Buffet and Buffet Line
A buffet is a dining option offered by a caterer and/or an event planning company in which a small or wide array of food options and types are displayed for guests to help themselves. The food items are usually arranged on covered tables in chaffing dishes, on platters, or in individual dishes so that guests can access the food. A buffet definitely has some advantages such as:
- Cost
- Accessibility
- Options
- Variety
Choosing to serve a large number of guests from a buffet line is often more cost effective than choosing a full service sit down dinner. This is mainly because of the staffing and labor it requires to service a full sit down dinner. A buffet line offers more accessibility than a sit down dining or even tray passed appetizers because after you display the food, guests can serve themselves at their leisure. You can option for a serving attendant to monitor the food portions of each guest by actually serving the food.
This will cut down on the probability of running out of food because you couldn’t control the portion of food each guest received. A buffet line also offers more food options because you can offer a little amount of each item. A buffet also makes it easier to serve food options that cater to all of your guests. You can offer fish and filet mignon without going over your budget because everyone doesn’t enjoy both of those food items. A buffet line provides more food variety for your guests as well.
Guests can sample a little bit of everything and are sure to find something that pleases them as opposed to a sit down situation where they are limited to what is placed in front of them. The downsides to a buffet food display are that the portions have to be closely monitored, the food temperatures can vary, the buffet line can be overwhelming long depending on the number of guests and last but not least depending on when you choose to display the food it is sitting out so everyone can breathe over it. Some people are very particular about the presentation of their food so make sure that you are familiar with the tastes of your guests.
A buffet line is a sequence of buffet tables which allow guests to skip over items that they do not like. For instance a buffet line could have a section for salad, soup, meats, vegetables and desserts. A buffet line could allow guests to begin where they would like but this is totally up to the event planner as it could slow the line altogether.
