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 your 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
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
_ 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!
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 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: $37.50 per hour, per server with a 4 hour minimum
We will help determine the number of servers needed for your event.
We have a 2 server minimum for small events.
Larger events require approximately 2 servers per 50 guests.
(This number may change depending on venue, service required etc.)
Service out of town (Joliet) will also require a travel fee 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 Disposable 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