For many couples,
selecting a full service caterer may mean compromising to fit on budget
During your catering search, are you finding?
Menus that are boring, and lacking a thoughtful touch?
Doubt whether you can afford a professional chef?
Sales teams that are not invested in your wedding success?
Processed ingredients that leave your guests feeling gross?
Your wedding deserves stellar service and local flavors at an approachable price point.
Service & Culinary Expertise | East Bay Boutique Caterer
Meet your catering partners for your celebration!
We’re a married catering couple,
Co-Host Nicole and Executive Chef Peter, committed to making your day seamless, flavorful, and fantastic.
Farm to Table Menus
Cocktail Hour
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From House made sliders with organic wheat wheat gouger buns,
to local meat and cheese boards, and everything in between.
View our full appetizer menu, allergens and ingredients here.We encourage couples to select up two to three of their favorite bites.
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We believe in getting creative and resourceful with your wedding budget, therefore we do not charge per guest but per platter to allow more customization and do to our best to serve a variety of couples.
We can make recommendations on platter count based on your spending allotment. Generally couples spend $15-$30 on appetizer hour to include bites and service.
All of our bites can be passed and or stationed and we use our expertise to service you and your guests during that welcome hour.
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We source local beer and wine and costs begin at $8 for beer and $35 for wine, essentially the cost is rounded up to cove the caterer transporting and managing the inventory, along with securing ice and coolers.
We are able to charge based on consumption not per guest.
We are also happy to offer signature cocktail or mocktail per your instruction/recommendations and your own custom signage which could be branded with our overall wedding aesthetic. $12 - $16Don’t forget tax and gratuity.
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Couples are welcome to BYOB.
If you choose this route, we encourage you to appoint a few friends to be the alcohol purchaser, transporter and to be responsible for any surplus at the end. If you rather not delegate this task out, consider hiring the caterer to source, secure, haul and lead on these efforts -
Our bartenders are $55 hr should include time for set up and teardown. Our physical bar rentals start at $190. These are fairly standard prices for the industry.
Often glassware is an extra cost due to the renting, hauling and washing.
Please keep this in mind and we can help you get creative a various bar/drink options, such as:
Bar Open for cocktail hour and pause for dinner service. Guests pour their own wine at the banquet tables during dinner. Bar re opens for dancing and dessert and toasts.
Menus
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Chef Peter has a variety of seasonal menus with organic and local fare.
Couples are welcome to select their favorite salad, sides, and mains from our expansive seasonal menu or you may be inspired by Chef Peter’s Curated menus -
There are a variety of factors that go into menu cost, primarily based on your menu selection and guest count.
Sustainable Buffet example of the below generally ranges between $55-$75 per guest depending on selections, before staffing.
1 - Seasonal Salad
2 - House baked bread with butter
3 - Roasted seasonal vegetable
4 - Vegetarian Sustainable Entrée paired with starch and veg
5 - Sustainable Meat entrée paired with starch and veg
Rather have a simply menu?
Sure, at the $40-$45 price point, We recommend
1- Seasonal Leafy Green Salad
2- Your Choice Sustainable Main paired with vegetable and starch
3- Your choice sustainable main paired with vegetable and starch
We are able to offer both organic premium meats or conventional meats.
Interested? What to expect
Complementary Consultation with Nicole
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On our initial call, we will understand your service and catering requests, explore catering priorities and spending allotment. We have a variety of menus and service styles to select from and we are happy to make recommendations.
At the conclusion of our call, expect a same day quote and information about next steps.
Pre Event Planning
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Once we together determine a scope of work for catering estimate, we will collect a 30% deposit to hold your date and catering estimate, and introduce you Janelle, our Client Services Coordinator.
During this planning phases, we will ensure your pre event planning and all the seasonal menu and detailed logistics, rentals and related is detailed. We have a collaborative and adaptable professional style to ensure successful and celebratory delicious event!
At your Wedding!
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You and your guests will enjoy fine dining flavors showcased on elevated warm platters, house made beverages.
Executive Chef Peter can event introduce your menu and the ingredient origins to your guests. Co event host Nicole will ensure every guest is welcome, comfortable and cared fostering a sense of belonging at your gathering.
Bonus
Not only is your catering a success, your partnership is a vote for sourcing hyperlocal ingredients, partnering with a mom and pop micro local business, who pays livable wages and regularly gives to community impact nonprofits. Now doesn’t that taste great!
“Thank you so so much Nicole and Peter and everyone involved!!! The food was INCREDIBLE
I’ve had several people come up to us already and say it was the best wedding food they’ve ever had!
(my dad said it might’ve been one of the best meals he’s ever had period 😁). ”
Katia + Emman
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning
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Even simple social celebrations have many parts to plan.
