Service
What catering services do you provide?
Do you handle sit-down meal services?
Are liquor services available?
Is there a maximum attendance limit for functions you service?
What space is needed for prep and service?
Do you handle clean-up?

Ordering
Is there a minimum order requirement?
How many pieces are recommended per guest?
How far in advance must an event be reserved?
Will you handle special menu requests?
Do you offer prix fixe menus?
May I schedule a tasting?
Is wine pairing available?
What are typical catering costs?
What are payment options?
What is the payment schedule?

Service

What catering services do you provide?
We are a boutique catering company focused on providing clients with unique, elegant hors d’œuvres and amuses-bouche for intimate gatherings. These smaller events are special occasions, which require exceptional service and experience. Quite often, these gatherings are friendly and flowing events which do not necessitate the formality of a traditional seated meal – guests are encouraged to socialize in a lighthearted, yet elegant atmosphere. Chicago’s cosmopolites have come to expect entertaining and relaxed gatherings without sacrificing a refined palate. By focusing on preparing gourmet foods to be enjoyed during these social affairs, Urban Saveur is in a unique position to provide clients with epicurean fare that will make the occasion a truly memorable experience.

Do you handle seated meal or buffet services?
At this time, no. We are a boutique catering company centering primarily on gourmet hors d’œuvre service. By specializing in this niche field, we are able to provide our clients with a focused, unique experience that stands out from traditional and impersonal “total service” catering firms. We do, however, have plans to offer seated meal menus and service for occasions with 10 or fewer guests. There is no timeline for this service expansion, yet it most likely will not occur before fall of 2008. Please check back frequently.

Are liquor services available?
Our liquor service is strictly limited to bartending. Because of the legalities involved with liquor sales, Urban Saveur is not involved with purchasing, transporting, or delivering liquor in any way. We will, however, be glad to offer bartending service for liquor purchased by the client (at additional cost), as well as wine and liquor suggestions to compliment your chosen dishes.

Is there a maximum attendance limit for functions you service?
This varies greatly amongst clients. We simply do not have the staff to service events with attendance in excess of 75 persons. However, because a great number of our clients request our service for residential events, university affairs, gallery occasions, and other similar intimate gatherings, we rarely encounter guest lists exceeding that limit. For the safety (and sanity) of our wait staff, hors d’œuvre service is limited to covering two rooms at the event location.

What space is needed for prep and service?
The minimum requirements for service and prep include: an area equipped with a stove, refrigerator, sink (MUST have hot water reaching 104o F), and at least six feet of clear counter space. The stove must have a working ventilation system. A properly serviced fire extinguisher must be present. Per public health requirements, the client or facility must also provide paper towels, disinfectant surface spray, and refuse bags. We will need access to the prep area no later than one hour before the event. Event locations higher than the third floor must have elevator access.

Do you handle clean-up?
Certainly. We will handle the complete clean-up of prep areas and service areas, as well as the removal of oddments remaining after enjoying the dishes (napkins, picks, etc.).

Ordering

Is there a minimum order requirement?
A minimum of 105 pieces is required per event. The minimum number of pieces per dish selection is 35. Thus, the smallest order we will cater is an event serving 3 dishes of 35 pieces each.

How many pieces are recommended per guest?
As a general rule, we recommend four (4) pieces per guest. This allows for the proper degustation of our menu offerings whilst neither overwhelming the guests, nor leaving them esurient. Obviously, you may have a greater knowledge of your guests’ consumption preferences, and this number may be adjusted accordingly should you have particularly edacious attendants.

How far in advance must an event be reserved?
In order to ensure the highest quality of our dishes, and to allow for the procurement of ingredients, events must be booked no later than 10 days in advance.

Will you handle special menu requests?
We work very hard on and pride ourselves on preparing a well-balanced menu – offering imaginative culinary samplings of sweet, savory, ethnic, and vegetarian dishes. We understand, however, that special circumstances do arise, and we will make every effort possible to accommodate you and your guests in these instances. However, to preserve the integrity and outstanding quality of our dishes, we will not modify existing menu offerings to accommodate special dietary needs (low sodium, diabetic, etc.). Please call to discuss options for these occasions. It is solely the responsibility of the client to be aware of his/her guests’ special dietary needs and/or food allergies.

Do you offer prix fixe menus?
Yes. Many of our clients approach us with fixed finances and charge us with the opportunity to develop a menu which maximizes the Urban Saveur experience within that limit. Please call our office to discuss options.

May I schedule a tasting?
Of course! Tastings are available once a contract has been signed. The 50% deposit will be collected at the conclusion of the tasting. A tasting must be completed no later than 10 days prior to the scheduled event.

Is wine pairing available?
We will be glad to offer wine suggestions to compliment your menu. However, it is the sole responsibility of the client to purchase and transport all wine and liquor.

What are typical catering costs?
There are two areas of cost involved with our catering service. The first covers assessments associated with delivery, preparation, wait staff, utensils, plating, clean-up, and general labor time. This price is fixed at $350 for two hours of service. This cost reserves two servers and one prep chef. Supplementary service hours and wait staff are available at additional cost. Bartending service is available at additional cost. The second component is the cost of the menu choices. This will vary depending on the selections you make and the quantities desired.

What are payment options?
We accept cash and checks with a current address and two (2) contact numbers listed. For large events, please call to discuss credit card payment options. The remaining 25% balance is accepted in cash or check only.

What is the payment schedule?
50% of the total amount is due at the time of contract and booking. 25% of the remaining balance is due seven (7) days prior to the event. The remaining 25% is due one (1) day before the event.