Frequently Asked Questions
additional questions you may have.
What is your specialty?
AYS has a wide array of menus available for your special event. Working with the local farmers, we create menus with what is in season. Chef Jean-Philippe’s passion is to bring the flavors of France, Spain, and Italy to your table, ensuring a memorable dining experience. We can also create a menu based on your interests, needs and diet.
How do I request a proposal from AYS?
Please visit our Contact Us page and complete an inquiry form. Be as specific as possible on your event needs to assist us in creating your menu and quote. We can work within your budget.
Will the proposal change if my guest count changes?
Quotes are based on the number of guests specified. Changes in guest count may result in a change in the menu price. The final guest count is due one week before your event, allowing us time to work with our vendors and ensure the freshest ingredients. The final guest count can be increased at any time, including the day of the event. AYS will charge accordingly. The final guest count should include everyone that you would like to feed that evening (think about musicians, DJs, and photographers). Children that sit in a chair should be included in the final guest count.
What do your wedding packages include?
Our wedding packages offer an all-inclusive service tailored to your event. We have three levels – Pearl, Sapphire, and Diamond – for a minimum of 100 guests. The packages include everything but rentals and alcohol – as these items are specific to each wedding. We will assist you with a quote for those items so you have the complete picture
What kind of deposit is required to secure my event date?
A deposit of $500.00 will confirm the date, with 50% due within 3 months of the event.
Is my deposit refundable?
A 50% cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellation within 7 days of the event.
How many staff members do I need for my event?
We staff at a ratio of 1 server per every 10 guests for a sit-down menu; 1 server per every 20 guests for a Buffet, and 1 server per every 20 – 35 guests for a reception with stations (the degree of service required at stations will determine this).
How long should I estimate that staff members will be needed?
Staff usually arrive 2 hours prior to guests’ arrival in order to set up. Clean-up usually takes 1.5 – 2 hours after the event ends. This translates to 8.5 – 9 billable hours per service worker for a 5-hour event.
Will service charges change from the proposal?
If your event timing changes staff charges will change accordingly.
How much will it cost to cater my event?
It depends! Before an estimate can be given, there are some questions that need to be answered, including:
- Type of event – Seated dinner, Buffet, Food Stations, Cocktail Reception, etc. Will client provide dessert (wedding cake, birthday cake, etc.) or does that need to be included in menu cost?
- Type of foods – Poultry is a different cost than Beef Filet.
- Timing of the event – This will impact how long the serving staff is “on the clock”.
- Type of rentals – Chairs range from $1.50 to $9.00 per chair. Linens and glassware, for example, can also have a range in price.
- Number of guests – Due to “Economies of Scale”, an event with a larger guest count may pay less per person for the same menu than a group with a smaller guest count.
Do you charge a cake cutting fee?
No. We include a complimentary cake cutting service in all of our wedding packages.
Do you cater multiple weddings at the same time?
We only cater to one wedding at a time. We commit to providing you individualized attention.
Can I keep the leftovers from my event?
Due to health and safety concerns, AYS is unable to package any food that has been at a catered event for take-out.
Do you offer tastings?
After reviewing your proposal and the custom menus created for your event, we are happy to schedule a meeting and tasting with you and AYS’ Executive Chef and Owner, Chef Jean-Philippe Sitbon.
Is there a charge for tastings?
For larger events there is an initial fee, depending on the menu selections, which is applied toward your balance when you book your event with AYS.
What can I expect at my tasting?
The tasting provides you with one-on-one time with your Chef to view the culinary experience that will take place behind the scenes at your event, while also allowing you to sample the quality and presentation of our food.
Does AYS provide non-alcoholic beverages?
AYS may provide all non-alcoholic beverages for your event. Non-alcoholic beverages include Coffee, Tea, Pellegrino, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and water.
Can I provide my own alcoholic beverages?
Yes, the client is responsible for providing all alcohol. Please let us know if you would like assistance determining quantities and types that would work best with your selected menu.
Do you charge a corkage fee?
No, we are happy to serve your beverages with no additional service or beverage fee.
What is the service charge?
The Service Charge includes all meetings, site walk through, rental arrangements and updates, and administrative costs acquired throughout the planning process of your event. The Service Fee is not a gratuity.
Is gratuity included on the final invoice?
Additional gratuity is at the discretion of the client and not included on the final invoice.