What is Commercial Catering?

Unless you’re in the catering industry and dealing with related topics on a daily basis, you may not know that there are actually different types of services in this area. One key distinction involves commercial versus non-commercial catering, as there are reasons you might opt for one over the other. Generally speaking, commercial catering puts you in control over the product and service, instead of having important decisions made for you by an intermediary person or entity. However, there are many additional factors involved with the comparison. You can discuss your needs and get the specifics from New York commercial catering services, but an overview may also be useful. 

Comparing Commercial and Non-Commercial Catering

The main difference between the two is choice and control. With commercial catering, you make decisions as the customer regarding the food, beverages, theme, and type of service. You pay the catering professionals directly based upon a budget you’ve established. Commercial caterers may serve clients ranging from large, major corporations hosting meetings – down to you and your family dining at a local restaurant.

 You may have encountered non-commercial catering without knowing it, commonly in a cafeteria-style setting. A third party entity makes the arrangements and hires the non-commercial catering service, which often takes place at the hiring organization’s site.

 Both forms of catering are offered to public and private customers. At times, commercial catering is described as services which are intended to drive profit or where money is the primary business objective. A non-commercial caterer typically offers services as an accompaniment to a principal product or some other goal. 

Examples of Commercial Catering for Events

To better understand the services offered by commercial caterers, some examples may be helpful. For instance, you might consider retaining such services if you’re hosting:

  • A celebration for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, retirement, or other special occasion;
  • A memorial, funeral, or celebration of life service; or,
  • A special event for your business, such as a customer appreciation party or open house.

In the corporate world, many companies use commercial catering services on a regular basis for a wide range of events. According to The Balance, an online resource for business and financial information, the most common corporate events for purposes of commercial catering include:

  • Industry seminars and conferences;
  • Meetings of key executives, members of the board of directors, or shareholders;
  • Customer training and education;
  • Trade shows;
  • Executive retreats;
  • Incentive clubs for high performing employees;
  • Celebrations commemorating an organization’s growth, expansion, or milestones;
  • Team building and employee enrichment activities;
  • Events to celebrate a product launch; and,
  • Many more.

As mentioned, many non-commercial catering services are in a cafeteria setting. You may have experienced them when dining at a school or college, corporate dining room, in a hospital, or related environments. 

7 Tips for Choosing a Commercial Caterer

Because you’re in charge when it comes to making decisions on a commercial catering professional, some recommendations may help you find the right fit for your needs. 

  1. Start by stating your budget, including an itemized list of what you want to spend on various components, such as food, drinks, service items, and related issues.
  2. Discuss the objectives and details of the event with your catering provider, including location, type of venue, number of attendees, and duration.
  3. Be clear on your expectations and what you’ll need from the commercial caterer, much of which you’ll have itemized on your budget documents. Provide information on the style of service you’re seeking, such as a buffet, passed appetizers, food stations, or other options.
  4. Make sure your catering service provider can accommodate any special requests you may have, based upon the type of event you’re hosting.
  5. If possible, request a tasting of the items you’d like to serve at your event.
  6. Determine how many people you’ll need for food and beverage service. Your commercial caterer can provide useful information on the topic, as these professionals come from years of experience.
  7. Ask for references from current and previous clients, and go online to read reviews where available.

Contact New York Commercial Catering Professionals

Once you’ve decided to move forward with commercial catering services, it’s important to work with an experienced company that can provide for all your needs. To learn more about our expertise in all types of catering, please contact the Manhattan office of Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering & Events. We can set up a consultation with one of our skilled professionals, who can help you navigate the planning process for your event.

How Does Catering Enhance the Wedding Experience?

As a bride, you’re excited, glowing, and gracious in accepting the congratulations and well-wishes that follow your engagement. Deep down, however, you may be feeling a little anxiety as you try to figure out how you’ll get everything done by the wedding day. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is also among the most important: Whether to hire New York wedding catering to handle the event.

You can make a list of pros and cons, as you keep your budget and chosen venue in mind. However, it’s also important to consider whether:

  • You simply want to check an item off your Wedding To-Do list; OR,
  • You strive to enhance the wedding experience for yourself, your partner, and your guests.

Once you recognize the difference, you’ll appreciate the ways that catering can take the event from mundane to memorable.

Wedding Caterers Assist with Planning the Menu:

Catering professionals are knowledgeable about what’s necessary to feed any size group, from a few dozen family and friends to a large bash for a few hundred. These services can assist you in choosing dishes based upon your vision, as well as:

  • Your chosen cuisine and style;
  • What works for the wedding venue;
  • Portion sizes;
  • Sizes and accompaniments;
  • Kosher, vegetarian, and specific needs of guests; and,
  • Many other details.

You Can Rest Assured the Food is High Quality and Consistent:

People may rave about your chicken marsala, but you can probably see how the quality of any dish may suffer if you try to prepare it in large quantities. Caterers excel in creating large portions of food on a large scale, so you can be sure the meal is as flavorful as it is plentiful. Plus, they have solid, long-term relationships with food purveyors and suppliers. You’ll know that quality ingredients go into the preparation of your wedding feast, and you’re getting the best prices on fresh, seasonal items.

Caterers Deliver Show-Stopping Meal Presentation:

As the saying goes, “we eat first with our eyes.” Therefore, aside from quality of the food, you’ll also want it to look fabulous for guests and photo opportunities. A catering professional will focus on the visual aspects of food service, so that the presentation compliments the venue, décor, and overall style of your wedding.

Hiring a Wedding Caterer Saves You Time:

Taking matters into your own hands and planning your own wedding reception is the equivalent of a part-time job if you want to do it well. Though you can tackle the big picture preparations, it’s the little details that you don’t expect – but which can derail your hard work up to the moments before the wedding.

Wedding caterers anticipate the challenges in planning these events, down to the minutiae you may not have considered. They’re also prepared to take on other tasks that have nothing to do with food service. Based upon your needs, you can trust a caterer to help with:

  • Booking the ideal venue;
  • Retaining an officiant;
  • Design, preparation, transportation, and presentation of your wedding cake;
  • Vetting and working with the band or DJ;
  • Choosing and assembling flowers;
  • Taking the lead on other wedding décor; and,
  • Hiring bartending staff or other types of beverage service.

You Won’t Stress About Last-Minute Emergencies:

Even best laid plans can go awry when unforeseen circumstances arise – and Murphy’s Law dictates that these emergencies will occur at the worst possible time. A wedding caterer is your go-to resource when disaster strikes, so the stress of a crisis doesn’t creep in to affect your big day.

Wedding Catering Allows You to Be the Bride:

To a certain extent, the role of a bride encompasses hostess duties. If there are issues with the food, drinks, music, unruly guests, or service, who will be the first to hear about it? YOU, unless you have a wedding caterer to run interference. On the biggest day of your life, you don’t want to be finding a clean fork for your nephew, uncorking bottles of wine, or hearing about your cousin’s gluten intolerance.

Your wedding day is the one, rare opportunity where you should be wearing a veil – not multiple hats. Be the bride and let wedding caterers tackle the rest.

Learn More About the Benefits of New York Wedding Catering

If you’d like to hear about additional ways that a catering service enhances the wedding experience, please contact Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering & Events. Our professionals offer the full array of catering services for weddings, including assistance with the menu, flowers, cake, venue, and other essentials.

How Much Do I Tip The Caterer: Tipping Etiquette 101

It’s a common scenario when planning a wedding, corporate meeting, or other special event: The big day has arrived, and you’re feeling very satisfied with the preparations. You’ve checked off every item on your list, including booking the venue, hiring a New York catering company, determining the menu, and organizing the guest list. Because you considered every expense and planned for any contingency, you’re set to go.