We partner with couples who have a a four month to twelve months lead time.
Life can be busy while also planning a wedding. We want to ensure
ample time for you and us to best plan for a smooth service on your special day. -
We recommend some type of day of point person for any event. This can be a full service event planner or day of planner.
Their role allows YOU to be in the moment for your special day and not checking to ensure the event is running on schedule.
As an exepreinced Catering and Wedding Planner, I have seen far to many brides accidentally micro manage their own wedding reception, taking you away from the joys of the moment and celebrating your new family.
The Table Catering is happy to partner with your family, vendors and planning team on your special day to ensure smooth logistics and fun celebratory day.
Offerings
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Our best fit clients are seeking fantastic none-pretencious food sourcing local ingredients
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We frequently secure and coordinate table linens, chairs, tables, bars, lighting, glassware, uplights and other supplies with our partner vendors.
We can cover the coordination, delivery and cost of supplies as well as our team setting up, servicing, teardown.
Investment
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Catering is similar to a restaurant on wheels. Thank fine dining restaurant travels.
We are happy to dicsuss various packages depending on your preferencesCocktail hour with house made appetizers
Buffet, Plated or Family style dinner We primarily serve buffet
Choice of compostable or reusables
Length of event and catering services
Set up tables, chairs, linens and full teardown
Full service for guests throughout the event including serving, bussing, replenishing
Choice of BYOB or we provide
and related questions
Whether your budget or various aspects of the day are important to you, please share with Nicole so our custom quote can best match your priorities.
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The Table Catering has catered weddings from $50 - $200 per guest. It really all depends on what you as a couple are looking for.
More common then not, we see couples spending $10,000-$20,000 for their all day service team and catering offerings.
Remember, the catering packages are not just the food, but often catering staff to welcome your guests, possibly set up rentals, serve appetizers, dinner, perhaps dessert, drinks, wash, bus, greet, liason with your planning team, all the behind the scenes to ensure the logistics of your day are smooth and you can be present and enjoy the day!
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Fun fact - we do not charge per guest!
After spending many years in the events, catering and wedding industry, while this is a common pricing strategy, The Table Catering believes in a different model - offering prices per platter . We recommend instead a number of platters and dishes for your guests, taking into consideration your event timeline and spending allotment.
This allows couples to not stress over whether to include 100 or 110 guests, or if the kids will eat, the food cost will stay the same.
We simply ask for your guest count range and look to finalize that range/number at least two weeks prior to your special day.
Dates
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Chef Peter and Nicole cater just a handful of weddings each year.
As a boutique caterer, we prioritize your special day and do not overbook our weekend events calendar. Your wedding will be our priority on your wedding date.
Please inquire for your date availability as couples book 3-12 months in advance and we do not cater every weekend.
Consider including The Table Catering in your initial venue selection and planning. We are happy to be of service!
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After our initial catering consultation, a custom quote will be created for you based on your event needs. This quotes are adjustable after our initial consultation. All menus and final event details should be confirmed three weeks prior to event date along with final payment two weeks prior.
We ask for a 25% payment of your estimated full balance of the existing quote to secure your date. This allows us to get planning right away.
The following 25% payment is due 60 days in advance, 25% due 30 days in advance or remaining balance is due two weeks prior with a final event order.
Then sit back and relax and get ready for the big day!
Cuisine
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The Table Catering is farm to table seasonal and local organic cuisine.
Chef Peter has been cooking for over 20+ and has fine dining in Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian kitchens. Our food is not limited to a specific cuisine.
The Table Catering food has reflected our time in many kitchens with many diverse chefs but it relies heavily on what is grown locally.Expect fresh vegetable first full flavors and not heavy dishes prepared only with the cleanest pre-industrial ingredients.
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Chef Peter shares his 20+ years of culinary expertise to prepare in season dishes with great attention to both local and sustainable ingredients, avoiding refined flours and sugars.
When selecting The Table Catering, you are also selecting Northern California farmers who sell at our Berkeley markets.
Feel free to browse our seasonal platter buffet menus:
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This is a common request. We are happy to accomodate. We have a variety of dishes that are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian. We will partner with you to select a menu and number of platters that is best for your group.
All menu items are labeled with allergens and a complete list of ingredients.
We are also happy to advise of menu combinations best for your group included in your catering services -
Yes, if you see a menu dish you are interested in but have a question about pairing with another starch or vegetable or perhaps an ingredient modification, we are happy to explore this with you.
This step is generally explored during our private tastings located in our commerical kitchen in north Berkeley.
Taste
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In short, yes, however our tastings tend to look different then perhaps larger catering companies.
Some caterers offer group tastings and /or $300+ pp private tastings.
