RECIPE FOR SUCCESS INGREDIENT CARDS
Ingredient 4: Functions
Question:
How to cope with catering function disasters?
Answer:
The greatest disasters always occur on the day of the function because it is then that you have the least time to remedy them. Remember though, that not one of your guests or clients will know about the disaster unless you tell them. So don’t panic, just think of all the possible alternatives.
Apart from the obvious precautions of sensible planning and preparation, there are a number of wise steps you can take to minimise the chances of a disaster.
Preventing disasters
- When you are not in the mood to cook you are most likely to make mistakes. You know only too well your own moods and patterns of behaviour and the times you do certain things best. Build your time plan around these strengths – so, for example, if you are an early morning person plan to do the demands of your preparation first thing in the morning.
- Try to foresee possible distractions and plan ahead. Your smartphone on silent, for example, is the ideal way to deal with phone calls.
- If you decide to try a new recipe make sure you have the right utensils and allow plenty of time to work slowly through its method.
- If you are preparing the food somewhere other than your own home, familiarise yourself with the equipment you will be using, such as ovens, microwaves, food warmers, etc.
- Keep reasonable supplies of emergency food in the freezer; for example, casseroles, cooked meats, cakes, loaves and soups as well as some basics such as homemade stock, sliced bread, bread rolls, sheet pastry, dairy products, vegetables, berry fruits, sauces and breadcrumbs.
- Maintain a good supply of basics in the fridge; milk, eggs, butter, margarine, thickened cream, sour cream, cheese (cheddar, parmesan), mayonnaise, nuts, olives, capers, caviar, tomato paste, etc.
- Stock your pantry with items you use regularly and with a few handy extras; flour, cornflour, sugar, icing sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, vanilla essence, dried fruits, etc.
- Know what all your local shops stock in terms of possible emergency items, their opening times and delivery arrangements.
- If you are catering away from home, remember to take with you a supply of ‘rescuers’, for example, flour, cornflour, gelatine (to use as a thickener), icing sugar. Take note of shops within the area and the hours of business.
- Establish a reliable list of suppliers of food and find out their delivery arrangements.
- Prepare a list of helpful friends who may have particular skills or specialties and whom you can contact in an emergency.
- Don’t get lost. Drive to the client’s place before the day of the function and at the same time of day as the function.
Find out the keys to a successful stress-free function for your client.
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RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
4 Ingredients:
Business – keep within the law
Marketing – increase sales, make more profit
Operations – controls to save time and money
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Method:
