When planning an event, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a conference at the office, or a celebratory party, food is usually at the center.
Many planners choose to hire caterers for the event to ensure that good-quality dishes are served without the responsibility of making the food themselves. But then comes the responsibility of planning the menu and working with the caterer to build the perfect spread for your guests.
If you aren’t sure where to start with your catering menu planning, Cafesano is here to help. We’ve put together a menu planning guide to help you learn what’s on our menu and to ensure you’re satisfying all of your guests’ cravings.
Start with the “Fan Favorites” Dip Platters
As guests begin to arrive, there should be food welcoming them to the event. And there’s nothing better than Cafesano’s Dip Sampler. With three of our famous dips: hummus, red pepper hummus, and garlicky tzatziki, you can bring your guests’ taste buds on a tour of the Mediterranean.
The Dip Sampler is served with fresh, warm pita bread, but we also offer gluten-free options, such as fresh-sliced vegetables. Your guests will truly appreciate the thoughtfulness of your menu planning with this choice.
And a major bonus of the dip sampler is its gorgeous layout. With sliced veggies, it’s super colorful and has a ton of texture, making for an aesthetic dish that’s worthy of your event.
Main Event: Kabob Platters & Skewers
For those events where you’re walking around and mingling, kabob platters and skewers are perfect as the main course. At Cafesano, we offer choices such as marinated chicken, seasoned steak, and mixed vegetables for your vegetarian guests. And if you want a lighter option, choose salmon or shrimp kabobs—they’re always a hit!
While our grilled skewers are a definite “wow” factor, you need to complete the plate. That’s why our platters come with basmati rice (regular or brown), fresh salad, and warm pita bread. These sides fully round out the dish and make sure your guests go home feeling full and satisfied.
Comfort in a Pan: Italian Classics
For more formal events that require a sit-down meal, Cafesano’s Italian-inspired classics are the star of the show. They are warm, comforting, hearty, and downright delicious, making them perfect for cool, crisp weather.
Just some of our top-rated catered pasta dishes include:
- Lasagna Emiliana – A signature favorite that provides the ultimate comfort food experience. Think layers of flat pasta sheets, a hearty meat sauce, and creamy, melted cheese, all in one bite.
- Penne Arrabbiata – For those who like a little kick to their pasta, this dish was made for them. Al dente penne pasta in a spicy tomato sauce may look simple, but each bite is packed with flavor.
- Vegetarian Options – Pasta is amazing with almost any Mediterranean ingredient, including veggies. Our Baked Ziti and Basil Pesto are meat-free favorites among guests.
These popular pasta dishes satisfy cravings across the board and will definitely be a highlight of your event—guaranteed!
Health-Forward Salad Bowls
Some situations, such as corporate events or networking hours, call for lighter, health-conscious food choices. This is where health-forward, yet heart salad bowls are the perfect catered meal.
Our most popular salads for catered events include:
- Signature Salad – Loaded with artichokes, kalamata olives, avocado, and mozzarella, this salad is a Cafesano menu staple perfect for vegetarians and those who want a Mediterranean flavor-packed bite.
- Orzo & Spinach Salad – A unique, curated blend of orzo, baby spinach, and feta, tossed with garlic and lemon zest, is undeniably refreshing and hits all the nutritious markers for a health-conscious crowd.
Now, we want to make it clear that our salads are not just “sides” to be added to your kebab skewers or paninis. They are full-on meals curated with high-quality Mediterranean ingredients. They will leave your guests full and saying, “I never knew a salad could taste that good.”
Don’t Forget the Sweet Finish
No event is complete without a sweet treat at the end before everything winds down. And the desserts found in the Mediterranean countries are like no other!
We offer two types of desserts on our catering menu:
- Dessert Tray – Loaded with a mix of baklava, brownies, and cookies, perfect for guests with a sweet tooth who want to try a little bit of everything.
- Mini Cannoli – These bite-sized Italian classics are always a crowd-pleaser, especially with the picturesque dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Serve the desserts alongside a freshly brewed pot of coffee, and your guests will have to loosen their belts by the time they start saying their goodbyes.
Catering Logistics: What You Need to Know
When ordering catering for your event, there are logistics to consider to plan smoothly. Each event requires a different level of catering, so knowing what to ask for and how to go about ordering it is key. (And it can save you a ton of stress!)
At Cafesano, our catering services typically require at least 24 hours’ advance notice for both orders and cancellations. However, this may change depending on the size of your event, so we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.
We also provide catering delivery to select cities in Northern Virginia. If your event is held in Reston, Dulles, Herndon, Sterling, McLean, Tysons Corner, or the surrounding areas, then we can bring your food right to your venue. If your event falls outside of our service areas, we can arrange for you to pick it up.
Planning an event can be overwhelming, especially when trying to figure out how much food to order or even what to order. That’s why we offer a catering coordinator to assist you throughout the entire process. You can customize your menu, decide on your food quantity, and work within your budget so you can throw the perfect event.
Start Your Catering Order from Cafesano Today
Whether you’re currently planning an event or have one in the future, it’s never too early to reach out to catering@cafesano.com to inquire about our catering.
Check out the full Cafesano catering menu to see all of the flavorful possibilities for your next Northern Virginia event.