Though you may think you’ve covered all details, there may be one item that eludes you: How much to tip the caterer. It’s a point that’s easily overlooked during preparations, but the tip is something that you should at least consider making part of your budget.

Why Do You Tip Caterers?

Tipping is defined as giving a person or company a sum of money as a way of rewarding them for providing the services you’ve procured. It’s not considered part of the transaction – a tip is extra. It’s part of social convention in many environments, including catering.

While tipping is routine in restaurants, and in some cases required by an added gratuity, there are fewer unwritten rules as applied to catering. The general rule of thumb is that you tip because you’re satisfied, happy, or even thrilled with the experience. You add a tip when the services, food, music, venue, and all other arrangements were handled impeccably and professionally by the catering company.

How Much Do You Tip a Caterer?

Once you understand the reasons behind it, the next important question is how much to tip the wedding caterer, event coordinator, or other company hired to help you host an event. In some cases, it may even be in the contract and the decision is made for you. Other times, you’ll need to determine a strategy – preferably in advance – of how you’ll calculate the caterer’s tip. Examples include:

  • You may choose to tip on the basis of the total catering bill, at a rate of 15 to 20 percent.
  • You could provide a tip that accounts for the food and beverage cost, usually around 18 percent of the combined sum.
  • A flat rate fee per person may be appropriate, as follows:
    • For servers, food runners, and non-chef kitchen staff, a tip of $25-$50;
    • For the executive chef and catering management, a standard tip may range from $50 to $100; and
    • For bartenders, the going rate for a tip is usually around 10-15 percent of the total bar bill, if separate from your catering services.

In addition, you should note that the amount of the caterer’s tip is also based upon the type of event. For instance, you may provide a higher rate for a wedding as compared to a corporate event. Your big day is a personal, momentous occasion, so your gratitude should be reflected monetarily.

How Do You Tip Caterers?

Besides how much to tip the caterer, it’s important to comply with protocol on who, when, and how. In general, you’ll pay the tip to your agent at the catering service – the person who had taken the lead on all the details and consulted with you throughout the planning process. You’ll want to wait until your wedding or other event is drawing to a close, especially since performance of the catering services is a major factor in determining the amount.

As a practical matter, you should plan to pay the caterer’s tip in cash. Many times, the service will dole out tips to service staff immediately after wrapping things up. All those involved with assisting in your event appreciate being able to go home with cash in their pockets.

Consult with a New York Catering Professionals About Wedding and Event Details

Hopefully, these answers to common questions about tipping will help you guide you on the bigger inquiry: How much to tip catering delivery, the caterer services, and any other professionals that assist with your event. There is no right or wrong way to handle it, but DO make sure you at least consider an extra amount for great service, fantastic food, and attention to every detail.

Please call to set up an appointment with a New York catering company who can assist with your event, and will inspire you to tip accordingly for professional services that exceed your expectations.

What Type of Food Does a New York Catering Company Provide?

Menu and food service are among the first tasks you’ll need to tackle when planning a special event, but you may be wondering how the process works when you partner with a New York catering company. Generally, you can rest assured that caterers will strive to exceed your expectations for a wedding, gala, or corporate event. However, you should also be aware of the types of food a catering company can provide to make the occasion special.

4 Types of Food You’ll See at Top Events by New York Catering Companies

Recently, caterers for weddings, parties, corporate meetings, and other special events are less focused on presenting a specific cuisine or course. You may see the typical entrée choices of fish, beef, or vegetable replaced by an experiential menu. The food might represent the lifestyle or preferences of the couple or be a complement to the venue itself. Some examples of the food you’ll find at a catered event may include:

  1. Farm to Table: The trend that’s hit the restaurant scene in recent years is carrying over into catered events, with organic produce, locally produced meats, and artisan cheeses topping the menus. Guests feel a sense of connection with their meal when they know it was sourced just a few miles away.
  2. Brunch: People love brunch, so it makes sense that this breakfast-lunch crossover would find its way into high end events like weddings, anniversary parties, and engagement celebrations. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are the ideal accompaniment to a mid-morning meal with omelets, fruit, breakfast meats, and other offerings.
  3. Midnight Snacks: After a night of dancing and revelry, more couples are providing late night sustenance to guests before they depart the wedding. The menu could be as basic as pizza and burgers, or as elegant as passed appetizers.
  4. Small Plates: Catering services are moving toward a meal that’s more akin to a tasting menu than a three-course meal. Instead of the routine salad/entrée/dessert, you may see an amuse bouche paired with an aperitif, followed by 3-5 small plates, wrapping up with a tiny, sweet bite.

3 Types of Catering Food Service and Presentations

To New York wedding catering services, the presentation and style of service is every bit as important as the food. However, more couples and event organizers are eschewing the sit-down dinner or buffet for more creative choices.

  1. Themed Service Stations: Everyone’s got a hankering for a certain kind of food, and themed food tables are a way to satisfy their cravings. Top theme options to consider include:
    •  A seafood tower;
    • Cupcake display;
    • Pasta bar; and,
    • Choose your stir fry station.
  2. Food Trucks: Another trend that’s carried over into weddings and special events is food trucks, a budget-friendly, rustic presentation that creates a no-fuss, casual atmosphere. Fusion tacos are a popular choice, blending the flavors and spices of Mexican, Cuban, Thai, Korean, Hawaiian, and many other global cuisines.
  3. Interactive Food Service: You may also see more catering professionals bring out interactive experiences at weddings and events, which makes the guest part of the preparation process. For instance:
    • If you love guacamole prepared at your table, you’ll love how caterers are taking the show out of the restaurant and into event venues. Guests can choose their toppings, such as veggies, cheeses, seafood, and other add-ins. Then, they can mix it up themselves in a traditional molcajete.
    • Rolling your own sushi isn’t as tough as you think with the right tools and guidance. Guests can select what they want and the style, such as sashimi, nigiri, or hand-roll. When the ingredients are pre-chopped and all the necessary supplies are handy, roll-your-own is an unforgettable interactive experience.

Additional Factors Regarding Types of Food Served by New York Catering Companies

Of course, there are also other considerations to take into account when deciding on food types for a catering professional. With any of the above ideas on types of food and service options, your budget is a priority. Fortunately, some of these concepts are reasonably priced, and you can move up the budgetary ladder from there.

The venue is another concern, as the setting and layout of the structure will dictate some of the details. Still, some of these ideas are just as home at a high-end, elegant affair as they are at a backyard event.

Trust New York Catering Professionals to Cover All Your Event Needs

Whatever your vision for a wedding or other special event, you can expect your catering service to be flexible and accommodating to meet your needs. Please call to set up an appointment with a catering professional who can help you in laying the groundwork for a memorable occasion.

What Type of Catering Works Best for Businesses?

If you have spent any of your time or resources on planning an event, you already know the amount of work that it takes to make the desired event occur. If you are wondering what type of Manhattan Catering is best for you and your business, the answer is simple. You need the professional event catering that only Thomas Oliver’s can provide. We make business event catering simple, because we shoulder the work, so you can focus on running your business.

Why Thomas Oliver is Right for You

Here are a few reasons why you need to use Thomas Oliver’s for your next catered event. Whether you are planning an employee meeting or an investor dinner, you can count on us to deliver the very best.

Our Vast Selection: The first thing you will notice about Thomas Oliver’s is the amount of choices you have at your fingertips. One of the reasons it is difficult to plan an event is your constant worry about choosing the right food. There are a lot of picky eaters out there, but you also need to worry about special diets. Whether you need gluten free, or vegetarian friendly, we have a vast selection of mouthwatering delights that will set your taste buds racing. From desert menus and beverage bars, to full meals and themed events, we have the selection you need to make the perfect choice for your next catered event.