The Table Catering is placed in the middle, We offer
private experience while get to know our prospective clients while also allowing them to try Chef Peter’s flavor profiles and select dishes.
Nicole is happy to discuss your wedding day questions.
Our tastings by Chef Peter are generally 3-6 prepared dishes for 2-4 guests.
The cost is $250-$390 in total to accommodate for our shop, prep, plan, cook, clean time as well and Chef Peter and Nicole’s consolation.
Our tasting availability does vary depending on the season, however expect to schedule a tasting with 2-5 weeks advance notice and may occur on a Sunday or Wednesday afternoon for up to one hour.
Our commercial kitchen is located in North Berkeley at a church.
Selecting The Table Catering?
We are happy to deduct the cost of your tasting from any upcoming catering package.
contact events@thetablecatering.com to get started!
Beverage Service
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Chef Peter prepares house-made non alcoholic drinks which can be a great refreshment for guests for all ages, made without the use of refined sugars, seasonal beverages
For our bar services, we source local beers, wine, sparkling drinks.
Of course coffee and tea service is also available fo rthe evening.
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Yes, we are happy to accomodate if you prefer to source your own alcoholic drinks. We can secure license bartenders for the evening. Prefer something different? Lets chat
Tip: If purchasing your own drinks, consider which family member or helper will purchase, transport, chill and haul leftovers after your gathering.
We do not have corkage or handling fees, which you may find with large caterers.
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We are able to provide licensed bartenders and will make recommendations on number of servers based on your event along with coordinate bar rental equipment, linens and glassware as needed.
Complete bar set ups are $199 and bartenders are $59 per hour to cover all related taxes, insurances, and supplies
Sweets
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Chef Peter has extensive experience in both savory and pastry culinary arts.
Chef's baked goods are baked with natural sweeteners such as honey instead of refine sugar, and organic whole wheat flour instead of wheat refined flour.
Many of our clients select our dessert platters in addition to or in place of a traditional wedding cake from an external baker.
Should you have a wedding cake prepared by another vendor, our catering service attendants are happy to cut and serve for you and your guests. This service is included in our full service offerings. -
Chef Peter offers a variety of house made sweets featuring sugar alternatives such as honey and generally includes whole wheat flour non refined flour unless otherwise requested. Often couples select an additional small dessert in addition to their cake, such a chocolate flourless budino (gf) or seasonal fresh fruit platter.
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Currently The Table Catering includes cake cutting into your overall services by our catering staff.
Common in the industry is charging per slice. We don’t really love this concept, while we recognize additional labor and materials is used, we do have the staff on site to support this service and may have a charge if reusable plates are used as those were likely rented and need to be washed, which does come at a cost.
As an alternative, compostable plates and forks are an easy option as generally at this point in the evening, you and your guests have enjoyed a great meal, perhaps listened to some speeches, and are feeling a bit more relaxed and ready to party!
Rentals
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The Table Catering is happy to rent tables, chairs and /or linens on behalf of your event.
Your venue floor plan details are generally firmed up one month in advance with our client services Coordinator, Janelle.
Basic one color linens begin at $29 with all type of upgrades and patterns available starting at $54 per table linen.
Tables are generally $20 per rental and we have access to a variety of shapes. We are happy to partner with your venue and or planner directly on this piece, including the floor plan, load in and out details.
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Our preferred partner vendors also provide our clients with uplights, string lights and anything in between.
Nicole our owner and your Wedding contact has Event Production experience and is happy to share recommendations on what might be a great fit for your event needs.
Decor
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We are happy to make floral recommendations for you to partner directly with a florist. If you are in need of modest centerpieces and bar florals, we are happy to coordinate those directly.
As a woman owned green certified small business, we partner with other woman owned sustainable florist within Berkeley and Oakland.
Partner Venues + Vendors
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We are proud to partner with a handful of venues within the East Bay.
Many of our clients also value the outdoors. Venues that we have extensive experience with include
Piedmont Community Hall
Oakland Fairyland
Botanical Gardens UC Berkeley
East Bay Regional Parks / Outdoor Spaces
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Save a step and inquiry about our preferred vendors. In need of a DJ, photography or event planner referral?
We are happy to provide recommendations on who we have great working relationships with which is another step to ensure a smooth energetic day!
“Everything the Callis’ prepare is delicious, healthy, and thoughtful! They catered our wedding 8 years ago and it was a wonderful experience. We and all of our friends had a great time at the wedding and we couldn't have done it without them!
We also appreciated that they helped us stretch our budget as much as possible. We received lots of comments from our guests that the food was great. Everyone raved especially about the potato salad and the meatballs!”
– Christina & JFO, Oakland
