No event or party is complete without plenty of food and beverages. While you can always purchase a veggie tray from your local grocery store, there are other, more innovative solutions available. So before you go picking up a tray of generic “finger foods,” consider the following food and catering ideas for your next event.
Food Trucks
With dishes ranging from gourmet fish tacos and slow-cooked beef brisket sandwiches to gelato, fruit smoothies and more, food trucks offer a fun and delicious alternative to traditional event catering services.
And if you’re worried that you won’t be able to find a food truck in your area, don’t be. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Miami and Northwestern University, there are more than 4,000 food trucks operating in major U.S. cities with a population of 100,000 plus people. A simple Google search for “food truck San Francisco” reveals over 100 food trucks that service the San Francisco area.
Build-Your-Own-Quesadilla Bar
Another innovative food idea for events is a build-your-own-quesadilla bar. You can set up a table with a variety of different ingredients such as grilled chicken, beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, monetary jack cheese, guacamole, salsa, and tortillas. Guests can then create their own quesadillas using the provided ingredients. With Cinco De Mayo fast approaching, this Mexican-themed cuisine is the perfect choice. Regardless of the date, though, most people will enjoy the creativity and versatility of a build-your-own-quesadilla bar.
Sushi Chef Catering
Hiring a sushi chef to cater your event is bound to leave a lasting, positive impression on guests. From the eel-based drum roll to the avocado, shrimp tempura, and cucumber-filled tiger roll, the possibilities are endless. Sushi chef catering provides more than just amazing food, however; it also creates a fun, culture-rich experience for guests — and that’s what hosting an event or party is all about.
Coffee Bistro
Last but not least, you can create a coffee bistro theme for your event’s food and beverages. Granted, this won’t work for meals, but it’s particularly effective for snacks and beverages. Try setting up a bistro area, complete with coffee and espresso machines, and the appropriate snacks to pair it with. Some snack ideas to consider may include biscotti, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, beignets, croissants, muffins, scones, and even fresh fruit.
So, which of these food options is the right choice for your event? Assuming you have the available time, ask guests for feedback regarding which one they are most interested in choosing. If you can’t seem to choose a single one, you can always go for two or even three food options.