Highest Quality: Our culinary staff, chefs, and servers, use the most stringent food quality standards. When we create our culinary masterpieces, we use the very best ingredients. When you go with Thomas Oliver’s you are getting the best food quality crafted into gourmet dishes that will satisfy any craving. Your Manhattan Corporate Catering needs and desires can easily be obtained when work with Thomas Oliver’s.

Giving you the Help you want: Pulling off a corporate catering event is going to add stress to your already stressful job. Even if you decide to delegate all of the planning to an employee, you are adding to their workload and adding to their stress level. Here at Thomas Oliver’s, we believe in making your life easier. Since we continuously work with Manhattan businesses to create corporate events, we have years of experience and have all the necessary contacts. We have event planners that can plan your entire event and find a location, or we can keep our assistance to a minimum by supplying all of the paper products. You can count on us to give you the amount of assistance you need.

Thomas Oliver’s is perfect for your next corporate catering event

When you are looking for the best in Manhattan Corporate catering, look no further than Thomas Oliver’s. Feel free to look over our tantalizing menu. If you are hoping to host the best event that your company has ever seen, you might want to consider our themed events. We go all out to provide gourmet food and a memorable experience. We want you to have the very best, and that is exactly want you get when you schedule your next event with Thomas Oliver’s. From the best gourmet dishes, to amazing service, we have the answers to any corporate catering event. You can say good bye to stress and let us build the perfect event, or take on as much of the planning as you want to handle. We want to help you create memorable moments that will be remembered. For your next corporate event, you need Thomas Oliver’s on your side.

How should I Pick a Catering Company in Manhattan?

Your clients, business associates and employees are vital for your business. You understand that making a good impression at your next event is vital to your company. When you are looking for the perfect Manhattan Corporate catering company to help you navigate the storms of event planning, you will want to go with the very best. Here at Thomas Olivers, we want you to be able to have the information you need. Here are a few things you should consider when looking for Manhattan catering.

Definite Quality

Just like setting a good first impression is important when doing business, providing quality food and beverages is extremely important when hosting your corporate event. Since we want to provide you with a memorable experience, we use only the freshest ingredients. We go out of our way to create gourmet and culinary masterpieces. No matter which meal choice you make, we will make certain it meets our high standards. Whether your corporate event is for clients, partners, or employees, they will be taking about the delicious meal and allow you to rest easy.

Needed Assistance

Planning a corporate event is stressful. We understand completely. Instead of pushing the burden down to your employees and giving them added stress, you can count on Thomas Olivers to help. We have event and corporate planners ready and willing to help. We can help you find the perfect location, hotel bookings, and even walk you through the different options available so you can host an event that will be memorable and amazing. If you need bartenders or black tie waiters, we have you covered. Since catering events is our specialty, we can take the stress out of Manhattan catering and planning.

Options Available

If you are looking for a themed event, we are ready to give you the experience you crave. When you take a moment to look over our options, you will be stunned. We have everything from our Day at the Beach BBQ, to our French Connection. If you are looking for a specific type of meal, we have breakfast lunch or dinner options. If you want something lighter, we have drop off platters, side salads, and soups. When your event requires a bit of sweetness, we have a dessert menu. If you need gluten free options, we have you covered. Pretty much, when you are looking for something specific for you corporate event, you will find the options you need right here at Thomas Olivers.

Meet Memorable

From our gourmet foods to our beverages, our goal is to transform your next corporate into something memorable. Take our themed meals for instance. We can transform your company break room into something that will create memories. We are serious about making your next corporate event practically perfect. In addition, instead of worrying about all the little things that go into planning an event, you won’t need to fret with Thomas Olivers. We can provide table settings, utensils, even chairs and tables. We make our events stress free for you and your staff, because an event without worry will surely be memorable.

Thomas Olivers

When you want the best in Manhattan corporate catering, you can count on Thomas Olivers. We have the experience and technical knowhow to pull of an amazing corporate event. Our gourmet foods and superior ingredients allow us to create mouthwatering meals and delectable dishes. With us on your side, you next corporate event will make meaningful memories. You can count on us to provide the very best.

 

What Is Involved In Catering Corporate Events?

If you have looked into putting together a corporate event, you understand the amount of time and energy it takes to transform plans into an amazing party in reality. Often, you will need the help of numerous people and use up the precious time and talent of a good number of your employees. Instead of tying the time and energy of up your employees and adding layers of stress to their workload, there is a better alternative. If you want your next corporate catering event to be perfectly planned and memorable with superior service and fantastic food, you need to call in Thomas Oliver. We are your source for exquisite New York corporate catering.

The First Steps

The first things you will need to decide is the type of food you want to provide for you event. Perhaps you are looking for a specific meal, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or something in between. You take a look through our vast selection. We have everything from drinks, desserts, meals, and even buffets. If you are looking to make your corporate event stand out, we have a variety of themed events that will make any corporate event much more memorable. With Thomas Oliver you can choose a variety of themed events such as our Asian Fusion, Italian Feast, Southwest BBQ, or our signature New Yorker. With eighteen different themed events, you will be able to find something perfectly memorable for your next corporate event. We use only the freshest ingredients so we can provide a true culinary masterpiece each and every time. Whether you are putting together a lunch for potential investors, clients, or your reliable employees, you can count on Thomas Oliver’s to provide the very best.

Once the Food is Selected

After you have chosen the meal or the theme, the next step is to find the right spot to hold your event. Sometimes you will have the convenience of being able to hold it at your office, sometimes you will need to find a larger location. In addition to the location, you will need to make certain you have tables, chairs, utensils, and plates. Since this is just one additional stressor when it comes to planning a party, Thomas Oliver’s can make it even easier for you. We provide the utensils, plates, and everything else you need to host a successful corporate event. To make things away from your office easier, we have event and corporate planners on hand. They can help you find the best location and work with you in the rentals for chairs, tables, and other supplies. Our event planners will work to inspire, so you can have the Corporate Event you want. When it comes to Manhattan corporate catering, Thomas Oliver’s is the way to reduce stress and make every step in planning that much easier.

Taking Your Corporate Event to the Next Level

When you choose to incorporate a theme into your next corporate event, you will bring an atmosphere that will be unforgettable. With Thomas Oliver’s we can transform a conference room or break room into a Mexican Fiesta, Mardi Gras, Greek Buffet or other theme. You will be amazed at our food and planning expertise. If you have people in your party with special dietary restrictions, let us know. We have a gluten free menu and can help find great food for even the pickiest person. When you want the best in New York catering, you need Thomas Oliver’s. With us on your side, the stress of planning any corporate event will dissolve. You will love our gourmet meals and superior service. We work to make every corporate event into something memorable and unforgettable. You can count on Thomas Oliver’s to bring your next corporate event to the next level.

Catering your Halloween Party

Halloween is coming up soon, and if you’re hosting a Halloween party, the time to book your catering is now. When you’re shopping around for catering services in Manhattan, ask about special Halloween- or autumn-themed menus the caterers offer. After all, the menu you choose is a big part of your party’s theming.

Take some time to brainstorm what you might find on a spooky Halloween menu. Maybe your event is a casual one that’d be best served by an autumnal salad and pumpkin bisque, or maybe it’s a more high-end affair full of sophisticated spooks and tantalizing treats.

Choosing the Right Theme for your Halloween Party

We offer a variety of fun themes for your party. A few of our themes are:

  • Hawaiian Luau;
  • The French Connection;
  • Italian Feast;
  • Mardi Gras;
  • Southwest BBQ;
  • New York Deli; and
  • Mexican Fiesta.

We also offer popcorn machine and pretzel machine rentals.

