Catering is the business of providing food-service. It is also defined as a study under Home Economics which deals with the cooking of different dishes and delicacies for homes, at sites and for different occasions, such as birthday parties, house warming, weeding ceremonies, and etc. all for the purpose of making money. A catering company or specialist is expected to know how to prepare food and to make it attractive.
TYPES OF CATERING
There are two main types of catering:
• on-premise, and
• off-premise.
On-premise catering refers to food prepared and served in the same location to a group of people. Off-premise catering is food that is prepared in a kitchen and transported to the location where it will be served to a group of people.
Both on-premise and off-premise catering have much in common. Obviously, transportation by vehicle is a main difference. It complicates food safety issues such as packing safely to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and to avoid spillage. This is accomplished by using:
• insulated coolers,
• refrigerated vehicles, and
• portable warming units.
A caterer’s reputation for high-quality food that is safely prepared can take years to develop. Any outbreak of a food borne illness could result in lawsuits, death, and the closing of the business. Safe food handling procedures are a must; there are no shortcuts.
OTHER TYPES OS CATERING
They are four other types of catering, namely:
1. Mobile catering
2 .Event catering
3 .Boxed lunch catering
4 .Catering Officers on ships
Mobile Catering
A mobile caterer serves food directly from a vehicle or cart that is designed for the purpose. Mobile catering is common at outdoor events (such as concerts), workplaces, and downtown business districts.
Event Catering
Events range from box-lunch drop-off to full-service catering. Caterers and their staff are part of the foodservice industry. When most people refer to a "caterer", they are referring to an event caterer who serves food with waiting staff at dining tables or sets up a self-serve buffet. This service is typically provided at banquets, conventions, house warming and weddings.
Boxed Lunch Catering
A box lunch is a lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips, fruit and a dessert. A box lunch is typically prepared by a caterer and dropped off to a location for a client’s dining needs. Box lunches are used primarily in the corporate arena for working lunches when they do not have time to take a break from their meeting yet still need to eat.
Catering Officers On Ships
Merchant ships often carry Catering Officers - especially ferries, cruise liners and large cargo ships. In fact, the term "catering" was in use in the world of the merchant marine long before it became established as a land-bound business. Catering Officers on ships oversee the purchase, preparation and serving of food and drink to crew members and passengers. They are also responsible for accommodation services, including the provision of linen, bedding and laundry.
