34 ~ Wednesday, November 10, 1993 -- North Shore News ae Hi = i : : North Shore caterers aim AS THE holiday season approach- es, catering companies across the North Shore are gearing up for one of their busiest times of the year. When a business hosts its annu- al Christmas party, a catering ser- vice is likely to supply the food. If a family is planning a large holiday get-together, someone will probably call a caterer to supply the food. An organization planning a con- ference will. probably contact a company that can provide its mem- bers with mecting rooms and meals. But catering is not just for wed- ding banquets and company Christmas parties in large halls. Caterers will provide everything from an intimate dinner.for two to the grandest of banquets. Unfortunately, for those who “have not yet made their plans, facilities for a winter function - should probably have been booked in the spring. Banquet facilitics get booked up far in advance on the North Shore. ‘But if you are. planning a sum- mer or fall reception for your wed- ding, reunion, graduation, or other function, now is the time to look into bookings. Catering companies with in- house banquet rooms, Jike the North Shore Winter Club or Gleneagles, will prepare and serve the food in their own rooms. They provide everything froia appetizers and bar service for cock- tails to a full-course sit-down din- ner, and, of course, dessert. If you have the place, but not the food, contact a catering compa- ny that has service to go. Many caterers will do things as simple as a picnic basket full of treats for a romantic, mid-winter breakfast or lunch (it might have to be held on your living-room floor if it rains; otherwise, dress warm and make sure some hot chocolate, coffee, or tea is part of the menu). Caterers who provide such cosy fare will step up to small dinner parties, ideal for the host who wants to have a holiday-sea- son gathering in his or her home without the work of food prepara- tion and cleanup. It is possible to get the meal prepared to go, so that all you have to do is serve, although some companies have offered to even come into your home and prepare the meal in your kitchen so itis ready when you are, with- out any effort from the host. Meals-to-go can be especially convenient for groups heading out of town, to places like Whistler, for the weekend. Imagine that the condo is booked, and six of you will leave just after work on Friday for an early slope call on Saturday morning. You plan to cook all weekend but the thought of Preparing a meal on Friday night does not appeal. Many catering companies can prepare a full-course, gourmet meal that can be picked up on the way out of town and enjoyed upon arrival at the Whistler condo, Smaller companics can still book a caterer to prepare food for a smaller Christmas party to be held at the office or at someone's home. These types of affairs can be booked as little as one weck in advance, but it is a good idea to consider planning ahead so you can get exactly who and what you want. As any last-minute Christmas shopper knows, a lack of planning ahead can icad to disappointment if your favorite caterer is fully booked’on the date you wanted, or if the food fer your preferred menu has to be specially ordered. Caterers ty to be ready for any- thing, since sometimes last-minute needs do arise. Special requests can be as com- plicated as a small wedding on the peak of the North Shore Lions, and last-minute requests can be as grand-scale as a. funeral for 200 with three days’ notice. Caterers that cater to the smaller crowd will usually cater to the larg- er functions as well, so you have plenty of companies to choose from if a special occasjon is,in the works. to fit'all needs Meeting rooms and banquet halls are available on the North Shore, as are caterers that provide some of the best gourmet cuisine around, Experts recommend that if you are planning a function, don’t leave it too late, and know what you want. Catering professionals can best. serve you if. you know when you: want the cvent to happen, how many people are involved, and exactly what is expected of them. Photo submitted © s LARGE CATERING companies can often supply everything fram a meeting or banquet room, to the staff -~ like these members of the Lonsdale Quay catering staff — who will Prepare and serve food for any function. When you need to gather ... we make it easy!!! Weddings Full Our ballroom is perfect to celebrate your intimate wedding. We can accommodate cocktail receptions for up to 150 people, dinner parties for up to 120 and dinner dances for 100 guests. Confe rence We are pleased tu offer full conference facilities to suit groups of 2 ta 150 with complete catering and audio visual services. Facilities Our expert staff can assist you in planning every detail to ensure your occasion is a success. We offer a variety of lunch and dinner selections and are very flexible should you wish to create your own ment. & 7A LONSDALE QUAY HOTEL Our catering Manager, Tracey Rezansoff, will be more than happy to help you plan your occasion. Please call her at 936- 6111 wser upa consultation.