Event Catering

Event Catering by Gourmet Foods

When it comes to planning an event, one of the key selections that can make or break the experience for yourselves, and your guests is the provider of the catering. The choice and quality of the food and drinks served at an event plays a significant role in shaping the overall atmosphere and in leaving a lasting impression on everyone attending. This is where a professional catering company like Gourmet Foods can truly add value.

Gourmet Foods’ team of professionals are experts in creating exceptional dining experiences that are tailored to suit the needs and preferences of our clients. From corporate product launches to private weddings, birthdays, and everything in between, a reputable catering company such as Gourmet Foods can elevate any function with a personalised menu, delicious food, creative presentation, and impeccable service. We have been a Birmingham caterer for over 30 years and have a reputation and knowledge of the best local food providers second to none.

Whether you are looking to impress potential clients, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a stress-free gathering with friends and family, we believe using a professional event catering company such as Gourmet Foods can be the key to a successful and memorable event.

Why use a professional event caterer?

The perks of hiring a caterer

• Success is normally based on the quality of the planning and planning an event can be a daunting task, with endless details to consider and coordinate. It can also be time consuming and stressful. One of the most crucial aspects of any event is the catering, as it is so key to the overall guest experience.
• We have the expertise and experience to safely and efficiently deliver exceptional dining experiences. We are well-versed in assessing venues, designing appropriate menus, providing the necessary timelines and resources, handling dietary restrictions, all to a standard and quality that meets the needs of your event and guests.
• We offer a wide range of menu options and can customise dishes to suit your preferences and the event’s theme. We have an excellent depth of knowledge of all dietary requirements and allergens so you can rest assured this important area is covered. Whether you are hosting a formal sit-down dinner or a casual cocktail party, we can create a menu that caters to your exact specifications and guide you through the food choices available.
• We pay close attention to every detail, from food presentation to table settings and decor. We strive to create a cohesive and memorable dining experience that adds to the overall ambiance of the event.
• With over 30 years of experience, you can offload the responsibility of food preparation and service, allowing you to focus on other aspects of event planning and enjoy the event without worrying about catering logistics. With a professional catering company, you can expect top-notch service from experienced staff who are trained to provide exceptional hospitality. Gourmet foods ensure that your guests are well taken care of and that the dining experience is seamless and enjoyable.

Common myths debunked

There are many common myths and misconceptions with catering that can give potential clients the wrong impression of the industry. Catering has evolved and Gourmet Foods have learned new ways to satisfy the needs of our clients.

• Many assume that a catering service can take a lot of time setting up equipment, preparing food, serving the dishes to the guests and clearing up. A professional catering company like Gourmet Foods are well trained in making ever second count. We plan every minute of the day to be as efficient as it possibly can be and work to a schedule providing a smooth, seamless service.
• It is easy to be misled or assume that a buffet will be cheaper than a sit-down dinner. Portion control is much more accurate with a sit-down dinner and a buffet item doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a ‘cheap’ item. Another reason to choose Gourmet Foods as your Birmingham caterers is to use our knowledge and expertise to help you get an experience that is right for your event.
• Catering is not always exclusively about the food. We put a lot of hard work and commitment to providing a memorable experience and will help you get the event you want. From decorating the venue to providing the cake, organizing flowers, wine merchants, bar providers, front of house or hosting, we will assist you with much more than just the food should you require it.
• The food you order at a restaurant is often quite different from what you might receive at a catered event.
  Restaurant dishes typically adhere to a specific standard, simplifying the preparation process and requiring fewer staff, as they serve similar dishes repeatedly throughout their shift. One of the key advantages of using Gourmet Foods is gaining the level of attention to detail you will receive when it comes to intricately tailoring your menu.
• Your event will never run out of food.
  We calculate and prepare enough food to satisfy every guest and there will always be a buffer just in case. This is never an emergency.

