What does it mean that you are a “Green Certified Company?”

The County of Santa Clara has criteria for businesses to abide by in order to qualify to be Green Certified. The emphasis is on conservation, recycling, efficient use of power and fuel and on purchasing environmentally friendly products.

As a full-service catering company we emphasize the use of china & silverware over disposable items, and use compostable disposal items when paperware is necessary. Our facility practices efficient energy use, we have recycling containers and sources.  We also use biodegradable chemicals for all our kitchen and laundry cleaning.

We are the first food service business in California (as far as we have been able to research) to set up on-site food waste recycling. It is an in-vessel food waste to compost system still in the test pilot phase.

Our Green Commitment & Policy

 We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and in general any harm that our work may have on the local and regional envirnment.

Our green strategy and procedures are designed to make all employees, visitors and suppliers aware of their actions and contributions that may make an impact on the environment.

It is our intention to operate our business in an as environmentally friendly way as we can.

Our clients can be assured that when choosing a telecoms company that we are truly Green in nature as well as in name.

Document Production & Management
The Going Green initiative seeks to (a) decrease our consumption of paper and (b) increase our usage of paper that contains recycled content.

Which include, reuse or recycle all of our incoming packaging materials and paper

Energy Reduction & Conservation
There are three programs on which our Going Green initiative will focus at the outset, including (a) ENERGY STAR-compliant office equipment; (b) ENERGY STAR-compliant facilities/offices; and (c) transportation and mass transit.

Hazardous Electronic Waste
Many types of electronic products used in the workplace contain hazardous substances like lead and mercury. When these products reach the end of their useful lives or become obsolete, some are considered hazardous waste. The firm will undertake various alternatives to disposing equipment in a responsible manner.

No- the county certification does not cover food product. The county certification has to do with business operations and practices, not the product of the business.

Do you use organic and locally grown foods?

Yes. We emphasize purchasing organic and local product when available and within the budget of our clients. However, we do not purchase organic products when they are shipped in from Europe, Asia or South America. It is our position that the carbon footprint of such purchasing has a greater negative impact on our environment then purchasing locally grown conventional foods.

We encourage our clients to make food selections that reflect environmental sustainability. One example is using the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Pocket Guides to select seafoods which have the least negative impact on our oceans and coastal communities.

http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch

Do you provide rental items such as linens, silverware, glassware?
Yes. Please see our “All-Inclusive Packages” for details. We also have access to additional choices of fine china, crystal, and specialty linens.

Do you provide rental items such tables and chairs?

Yes.  Not only can we arrange for the rental of the usual party items such as tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware and silverware, but we also have access to fine china, crystal, and specialty linens. We can also arrange for larger items such as canopies, stages and dance floors. 
Do you charge extra to cut the wedding cake?

No, it is included in most packages.

Do you set up and clean up?

We will put linens on and set the tables, clear the tables, and clean the service/kitchen area, leaving it as we have found it. If you wish us to set up and breakdown the tables and chairs there is an additional fee.

Do you provide beer, wine or liquor?

Savory & Sweet is licensed to sell and serve wine and beer, but not liquor. We do maintain the necessary liability insurance to serve your guests.

Do you have a corkage fee if we supply the beverages? 

Yes, for tableside wine service.  Please contact us for more information on our beverage packages.

Do you provide bartenders and servers?

Yes, we are a 'full service' caterer and will provide as many servers as needed to ensure a successful event.

How many servers will be needed at my event?

As a general rule, we provide one server for every 25 people at a buffet. We provide one server for every twenty people at a sit down dinner. However, the server ratio depends on how formal or complicated the event is and may be reduced or increased, depending on these factors. A lavish six-course, sit-down dinner may require one server per 10-12 guests or a very simple buffet many only require 1 server for 35 people. Using your event details, we will recommend the minimum number of servers required based on our experience. Our goal is to make your event run smoothly.

What is covered in the service charge?

The service charge offsets labor and administration costs as well as dishwashing, packing for your event, travel time to and from your event, etc. The service charge is not a gratuity and is subject to state and local tax laws.

Besides the cost for food, what other charges can I expect for a catered event?

When we provide your customized menu, we list of all of our estimated charges in order to provide you with a complete bid. In addition to the per person price for food we include the following in each proposal:

• 18% service charge
• Cost of rentals (that we obtain on your behalf if applicable)
• Labor charges for service staff
• Sales tax 

 Is a gratuity included in your bill?

Gratuities are not itemized in the bill, nor are they required. They are, however, graciously accepted by our staff for a job well done.

Why do you charge for delivery?

The delivery charge covers our fuel costs and will vary depending on your location.

What is 'drop off' service?

We bring a buffet to you, set it up and return later to pick up non-disposable serving items. There are no servers. A delivery & pick-up fee is charged.  This option works best for informal corporate events and informal parties.

Do you provide paper goods, china, linens, or chaffing dishes for drop offs?

For drop off events, we include high quality compostable paper plates and compostable plastic cutlery.  We also provide linens for the buffet and will set up any necessary chaffing dishes.  If you prefer china and silverware, we will be happy to make arrangements, however these items require that our staff be present at your event. While using non-disposable items costs more, it is better for the environment and we consider it an investment for our future generations.

Our Green Policy