Let's Talk About Your Event
I started doing consultations because people kept asking questions I couldn't answer over text or quick phone calls. What dishes work best for a corporate lunch? How do we handle dietary restrictions for forty guests? Can we really cook pasta fresh on-site?
These conversations matter. You're planning something important, and the food needs to fit. Not just show up and taste good—though that's baseline—but match the vibe you're going for and solve the practical stuff too.
So we sit down, walk through what you're imagining, and figure out how it actually comes together.
What We Cover Together
Every event has its own quirks. Here's what we usually end up talking about when we meet.
Menu Design
We build the menu around what makes sense for your guests and space. Sometimes that's three courses. Sometimes it's family-style platters. Depends on timing, preferences, and how formal you want things to feel.
Logistics Planning
Kitchen access, power outlets, setup time—it all matters. I've worked in basements, backyards, and office break rooms. We'll map out what I need and what's realistic at your venue.
Dietary Needs
Gluten-free, vegan, allergies—I handle these regularly. We talk through each restriction and how to adjust dishes so everyone eats well without feeling like an afterthought.
Service Style
Buffet, plated, stations? Each works differently. I'll explain what fits your timeline and guest count, plus what each option means for flow and interaction during the meal.
Timeline Coordination
When do guests arrive? When do speeches happen? Food timing affects everything. We sync up your schedule so dishes come out when they should—not twenty minutes early or late.
Budget Transparency
I'll be straight about what things cost and where you can adjust if needed. Add a pasta station, scale back the appetizers, switch proteins—you'll know your options before committing.
How the Consultation Works
Straightforward. No pressure. Just a real conversation about what you need.
Initial Contact
Reach out via email or phone. Tell me your event date, rough guest count, and what you're thinking. I'll send back some availability options and a few questions to start shaping ideas.
Meeting Setup
We schedule about an hour. Can be in person at your venue, at my kitchen, or over video if that works better. Bring notes, Pinterest boards, whatever helps communicate what you want.
Menu Discussion
This is where we dig in. I'll suggest dishes based on your preferences and explain why certain combinations work. You'll get honest feedback—if something doesn't make sense logistically, I'll say so.
Proposal Delivery
Within three days, you get a detailed proposal: menu, timeline, service details, itemized costs. Review it, ask questions, request changes. We refine until it matches what you envisioned.
Confirmation & Planning
Once you approve, we lock in the date and details. I stay in touch leading up to the event for any adjustments—guest count changes, last-minute dietary needs, whatever comes up.
What Past Clients Say
Feedback from people who went through this process and had me cook for their events.
Leif Torvaldsen
Corporate Event Coordinator
The consultation saved us from several mistakes. We were planning a sit-down dinner that wouldn't have worked with our venue setup. Salvatore walked through alternatives and we ended up with a station approach that let people mingle. Much better fit for our team culture.
Dag Nilssen
Private Event Host
I appreciated the honesty about what would and wouldn't work in my backyard space. He didn't just say yes to everything—he explained limitations and offered practical solutions. The menu we built together felt personal, not generic.
Astrid Viklund
Nonprofit Director
We had tight budget constraints and complicated dietary needs. The consultation helped us prioritize—figured out where to spend and where to simplify. Everyone ate well at the fundraiser and we stayed within budget. That planning conversation made the difference.
Ready to Start Planning?
Get in touch and we'll set up time to talk through your event. No commitment required for the consultation—just a conversation about what you're planning.
Schedule Your Consultation