Quality

• We source high-quality, fresh ingredients to create delicious and memorable dishes and are committed to using the best ingredients available to ensure that the food served at your event is of the highest standard. We bring a level of expertise, professionalism and creativity to your event that can make a significant difference in the overall guest experience.
• Fresh, locally sourced ingredients tend to be more flavourful and vibrant, enhancing the overall taste of the food. At Gourmet Foods most of our ingredients come straight from the renowned Birmingham market. Our fish is delivered fresh six days a week as are the fruit and vegetables we use, our herbs are grown by us or come from a supplier just a few miles down the road and our butcher has been involved with Birmingham catering for over 60 years using midland local sources.
• Presentation is a key player in the successful catering of an event. A beautifully presented dish can create excitement, anticipation, indicate that the food has been prepared with care and precision and can elevate the overall dining experience. The way food is presented can convey a message about the event or host and we have had many years to perfect this part of the process.
• Opting for fresh, natural ingredients that are free of artificial additives and preservatives can contribute to a healthier dining experience.

Types of Catering Services

Event Types

• Wedding catering involves providing food and beverage service for guests at a wedding. Couples can choose from various styles, such as sit-down meals, buffets or food stations. It’s essential to consider preferences, dietary requirements and budget when planning catering for this special occasion.
• Corporate catering offers business and office lunches, grazing tables and boxes, cocktail parties, banqueting, hot food deliveries and breakfast meetings. We cater specifically to the needs of your business or organisation, providing meals for corporate events. We tailor to your setting for both staff and clients.
• We cater for family and home events providing finger buffets, hot and cold buffets, dinner parties, afternoon tea and barbeques. These types of catering allow for flexibility in menu options and portion sizes, making it suitable for events with diverse dietary preferences, tastes and preferences.
• At Gourmet Foods, we understand that organizing a funeral can be a challenging and emotional experience. Our professional and compassionate team is here to help make arranging funeral catering as seamless and stress-free as possible, providing you with the support and care you need during this difficult time.

Food Types

• Vegetarian catering
  We can provide catering that doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. We can offer plant-based options that align with ethical, environmental and health considerations. Whatever the event, our vegan catering ensures inclusivity and nutritious choices for everyone.
• Vegan catering
  We provide catering for vegetarians emphasizing vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, egg and dairy products in place of meat or meat by-products. We take pride in crafting flavorful dishes that cater to a vegetarian dietary preference offering a delectable culinary experience for everyone.
• Halal catering
  Our Halal catering involves preparing and serving healthy and ethical food that adheres to Islamic dietary laws. We can provide a pork and alcohol-free service that ensures humane slaughter methods.

What's trending in event catering?

Eco-friendly and sustainable options

With any trend or event our aim is to provide eco-friendly, sustainable options. We source as local as possible to help try and reduce our carbon footprint. We look for seasonal ingredients that are produced locally so we have a lower environmental impact on our precious plant. We aim to use reusable presentation where we can and if not recyclable. We operate a minimal food waste strategy and if we do have some spare is sold through ‘Too Good To Go’

Popular menu trends

• Interactive food stations and street foods are a hit at events, providing guests with a hands-on dining experience and allowing them to customise their meals. From build-your-own taco bars to DIY dessert stations, interactive food stations add a fun and engaging element to events and cater to individual preferences.
• Fusion cuisine continues to be a hot trend in event catering, blending culinary traditions from different cultures to create innovative and unique dishes. Guests are eager to explore new flavour combinations and culinary techniques, making fusion cuisine a popular choice for events looking to offer a diverse and exciting menu.
• With an increasing focus on health and sustainability, plant-based and vegan catering options are becoming more prevalent at events. Caterers are incorporating plant-based dishes and vegan alternatives into their menus to accommodate guests with dietary preferences and restrictions, as well as appeal to a growing demand for healthier and more environmentally friendly food choices.
• Embracing global flavours and international cuisines is another trend in event catering, with caterers exploring diverse culinary traditions and incorporating exotic spices, ingredients, and techniques into their menus. From Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to Asian and Latin American influences, global flavours add a worldly and adventurous touch to event dining experiences. We are so fortunate to have a diverse team of chefs many who have travelled the world, so we relish in exploring new dishes for our menus.
• Sweet tables and grazing boards are a fun way to approach a casual evening’s desert. It’s a quirky and unique way to display colourful and fresh ingredients.
• Menu’s that lean in to comforting flavours such as beef casserole or sticky toffee pudding, executed with reimagined finesse and exquisite ingredients. Reinvented recipes will conjure up nostalgic childhood memories with sensory delights.