These themes might not initially scream “Halloween” to you, but think outside the box for a moment. A Mexican Fiesta catering menu can be the perfect choice for a Dia de Los Muertos-themed party, and a French Connection menu can be the perfect choice for an elegant haunted ball. Have fun with your party theming and if you want to adjust one of our menu packages, just call and give us your thoughts. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments to make our menus fit your party better.

It’s Not Halloween without Candy!

Remember, Halloween is all about the candy. Make sure you’ve got plenty of candy to go around at your Halloween party to get your guests in the spirit.

One way to give your candy offering a little more oomph is to serve it as part of an ice cream sundae bar. Ice cream is fun for guests of all ages, and a well-stocked ice cream bar has enough candy to satisfy even the most finicky trick-or-treater.

Gourmet Holiday Catering All Year Long

Not too long after Halloween’s over, it’s time for Thanksgiving. And then Christmas and Hanukkah, then New Year’s, then Superbowl Sunday and Chinese New Year and then Valentine’s Day. We’re here to cater all your parties throughout the year, whether they’re private parties or corporate events.

We offer more than just food. With your package, you can rent glassware, linens, flatware, and even tables and chairs. If you need to rent party equipment as well, we can arrange this as well. We’re here to make hosting your party as easy as possible for you.

Work with a Manhattan Catering Team that Knows How to Party

Start planning your Halloween party today by getting in touch with Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering. We can help you plan a menu that’ll delight your guests and cover all their dietary needs, whether you’ve got gluten sensitivities, food allergies, vegan diets, or other dietary restrictions among your guests. Contact us today to get the planning started. We work in all five boroughs, seven days per week.

Gluten Free Catering in Manhattan

Unless you have eaten a gluten free diet, it is nearly impossible to understand the challenges. Eating a gluten free diet is not an easy task because once you start learning how much of the American diet includes gluten, it becomes an overwhelming undertaking. It is not just removing wheat but it involves knowing which gluten derived preservatives or food additives contain gluten. It is a massive undertaking to create a gluten free lifestyle, especially when it comes to cooking, shopping or eating out.

Typically, people turn to a gluten free diet because they are gluten sensitive in some way or have Celiac disease. This means that contamination from gluten causes actual pain or harm to the body when ingested. It is incredibly important that there be zero gluten contamination or it can undo all the healing you have worked so hard to attain. Gluten contamination when cooking, preparing and serving is so easy and while some have good intentions to make gluten free meals, simple mistakes can ruin a gluten free dish for anyone wishing for a completely gluten free meal. When it comes to finding an excellent Manhattan gluten free catering, you need one who understands all this and Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering is one you can trust for incredible gluten free dishes. Below are just a few things an exceptional cater does to create amazing gluten free dishes.

1-The best gluten free caterers in Manhattan safely prepare gluten free dishes

You can have the most incredible gluten free meal ever, but if it is contaminated in the cooking, preparing or serving process, who cares what it tastes like, it is no longer gluten free. In order to create gluten free meals safely, you need to prepare them in an area with zero contaminants because someone who is gluten sensitive or intolerant, cannot feel the effects of gluten in even the minutest particles. Grilling, chopping, mixing or prepping food where previous glutenous foods were just prepared means that you are introducing those contaminants into the food. It is important to serve and prepare gluten free foods in their own area.

2-The best caterers have a variety of gluten free options

Those who eat a gluten free diet get really tired of the only gluten free options at restaurants or events being naked salads, plain fruit or steamed vegetables. In many instances, you are lucky to get anything at all. After awhile, you just get used to having nothing to eat at special events, so when you find a caterer that goes out of their way to not only provide safe, gluten free dishes but a variety of things to eat, it is shocking and amazing. An amazing Manhattan gluten free caterer that goes out of there way to come up with a spread of multiple gluten free options deserves a standing ovation.

3-The best caterers deliver delicious gluten free dishes

Caterers who do not understand spices and the chemistry of how to make foods taste incredible naturally, really struggle making gluten free dishes taste palatable. People with gluten sensitivities and intolerances often encounter food that is bland, grainy, dry and tasteless. Gluten free does not mean it needs to be taste free and terrible but often, these are this scenario is very common. Finding a delicious, gluten free meal or dessert that actually tastes amazing is beyond exciting. Thomas Oliver’s wants our gluten free guests to not only be safe but find our food a beautiful, tasty experience. We test and try out our gluten free dishes and meals to make sure they are just as delicious as the gluten items. Just because it is gluten free, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t taste fabulous.

Thomas Oliver’s cares about all our our guests and their dietary needs.

Dietary restrictions are not fun because usually you feel neglected, whether you are trying to eliminate gluten, sugar, meat or anything else from your diet.Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering does not want any of your guests to feel overlooked and if you specify the need for a specific dietary need, we will do our best to accommodate it and give you all the options possible for selections for that dietary restriction, especially when it comes to gluten free options. For the best gluten free caterers in Manhattan, turn to our talented team at Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering for the most delectable gluten free options around.

How to Pick a Great Catering Company for Your Corporate Events

Corporate events are a big deal. It’s a time you can host guests, employees and customers as a powerful marketing tool. These events need to be done right and done well. Food is a big deal at these things and can make or break your event. You want it to be tasteful, delicious and classy while also matching the theme and ambiance you wish to create. Your goal at these events is not only to convince your employees that they work for the best and most exciting company in the industry, but also to prove that your company cares, appreciates them and that they matter.

One way to do this is to throw a phenomenal party and you don’t do that by tossing up a few balloons and blindly picking a caterer. The details need to be thought through and it is important, especially in the aspect of food, that you are meticulous in this area. Poor quality food or not enough food can cast a huge shadow on your event that will be remembered negatively in the eyes of your employees, totally defeating the purpose of your event, which in the end is a waste of money. To do it right and make the tiresome work you are putting in worth it, you need the best corporate catering New York has to offer. Here are some tips on how to pick through the best catering companies in New York:

1-Find a caterer with flexible menu options

It is important when catering to a large group that the meal has enough choices to suit many diverse tastes. Adventurous dishes can be fun but they can also backfire if your guests do not recognize what the dishes are. Taking popular dishes and putting a delicious, incredible twist on them makes a big impact. A good caterer offers a collection of various and assorted dishes that everyone can enjoy. Many of your guests might have dietary restrictions as well. If your caterer offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten free menu options, you know you have a winner.

2-You need a caterer with resources

The best New York catering companies do not just offer the most succulent dishes for your guests, but can help you out with other aspects of your corporate event. Why not pick a catering company that can kill two (or more!) birds with one stone? Catering companies that can offer serving and waiter services, party equipment rentals, venue resources as well as decor and centerpieces is a huge bonus and can save you tons of time.

3-The best New York caterers listen to your needs

Catering companies in New York can be expensive but the best caterer listens to you and what your budget needs are. There is no pressure and they find you options that fit your financial needs. It is important before you meet with your caterer that you determine your budget and decide on a theme. Is it formal or casual? Once you establish your needs and preferences for your event, communicate these to your caterer so they can effectively help you make decisions.

Look no further than Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering

When you are looking for a corporate catering company that can deliver that wow factor you want to present to your employees, customers and guests, Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering is here for you. We do everything from corporate breakfast catering in New York to themed dinner menus to build-your-own lunch buffets and so much more. We cater to corporate events of all sizes and at any time of the day. And not only that, we can help you with so many of your other corporate event planning needs, just schedule a meeting with us and we can go over all the details and even give you samples of our incredible dishes. We understand you have a lot riding on your corporate events and as one of the finest catering companies in New York, we look forward to serving you.

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General Info

Thomas Oliver's Gourmet Catering & Events

240 West 35th Street,
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 239-0090
Cell: (646) 335-6310
Fax: (212) 239-0092

Delivery Hours:
7 Days a Week 8:00am to 8:00pm

We Cater 7 days a week all over 5 Boroughs throughout NYC including: Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Bronx & Brooklyn, New York

 

Category Archives: Blog

New York Catering Company Food

What is Commercial Catering?

