Meetings and Events Houston | Not Your Traditional Caterer

Some caterers specialize in catering outdoor picnics and events, including large tent parties. Outdoor catering is particularly tricky because it involves dealing with wind, insects, and geographical and meteorological challenges.

Not Your Traditional Caterer

Article By: Kristie Smith of VI: Volume 4 - Issue 1

There are many things to consider once you are ready to think about what you will be serving at your next meeting or event. You should consider if you would like a formal sit down dinner or something more casual. You might also want to go with a cuisine that compliments your venue. The important thing to remember is that you can think outside of the box. You no longer have to serve traditional food in the traditional way from the traditional catering companies. There is a world of possibilities out there. You just need to know where to start looking.

High End Catering
It’s time to think about food. There are certainly a handful of high end carters out there just waiting to cater your next meeting or event. But don’t just limit yourself to catering companies. Many restaurants have catering options and would love to cater your next get together.

Let Birraporetti’s take care of your special occasion. As one of Houston’s great original restaurants, they pride themselves on making each event memorable. Birraporetti’s opened in 1974 in Houston with the slogan, “A Great Italian Restaurant…A Heck of an Irish Bar!” For 30 years Birraporretti’s has been the place to gather whether out on a celebration with friends and family or simply relaxing after a long day. Birraporetti’s can bring their signature food to you with their first class catering department. They can host wedding parties and rehearsal dinners, birthdays and anniversaries, wine dinners and business functions.

Sambuca can offer your guests the ultimate food experience. They understand that every moment deserves its own special detail. The people at Sambuca will work with you to make your event extraordinary. They cater to private events that range from an intimate dinner for 20 to an extraordinary cocktail reception for 400.

The people at Buca di Beppo are experts at turning everyday events into celebrations. From their delicious, Italian cuisine to the fun and festive atmosphere, they know how to have a good time. Buca di Beppo can bring their freshly made Italian favorites to your location. Their diverse menu will please just about anyone. They can accommodate any event or budget, whether it’s a business occasion, a casual affair or anything in between. So sit back and let Buca di Beppo take care of the food.

There are also a select few grocery stores that can provide high-end catering. From major departments like the bakery, meat and seafood to an amazing floral and gift center, Central Market has you covered, whether you need dinner for two or two hundred. There you will find fresh organic produce and local farm-raised beef.

Their commitment to food is not the only reason they’re a cut above the rest. Each of their stores is a market in the truest sense. They are a place to exchange goods and services as well as ideas. With community rooms, cooking classes, live music and much more at every location, they certainly spend every day celebrating what food is all about.

At Central Market, all of the food is freshly prepared by restaurant-trained chefs using the best products available. Each day at the Central Market Bakery, they bake more than 100 kinds of sandwich breads, rolls, pastries and dessert. They offer fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from all over the world. No one in Texas has a better selection of cheeses, deli meats and pâtés.

Sushi Catering
Serving sushi is certainly a growing trend that has been popping up all over the place. You might be thinking that catering sushi is a little humdrum, however that is defiantly not the case. Seafood has always had a bit of elegance to it and sushi is always pleasing to look at. Caters can get creative on the presentation of the food so that it doesn’t only taste delicious, it also looks visually stunning. Because when it comes to hosting the perfect event, the presentation is just as important as the quality of the food.

Located all around the country, Sushi Catering Services gives you the options of fine corporate entertainment in Houston. They offer full service event catering to big and small events. The food is prepared from only the best quality ingredients by the expert chefs and cooks. They have a well-equipped kitchen to prepare the food. They can also prepare the food at the venue if the situation demands. In either case, the chefs at Sushi Catering Services will produce a fine culinary treat with regular food items and at least a unique special item of snack or porridge. Their supporting staff is also well mannered and cheerful. The waiters will be dressed up, befitting the theme you have selected for the event.

