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Mistakes to Avoid When Planning an Incredibly Delicious Catering Menu

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Imagine throwing the perfect event a gorgeous venue, good people, and tasty food. Little mishaps can still throw everything off you didn't even know to count. We're talking portion size, flavor pairings… There's a lot that can go wrong on a catering menu. But don't worry! It's not as difficult as it might sound to avoid some typical mistakes.


This post will discuss 13 common mistakes that will likely ruin your catering menu planning. Too often, people fail to consider dietary preferences or realize that food trends come and go (remember kale?). We'll walk you through each requirement of planning the perfect menu so that your attendees will have a delicious, balanced meal no matter their taste or temperament! Let's begin.





Neglecting Dietary Restrictions and Preferences



Not taking into account dietary needs such as allergies, vegetarian options, or cultural preferences will cause unhappy guests and may lead to a health risk. When people aren't comfortable with food, they feel that your menu is exclusive, not inclusive. Ask your guests for dietary restrictions in advance and ensure you have something on the menu they can enjoy. This makes everyone feel valued and included!





Failing to Consider Portion Sizes



Portions that are too small leave guests hungry, and portions that are too large create waste and increase costs. Work with your caterer to better understand what appropriate portion sizes should be based on guest count and type of event. Providing appropriately sized portions will make both your guests and accountant happy.



Choosing an Overly Complicated Menu



A menu full of complicated, high-concept dishes may sound impressive to potential customers, but it can also lead to slow service and unhappy customers. Complicated recipes also increase the chance of error in preparation. A better strategy is to have a few simple, highly flavorful dishes on your menu that are executed well. You can still achieve incredible results by focusing on quality and efficiency without complexity.



Overloading the Menu with Similar Flavors



Too many dishes with similar flavors or ingredients can make your menu monotonous and unexciting. Guests appreciate the variety that keeps their palate intrigued. No one dish will stand out as particularly special. To avoid this, spreading sweet, savory, spicy, and mild flavors throughout your menu will ensure patrons get a dynamic dining experience where each item is worth excitement.



Not Accommodating for Different Meal Times



Providing heavy meals for a morning occasion or offering light nibbles during dinner will leave your guests disappointed. Different meal times expect different kinds and portions of food; if the two do not align, the whole experience will be dampened. Make sure you choose your menu with your event timing in mind lighter variations are perfect for a morning gathering, while plenty of hearty entrées work best during dinner. A little forward-thinking through your scheduling will ensure that you tantalize taste buds throughout the day.



Underestimating Food Trends and Guest Expectations



Not serving up any food trends? You're already 'so last year.' Guests nowadays attend events wanting their feed to be aesthetically pleasing (a.k.a. Instagrammable), enjoying custom-made goods (from crepes to cocktails), and we can't forget those Veganuary fanatics. Stay up-to-date with what's hot in this industry so that your event catering excites; gourmet doughnuts polish off easy-peasy street food mini bites, or go large on the interactive market vibe!



Skipping the Tasting Session



Skipping a tasting is a risk because you don't taste the food, and you might not like what shows up on the day. You want to ensure all of the flavors are there and that the presentations are what you envision. Definitely schedule in tastings so you can pick through everything and have confidence that it will taste great and your guests will enjoy their dining experience.



Neglecting Seasonal Ingredients



Not only will using out-of-season ingredients be more expensive, but they won't be as fresh or high-quality, either. In-season produce tastes better, supports local, and looks better on a menu, too. Work with your caterer to design menus around seasonally fresh ingredients that take advantage of what time of year it is keep those flavors bright while showing off some sustainability as well.



Forgetting Beverage Pairings



A menu can be easy to ignore if the beverages aren't chosen wisely; it could even totally overshadow your menu. If you serve the wrong type of beverage, your guest's palates won't be in tune with what they are eating, no matter how good the food is. Therefore, pair each dish on your menu with a suitable beverage, such as wines for main courses, etc., and you will ensure that everything drunk & eaten will enhance guests' culinary experience by connecting flavors throughout their meal.



Not Planning for Pacing



Being presented with numerous plates within an hour can ruin guests' dining capacity. However, waiting too long between plated releases leaves them disengaged since their attention has already wandered away from the dishes served. Work with your caterer to establish a timeline that ensures each course is served correctly, allowing guests to savor their food and stay engaged throughout the event.



Ignoring Your Budget Constraints



Splurging on fancy dishes or failing to account for costs can lead to budget concerns and compromises on the event day. If your budget becomes an issue, you may have to reduce portion sizes or even eliminate menu items, negatively impacting the dining experience. Be realistic with your budget from the start and look for dishes with the most bang for your buck. And remember delicious food doesn't have to break the bank!



Overlooking Presentation and Display



But what good is a dish if it doesn't look appetizing? Taste isn't just about flavor; presentation plays a big role in how we perceive what we eat. Bland or messy presentations won't excite anyone they might even leave a bad taste in their mouth! Opt for eye-catching presentations that complement the theme of your event think stylish plating and creative buffets. After all, we eat with our eyes first.



Underestimating the Importance of Menu Theme



Not having a theme is one of those mistakes that can ruin the experience for your guests because they are left thinking, "What were they trying to do or accomplish with the meal?" A well-defined theme sets the stage for your event and lets people know what to expect. The meal does not have to be formal if your event is not, and vice versa. Ensuring the menu aligns with something intended for them to feel other than hunger usually leads to a more "AHAAA" kind of dining experience.



Consider ChefKas for an Incredibly Delicious Menu and Food



We make mistakes on every menu, But you can save some headaches by working with ChefKas! With over a decade of crafting turnkey, incredibly delicious dining experiences, our approach is personable, professional, and detail-oriented. When you book us, you won't JUST receive exceptional catering services… YOU WILL RECEIVE AN UNPARALLELED INVESTED business partner hell-bent on making sure we knock our part out of the park and create memorable events/moments. GUARANTEED!

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