Catering From Around the Mediterranean
An interview on Personal Service
Interviewer: So let’s get right down to it. How long have you been in the catering business?
Sam S.: Short answer… 35 years. I have been doing this a good part of my life both in Europe and here in the United States. I studied cultures and foods from all around the Meditteranean and decided to bring it here.

Interviewer: What’s the largest party you have ever served?

Sam S.: That would have to be a little over 1500 people. I was contracted for a Mayoral Inauguration in the South of France. It was a really big to-do. I even had to hire an artist who created scenes from Egypt with backdrops and a bunch of props. It was a big hit.

Interviewer: What was your smallest affair?

Sam S.: Just the other day I prepared a party for 5 people. I try to keep things as reasonably priced as I can and my customers know that so they call on me no matter how big or small the party they are throwing.

Interviewer: So do you have a party size limit these days?

Sam S.: I do. I want my customers to feel like they are the only thing I have going on in my life and, if the party is too big, the service will seem much smaller. My staff is just the right size to help 400 to 500 people. If I attempt more than that, I will need to hire extra help.

Interviewer: Who handles the setup and cleanup?

Sam S.: Who??? Me of course. My customers are having a party. They don’t need to think about anything other than having fun. We leave when the work is done and not a minute sooner.

Interviewer: What type of service do you offer? I mean, how do you serve people their food.

Sam S.: We offer two main kinds of service. We offer an open buffet or table service. The open buffet is always the smarter choice because it limits the extra amount of staff so I can keep the price down for my customers. Don’t think I can’t do the best table service, though. I have a trained staff of waiters ready for any occasion.

Interviewer: Do you do only certain kinds of parties?

Sam S.: No. If my customers want it, I can provide it. I’ve don’t births to funerals and every kind of party in between.

Interviewer: What is your favorite kind of affair?

Sam S.: I really enjoy the kids. Any time kids are having a party, its a lot of fun. I do a lot of work for the local schools and I enjoy every minute of it.

Interviewer: Well, thank you for the interview, Sam. I can see, by how much you enjoy your work, why you do it. Now how about a large Peperroni to go?!?