Here you will find the answer to many of your questions.
We are glad your here...welcome!
Ordering Information
_ We do not sell items a la cart.
_ We do not book out farther than 12 months.
_ To ensure staffing and execution, your menu must be finalized 2 weeks before the event
_ For proper planning the guest count is due 7 days prior to the event.
_All prices & menu items are subject to change with no notice.
_ We only cater weddings at Venues.
_Ordering appetizers for week nights or evenings require a $500.00 min. order
_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.
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.
Cash & Checks are preferable
Checks are made to: Bella Cucina Catering
We will collect payment for food ( if check or cash) & service at the time of our arrival, so as not to disturb you when your event is in full swing.
Card payments are made at the time your final count is due (7 days prior to your event)
_As of now we do not charge a service charge for credit cards. While we hope to never have to do it, I just can be certain so please ask.
_ Servers are to be paid the night of your event in cash, upon our arrival.
_ Please be advised, If your venue charges us a catering fee,
you are responsible for it and pay it directly to the venue..
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
We would like 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 or you can use your own (see below)
If using your own chaffing racks have them ready with water in the water pan and sterno underneath and opened before we arrive.
_ 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 is 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!
Tipping in cash is appreciated.
Can you provide Servers for our event? Yes. 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 our servers comes the use of our chaffing racks, unique serving trays etc.
We provide decor for the buffet table. We do ask that you provide base table cloths.
We handle the buffet, bring chafers to keep buffet items hot,
bring warmers to keep back up food hot, clear tables and are happy
to help with dessert for no extra fee.
Timing starts when we arrive and includes: loading, arriving early to set up, serving, clearing, passing, helping with dessert, cleaning buffet and our work space, unloading and many times doing dishes when we return to the shop (many venues dont have full kitchens).
Server Fee: $150 per server with a 4 hour minimum
$30.00 for each additional hour
We will help determine the number of servers needed for your event.
We do have a 2 server minimum.
Larger events require approximately 2 servers per 50 guests.
(This number may change depending on the venue, service required etc.
Service out of town (Joliet), will also require a travel fee per server
depending on where we are traveling.
(example: plainfield & minooka is $30.00 per server)
Taxes & Gratuity
_ 9.75% sales tax will be added to all food purchases.
_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.
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 Clear upscale plates & 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. You are also welcome to use your own upscale disposables.
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