Catering Companies in Marin County serving Almonte, Bel Marin Keyes, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Lucas Valley, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Mission Rafael, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Sleepy Hollow, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Tomales and Woodacre

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How to Find Good Caterers in Marin County CA

Considering the wide range of foods, prices and services available, finding the best caterers in Marin County for your event can be overwhelming. Catering companies specialize in different aspects of food and party services, so it pays to be sure they are right for your special event. Whether you want the caterers for a catered dinner for a special occasion, or snacks for a party, read on for information on how to find the best caterers for you in the Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael and Marin County CA.
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How to Find Good Caterers in Marin County CA 

Why caterers? Because, everybody loves a party. Unless, of course, you're the host and you spend the party chasing ringing timers all over the kitchen while desperately trying to keep a crowd of people from succumbing to starvation. If you're tired of cleaning up after guests and missing your own big party, maybe it's time to throw in the towel. There is a long list of caterers in Marin County to take over a multitude of tasks for you, from serving the hors'd'oeuvres to washing the dishes. And with an impressive variety of themes and culinary specialties, you can be sure that you don't have to sacrifice quality to stay out of the kitchen. Read on to find good caterers in Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael and the other cities of Marin County who can keep you and your guests sated and happy.

Good Caterers in Marin County CA Perform Numerous Services
Caterers in Marin County offer such a suite of services that they become just as much a part of the event as the celebration itself. These local Marin County caterers can tailor their services to enliven your party or event. Many of the caterers in Marin County provide fine catering for a full spectrum of events, from black tie galas, to luaus, to Western hoedowns. Most Marin County caterers also serve the standards, such as pasta feeds, breakfasts, luncheons, family-style gatherings, harvest parties, Texas BBQs, meetings, picnics, parties, or romantic dinners for two. Larger catering companies in Marin County might even host location shoots, weddings, corporate events, banquets, openings, reunions, or fundraisers. Often prepared by personal chefs, the food served by local Marin County caterers can be delivered, boxed and ready-to-heat or cooked on-site. If you'd like more involved catering services than the usual buffet, some local caterers coordinate and host elegant sit down meals, complete with hors d'oeuvres, entrees, dessert, servers, 5 star rated chefs on site, and custom designed menus. Many of these upscale caterers even have liquor licenses, so they can provide full bars and bartenders. As of late, more and more Marin County caterers have expanded their services to include event coordination, for which they may provide different games and prizes, such as volleyball, gunny sack races, or horse shoes. The caterers in Marin County can offer more than the old standards. Local caterers can integrate their specialty foods into your personal theme, giving you the freedom to be the life of the party.

Good Caterers of Marin County CA Can Create a Personalized Menu
The caterers in Marin County run the gamut in terms of tasty spreads they can prepare. As a buffet or individual platters, some of the different foods served by caterers include chicken, ribs, hand-made sausage, pulled pork, salads, steaks, turkey dinners, baked goods, tri-tip, salmon, and lamb. The catering companies may also provide oysters, vegetables, hot dogs and hamburgers, brisket, ravioli, prime rib, and pork cushions. Marin County Caterers can also accommodate different culinary specialties at your request, such as Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Indian cuisine, Mexican cuisine, Thai cuisine, soul food, Wine Country cuisine, Japanese cuisine, Peruvian cuisine, or even special diets. Since your menu can often be custom designed, you could even include deli selections or barbecue items. Food can generally be served in hot or cold buffet style, or as pre-arranged party trays. In addition to the array of foods, full service caterers might furnish tables, chairs, umbrellas, or canopies if needed.

There are Many Good Caterers in Marin County
In Marin County, catering is a large, popular industry. As the list of services expands to less common event accommodation, so does the list of available caterers and catering companies. The Prime Buyer's Report lists the top 10 caterers in Marin County as Ambrosia Personal Chef Service, Creative Catering, AFFI Catering, Red Robin Inc., Sage Catering, Gourmet By The Bay Catering, Shindigs Catering Events, Cornucopia Catering. Other caterers who might service Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael and Marin County include .

Caterers in Marin County May be Good, But it Pays to Check
You should find out a little about the potential caterers before you conduct an interview. Anyone can start a catering business, but certain credentials and affiliations usually indicate a higher degree of proficiency, experience, or customer attention when it comes to catering services. Research caterers in Marin County through various media. The Prime Buyer's Report has located some catering associations and publications for Marin County caterers that we've listed in the article, "Key Resources To Find Caterers in Marin County."

 

 

How to Hire Caterers in Marin County CA 

Step 1: Describe The Catering Services Desired To the Potential Caterers
Explain the basic elements you want from the Marin County caterers. This includes a guest count, choice of food and any other goodies you've already thought of. The caterers can help you brainstorm.

Step 2: Answer Questions of the Caterers & Take Notes on the Catering Services
After your brief description of the desired catering serivces, the caterers should give you input on feasibility, suggested enhancements and a rough estimate for the catering services. Pay attention to the manner in which the catering companies do this. If they just hand you a flyer and moves on, the presence of the caterers at your event might be just as detached. So try and draw the potential caterers out with some questions about qualifications and experience in providing catering services. It might help to use the list below as a basis for your inquiries to local catering companies in Marin County.

