Frequently Asked Questions
What type of services to you provide?
We offer catering services ranging from drop-off breakfasts, lunches and party buffets to full-service parties with chefs, servers and rentals. We also offer personalized cooking classes for groups of varied sizes and skill levels.
What is your minimum head count?
We don't have a minimum head count and we specialize in events under 50 people.
What payment methods do you accept?
We happily accept payment via check or credit/debit card. There is a 3% service fee for all credit/debit card payments.
What is the price difference for a buffet, family-style service and a plated meal?
All of our menus are created specially for your event and prices vary depending on the type and number of dishes served. This influences the cost of a meal much more than the type of service. However, due to the amount of labor required, buffet service is generally less expensive than family-style service, which is generally less expensive than plated service.
How many staff will I need for my event?
Every event is different and will have different staffing needs determined by size, style, formality and location. We take all these factors into account when determining how many chefs, servers and bartenders to provide for your event. Making sure you have enough help for your celebration to flow smoothly is our priority; long lines and frustrated, hungry guests do not make a fun party. To give you a broad idea of guest-to-staff rations: We generally recommend 1 server per 20-25 guest for an appetizer buffet, 1 server per 15-20 guests for a buffet- or family-style seated meal, and one sever per 10 guests for a plated meal. Labor is billed at $25/hour/staff and we require a 5 hour minimum engagement.
Can your staff set-up and/or break-down my event?
Absolutely. We can arrive early to decorate, assemble tables, polish glasses, set out chairs, etc. And we are happy to stay after a party to clean up and put everything away. There is no overtime fee for this.
Can you accommodate vegetarians and vegans?
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on being vegetarian and vegan friendly. We offer vegetarian versions of many of our menu items and are happy to provide vegetarian and vegan dishes for a few guests or your entire party.
Can you provide alcoholic beverages for my event?
Washington state law prohibits caterers from selling alcohol. We are happy to supply you with bartenders, glassware, ice and bar equipment for your event however. Our bartenders are licensed to serve all alcoholic beverages.
Yes, we offer a 50% discount on food for children aged 3 to 12. Children under 3 eat free of charge.
Do you provide wedding cakes?
Olaiya Land Catering does not provide traditional tiered wedding cakes. We can recommend bakeries that do. We offer an assortment of layer and sheet cakes, cupcakes and other baked goods--perfect for a rustic or picnic-style wedding!
Do you charge a cake cutting fee?
No. No matter what the occasion (wedding, birthday celebration, anniversary, corporate event), we do not charge a fee for cutting your cake when we are providing the meal for the event.
Will you feed the photographer, DJ, musicians, performers at my event?
We are happy to prepare a plate (free of charge) for those providing services at your event after we have fed your guests and if there is food leftover. If you want to be absolutely sure photographers, DJs, etc. get to taste everything on the menu, it is advisable to include them in your guest count.
When do I need to give you my final guest count?
The estimate we provide in your contract is based on a minimum guest count. If you reduce your guest count below this number, we will have to adjust the per-person price for your event. Your may add additional guest up to 7 days prior to your event.
Do you use chafing dishes?
Never. At Olaiya Land Catering, we use local, seasonal and often organic ingredients. We believe dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients suffer when served in chafing dishes (food tends to steam in a chafing dish and lose its texture). Therefore, we serve a combination of hot, room-temperature and cold food, and make sure hot food is served immediately.
How can I save money on my event?
Olaiya Land Catering offers everything from box lunches to formal sit-down dinners. There is almost always a way to have a lovely event within your budget. However, we do have a couple of unbreakable standards: 1) we will not under-staff an event and 2) we will not under-portion (nothing is worse than running out of food). Other than that, there are numerous ways to make sure an event is in line with your budget. We can vary the menu, beverages served, style and length of service, table setting and decorations, etc. to ensure your celebration is both memorable and affordable. We offer compostable, biodegradable tableware—great for a barbeque or a casual gathering. A picnic-style event is perfect for a summer wedding or office party. We can create a simple, rustic meal or a multi-course feast. Just let us know what your needs are—we’re always happy to work with you on creative solutions!