What about guest count?
We are very flexible with the guest count. We ask for a guaranteed minimum, and you can add guests up to 10 days before the event. No need to pay for folks who aren’t coming!
Are there other charges, or hidden fees?
No. We provide an itemized invoice prior to the event including all charges. You are welcome to pay with a credit card (we pass the 6% fee through to you) or with cash or a personal check.
How are the payments scheduled?
A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the estimated total or 500.00 (whichever is greater) holds the date for you. Six weeks prior to the event, 50% is due. The final invoice is sent 10 days before the event, when you give us your final guest count. We cook and bill for the number of people you specify.
What about cost for children, or on-site vendors?
There is no charge for children five and under. Ages 6-12 are half price, as are on-site vendors such as a photographer or band members. We are happy to let them eat the same food as your guests, so that they feel cared for as well. We love kids, and at no extra fee will make special kid’s food so that both the parents and the kids are content!
We want to taste your food!
We would love to set up a custom tasting just for you. Please phone or email to further discuss your event.
Can you help with a schedule and a floor plan?
Absolutely. Trumpetvine takes pride in designing ways to make the day go smoothly. We set up the site then serve the food efficiently and graciously so that you have plenty of time for toasts, dancing and celebration. We will make several suggestions for room set-up that we have found work the best for your group size and general event plan.
Do you recycle?
Trumpetvine has an active recycling and composting program. We are committed to sensible stewardship of the planet, which includes buying organic, avoiding processed foods of any kind, purchasing Fair Trade coffee, and, most importantly, designing menus that are a reflection of these philosophies.
What will the food look like?
We believe that the aesthetics of food presentation is an art. We are known for our beautiful and dramatic displays, which place an emphasis on abundance. Simple natural fresh herbs garnish many of our dishes.
What about leftovers?
The leftovers are yours; we even pack up all the leftovers in bio-degradable containers for you at the end of the party.
What will the room look like?
If there is a buffet, it will be two-sided for guest’s ease, the food displayed on attractive ceramics and hammered copper with granite and glass for accents. The linens will be chosen to complement your overall scheme and the room. The tables will be classically set, and draped to the floor with linens of your choice. We will place the flowers, candles and even the party favors and name cards for you. Cloth napkins and glassware are also at each place.
What will the staff be wearing?
Servers are dressed in traditional black and white, a necktie, and a long French-style apron.
I’m concerned about the alcoholic beverages…
We do not charge a per bottle corkage fee. We chill your drinks and provide all the necessary beverage service needs, even fresh lemons and limes. Or if you like, we are licensed to provide these beverages for you, and have an interesting, ever-changing, wine list. Our bartenders are trained in the art of fine wine service. Once your guests are seated, we will be sure to replenish as appropriate.
Where is your kitchen? Are you insured?
Trumpetvine has built our own catering kitchen in West Berkeley which is Health Department approved. We have a Berkeley business license, an A.B.C. beer and wine license, are insured for two million dollars per event which includes liquor liability, and pay sales tax under California resale # SRCH 21-764593. When you hire Trumpetvine, be assured that you have contracted a company with the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and business ethics.
How big is Trumpetvine? Will my event get lost in the shuffle?
Everyone thinks we’re a big business, because of our professional and sophisticated approach. We’re pretty small, but we’re not a “Mom and Pop” shop. We are a perfect size for personalized service. We’re large enough to have several event managers, so the success of your event is not contingent on just one or two people. The largest event we have catered was over 5000 guests, so you know we are well organized! Yet we’re small enough so that you have direct contact with the principals. Our Executive Chef, Michelle Ross, oversees all the food production, and has trained several sous chefs who will be cooking on-site at your party. Sam Lyons, the owner, is in charge of all event design, and will coordinate directly with your event manager.
Who will be in charge at my event?
Your event manager will supervise all the Trumpetvine crew. All staff are familiar with the venue, and arrive fresh-faced and eager to work. We recommend that you designate a point person for us to use as our “go-to” person for communications during the party, so that you are free to enjoy the day!