How long have the caterers been providing catering services in Marin County?
How many catering jobs have the caterers completed in Marin County? Do the caterers specialize in the theme or cuisine I have in mind? If so, have the caterers provide some local references of similar catering services in Marin County.
Are the caterers licensed to serve liquor?
Do the caterers provide any furniture or themed props?
Do the caterers set up and/or clean-up?
What is the cancellation policy of the catering companies?
What is the required deposit for the catering services?
Will the caterers provide a written estimate?
Will the caterers provide a written contract?
How do the caterers determine costs?

If the caterers are enthusiastic about their field and the contribution they can make to your catered event, you can probably expect thorough and attentive catering services. At this point, if the caterers still seems worth your time, keep reading.

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision of The Caterers
By now, you may have serious prospects of potential catering companies. But don't move too fast and just make the easy choice. Consider all of the interviews of caterers you conducted. The flashiest presentation isn't necessarily the best bet. Small catering companies might be able to provide comparable services at a lower price.

Step 4: Final Research on Caterers in Marin County CA
If you've chosen caterers, you know the benefits but you don't know the business. To be on the safe side, verify applicable credentials, such as business and food handling licensure, catering liquor licensure, and insurance. Also look for any reputable agency affiliations like Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.

Step 5: Make the Final Decision on the Caterers
Now that you're completely familiar with your caterers business practices and qualifications, you can comfortably set a date and sign a contract for the catering services in Marin County. Solidify your preferences and ask the caterers to provide a written and signed pricing, quality, and warranty agreement for all desired catering services. Reputable catering companies in Marin County should be happy to do this.

 

 

Key Resources for Good Caterers in Marin County CA 

Associations & Licensing for Caterers
ABC California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (www.abc.ca.gov)
ACEP Association of Catering and Event Professionals (www.acep.com)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CCFMA Convenience Caterers & Food Manufacturers Association (www.mobilecaterers.com)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
DHS California Department of Health Services (www.dhs.ca.gov)
ICA International Caterers Association (www.icacater.org)
NACE National Association of Catering Executives (www.nace.net)
SFM Society for Foodservice Management (www.sfm-online.org)
SF NACE San Francisco Bay Area NACE (www.sanfrancisconace.net)

Media & Web Publications for Caterers
Catering Magazine
Catering Update
Cater Source Journal
Chef
Event Solutions
Special Events Magazine

www.cheftalk.com
www.eventcateringideas.com
www.usabride.com
www.webfoodpros.com

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 caterers and catering companies in Marin County within the following zip codes.

94901, 94903, 94904, 94912, 94913, 94914, 94915, 94920, 94924, 94925, 94929, 94930, 94933, 94937, 94938, 94939, 94940, 94941, 94942, 94945, 94946, 94947, 94948, 94949, 94950, 94956, 94957, 94960, 94963, 94964, 94965, 94966, 94970, 94971, 94973, 94974, 94976, 94977, 94978 and 94979

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 caterers in Marin County within the following cities.

Almonte, Bel Marin Keyes, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Lucas Valley, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Mission Rafael, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Sleepy Hollow, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Tomales and Woodacre

 

 

10 Tips for Hiring Good Caterers in Marin County CA 

Write a Description of the Catering Services for the Caterers.
You'll be calling several different caterers in Marin County, so prepare yourself for them. Get your requirements in order so that you can consistently report them. To avoid any miscalculations, all caterers should hear the same thing. Then you can better judge which caterers respond most favorably to your event criteria and the catering services you desire

Let Your Caterers Guide You.
Don't be too set in your ways. Many caterers in Marin County have an abundance of extra features and catering services that could spice up your event. Take advantage of the caterers expert consultation and consider their full menu of options before you make up your mind.

Let Yourself be Pampered By The Caterers.
Most caterers in Marin County can provide the average buffet, but you can also find caterers who cook gourmet ethnic food, brings a wait staff, arranges games and contests, or any number of extra catering goodies. Instead of a simple get-together, your party could be an extraordinary catered affair to be remembered.

Get Several Estimates for Catering Services.
Depending on the scale of your event, caterers can be a costly component. In order to be as frugal as possible, shop around and get estimates from several different Marin County caterers who match your requirements.

Get the Catering Services Writing From the Catering Companies.
Particularly if your caterers are only one of many services you're hiring to accomodate your catered event, keep track of all dealings. Keep your own notes, but get all agreements for the catering services in writing as well.

Do Your Homework Before You Set a Date for the Catering Service.
Before you agree to any catering services, check that local licensing and insurance is current and valid for the catering companies.

Choose Certified Catering Companies.
There are some caterers in Marin County who have attracted special attention for their superior customer service. These Marin County caterers may have earned certain local recognition, such as Diamond Certification or positive mention in consumer targeted publications. If you seek out these exemplary catering companies, you're more likely to get the special touch your catered party needs.

Make Sure The Catering Companies Are Self-Sufficient.
Make sure you can rely on your caterers to independently run their operation. The last thing your want is to have to baby-sit a confused catering staff that was supposed to prevent you from having to deal with such things.

Stand By Your Contract For Catering Services.
You usually pay the remainder of you bill at the conclusion of the caterers services. If the caterers neglected to completely fulfill your signed contract or added extras you did not ask for, review the contract with the caterers. Do not allow your caterers to deviate from the original quote for catering services unless, of course, catering services that had been promised were overlooked.

Know Your Rights With Caterers in Marin County CA.
As a customer of catering services, you are protected by certain rights. Since you're patronizing caterers in Marin County, relevant legal information can be found at the Web site for the California Department of Consumer Affairs.