FAQs
How does the cost of your services differ from a restaurant?
I do not have the same overheads as a restaurant as I do much of the work myself and you provide the premises. Further, as a small operation I do not charge VAT.
Moreover, my services are much cheaper long term too, especially if you want to provide them yourself later on. As the saying goes... 'give a man a fish and he can eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he can eat for a lifetime'.
There are occasions where my services may seem more expensive than some restaurants. This is because everything is produced on an individual basis, exactly to your liking and not ordered or cooked in bulk. However, comparing the price of a catering service with dining out is difficult and misleading as the whole scenario is very different.
Moreover, my services are much cheaper long term too, especially if you want to provide them yourself later on. As the saying goes... 'give a man a fish and he can eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he can eat for a lifetime'.
There are occasions where my services may seem more expensive than some restaurants. This is because everything is produced on an individual basis, exactly to your liking and not ordered or cooked in bulk. However, comparing the price of a catering service with dining out is difficult and misleading as the whole scenario is very different.
How do I work with you on my event?
Just call me and we will talk about your requirements. We can follow this with a face to face informal chat - at your place or mine - to look at available facilities and to see how I can best meet those requirements at minimum cost to you.
Why are there pricing guidelines on the site for only some of the services you provide?
The price depends on the menu, the level and type of service, the location and various other factors that will achieve the best possible result within your budget. To give an indication of price at the outset, without a particular requirement in mind, can be misleading and unhelpful.
How can I get a price from you?
Talk to me and we will work out a price together, perhaps with a little flexibility and compromise on both sides. Once the basics have been agreed and I have given you a price, this will not alter without your agreement or a request for a change of service or menu.
I don't see a wide variety of menus on the website. Why is that?
There are so many dishes and culinary styles on the international scene that to list more than a few by way of example would be of little value. Also, the occasion may vary from a finger buffet, through a barbecue to a multi-course dinner. Tell me the expected preferences of your guests or clients and I can advise you on a menu suited to your budget.
How extensive is your service?
As indicated above, I will work with you to agree a menu, the associated services and the price. There is no charge for these preliminary discussions.
When the day arrives, I can do the following according to your requirements:
- Deliver cutlery, china, table decorations etc (but not furniture) to the appointed venue
- Obtain all ingredients required
- Prepare and cook food either off or on site as appropriate
- If prepared off-site, deliver prepared food to the venue
- Provide waitress/waiter service if required
- Provide full clear up and removal service
- Provide a 'get your guests home' service at highly preferential rates
Is your food freshly prepared?
The dishes are home cooked. I do not use pre-cooked main dishes.
What about drinks?
I can provide a wide choice of soft drinks, spirits and wines to meet your requirements. In particular, wine can vary from popular to fine varieties to meet your budget and taste.
Please note that I can provide alcoholic drinks of your choice on you own property. However, if the venue is public, such as a village hall, you must take that responsibility yourself, although I can make all the arrangements. Alternatively, the venue itself may hold a liquor license and may meet your requirements directly.
Please note that I can provide alcoholic drinks of your choice on you own property. However, if the venue is public, such as a village hall, you must take that responsibility yourself, although I can make all the arrangements. Alternatively, the venue itself may hold a liquor license and may meet your requirements directly.
What are your terms of payment?
As stated above, there is no charge for preliminary discussions and no commitment until a price has been agreed and a simple order form completed.
At that stage, a deposit of 30% of the agreed price is payable to cover the costs of materials etc. Cancellations made within 7 days of the date of the event means it is non returnable. Cancellation before that time will result in a full credit of the deposit towards a future booking.
The second payment, the remaining 70% of the agreed price, plus any agreed additions is payable immediately on completion of the function.
Preferred method of payment is cash (receipt will be provided).
At that stage, a deposit of 30% of the agreed price is payable to cover the costs of materials etc. Cancellations made within 7 days of the date of the event means it is non returnable. Cancellation before that time will result in a full credit of the deposit towards a future booking.
The second payment, the remaining 70% of the agreed price, plus any agreed additions is payable immediately on completion of the function.
Preferred method of payment is cash (receipt will be provided).
How early do I need to contact you prior to the event?
As soon as possible, especially before Christmas when business activity is high. Whatever the notice period, we will do our very best to meet your requirements, but, to avoid disappointment, talk to me as soon as possible.
"Jill is highly professional in her approach. The food was fantastic and the waitresses were very friendly and courteous. I will definitely use Cuisine Culture again!"
(Chris from London)
(Chris from London)
"A friend recommended Cuisine Culture to me for a barbeque I was hosting. I hate doing all the work at my own party. When do I get to socialise? A perfect idea, I will be using them again."
(Lisa from Woking)
(Lisa from Woking)
"Jill is a very enterprising and experienced caterer with lots of good ideas. She is very calm and presented the food well - she also had lots of help on the day to assist her. The dessert birthday cake was enormous, beautiful and just right."
Beverley, Wokingham
Beverley, Wokingham
"Great food, lovely ladies. A great evening all round."
(Fontaine Marketing from Camberley)
(Fontaine Marketing from Camberley)
"Friendly, splendid food, value for money, sensational service."
(Abba Consultants, Woking)
(Abba Consultants, Woking)