Catering Hudson Valley

date posted: April 14, 2015

You want a splendid presentation, tender- loving service, and fine ingredients perfectly prepared, of course, and Hudson Valley caterers understand this. But only the homework you do now can make it possible for them to delight you and your guests on the big day.

When choosing your venue, find out whether catering is done in-house, whether there is a preferred list from which you must choose, or whether it’s completely up to you. Even if the latter is the case, it’s not a bad idea to ask whether the venue management has any suggestions. If a caterer they regularly work with sounds good to you, you can get a team that knows the venue and works well with its staff.
If you don’t get any suggestions, other wedding pros are good people to ask. They’ve probably worked with more than one caterer and will know the ones who make magic.
Try to look for a caterer who understands the value of fresh and local foods, which are not hard to find in these parts. Have an idea of what you can spend, and don’t be shy about sharing it—many caterers can creatively adjust the packages they offer to suit your budget. Also, ask about any extra fees and taxes. The last thing you want is a larger-than-expected bill just as you’re heading off to honeymoon.
Find out what’s included. Will the catering staff bring along everything they need, or will there be items you need to rent or otherwise provide? What about liquor?

Are there service options offered, such as the choice between a sitdown or buffet-style meal? Can you set up a tasting session to preview dishes? At the very least, a caterer should be able to show you photos of recent work, including both the food itself and how it is presented.
Find out whether the person you’re making the arrangements with will be at your reception or whether the staff will be handling the event. If it’s the latter, you may want to ask about the staff’s training and experience.
Book your caterer early—nine months to a year is about right. The good ones get very busy in season. But keep in touch as the day nears. There will be a deadline by which they’ll need to know a final head count and who among that number might need a gluten-free, vegan, or other special-option meal. Find out when that deadline is, and observe it religiously.

The right caterer will set your mind a t ease and make your mouth water. And once you’ve found them, you can check a major item off on your wedding to-do list .

BLUE MOUNTAIN BISTRO
Kingston, 845-340-9800,
bluemountainbistro.comCommitted to providing the highest quality food catering service both on the day of your wedding and during the time leading up to your event. When you choose Blue Mountain Bistro Catering to cater your wedding in the Hudson Valley, you will be rewarded with raves from friends and family, and you will feel totally carefree to relax and enjoy yourselves, knowing that all the details of the day are being handled by their creative, experienced staff.

BROOKLYN OYSTER PARTY
Hudson Valley, 646-250-3432,
brooklynoysterparty.comThis boutique catering company specializes in oysters sourced from the pristine waters of the North Atlantic. They work directly with growers, ensuring the freshest product available. Their trained staff is very knowledgeable and able to coach guests through the different flavor profiles of each oyster on your raw bar. Their setup is completely self-sufficient, so setup and breakdown is yet another thing that you can cross off your worry list. Catering NYC and beyond, their oysters are the perfect addition to your wedding.

CAFÉ MIO
Gardiner, 845-255-4949,
miogardiner.comFarm-to-table wedding and event catering offers the freshest local fare of the Hudson Valley, something that is at the core of their food philosophy. They strive to provide an experience that allows the culinary wealth of the region to shine in every dish. Let Café Mio’s catering make your wedding an event everyone will remember

COMMUNE SALOON
Woodstock, 845-684-0367,
thecommunesaloon.comCatering to everyone’s needs, Kosher or not kosher, healthy or not healthy, present of future, old school or modern, local or overseas! We are ready for every event you throw our way and will make sure your experience is unforgettable. We love to entertain whether it’s at our house or yours!

DUO BISTRO
Kingston, 845-383-1198,
duobistro.comTheir goal at Duo Bistro is to bring inspired and creative cuisine to their patrons, featuring the local bounty of the Hudson Valley. Whether it’s locally made hard cider or locally grown potatoes, they focus on responsibility and sustainability, supporting not only our local farmers but local business as well. They aim to create all of their items in-house, providing artisan breads, smoked meats, and house-made pastries. They believe they can all combine our energy to bring the local community and beyond into a responsible and healthy future.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY II HILLSIDE
Accord, 845-626-7777,
friendsandfamily2.com Let Friends & Family II Hillside cater your wedding or private party. Serving fine continental cuisine since September 2004, they have earned a reputation for some of the most delicious handcrafted dishes prepared with only the freshest local ingredients. Serves seasonal, highquality food by the incredible acclaimed Chef Salah.

FROGMORE TAVERN
Kingston, 845-802-0883,
frogmoretavern.comThey specialize in house-cured and -smoked meats using local ingredients and focusing on bringing it all together to create bright and bold flavors. The Frogmore has a brand new banquet hall that can seat up to 110 people, as well as full-service catering off premise. From simple BBQ to elegant plated dinners, they provide all the services you need from rentals to linens to cakes. They offer the option of a wedding coordinator to help ease the experience as well. Let your day unfold while their experienced staff handles every detail.