Unless you’re in the catering industry and dealing with related topics on a daily basis, you may not know that there are actually different types of services in this area. One key distinction involves commercial versus non-commercial catering, as there are reasons you might opt for one over the other. Generally speaking, commercial catering puts you in control over the product and service, instead of having important decisions made for you by an intermediary person or entity. However, there are many additional factors involved with the comparison. You can discuss your needs and get the specifics from New York commercial catering services, but an overview may also be useful. 

Comparing Commercial and Non-Commercial Catering

The main difference between the two is choice and control. With commercial catering, you make decisions as the customer regarding the food, beverages, theme, and type of service. You pay the catering professionals directly based upon a budget you’ve established. Commercial caterers may serve clients ranging from large, major corporations hosting meetings – down to you and your family dining at a local restaurant.

 You may have encountered non-commercial catering without knowing it, commonly in a cafeteria-style setting. A third party entity makes the arrangements and hires the non-commercial catering service, which often takes place at the hiring organization’s site.

 Both forms of catering are offered to public and private customers. At times, commercial catering is described as services which are intended to drive profit or where money is the primary business objective. A non-commercial caterer typically offers services as an accompaniment to a principal product or some other goal. 

Examples of Commercial Catering for Events

To better understand the services offered by commercial caterers, some examples may be helpful. For instance, you might consider retaining such services if you’re hosting:

  • A celebration for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, retirement, or other special occasion;
  • A memorial, funeral, or celebration of life service; or,
  • A special event for your business, such as a customer appreciation party or open house.

In the corporate world, many companies use commercial catering services on a regular basis for a wide range of events. According to The Balance, an online resource for business and financial information, the most common corporate events for purposes of commercial catering include:

  • Industry seminars and conferences;
  • Meetings of key executives, members of the board of directors, or shareholders;
  • Customer training and education;
  • Trade shows;
  • Executive retreats;
  • Incentive clubs for high performing employees;
  • Celebrations commemorating an organization’s growth, expansion, or milestones;
  • Team building and employee enrichment activities;
  • Events to celebrate a product launch; and,
  • Many more.

As mentioned, many non-commercial catering services are in a cafeteria setting. You may have experienced them when dining at a school or college, corporate dining room, in a hospital, or related environments. 

7 Tips for Choosing a Commercial Caterer

Because you’re in charge when it comes to making decisions on a commercial catering professional, some recommendations may help you find the right fit for your needs. 

  1. Start by stating your budget, including an itemized list of what you want to spend on various components, such as food, drinks, service items, and related issues.
  2. Discuss the objectives and details of the event with your catering provider, including location, type of venue, number of attendees, and duration.
  3. Be clear on your expectations and what you’ll need from the commercial caterer, much of which you’ll have itemized on your budget documents. Provide information on the style of service you’re seeking, such as a buffet, passed appetizers, food stations, or other options.
  4. Make sure your catering service provider can accommodate any special requests you may have, based upon the type of event you’re hosting.
  5. If possible, request a tasting of the items you’d like to serve at your event.
  6. Determine how many people you’ll need for food and beverage service. Your commercial caterer can provide useful information on the topic, as these professionals come from years of experience.
  7. Ask for references from current and previous clients, and go online to read reviews where available.

Contact New York Commercial Catering Professionals

Once you’ve decided to move forward with commercial catering services, it’s important to work with an experienced company that can provide for all your needs. To learn more about our expertise in all types of catering, please contact the Manhattan office of Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering & Events. We can set up a consultation with one of our skilled professionals, who can help you navigate the planning process for your event.

Catering Wedding Experience

How Does Catering Enhance the Wedding Experience?

As a bride, you’re excited, glowing, and gracious in accepting the congratulations and well-wishes that follow your engagement. Deep down, however, you may be feeling a little anxiety as you try to figure out how you’ll get everything done by the wedding day. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is also among the most important: Whether to hire New York wedding catering to handle the event.

You can make a list of pros and cons, as you keep your budget and chosen venue in mind. However, it’s also important to consider whether:

  • You simply want to check an item off your Wedding To-Do list; OR,
  • You strive to enhance the wedding experience for yourself, your partner, and your guests.

Once you recognize the difference, you’ll appreciate the ways that catering can take the event from mundane to memorable.

Wedding Caterers Assist with Planning the Menu:

Catering professionals are knowledgeable about what’s necessary to feed any size group, from a few dozen family and friends to a large bash for a few hundred. These services can assist you in choosing dishes based upon your vision, as well as:

  • Your chosen cuisine and style;
  • What works for the wedding venue;
  • Portion sizes;
  • Sizes and accompaniments;
  • Kosher, vegetarian, and specific needs of guests; and,
  • Many other details.

You Can Rest Assured the Food is High Quality and Consistent:

People may rave about your chicken marsala, but you can probably see how the quality of any dish may suffer if you try to prepare it in large quantities. Caterers excel in creating large portions of food on a large scale, so you can be sure the meal is as flavorful as it is plentiful. Plus, they have solid, long-term relationships with food purveyors and suppliers. You’ll know that quality ingredients go into the preparation of your wedding feast, and you’re getting the best prices on fresh, seasonal items.

Caterers Deliver Show-Stopping Meal Presentation:

As the saying goes, “we eat first with our eyes.” Therefore, aside from quality of the food, you’ll also want it to look fabulous for guests and photo opportunities. A catering professional will focus on the visual aspects of food service, so that the presentation compliments the venue, décor, and overall style of your wedding.

Hiring a Wedding Caterer Saves You Time:

Taking matters into your own hands and planning your own wedding reception is the equivalent of a part-time job if you want to do it well. Though you can tackle the big picture preparations, it’s the little details that you don’t expect – but which can derail your hard work up to the moments before the wedding.

Wedding caterers anticipate the challenges in planning these events, down to the minutiae you may not have considered. They’re also prepared to take on other tasks that have nothing to do with food service. Based upon your needs, you can trust a caterer to help with:

  • Booking the ideal venue;
  • Retaining an officiant;
  • Design, preparation, transportation, and presentation of your wedding cake;
  • Vetting and working with the band or DJ;
  • Choosing and assembling flowers;
  • Taking the lead on other wedding décor; and,
  • Hiring bartending staff or other types of beverage service.

You Won’t Stress About Last-Minute Emergencies:

Even best laid plans can go awry when unforeseen circumstances arise – and Murphy’s Law dictates that these emergencies will occur at the worst possible time. A wedding caterer is your go-to resource when disaster strikes, so the stress of a crisis doesn’t creep in to affect your big day.

Wedding Catering Allows You to Be the Bride:

To a certain extent, the role of a bride encompasses hostess duties. If there are issues with the food, drinks, music, unruly guests, or service, who will be the first to hear about it? YOU, unless you have a wedding caterer to run interference. On the biggest day of your life, you don’t want to be finding a clean fork for your nephew, uncorking bottles of wine, or hearing about your cousin’s gluten intolerance.

Your wedding day is the one, rare opportunity where you should be wearing a veil – not multiple hats. Be the bride and let wedding caterers tackle the rest.

Learn More About the Benefits of New York Wedding Catering

If you’d like to hear about additional ways that a catering service enhances the wedding experience, please contact Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering & Events. Our professionals offer the full array of catering services for weddings, including assistance with the menu, flowers, cake, venue, and other essentials.

Tip the Caterer

How Much Do I Tip The Caterer: Tipping Etiquette 101

It’s a common scenario when planning a wedding, corporate meeting, or other special event: The big day has arrived, and you’re feeling very satisfied with the preparations. You’ve checked off every item on your list, including booking the venue, hiring a New York catering company, determining the menu, and organizing the guest list. Because you considered every expense and planned for any contingency, you’re set to go.

