1. Why hire the services of a caterer?
2. How do I choose a caterer?
3. Do you cater outside Metro Manila?
4. What are your minimum and maximum number of guests?
5. How do I choose a menu?
6. Can we sample your food?
7. Can you help me choose a venue?
8. Can you cook on-site?
9. How early should I book?
10. How many guests should I book for?
11. How many hours does a catering engagement last?
12. Do you rent out equipment? Provide other services?
13. What about food delivery only?

1. Why hire the services of a caterer?
Caterers allow you, the host, the freedom to enjoy your party and to mingle with your guests by taking care of the tedious but important tasks of cooking, decorating, and serving your guests. The right caterer can do all these for you at a reasonable cost.
Call Alfonso’s Catering, and be surprised.

2. How do I choose a caterer?
It is best to go by word of mouth especially the recommendation of your friends. Anyone can call himself a caterer, and you’ve seen catering signs hanging even in the smallest street corner. But would you trust a caterer you’ve not heard of before, or whose experience you are unsure of?

On the other hand, avoid the added and unnecessary expense of hiring a “name” caterer just to give you peace of mind. Ask around and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Hear what some of our clients have to say about Alfonso’s Catering. Click here.

3. Do you cater outside Metro Manila?
Yes, but only if we are confident that we can deliver the same quality of food and service that we have been known for. Thus, we have turned down an inquiry to cater in Quezon province, but on the other hand, have catered in Pililla, Rizal, in Los Banos, Laguna, in Nasugbu, Batangas, and even an entire weekend in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Call us, and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.

4. What are your minimum and maximum number of guests?
There are no hard numbers. Instead, we look at the practical considerations of each possible engagement. For small engagements, it largely depends on the client’s budget because at a certain point, a catering engagement may simply not be worth doing. Take it from us: there is almost as much work and preparation involved in cooking for 20 as there are in cooking for 100 guests.
On the other hand, for very large engagements, maintaining the consistency of quality and taste in all batches of food and the same high level of service are important considerations. If we are not confident about maintaining our standards of quality and service, we will regretfully decline the engagement.
We want to make you proud.

5. How do I choose a menu?
Have you been served food that looked good but tasted forgettable? Alfonso’s believes that food is eaten to be enjoyed, not just looked at to be admired. From our experience, most Filipinos appreciate familiar food more than unfamiliar, difficult-to-pronounce cuisine. That is why we work closely with all our clients to come up with a menu that their guests will appreciate and enjoy and yet still fall within budget.

6. Can we sample your food?
Certainly, and we will even do a full, mock set-up, if desired. However, we have to charge a reasonable fee for this service, which will be credited as partial payment if we get the engagement. We hope you can appreciate our efforts to keeps costs down so that we can give the best value to you and all our other clients.
Food tasting is important for both of us. You are able to gauge the quality of our food and service. For us, on the other hand, it is an opportunity to understand exactly what you want in terms of food and decor. This simple exchange of information and expectations will contribute immensely to the success of your party.

7. Can you help me choose a venue?
We would be more than happy to do so. Our experience allows us to discuss the pros and cons of different venues, and to recommend the most suitable venue for your function. For example, a popular and beautiful outdoor venue in Makati allows each client only 2 hours to set up for his party. This means that the caterer must do his job with precision. If not, the host will face the embarrassment of watching his guests wait awkwardly while catering staff are still setting up tables, chairs, and decor.

Here are some sample venues to choose from.

8. Can you cook on-site?
Yes, and your guests will appreciate it immensely. They will talk about and remember grilled-on-the-spot prawns and steaks or just-cooked paella at your party.

9. How early should I book?
The earlier, the better especially for large functions such as weddings. You lock in your costs, and pass on the risk of rising prices to us. You and your caterer can prepare well ahead of time for the affair, which will contribute immensely to a trouble-free party. Finally, you avoid that last minute rush to look for a caterer, which will, more often than not, leads to a higher costs and poorer service.

10. How many guests should I book for?
This is difficult to answer. Filipinos think nothing of extending invitations meant for only them. Guests may come with drivers, maids (for children’s parties), or even bodyguards, who all have to be fed. More guests may arrive than planned for.

On the other hand, the opposite may also be true. Fewer guests come on “Friday payday” simply because of heavy traffic, or on Sunday afternoon, which seems to be everyone’s favorite siesta time. To compound the problem, few respond to RSVP requests, or, even when directly asked, tend to give vague answers like “I’ll try.” or “Maybe.” Given the difficulty of counting guests, some clients feel it is better to “over” rather than “under” estimate the number of guests simply to avoid potential embarrassment. They take solace in knowing that any left-over food will be left with the host.
We can help to a certain extent. Experience allows us to judge how much food guests will consume. Some guests will go for the salad and hardly touch the rice; others will eat exactly the opposite way. Prawns will always go quickly; fish will move more slowly. Female guests are always “on diet”, but male guests can be ravenous. We will coordinate closely with you for better understanding of your guest profile and prepare accordingly.

Furthermore, Alfonso’s always provide extra food as a contingency for excess guests. We can also assign staff to control food portions, if necessary. But when there are simply too many guests than expected, the best thing to do is smile, apologize, and invite them to your next party.

11. How many hours does a catering engagement last?
We allow three to four hours for most functions, not counting set-up and cleaning time. Beyond four hours, we will charge a reasonable fee per waiter to cover their overtime costs. Please understand that they report at least four hours ahead of the actual function time to mobilize and set-up, and will spend at least another three hours after the last guest has left to clean up, pack, and unpack back at our facilities. If you expect your function to last longer than usual, please tell us ahead of time so we can discuss it with you.

12. Do you rent out equipment? Provide other services?
Yes, we rent out catering equipment such as tables, chairs, and utensils when available, or if not we can arrange them for you. We have provided bridal cars and music quartets for weddings, portable dance floors and party lighting for a debut, balloon décor and ice cream carts for children’s parties, and even an ice carving for a product launching.
We have also provided waiters and bartenders for private parties, magicians and clowns for children’s parties, emcees and professional photographers for weddings, and even a roving singer singing classic love songs to serenade guests of an eighty year old birthday celebrant. We set up churches and wedding reception venues to give an understated, elegant look.

Do you have something else in mind? Call us, and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you. click here for special services.

13. What about food delivery only?
We do this all the time. Some clients have sufficient dining equipment and staff, and just need catered food for their guests. For this type of engagement, we still consult closely with our clients, and take the same care in food preparation as we do for regular engagements. But more than simply delivering food, we will gladly advice you on layout, décor, motif selection, or other on your other concerns.

For corporate clients, we offer reasonably-priced packed meals that are a welcome change from fast-food fare for meetings, training seminars, anniversary celebrations, or Christmas parties. With our background as a canteen operator, we know what fare employees will appreciate.
Whether it’s delivered food for fifty or a thousand, Alfonso’s will delight you with the quality of our food and service.
Have we answered your question? If not, please do not hesitate to contact us.