign to apply.
When they both arrived at JWU, their paths crossed, and a bond was quickly formed with a group of like minded classmates. They frequently discussed their mutual desire to go beyond the typical 9-to-5 and create their own food venture. Years later, after graduating, they decided to partner up and make their culinary dreams a reality.
Their first step was hosting gatherings on the platform Eatwith and participating in various markets. This experience ignited a spark, leading them to shift their focus toward creating a catering company that would allow them the flexibility to move beyond a fixed menu. In 2018, Thymeless Catering was officially founded.
Navigating Catering Decisions: From Vision to Plate
Before you reach out to potential caterers, take a step back and think about what you really want. Start by asking yourself what kind of cuisine you enjoy and how important the food is to your overall event. Are there certain dishes or flavors that are a must for your menu? Reflecting on these questions will give you a clearer sense of your vision. After the brainstorming session is completed, it’s also important to keep your budget and guest count in mind. Catering is typically priced per person, so those numbers will have a big impact on your final choices. Food is often one of the most memorable parts of an event, so how much you allocate for catering really depends on how much you value that aspect of the celebration.
That’s where your caterer comes in; they’re there to help guide you toward options that fit within your budget. But it’s key to be flexible and open-minded. You may discover creative options you hadn't thought of, and that flexibility could lead to a great menu while still staying within your financial range. Menu planning also involves lots of little decisions—like how many courses you want, whether it's a cocktail hour, entrée, or dessert. Do you want the food served buffet-style, family-style, or plated? Each of these decisions can affect pricing. Keep in mind catering involves much more than just the food itself, it also includes sourcing fresh ingredients, prep time, labor, execution, and cleanup. So, more courses or a more elaborate serving style will naturally require more labor and time.
It can feel like a lot to think about, but your caterer is there to guide you through the process. They’ll offer suggestions to bring variety, recommend seasonal ingredients, and help you find alternatives that keep the event feeling exactly how you envision it, without blowing your budget.
One Bite at a Time: Partnering with the Right Caterer
Catering can be one of the most rewarding aspects of planning, but it requires careful consideration and flexibility. By taking the time to reflect on your vision, budget, and preferences, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right caterer to bring your ideas to life. Thymeless Catering is a great example of a vendor that understands the importance of both creativity and collaboration, with their guidance through the entire process with expertise and care.
Remember, the right caterer can transform your event into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're focused on flavor, presentation, or guest experience, the choices you make will shape memories for everyone involved.
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Photo Credit- Thymeless Catering