Kubo’s Fine Catering offers an array of services from beautifully designed sushi and appetizer platters to a full Japanese cuisine culinary experience onsite with cold and hot selections. Whether it is an appetizer of Spicy Tuna Mushroom, Kubo’s Miso-Bouillabaisse as a soup starter, or a special entree such as Salmon Hooba-Yaki, Kubo’s is committed to serving only the freshest, most exceptional seafood, meats and vegetables, all prepared with unmatched innovation. His access to fresh, seasonal ingredients allows Chef Ito to demonstrate his artistry and versatility. They can even add ambiance and a unique entertainment experience with a sushi station at your next soiree, gala or reception where your guests may enjoy made-to-order sushi rolls by talented chefs.

If you’re looking for a good Japanese sushi or a California roll catering service, you might want to check out GoGo Sushi. They can help you with the best catering service in town. They even offer a sushi station at events. Everyone will be sure to love their food. Their presentation is always exceptional and the chef will serve your guests with extra care. Most of all, they have an excellent menu and their prices are very reasonable.

Sushi King’s catering is a great way to entertain guests with original foods and flavors. They specialize in serving traditional authentic cuisine in either a formal or informal setting. You can make your own menu or choose from a set menu. Every function can be customized to fit your needs. Their goal is to enrich the lives of those they are serving through a superior quality of food, drinks and customer service.

Outdoor Catering
What is involved? – Outdoor catering is very popular in Houston during the spring, summer, and fall. There are many options to choose from when providing outdoor catering for your guests. Although outdoor catering is ideal for more casual outdoor events, if done correctly, you can host an amazing upscale outdoor event. Keep in mind that it is important to know the specific requirements for outdoor catering when deciding if it is right for you.

Special Requirements – The requirements for outdoor catering are similar to those for indoor catering. For outdoor catering, you still need to provide plates, utensils, napkins, and silverware. However, outdoor events generally use disposable utensils and plates rather than glass, ceramic, due to ease of cleanup and safety.

Having an outdoor event also means that you must be ready to combat Texas-sized insects. Depending on the time of day and season you would like to host your event, you might want to consider implementing a variety of measures to ensure that insects do not ruin your food and your event. For the best anti-insect measures, you should consult with a local professional who has experience in providing assistance with outdoor events.

You might also want to consider renting a larger tent to provide cover for your guests from the elements. This means your guests will be protected in the event of rain. Plus, a tent can provide shade from the warm sun as well as a breezy area for guests to eat.

Some things, like restroom facilities, can be overlooked when planning an event. Not all outdoor facilities will have restroom available to your guests. You might want to look into renting portable toilets during your event so your guests aren’t rushing off.

Types of Outdoor Catering – When thinking about the menu for your outdoor event, consider the weather conditions. If your event takes place on a warm afternoon or evening, consider serving a light, cool dish. If your event falls in the cooler months, try serving warm dishes. Which ever you choose, plan to have the appropriate plates and stemware for you guests.

In Texas, Barbeque is the most common form of outdoor catering. This is because the caterers can both prepare and serve the food outside to your guests and because Texan’s know how to serve up the most delicious barbeque. This common Texas cuisine is ideal for nearly any event, as its wide variety of meats and side dishes can ensure all your guests can find something delicious to eat.

Deli-style catering is also available for any outdoor catering endeavors and involves providing your guests with trays of various deli meats and cheeses out for your guests. This allows your guests to mingle while eating a more simplistic style food that doesn’t require them to be confined to traditional table seating.

Don’t forget about the drinks! Try serving your guests a signature cocktail. If you are feeling a bit creative, you can try creating your own. If not, you can always serve sangria. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also goes over very well. In the spring and summer, you can add fresh fruits to give it your own special twist.

For other outdoor catering recommendations, consult with the staff of a local outdoor catering company, as the food availability can differ greatly depending the type of cuisine and other factors, such as how many guests are attending your event and how formal or casual you want to make your event.