Catering FAQs

General

What is the difference between “Corporate Catering” and “Social-Special Events Catering”?

Can you help plan my party or corporate event, maybe recommend a venue?

Are your entrees and side dishes made from scratch (original ingredients)?

Menus

Can I make up my own menu or make changes to yours?

Can you customize your menu for dietary restrictions, food allergies and-or vegetarians?

Can a planned theme (Greek, tacos, etc.) or menu reflecting our culture be arranged?

Orders and Delivery

What is your delivery policy and fee structure?

How far in advance do I have to place a catering order?

Pricing and Payment

What forms of payment does Da Silva Catering accept?

What are your payment terms?

Is there a minimum number for catering orders?

What is your cancellation policy?

Types of Food Service

What types of food service can you accommodate?

Can you provide service-bar staff for an event?


What is the difference between Corporate Catering and Social/Special Events Catering?
Corporate catering generally refers to smaller functions (of 12-25 guests), or food deliveries only. Our Corporate Breakfast and Lunch offerings have all been based on smaller events that do not require service staff or rentals.

Office lunches and meetings usually fall under the Corporate side of things. Social or Special Events catering refers to larger parties (50+ guests), and these events often require serving staff and/or rental china, etc.

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Can you help plan my party or corporate event, maybe recommend a venue?
Regardless of your level of experience, we offer patient guidance and sound advice. We listen first and take note of any issues or special requirements. Our discussion covers options, advantages, benefits and creative ideas to improve the experience, all with the aim of working within your budget.

As longtime Peel residents, we have thorough knowledge of the area’s venues and the types of events they’re suited to. Based on the desired décor, atmosphere, size, facilities and surroundings, we can recommend that special room-location for your party or event.

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Are your entrees and side dishes made from scratch (original ingredients)?
Yes, each of them are fresh-made on the day of your event to deliver the optimum colours, aroma, texture and flavours.

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Can I make up my own menu or make changes to yours?
You can request a simple drop off instead of a fully staffed event. This may limit some of the menu choices as certain items do need to be assembled by our professional staff, but we are happy to assist with building a menu that can be just delivered. Delivery rates vary on the location and size of the order.

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Can you customize your menu for dietary restrictions, food allergies and-or vegetarians?
Our goal is customer satisfaction so we will attempt to accommodate most dietary restrictions including, Vegetarians, Gluten Free, Lactose intolerant, etc. Please advise in advance of any dietary issues.

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Can a planned theme (Greek, tacos, etc.) or menu reflecting our culture be arranged?
Yes, it can; as an example, please refer to our freshly described International menu items which feature well-known dishes, spices and flavours of several cultures.

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What is your delivery policy and fee structure?

  • Our delivery fee covers the distance traveled and quantity of product delivered
  • A minimum delivery fee of $30 covers the cost of gas, insurance, vehicle maintenance and staff wages. It may vary, depending on the distance traveled
  • Delivery times are arranged on a first booked basis
  • Night and weekend delivery times are restricted and charged at a slightly higher rate
  • A second charge may be incurred if our staff returns to your site for equipment.

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How far in advance do I have to place a catering order?
Corporate or smaller parties can be arranged with as little as two (2) days notice. However, in some instances we may be able to accommodate last minute orders. Please call to inquire.

What forms of payment does Da Silva Catering accept?
Accepted forms of payment include VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Corporate Cheque, Cash or e-mail Transfer (call for details).

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What are your payment terms?
Payment is due upon receipt of invoice, unless otherwise agreed. Thereafter, overdue accounts are subject to an interest rate of 2.0% per month.

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Is there a minimum number for catering orders?
Da Silva Catering requires a twelve (12) person minimum for delivery.

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What is your cancellation policy?
For food or service orders that do not have a contracted cancellation clause:

  • Cancellations MUST be phoned into our office and be confirmed
  • Orders may be cancelled within 24 hours of the event but subject to a 50% surcharge
  • Same day cancellations will be charged at full price

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What types of food service can you accommodate?
Butler Style: Serving staff distribute hors d’oeuvres on small porcelain plates

Family Style: Platters and bowls of food are placed on dining tables for guests to serve themselves.

Full Service Buffet: Food is displayed in serving stations and guests either help themselves or attendants dish it out to guests.

Drop-off Buffet service: We deliver a buffet to your location and bring tablecloths, stainless steel servers, plastic ware, dishes and set it up.

We return later to pick up non-disposable serving items and utensils. There are no servers and our customary delivery & pick-up fee of $30 applies.

Food Stations: A buffet that distributes food to different locations throughout the banquet room. Sometimes there are different food themes at each station such as Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, seafood, vegetarian and so on.

Plated-Sit Down: The food is pre-plated in the kitchen and served to already-seated guests.

White Glove Service: Where any served food, hors d’oeuvres or the main meal is served by white-gloved attendants.

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Can you provide service and-or bar staff for an event?
Yes, staff and services of all types can be arranged and table linens, china, silverware, serving dishes, furniture, flowers, music and photography provided. Our relationships with reputable suppliers extend to you a vast array of services and quality levels that suit every occasion and budget.

The cost for staff is based on your location, schedule of meals and drinks, level of difficulty, facility challenges, service caliber expectations and budget. We make recommendations based on our discussions.

Typically the staff charge for Buffet style service is a minimum of 15% of the total meal portion of the contract. For Sit-Down service, the staff charge is 20% of the contract’s meal portion. Other staff and bartenders are contracted at an hourly rate.