One of our most frequently asked questions is, “Would you recommend a degustation or buffet menu?”.
Let’s unpack this question and discuss the pros and cons of each menu style.
Degustation Catering
Degustation catering is the most premium and classy of the two options. Plated catering emulates a fine dining restaurant experience, where each dish is an individual masterpiece. This style allows for greater control over portion sizes, presentation, and overall guest experience.
Pros to degustation catering –
- Since dishes are served in small portions, guests get to enjoy a variety of different dishes and flavours without overeating.
- It offers the flexibility to tailor the menu to your preferences, dietary restrictions, or the theme of the event.
- Degustation menus offer the perfect opportunity to pair your favourite wines with each course.
- Creating a delicious degustation is no easy job, and getting to watch it first-hand from your living room can be an exciting experience for you and your guests
Cons to degustation catering –
- The cost of premium degustation catering can sometimes be out of the budget. Most degustation menus range from $130 – $160 per person + staff costs. Additionally, extra staff are usually required for these events to assist the chef in serving and clearing.
- The duration of a degustation service is typically longer than that of a buffet. This could be a pro, or a con depending upon how your preferences. Typically, a 3-course food service will last about 1.5 – 2 hours.
Buffet Catering
Buffet catering provides a more relaxed and casual dining atmosphere. It emphasises variety and abundance which allow guests to choose from a wide selection of dishes. While buffets cater to diverse tastes and dietary restrictions effortlessly, they can sometimes lack the visual finesse that a plated menu offers.
Pros to buffet catering –
- Buffets offer a wide range of dishes, allowing guests to choose what they like. This variety can enhance the overall dining experience.
- Buffets are often more budget-friendly than plated meals because they require fewer staff members for service and can accommodate a larger number of guests.
- Guests can serve themselves as much or as little as they like, reducing food waste and ensuring that everyone gets as much as they would like. This also allows guests to go back for seconds, which is not possible with plated meals.
- Buffets create a more relaxed and informal dining experience, which can encourage mingling and socialising among guests.
Cons to buffet catering –
- While guests have control over their portions, buffets can sometimes lead to food waste, as some guests may take more than they can eat, or dishes may sit out too long.
- Buffets may lack the aesthetic appeal of a plated service where each dish is carefully presented. This can be a downside for events where presentation is a key factor.
In conclusion
Degustation catering is great for food lovers who want to experience a delicious meal and great service. This is great for intimate small group get-togethers.
Buffet catering is an excellent choice for events where variety, flexibility, and a casual atmosphere are important. However, it may not be the best fit for more formal events or those where high-end presentation and service are priorities