GRATITUDE MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Hudson Valley, 917-208-0188, gratitudemanagement.com
GMC is a licensed and insured full-service catering and management company equipped to accommodate any type or size event throughout the Hudson Valley. They provide services to special event industry professionals, promoters, private individuals, and non-profits. GMC has had a niche in the management of concession services. Most recently they have diversified into operating daily food service in restaurants and boutique cafes.

HANDSOME DEVIL
Wallkill, 845-943-7003,
handsomedevilllc.comThey offer phenomenal traditional American and Italian cuisine in addition to their incredible award-winning BBQ. Catering truck with smokers, charbroiler, and convection oven available to cook on location. Upon consultation, they design a custom menu that will be personable and one- of-a-kind for you and your guests.

HARVEST REAL FOOD CATERING
Stone Ridge, 845-687-4492,
harvestrealfoodcatering.com Harvest Real Food Catering is passionate about food and committed to providing impeccable food and service from concept to table, creating menus that celebrate the seasonal bounty of the Hudson Valley. Their experienced team of wedding professionals is here to help bring your Hudson Valley dream wedding to life. Chef Mark will personally meet with you to design a menu that matches your unique style and vision for your special day. His farm-to-table culinary vision will ensure that your menu will be a highlight of your event and the talk of your family and friends for years to come.

HICKORY BARBECUE
Kingston, 845-338-2424,
hickoryrestaurant.comAs a full-service caterer offering complete party planning, Hickory can provide trained servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders for a perfect wedding. Included is a selection of our most popular mouth-watering items. From the simple backyard barbecue to the special wedding, Hickory can help you with all the details. Many of our dishes are available as certified organic, grass-fed, vegetarian, and vegan—just ask. Linen and equipment rental are available. Likewise, floral, cake, bar, and other services can be provided by Hickory.

GROUNDED
Kingston, 845-514-3432,
groundedny.com Grounded offers exceptional catering services for events of all sizes. They specialize in wholesome food made from farm-fresh vegetables, eggs, and meat supplied by local farmers, fisherman, and ranchers who use the healthiest, most sustainable methods. They work with you to craft menus precisely suited to your needs, your tastes, and your budget. They can also assist with themes, decorations, invitations and the other elements of events. They cater to all special-need palates and offer a diverse selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free menus.

MAIN COURSE CATERING
New Paltz, 845-255-2600, maincoursecatering.comMain Course is a full-service caterer who can coordinate all wedding aspects from customized menus, overall décor, linens, and coordination of tent and party rentals. A creative passion for food is the philosophy of Main Course Caterers. Under the innovative leadership of chef/owner, Bruce Kazan, his team of talented professionals creates the finest in catered events. Main Course, a leader in the sustainable food movement, uses small Hudson Valley purveyors to provide the freshest local organic produce, free-range poultry, line-caught fish, and hormone-free meats. With the bounty of the Hudson Valley as his inspiration, Chef Kazan creates unique menus, reflecting innovation and creativity.

MISS LUCY’S KITCHEN
Saugerties, 845-246-9240,
misslucyskitchen.com They provide an inspired seasonal menu using fresh and local ingredients. Whether you are having an elegant dinner party, country wedding, or family picnic, they are happy to work with you. Their professional staff can help to make your party stress free. They know it can be overwhelming, so let their team coordinate it all for you. Leave the details to them, so you can fully enjoy your party. They will personally take care and customize every aspect of your special event. Tents, tables, chairs, linens, glassware, plates, and more are available. They can also cater a BBQ event through their sister restaurant, ‘Cue, where everything is smoked in-house. ‘Cue is high quality, serious BBQ.

THE GREENS
AT COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB
Copake, 518-325-0019,
thegreensatcopake.comThe Greens is located on the beautiful Copake Country Club with an outside area overlooking the manicured lawns of the golf course. The Greens also offers indoor options with their rustic but extremely elegant dining room. Enjoy their very accommodating staff with truly exceptional food to match.

UPSTATE EVENTS CATERING
AND FINE FOODS
Hudson Valley, 845-626-1531, upstateeventsny.com Upstate Events Catering offers farm-to-table catering and custom-crafted menus to fit any budget or style of service, including cocktail receptions, plated dinners, family-style dining, and stunning buffets

THE VILLAGE TEAROOM
RESTAURANT & BAKE SHOP
New Paltz, 845-255-3434,
thevillagetearoom.comAs a member of the Hudson Valley chapter of Slow Food, the restaurant’s mission is to offer high quality local seasonal & organic food at reasonable prices. Our menus feature seasonal hearty dishes from a variety of European cooking traditions. Delicious food & attention to detail are the hallmarks of a catered event by The Village TeaRoom, Restaurant & Bake Shop.

THE WOULD
Highland, 845-691-9883,
thewould.comOriginally part of the summer resort, Hotel Di Prima, which opened its doors in 1926, the Would Restaurant has a long history of warm hospitality. We think being good to your body and the environment is the start to a wonderful culinary experience. Our organic fruits, vegetables, and full range of poultry are the stars or our most popular dishes. The Would’s successes have much to do with our skilled staff. With all the talent and experience it is no accident that we have won several American Culinary Federation medals.