VIP's Gourmet Catering
Tour our menu selections for your next event. If you have something unique in mind contact us and we will be happy to create or customize a menu for you.

MENU SELECTIONS
All menus are available to view/download in PDF format

Dinner Buffet Selections                 view
Plated Served Dinner Selections         view
World of Small Bites (cocktail)              view
Mini Cocktails (cocktail)                        view
Backyard BBQ                                       view
Casual Hot Lunch                                  view
High Tea                                                view
Brunch Buffet                                        view
Elegant Cocktails                                   view
Station Cocktails                                    view
Mediterranean Bites                               view
Spanish Tapas                                        view
Stampede Favorites                               view
Pancakes Off the Griddle                      view
Tex Mex Taco Bar                                  view

Bar & Beverage Service                          view
General Costs Information                     view  

Beverage and Bar Services:

VIP's Gourmet Catering will assist you with all your beverage and bar requirements.  We offer all services, from a simple Beer and Wine bar to a Full Bar with beer, wine and mixed drinks. Specialty drinks can be created to suit your events theme.
Liquor can be supplied by the client or we will make all the necessary arrangements for you. When we supply the liquor we charged by consumption for the event, based on liquor retail costs. Per person bar set up charges will apply dependent on services required.
Click here for details.

Beverage and Bar Tips

Bar set-up: Is it out of the way of traffic flow? Is the floor protected from spills?

 

Do you have the proper basic bar equipment - bottle opener, wine opener, wine cooler, beer cooler, bar cloths, ice bucket and tongs, cocktail napkins, shot glasses, cocktail shaker, straws and stirrers, water jug, lemons, limes and olives, plus all your glasses?

 

How much do I need? Plan on an average of 2 drinks per person, per hour. For a 3 hour party with 30 guests:

For 3 hour party with 50 guests:

2 cases beer

4 bottles each of white and red wine

1 vodka

1 rye

1 scotch

1 each white and dark rum

3 cases beer

6 bottles each of white and red wine

1 vodka

2 rye

1 scotch

1 each white and dark rum

 

 Keep in mind your guests preferences and special seasonal drinks, but these are the basics most people will use.

Other useful information about beverage services:

One gallon of punch will serve 20-25 guests One case champagne (12) will pour 82 glasses. One bottle wine (750ml) will pour 5-6 glasses One large keg beer will pour 220 glasses (9oz) 1 liter hard liquor will pour 26 regular drinks One mixed drink requires 4-5 ounces mixer. Ice for an evening party - for 50 guests you should purchase around 12-14 bags ice, more if it is during the hot seasons.

 

Helpful hints to help you plan the perfect party:

Advanced planning is the most important aspect of any party. Know the answers to the following questions before you start:

1.) Be clear about what the purpose of the party is and keep that in your mind when making all decisions. Decide on the date and allow at least 4-6 weeks (more for a large event) to give you planning time and for your guests to book the date.

2) Determine your budget as everything you do from here on will be affected by it. Allocate the main part of your budget to the aspects of the party that is most important to you, food, wine, decor or entertainment?

3) Decide where you will be holding the party and determine who your guests will be. Make an invite list and plan for RSVP responses one week before the party.

4) Decide on the time and length of the event. Your menu and beverage decisions will be planned with this information.

5) Do you have a theme in mind? Themes make the planning process simpler if you have a route to follow.

6) Make some menu selections and beverage and bar decisions. Dinner buffet, cocktail finger foods, backyard bbq or light refreshments? Design a menu that matches the party purpose, the budget and your guest’s palates.

What can you do well yourself, what can you purchase ready made from specialty shops or reputable caterers? If you don't have lots of fridge space you can pick up ready- made food or have it delivered before the party.

7) Make a list of all the items you can prepare in advance, what needs to be done on party day and what has to be attended to at the last minute. Be realistic and not over ambitious, make sure you are not overloaded on last day or last minute items!

8) Hired help can make your life so easy during the event, having a server or bartender eliminates the need for you or your guests to run around picking up dirty glasses and plates. You should be with your guests!

9) Consider renting glassware, china, or coat racks? Trust me this makes it easier to keep you party tidy and reduces the loss of your own good crystal or china. Good rental companies have lots of selection, and they will deliver and pick up.

10) Make a room diagram of how you will set-up the layout of the bar, food tables, storage for guest’s coats and shoes, and storage for rental containers etc. Make sure food and beverage stations are far enough from each other to prevent gridlock!

11) Do your house cleaning and arranging of the setup the day before. Keep last day chores to a minimum.

12) It' s party day! - Do you have your list? You should be able to follow it through and still have time to have a shower before guests arrive. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes before guest come to open wine, set out platters and put on the music. Unwind for a minute with a glass of wine and get ready to have a good time with your guests.

"Isn't that what it is all about anyways?!"