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Try TGISCatering.com The pricelist I got from them has buffet prices from $46.50/person to $58.50/person.
After the pricelist each one gives you for a menu, you'll find that each caterer assesses additional costs for all kinds of things- pouring champagne (per person cost), labor, grauity, service, set-up, tear-down, etc etc. My struggle is to understand what's REASONABLE in terms of the bottom line.
I guess I should rephrase the question: In Los Angeles area, what should I expect catering costs to be (all inclusive, except for rentals) for 150 people, with reasonable food (not super fancy, but good ingredients).
Anyone?
To be honest with you, it really depends on how you go about it. I'm in the OC area, but I chose an LA County caterer. However, I didn't go the normal route of choosing one, but instead, went with a restaurant that does catering. They also offered (included in their price), beverages (sans alcohol), linens, real china, real silverware, real glassware, etc. I'd say the average is normally $30-$50 a person. Of course, it could go higher, but I'm thinking that's for more "quality" then quantity. I think that if they're charging you in addition (for take down, etc) then that's too much, and I'd keep searching. Except for cake cutting and corking charges, which is pretty common, everything else should be included. Mine is including everything, except for a cake cutting charge, but you'll see below that I get more for that then just the cutting.
I can recommend mine, which sounds a lot like what you're describing. They make great food, although not the most AMAZING EVER, it's totally delish and for me on a strict wedding budget, the extras help immensely. Here are the details:
East Side Mario's in Lakewood, CA http://www.eastsidemarioslakewood.com/
they INCLUDE the following:
3 beverages (lemonade, punch & iced tea)
3 appetizers
2 types of dishes (with sides and bread)
2 types of salads
Table Linens (colored to your theme) & cloth napkins
REAL china, flatware and glassware
2 servers (and a chef if you opt for their Build Your Pasta Buffet)
Plus, they offer cake cutting for a great rate (like $1.50/2.00 pp) and that INCLUDES coffee service.
I was floored when I read all that, and they only require like $250 down and the remaining a week before the event. Their prices range from $18-$30 (appox.) pp.
I'm getting a huge buffet, filled with food and all the above for under $3000 for 100 people.
Now, they offer other types of catering styles and you can almost customize what you're going for. Danielle is great and they really do offer you a lot of their services, and at a great price. We did a taste test with them, and the food was really good (try the four cheese lasagna, my FI Italian (from Italy!) grandmother adored it.)
HTH!
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You may want to check out StoneFire Grill. They were featured on Wedding Altered on the Style Network- their prices are extremely affordable and I've heard their food is quite tasty. http://www.stonefiregrill.com/SF.html
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My recommendation: Go with a sitdown. The caterers aren't reasonable. I got a quote of $25000 for 180 people that included a real 'steal' of $5000 rental fee of the ground. I thought that was ridiculous. They make you pay for every little thing: set-up, tear down, people on site (keep in mind overtime!!), chinaware (more expensive), keep in mind also that you pay taxes on gratuity (which every place does. No matter whether it is a fixed location with an inhouse caterer or a bring in caterer) etc. Also: Buffet style interupts the timeflow of your reception quite abit. Depending on how many people you have there is easily a difference of 20-30 minutes between the first and last person eating. Plus there is always a line. We decided to go with a sit down to avoid this. Reception sites with an inhouse caterer do have good packages that can include things such as: - hors d'oeuvres- cake- cake cutting- champagne toast- entrée Just my two cents...
Like the brides above have said, it depends where you are, where your wedding is and what you want exactly....
I second stonefire grill, the have GREAT food.
I am using Command Preformance out of the conjeo valley/venutra area. They are reasonable and very professional... I just gave them a list of my needs and my budget and they somehow figured it out.
Pierre's catering in the same area was really willing to work a budget and will negotiate with you (he's kinda nutty though)
I have to agree with anntiB. I have worked a lot with East Side Mario's and they are fantastic. Their staff is very courteous and helpful and Danielle is awesome to work with. If I was having my wedding here in California, I would have definitely booked them hands down!!!
Hee! That's great to hear, Danni! (I was actually the one that posted the recommendation, but that's okay...the boards get a little confusing about who posted)
I think that stonefire is really okay if you want BBQ, but if you want variety, I'm all for East Side Mario's. They just offer so much for your $$.
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All we want for a caterer is decent and reliable ingredients and service, for a buffet dinner (not stations, not sit-down). Fresh ingredients are key- good vegetables, cheeses, meat, etc. The preparation isn't that impt.
I'm getting huge variation in the per person quotes ($38-65), and with the fact that each caterer has a different hidden costs, it's hard for me to tell what the bottom line really is.
In your experience, what's expected per-person total cost (after you count in labor and set-up, etc) for a 150 person event?
Any recommendations for a decent caterer? I'm trying to organize this remotely so it's really a pain.
thx