Caterer Needed
2007 August 21
We are hosting a large weekend party later this year and are thinking of having one of the meals catered. My problem is that I have never used anyone in Frederick for catering. So I’m asking you for recommendations. I’m leaning more towards having food delivered from a restaurant, rather than having someone set up and cook the food at our house, although I’d be willing to change my mind if enough people convinced me about a certain business!!
So how about it? Any good suggestions for catered food in the area? Any places to avoid?
22 Responses
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We used Big Nate’s BBQ for my husband’s company picnic this summer. He brings everything and cooks it there, sets up and takes down. It’s great! And reasonably priced!
We also went to Cozy Inn (Thurmont) this weekend and saw they do catering for real cheap…and the food is fantastic!
Good luck!
I personally know Nate (The Owner of Big Nate’s BBQ) before he had his catering business…I also have tried his ribs and pulled Pork (They are Delicious!!). I Highly reccomend his Catering Business!! You won’t be dissapointed and couldn’t have a better person serving you food at your “Special Event.”
It all depends on what you want. I personally like Veggie Annie. But as to Cozy and their catering, I would look elsewhere.Martin’s is expensive. Cornucopia (not sure of spelling) is supposed to be really good.
I’ve heard that the caterer on 7th street is great. I don’t have personal experience. The caterer is located in the shopping center where the Safeway is. Have a great event!
I’m open to any and all suggestions. Thanks for the replies so far! Keep ‘em coming!
(The only thing I can’t consider is crab/shrimp, as both my husband and I are allergic)
You didn’t say what type of food you’re looking for: Cookout/picnic style, sandwiches, finger foods, buffet, fancy sit-down, ethnic, or whatever. Anyway, I have noticed that many restaurants do offer catering, even if they don’t advertise it. So if you have a favorite restaurant, ask them if they cater. If they don’t cater or they’re booked for that date, don’t be afraid to ask them for a referral to another caterer. Enjoy! P.S. I would not recommend Canapes. I went to an upscale event that they catered where the food was very blah– too many bland white foods. Then the mini-desserts were piled up in a pyramid which looked nice until everyone picked through the pyramid looking for the chocolate thingies and the rest was left in a crumbled heap. Plus they didn’t prepare enough coffee.
I highly recommend A Cut Above Catering on 7th Street. They are located near CVS, in the same plaza as Safeway, etc. We order lunch in at the office at least twice a month, but really more like 4 – 6 times a month, and A Cut Above is by far the best. In fact, we pretty much only order from them now. Their menu is varied, prices are great, delivery and service is excellent, and even the presentation of the food is beautiful. They are a five-star caterer, in my book. Check them out at http://www.acutabovecatering.net/ (and no, this isn’t a paid advertisement – I really just like their food
). Good luck!
PS – we had a similar experience with Canapes as J (above). We used them twice in a two month period (2004?) for two company events, and both times the food was good. The next two times we used them (Christmas 2005 and one other time, I forget when), the food was not so good, the communication was very one way (with a number of important details forgotten), and they showed up late. Food was cold, and they didn’t bring the materials they needed to serve – they asked us if we had various items they had listed as things they would provide!
We got food from Clay Oven for my bridal shower. Not everyone is into Indian food, but WOW that guy can cook!!!
I third the recommendation for A Cut Above! They catered our wedding 3 years ago and people are still telling us how good the food was. They’ll work with you as far as price/food restrictions/whatever else and they’ll do so happily. I really can’t recommend them enough!
J, I purposely didn’t say what type of food (except for the seafood issue) because I hope to get a wide variety of recommendations that other readers may be able to use as well.
In my case, this will be an outdoor, barbecue type party, so I need something a bit more casual. I like your suggestion of checking with area restaurants!
We catered my sisters baby shower with food from Frisco’s. It was a lunch time afair and they loved the exploded potatoes. Warning though – they are kinda pricey.
White Star
If you want BBQ, what about Chubby’s? Guy raved about their food in a post from March 20. I haven’t been to these places: Famous Dave’s, Red Neck Ribs in New Market (www.redneckribs.com), or Blues BBQ – yes, the blue truck – (www.bluesbbqco.com), but I hear they’re good.
Chick Fil-A caters. So does Famous Dave’s and AKA Frisco’s. My husband’s company regularly uses Famous Dave’s and Frisco’s to cater business meetings/casual events. He says that the food is just as good as in the restaurants.
I live in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and we have Whole Foods markets here. If you have them in your town, they have lots of items to choose from if you are having a party.
While they are not a catering outfit per se, Firestone’s Restaurant on Market Street exceeded my expectations 2 years ago when I hosted a large surprise birthday party for my husband there. They were easy and convenient to work with and the food was absolutely delicious. Even if a full catered meal from Firestone’s is not possible, you could always drop into their Market on Market to pick up some gourmet cheeses, dips, or other treats for the party. Sounds fun, and all this talk about great food in Frederick is making me drool.
All of the suggestions are great ideas. The only suggestions that I have had personal experience with are Frisco’s and Canapes. Frisco’s has great sandwiches and the exploded potatoes are awesome. It would be good for a casual affair. I have to say that I have attended many events catered by Canapes and the food was always great. You need to remember, the customer chooses the menu so the above comment regarding too many white foods must have been the customer’s choice. Anyway, I think they do a great job and have always loved the food. Good luck with your party!
New Caterer based in Rockville. Delicious food. They prepared Brunch for the family after the reunion – I convinced the Chef to stay and prepare a dinner latter on that same night!
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8z3cc/loushousecatering/
I could not help but be drawn to this blog, probably due to the fact that I am a local caterer in Frederick. I am licensed and bonded and the name of my company is Gourmet At Home with Paula Catering. I only use fresh herbs and whole food ingredients and I can work with any budjet. Check out my menu on my website: http://www.gourmetathomewithpaula.com My menu is upscale, but I love to cook comfort foods as well. There is nothin better than homemade bread pudding with hazelnut sauce! Good luck with your meal!
I’ve heard of people who did not get services delivered after paying Veggie Annie.
As with anybody you work with, get everything in writing!
We have been in the catering business for 40 years. We posesses the skill and experience to bring to you the type of event that you want at the price you want.
We would appreciate an opportunity to speak to you and introduce you to our extensive affordable services. We have worked cater a lion share of the most exclusive events in Maryland as we are located in the Belvedere in down town Baltimore.
We are nominated as caterer of the year by The Restaurant Association of Maryland.
You are never under any obligation when you speak to us and we will come to you if that is your desire.
We are here to accomodate you and work with you at any and every level of your choosing.
PLEase give me a call at 410-760-4115 press 0 and asked for me personally or my cell
410-984-1601
I am the owner of this company and also La Fontaine Bleue.
Thanks for considering us
Tom Stuehler
CEO