As more and more restaurateurs seek to diversify their offerings, catering is the natural next step. But when it comes events, you may find you need more catering supplies than you think. The right catering supplies enhance the look and taste of your food while also helping you follow proper food safety practices. From catering equipment like induction ranges to catering trays, displays, serveware and more, stock up on all of the supplies you need at Tundra Restaurant Supply. We stock hundreds of catering supplies and equipment from industry leaders like American Metalcraft, Vollrath, Winco, Cambro, and Cal-Mil.
Catering Equipment
Portability and holding are the biggest factors you should consider with your catering equipment. If you plan to cook on-site you'll need access to some form of electricity (unless you plan on grilling). Countertop equipment like food warmers, grills and ranges make it easy to cook dishes outside of the kitchen. For your next event, consider using an induction range; with low energy usage and pinpoint temperature accuracy, induction ranges also earn high safety marks due to the fact that the equipment itself doesn't get hot (the pan itself generates heat).
For those who cater events for large periods of time (read: wedding events) consider adding a hot food table. Hot food tables (also known as steam tables) fit your standard steam pans, making them the perfect addition to catered events like weddings and conferences to cafeterias and hotels. Before purchasing your hot food table, be sure to look at those specs closely so you're working with the right power and plug configurations for your needs.
Catering Supplies
"Catering Supplies" is a bit of a catch-all to describe all the odds and ends you'll need for transporting and/or cooking food on-site. Let's start with transportation—whether you are moving ready-made product or single ingredients, you want your product to arrive safely at its destination. One of the biggest issues with food transportation is keeping it out of the danger zone for food safety. Manufacturers like Cambro make easy-to-use, insulated carriers that maintain safe hot and cold temperatures for transporting your product.
After you've arrived to your destination, think about your serveware. Chafing dishes are a popular choice due to their practicality and versatility. Don't forget stockpiling on enough spoons, tongs, and other servers for your event. It's almost a guarantee that you'll run out of clean serveware just by nature of serving the masses (utensils fall onto the floor, some get too gummed up with food and ruin your presentation, etc.). Keep in mind that your serving utensils greatly impact your presentation—from durable, plastic options to elegant stainless steel options, we carry over a hundred different types of serveware for your catering operation.
Catering Dishes and Displays
We've heard the saying that we "Eat with our eyes first" when it comes to food preparation. Don't overlook the importance of the right catering displays for your operation. The right dishes and trays can elevate your presentation and increase the value of your product. But where to start? As with plating in the restaurant, presentation starts with your menu. Consider regular menu staples first, then think about other potential menu items that would work with the same catering trays and dishes. Between catering platters for passing small appetizers, to large bowls and even carving stations, your presentation matters when it comes to catered events. With hundreds of options to choose from, you won't have to sacrifice style for function at any event.