Catering to Special Dietary Needs

Specialty catering focuses on specific cuisines, dietary preferences and allergens. This can include vegetarian catering, vegan catering, halal catering, cultural cuisine catering, gluten-free catering, nut-free catering, dairy-free catering and pescatarian catering. All to the unique requirements, tastes and preferences of our clients and their guests.

This is a vital part of a professional caterer’s job, and all our staff are allergen trained, we consider this crucial to delivering and event to protect the health and well-being of your guests. An understanding of the fourteen major allergens is part of our everyday lives but we also recognise there are other allergens outside of this list and all will be looked after individually to deliver a menu that is compatible for your guest, all food will be clearly labelled and a trained member of staff on hand to explain to give assurance on the day.

Planning Your Event Catering

How to set a budget

Establishing a clear budget for catering expenses is crucial in determining the type of catering service and menu options that align with your financial constraints. Be transparent with us about your budget from the outset to ensure that we can tailor our offerings to meet your financial parameters.

Consider the type of event you are hosting (e.g., wedding, corporate meeting, social gathering) and estimate the number of guests attending. This information will help us suggest appropriate menu options, service styles, and portion sizes to accommodate your guest count and event format. the amount people eat will vary between times of the day and the day of the week. We will advise through the process to minimse any expense or waste.

Choosing the perfect menu

Menu planning is a crucial aspect of catering and plays a significant role in shaping the overall dining experience for your guests. We are highly skilled in guiding you through the process of selecting the right choice of food for your event.

We collaborate with you utilizing our expertise to understand your audience, match the venue, create variety, talk about seasonal, local and themed ingredients. We will balance flavours and textures, consider menu themes, perfect the presentation between food and plating and incorporate current trends to bring your event to life.

Menu planning is a creative and collaborative process that allows us to showcase our culinary expertise and provide a culinary journey that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Picking The Right Catering Company

• Tips for researching and shortlisting
  • It’s important to first check what services are offered as not all catering companies offer the same services.
  • Check references and reviews and see what past clients have to say and get a clearer picture of the reputation. Visit our testimonials page to get an idea our company’s reputation and reliability. We are proud to showcase our 5 star google reviews and testimonials left by previous clients on our webpage and social media accounts.
  • As experienced caterers, we are well-versed in food safety regulations and best practices for handling and preparing food. Before selecting a caterer, you should always check that they are listed on the government website and hold an excellent score, preferably a five-star rating. This means they adhere to strict hygiene standards and staff training procedures to ensure that the food served at your event is safe and delicious. This is crucial in maintaining the health and well-being of your guests.
  • Taste the food beforehand to make sure it meets your expectations. We offer food tasting sessions to put your nerves at ease.
  • Check to see if the caterer has worked at the venue before as this can potentially prevent issues. While not a deal-breaker, it is surely advantageous if the caterer has worked at the venue before. With over 30 years’ experience in the Birmingham area, gourmet foods have been to many of the surrounding popular venues.
  • Work with a caterer that makes you feel comfortable. At gourmet foods, your piece of mind is at the top of the list. Choosing your catering and planning your event should be calm and fun.
• Important Questions to Ask
  • What type of food do we specialize in?
  • What do we recommend based on your preferences and event theme?
  • What catering packages do we offer?
  • Do we offer menu sampling for your event?
  • How do we tackle your dietary requirements?
  • What does our event schedule and process look like?
  • Who will be your main point of contact throughout the event planning and execution?
  • What is the average price range for the type of event you are looking for?

When looking for an excellent catering company in Birmingham, it is important to consider their experience, reputation, menu options, quality of ingredients, professionalism, customer service, and value for money. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your event is a memorable and successful one.

Whatever your event, Gourmet Foods can cater and suit your exact requirements. Please get in touch today to start planning your event.