Questions, Answered
The quick answers before you reach out.
How far in advance should I book catering?
The sooner the better, especially for weddings and large events. For weddings and big celebrations, we recommend reaching out several months ahead so we can hold your date and plan with care. For smaller gatherings and corporate orders, a couple of weeks is often enough, and we will always do our best to accommodate shorter timelines when we can.
How much does catering cost?
Every event is different, so we build a custom quote rather than a one-size price. Your cost depends on the menu, the number of guests, and your level of service, whether that is drop-off, full service, or hosted at Maricel's. Tell us what you are planning and we will put together an honest, detailed quote with no surprises.
How big or small an event can you cater?
Any size. We have catered everything from small, intimate dinners to large affairs of 700 guests and more, with menus built around your gathering. Whether it is a dinner party for eight or a wedding for hundreds, we will make it feel personal.
Do you cater off-site, or only at your location?
Both. We offer on-site and off-site catering across Central New Jersey, from drop-off party trays to full-service events with complete setup, service, and clean-up. You can also host your event right here in our studio at 111 Main Street.
Can I schedule a tasting before I book?
Yes. For weddings and larger events, a tasting is one of the best parts of planning. Reach out and we will arrange a time for you to sample dishes and shape your menu together with Chef Maricel.
Do you cater micro weddings and intimate celebrations?
Yes, and they are some of our favorite events to host. A micro wedding, usually twenty to fifty guests, is where our kitchen does its best work. With a smaller table, every dish gets more care, every guest feels looked after, and your food becomes the heart of the day rather than an afterthought. We can create an intimate seated dinner, an abundant grazing table, or a Kamayan feast that brings everyone together. You spend less on a crowd and more on an experience your guests will remember.
Can you cater a mid-week or weekday wedding?
Yes. Mid-week weddings are growing in popularity, and we welcome them. A weekday date often means more flexibility, easier planning, and our fullest attention on your celebration. If you are choosing a Tuesday or a Thursday to keep things relaxed and personal, we are glad to build a menu around your day.
Can you cater the events around a wedding, not just the wedding day?
Absolutely, and it is one of our favorite things to do. We cater engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette gatherings, rehearsal dinners, welcome dinners for out-of-town guests, and day-after brunches. We can even host a hands-on Filipino cooking class for your wedding party as a welcome experience, something your closest people will still be talking about long after the weekend ends. We can be part of your whole celebration weekend, not just one meal.
Do you do corporate catering and executive events?
Yes. We cater corporate meetings, sales gatherings, executive functions, holiday parties, and office lunches, with individually packaged options available when you need them. We make ordering and invoicing easy, and we are happy to set up recurring orders for teams. Looking for a hands-on corporate team-building experience instead? Those are part of our cooking classes, just ask and we will set it up.
Can you create a multicultural or fully custom menu?
Yes, and we love this. We specialize in Filipino and Asian cuisines and extend into American, European, and other specialty dishes, so we can craft a menu that honors every culture and guest at your table. If you have family dishes or traditions you want included, bring them to us.
Can you accommodate food allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan needs?
Yes. We are happy to work with food allergies and dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. Tell us ahead of time and we will make sure there is something wonderful on every plate. The earlier you let us know, the more we can do for you.
Do you make custom cakes and dessert stations?
Yes. Our pastry program creates elegant custom cakes for weddings, showers, and milestones, from timeless classics to the newest trends. We also offer Filipino dessert stations including a Halo Halo Bar, an Ube Bar, and a Boba Bar that make any event memorable.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in East Brunswick and cater throughout Central New Jersey and the surrounding region. If you are not sure whether we reach your location, just ask, we travel for the right event.
How do I get started?
Send us a note at catering@maricelskitchen.com or call (732) 497-2698 with a little about your event, the date, and roughly how many guests. We will follow up with ideas, a menu, and a quote. There is no pressure, just a warm conversation about what you are planning.