Though you may think you’ve covered all details, there may be one item that eludes you: How much to tip the caterer. It’s a point that’s easily overlooked during preparations, but the tip is something that you should at least consider making part of your budget.

Why Do You Tip Caterers?

Tipping is defined as giving a person or company a sum of money as a way of rewarding them for providing the services you’ve procured. It’s not considered part of the transaction – a tip is extra. It’s part of social convention in many environments, including catering.

While tipping is routine in restaurants, and in some cases required by an added gratuity, there are fewer unwritten rules as applied to catering. The general rule of thumb is that you tip because you’re satisfied, happy, or even thrilled with the experience. You add a tip when the services, food, music, venue, and all other arrangements were handled impeccably and professionally by the catering company.

How Much Do You Tip a Caterer?

Once you understand the reasons behind it, the next important question is how much to tip the wedding caterer, event coordinator, or other company hired to help you host an event. In some cases, it may even be in the contract and the decision is made for you. Other times, you’ll need to determine a strategy – preferably in advance – of how you’ll calculate the caterer’s tip. Examples include:

  • You may choose to tip on the basis of the total catering bill, at a rate of 15 to 20 percent.
  • You could provide a tip that accounts for the food and beverage cost, usually around 18 percent of the combined sum.
  • A flat rate fee per person may be appropriate, as follows:
    • For servers, food runners, and non-chef kitchen staff, a tip of $25-$50;
    • For the executive chef and catering management, a standard tip may range from $50 to $100; and
    • For bartenders, the going rate for a tip is usually around 10-15 percent of the total bar bill, if separate from your catering services.

In addition, you should note that the amount of the caterer’s tip is also based upon the type of event. For instance, you may provide a higher rate for a wedding as compared to a corporate event. Your big day is a personal, momentous occasion, so your gratitude should be reflected monetarily.

How Do You Tip Caterers?

Besides how much to tip the caterer, it’s important to comply with protocol on who, when, and how. In general, you’ll pay the tip to your agent at the catering service – the person who had taken the lead on all the details and consulted with you throughout the planning process. You’ll want to wait until your wedding or other event is drawing to a close, especially since performance of the catering services is a major factor in determining the amount.

As a practical matter, you should plan to pay the caterer’s tip in cash. Many times, the service will dole out tips to service staff immediately after wrapping things up. All those involved with assisting in your event appreciate being able to go home with cash in their pockets.

Consult with a New York Catering Professionals About Wedding and Event Details

Hopefully, these answers to common questions about tipping will help you guide you on the bigger inquiry: How much to tip catering delivery, the caterer services, and any other professionals that assist with your event. There is no right or wrong way to handle it, but DO make sure you at least consider an extra amount for great service, fantastic food, and attention to every detail.

Please call to set up an appointment with a New York catering company who can assist with your event, and will inspire you to tip accordingly for professional services that exceed your expectations.

New York Catering Company Food

What Type of Food Does a New York Catering Company Provide?

Menu and food service are among the first tasks you’ll need to tackle when planning a special event, but you may be wondering how the process works when you partner with a New York catering company. Generally, you can rest assured that caterers will strive to exceed your expectations for a wedding, gala, or corporate event. However, you should also be aware of the types of food a catering company can provide to make the occasion special.

4 Types of Food You’ll See at Top Events by New York Catering Companies

Recently, caterers for weddings, parties, corporate meetings, and other special events are less focused on presenting a specific cuisine or course. You may see the typical entrée choices of fish, beef, or vegetable replaced by an experiential menu. The food might represent the lifestyle or preferences of the couple or be a complement to the venue itself. Some examples of the food you’ll find at a catered event may include:

  1. Farm to Table: The trend that’s hit the restaurant scene in recent years is carrying over into catered events, with organic produce, locally produced meats, and artisan cheeses topping the menus. Guests feel a sense of connection with their meal when they know it was sourced just a few miles away.
  2. Brunch: People love brunch, so it makes sense that this breakfast-lunch crossover would find its way into high end events like weddings, anniversary parties, and engagement celebrations. Mimosas and Bloody Marys are the ideal accompaniment to a mid-morning meal with omelets, fruit, breakfast meats, and other offerings.
  3. Midnight Snacks: After a night of dancing and revelry, more couples are providing late night sustenance to guests before they depart the wedding. The menu could be as basic as pizza and burgers, or as elegant as passed appetizers.
  4. Small Plates: Catering services are moving toward a meal that’s more akin to a tasting menu than a three-course meal. Instead of the routine salad/entrée/dessert, you may see an amuse bouche paired with an aperitif, followed by 3-5 small plates, wrapping up with a tiny, sweet bite.

3 Types of Catering Food Service and Presentations

To New York wedding catering services, the presentation and style of service is every bit as important as the food. However, more couples and event organizers are eschewing the sit-down dinner or buffet for more creative choices.

  1. Themed Service Stations: Everyone’s got a hankering for a certain kind of food, and themed food tables are a way to satisfy their cravings. Top theme options to consider include:
    •  A seafood tower;
    • Cupcake display;
    • Pasta bar; and,
    • Choose your stir fry station.
  2. Food Trucks: Another trend that’s carried over into weddings and special events is food trucks, a budget-friendly, rustic presentation that creates a no-fuss, casual atmosphere. Fusion tacos are a popular choice, blending the flavors and spices of Mexican, Cuban, Thai, Korean, Hawaiian, and many other global cuisines.
  3. Interactive Food Service: You may also see more catering professionals bring out interactive experiences at weddings and events, which makes the guest part of the preparation process. For instance:
    • If you love guacamole prepared at your table, you’ll love how caterers are taking the show out of the restaurant and into event venues. Guests can choose their toppings, such as veggies, cheeses, seafood, and other add-ins. Then, they can mix it up themselves in a traditional molcajete.
    • Rolling your own sushi isn’t as tough as you think with the right tools and guidance. Guests can select what they want and the style, such as sashimi, nigiri, or hand-roll. When the ingredients are pre-chopped and all the necessary supplies are handy, roll-your-own is an unforgettable interactive experience.

Additional Factors Regarding Types of Food Served by New York Catering Companies

Of course, there are also other considerations to take into account when deciding on food types for a catering professional. With any of the above ideas on types of food and service options, your budget is a priority. Fortunately, some of these concepts are reasonably priced, and you can move up the budgetary ladder from there.

The venue is another concern, as the setting and layout of the structure will dictate some of the details. Still, some of these ideas are just as home at a high-end, elegant affair as they are at a backyard event.

Trust New York Catering Professionals to Cover All Your Event Needs

Whatever your vision for a wedding or other special event, you can expect your catering service to be flexible and accommodating to meet your needs. Please call to set up an appointment with a catering professional who can help you in laying the groundwork for a memorable occasion.

What Type of Catering Works Best for Businesses?

If you have spent any of your time or resources on planning an event, you already know the amount of work that it takes to make the desired event occur. If you are wondering what type of Manhattan Catering is best for you and your business, the answer is simple. You need the professional event catering that only Thomas Oliver’s can provide. We make business event catering simple, because we shoulder the work, so you can focus on running your business.

Why Thomas Oliver is Right for You

Here are a few reasons why you need to use Thomas Oliver’s for your next catered event. Whether you are planning an employee meeting or an investor dinner, you can count on us to deliver the very best.

Our Vast Selection: The first thing you will notice about Thomas Oliver’s is the amount of choices you have at your fingertips. One of the reasons it is difficult to plan an event is your constant worry about choosing the right food. There are a lot of picky eaters out there, but you also need to worry about special diets. Whether you need gluten free, or vegetarian friendly, we have a vast selection of mouthwatering delights that will set your taste buds racing. From desert menus and beverage bars, to full meals and themed events, we have the selection you need to make the perfect choice for your next catered event.

