Catering Special Needs And Dietary Restrictions

You have probably heard the expression, "You can't please everyone." And most people would agree this is especially true when talking about food.

"Can I get that without onion? " "Does that come with fries?" "Can I have my dressing on the side, please?" "Do you have any light beers?"
 
These are just a few common phrases servers hear every day, indicating a myriad of different dietary needs and preferences.

For this reason, creating a menu for a special event can sometimes be frustrating, especially if you have no idea what most of the guests like and dislike. From vegetarians and seafood-lovers, to dieters and no-chocolate eaters (yes, these people really do exist), a variety of people may be attending your soiree, which is why it is important to have many different types of food on hand.

Whether you are hosting a birthday party, bridal shower, black-tie dinner or Sunday brunch, catering special needs will help make your event a success. And who knows, you just might be able to please everyone after all.

A buffet is a great choice for catering special needs because it includes a wide array of appetizing foods for a variety of guests to enjoy. Therefore, no matter what special need a guest may have, a buffet will most likely cater to his or her personal food requirements.

Listed below are some examples of what may be found at a buffet catering to a variety of dietary needs:

Buffet-Style Menu

Appetizers
• Variety of fruits and vegetables
• Relish tray
• Cheese and crackers
• Finger sandwiches

Salads
• Macaroni
• Potato
• Mixed fruit
• Waldorf
• Caesar

Meats
• Chicken
• Roast beef
• Ham
• Turkey
• Roasted pork tenderloin

Miscellaneous
• Freshly-baked bread and rolls
• Rice or pasta
• Various condiments and dipping sauces

Desserts
• A mixed variety of cakes, cookies and ice-creams
• Rice Krispy treats
• A chocolate fountain with various dipping items, including pretzels, marshmallows and strawberries

Beverages

Everyone knows a party is not complete without good drinks. Therefore, it is important to provide a wide selection of beverages for your guests to enjoy.

For everyone:
• Water
• Soft Drinks
• Iced Tea
• Juice

For those 21 years and older:
• Various types of beer (regular and light)
• Liquor (enough variety to make mixed drinks)
• Various wines

No matter what the occasion, a buffet-style menu will provide your guests with a wide selection of foods and beverages to satisfy their cravings. Because food is usually the main attraction at an event, it is important to appreciate everyone's needs. Only you will have the final say when creating the menu, so be sure to incorporate plenty of diversity in your food selections.

Catering special needs shows your guests that you have created the menu based on their own personal dietary requirements, and this type of individual attention will encourage them to return to events you may host in the future.

You may not be able to please everyone, but there's nothing wrong with trying.



Sources:
Burgess, Rebecca. Three of the Best. Home Management Network. 6 April 2006. SPG
Limited. 13 Sept 2006. http://www.hotelmanagement-network.com/features/fe ature191/
Catering Special Needs. The Faculty House: Restaurant, Catering & Banquet Center. 13 Sept
2006. http://www.ouhsc.edu/facultyhouse/
Event Production 101 – Everything you need to know before trying to put on a large event!
Your Personal Chef. Scottsdale, AZ. 13 Sept 2006.
http://www.ypchef.com/event-catering.php