When it comes to food, the Bay cannot be beat. In Los Altos, the culinary landscape brings together a huge range of cuisines and cultures for something that’s truly unique — and delicious.

Here at Metal and Match, we’ve seen catering trends in Los Altos evolve alongside the evolving culinary landscape in the Bay Area at large. And we’re here to tell you all about the hottest trends in catering, from ethical considerations to tasty innovations.

Here’s what’s new and hot in Bay Area catering, and how it can help you turn your event from bland to extraordinary.

1. Farm-to-Table Freshness

Of all the trends bringing catering into the future, the question of where the food comes from is at the top of the list.

The incredible farm-to-table movement has helped to make people more aware than ever of where their food is raised, prepared, and shipped. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients not only support sustainability for the environment but also make sure that investment is going to local, community-centered providers within Los Altos. That’s why at Metal and Match we’re committed to sourcing our ingredients locally whenever possible.

Here are some other ways Los Altos caterers are keeping things fresh:

Seasonal Menus

Menus that change with the seasons ensure the freshest ingredients, and keep plates vibrant and colorful. Not only does this make your event unique, but it reduces the amount of transport required to bring in out-of-season food, which in turn reduces impact on the environment.

Artisanal Touches

Locally made products have unique, artisanal characters all their own. Guests appreciate knowing there’s a real, local story behind the food they’re served at events.

2. Getting Interactive

People like feeling like they have a hand in the food they eat, which is why interactive food stations are on the rise. Rather than a set menu that’s unchangeable, more and more caterers are offering customizable dishes where guests can “create their own” version of certain dishes or choose which ingredients they’d like included.

Other ways caterers like our team at Metal and Match are making food more fun include live cooking, where the preparation process is visible to guests, and themed stations, where various cuisines from around the world can be sampled based on guests’ tastes.

Little touches like these are a great way to turn catering into more than just a food delivery service, but a part of the entertainment at your event.

3. Catering to Everyone

As we’ve become a culture more respectful of various dietary restrictions and preferences, catering services have done the same. We offer a diverse range of menu options, ensuring that every person at every event can find something that meets their dietary and ethical standards.

Plant-Based and Vegan Options

As plant-based diets have risen, providing vegan and vegetarian options has become a must. These options shouldn’t just be available — they should be just as delicious as the other options!

Gluten-Free and Allergen-Friendly

Gluten-free and allergen-friendly dishes are also becoming the norm in Los Altos catering. Clear labeling and well-informed staff ensure that no one eats anything that will cause them stomach upset or potential health risk.

Customizable Menus

By offering customizable menus, caterers can ensure that every guest has a great dining experience — and that hosts can design a menu that fits their vision and theme for the event.

4. Gourmet Grazing Tables

Grazing tables are becoming a major standout at private events all over Los Altos. Not only do they provide a delicious range of grabbable delights, they’re also visually stunning. Grazing tables serve as both a focal point and a conversation starter for events of all kinds. Here’s what makes them really special.

Artisanal Selections

The right grazing table can be made up of a carefully selected lineup of artisanal cheeses, delicious cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and spreads. They’re at their best when they’re filled with locally produced delicacies, not ones shipped in from who-knows-where.

Social Media Appeal

A well-designed grazing table is as much a work of art as it is a place to eat. A visually appealing table filled with a range of delicacies is sure to make your guests pull out their phones — and everyone loves getting those sweet likes on all the socials, raising the profile of your event.

Conclusion

Between all these catering trends we’ve participated in and helped drive in Los Altos, we hope one main theme is clear: food is about more than just food. From visual appeal to local origins, interactive fun to inclusivity, the catering choice you make involves a lot more than just what’s listed on the menu.

That’s why our team at Metal and Match is one of the most trusted catering services in the Bay Area. Our expert staff, locally sourced ingredients, and dedication to serving the unique needs of every client sets us apart.

Want to learn more, and give us the chance to learn about your event? Contact us today.

Catering Trends in Los Altos: What's Hot for Private Events