Highest Quality: Our culinary staff, chefs, and servers, use the most stringent food quality standards. When we create our culinary masterpieces, we use the very best ingredients. When you go with Thomas Oliver’s you are getting the best food quality crafted into gourmet dishes that will satisfy any craving. Your Manhattan Corporate Catering needs and desires can easily be obtained when work with Thomas Oliver’s.

Giving you the Help you want: Pulling off a corporate catering event is going to add stress to your already stressful job. Even if you decide to delegate all of the planning to an employee, you are adding to their workload and adding to their stress level. Here at Thomas Oliver’s, we believe in making your life easier. Since we continuously work with Manhattan businesses to create corporate events, we have years of experience and have all the necessary contacts. We have event planners that can plan your entire event and find a location, or we can keep our assistance to a minimum by supplying all of the paper products. You can count on us to give you the amount of assistance you need.

Thomas Oliver’s is perfect for your next corporate catering event

When you are looking for the best in Manhattan Corporate catering, look no further than Thomas Oliver’s. Feel free to look over our tantalizing menu. If you are hoping to host the best event that your company has ever seen, you might want to consider our themed events. We go all out to provide gourmet food and a memorable experience. We want you to have the very best, and that is exactly want you get when you schedule your next event with Thomas Oliver’s. From the best gourmet dishes, to amazing service, we have the answers to any corporate catering event. You can say good bye to stress and let us build the perfect event, or take on as much of the planning as you want to handle. We want to help you create memorable moments that will be remembered. For your next corporate event, you need Thomas Oliver’s on your side.

How should I Pick a Catering Company in Manhattan?

Your clients, business associates and employees are vital for your business. You understand that making a good impression at your next event is vital to your company. When you are looking for the perfect Manhattan Corporate catering company to help you navigate the storms of event planning, you will want to go with the very best. Here at Thomas Olivers, we want you to be able to have the information you need. Here are a few things you should consider when looking for Manhattan catering.

Definite Quality

Just like setting a good first impression is important when doing business, providing quality food and beverages is extremely important when hosting your corporate event. Since we want to provide you with a memorable experience, we use only the freshest ingredients. We go out of our way to create gourmet and culinary masterpieces. No matter which meal choice you make, we will make certain it meets our high standards. Whether your corporate event is for clients, partners, or employees, they will be taking about the delicious meal and allow you to rest easy.

Needed Assistance

Planning a corporate event is stressful. We understand completely. Instead of pushing the burden down to your employees and giving them added stress, you can count on Thomas Olivers to help. We have event and corporate planners ready and willing to help. We can help you find the perfect location, hotel bookings, and even walk you through the different options available so you can host an event that will be memorable and amazing. If you need bartenders or black tie waiters, we have you covered. Since catering events is our specialty, we can take the stress out of Manhattan catering and planning.

Options Available

If you are looking for a themed event, we are ready to give you the experience you crave. When you take a moment to look over our options, you will be stunned. We have everything from our Day at the Beach BBQ, to our French Connection. If you are looking for a specific type of meal, we have breakfast lunch or dinner options. If you want something lighter, we have drop off platters, side salads, and soups. When your event requires a bit of sweetness, we have a dessert menu. If you need gluten free options, we have you covered. Pretty much, when you are looking for something specific for you corporate event, you will find the options you need right here at Thomas Olivers.

Meet Memorable

From our gourmet foods to our beverages, our goal is to transform your next corporate into something memorable. Take our themed meals for instance. We can transform your company break room into something that will create memories. We are serious about making your next corporate event practically perfect. In addition, instead of worrying about all the little things that go into planning an event, you won’t need to fret with Thomas Olivers. We can provide table settings, utensils, even chairs and tables. We make our events stress free for you and your staff, because an event without worry will surely be memorable.

Thomas Olivers

When you want the best in Manhattan corporate catering, you can count on Thomas Olivers. We have the experience and technical knowhow to pull of an amazing corporate event. Our gourmet foods and superior ingredients allow us to create mouthwatering meals and delectable dishes. With us on your side, you next corporate event will make meaningful memories. You can count on us to provide the very best.

 

What Is Involved In Catering Corporate Events?

If you have looked into putting together a corporate event, you understand the amount of time and energy it takes to transform plans into an amazing party in reality. Often, you will need the help of numerous people and use up the precious time and talent of a good number of your employees. Instead of tying the time and energy of up your employees and adding layers of stress to their workload, there is a better alternative. If you want your next corporate catering event to be perfectly planned and memorable with superior service and fantastic food, you need to call in Thomas Oliver. We are your source for exquisite New York corporate catering.

The First Steps

The first things you will need to decide is the type of food you want to provide for you event. Perhaps you are looking for a specific meal, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or something in between. You take a look through our vast selection. We have everything from drinks, desserts, meals, and even buffets. If you are looking to make your corporate event stand out, we have a variety of themed events that will make any corporate event much more memorable. With Thomas Oliver you can choose a variety of themed events such as our Asian Fusion, Italian Feast, Southwest BBQ, or our signature New Yorker. With eighteen different themed events, you will be able to find something perfectly memorable for your next corporate event. We use only the freshest ingredients so we can provide a true culinary masterpiece each and every time. Whether you are putting together a lunch for potential investors, clients, or your reliable employees, you can count on Thomas Oliver’s to provide the very best.

Once the Food is Selected

After you have chosen the meal or the theme, the next step is to find the right spot to hold your event. Sometimes you will have the convenience of being able to hold it at your office, sometimes you will need to find a larger location. In addition to the location, you will need to make certain you have tables, chairs, utensils, and plates. Since this is just one additional stressor when it comes to planning a party, Thomas Oliver’s can make it even easier for you. We provide the utensils, plates, and everything else you need to host a successful corporate event. To make things away from your office easier, we have event and corporate planners on hand. They can help you find the best location and work with you in the rentals for chairs, tables, and other supplies. Our event planners will work to inspire, so you can have the Corporate Event you want. When it comes to Manhattan corporate catering, Thomas Oliver’s is the way to reduce stress and make every step in planning that much easier.

Taking Your Corporate Event to the Next Level

When you choose to incorporate a theme into your next corporate event, you will bring an atmosphere that will be unforgettable. With Thomas Oliver’s we can transform a conference room or break room into a Mexican Fiesta, Mardi Gras, Greek Buffet or other theme. You will be amazed at our food and planning expertise. If you have people in your party with special dietary restrictions, let us know. We have a gluten free menu and can help find great food for even the pickiest person. When you want the best in New York catering, you need Thomas Oliver’s. With us on your side, the stress of planning any corporate event will dissolve. You will love our gourmet meals and superior service. We work to make every corporate event into something memorable and unforgettable. You can count on Thomas Oliver’s to bring your next corporate event to the next level.

Catering your Halloween Party

Halloween is coming up soon, and if you’re hosting a Halloween party, the time to book your catering is now. When you’re shopping around for catering services in Manhattan, ask about special Halloween- or autumn-themed menus the caterers offer. After all, the menu you choose is a big part of your party’s theming.

Take some time to brainstorm what you might find on a spooky Halloween menu. Maybe your event is a casual one that’d be best served by an autumnal salad and pumpkin bisque, or maybe it’s a more high-end affair full of sophisticated spooks and tantalizing treats.

Choosing the Right Theme for your Halloween Party

We offer a variety of fun themes for your party. A few of our themes are:

  • Hawaiian Luau;
  • The French Connection;
  • Italian Feast;
  • Mardi Gras;
  • Southwest BBQ;
  • New York Deli; and
  • Mexican Fiesta.

