After graduating from Providence’s Johnson & Wales University, Joshua Riazi spent years working as a chef in some of the country’s top restaurants. He eventually opened Ripe Food and Events, a full-service catering and events company in Rhode Island. He is also the executive chef for the nonprofit organization Kids Can Cook in Boston.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting a Caterer
Before meeting with a caterer for the first time, it is important to get some referrals from friends and to make sure the company has a good reputation.
Questions to Ask Your Caterer
People should find out if the caterer they are hiring has ever done events like their before, and whether the caterer has all the proper licensing and insurances to operate.
How to Choose the Right Caterer For Your Event
When you’re planning a big event, it is important to find a caterer who can handle a party of your size.
Benefits of a Full-Service Catering Company
Hiring a full-service company to cater your party and also handle the rentals makes event coordination easier for everyone.
What Should Be Included In My Catering Contract?
Catering contracts should always include information about cancellation policies and deposit amounts.
Selecting a Wedding Menu
For the most part, I advise couples to choose main dishes that as many of their guests will like as possible.
How to Save Money on Wedding Food
One great way to cut costs on wedding food is to cut out any expensive seafood items , and replace them with less-costly poultry dishes.
How to Accommodate Guests With Dietary Concerns
As long as we know about any food restrictions in advance, we can always accommodate any guests when we’re catering a wedding or event.
How to Decide Between a Buffet and Sit-down Service
The more formal a couple would like their wedding to be, the more likely they are to choose a sit-down dinner over a buffet-style service.
Making Your Event Unique
Two great ways to make sure your event is different from everyone else’s is to choose an interesting theme or to create a signature cocktail for everyone to drink.
Wine Pairing Parties
Rather than hosting a generic event at a restaurant, many couples are choosing to host wine pairing parties in the comfort of their own homes.
All About Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are a great gift idea for all types of people, whether you’re surprising someone with a passion for cooking or someone who is a total beginner.
Gourmet Meals at Home
Many people don’t have time to cook dinners for themselves these days, which is why we are putting together pre-made dinners that clients can pop in the oven and serve.
Kids and Cooking
People don’t give their kids enough credit, and many children we work with really enjoy trying new things and cooking with their friends.
Creating a Seasonal Menu
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the cornerstone of any successful gourmet meal.
Party Menus With Organic Ingredients
Using organic ingredients that have been locally grown by gourmet purveyors is a fabulous way to add a touch of class to any type of event.
Catering a Corporate Event
When it comes to corporate parties, hosts tend to lean more toward serving hors d’œuvres as a way to let guests eat while also mingling and meeting new contacts.
