F.A.Q.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?
We typically book 8 – 10 months in advance. We are flexible to book on shorter notice should the date is available. We receive multiple requests daily, so we can’t guarantee a date until it is booked with a deposit.
HOW CAN I RESERVE MY EVENT DATE?
We require an estimated 40% deposit for booking and confirming the event
DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM?
There is no minimum for off season and weekday events. However, to have our staff on site on a Friday, Saturday, and Saturday during peak season (May – Oct) there is a $4,000.00 minimum before taxes and service fee.
THERE IS NO KITCHEN ON SITE AT MY VENUE, CAN YOU STILL CATER?
Yes ! If the even involves simple menu to be setup in chafers.
No ! If the menu is bespoke and requires the use of offsite venue kitchen and refrigeration.
DO YOU OFFER TASTE TESTINGS?
Yes, we offer tasting for confirmed events of an estimated budget of $4000 or more.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash, cheque, interac e-transfer, credit card (VISA or MASTERCARD with additional 3% charges for processing) and EFT. HST is required to be paid on all transactions.
WHAT STYLE OF SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer a bountiful buffet style service which treats your guests to an abundance of food and options and family style where the food is served in bowls and platters on every table.
DO YOU OFFER PICK UP OPTIONS?
Yes! We have a fabulous catering menu for this option. The orders can be places directly on cateringbyhost.com site under small catering option. Pick up menus are ideal for smaller, less formal groups. Depending on the availability, delivery can be arranged with our office at an additional cost. We use UBER, taxi, or our own vehicles for delivery.
WHAT DO STAFF WEAR ON SITE?
Our staff have a strict uniform policy. Cooks on site wears clean uniform coats or shirts and black non slip shoes.
DO YOU RENT DISHES OR LINENS?
We do not carry any event rentals.
DO YOU PROVIDE BAR SERVICE?
No, our staff does not handlebar services.
WHO PROVIDES FOR THE BUFFET?
Buffet set up, including tables, linens, heated chafing stands, serving utensils, and tasteful decorations are the responsibility of client or venue.
LANDMARK FEE AND OTHER VENUE RELATED CHARGES.
This would the responsibility of client.
WHAT IS THE SERVICE FEE?
The 15% service fee is applied to all catering orders.
The service fee covers the use of equipment that is venue specific, liabilities, insurances, fees, permits, administrative costs, packing, site visits, coordination with venue and vendors. Please note the service fee is not a gratuity.
IS GRATUITY INCLUDED IN MY QUOTE?
We take great pride in what we do, and believe:
“Gratuity should be earned, not expected and automatically charged”
Therefore, gratuity is discretional to the client.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE LEFTOVERS?
Leftovers are removed from the buffet and properly disposed of.Due to liability and health regulations, under no circumstance are we able to leave buffet leftovers on site.
DO YOU PROVIDE SERVERS?
No !
Our friendly, and qualified cook team will be on site to ensure your food service runs smoothly on time, and all your guests are well looked after.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THERE IS ENOUGH FOOD?
We build a buffer zone into our food estimates.This means we’ve got you covered if your guests arrive with extra big
appetites!
WHEN DO YOU NEED FINAL NUMBERS FOR?
Final numbers are due 30 days before your special event. Any revisions after this point will include a surcharge.
WHEN IS FINAL PAYMENT DUE?
The final payment on your invoice must be paid 14 days prior to your special day.
WHERE DO YOU COOK OUR FOOD?
Your food is prepared in our expansive, Ministry of Health inspected, commercial kitchen. It is then safely transported to your event.
All time sensitive dishes are prepared on site at the venues kitchen to ensure highest quality.
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE FOOD ALLERGIES?
We can absolutely accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies! We want every guest to fully enjoy their meal. Our office will work with you to understand your guests’ specific needs.
HOW DO I KNOW YOU ARE RELIABLE?
With our track record more than 100,000 happy guests (and counting) since our inception in 1996, you can rest assured you are in good hands! We take extra measures to ensure your event will run smoothly and that we will be there ready to serve you and your guests.
Such measures include:
• multiple restaurant locations to facilitate tasting and support
• established professional relationship with many venues
• multiple catering vehicles
• nineteen full time and part time staff
• commercial grade equipment with regular maintenance and inspections
• local and trusted suppliers delivering fresh meat, produce, and supplies weekly
WE ARE PLEASED TO SAY THIS IS OUR FULL TIME JOB! IT’S ALL WE DO!
Here at The Host we are extremely focused and committed to perfecting our craft. We are dedicated to being a part of your planning journey, right from the beginning to the last bite enjoyed!