We also offer popcorn machine and pretzel machine rentals.

These themes might not initially scream “Halloween” to you, but think outside the box for a moment. A Mexican Fiesta catering menu can be the perfect choice for a Dia de Los Muertos-themed party, and a French Connection menu can be the perfect choice for an elegant haunted ball. Have fun with your party theming and if you want to adjust one of our menu packages, just call and give us your thoughts. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments to make our menus fit your party better.

It’s Not Halloween without Candy!

Remember, Halloween is all about the candy. Make sure you’ve got plenty of candy to go around at your Halloween party to get your guests in the spirit.

One way to give your candy offering a little more oomph is to serve it as part of an ice cream sundae bar. Ice cream is fun for guests of all ages, and a well-stocked ice cream bar has enough candy to satisfy even the most finicky trick-or-treater.

Gourmet Holiday Catering All Year Long

Not too long after Halloween’s over, it’s time for Thanksgiving. And then Christmas and Hanukkah, then New Year’s, then Superbowl Sunday and Chinese New Year and then Valentine’s Day. We’re here to cater all your parties throughout the year, whether they’re private parties or corporate events.

We offer more than just food. With your package, you can rent glassware, linens, flatware, and even tables and chairs. If you need to rent party equipment as well, we can arrange this as well. We’re here to make hosting your party as easy as possible for you.

Work with a Manhattan Catering Team that Knows How to Party

Start planning your Halloween party today by getting in touch with Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering. We can help you plan a menu that’ll delight your guests and cover all their dietary needs, whether you’ve got gluten sensitivities, food allergies, vegan diets, or other dietary restrictions among your guests. Contact us today to get the planning started. We work in all five boroughs, seven days per week.

Gluten Free Waffle

Gluten Free Catering in Manhattan

Unless you have eaten a gluten free diet, it is nearly impossible to understand the challenges. Eating a gluten free diet is not an easy task because once you start learning how much of the American diet includes gluten, it becomes an overwhelming undertaking. It is not just removing wheat but it involves knowing which gluten derived preservatives or food additives contain gluten. It is a massive undertaking to create a gluten free lifestyle, especially when it comes to cooking, shopping or eating out.

Typically, people turn to a gluten free diet because they are gluten sensitive in some way or have Celiac disease. This means that contamination from gluten causes actual pain or harm to the body when ingested. It is incredibly important that there be zero gluten contamination or it can undo all the healing you have worked so hard to attain. Gluten contamination when cooking, preparing and serving is so easy and while some have good intentions to make gluten free meals, simple mistakes can ruin a gluten free dish for anyone wishing for a completely gluten free meal. When it comes to finding an excellent Manhattan gluten free catering, you need one who understands all this and Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering is one you can trust for incredible gluten free dishes. Below are just a few things an exceptional cater does to create amazing gluten free dishes.

1-The best gluten free caterers in Manhattan safely prepare gluten free dishes

You can have the most incredible gluten free meal ever, but if it is contaminated in the cooking, preparing or serving process, who cares what it tastes like, it is no longer gluten free. In order to create gluten free meals safely, you need to prepare them in an area with zero contaminants because someone who is gluten sensitive or intolerant, cannot feel the effects of gluten in even the minutest particles. Grilling, chopping, mixing or prepping food where previous glutenous foods were just prepared means that you are introducing those contaminants into the food. It is important to serve and prepare gluten free foods in their own area.

2-The best caterers have a variety of gluten free options

Those who eat a gluten free diet get really tired of the only gluten free options at restaurants or events being naked salads, plain fruit or steamed vegetables. In many instances, you are lucky to get anything at all. After awhile, you just get used to having nothing to eat at special events, so when you find a caterer that goes out of their way to not only provide safe, gluten free dishes but a variety of things to eat, it is shocking and amazing. An amazing Manhattan gluten free caterer that goes out of there way to come up with a spread of multiple gluten free options deserves a standing ovation.

3-The best caterers deliver delicious gluten free dishes

Caterers who do not understand spices and the chemistry of how to make foods taste incredible naturally, really struggle making gluten free dishes taste palatable. People with gluten sensitivities and intolerances often encounter food that is bland, grainy, dry and tasteless. Gluten free does not mean it needs to be taste free and terrible but often, these are this scenario is very common. Finding a delicious, gluten free meal or dessert that actually tastes amazing is beyond exciting. Thomas Oliver’s wants our gluten free guests to not only be safe but find our food a beautiful, tasty experience. We test and try out our gluten free dishes and meals to make sure they are just as delicious as the gluten items. Just because it is gluten free, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t taste fabulous.

Thomas Oliver’s cares about all our our guests and their dietary needs.

Dietary restrictions are not fun because usually you feel neglected, whether you are trying to eliminate gluten, sugar, meat or anything else from your diet.Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering does not want any of your guests to feel overlooked and if you specify the need for a specific dietary need, we will do our best to accommodate it and give you all the options possible for selections for that dietary restriction, especially when it comes to gluten free options. For the best gluten free caterers in Manhattan, turn to our talented team at Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering for the most delectable gluten free options around.

Stationary Platters

How to Pick a Great Catering Company for Your Corporate Events

Corporate events are a big deal. It’s a time you can host guests, employees and customers as a powerful marketing tool. These events need to be done right and done well. Food is a big deal at these things and can make or break your event. You want it to be tasteful, delicious and classy while also matching the theme and ambiance you wish to create. Your goal at these events is not only to convince your employees that they work for the best and most exciting company in the industry, but also to prove that your company cares, appreciates them and that they matter.

One way to do this is to throw a phenomenal party and you don’t do that by tossing up a few balloons and blindly picking a caterer. The details need to be thought through and it is important, especially in the aspect of food, that you are meticulous in this area. Poor quality food or not enough food can cast a huge shadow on your event that will be remembered negatively in the eyes of your employees, totally defeating the purpose of your event, which in the end is a waste of money. To do it right and make the tiresome work you are putting in worth it, you need the best corporate catering New York has to offer. Here are some tips on how to pick through the best catering companies in New York:

1-Find a caterer with flexible menu options

It is important when catering to a large group that the meal has enough choices to suit many diverse tastes. Adventurous dishes can be fun but they can also backfire if your guests do not recognize what the dishes are. Taking popular dishes and putting a delicious, incredible twist on them makes a big impact. A good caterer offers a collection of various and assorted dishes that everyone can enjoy. Many of your guests might have dietary restrictions as well. If your caterer offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten free menu options, you know you have a winner.

2-You need a caterer with resources

The best New York catering companies do not just offer the most succulent dishes for your guests, but can help you out with other aspects of your corporate event. Why not pick a catering company that can kill two (or more!) birds with one stone? Catering companies that can offer serving and waiter services, party equipment rentals, venue resources as well as decor and centerpieces is a huge bonus and can save you tons of time.

3-The best New York caterers listen to your needs

Catering companies in New York can be expensive but the best caterer listens to you and what your budget needs are. There is no pressure and they find you options that fit your financial needs. It is important before you meet with your caterer that you determine your budget and decide on a theme. Is it formal or casual? Once you establish your needs and preferences for your event, communicate these to your caterer so they can effectively help you make decisions.

Look no further than Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering

When you are looking for a corporate catering company that can deliver that wow factor you want to present to your employees, customers and guests, Thomas Oliver’s Gourmet Catering is here for you. We do everything from corporate breakfast catering in New York to themed dinner menus to build-your-own lunch buffets and so much more. We cater to corporate events of all sizes and at any time of the day. And not only that, we can help you with so many of your other corporate event planning needs, just schedule a meeting with us and we can go over all the details and even give you samples of our incredible dishes. We understand you have a lot riding on your corporate events and as one of the finest catering companies in New York, we look forward to serving you.