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FAQ

Choosing your caterer is a big part of your special event; it is important to take the time to compare apples to apples. When considering your budget, you need to be reassured your event is being handled by professionals who know what they are doing and how to execute your event.

When you talk with caterers about your event or dinner party, don't be surprised if at first you find it is hard to get a straight answer about pricing. This is due to most good catering companies not having a one-size-fits-all approach to their business.

From the location to the number of guests and from your theme to your budget, everything about your event is unique. An experienced caterer will approach your event with the purpose of fulfilling and exceeding your vision. Working with your budget in mind, they will craft a customised, innovative menu that is befitting of your style, theme and celebration.

Here are some common questions and answers about catering for an event:

What is included in my estimate/proposal?

Generally, most catering proposals are broken down into the following cost items: menu, beverages, itemised rental charges, staffing requirements and any additional costs/taxes. It is common for caterers to offer a "packaged price" which might include staff, equipment rentals etc into the food/beverage per-person charge. Be sure to get in writing what is included in any package options and which items are considered extras.

We have preference to the types of food we want at our event. Can you work with us?

Using foods and styles you prefer makes your event special and personal. We customize the majority of our menus to suit your tastes and requirements.

Do you have venues to host events?

We have a multitude of venues we work with in order to offer you a selective choice for all budgets and layouts. During our consulting process, we will suggest venues to suit your personal needs and requirements.

Are you able to accommodate special dietary needs?

We have extensive menu options and are ready to accommodate any taste, restriction, or special need. Your catering experience starts with customizing a perfect menu for you. Making your food experience from CTC perfect and memorable is our goal.

Do I need to rent anything or do you take care of rentals?

As a full service catering company, CTC has an extensive line of equipment. If we don't have in stock anything you will need for your event, we can connect with the necessary resources to find what you will need. We will also help you determine what items you will need to ensure you have a stress-free experience while planning and executing your event. With over 15 years of catering experience, we know what will be required for dishes, linens, tables and chairs along with contingency plans for indoor and outdoor options, etc.

I am not sure how many people will be attending, how do you know how much to order?

We want to ensure you will have enough food so that your last guests will have a full meal available to choose from and not have to pick through remains. In order to give you this maximum flexibility, we only require a guarantee on numbers 72 hours prior to your function. After that time, we will do our best to accommodate increases; however, we are not able to accommodate decreases in numbers.

Do I need to get any insurance to cover me in case of an unfortunate incident?

We carry any required insurance and all our staff is covered by Workers Compensation. We are approved and inspected by the local health department and hold a valid business licence.

I will be booking my event months in advance, are your prices guaranteed?

The price quoted on any event will always be honoured. Prices are subject to change without notice if referencing a formerly held function.

What is the cost for hiring staff? How many do I need?

We will make sure you are taken care of. Throughout our planning, we will ensure there is proper staffing in place to accommodate the volume of guests and any unforeseen obstacles that may take place in order to make your event successful. We believe in consistency so you will not have to deal with multiple changes in staffing during your event. We hire staff that will take care of your party from beginning to end. Our experienced staff are meticulously groomed and adorned all in black including trousers, shirt and tie with a waiter's apron. Our chefs are designated by their crisp white chef's jacket.

The staff is paid from the time they gather your items at the CTC kitchen until the time they have cleaned your site and returned company items back to the CTC kitchen. There is a standard fifteen percent service charge applied to the entire invoice at any function where we supply the staff.

Standard Rate Table:

Type of Staff Per hour/staff member - All staff booked a minimum of 4 hours Per hour/staff member - More than 8 hours Statutory Holidays
Supervisor $35 Time and a half Time and a half
Food Service Staff $20 Time and a half Time and a half
Bartender $25** Time and a half Time and a half
Chef $37.50 Time and a half Time and a half

Do I have to have catering staff or will you deliver food without staff?

We will gladly deliver to the location of your choice. Applicable delivery charges will apply according to distance traveled.

What are your terms of payment? Is a deposit required?

We require a $300 deposit upon booking. The balance is due in full 72 hours prior to the event. Unless you are a corporate client, billing will be sent to the head office. All alcohol must be prepaid. Payment by cheque.

Do we need to do a tasting?

This is something that may be important, but remember, having your tasting done fresh and served to you, opposed to having your food prepared and transported to an off-site event is quite different. It will not taste the same. It is easy to impress you with food straight out of the kitchen but it is challenging to create that same taste after transportation and holding prior to your event.

This is why you want to choose a caterer with experience who has overcome the challenges of timing and quality assurance. CTC has that with state-of-the-art equipment and qualified Chefs so you can feel comfortable your event is in good hands.

Where is the food prepared?

CTC has a 3000sq. foot industrial kitchen. All our food is prepared on-site and transported to your event with proper equipment to ensure the most diligent care in food safety.



Quotes
What a culinary delight!!! Jack is sipping a wine; I'm enjoying a scotch and we're agreeing that this evening was such a wonderful experience of flavours & presentations. Your imaginative & creative skills impress us. We each tried to pick a favourite, but couldn't. Started with the duck, the goat cheese/fennel/dill, chocolate/chipotle/cardamom - well you get the idea - we couldn't pick just one & it sounds so much better when you describe your creations. Good pairings."
Thank you, Jack & sharon

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