Here in Melbourne, Florida, there are countless individuals with unique palates or that require dietary restrictions. This can include everything from health issues to religious views, along with other needs, such as vegetarian or vegan dishes. What happens when you are hosting an event and need to accommodate for these potential road-bumps? When looking for a caterer, be sure to discuss these before signing that dotted line.
When you first start emailing or calling catering companies to find the perfect place to hire, when explaining your budget and headcount, be sure to let them know if you are expecting people with food sensitivities or different viewpoints. If they cannot accommodate, you then have time to keep looking. Most good catering companies will ask for this information while in communications with you. They do not want to be caught off guard any more than you do, as they have to plan what they are providing just as much as you have to plan the rest of the event. They want everything to be as perfect as you do. If the company asks if you have any special dietary requirements and you do not know, be sure to find out. Neglecting this information can make for an unfortunate evening.
More and more companies are offering alternatives as allergies and disorders like Celiac Disease become more well-known and understood. The majority of caterers will have at least a few options for you to choose from that can help you to accommodate people with special restrictions. On a different note, more companies are coming out that serve exclusively vegan or vegetarian meals. If you know that you want this to be your standard, be sure to seek them out specifically, as it can save a lot of hassle in the long run, rather than trying to get specially made dishes from a place that may not be as good at making them. There are also companies that cater to religious viewpoints, so you may be able to find a place with exclusively kosher meals, for example.
Every now and again, caterers find out at the very last minute that there is a dietary restriction. While some have a back-up plan ready just in case, it can’t be something you depend on. If you find out, even after submitting everything and confirming all the food, that someone has an allergy or restriction of another sort, be sure to let your company know right away! They may still have time to make some last-minute changes. While it is inconvenient for both you and the company, you could keep someone’s dinner from being ruined or eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction.
