Getting Ready for Your Menu Tasting and Enjoying It, Too!  

Many caterers offer menu tastings, which benefit both the caterer and the client in several ways. Your caterer has the opportunity to learn more about your likes and dislikes in the food, your vision for the event, and your feedback about the table service. You have the opportunity to ask the caterer relevant questions about the menu, table service, and prices as well as specials, among other things.

While you may not require a menu tasting when the caterer already has a well-known menu, such as in the case of Olive Garden, but you may still request for it. Here are the steps that you can do to get ready for it and enjoy it, too.

Ask About the Cost

Each catering company has its policy about menu tasting in relation to its cost. You may be billed for the menu tasting in advance with the charge being deducted from the total bill in case you decide to hire its services. You may also get it for free perhaps because the catering company wants to impress you with its menu and, thus, give another reason to hire it.  

The bottom line: Be sure to ask since you want to avoid unpleasant surprises from the menu tasting.  

Come to the Tasting Hungry

You should obviously come prepared with your empty stomach. You will need it especially when there are several dishes to sample and choose from for your final menu – or better yet, think of it as your own private buffet! You will likely leave full, too, considering the number of dishes.

Tip: You shouldn’t cram your mouth with the food either. You want to take a two to three bites of each dish and dessert, which means you can sample all of them. You should also cleanse your palate by drinking a few sips of water between each sample so as to better appreciate the flavors of each plated dish.

Write Down Your Questions

You have so many questions but you will probably forget most of them – so write them down! Your questions should ideally be limited to the menu and table service including:  

• Do you have a few dishes for people who have certain dietary restrictions, such as vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free?
• Do you cater to theme menus or do you tweak the dishes and desserts for this purpose?
• Do you provide the dining utensils, set up the tables, and man the buffet?
• Do you have provisions for emergencies, such as additional people?  

You must also come prepared with the answers to the caterer’s questions, which will provide valuable input into the successful completion of its catering services. You are, after all, engaged in a give-and-take professional dynamic.