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FAQs

CATERING & EVENT PLANNING FAQs

 

Planning an office lunch, family celebration, wedding, or special event? We’ve gathered answers to our most frequently asked questions to help make catering with Cuban Kitchen as easy as possible.

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ORDERING, PRICING & POLICIES
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1. How do I place a catering order?

You can order directly through our online catering menu or contact our catering concierge for personalized assistance.

Alejandra B., our catering coordinator, can help with menu selection, dietary considerations, and event logistics.

Email: catering@cubankitchen.org
Phone: (650) 666-5611

Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.

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2. How many guests can you accommodate?

We cater gatherings of 10 to 500 guests, depending on the menu, event requirements, and availability.

For larger events, we recommend contacting our catering concierge as early as possible.

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3. How far in advance should I place my catering order?

Advance notice depends on your order total:

  • Orders up to $1,000: At least 24 hours’ notice.

  • Orders over $1,000 and up to $3,000: At least 48 hours’ notice.

  • Orders over $3,000: At least 7 days’ notice.

We recommend ordering early, especially during holidays and peak catering seasons. All orders are subject to availability.

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4. How much does catering cost?

Pricing depends on your menu selections, number of guests, and any additional services requested.

You can view menu pricing through our online catering menu or contact our catering concierge for a customized quote.

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5. What is included with my catering order?

Depending on your menu selections, catering orders may include entrées, sides, desserts, house-made sauces, serving utensils, nutritional and allergen labels, napkins, and compostable plates.

Delivery, setup, staffing, and additional supplies may be available for an additional fee.

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6. What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Online Orders: Payment in full is required at checkout.

Direct Orders: Orders placed by phone, email, or in person require a 50% deposit upon menu approval. The remaining balance is due at least 24 hours before your event.

Additions: Items added after the initial deposit must be paid in full upon receipt of the updated invoice.

Cancellations:

  • 72 hours or more before your event: Full refund.

  • 24–72 hours before your event: 50% cancellation fee.

  • Less than 24 hours before your event: Non-refundable.

Nonpayment: If the remaining balance is not received at least 24 hours before your event, the order will be canceled, will not be prepared or delivered, and the deposit will be forfeited.

We understand plans can change and are happy to discuss rescheduling whenever availability allows.

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MENUS, DIETARY NEEDS & FOOD SAFETY

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7. What types of events do you cater?

We cater a wide variety of occasions, including corporate meetings, office lunches, weddings, birthday parties, family celebrations, holiday gatherings, and more.

Whether you’re feeding a small team or hosting a large event, our catering concierge can help you explore the best options.

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8. Can I customize my catering menu?

Absolutely! Our menu features modern Cuban cuisine, and you’re welcome to mix and match your favorites.

For special requests or dietary considerations, our catering concierge can discuss available options with our kitchen team.

Custom preparations are subject to availability, preparation time, and labor requirements.

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9. Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?

We offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options and provide ingredient and allergen information to help guests make informed choices.

Please notify our catering concierge of any food allergies or dietary restrictions before placing your order.

Important: Our kitchen uses shared preparation equipment, including a shared fryer. We cannot guarantee that any menu item is completely free from allergen cross-contact.

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10. Do you offer tasting sessions before an event?

Yes! Tasting sessions may be arranged to help you explore our menu and make informed selections for your event.

Please contact our catering concierge to discuss availability and scheduling.

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11. Do you offer dessert options?

Yes! Our catering menu includes a variety of desserts, from traditional Cuban favorites to modern interpretations of classic sweets.

Availability may vary, so we recommend discussing dessert selections when planning your menu.

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12. Do you provide beverages and bar services?

We offer a variety of house-made beverages and Cuban sodas to complement your catering menu.

While we do not provide full bar service, we’re happy to share cocktail and mocktail suggestions using our beverages for your hired bar staff.

 

13. Can you provide themed or other types of cuisine?

Our specialty is modern Cuban cuisine, inspired by traditional Cuban cooking and influenced by the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped our family.

While we don’t offer entirely separate cuisines, we may be able to accommodate special menu requests that complement our culinary style.

Please discuss your ideas with our catering concierge. Custom preparations are subject to availability.

 

14. What measures do you take to ensure food safety?

Our team follows established food safety procedures for food preparation, storage, handling, and transportation.

We provide nutritional and allergen information for catering menu items to help guests make informed choices.

Please notify us of any food allergies or dietary concerns before your event.

 

DELIVERY, SETUP & EVENT SERVICES

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15. Do you offer delivery and setup?

Yes! We offer catering delivery and setup for an additional fee.

Our team can help coordinate delivery timing and presentation so your food is ready for your guests.

Please discuss delivery and setup requirements when placing your order.

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16. Do you provide serving staff?

Limited event staffing may be available with advance notice.

When our in-house team is unavailable, we may coordinate with trusted professional staffing partners.

We recommend discussing staffing needs early so we can determine the best arrangement for your event.

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17. How is the food presented at an event?

Depending on your menu and event requirements, we can arrange buffet-style service, plated meals, or passed hors d’oeuvres.

We also offer aluminum chafing stations for rent to help maintain appropriate serving temperatures during your event.

Our catering concierge can help determine the best presentation for your gathering.

 

18. Do you provide tableware and linens?

We can provide plastic serving utensils, compostable utens kits, compostable paper plates, and black spandex table covers upon request.

Please discuss your needs with our catering concierge so we can confirm availability and any applicable fees.

 

19. Can you provide rental equipment such as tents, tables, and chairs?

We do not directly rent tents, tables, or chairs.

However, we’re happy to coordinate with your chosen rental equipment provider to help ensure a smooth event setup.

 

20. What happens to leftover food?

Any remaining food can be packaged for you to take home, provided it has been held and handled safely.

Food that has exceeded safe holding times must be discarded. Donations may be possible when appropriate food safety and recipient requirements can be met.

Please discuss your preferences with our catering team before your event.

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