Office Catering Do's And Don'ts (Jon Espinoza)

Office catering can bring in steady income but only if it's done right. It's a high stress job that requires organization and good execution as clients rely on the caterer for meals. Slip ups can leave them hungry and irritated and cost you future contracts.

As for clients, make sure you go with a caterer you know has a good reputation. If it's daily lunch catering for employees, go for wholesome home-cooked style menus. If it's clients you need to impress, a touch of gourmet is a good idea. Just be sure to find out who suffers from what allergies or is on a diet plan.

Get real about the budget

This applies to both clients and caterers. We've just come out of a recession and the going is slow but not so slow that commodities are too cheap. Clients should have a realistic view of what their budgets can buy. Caterers should too.

Cutting corners is fine as long as nobody expects gourmet cuisine at $20 a head. Menus should be simple and not consist of 7-course meals unless it's a fancy event. If a 7-course meal is being planned, the cost can be tempered by selecting decent quality fare and not exotic foods.

Give the guest list some leeway

If the catering is for 20 guests, caterers should expect another five guests. Clients who decide to invite more people after giving the list to caterers should inform them at the earliest. Doing so a day or two before the event can be disastrous as plans will go awry. Clients are also likely to pay an additional fee which will dent the budget.

Don't interfere

This is for clients eager to make the event a success that they unintentionally interfere with the catering work. Caterers understand you have qualms but they're experienced at handling different events. Leave them to their jobs and enjoy the occasion rather than fretting with the service. Caterers will also appreciate your trust and do their best to serve up a memorable event.

Hire way in advance

If a caterer is hired only three-four days prior to an event, you can't expect excellent service. There's a lot of work involved like planning, shopping, preparation etc. Small parties of 10 to 15 people require at least five days notice while large parties have to be planned a week to 10 days in advance. The more time is given for organization, the better the event will proceed without a hitch.

A perfect menu

Menu selection depends on the client and you may choose any group of items. But some foods are a bad choice because they don't sit well, dry out or become soggy. Unless they're prepared on-site, exclude them.

A perfect menu consists of soup which can't be overcooked or dried out, chicken which heats well and doesn't become soggy and braised meats and vegetables as they retain heat and water. Chilli also holds well as it doesn't lose taste and texture.

If certain items can't be excluded, caterers will have to do the following: Cook fried foods and rice on-site, chilled slightly undercooked grilled items during transport and complete the cooking on-site, and prepare fried oysters or crab cakes if seafood is demanded as fish is easily overcooked and dries out when held for too long.

Catering service can help you have a clue how much food as well as drink you must have based upon the number of people and sort of celebration. Milligans Catering specializes in offering the finest corporate and office catering service. Visit their website milliganscatering.com.au for additional details.