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Is Food Art, Inc. a full service catering company?
Yes, Food Art can handle as much or as little of your event as you would like. Our event consultants can assist you with all aspects, from tables and chairs, linens, glassware, music, second line parades and of course, delectable food.
What is your price range?
Because all of our menus are customized for each individual, prices vary according to the customer's menu selections. Food Art will always try guiding you so that your menu is within your budget. It is always best to tell your Food Art salesperson an accurate budget from the very beginning,
What types of food do you specialize in?
Our chefs are trained in a wide array of cuisines. Whether you want Cajun or Creole, Thai, French, vegan gluten free or a fusion of cuisines, our talented team of chefs is here to carry out your dreams in New Orleans catering.
Have you done a lot of vegan weddings?
As vegans are a growing part of the foodies, we have worked hard to develop unique and interesting menu ideas for all our special dietary clients. http://foodartinc.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/think-outside-the-meat-vegan-wedding-menu/
Do you provide rentals?
We can provide you with any rentals you might need for your event. Tables, chairs, china, silver, glassware, linens, sound, lights, décor, portable restrooms, climate control and lounge furniture just to name a few.
Are rentals provided in your quote?
Any rentals you might need are listed and are usually priced separately so you can see exactly what everything will cost.
Do you handle the beverage service?
Yes, we are licensed by the city and state to sell alcoholic beverages. We also have all the mixers and bar set ups you need. If it is just coffee, soft drinks and bottled water, we can help you with that as well.
Can I provide my own liquor?
Yes you can provide your own liquor if you prefer. And if you still need us to provide your mixers and ice, we can do that for you.
Can you help me find a location for my event?
We would be happy to help you find your unique location. It is always better to find the location first before designing a menu to ensure that the menu can be executed at the venue you have selected. Caterers in New Orleans shouldn't bring the barbeque pit for grilled oysters indoors!
Should I book the caterer or the venue first?
Location should come first. Some banquet halls do not allow outside caterers.
Can you recommend musicians/bands/DJ for my event?
Our team of event professionals work hard to stay on top of the best music New Orleans has to offer. It can be as simple as a harpist or solo guitarist or pick up the beat with Second line bands, dance bands, Top 40, jazz bands, or brass bands. Our wedding planners in New Orleans can handle it all.
How early do you arrive before the start of my event?
We typically arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before an event unless your set up is more elaborate and requires additional time.
Do you do tastings?
We are happy to do a tasting for you. We recommend that you wait until you have settled on a menu or most of your menu before you have your tasting. Tastings are best used to work out your difficult decisions of which delicious food items will stay and which you will have to forego.
Do you offer specialty linens?
Yes, we have hundreds of linens in an array of colors and fabric to choose from. Bring your ideas to our wedding planners and let them pull together some beautiful ideas.
Will I run out of food?
Food Art has over 22 years experience in catering. Our chefs know exactly how much you need. This is why we let you increase your guest count in the final weeks so that all of your guests get to enjoy the delicious menu you and your event planner design.
Do you require a deposit and when is my balance due?
The deposit requirement varies depending on how far out you reserve your date. Some clients want to lock down the date before the menu is designed to ensure Food Art will be available on their specific date. This is called a "good faith" deposit. Both the client and Food Art agree to reserve a specific date while all the details are pulled together. After that, it is generally 50% down and the balance due 2 weeks before the event.
Do you include gratuities or are they my responsibility the night of the event?
Our staff members are experienced professionals and are paid accordingly. It is completely up to you if you wish to tip the staff. If they exceed your expectations, then feel free to tip them. You don't need cash the night of the event. You can just give a check to your Food Art event supervisor and they will add it to staff paychecks.
Do you need a kitchen?
Kitchens are considered a luxury to us. Just be sure to tell your salesperson what there is to work with. Caterers in New Orleans don't want you to fall in love with a menu that can't be produced for lack of a kitchen. If needed, Food Art can always build a temporary one for you.
How soon do I need to book my date with you?
The sooner you book the date the better. Certain months book up more than a year out. This is why we encourage clients to call us as soon as they have picked their date. You can give a "good faith" deposit to secure the date and work on the details later.
What happens if my guest count changes?
When you sign your contract, give us an estimate on the number of guests attending your event. Your final count is due two weeks before the event along with your final payment after which no further decreases are allowed. Should your guest count increase during the last two weeks, we will be more than happy to accommodate. Remember, band members should be included in the final count unless you have made other arrangements for the meal.
How is overtime handled?
If your event is still in full swing, your wedding coordinator will approach you 30 minutes prior to the end of the event to see if you want to extend for an additional hour. If you do, additional charges will apply for staff and beverages but not for food.
What size events can you handle?
The average size catered wedding in New Orleans is 150- 200 guests, but we do small intimate events as well as large elaborate events. So, call us for gourmet to go for 2 people or corporate events for 15,000.
How flexible are you menus?
Our menus are all written specifically for the client, and all items are handmade here at our commissary. Menus and their recipes are completely flexible. Whether you want to eliminate garlic or nuts, increase spices or need vegan, vegetarian or gluten free items, we are more than happy to accommodate any request.
Do you have a list of food items that you offer?
Since we offer over 10,000 different items each season, we do not have a compilation of all our offerings. Our New Orleans wedding consultants spend one on one time with you to see exactly what you had in mind. Then, they write sample menus for your review. Additional consultations and revisions are available until we have designed the perfect menu for you.
Is there a cake cutting fee?
Whether we provide the cake or you provide it, we do not charge a cake cutting fee. Our staff is there for you, cake cutting and serving is complimentary.
What does your staff wear at my event?
Our standard uniform is black tuxedo pants or skirt, white shirt and bowtie. For more formal affairs, tuxedo jackets are added. We also can dress more informally if the occasion indicates.
Can I hire my own vendors?
You can certainly hire your own vendors. However, since we will not be in control of vendor performance, you will be responsible for working directly with the vendors for what equipment you need, design a floor plan, providing someone to check the orders the day of the event and to be sure the venue is set according to your plan and for any loss or breakage.
Do you offer wedding coordination services?
Our wedding sales associate will provide basic coordination during your event. She will make sure your wedding reception is set and ready to go before guests arrive, will keep the food restocked on the buffet and advise you when it is time to cut the cake. If you want a coordinator to help with the ceremony, or day of activities, we can provide a wedding coordinator dedicated specifically to your needs at an additional charge.
Can you recommend bakeries/florists?
We have a list of florists and bakeries that we have worked with on a regular basis for many years. Just ask your sales associate and they can narrow the list based on your particular taste and style. Not all florists or bakers have the same style or look and we want to be sure we recommend the right one for you.
Can you recommend a floor plan based on your experience?
When we provide your rentals, we provide you with complimentary floor plans based on our years of experience. A successful floor plan allows for good flow for your guests, no bottlenecking and visually pleasing results.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Unlike retailers, we do not automatically add the credit cards fees to our pricing. If you decide you want to use a credit card, the fees are added to the total amount charged. This fee is $5.00 plus 2.5% of the amount of the charge.
Do you have a hurricane policy?
Yes, we do. Please ask your salesperson if you event is planned during that time of year.
Do you have a cancellation policy after a deposit has been given?
Yes, we do. Deposits are non-refundable unless we are able to re-book your date with another customer. You may also use that deposit for another event date if you need to reschedule.
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