Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Grateful Culinary Collaborations offer?

Grateful Culinary Collaborations is a private chef and catering company offering fully customized culinary experiences. Services include private in‑home chef dinners, wedding catering (including micro weddings and intimate celebrations), cocktail hour and passed appetizer service, grazing boards, buffet and plated meals, and custom menus for special events.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve Southern Maine, including Portland and Falmouth, as well as the New Hampshire Seacoast, including Portsmouth, Hampton, and Seabrook. If your event is slightly outside these areas, feel free to reach out and we’re happy to discuss options.

Do you offer custom menus?

Yes — all of our menus are completely customized. We collaborate closely with our clients to design menus that reflect your tastes, vision, dietary needs, and the overall feel of your event. We do not offer preset or one‑size‑fits‑all menus.

What types of cuisine do you offer?

Our culinary style is flexible and collaborative. We create menus inspired by:

  • American classics with elevated twists

  • Italian cuisine

  • Mexican‑inspired dishes

  • Asian and fusion flavors

  • Middle Eastern influences

  • Seasonal, New England‑inspired cuisine

We’re also happy to blend multiple styles or create something entirely unique.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?

Absolutely. We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, dairy‑free, and other dietary needs, as well as food allergies. These considerations are discussed during the planning process to ensure every guest feels included.

What types of events do you cater?

We cater a wide range of events, including:

  • Weddings and micro weddings

  • Rehearsal dinners

  • Private dinner parties

  • Anniversaries and milestone celebrations

  • Birthday parties

  • Corporate dinners and small events

No matter the size, we bring the same level of care and attention to every event.

What service styles do you offer?

We offer several service styles depending on your event and preferences:

  • Plated dinners

  • Buffet‑style service

  • Family‑style dining

  • Passed appetizers

  • Grazing boards and cocktail hour stations

We’ll help you choose the style that best fits your event flow and guest experience.

Do you offer tastings?

Yes. For weddings and larger events, we offer tastings as part of the planning process. Tastings allow us to fine‑tune flavors, presentation, and menu selections so you feel confident and excited about your final menu.

How far in advance should we book?

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weddings and peak event seasons in Maine and New England. Many clients book 9–18 months in advance, but we’re always happy to check availability for shorter timelines.

Do you provide staffing and service?

Yes. Depending on your event, we can provide professional service staff to ensure your event runs smoothly, from setup through service and cleanup.

Can you work with our venue or other vendors?

Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with venues, planners, rental companies, and other vendors to ensure a seamless experience. We’re happy to coordinate logistics and timing with your vendor team.

How do we get started?

The best way to begin is by reaching out through our contact form. From there, we’ll schedule a conversation to learn more about your event, discuss your vision, and start designing a menu tailored just for you.

Still have questions? We’d love to hear from you — contact Grateful Culinary Collaborations to start planning your event.