Here you will find the answer to many of your questions.
We are glad your here...welcome!


Ordering Information

_Some of our hot/cold appetizers are best when baked or assembled by yourself or a
  Bella Cucina Server.  We are happy to help you make the perfect selections for your        individual needs and event.

_ We do not sell items a la cart. 

_ We do not book out farther than 12 months. 

_ The final food count is due 5 days prior to the event. 
   Your final count can possibly increase but please not decrease.

_All prices & menu items are subject to change with no notice.

_ We only cater weddings at Venues, not at homes.

_ Some of the appetizers may require a small additional fee if you are having them passed,       to cover plasticware and/or using a larger amount for passing.

_Ordering appetizers for week nights or evenings require a $400.00 min. order
  unless prior arrangements are made.

Fees & Payment

_ Payment is required before or at the time of the delivery, with no exceptions.

_Food payment can be made in cash, check or card. 
  Checks are made to: Bella Cucina Catering 
  Card payments are made at the time your final count is due (5 days prior to your event)
  For larger events such as weddings we will collect payment (service and food) at the time    of our arrival, so as not to disturb you when yur event is in full swing,
 
_ Please be advised, If your venue charges us a catering fee, you are responsible for it and     pay it directly to the venue.

_ Servers are to be paid the night of your event in cash, upon our arrival. 

The following venues charge a fee:
The Farmhouse | $300 catering fee which is to be paid directly to 
The Farmhouse of Plainfield by you, 1 to 2 weeks prior to the date of your event

The Rialto | $1.50 per guest fee which is to be paid directly to the Rialto 1 to 2 weeks prior to the date of your event
 

Delivery ONLY
_Our delivery service includes delivery to your destination and the setup of food purchased    from Bella Cucina in the pans they arrive in. Once received, it's your responsibility to keep    it warm. If sitting out more than 30 minutes, we recommend using chaffing racks              w/sterno  We have sets available for $19.99 each

_ If using your own chaffing racks have them ready with water pan, water and opened        sterno, for us to place the food directly into. 

_ If you would like us to set up your chaffers for you please let us know when ordering.       Many times we have other deliveries right after you and would need to figure it into your     time allowance,  There may be an additional fee.

_A delivery cost applies to all deliveries. 
  The cost depends on destination/difficulty of the delivery.

_We strive to be exactly on time to the second but sometimes "stuff happens" so we ask      that you allow a 10–15minute margin of error when choosing your delivery time just in case. 

_Tips are not included in your pricing and always appreciated!
  
                                                                                                              What if we would like Bella Cucina Servers for our event?
_ To help make your event a memorable occasion we offer Bella Cucina servers.
   Uniformed, pleasant and efficient they will assist with your event so you can enjoy!
  
_ With servers comes the use of our chaffing racks, serving trays etc.  
   We do ask you provide tablecloths for the buffet tables and we will bring accent decor.

_ We handle the buffet, bring warmers to keep back up food hot, clear tables and are         happy to help with dessert for no extra fee.
  
_ We will help determine the number of servers needed for your event. 
   Approximately 2 servers per 50 guests. For under 50 guests there is a 2 server min.
   This number may change depending on venue, service required etc.

_ Servers are $120.00/per server (4 hours). Timing starts when we arrive.
 
_ Service out of town (Joliet) will also require a travel fee per server.

_ If you are hosting an event with passed appetizers, the server count required may be        slightly higher than an event with buffet appetizers.


Taxes & Gratuity
_ 9.75% sales tax will be added to all food & beverages.

_We do not automatically add a 18-20% gratuity like many other caterers. 
  Tipping is optional & greatly appreciated.  We work hard to make your day special.


Do you do Tastings/Meetings?  
 _NO. 
  Every inch of our little shop is an operating kitchen and we simply do not have room.
  We can supply references if you would like.


Do you work with Rentals?
_No. We do not provide or work with rentals/real dishes.
  We only work with Upscale Disposables. 


Are paper goods included?
_Paper goods are included in the pricing of all menus except
 Sweet Endings and Hors D'oeuvres. 

_ Our breakfast & lunch/light dinner menus include:
   white disposable styrofoam plates and utensil packets (including: fork, knife, napkin, s&p)
_Our Elegant Dinner Buffet Menu includes Upscale Clear Disposable plates and wrapped          eating utensils

_For Weddings you are welcome to pick up the paper goods before your event
  to set it up early. The plates/silverware at each seat looks nice.

We can supply paper goods for the following costs:
Dessert: Upscale clear acrylic plate, napkin and fork   $35.00/per 50 guests
Appetizer buffet: Upscale clear acrylic plates & napkins   $60.00/per 50 guests
Appetizer Passing | Napkins Only $20.00/per 100
Chaffing Sets: rack, water pans and 2 canned heat | $19.99